Category: care

Other People’s Clothes

a woman in a green and white wrap dress, hair in a scarf and green loafers

I got into vintage in high school- I loved looking just a bit different than everyone else. The vintage love/obsession grew in my 20s/30s/plus as I realized that the quality, the style and the price I could afford were always unmatched. Shopping vintage lets me get amazing style and brands- that I may or may not have been able to afford “new”, and let me learn about so many FANTASTIC designers that I otherwise would have never knew existed. Vintage has added to my life (via friends and retailers) and closet (in too many items to count) in ways I could never replace.

I’m also a fan of wearing special pieces handed down from my family. From my grandma’s purse to my aunt’s dresses, to dresses from my BFF’s mom. When I wear something from someone I love I feel as if I’m carrying just a bit of them with me .

a close ip of Gucci mules with bamboo heel and a leather satchel

Resale? Huge fan! For quite a number of the same reasons above- I get to get items from seasons past, the quality, and the brand I love at a price I can often afford. This sometimes means that a lot of things I have aren’t new, but new to me. It also is how there are a ton of logos and brands in my closet.

And yet- I’m aware that this means that I’m wearing other people’s clothes. That has never bothered me. I’m not shy about buying most anything resale or vintage, from shoes on up. As long as I know it’s been cleaned, I often don’t worry at all about it. The thing is- I know that there are some people who do care. ALOT. About the fact that they are wearing other people’s clothes. Questions I get from the people who worry about other people’s clothes range from worrying about the cleanliness to not wanting to have old things.

Neither of those worries have ever been big concerns of mine. I tend to shop from reputable dealers/resellers, and in reality even putting your new clothes through the wash before you wear them is never a bad idea. In fact, I often love that I’m taking a piece from someone and giving it a new life- my own spin on it so to say.

These thoughts are brought to you by a social media post questioning how old is vintage (20+ years) and wondering if others ever really wore other people’s clothes. I was surprised by the people who thought differently than I do- and comforted by all the people who love vintage and resale like me!

Note- there is no right answer, we all have things we’re comfortable with!

But my question is – do you buy vintage and resell, aka other people’s clothes? And what are your thoughts on it?

I would love to know!
XO RA

Another Year, Another Closet Clean Out

Fun fact- I wrote this last year, and while I had every intention of cleaning out my closet last year, it didn’t really happen. For a lot of the reasons I chat about here. Overwhelm. Still not sure what my life is going to look like. At the end of the year, I did begin to clean out- and it felt great. I’m still taking it slow, and while the world and I are more open than we were, I’m determined to let that uncertainty lead me to make amazing fashion choices- and not hold onto items I really don’t need anymore. Especially when there are so many great ways to recycle your clothing and get your great items to people who do need them! Below are my thoughts on cleaning out your closet even when it’s hard, my method to clean out my closet, and this year I am really going to do it! XO RA

fashion, blogger, closet clean out, clean closet, closet full of clothes, Austin, tx, Los Angeles, ca

About this time, you’ll be seeing, getting, reading all sorts of articles and tips on how to clean out your closet. It’s that time of year. And I get it- I’m a fan of cleaning out closets,I even have my own method which I’ve gone into detail about here, here, and here. Yes, when I clean out my own closet I do these EXACT things. I go through section by section and sort my yes, no, and maybe piles, trying on all my maybes and asking myself questions to see if they fit in my closet (life). Then I sort again, organize and make plans to get rid of my nos.

But. Wanna know a secret?

I haven’t cleaned out my closet in a couple of years. With the pandemic, and all the things, I just haven’t been up to it. Part of it is overwhelm- even though I have a system that works for me, I’m well versed in what I like and what I want my closet to look like, the stories I want to tell with my fashion- going through my clothes right now seems daunting. Some of that is that I know some things I know I need to sort out and replace (like a lot of my sports bras), and the idea of replacing a section seems too much right now. Part of it is that I’m at a loss for what’s happening in the world right now. Am I not wearing things because of the item or fit- or because I’ve been at home for over a year? How do you judge that and what are you doing about it?

Investment Piece: Luxury

If you’re managing to clean out in a way that’s working for you, I can’t tell you how much I admire you. A closet clean out is currently on my list of January goals, and I’m still not even sure how to start it. There are so many things in my closet that I love, some I need to part with, and many that I would love to add- and in this time that’s all a bit much.

SO.
I’m changing at how I’m looking at the closet clean out this year. Will I eventually go through my closet, using my processes and get rid of the things that no longer serve me? Yes. At some point will I replace all the things that I need to (for me, sports bras)? Of course. However, while all of that is still overwhelming, I’m choosing to focus on other aspects of a closet clean out- the organization. During the pandemic my closet space became more temporary than it had been in years. There was a time when you could ask about any item I own- ANY- and I would know EXACTLY where it was in my closet. Skirts, pants, tops, dresses, vintage, modern- my closet was sorted by type, color, function. It was pristine. Now? I don’t know where anything is (I do, but not in the ways I’m used to). Instead of making myself stress out about another closet clean out, I’m focusing on getting my closet back to being pristinely organized. Will that help in a clean out (as some clean will naturally happen along the way)? Yes. Or at least I’m hoping so!

But taking the pressure off myself is making this process easier on me. In my closet clean out process, I always say that you shouldn’t feel pressured to get rid of things just to get rid of things. If you love something, if it brings you joy (even if you aren’t wearing it every day), I say keep it. This relaxed attitude has always let me clean out my closet in a way that lets me keep things, while I really do get rid of the things that are no longer for me. I’m crossing my fingers that this same attitude will let me organize- and clean out- while avoiding the overwhelm.

How are you making room for new stories this year? How are you cleaning out your closet? I would love to hear any and all tips!
XO RA

A time to Transition….

a woman in a black Angora skirt and a pink agnora sweater with white and patent black sock boots
a woman in a snake print dress and sandals in the midst of doors
a woman in a pink and black knit fringe dress in the midst of doors
a woman in a caped giraffe print dress in the midst of doors

Yesterday was the first day of spring- or the start of Aries season and the new year astrologically speaking. (Here we are a fan of new seasons and new beginnings). Spring- and a new start- are the beginnings of oh-so-many- things: from new fashions to new feelings, new habits, and new us. The start of anything is also a time of transition. We put away out winter clothes, carefully fold and store our sweaters- maybe do a closet clean out. Get out our shorter skirts, shorts, and sandals. Embrace warmer weather and begin new routines.

Spring and all the new- I love it. And it’s fun and exciting and I can’t wait to show you my new, and to build new routines and habits (ya know, new year new me). Share the season and things with you. And yet, I want to acknowledge: even in the best of times, transitions are hard. We can go back and forth (if you believe my great-grandma we have at least one more hard freeze before Easter! So maybe leave at least a sweater or two within reach.) Transitions by definition mean leaving some things behind, and humans at even our best are not always great with change. (Perhaps you’re also like me– really wanting the new from fashion to habits but sad about all the winter things you didn’t get to from fashion to activities).

So, if transition is hard and new is exciting and yet we have to deal with them both at the same time- what is it exactly we do? Or, more apt, how do we chicly and calmly transition?

I don’t know that I have all the answers (and yes, I do at times find change a bit more difficult than I would like to admit). But I will say- we move at a pace that is comfortable for us, we wear things that make us feel like us and look chic, and breathe.

How else do you suggest we transition?

I am open to any and all tips! I can’t wait to share and showcase all my spring fashions (and the house!) And show you my transitions from clean-outs to redecorating. What are you looking forward to this season? And again- how do you transition- and what do you wear?

XO RA

Spring Break?

a woman in a silk sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a White House

It is Spring Break in oh so much of the country….and we may be 3 days out from the most of our house construction being done.

Loves. The last few months- year?- has been oh so hard. I have lost myself. Not gotten dressed. Become a bit of a hermit (though there are times that staying in bed with the cats have been fun!). And yet- with what’s a break I can’t wait to start finding my way back to myself….

More on that to come. More outfits. And more thoughts on the theory that maybe here we should start over.

Thank you for sticking around. I hope that if you are on a spring break it’s a true and rejuvenating break. And if, like me, you’re in a season where you are beginning to find your way back to yourself – I am hoping the journey is easy and joyful.

Updates and outfits and hopefully a completed house coming….ASAP

XO RA

Sick and Sicker

a woman in a blue pant set with purple feather shoes on a bed with a lace bed spread

Before anything I am so sorry we didn’t get a post up on Monday- that was total oversize due to:
So there is a chance I jinxed myself. I mentioned to a friend that I almost needed to get sick for a break, and that maybe it was a good reset. And then. Well. I got sick. Since Sunday I have been running fever on and off and throwing up. Plus all the aches. I don’t think I am super sick- but I am sick.
(note: being sick while your house is under construction is not fun at all! I do not recommend).

I am sick enough that moving from bed is an issue and a lot is on hold. Friday I will post some stories I love- and then we are crossing our fingers we are back- and even having gotten a little reset on Sunday.

Make sure you wash your hands out there!

XO RA

Personalized from Abbott Lyon

Recently I got (was gifted but that does not affect my opinions) special pieces from Abbott Lyon. From the high quality to the personalization- I can’t get over how much I love these pieces and how these pieces add to my day to day. My favorite is the charm necklace (made for my cats, as I have become that cat lady!) that lets me take my loves with me everywhere! And you can treat yourself of someone you love by getting 2 for 1 site wide with code LTK2for1. Below I am linking my faves but the whole site of Abbott Lyon is a must!

What do you love to wear in your day to day? 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!

Shop my pieces here

Getting there in Sequins

a woman in a sequined leopard dress in front of a grey washer dryer in an unfinished room

We are getting there- this week my house may get walls, painting may start- and we should be on our way to not having so much chaos. There are days when it is completely overwhelming and I feel as if I will never get my life together. Literally, a sentence I said aloud today was “One day I will have clean hair again”. (Note: a bun hides a lot!)

Then there are days when I am able to enjoy this time- even relish the excitement and the new.

On the days like the first, it can be hard to think straight- much less get dressed. And yes- there are days I am simply in sweats. However, to the surprise of no one, I find when I make myself get dressed days like the second come easier.

This look? Perhaps a bit over the top- but I love it. Leopard is a neutral, but having it in sequins makes so much of a statement. And! I have to let you know- I am not great at laundry, but that may change as this new washer/dryer is my new favorite thing. EVER. It works so well- and everything from my bedding to gym clothes come out so clean! (Did I also mention that as we were without a washer/dryer I haven’t done laundry since mid-December? Only 4 more loads to go!)

My goal this week? Have great days, laugh- and wear things that make me happy. Like sequins. This dress is vintage Lillie Rubin but I have found you modern options! And I am linking the washer/dryer as I can’t tell you how they have changed my life, and how amazing they work!

To enjoying it all! XO RA

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!

Shop appliances and sequins here

Designer Spotlight: Rei Kawakubo

Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Rei Kawakubo

By now the Met Gala, theme of Rei Kawakubo, has come and long gone–you probably had an opinion about the red carpet, and may agree with me that Rhianna won it (just because she stuck to the theme). Or it may be a faint memory (in all of the Met Galas since). While we could chat Met Gala, themes, red carpets and Rhianna’s style, you may have a great grasp on those. What you may not have is a wide understanding of Rei Kawakubo, her designs, and her label Comme des Garçons. Loves, you should know. Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons are fashion in its highest form, and I don’t mean that you’ll find the perfect LBD; but in the sense that clothing will be playful, fantastical, experiment with shape, form, and gender roles, push boundaries, and be a calling to something higher.

Comme des Garçons and Kawakubo are known for original designs, big shapes, non-genderconforming designs, and mixing tailored pieces with corsets. The first few collections were done in only black, white and gray; and the runway shows to this day are more performance art than collection presentation. Comme des Garçons were the first to present designs that seem conventional now: unfinished hems, asymmetry, black, overblown and deconstructed silhouettes; what we wear today holds a debt of gratitude to these collections that read more like poetry than a standard runway. Kawakubo is known for playing with these themes:
-absence/presence
-design/not design
-fashion/anti-fashion
-model/multiple
-high/low
-then/now
-self/other
-object/subject
-clothes/not clothes
These these run through every collection and are on view in the 150 outfits on view at the Met.
Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Rei Kawakubo

Rei Kawakubo was born in Tokyo in 1942, the oldest of 3 and the only girl.After college she took a job in advertising/textiles, but also worked as a freelance stylist. With no design background, Kawakubo started her line in 1973, opening her first boutique in Toyko in 75. Comme des Garçons grew, adding a men’s line in 78, presenting in Paris in 81, and opening a Paris boutique in 82. Kawakubo now splits time between Paris and Toyko. Known for powerful and directional design that’s been called “radical abandonment of conventions” and “stunningly audacious”. Kawakubo not only dares to rework the relationship of clothes to the body, she involves herself in all business aspects from graphic design to advertising to shop interiors. However, Rei Kawakubo is till thought of as a recluse, an extreme introvert who keeps to herself; even though she is a fashion icon, she doesn’t think of herself that way.
Investment Piece: Designer Spoltight: Rei Kawakubo

Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons have inspired all aspects of fashion, as well as sub labels such as Junya Watanbe, Tao Kurihara, and Comme des Garçons Tricot. There are also several collaborations Comme des Garçons participated in including ones with :Fred Perry, Converse, Speedo, Nike, Moncler, Lacoste, Cutler and Gross, Chrome Hearts, Louis Vuitton, H&M, and Supreme (all of which might be found on a luxury resale site or eBay). Much of what we wear or think is cool is owed to Kawakubo.

Shocked that someone who is a self admitted shy girl can design clothes that make such loud statements? I’m not. Isn’t that part of the fun of fashion? It speaks for us, when we can’t? In fact my favorite quote about Kawakubo comes from Paul Gaultier, who said:
“I believe that Kawakubo is a woman with extreme courage. She is a person with exceptional strength. Moreover, she has a poetic spirit. When I see her creations, I feel the spirit of a young girl. A young girl who still has innocence and is a bit romantic. Yet she also has an aspect of a fighting woman, one who fears nothing as she thrusts forward.”
If your clothes can say all that, what else is left to say?

I’d love to know: what are your thoughts on Rei Kawakubo and the Met Gala?

XO

Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Rei Kawakubo

Snake Style

Investment Piece: Snake Bitten

It’s Lunar New Year! And the Year of the Snake!

(This is where I want to let you know that Lunar New Year is not something I grew up with, or is a part of my heritage- so I won’t go on like I am an expert. In fact, some of my first lunar new years were purchasing special cosmetic sets. Yet, I love the idea of yet another fresh start. And while snakes are really not my thing- though you wouldn’t know it by my fashion- the idea of shedding your old skin and becoming someone new? That I can get behind. So, I will be wearing red (for luck!) and dressing in the chicest snake styles I can find. Like below!)

Investment Piece: Champagne Tastes
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, belts, necklaces, vintage, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece: how to purple with retro vibes
Investment Piece: #Blazer
Investment Piece: #mixed
And one of my faves:

Investment Piece: Bond Girl

In fact, I love snake style- from accessories and jewelry to shoes, to anything from suits to dresses. It’s animal print, it’s subtle, it’s bold. And this year if it brings us a bit of luck and is a bit of reminder to become new? I’m in.

Below are a few serpents I am currently taking inspiration from- Happy Lunar New Year! 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!

Investment Piece: The Waiting Game

A Closet Clean Out?!?!

a picture of racks of clothes including blazers, sweatshirt dress, boots, knit separates and more

Since November I have been needing/wanting/planning to switch my closet from summer to winter.

As mentioned in so many precious posts- the work on the house (and to be fair, all the trauma and big feelings and moves and etc) made that go on that back burner.

Then this weekend- in part of need, but also wanting to help those affected by the fires- I intended to start again. Then we had meeting with contractors, and our reconstruction starts today.

Tell God your plans and make him laugh?

And yet? In the midst of all the crazy– I intend to clean out, switch out, and redo my closet. To give to those who need it. And to help me. So, once again I am looking over my own old advice- taking heed, and will be making adjustments as needed. (You know I will keep you updated!)

The links I am looking back at:
another closet clean out

the process

closet detox

and of course thinking on how to improve this closet reveal

What are your best closet clean out processes? Any tips for me?

Here’s to the actual clean out and the process we love! XO RA