You know I love a good suit—and that includes skirt suit sets, like this vintage stunner. I simply couldn’t pass up the ribbon fabric (do they even make that anymore?), the details, the belt. It makes me feel grown up and old-Hollywood glamorous all at the same time. I also love that the separates work–I’ve worn this top with jeans or pants, a button down with the skirt–it’s like it’s double the outfit!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Suit: vintage, found at AAVintedge
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, old, similar here
Recently, on a whirl wind trip I got to go to the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Loves, I love Harry Potter. The books, the characters, the lessons, the fight for good, the moral messages, the theme of love, and the fact that it shows a girl can be smart and a know-it-all, and still be liked. I could go on.
Going to “Hogwarts” made me as excited as a kid on Christmas morning! I loved the experience – yes I got a wand (my new fave stick) and recommend passing on the butterbeer (way too much sugar), but as I thought about sharing my experience with you all I kept coming back to was the thought of magic.
I think we’re all looking for a little magic- Whether we mean a way for things to work out or a spell to clean the house (I would take both). However, I think we often forget that we live in a magical world- and there’s magic in us. Our world has plants that bloom, oceans pulled by the moon, and all sorts of animals that sing. We all are capable of magic- of creativity, focus, determination, staying present. And much like my beloved books- we can love, which is the most magic of all. God’s biggest commandment to us was to love our neighbor as ourselves. That’s not always easy, but there is magic and power in that. So this week, down from my HP high, I’m focusing on the magic I can do- like love myself and all of you!
Wishing us all a week of magic and amazing shoes!! XO RA
I got this bag last year at the end of summer (original post <a href=”http://www.investmentpiece.com/shopping/the-bags-of-summer/”target=”_Blank”>here</a>) and I liked it–and loved the idea of a white bag for summer. But there was something missing! And while I thought about it, I slowly became obsessed with “guitar strap” bags–like this <a href=”http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/marc-jacobs-gotham-city-saddle-bag?ID=1630428&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Handbags-NA-_-Marc%20Jacobs-_-889732462856USA&catargetid=120156070000240884&cadevice=c”target=”_Blank”>Marc Jacobs</a> bag. And then, after a night of internet research I discovered that I could simply buy a guitar bag strap. Let’s just say the rest is history! I fell in love with and bought <a href=”http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/grommet-guitar-strap-spring16?src=catalogsearch”target=”_Blank”>Rebecca Minkoff</a> strap, switched out the strap on my <a href=”http://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-us/search?q=push%20lock”target=”_Blank”>Cambridge Satchel</a>. The result? What feels like a brand new bag with just a little edge! I can’t wait to carry it all summer!
As you may know last week I had a quick trip and was determined to pack light! So I chose a capsule wardrobe (Look at the pieces and get shopping details here )
I have to admit: as a woman who loves her closet and loves playing in it, I was completely apprehensive about only having ten pieces to play with. However, loves, I think I could have gotten by on less. Shocking, even to me. In fact I only wore the sweater as a workout cover up! What I learned is that a well thought out wardrobe can be simple and yet give you fresh looks every day.
I got the most use out of my jeans and wore the dress and jumpsuit a few times as well. By the end of my trip I was ready to have more options, but I’m trying to take the lesson of less is more into my shopping and closet – and be extra grateful for all I have to play with!
I did love the feeling of light packing but now that I’m back with my full closet I may enjoy playing in my closet this weekend!
As many have said and inferred your style is everything about you- from what you wear to how you decorate your house. And I would add- your art. I’ve always loved art and painting- I can lose myself in a museum for hours. As I shared when we chatted Met Gala I absolutely believe that fashion is art, but also love to surround myself with art that makes me happy.
Painting is in my blood (the above picture is mine), my great-grandma was an artist (when she wasn’t being a wife and mother). My childhood home was filled with her work- and one of my home bases is home to quite a few paintings as well!
I can’t tell you exactly what I think makes a great painting or artwork- but I know that I love finding things that speak to me and bring me joy! I also love supporting small artists and buying their work! It’s so personal- and gives you access to so many original works!
Here are two artists that I’ve recently just fallen in love with:
Cassie Bartley
Cassie paints in such a unique way- every painting I’ve seen I’ve just loved – mainly as they make me think! She takes commissions as well as her personal creations- and works in a variety of mediums and sizes! A few of my picks are:
Follow her on Instagram @cbartley_artist and her website is CassieBartley.com<\a>
Mel Remmers
Another artist I love is Mel- she sells and shows through Instagram (@melremmers) and has a beautiful collection of fashion inspired paintings, as well as a ballet series, and other portraits. Her paintings are pretty- but also have so much depth (and her use of shadow is stunning)
Some of my faves:
Who are some of your favorite artists? What strikes you about art?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
One of the most amazing things about this job is all of the amazing people that I get to meet and work with- and loves, Mallory, aka the Rebel Stylist, is simply amazing. Her niche is vintage denim (although by no means is that all she’s great at!); and she is another guru- able to size you up and find you the perfect pair! She carries all sizes, and some great washes, and look forward to more options (sanding, stitching, etc) coming! Mallory has a small collection of denim at her home studio- which is just adorable!
She also has a small collection at Austin shop Garment Modern!
What Mallory loves is helping each woman feel beautiful – because as she puts it, ” We are all so unique and special”. And her love of her clients and the denim really shine through! She’s able to really find the perfect jeans (or #dreamjeans) for everyone!
Mallory has also begun doing pop-ups and fleas around TX so make sure that you keep up with her site for info!
And loves, Mallory doesn’t just do denim! She has a small collection of vintage pieces and is also an awesome stylist! She does local store work and photo shoots in TX- and is really able to create special looks suited to each client. Mallory also began to do one-on-one sessions (which can also include closet clean-outs!). Styling is in her blood- her mom was a stylist/personal shopper in the 80/90s and clearly passed on some major talent to her daughter!
A gentle and loving reminder: when you find great vintage you scoop it up! And that’s exactly what I did with this stunning Valentino (look at the details on those buttons!!). When I visited Caitlyn and AAVintedge last month I left with full hands–and this was part of my loot! I love the slight 80s shoulders, the buttons, the way it could be a suit–and yet, I’ve only dressed it down! The lesson: buying things like this is never something you will regret!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details: vintage dress found at AAVintedge
Shoes: Vintage Gucci Loafers found on eBay
We are a society that loves to be busy- we have meetings on top of meetings, activities everyday for our kids, plans on plans. And that’s not always bad- we have things to do and dreams to accomplish. But as I’ve rushed from meeting to meeting this week I’ve been thinking- is there a difference between busy and productive? And which one actually gets us where we need to go?
Busy is a topic that’s discussed often- how we need to have free time, let our ideas perculate, focus on what matters. But what these discussions often leave out is that busy feels good. Loves, it does. Because we’re wired to think that when we’re running around we must be getting things done. But are we?
After a day of meetings where nothing happened but scheduling more meetings I began to think- what do I actually need to do? What daily tasks can get me further to my goals? And surprisingly, the answer wasn’t meetings. There isn’t a simple solution to our busy addiction – and I by no means have the answers. But after my “realization” I’ve been trying to be more mindful. Doing the things that actually need to get done. Scheduling time for relaxation. Letting go of the pressure to be doing something every single minute. And loves? What I’ve found is I’m getting more done.
Wishing us all a week of productivity and amazing shoes! XO RA
As you know, I just love a good cheeky shirt–or jacket, or dress. I just love that hint of personality that comes through. I find it funny! So when I found this patch, I had to have it! It is a blend of everything I love–the attitude and the high quality. I simply ironed it onto a great JCrew shirt–easy! And these jeans–super flattering, super comfy. The shoes? Vintage YSL gems that I’ve been wearing with everything!
Hope your Friday is full of the right kind of attitude!! XO RA
The following are a few of the current favorite things in my beauty bag! Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. It removes everything–even waterproof eye makeup, (making it perfect for traveling) and leaves my skin feeling super soft and clean!
I am super sensitive to bug bites and this Sarna Lotion soothes my bites and keeps me itch free!
I am not a fan of the over-made-up look, which means I love all Glossier products! They are light, blendable, and make your skin look like your skin–just slightly better! Here’s my hero product: Stretch Concealer. I often just wear this with translucent powder
I am a self admitted mascara junkie. I had lash extensions for years, and since then have been on a quest for a mascara that makes it look like I didn’t give them up! And these 3 come pretty close–I rotate my use of them, or sometimes layer them. I couldn’t pick a favorite so I listed them all! Lancome Hypnose Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Benefit They’re Real
I know having a deodorant on here is a bit odd– but I absolutely love this one! I work out a lot, so it has to be strong–it lasts for hours without having an overwhelming scent, and keeps me dry! I also love that it’s a spray–meaning I can keep it in my car without worrying about melting! Dove Dry Spray
I’d love to know–what are you loving this month? XO RA
