Loves, you might have caught on that my favorite beauty look is red lips. I believe they ooze sophistication, go with everything, are fail proof to do, and make every look pop. (I even think they go with dirty hair, as I show here). I can’t deny that part of love of red lips is my wanting to look French, but for the holidays–and I mean all of the holidays, the shopping, the parties, the events–I can’t think of an easier go-to! My secret? I prep my face with laminating moisturizer, add black eye-liner (both on my upper water line and lid) and at least two coats of mascara. The finishing touch? Red lips–shiny, matte, gloss or lipstick, nothing makes me feel so pulled together! What look is your go to for the holidays?
Have I mentioned I have a Gucci addiction? That I love it–the clothes, the shoes, the ads. That I want it all. So when these platforms, in my size, at an unresistable price appeared on Vestaire Collective (one of my most favorite shopping sites), I knew I had to have them. They are just heavenly. And I love them with florals! (Although, I think they go with everything!) And this floral dress–I love the deep chest cut. I love the wrap, I love the feel. Floral and Gucci together? It feels perfect! (But loves, these pieces by themselves are great! I love the dress with heels and boots! I’ve worn with shoes with sweats and jeans, almost everything!)
How are you faring this Decemeber? I hope that it’s Merry, I hope that you’re having fun, I hope that it’s a great season. As we get further in the holiday season, and more parties, commitments and events come up, I’ve been thinking a lot about tradition. Much of this season is built on tradition –the tree, the candles, the services, the songs. And while I’m always open to new traditions, it’s the old ones from my childhood that I often look forward to the most! Below are some of my favorite childhood traditions, I’d love to know: What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Watching the original “Miracle on 34th Street As much as humanly possible. I love this movie! In my house, the viewings being on Thanksgiving night (it does open at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, after all) and continues at least weekly through the season. I love the hopeful message, the acting, the simplicity. I’ve even been known to channel my own little Natilie Wood and say “I believe, I believe, it’s silly, but I believe” when needed.
My paternal grandfather loved Christmas, and loved decorating for Christmas. Every year his house became a wonderland, complete with a huge tree made of lights in the front yard. So it’s not surprising that I love holiday lights. I love the parks that you go through, the neighborhoods lit up, lights in Windows –all of it. Every year my mom takes my sister and I (often on Christmas bundled in pjs) out to see the Christmas lights. We drink hot chocolate and listen to carols. And it’s magic.
Loves, I know that cinnamon rolls aren’t the most traditional tradition. But, to me, they scream Christmas Morning. (In honesty: we also sometimes have chocolate crossiants). To this day, my sister and I wait to come down the stairs together to see what Santa has brought us. When we were little, toys filled the room and we would be so excited. As we’ve gotten older, the presents are sometimes smaller in nature; but my mom always has coffee and cinnamon rolls waiting. We eat and open presents. They’ve become a treat with added meaning, and when I see them I think about spending time with my loved ones–and that can be the sweetest thing of all.
Holidays or not, there’s something I love about a red dress! And this one? The details! The notched shoulder, the front and back slit, the pockets, the belt, that collar! I fell in love with it, and knew that I had to find some place to wear it! And it’s vintage–and I love knowing that it once belonged to a model from the 1960s-70s. I can only imagine the amazing things this dress has seen. And I can’t wait to add to it!
I got this number at The Kit Vintage but you can shop similar items below!
How’s your list coming? Crossing people off? Having fun doing so? I have another gift guide for you, which I hope helps! Shop my picks for the men in your life (and I won’t tell if you grab some of these for yourself!)
Vans-ultimate cool, and this collaboration with Brooks England makes them a classic. Shop at Vans and upscale shops
Who doesn’t love a great wallet? My faves include Coach and Gucci but you can find something like this almost anywhere! Shop below for options.
This is great for anyone in your life that travels often, it’s a cocktail kit. And is promised to make long flights more tolerable. Carry on Cocktail
I saw these sushi socks online and fell in love! I love that it has a sense of humor, perfect for the foodie in your life! Found on Etsy
The Men in my life are readers and sports fan (and so am I), so I can’t help but recommend books that combine those loves! My pick? An in-depth look at Texas football (loves, it’s a big thing!) Buy it here
I also love cashmere sweaters or scarves, vinyl records, and books for the men you love!
When I bought this jumpsuit from The Kit Vintage I knew that it would be a staple. I’ve worn it to lunches, errands, even out of the shop. However, it feels just as great dressed up for the holidays –it is a tux, after all. What tux doesn’t deserve the holidays, a piano, a tree and great trimmings? I can’t say enough about this tux- it’s just perfect, a true classic. The setting was so fun! And this clutch–just dreamy. It’s perfect for the season, and a great way to kick off the celebration!
Besides your hustle and bustle, gift buying, and general Merry making, it’s the time of year of holiday dressing. I’m never one to tell you not to buy a new outfit for all the parties/meetings/events that you have to go to, but loves, you don’t have to–holiday accessories are here to save the day! The right accessory can brighten up even a sweatshirt, and make you feel in the spirit, with minimal effort. My faves this season?
Fur Poms
Remember when I wore fur clips on my shoes? (That was here) I’ve become obsessed. They make any shoe new, are super fun, and very holiday. I’m loving the silver and pink combo, but wear my grey and black too! It’s an easy way to elevate any outfit! (And it’s fun!) Pictured here with my tulle socks, which I love with heels, they are also fun–and get my take on socks with heels here
Statement Belt
From the popular Gucci belts to this vintage stunner, a belt for the season is a must have. It can pull your outfit together, add a pop, and is an easy fix!
Leather Sleeves
I hunted down these leather sleeves because of my obession with Chanel Runway
However, now that we’re into winter–I’m just obsessed with these! (For the record any fingerless gloves will do). It’s easy to layer with a short sleeve or no sleeve dress or top, you keep warm while being fashionable, it’s edgy and yet sophisticated. And I promise, goes with everything!
This isn’t the time of year for your standard jewelry. I’m loving big brooches–they look great on everything (even sweatshirts!) And I especially love this articulated vintage one. Earrings? The fringe, the length, the fun! Little (big) pieces such as these are big pops!
A classic tie and blazer? I love it! Menswear is so classic, and yet edgy. I also love it, with a twist–were you expecting anything else? When I first got this blazer, it had the stars pictured last. And I liked it, it fit like a dream. And I liked the stars. But after a few wearings the stars seemed like a statement, and this was a blazer I thought I could wear every day. The solution? Make them removable! My tailor was able to clip them, then make them hook able–meaning that I have more than one option (want to know my thoughts on how important a good tailor is? Here you go!)So, now that I have a great blazer, the next best thing is a tie! I love this vintage one I got from RecessLa. And I love this look on a woman–the juxatipositon of feminine and masculine. (Please don’t look too closely, tie tying is not my forte). I love the pop of color, I love the options with the tie-closed, open, and scarf. Together, a classic combo that’s just perfect for the office or the evening!
It’s that time of year, loves. Parties, presents, events, church, love, peace–making merry. The lights and tree are up, everything is decorated, you may have cookies in the oven now. For some, making merry and getting in the spirit is easy; for others, making merry isn’t automatic. I love the holidays, but know that for many this time of year is difficult, for many reasons. And many of us have had a hard year. This time of year is fun, brillant and beautiful, but also comes with the pressure of being merry. We often feel as if we have to be happy, and in the spirit all the time. But what if you’re not? What if you find yourself the opposite of merry? I’m no expert but I do have some ideas:
-Don’t Force It
Loves, many of us have had a hard year. The holidays in general can be difficult for some, between family issues, and the added stresses to budget, time, and the expectation that we’re merry ALL THE TIME. So you’re not in the spirit? Don’t force yourself to be. This is not me telling you to not participate in the holidays (but loves, that is valid and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to), but me saying if it’s not natural forcing yourself to go over the top with merry isn’t a solution. Accept where you are. Do what you like. Ask your family to understand. The season is not about the biggest presents, decorations, or parties attended. The season is about love and peace, and offering that to yourself is a great celebration of the season.
-Volunteer
A gentle reminder that if you woke up this morning, have clean water that comes in both hot and cold, and know that you will eat today, you are incredibly rich. In this season of giving, remembering those who are less fortunate is something that can get you in the spirit, and help someone else. A great way? Adopt a child or family through the Salvation Army. No matter your personal level of merry, let giving someone else a holiday miracle get you in the spirit! More information on giving to the Salvation Army can be found here<.
-Do What You Love
Love Christmas music? Blast it. Love movies? Watch them. Baking? Fill your kitchen with goodies. There is no “one” or “right” way to celebrate this season. We all have different traditions, views, and ways of getting through the end of the year. No matter what it is that you love, if it brings you joy at this time of year–do it. I am aware that you may not get out of doing things that you don’t love, but if you can focus on what you do, you can find some merry there.
I’d love to know–how do you make merry? What do you do when you aren’t in the spirit?
Wishing us all a week of merry and amazing shoes! XO RA
Winter doesn’t have to mean that your fashion game goes down, even when you’re staying warm! Secret weapons include chic flannel pants (I love the 70s vibe from this vintage pair) and a camel coat. Paired with a silk cami, it’s still sexy, but you get to stay warm! Heels would look great, but I loved the pairing of loafers! I’d love to know: how do you stay warm and look chic?
Xo RA
Pants are vintage from Garment Modern but shop similar options below!
