I am the first to admit that makeup is not my forte- really mascara and red lips are my go to’s. There are so so many FANTASTIC beauty “influencers” and tutorials avail all over social media, and I know that I am not one of them. However, I do love certain beauty products. And have refined my day-to-day summer routine in a way that makes me feel pulled together. It’s also 4 products (linked below), takes really less than 5 mins, and is completely adaptable (add what you need for any event or through the day).
I love how easy this routine is and how on days when my life is gym and errands it’s perfect. When my life is a bit more it’s so easy to adapt- add anything from mascara to full eyes and blush. I am linking my products below. What is your go to summer beauty routine? I would love to know! Also if you can get a great eyeshadow crease please teach me!
XO RA
Notes: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
It’s summer and it’s the season of vacation. I know right know there are a ton of tips and tricks, and people who can tell you how to pack light. And show you all the cubbies and packing systems that they have. I am sure that those are all great tips. If you’re looking for that, this isn’t it. Of all people, I am not the one to tell you to pack light- I can’t even leave the house for the day without an extra set of shoes. Actually, I think adding an extra outfit- and pjs and underlings is always for the best! JIC! While I do have a system for me, I don’t know that it would translate to anything resembling advice.
What I can offer? Ideas for your bag that will make you feel chic- even on the days when you’re ready to come home!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Vintage Luggage
Ok. A lot of vintage luggage doesn’t have wheels.But, so much of it is well made, and roomy. And a bit chic! I personally am partial to a great train case- they are perfect for your toiletries and small items (and count as a personal item on planes!). While these may be best for road trips, I have never regretted vintage luggage. And if they fit all my shoes I am sure that they can fit all of your things!
One and Done Outfits
I shared on Monday that I bought this jumpsuit for travel (and beyond). As with anything, when I plan what I wear to travel I want something chic that’s also comfortable- and this jumpsuit is it! It can be dressed up or down and could go from beach to dinner!
And speaking of one and done- I am also a fan of packing things that can be styled in oh-so-many ways.Not just talking about with different shoes or tops or whatnot- but outfits that can be completely new and different depending on how you wear them. For example? A smocked skirt! I got this one recently and have worn it as a dress- for poolside and beyond. But it also looks great as a skirt! With tees or button downs, crops or long sleeves! Change out the shoes and it’s new each time!
Stock Up on Travel Size
This seems like a given- but I can’t tell you how many people I know from family to friends that have a separate stash of travel toiletries and products that they use on trips. Most of the the things you love to use? They come in mini sizes. If not, the one “travel tip” I do while heartedly approve of is buying a set of mini bottles to fill with your go-to products!
What are some of your travel tips? How do you travel in style? I am open to anything other than leaving a pair of shoes at home! XO RA
Perhaps you consider this weekend the start of summer. Or wedding season. It could be graduation weekend. OR just a weekend. Here? It’s filled with sales. Summer intention setting. And hopefully some rest. I will be taking the weekend to really think about this summer- and what to wear. Sale shopping can be done with me over on LTK, ShopStlye, ShopMy, ModSens and Maverly apps (I am Rachel Adelicia on all!!) And we will meet here again on Wednesday – wearing something fantastic and ready for a new season.
Are you using this time at home to clean out your closet? If so, I’m impressed! It’s not that I don’t want to clean out my closet. I’m a huge fan of that! See: here, here, here, and here. And that’s just for starters. There’s something about a clean closet- knowing what you need, having everything organized, and getting rid of things that no longer fit your stories is both freeing and exciting!
But. Right now, a huge closet clean out just seems so overwhelming. I keep telling myself that I’m going to start a massive Cleanout and reorganization. But it hasn’t happened yet. What has happened? I did a brief Cleanout right before all the Stay at Home orders started (yes, years ago!). And while I had planned to sort and sell and donate those clothes, I didn’t get to it before I needed to be at home. So, this time I’m determined to do a proper spring closet clean out! I’m seeing what I might be able to donate, sell, and if there are a few things that could be added to those get rid of piles! While we’re apart, most places are accepting donations (check with your local companies. This is varying city to city). And if you have things to sell, my recommendation is Ashley at TheRealReal (Ashley.rochestie@therealreal.com. Make sure to tell her I sent you!) She will set you up and get your things online, all while you stay safe at home!
I know you must be sick of hearing me say this, but I truly believe that our clothes and fashions help tell our stories. And our stories are our masterpieces, and so we edit them. I’m going to try and use this time to edit- to get rid of things that no longer tell stories I love (and clothes that just don’t fit right) and making room for things and stories I love. What about you?
The thing about loving party dresses and dressing up is that sometimes your essentials get left behind. Beloveds, this is not the time when I will turn you away from any party dress or shoe or any special piece- at all. But, the older I get the more I am realizing that our essentials really matter too. They are often the building blocks of our wardrobes– and they too are worth investing in!
One of the essentials that I’m focusing on currently? The white tee. I know, I know- white can get dirty and grungy (my trick for that is to use this soak every so often to keep my whites really white. I LOVe this stuff and it works SO well!) and it can be tempting to get a passable white tee and just keep replacing them.
BUT. What if we found white tees that were great quality and fit well and we invested in them so they last?
So many outfits and styles can be served by a white tee. This season alone I want to wear them with bubble skirts and shorts and linen everything. Some of those outfits I need a bit fitted shirt, some a bit boxy, some a long sleeve. I’ve been looking at reviews and I think I’ve rounded up a few white shirts that I think would be great — and would last. I’m by no means rushing to buy them all now, but when you start to see them, please don’t be surprised!
What are your thoughts on white tees? Do you invest in them or just wear any old one? What are your favorite white tees?
I’m linking a collection of white tees that I’m loving below and would love to hear all your tips and faves! XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
It’s the Day of the eclipse! Which depending on ALOT may be BIG things for you (change, etc) or it may just be another natural phenomenon. I am in between- I don’t think there is some huge meaning, but I do think it’s a bit cool and a bit exciting. We are supposed to get some full totality looks, but it is also supposed to be cloudy here today–so I guess we’ll see!
I am currently more interested in why we get excited about things such as this eclipse. We are told from every angle how much we control so much of our lives- so why do we all get excited at some event causing complete change? Is it because we want to believe in something bigger than us? Do we feel out of control as if there are things we can’t help?
And. Then. So importantly- what do we wear to a life changing event? Do we dress up? Embrace our day to day? I’ve gone through many different outfits in my head- and I have no idea what’s best!
I guess on both fronts we will have to see (and at least on the outfit front I will report back!)
Here’s hoping whatever happens today that it’s exciting in all the good ways- and that our outfits are on point!!
Hi All!!Thank you for your prayers and vibes and everything- Rebel made it home!! We are currently catching up on pets and treats and cuddles and wet food. And re-thinking our policy on feeding outdoor cats/letting him see them! I truly appreciate all your great thoughts- as I know it helped my handsome prince get home!
XO RA
As some of you know: I’m the most reluctant cat mom that ever was. But, like anything else – once I’m in, I’m all in. This summer I brought in a reformed feral cat Rebel- and he and I bonded intensely. Lately, a new neighborhood cat has been coming around – and Rebel has had his guard and protection mode up. Yesterday morning, he escaped the house trying to chase this cat away. At the time of writing he still isn’t home. To say I’m beside myself is an understatement.
I know- there should be new content and I should have a brave face on. I’ve spent the past day in sweats, sobbing, searching and waiting for Rebel to come home. Cool? No. Real life? Yes.
On Wednesday we’ll chat fashion stories and get dressed. But for now, if you could send heading home vibes to Rebel this all in cat momma would appreciate it.
I have asked this question and debated it and yet- I never thought to ask: when do we start wearing white? Do you wait till Easter? Is the first day of spring ok? If there is a cut off to wear white when do we begin again?
Is this because I’m in possession of fantastic white (ish) pants that I’m currently wearing (see ? OR because at a point when the weather is all over do I say I’m just doing what the weather tells me? Please let me know- do you have dates for your outfits and colors? I would love to hear about them!
XO RA
I’m from the South and it’s a pretty hard and fast rule that you don’t wear white after Labor Day. It’s so ingrained in us that a few years ago at a football game a guy friend of mine–who is not into fashion–saw a woman wearing white pants and made a comment that she shouldn’t be doing that, as it was after Labor Day. In fact, starting Monday, my mom puts away all her linen items–citing the fact that it’s a summer fabric. And I get it–I’ve clearly been excited and ready for fall. There is something to be said for dressing for the season.
However, after living in California I came to realize that the white rule isn’t necessarily followed everywhere. You could argue that in CA it feels like summer longer, although it can be in the 100s till October in TX. Even the fashion elite –Vogue, etc– have relaxed their thinking and you can search for articles today like “How to Wear Your White Jeans Through Fall”. So who do we listen to–our Southern Moms or those who say we can wear white?
Honestly, I fall in the middle here. Don’t worry Mom–after Monday I won’t wear (a ton of) white pants (winter white is a whole other story though!) but I won’t be rushing to my fall/winter wardrobe. The fact of the matter is it will still be hot on Tuesday. And while I won’t be wearing white pants, white will still most likely pop into my outfits as an accent or piece–skirt, top, etc–but not the whole look. I no longer judge those who wear white after Monday–fashion is so diverse and if you like your outfit I’m a fan of you rocking it! (Also I love it when you’re daring) But I will say I’m looking forward to our gradual shift to fall clothing! Have I mentioned I have some amazing boots to show you??
I’d love to know–what’s your stance on white after Labor Day?
There are so many reasons why I don’t do make-up tutorials/feature a ton of beauty content.
1. There are so so many GREAT accounts to follow for that–I am not one. In fact, there are times when I have turned to YouTube, IG, etc for a great tutorial
2. My main philosophy is great skin care is makeup (and below I’ll be sharing some of my new faves). But I’ve never really loved the look of foundation (especially heavy foundation) on my skin. I would rather have great skin and minimal makeup. Also? I really miss my eyelash extensions from years ago (and side note I’m looking into a lash lift and tint!)
3. If I’m not great at makeup I feel odd telling you what to me. My go to? A red lip. It will never steer you wrong- but I know there is more to makeup.
SO. Completely understanding that big makeup looks (even when I love them!) are not my specialty, and yet loving make-up- especially my go to’s , I’m doing an update of all the skincare (as it’s really my makeup) and makeup that I’m loving now. Yes, these are more natural looks. Yes, they go great with a big lash and a red lip. But. They are so adaptable and you can make them your own! I hope that you love them as much as I do!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
As mentioned above, my best make-up trick and update is great skin. I’m always into trying out anything that will make my skin better. In fact, the more I get my skin into a place I love it and feel comfortable bare faced, the more I love it!
One line I’m absolutely in love with? Sisley! Especially their rose oil. It’s hydrating, anti-aging and alone or under makeup gives me a great glow. They also have a mask and eye cream that are worth your attention!
Shop my Sisley picks:
Being really into skin care makes me susceptible to all ads– and yet there are times when I find products I really love! Case in point? Il Milkage- I know their ads are everywhere- but this primer with collagen is making my skin look younger and leaves me poreless. This Saturday Skin Sleeping Mask? Put it on and go to bed, wake up looking glowy. What else could be better?
And of course, it wouldn’t be a makeup update without some actual makeup! A new to me brand that’s become my fave? Surratt. They have oh-so many dreamy products but my faves are the above vaseline (my grandma’s secret weapon!) based eye shadows and blushes. Buildable. Blendable. So dewy and natural looking! They look great over your skin (or a primer or foundation!)
What products- from skin care to makeup – are you loving right now? And what’s your go-to makeup routine? Skin care? I would love to hear about it all!
I have said before that I don’t like Valentine’s Day. Which is true. But not true in a “I hate love and celebrating it” way. More like in a “I hate that there’s pressure and you’re supposed to celebrate in a certain way” way. Both being in a relationship and being single (and also all the other types of love in your life!) should be celebrated– and while I say I don’t love Valentine’s there are certain things I do really love about the holiday.
Like Kitschy Gifts. (Obviously I like the bigger ones too, but those are always so personal!) I mean like cute seasonal socks (a fave of mine!), fun candy, candles in sweat heart patterns. The cheesy stuff that you might get from your mom or give to your BFF. I love it all. And while I want you to get the special thing you want too (even if it’s a gift from you to you), I’m rounding up some of my fave kitschy gifts that will hopefully make you smile too!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Socks
Truly I have a thing for funny socks. And from Valentines to Easter to just socks with cute animals I love them all. And these are the perfect “little” gifts as they are mostly under $5!!
Food
I know this is an odd choice but from specialty candy to chocolate covered strawberries- I love them all! Also- they way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach!
Scent Samples
Perfume is a traditional gift– but sometimes scents are personal. Something a friend got me onto within the past year are perfume samples (there are a ton of ways to get them, if you need help please let me know!). Samples are a way to try a new scent, give a bunch of scents, and make someone’s day. I’m linking scents I love which would make great samples!
Lips
I bet we all have opinions on heart shaped jewelry, etc at this time of year. (Mainly, it’s a no) BUT a shape (?) that I do love- from prints to jewelry to bags and more are red lips. Just this side of cheesy but a little fun! On theme but not obvious! I’m linking 2 cute lips bags below!
What I really used to love about Valentine’s Day? Those mass cards we would pass out to the entire class in elementary school. Perhaps that’s why I love a good kitsch gift- and I hope these ideas make you and your loved ones smile!
