Sunday Chronicles: Transitions

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I used to teach spin, and am still an avid spinner (it’s a word, let’s just go with it). If you’ve never spun, it’s a rhythm based class set to music on a bike–and when the class is good, it’s heaven. However, in every class there comes moments of transition, when one song ends, the next hasn’t quite started and you have just a moment between beats. That moment can be scary. Most teachers, me included, desperately want you to stay up during those transitions. There are plain old work out reasons–it keeps your heart rate from dipping, keeps you mentally engaged, and as one of my favorite teachers puts it “the transitions make you stronger”. And loves, that’s not just true on a spin bike.

As much as we would like to pretend otherwise, life is full of transition. Yes, there are peaks and valleys in there; and yes, some transitions are more evident than others. They can be scary. There are moments between your peaks and valleys when you don’t know what steps to take. But loves, the transitions make you stronger.  Transitions are where we find out what we’re really made of, what we really want, and what we can take. The valleys aren’t always  great, the peaks can be amazing, but transitions–transitions are where the magic happens.

I’m in a transition right now–which is both exciting and terrifying. And as I try to build a life I love, there are times when I don’t know what to do. Times when it’s flat out scary. Part of why I spin is that, cheesy as it is, I buy into the lessons. So when I’m in a dark room, sweaty, sometimes tired, and pushing myself and a transition happens I trust that even when the beat doesn’t come right away, it will. And I will catch it. And I will be ok. Life is the same way–the secret is to keep moving, not to sit down and be scared. Because loves, all that glorious magic that’s out there waiting for us–it’s in the transitions.

 

Wishing us all a week of magic and amazing shoes! XO RA

40’s Vibe

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Loves, I have something a bit embarrassing to admit. I often shy away from shorts. Which is ridiculous because if you wanted me to help you with shorts I would–if you told me you were too old for shorts I would tell you there’s no such thing, and I do truly believe that there’s a short for everyone. But for me, I shied away–being tall I worried about too short, too tight, too this. This romper is changing that. I put it on–and it’s perfect. Just long enough, just tight enough, just right. It feels very 40’s to me–but is modern and the silk makes me feel just dressed up enough. It goes great with heels without feeling too much, goes with flat sandals like a dream. Basically it’s enough!!

Happy Friday!! XO RA

Details:
Romper: Marina Hoermanseder, check restock at Moda Operandi, similar here
Shoes: Miu Miu, old, similar here

Back View

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In my experience every summer needs a denim dress, and loves this one is a stunner. It’s part basic strapless dress: part chambray, part linen (so yes, it will wrinkle, even if you steam it twice). It has pockets (and we know I love pockets). It’s a great midi-length (can be worn with sandals or heels). But loves, the back. It’s part amazing. Draping detail that adds just enough drama–literally all I want to do in this dress is twirl. And if that’s not a good reason to have it, I don’t know what is!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Milly
Shoes: DVF, old, similar here

H&M Conscious Collection

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This Thursday, April 7, H&M will release its latest conscious collection, higher-end-environmentally friendly. This set includes a bridal collection (although I think you could wear these pieces anywhere) and as usual, the looks that we have gotten are stunning. I love these collections–they aren’t as mass produced, the quality is so much better, and the pieces tend to be a little bit more special! See my picks below!
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I plan on buying this skirt
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and these shoes
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These collections do tend to sell out so I recommend getting to a store or online early Thursday!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

All Tied Up

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I have been living in this sweatshirt since I bought it. I wanted to participate in the “lace-up” trend,but wasn’t interested in a t-shirt or bodysuit. I wanted something that was a bit sturdier, but not too heavy–and this sweatshirt fit the bill. It’s the perfect weight, the laces just low enough, and goes with everything from jeans to pants to skirts. It can even be dressed up with heels–making it absolutely perfect in my book!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Sweatshirt: MOTHER
Jeans: Madewell
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Sunday Chronicles: Loss

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You may know that in the past two weeks I’ve had two deaths in my family: an uncle and my grandma. I appreciate everyone who has reached out–and if you haven’t please don’t feel any way about that. Death is hard. Loss is hard. When I started this site, and decided to do an editorial segment on Sundays, my goal was never to get too personal. I was hopeful that we could build a form of community together, but although my pursuits have always been public (acting, etc), I am at heart a private person. I hate being checked in places. I fear opening up too soon or letting my guard down too much–being as a friend calls it “emotionally slutty”. But what I’ve learned is that it’s impossible not to get personal–and that if I hold things in for too long I end up unloading on some unsuspecting stranger. And I’m hoping that my being vulnerable is a way for us all to be vulnerable with each other–because we all know loss, we all know pain, we are all acutely aware of our flaws. These things can only mean that we need each other.

Let’s be honest: loss sucks. You can’t control it, you don’t dictate it’s terms, and you don’t chose what you’re willing to lose. Loss simply takes. It’s hard. My grandma lived a full and happy life; she was 97 and ill and ready to go—and yet it’s still hard to have that hole, even while holding the thought that she’s in a better place. My uncle was ill as well–and is now at peace, and yet the hurt that the peace is bought with can leave you wailing. We don’t get to chose when we lose people. I can tell you platitudes about how we should be grateful for any time at all with loved ones, and we should. Not all loss is death and that doesn’t minimize the pain, it shouldn’t. Loss is hard to talk about because none of us has answers. So here’s a list of things I know to be true about loss:

  • We all grieve differently, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. And the appearance of grief is not a comment on the feeling
  • Grieve comes in waves and the only thing you can do is ride them out
  • We all lose things:people, dreams, things. One loss is not bigger than another.
  • Loss is one of the hardest things I know of to talk about. It can feel too raw. It can be hard to comfort someone–or even know what to say
  • We need each other through loss. The most powerful thing is the knowledge that people care-it helps.
  • We heal. Often it’s around the wound, like a tree grows around concrete. There are losses that forever leave a tender spot, but we go on.

I’ve been dealing with my loss by trying to be kind to myself. There’s been some shopping, tea, and red wine. There’s been time around family and time alone. Many books, movies, some tears. I’m so grateful for all of you–for this blog has helped as well.

 

Wishing us all a loss-free week and amazing shoes! XO RA

Not So Basic

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One of my favorite things in the world are basics that aren’t so basic. Like this shirt: simple and striped but the sleeves are just fun! They come with a slit, meaning you can wear the sleeve super long, pull it up, or put your wrist through the slit and let it overhang. And the small geometric detail–not so basic! It’s an easy throw-on with jeans, but has an impact!

And the shoes! I get stopped every time I wear them–they’re Miu Miu and a few years old. However, you can often find them on sites such as TheRealReal, Vaunte, and eBay. Search for “Miu Miu glitter bootie”. Good Luck!

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:
Shirt: Front Row Shop
Jeans: MOTHER

Brand to Know: Reformation

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There are so many of my favorite pieces that I’ve gotten from Reformation that I’ve lost count. I happened into their LA location a few years ago, I got a “recycled” cashmere sweater that had a leather collar added–and the rest is history. Some of my fave things about the brand? Classic, almost vintage-like designs, a firm commitment to the environment, and the clothes are just good. You can get anything online, but if you’re lucky enough to live by a brick and mortar store they not only carry their line but offer a collection of vinatge 501s!
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What I love most is that everything that I find there is a hit, and yet I respect the company’s policies! I’d love to know- have you shopped at Reformation?

Happy Thursday! XO RA

Shop Reformation here

Simple

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All of us need things that are just simple–that we can throw on and forget about, without sacrificing looking good. And for that: this dress is a life-saver. The top, with it’s low back, keeps it fashion forward; the long skirt and pleats keep it classy, and it’s some of the softest cotton ever. It’s great for the pool, dinner, errands–or even to throw on after the gym (which has been my favorite way so far to wear it!).

Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Asos
Shoes: Kate Spade, old, similar here