Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s nice to have simple stand-bys to fall back on. Yes, it’s all black–but the detail on the modern boot and the camel coat keep me feeling like I look pulled together. And the simple joy of being able to throw on jeans and a t-shirt? Priceless.
Happy Monday! XO
Details:
Coat: Zara
Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Shirt: Jcrew
Jeans: MiH, old, similar here
Some years the holidays come and it’s so easy to get in the right frame of mind- festivities and gifts. Some years getting into the spirit of things takes more work- you have to search a bit more for that holiday feeling. I’m a fan of not forcing anything but it can be hard to have the holidays come and not be in the mood. My sure fire fix? Looking at Christmas lights and watching “Miracle on 34th St”. Those activities scream holidays to me- and somehow get me in the spirit. What about you? What are your holiday fixes? Are you in the holiday spirit yet?
wishing us all a week of holiday magic and amazing shoes! XO RA
Semi-sheer, gold-stripped, and yet somehow appropriate? Sign me up! I love the disco feel-the gold, the sheer, and yet the length, sleeves and full skirt keep this dress on the modest side. It’s perfect for cocktails, parties, and dinners-put a sweater over it, or wear a camisole underneath it and it would be great for work. Gives the question “What Has Disco Done for You?” a new meaning!
Hope your Friday is full of happiness (and a little gold!) XO RA
Details:
Shoes: Gucci, old
Dress: Jill Stuart
As with any great debate I am aware by broaching this topic that there are passionate people on each side; and those opinions may not be able to be swayed. Ironically enough, for an issue that can divide many a fashion lover I am not staunchly on either side–but I do think leggings as pants have their place.
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I love to work out, and it’s a major part of my daily routine. So therefore I am no stranger to wearing yoga/workout leggings as pants–both to the gym and for errands afterwards. Honestly, I’ve never given any thought to the idea. However, just regular leggings as pants? I have to admit I’m a little cautious. In my mind, leggings are associated with lounge-wear, so while I may throw a pair on for errands or a matinee, I don’t think I’d ever consider them for a night out. And even for those leggings I’m particular about structure (I like to be held in) and of course want a fabric that’s thick enough to not ave to worry about see-through issues!
Above are two pairs you might see me out and about in–but more often than not, I’ll be in jeans! What about you? Do you wear leggings as pants? What are your guidelines? Can we see pics?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
All of that being said, I do love David Lerner Leggings–shop them here
Sometimes the best thing about your fashion sense is your sense of humor. Take this Milly sweater–it’s super soft cashmere, yet I love the cheeky message. Paired with great jeans and amazing shoes–it’s a fun take on a classic combo!
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
Sweater: Milly
Jeans: 3×1
Shoes: Reed Krakoff, old, similar here
Tis the season for shopping and I’ve rounded up some of my fave gifts for the men in your life–although if I’m honest, I’d love anything of these things for myself!
Happy Shopping and Tuesday! XO RA
Jcrew Pocket Dial Developed by Jimmy Fallon, for that dapper guy to dress up his phone. I just think this is cool–and also think it wouldn’t look bad in my jean pocket!
Vintage Surf Prints for that surfer boy or man who loves to travel. Some of my faves can be found at Art.com, Etsy and Overstock
Bourbon Marshmallows for the drinker/foodie in your life!
A great read even if you’re not a sports’ fan–but you can get double points if you are. Mac Engel’s in depth look at the man behind the Cowboys’ Conditioning program is worth the read! Buy it 
I couldn’t resist. For the Star Wars Fan in your life. I love all the Jcrew goodies, shop
You can never go wrong with shoes–and now Nike has released a line of his or yours fave schools. I’m partial to these TCU ones, but shop your guys’ here
There is something so delicate about this vintage pearl top–perfect for holiday parties with both skirts, pants or even jeans–but what I love so much is that it’s not precious. Meaning, that it goes just as well with messy hair and sunny day as it does with a party. It’s making my Monday a bit more bearable!
Hope yours is just as grand! XO RA
Details:
Top: Vintage, got mine at Garment Modern
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Valentino
It’s the time of year where we not only have jammed schedules- holiday parties, end of school year tests and activities, family commitments, and the pressure to make this “The BEST holiday ever”- but are compelled to look at our progress, to see how far we’ve come this year. By no means am I anti-goal setting, or the awareness of progress. In a few weeks like most of you I will sit down and think about what I’ve accomplished and what I want to get done next year. Progress will be measured, perhaps tactics reassessed, maybe goals changed. I’m not against this. What I do have a problem with is our (okay, maybe my) tendancey to use the last few weeks to beat ourselves with the measuring stick, to look at what we failed to do instead of our accomplishments, to try to cram someting in just so it can be crossed off a list.
Some goals are hard- they take longer than we thought, meander in a crooked line. Sometimes new goals pop up and we accomplish things we didn’t set out to. Sometimes life gets in the way and getting by is all we can do. I hold myself to a high standard but in the past week I’ve watched friends and loved ones use the winding down of the year to beat themselves up over “yearly goals”. And that’s not a holiday tradition I want a part of. Yes, let’s reach high, but let’s recognize that slow progress is progress. That sometimes enjoying yourself on the journey is just as important as the journey.
This year one of my goals was to paint more,I’ve had this canvas for months, know what I want to do with it- and yet it’s blank. This week while fighting a bad cold, determined to make perfect posts, decorate the house impeccably, and have the “best holiday ever” I felt pressure to get it done- if nothing else just to have it done. I resisted (clearly) but there was some guilt. Then I was forced to do nothing for a day but take cold meds and I was really able to take stock. Yes, I have goals and paintings to do- but if they don’t get done in the next 3 weeks no one will die. It won’t be counted against me.
That maybe the way to make progress is to let go of the measuring stick and live. Enjoy the holiday season, which will in turn make it the best! To do what progress we can, realizing that working toward the goal is part of the goal. And if that means canvases stay blank for a week longer,so be it. In progress is not a bad place to be.
Wishing us all a week of joy and amazing shoes! XO RA
There’s the old saying: “There’s a shoe for every moment”. Well–maybe not, but there should be, because every where you look right now, there’s a snakeskin bootie. Who am I to complain about that? I picked this one–I love the mod shape and the gold heel. What about you? Are you partaking in this moment?
Happy Friday! XO RA
Details:
Booties: Asos
Also love these, these Tory Burch and these SJP
Chanel presented its Pre-2016 Runway show (I loved it! You can catch it on Instagram or their official site Chanel And while you have to wait to get your hands on it, there were so many elements we can incorporate now to refresh our wardrobes- mainly the lace tights that were everywhere. (sidenote- I Loved the messy beehive and make-up, but am way more qualified to shop rather than do hair!) As the weather turns colder, tights are a great option anyway- but I loved the way these lace ones changed the outfit by becoming the focus. All you need to recreate this look is a black dress- and of course lace hose!
I’d love to know – do you love wearing tights? Will you be trying this look? As for me, I’m off to buy some lace tights!
Happy Thursday! XO RA
Get lace tights:
Chanel
Wolford
And even some very budget friendly ones at Target
