Now and Then – Investment Piece

Now and Then: Christmas Pajamas

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs

The one tradition I love more than anything (even as an adult)? My family wears matching pajamas on Christmas morning. Sometimes we stay in our pjs all day, sometimes we change right away. However the holiday goes, we start by wearing the same (at least) pajama pants (and often the matching shirts).

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs
It’s such a simple thing- and yet, year after year it makes my holiday. The pajamas are our first official “gift”. Often, they are something the family plans together, and all years it’s fun to see what we all do with our holiday pajamas.

Investment Piece: Holiday Pjs

I’ve loved family Christmas Pajamas so much, I’ve written about them before (see here) and while this year I’m excited to share what we have planned, but am waiting till Christmas per family contract. While matching pajamas have been a family staple for years, I couldn’t find vintage sets.

As in I could find vintage pjs for one family Memembers, but not all of them.

However, even just the look and feel of several pajama sets can feel vintage. And the look of an entire family matching and making merry on a holiday? That can be very vintage!

Though I’ve asked it before, I’ll ask it again: do you and your family wear matching pajamas on the holidays? What traditions in your family are your favorite?

Below, I’ve linked more than one pair of holiday pjs that I think both you and your family will love!
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: A Merry Little Christmas

Now and Then: Halloween Shirts

Investment Piece: I put a spell on you

We all know that I love Halloween Costumes, and that each year planning my costume is a joy for me. Yet, I would be lying if I didn’t admit to the fact that one of my favorite things to wear during spooky season is this shirt that says “Bad Witch”. It’s both cheeky and a great shirt to wear as a “costume” when I’m answering the door for trick or treaters or just on an October day.

Until recently, I never thought about buying Halloween shirts vintage (and we know I love vintage), but then I remembered all the great Halloween shirts from my childhood. There were every thing form spooky movies on a tee to general Halloween themes. And of course, for new shirts you can get spooky shirts both scary movie themed or general.

(I’ll be honest, I haven’t been able to resist the Hocus Pocus Shirts at Target! I’ve also linked them below!)

Anything that you can find both new or vintage- and is chic either way, I can’t resist. Below I’ve linked both new and vintage Halloween shirts for your October pleasure! I recommend wearing them with jeans or leggings or a skirt, from your errands to parties to staying home to enjoy the season in! From answering the door to trick-or-treaters to spending the holiday in your own low-key way, I love all of these shirts and would wear any of them all Halloween season long!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While this does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Posted on October 6, 2021October 2, 2021Categories Now and ThenTags Halloween Shirts

Now and Then: Lug Sole Boots

This season there’s a “new”trend – lug sole boots. Here’s the thing, as someone who can remember the 1990s, I’m here to tell you that this is not the first time that lug sole boots are “in”, to be worn with everything from slip dresses to jeans.

Yes, I have feelings and thoughts about the 90s being back. Some of them are good. Some of them are ego based. The good news is that getting the chance to “redo” parts of my youth leaves me more free to choose what I really love. And, like many other trends, leaves me fascinated by what comes back and what trends we can buy vintage. Currently, I can’t stop thinking about lug sole boots.

In the 90s, all the cool kids wore lug sole boots (With slip dresses and flannel). Of course, at the time, a lot of those lug sole boots were Doc Martins (I can’t tell you how much I begged for a pair but as I was growing, the cheap kind- aka knock offs- were what my parents were willing to do) or combat boots. The options this time around are more plentiful, but if you’re looking both new and vintage, all of the sudden your options become limitless!

Some of the modern lug sole boots are so chic, streamlined, and perfect for dresses that I’m very tempted. Like these knee high boots from Madewell. I think they would go perfect with jeans and a blazer, or, for old time’s sake, a slip dress and some flannel.

Ironically, when this trend first came about I didn’t LOVE it. Of course, I’ve been 5’10 since I was 11 years old (yes, taller than all of the boys) and with bigger feet (about a size 9) it always felt like this style made me look bigger. Yet. When I started researching fall styles and saw this all over, from editorials to sales, I fell in love with some vintage lug sole boots. I can’t wait to wear them with my leggings and yes- even dresses. Maybe everything does deserve a second chance?

Pro tip- while I’ve linked some vintage lug sole boots for you below, some key words if you’re vintage searching yourself that are super helpful include: Lug Sole, 90s boots, Steve Madden, Doc Martin, combat boots, hiking boots, thick sole, fall boots.

What do you think? Are you pulling out old lug sole boots? Buying new? How do you feel about this trend being both a now and then situation? I would love to know all of your thoughts!

As usual, I’ve linked some of my faves- both now and then, aka new and vintage- for you below. Happy shopping!
Xo RA

Note: this post may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

New lug sole boots:

Vintage lug sole boots:

Posted on September 8, 2021September 7, 2021Categories Now and Then, Trend to tryTags Lug sole boots

Now and Then: Crochet

I’m endlessly fascinated by all the trends that come back, and those that never go away. Most trends, I find, you can shop both new and vintage – which is a great thing as it leaves us with so many more options. (And price points!)

This month a trend I can’t stop thinking about is crochet. Crochet was a staple in the 1960s-70s, though as a homemade accent/staple you can find it as early as the 1920s and before. Yet? Trend forecasters are predicting that crochet will be HUGE from now 2021 (where you can already find crochet dresses, skirts, pants, swim wear and more) to about 2023.

What does that means for you?

If you love this trend (and if you don’t you don’t!) this is the time to invest! Buy the pieces you love, don’t feel guilty about spending a bit more on crochet pieces as they’ll be in style (and come back), and if you find a vintage crochet piece you love buy it! The most amazing thing about trends coming back in style is that you can pick and choose what exactly you love and buy accordingly.

What I love about crochet? It can be as subtle or as overt as you like. As casual or fancy. The first above picture is a dress I got from my grandma- she wore in the 1970s and the crochet shoulders always feel timeless. Now? I’m loving the crochet maxi dresses, the sweaters, the things that I know will last (and come back on trend again and again).

Isn’t it funny how the styles circle back to us? I would love to know your thoughts on crochet! Do you love it? Will you invest in it now that it’s back again? Let me know!
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!

Posted on August 18, 2021August 17, 2021Categories Now and ThenTags Now and Then CrochetLeave a comment on Now and Then: Crochet

Now and Then: Keds

As fascinating as I find it that you can find trends that are “on point” now in your vintage shopping, I’m equally fascinated by styles that never really went away.

Take Keds. Yes, Keds. Those white (traditionally) sneakers that we all wore and loved?

My mom brought them up the other day- she was remembering a pair that she got in elementary school, with flowers on them, and how much she loved them. Mom wore Keds all throughout her school years, and on her dance team in high school. I also wore Keds throughout school, and on my dance team in high school. (My favorite pair we had painted with firecrackers and replaced the laces with ribbon. I was in 5th grade and OBSESSED. I think we still have them in the attic somewhere!)

Now? The little girls I play with down the street love their glitter Keds that they wear as Princess shoes. Somethings don’t change.

When something stands the test of time like that, what can we say about it? Being so fascinated by how so many generations love Keds, I couldn’t help but look up Keds now. Would they be the shoes that I loved as a kid? Different for the kids now?

Looking around Keds, I fell in love with these shoes all over again. Yes, so many are the same as I remember: simple, white tennis shoes, perfect for any outfit. And there were new shoes that were exiting- larger soles, colors, patterns, collabs. They are both now and then. Such a big part of my childhood, and shoes as an adult I want to wear with everything.

Did you wear Keds growing up? Do you wear them as an adult? Tell me all about it!

I’ve linked new and chic Keds below (I’m thinking I’m getting the rainbow sole ones!)
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!

Posted on July 14, 2021July 11, 2021Categories Now and Then, shoesTags Keds

Now and Then: Denim Jacket

A closet staple no matter the season? A denim jacket. I have at least 6. From more “formal” (if formal denim jackets are a thing) to personalized to short sleeved:

Various sleeves, various shades, various types. I wear them with everything from dresses to my workout leggings. My denim jackets are the pieces I reach for time and time again. Recently I got an ad for a “new” denim jacket- oversized, short sleeved, just a tad destroyed. And all I could think of was all the different ways that I could wear it. The second thing I thought of? Whether or not I could find a similar jacket vintage.

One of the things I love about trends, fads, fashion in general is that things come back around. Styles that were popular when I was young are all of a sudden on trend again. (Yes, this is an excuse to hang on to all the things that you truly love) So, when there’s a basic (or a trend) I always debate to buy new or vintage. There are pros and cons to both- and in this case, fantastic denim jackets (with all the sleeves and embroideries and styles) you can find both new and vintage. Both now and then.

The only question is: what you find and what you want! Below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite denim jackets. Some are new. Some are vintage. All are chic and all are on trend. It’s just what you like- now or then!

I would love to know: how do you wear your denim jackets? Do you prefer to shop new or vintage?
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!

Posted on June 9, 2021June 4, 2021Categories Now and Then, outfits, shoppingTags Denim JAckets, Now and Then

Now and Then: Strapless Dress

Everything comes back. Or is it that nothing ever leaves?
I’m endlessly fascinated by what comes back around, or what is en vogue- now and then. Take these strapless dresses. One is a vintage Laura Ashley from the 1980s:

And one is from last year (a Mara Hoffman, one of my favorite brands):

Even though these dresses were made about 40 years apart it is stunning how alike they are. Both strapless. Fitted through the hip and thigh, with a more full skirt. Yes, different colors and different fabrics. But almost basically the same dress.

(For styling purposes, I paired each with the same belt)

Trends do come and go- but what about when they come back? Do you buy vintage or new? There is always excitement with the new. Maybe there’s a twist, different fabric, more exciting patterns, and new is always attractive. But. Vintage- sometimes there’s just a draw, times that you can’t beat the vintage seams, and often you can get deals on vintage dresses.

Personally, I like both. Often I can find on-trend items vintage that are a bit orginal. And often, the on-trend new items are a bit more modern. Both vintage and new have colors and patterns I love. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding between new and modern. Now and then.

Yes. Many times I get both modern and vintage. When I love something I really love it – in all its forms. And especially with dresses like these- how could you choose?

I highly recommend strapless dresses for spring/summer. They can move effortlessly from casual errands and lunches to cocktails. They’re the perfect amount of covered, and perfect for the hot weather. Now or then. Modern or vintage. How do you strapless dress?

I’ve linked some modern versions (and similar Mara Hoffman dresses) and some vintage Laura Ashley’s for you below!

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!

Posted on May 12, 2021May 11, 2021Categories Now and Then, outfits, shoppingTags Now and Then, Strapless dress

Now and Then: Puff Sleeves

I am endlessly fascinated by how trends come back. Today’s example: puff sleeves. Usually when I think of puff sleeves, I think of little girls. Sweetness. Innocence. But they are back in a big way- from dresses to statement tops.

Part of the appeal of puff sleeves, to me, is that they can make such an impression, but can also be so simple. A dress with puff sleeves? Instant looker, even if the rest of the dress is just a dress.

**** ok. I don’t believe in “just a dress”. I mean to say simple. Elegant.

And as many puff sleeves that you can get today, there are just as many puff sleeves way back when. 1930s? Puff sleeves. 40s? Puff sleeves. 70s? Puff sleeves? 80s and 90s? Puff sleeves (I even wore some of those!)

The joy of having things in both now and then is that you can find, choose, get the exact version of the trend that’s perfect for you. All while staying on trend. It’s win/win! From 1930s to super modern, there’s a puff sleeve out there that’s just for you. I’ve linked puff sleeves below that are both vintage and modern.

This is a trend to play with, enjoy. Wear puff sleeves from back then and right now. See what fits. What you love. Maybe there’s a puff sleeve to pass down to the ladies who come after us.

And if you were thinking that you had seen these puff sleeves before- you’re right! This was the dress that I wore for my birthday last year, seen here. My own little version of now and then. (I’ve also talked about puff sleeves here. Some trends never die, they just come back endlessly. Lucky us!)

What kind of puff sleeves are you wearing?
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!

Posted on April 14, 2021April 11, 2021Categories Now and Then, shoppingTags Now and Then, Puff sleeves

Now and Then: Pleated Jeans

I shop vintage. I shop new. (I’m equal opportunity that way!) One thing that sometimes fascinates me is the new trends that you can find vintage (often for less!). There are nights that I will spend down rabbit holes looking at both new clothes and vintage clothes- often in the same style.

Because I love both vintage and new, and want us all to have ALL the options I’ve decided to let you in on some of my searches- and this month I’m looking at pleated jeans! The truth is that I used to hate pleated pants. HATE them. Would avoid them at all costs, HATED them. Over the years, my opinion has changed. I know love flowing pleated trousers (I guess never say never). And. I’m coming around to pleated jeans- they do add a bit of sophistication so if you’re wearing your jeans to any work or “event”, they pair beautifully with blouses. Or tank tops.

My main tip with pleated jeans is to make sure that they aren’t too tight. In between sizes? Size up. Ensure that there’s a wider leg. To balance out the pleats you need a bit of volume.

Maybe, like me, you’re coming around to pleats in your pants I have great news! Pleats (in such chic silhouettes) are available both new and vintage!
The advantages of buying new? The cuts can feel a bit more modern, there’s often more stretch in the fabric, and you are guaranteed to find your size.
The advantage of buying vintage? Often SO much cheaper, they’re already broken in, and let you stand out just a bit.

The reality? So you didn’t have to, I spent a bit of time looking at both new and vintage pleated jeans. Most of them looked EXACTLY the same. It truly comes down to what you’re looking for: new or vintage. Now or then?

I’ve linked some of my favorite new pleated jeans below. And a few vintage ones that I love (I know with vintage they may not be your size! I would recommend searching Etsym or if you need help finding vintage jeans please reach out and I’ll help!)

Are you rocking pleated jeans? From now or then? I would love to hear about it!
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!

Posted on March 10, 2021March 8, 2021Categories Now and Then, shoppingTags Now and Then, Pleated Jeans