Category: outfits

The SweatShirt Dress

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers

As much as I love fashion, as much as I love it when I can use fashion to tell my (and our) stories- lately my life (due to an unexpected home damage and now repair) has looked more like sweats, rather than then the party dresses I would love to be wearing at this time of year.

Not that sweats can be chic. See:

Investment Piece: #greysweatshirt
a woman in grey sweatpants

And while- there are absolutely days where my sweat ,or yoga pants, or whatever I can throw on are absolutely NOT chic- they do tell the story of where I am. AKA in the midst of a bit of chaos. And to satisfy the parts of me that want it chic (and party) during the chaos? I may have stumbled upon the perfect solution? Outfit? Combination?

A sweatshirt dress. A dress that’s a sweatshirt. Fun fact? The past few days I have spent in a sweatshirt dress I have had since the 5th grade. (I swear it’s chic, but by the time I even thought to take a pic I was 2 days in, it was over sweats and Uggs (none of those are bad!) but I was dirty from packing and carrying bags and honestly- too tired to tell a story. Sometimes the story is we aren’t ready to tell it yet! Also. I promise I have added to my sweatshirt dress collection since I was 10. From dark grey to light grey (linked below!) I do love a theme! These dresses are not only cozy. They are chic. And versatile. Wear with sweats. And Uggs! Boots. Tights! Heels! Flats. And to bed – or to errands, causal events and more.

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, tights, and over the knee boots

If you need me this weekend (which is supposed to be cold and dreary), you might (aka will) find me in a sweatshirt dress. I am linking my current fave below (yes, it is an affiliate link. That doesn’t affect the price for you but I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)

No matter what your story is, and even if it’s a story you don’t really feel like telling right now- I hope that you find an outfit that makes you feel chic and fun- and lets you do what you need to do!

Here’s to getting through this story! In the chicest but comfiest way possible!
XO RA

Shop my current fave and go-to sweatshirt dress here

What is your current go to?

Holidays Are Coming…..

a woman in a red maxi dress with short sleeve and black velvet heels

I realize that the fact that holidays are coming is not news. In fact, you may be prepped and ready and excited. Me, on the other hand? I’ve spent the past month redoing my closet (and started on the kitchen last night) and while my family and I have chatted about holiday plans- it truly hit me last night that the holidays are really coming. Soon. And really, are kind of here?

Are you ready? (Just tell me no) How do we get ready?

A woman in a red dress and black velvet heels
A close up of a red dress hem and black velvet and gold heels
a woman in. a red dress and black velvet heels

If you’ve come this far thinking I might have amazing tips for cooking (I do my grandma’s Pecan Pie!) and decor tips you’re going to be incredibly disappointed when I tell you that I mainly shop. That’s how I holiday prep. I plan outfits. Get excited about parties (and then mainly stay home!), and buy party dresses (and shoes!). Buy presents. Buy new Holiday items. Somehow shopping is my answers.

So. This is the week I start. From gifts to outfits, to things for the house, I’ll be making (and sharing) my lists, planning and shopping. Starting with? The perfect ThanksGiving Outfit:

a collage of black over the knee boots and a red knit and black scarf mini dress

(I may have a thing for red!)
What I love about this outfit is that it’s simple but chic. And easy to eat in! I love the sweater dress that feels a bit vintage. And yes- you could wear almost any shoes with this dress, but I love pairing over the knee boots- to keep you warm and cover up just enough (no relative will get to say anything to you!). This may be the first holiday purchase that goes in bag!

(Now to get gifts, decor, and all the rest!)

a woman in a red dress

One of my favorite ways to prep (and holiday buy)- holiday dresses. Again, red may be my favorite (just so cheery and chic and this year, incredibly on trend). So below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite red dresses (and velvet heels!) as well as the above Thanksgiving outfit!

If you have any “real” tips on how to holiday prep, I’m all ears (especially if they involve party dresses!). Am I stressed that the holidays are coming? Maybe. But I have a feeling we can get through them together (or order enough online to hide that!)

XO RA

note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them!

Playing Around

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

I know, I know – it maybe doesn’t feel as if it’s the time of year to play. There’s so much to do, the holidays can be overwhelming (from family to travel to gift giving and buying), and if you’re like me you’re so so behind. When I start to think (or overthink) about all the things on my to-do list (and then look around at my upcoming house repairs), I truly don’t want to play. Or holiday. And yet- playing is I think what’s needed at this time of year. It’s what makes the season oh-so magical.

Here- I am not playing with holiday themes per se (though this is a great combo for a Thanksgiving outfit!) but with layers:
this is a workout onesie (jumpsuit?) under a
vintage leather skirt
paired with a chiffon leopard print top.

All of these pieces would be fantastic on their own- or paired with like fabrics. But- what if layering wasn’t just a piece under a sweater or a coat? Or what if leather went with a soft fabric?

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And let’s not forget the strappy (Apple is telling me that’s not a word but Carrie Bradshaw and I would beg to differ!) gold shoes! That add just a bit of whimsy.

I am playing with all these options- and then the posing. Against a blank wall. Popped hips. Pulled shoulders.
Lately (with all the chaos in my life and the house), I have worried that I have lost my fun in both dressing and taking pictures (part of the basis this very blog is based on). And when you LOVE something – like playing dress up and wearing outfits and taking pictures of them– it is awful when you feel as if you may be losing it. The only way I know to get it back? Playing. Trying things on. Pairing things up.

Honestly? Originally, I didn’t plan to wear any of these pieces together. I started with a completely different look- hated it- was going to the gym so had the onesie on- then started to play. And I LOVED it. I ended up wearing this combo to 2! different meetings!

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And the playing around didn’t stop. Yes- the blouse (linked below) is traditionally meant to be worn with the zipper in back (though that does leave you with still oh-so-much room to play as the zipper goes both ways!), but I couldn’t help but realize that put on backwards the top is still oh-so-chic. And takes a look to a completely different level!

I know – tis the holiday season and it’s oh so full and the to-dos and musts are overwhelming. But. The holiday season is nothing without magic. And magic is impossible without play. So- I hope that your shopping from food to gifts is as painless as possible. That family is easy going. That Hallmark movies have nothing on you. But I also hope that you have time to play around (and make your own magic). Even if it’s just an outfit combo. Or a picture.

This skirt is vintage, these shoes are from seasons ago- but I’ve linked options as well as this exact top and catsuit (onesie?) below. XO RA

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

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

This Is Me Trying

a woman in grey sweatpants, a denim safari jacket and grey sweatpants and black heels
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants

There is a saying “you put gave up and put on a pair of sweat pants”. I know it was meant as a dig. And
I know that there are times that we give up. I also think that there are times when sweats can be oh so chic (just one example is here). But what if putting on sweats was an act of trying? AS you know my life- from house (with all the mold and repairs and etc) has been less than great. And there is so much I want to wear and write and talk about. Yet. There are days when it’s almost too much to just get dressed.

I used to take the phrase” you gave up and put on sweatpants” as a funny thing. Or something to at least somewhat pity someone over. And that’s even with knowing and wearing outfits where I think that sweats are so chic. With heels even! Then this season of my life hit. And I can tell you- even when I’m wearing sweats this is me trying.

I am trying to get it together – and get dressed for you and me. This is me trying- to not just rot. This is me trying- to dress up even when my days are only so casual and have no need of trying.

In not joke way, I will tell you that I know (for me) that getting dressed helps me. Trying helps me. And there are days when sweats are it- and yet. I want to try. I am proud of the sweat pants outfits I have. And wear. And long to wear so much more- I want to promise that I will get dressed each day this week but I can’t. So. What if I just promise that I will try?

Isn’t that all we can do? And what if trying- from sweats to “real outfits” to anything and everything in between is what our lives and our real fashion is made of? What are those stories like? I would like to try those!

These exact options for trying this way are linked below. As I try to try I will keep you updated!
XO RA

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

here

a woman in grey sweatpants and a denim safari jacket with black heels

StateMent Skirt

a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes

I know. A skirt can be oh so many things. But in this case? I love it as a statement!

Also this statement is absolutely a bit like Carolina Herrera- aka add a white button down to anything and love that it can be both a foil and a statement to a piece that’s a statement in itself. AKA I love that this skirt- an absolute statement- is eased and complimented with this button down. Ok. And may be the unbuttoned down of it. And these shoes? As always and forever my first instinct is to wear heels with everything and anything. And yet. I LOVE the play against what may be a party piece- and we know I love a party anything- but that flats make a bit everyday.

And who doesn’t want every day to be a party? Or dress like every day is an occasion? Or proof that an investment (this one is actually my Grandma’s!) like a button down is a must from jeans to party?

a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes

The thing about a skirt? It can be just a piece. Like. Something you wear with great: shoes (from heels to boots), tights to bare, any sort of shirt you love- including a button down. (Or a jacket or a crop or anything else – all which might be a great fit here!) AKA, perhaps a skirt which is often seen as a piece of clothing is something that can be SOMETHING.

Here? A statement. Such a statement. The colors? The folds and form? The actual structure? All Statements. And when you let a piece be a statement- A la this skirt being the focal point of the outfit (even with the red shoes that are not only a pop of color) but a bit of a statement themselves- that then alone would be a statement but in the mix are a compliment.

I guess the lesson this is that we should lean into any combination that allows a pattern or a piece or a color to pop (and we pair those with a button down that is also both a statement and a basic), and if this means a skirt. Then we statement skirt. Here I do love the colors (fun fact! In my family of 4 we can’t decide what color these dots- yes my fave pattern are- a shade of purple? Royal Blue? A bit of both? Let me know what you see!)

Linked below is this amazing skirt- both structured and formed with an amazing color- from the JCrew x Christopher John Rogers collar, these shoes, and some options for a top(I think everyone should have more than one GREAT button down and if you need help shopping for one please let me know!)

Why be shy? Let’s all make a statement this week- and going forward! 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 the support!

these exact pieces can be shopped

a woman in a bold polka dot skirt and white button down and red flats

Uninspired

a woman in a black knit sleeveless dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

The thought pieces, blog posts, social media posts, etc that tell you to get a capsule wardrobe or to invest in investment pieces (yes, I see what I did there!)- they are merely trying to prepare you. I am all for statement pieces. Fun. Impulse. Yet- I know that time after time, investing classic (that can be fun!) pieces- a capsule if you like, investments if you’d rather- let you get dressed even when you’re uninspired. It doesn’t matter why- we all have times from personal to societal grieve that getting dressed seems hard. And days when we are too tired or stressed or uninspired to pick out “big and bold” outfits. And times when in general we just don’t have the energy. So what to do when you’re uninspired?

Rely on your closet. Your basics- elevated or not. Your investment pieces- from classic to designer. This means that even when you don’t want to, even when it feels overwhelming- you can get dressed. And look chic. Or at least put together. I get it- I have been there this week. So when I had to get out and actually be dressed- a great black knit and a pop (aka snakeskin boots) were an easy reach- but oh so chic! And most importantly, when I was uninspired low effort.

a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

How do you build a closet or wardrobe that lets you get away with being uninspired? IMO a ton of classics- from dresses to trousers, blazers, blouses, and a bit of black. But. A but of fun-from graphic tees to pops of color in accessories and a bit of leopard. Simply great pieces that lend themselves to being paired together. Vintage. New. All a bit of the tailored, a bit of your personality, a lot of what you can throw on and feel dressed in. There is so much to say about this- but as always I think that any piece you can buy that you can wear in oh-so-many-ways and in oh-so-many-circomstances- and oh-so-classic with just a touch oof personality. Those are the clothes to get- so those days or months or years when you are just uninspired- you can still get dressed.

The best part of building a closet like this is that you can just get dressed. No overthinking. No worrying. Just get dressed. Uninspired? What if that lead you to still being oh so chic and on trend and classic? What if that’s what we strife to be? Uninspired but still able. Still chic. Still going on.

Linking all sorts of options for you belong- uninspired or not! 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 options here

a woman in a black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

Magic in a Dress

a woman in a teal and gold lame midi dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake

As much as I believe in fashion, and our stories, and how the the two are connected- there are times when all of the things (our stories and our fashion) are just magic. Like this vintage Hanea Mori (more on her below!) that I got from Pickled Vintage (check my IG stories today for my current picks from her!) that I recently wore to my cousin’s wedding (more on that next week on Fashion Stories!). Maybe it’s the teal or the gold, or the subtle pattern- or the fitted waist and button back- but this dress made me feel magical. It was magic. And if the people who came up to me and complimented me on the dress had anything to say- it was a hit!

Another way to say that this was magic in dress- on a magical night!

So what makes a dress magic? For me, it’s part how it makes you feel (aka the fit, the color, the details) and part where you wear it to (I am one to always overdress but it helps when your outfit fits the occasion!). Also, magic is a bit elusive, some times you have a great dress and a great event- and while you look great you lack that magic. While we can’t plan or demand magic my secret for this is doing just a little bit more.
AKA:
– going to a cocktail event? Wear a dress with a bit of metallic, glam, or glitz. Just righton the edge of formal
-Wear amazing shoes (a way of life) but especially at any sort of event
-Statement Pieces. From Jewelry to the dress or shoes, there should be one piece on you that subtly stands out.

You can’t always do magic on demand, but you can create the right environment for magic to flourish!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights

About Hanea Mori:

Hanae Mori (Japanese: 森 英恵, Hepburn: Mori Hanae, /həˌnɑːeɪ ˈmɔːri/, 8 January 1926 – 11 August 2022) was a Japanese fashion designer. She was one of only two Japanese women to have presented her collections on the runways of Paris and New York, and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official haute couture design house by the Fédération française de la couture in France.[1][2] Her fashion house, opened in Japan in 1951, grew to become a $500 million international business by the 1990s. She’s a designer to know and this isn’t the first time you’ll read about her here!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights
a woman in a gold and teal lame dress on rocks by a lake

There are times when magic just strikes. And of course, there are moments when we make the magic. In my experience the easiest way to do that is to wear things that make you feel magical (aka look amazing on you and have details that just pop! A great place to wear them doesn’t hurt either!)

So, how do you make magic in a dress? What makes a magical outfit to you?
Below I’ve linked some lame choices, some Hanea Mori choices, and these exact shoes for you!

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!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress

Cowl-ly Classic

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

My life has been insane lately. On top of everything? I have been a bit sick and extremely fatigued (as it turns out I am allergic to mold, which is incredibly unfortunate with what is happening in my house!). So? What I keep reaching for when I am getting dressed? Classics that feel anything but boring. Pieces that can go all day (and right now that also means from temps in the 60s to temps in the 90s). Outfits that feel modern and yet I haven’t had to buy anything “outrageous”.

In short- these black pedal pushers and stunning cowl jacket are perfect. I love it with heels and hose- but this exact combo goes great with sneakers or sandals. Or higher heels! The jacket? It’s called the “forever” jacket and part of what I love (and makes it forever to me) is that the collar goes oh-so many ways! Even more than closed, open, draped. This would look amazing standing up a big. OR completely open.

And of course- these pieces go with oh so many other things. But when they look so good together? Why not pair classics (especially when they are cowl-ly!)

Because I never lie to you- this jacket was gifted by Ruti (shop some of my Ruti favorites here). Yet, I would never recommend something that I don’t love- so let me say I have been living in this jacket. It’s chic, it’s soft and it’s versatile. I can’t recommend it enough.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

What are the classics you reach for (perhaps especially when everything else is out of control?) I am linking mine here! Please note that 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!
XO RA

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

Fashion Halloween: T-Rex

a woman in a cocktail dress with a tree mask on
a woman in a cocktail dresss and a T-Rex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a T-Rex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

You may have caught on that I love dinosaurs. Like, little kid love dinosaurs. So, it should come as no surprise that I would want to be one for Halloween. In the past few years, as the inflatable costumes have become popular, I’ve thought about getting one and living out my T-Rex fantasies. The issue? How do I make that fashion (because,yes, it’s me and I would want to wear heels with it!)? How do you get around in such a big costume? And would the inflatable T-Rex let me move about?

I’ve always passed on that sort of T-Rex costume because I couldn’t figure out the answer to those questions. But, I did want to be a dinosaur for Halloween. And, because of who I am as a person thought the idea of juxtaposing my love of Dinos and my love of fashion would be fun. It was the perfect fit when I then found this T-Rex mask (though it does have the tail and little arms!). It makes the most fashionable T-Rex paired with a cocktail dress and heels, though of course would make a great T-rex paired with anything from sweats to leggings to jeans and a t-shirt (I love that it being a mask lets you have so much freedom!). And if Dinos aren’t your thing, the same idea could work with any mask you love!

Part of why I love Halloween is that it lets us be all that we want- let our imaginations go wild. And I’m so so so excited this year to be able to be a T-Rex- and a fashionable one at that!

Below I’ve linked similar T-Rex costumes, as well as some inflatables (if you go that route I would love to hear about it!). I got this exact mask at Target, but can’t seem to find it online for you! If I happen upon it, I will update shopping options asap- because a good T-Rex is hard to find!

What are you dying to be for Halloween? And how are you making it your own? This T-Rex in heels wants to 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!

a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask