There’s a part of me that’s so sad about the fact that the lack of winter weather means that we’re all missing out on my amazing winter clothes. But y’all. How can you be mad at weather so great that you can go to the beach? Especially when you can go in the most amazing vintage polka dot suit? Secret? I got this outfit on Etsy for $20. I love the pleats, the dots, the jacket–and that I can mix and match (I’ve worn the top with jeans and paired the skirt with a sweater and booties). I cannot tell you how badly you need to shop for vintage there–and when it’s modern feeling and has polka dots? Buy it! Wear it to the beach! Make it liven up your Monday!
Hope your week is off to a great start! XO RA
Details:
Suit: Etsy You can search “vintage suits, cream suits, or polka dots” and find something similar!
Shoes: old, similar here
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I know- if you’re not into football this may not be an exciting day for you. However, between parties, halftime, and commercials- it is a day when football fan and non-fan alike can come together to eat nachos and enjoy “America’s Game”. What are you doing? I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of big parties- I really like to pay attention to the game. I’m having a small group of friends and family over, and we plan on experimenting with nachos and other snacks!
I do have to admit – this day makes me a little sad, it’s the end of the Football season (yes, I’m that much of a fan). The upside? It means we’re closer to summer! I will still mourn a little next week with no football to watch- and marvel at all my extra time. As for today? I plan on enjoying what I hope is a great game and eating my fill!
Wishing us all a week of exciting water cooler conversation and amazing shoes!
In the South there is a great debate about when to wear white. And yes, it mainly involves white pants and shoes–but can you look at this outfit and tell me this white is not made for winter? I love the crispness the white vest brings–and this vintage fur is to die for! Paired with classic black–it’s the perfect combo for errands, drinks, dinner. As for when you can wear white? Loves, wear what makes you happy!
Wishing you an amazing Friday! XO RA
Details:
Jeans: < ahref="http://www.lanecrawford.com/product/j-brand/-natasha-sky-high-high-waist-skinny-jeans/_/AQE644/product.lc?gclid=CK-ihZjgw8oCFZGMaQodHDAJ4w"target="_Blank">JBrand
Top: Shopbop
Vest: Zara, old, similar and on sale here
Shoes: Elizabeth and James, old, similar here
On every list of “basics to own” (or whatever they call it) a white button down comes at the top. There’s a reason: it goes with everything, it’s classic, and it can elevate any outfit. However, there comes a time when just wearing a classic button down isn’t what you want to do. The solution? Spice it up. Take your old shirt and wear it in a new way. It brings a freshness to whatever you’re wearing, and involves no shopping at all.
Try it Backwards
Super simple–just put your shirt on backwards–I love to leave it unbuttoned and tied at the waist, but button and tucked in also works. The result? Very fashion forward and yet not too wild. Great with jeans and skirts!
Wrap It
This does take a bit of work–I safety pined both buttons and holes down, then pinned the shirt where I wanted it to meet.
The result? What feels like a whole new shirt and it’s just a tad bit elevated. Again–amazing with jeans and skirts.
So how do you wear your white button down? Any tips?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
Details:
Button Down: Target
Jeans: DL1961
Shoes: Chanel, old
I know, I know–I say something is my new favorite all the time, but this dress. Y’all this dress. I’m in love. It makes me feel like a princess, it reminds me of the ocean, it’s simple and complicated–and it’s made of denim. (yes, those rows of ombre all denim with a sheer neck). It’s perfect. A friend asked where I was planning on wearing it–a more appropriate question is where won’t I wear it? Ask me to dinner and hang out–there’s a really great chance I will wear this and feel like a million bucks.
Hope your Wednesday is magical! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Coming soon to Moda Operandi link here
Shoes: Steve Madden
Mid heels, kitten heels, grandma heels–no matter what you call them, there’s a new shoe in town–and friends, they are worth a try. Mid-heels (really kitten) are back in vogue and this new crop are just as sexy as your heels. I’m loving mine with jeans, pants, skirts–really their limits are boundless.
What makes them great is their comfort for all day wear or walking –but my favorites have just enough sex appeal (be it toe cleavage, color, or design) that I don’t feel as if I’m giving up anything.
So are you wearing them? With what? How do you love them?
I’m a fan of anything that can span seasons–and this sweet sweater dress fits the bill. I love the classic stripes, the material is just thin enough for spring, yet has some heft, and the sheer sleeves and hem make it flirty. A win all around–even if I do say so myself!
Happy February Loves! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Ann Taylor
Bag: Vintage
Shoes: Schultz, old, similar here
Recently I had coffee with a friend, and as we were sitting there talking about our goals and wants he simply turned to me and (basically) asked, “why aren’t you going after what you want? Why don’t you just do it?”. A simple question, and yet I was taken back. Loves, I like to think that I’m fairly honest-I have no firm answers and am making this all up as I go along, much like you I think to think. But my friend has a point–why don’t we go after what we want?
There are a ton of reasons why we don’t always pursue our goals–time, money, skill. Sometimes what we really want would hurt people we care about, and we are afraid to do that. Sometimes we don’t really want what we think we do–and procrastination saves us. And then there are times when we truly go after what we want–and we fail. None of these situations are easy. And there’s no magic phrase or inspirational quote to make us begin to move forward or make us succeed. However, I think we all have things that we want–even if they aren’t big, grand things (the fact that not every goal or desire needs to be big and grand is a topic unto itself) and many of those things are within our grasp. So what stops us? Why aren’t we running towards our dreams as if everything were on fire?
I don’t have answers. But I can tell you what I’m doing. Since that conversation I’m sitting down with myself. I’m having hard and honest talks with me about what I really want and what I’m really willing to do for those goals. And I’m running, not always as fast as I’d like, but running like it matters in that direction. And those dreams that I find I can’t bring myself to run to? I’m doing my best to let them go. Another person I adore loves to remind me that nothing is promised–not tomorrow, not the rest of today. So it matters what we do. And if matters what we do, we owe to ourselves to go after what we want, what makes us happy–from snacks to dreams to people (especially ourselves). Maybe it is in the asking–in the demanding of ourselves that we go after what we want, that we can figure out what we really want and need. Here’s to hoping!
Wishing us all a week of dream chasing and amazing shoes! XO RA
While this denim dress is from Reformation’s S/S collection, I think it’s proof that a great hat, turtleneck and boots can make almost anything winter wear!
Not that there is anything at all wrong with buying Bottega Veneta new (I love their current line), but if you’re looking for a brand that stands up amazingly over time, buying vintage Bottega Veneta is a decision you will not regret. The classic lines and textures, the colors,the quality–I have several pieces from the 70s and 80s, and yet get asked where I bought them all the time. So what to look for? Classic colors, the trademark Bottega Veneta weave, and quality. These items were made to last so make sure that you’re buying from someone who has taken care of their treasures–these shoes are over 30 yrs old–yet you would never know it!
Some of my favorite places to score vintage Bottega Veneta: Etsy, eBay and your favorite consignment store!
