outfits – Investment Piece

Fashion Stories: Wedding Guest

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

One of my first posts in this series was about wedding dresses (and how we hang onto them and why) while wearing my great-great-grandma’s wedding dress (you can read about it here). So, in a way, it seems a bit full circle that I’m now writing about being a wedding guest (and what I wore and why) for a recent family wedding.

Let’s be honest: weddings are a great ritual, a great party, a great time and a stressful event for many. Recently my cousin got married (and I’m not sharing pics as it’s not my news but let me say that she was STUNNING and that the event- from top to bottom- by a lake, with gold Dinos as decorations, with family dancing- was just perfect), and like anyone else, I worried about what to wear to the wedding.

I was not a part of the bridal party, but I am who I am, and knowing that Id see family that I don’t often to visit with, when my invitation said “cocktail”, I knew that I wanted to look special (and not upstage the bride). So, below, from lunch with cousins to wedding to the morning after brunch (of which I was a hostess), I break down what I wore and why. Weddings are big stories- for all of us. I hope my choices help you in similar situations, or just inspire you to get dressed up!

Cousins Lunch
a woman in a white silk shirt and lilac corduroy pants with snakeskin mules

The day before the wedding, I had lunch with come cousins I hadn’t been able to catch up with in years! A casual affair, yes, but I wanted to look my best! My choice? A silk shirt with corduroy pants. Easy, seasonal, and yet chic- this combo would work with any color combo (I happened to choose purple and white for my college colors and CFB season!) and while I choose a chic flat, from boots to heels almost any shoe will do!

What I love: it’s easy and yet elegant. Super on point with textures, and easy to customize with colors and shoes!

What I would do differently: I did feel a bit undone. A belt would help, or adding more jewelry!

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

You may have read about this dress here. It’s new (to me, vintage Hanea Mori) and when I got it, I knew that I had to wear it to the wedding. I felt as if it were perfect- fallish colors, midi length, long sleeved, and cocktail. But not overpowering – it wasn’t a gown, it’s a cocktail dress- and with the right gold shoes and jewelry, I felt like I nailed it!

What I love: everything. Everything about this dress. The fit. The color. Invite me to all your events so I can wear it again! I also felt like it wasn’t so over the top that I upstaged anyone (the last thing I would want to do!) but yet felt so good in it (and got a ton of compliments!).

What I would change: Not. A. Thing.

Morning After Brunch

a woman in a Dino print button down with sleeves rolled up and black jeans

For the morning after brunch, I knew that I needed something casual (yet chic), and I wanted to make a nod to the happy couple! As the table decorations at the reception were decorated with gold painted Dinos I felt as if a Dino shirt would be incredibly appropriate! Paired with a “nice” pair of jeans (and un-pictured amazing shoes!), it was a hit!

What I loved: Such an inside joke and felt like a cute outfit, even when I was “working”

What I would change: I loved the outfit but as we had to clean before and after the brunch I wish I had brought non-high waisted comfy pants and something I didn’t care about getting dirty for that!

I was very lucky as I didn’t have to travel for this wedding, meaning that if I put something on and it didn’t work I had my entire closet at my disposal. I know that’s not always the case, so a few of my wedding guest dressing tips:

-Plan in advance and take a backup. You just never know!
-Comfort and chic-ness are key. Yes, you want to impress everyone you haven’t seen in ages, but you want to move and dance, etc, with ease. There is a balance to be found!
-Look your best but adhere to the “rules”. Usually this means no white dresses, no overdressing, no upstaging the bridge, etc
-Have fun! Weddings are for the couple- and for families! Enjoy it all, from the event to what you wear!

What have you worn to recent weddings and what concerns about wedding dressing do you have? I would love to help you out with them and hear all about it!

XO RA

Tailoring in May

a woman in a navy dress with blue polka dots with a corset waist, and nude sandals on stairs with a blue sky and green trees

Beloveds, it is the first Monday in May- which means it’s the Met Gala. If you are SUPER online or super active in certain places you may be wary of supporting what may seem like a display of wealth. The Met Gala raises funds for museums and preservation – under attack right now. And the theme this year? A nod to the history we should honor. And if nothing else, a great tailor job is something to be in awe of- as you know I think a great tailor is a great investment! You can read more about the Met Gala and theme: here, here, and here. I love a great tailor and a great suit! You can look at some of my suit looks here, here, and here. As for me, this First Monday in May- am I wearing the Zac Posen for Gap? Yes. Yes, I am!

a woman in a navy dress with white polka dots with a corset waist on stairs

From suiting to draping to everything in between, a lot of what I love about clothes- a lot of what makes us look amazing in clothes in tailoring. And tailoring involves a lot- beloveds there are tomes, and forums, and spaces devoted to tailoring. My best and most general definition of tailoring is an attention to detail. It’s the nip, the pleat, the fold that makes an item not only fit to perfection- but take on a shape and life of its own. And while I LOVE a good suit (and my ladies, let me say there is nothing chicer than a woman in a great suit!), tailoring also applies to dresses.

(Cats and cool kittens, this is where I could wax poetic about Zac Posen- I have always been in awe of his command of draping and details but at risk of running on and on you can read about Zac here and his position at Gap here. And shop this dress and more of the collection I love (disclosure below) here.

The details I love in this polka dot dress? Besides the dots- and the pockets- the corset details in the waist. The pleats are so precise, the shaping so chic. I love the collar (and there are so many ways to style this- open, closed, off the shoulder, a bit popped like here). The skirt is just full enough, and while the poplin holds its shape- there is still movement. It’s a perfect day dress, and yet it feels special. Tailored to me. Detailed. Perfectly tailored for May.

a woman in a navy polka dot dress with a. corset waist on stairs

What are your thoughts and definitions and wants in tailoring? (This is also a space to chat Met!) And what do you love to wear tailored? I would love to hear everything about it! Again- relinking this exact dress- it is selling out but I can’t recommend it enough! XO RA

Please 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 navy polka dot dress with a corset waist

Shop this dress here

Fashion Stories: I Miss Abandon

Investment Piece: I miss Abandon

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we dress for our days has changed within the past years. Dressing for joy, dressing for function, dressing for bed.
Some disclosures:
-I’ve always had a thing for party dresses and not always enough parties to wear them. Now, I’m getting DRESSED to go to the store, but there is a section of my closest that’s not getting enough wear right now. Yet, I have more than one party dress on my current Wishlist.
-I want to write about how we should buy and wear whatever makes us happy. I DO believe in that. I’ve also ordered a bunch of leggings this week (they’re pants now?) and there are days when getting dressed at all is hard.
-While I love going into stores and finding something I didn’t know I wanted, I also love shopping online. In fact, I’ll tell you online shopping is so easy (and it’s like you get presents!). Right now I’m missing in person shopping.
-Things are difficult for everyone right now. Budgets. Stress. It all. Dressing for anything may not be at the top of our lists. I do think it helps, though.

These pictures are old. From years ago, on a Los Angeles spree, one afternoon in RecessLa (you can read about them here), on a whim I spent several hours trying on things. We took pictures and laughed and just enjoyed the fashion. It turns out, I had a ton of these on my phone. Looking through them made me smile. And for all my thoughts about fashion right now it made me realize:

I miss abandon.

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

I miss spending hours falling in love with new things and trying them on. Imagining where to wear them. I miss finding a thing I didn’t know I needed and walking out of a store feeling new.

There are friends of mine who are already planning to dress BIG whenever they can-from concerts to movies, and I’m with them. Any chance I get I’m DRESSING. And I’m on board with that. But I do worry that I will still miss abandon. The random. The surprises.

I miss good surprises.

So. Now. With what we have. How do we invite abandon in? Order something exciting online? Try a new online store? Shop all the vintage on IG and Etsy? I’m in. But I’m open to all ideas.

How are you dressing with abandon right now? How do you think we should invite it in?

This was a vintage dress, I didn’t get it, but I’ve found similar and have linked them below for us all.

I’m wishing us all a little abandon this week, whatever that looks like!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

But(ter) Yellow

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

Butter Yellow. It’s on all the trend lists, all the outfit suggestions, all the in lists. I am the first to admit that yellow and I have a complicated relationship. There are shades of yellow that just look- that just make me look- horrid is the word I want to reach for, but washed out is probably more accurate. (Pics above kind of give away the ending BUT..) Every time yellow comes up, or it gets recommended to me, or any of the things- I get a little nervous. I worry that yellow is not for me.

And while I am always one to tell you that you don’t have to follow every trend (and yet that you can make any trend your own); there are times when being on trend feels good. Makes us feel that we belong.

It’s also then when I realized that I have butter yellow in my closet. And that I like it- and like it on me!

From this vintage set to this knit skirt:
a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

The other thing about trends? They come and they go- but oh so often, so many of them stick around in many ways. Yes, butter yellow is on all the lists now. Yet, yellow (in all it’s shades) has been popular for year. Pastels? A Spring Staple. And sets and knits? Anytime a classic can be on trend I love it. In my closet were these butter yellow pieces to love- but I have also rounded up current faves for you. Whether you go in on this trend, or find a better one for you- I hope that you feel chic (and spring like) in it!

XO RA

Please 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 yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

Cut IT Out

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Cut Outs? In or out, let’s be honest they are a fashion staple. Even one of the fashion history accounts I follow recently posted an outfit with a cut out from the 1920s. So, why do cut outs (especially these hip ones) feel fresh? Exciting? A bit edgy?
(Note- the drape of this dress allows for a cut out as low as you feel commutable, here I am trying to balance the -high- leg slit. And as I said to the family I went out with this night- I am wearing flats so it makes the outfit a bit casual! Or at least, that’s the theory I am running with- in flats!)
Maybe it’s because a cut out gives you a chance to show and tell at the same time- a hip or shoulder here, but not a leg or stomach there. Or the opposite. Cut Outs also make a simple dress (though- let’s never discount the impact of a simple dress!) a bit more interesting. A bit more dynamic. What I personally love? You can hide your least favorite parts while giving the impression you’re sharing it all (akin to small talk where people feel as if you’re giving details but you’re not!) For example- there are parts of my stomach that I don’t love and am a bit self conscious about- yet with the hips and this leg- you would never know! It’s the best distraction ever!

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Feel as if you have to have the perfect body to wear cutouts? Nope. That’s part of the beauty (to be fair, you don’t have to have anything perfect even for crop tops!), but again cut outs let you control what you show. You can read about cut outs here and the fashion history here.

I felt so beautiful, and perhaps a bit cheeky, in this cut out. How do you wear cut outs? And how do they make you feel?

The details? Vintage Prada Shoes! (I call these my Marie Antoinette shoes as for some reason they make me think of that time period) The best lab grown ring (side note- the entire site is 20% off and getting you or a loved one bling is always a good call!) And a fresh blow out (as I am usually throwing my hair in a bun I feel as if it needed documentation!)
a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

This exact dress and a link to bling on sale is for you below! I hope that you cut it out in the best ways this weekend! XO RA

Please 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!

Dress:

Bling on sale with code CARATADAY:

here

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Fashion Stories: Hostess Dress

I think I am rounding out the bug I have had as I want to dress up again! Yet- because I am still not 100% I am looking at hostess dresses. And caftans. And all things lounge that look like a party dress. And as a reminder:

a woman in a purple hostess dress on a red couch

This is the time of year when we’re looking for looks that are festive but yet, super comfy. Or at least I am. I love me a good party dress, I can’t resist a party dress, but at this time of year, I’m usually a bit overwhelmed and a bit behind, so while I want to be in a party dress I still need to be comfy.

My secret weapon for this? A hostess dress. Part fancy robe, part party dress that lets you go from
This:
a woman in a purple cape dress spinning
to this:
a woman in a purple hostess dress un bed

OR in simple terms a hostess dress is:
The idea of a hostess outfit as somewhere between loungewear and partywear has been around since the 1920s. In 1925, Vogue decided pajamas were de rigueur, especially should you be able to acquire an Elsa Schiaparelli housecoat-and-pajama-pants set. In the ’60s, caftans and palazzo pants became the hostess outfit du jour. Since then, the idea of dressing up for company tends to mean something fancy and not all that comfortable. (read more on these thoughts here)
or you could put a hostess dress like:
an informal dress or robe to entertain at home.

Incredibly popular in the 1940s-60s, you can read more about hostess gowns here and here. But yes, hostess gowns are part robe/part party dress, sometimes more sheer, sometimes more embroidered, but for me- the perfect combination of chic and comfy.

A woman in a black and green hostess dress at a backyard party
This is a hostess dress.

As is my new favorite (purple with a but of a cape):
a woman in a purple hostess dress leaning against a wall

There are so many hostess dresses out there (I’ve linked some of my vintage favorites for you below, and my go-to sites are Esty and the Gem app) but for me, what ties them together is the mix of lounge wear and party wear. Hostess dress were the first dresses (or pant suits!) to toe the line between pajamas and ball gowns. And as much as I love party dresses, I also love lounge and fancy pjs, so I think that hostess dresses are heaven. (I also love the idea that in days gone past, people would just throw these on to have neighbors over for drinks or even just to chat with their husband!)

woman in a silver caftan in front of a balcony

Since Covid, I’ve discovered a passion from caftans- which are a direct descendant from hostess dresses, which explains part of my love of hostess dresses. As they range from more formal to incredibly informal, there is a hostess gown (especially as wearing vintage makes it even more special!) for every holiday party or at home drink you have on your calendar!

Have you ever worn a hostess dress? Do you love them as much as I do? I hope that you find a part robe/ball gown aka hostess dress that lets you tell all of the most amazing holiday fashion stories this season. And I also hope that said hostess dress keeps you comfy as you look amazingly chic. Again, I’m linking my current favorites below (including a green exact copy of this purple one!), if you need help finding your perfect hostess dress please 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!

a woman in a purple hostess dress in a doorway

Business on Top

a woman in a snake print tie blouse, Bermuda denim shorts and gold mules

Working from home (yep, I am one of those who did it before Covid and am still here on the couch!) is such an interesting fashion experiment. There are days when I do get dressed – go out, have meetings, have plans, or at the least do shoots- all the things and look amazing. There are days when I procrastinate, go to the gym, shower late and end up working late in PJs in bed (or the couch or in my “office”). Like many things in my life, it’s the in between days- where I don’t have big meetings, don’t “have” to get dressed, but am not super behind (ie, did get to the gym and get dressed and working like a normal person) that I find the most difficult to dress for- or on.

It’s always tempting to stay super casual when working from home (let’s be honest, no one wants to sit around in hard pants), and yet, I find I work better when I have a cute outfit on. So? What do you do? Dress up? Stay in sweats? Or- what I call the mullet of work from home- try a bit of business on top and a bit casual on bottom.

Yes, usually that means I am in some sort of sweats or leggings and then a cute top. Actually, my go to is a button down with some sort of lounge pant. But. Then there are the days when I do my best work from home outfits- like the one above. A blouse that is a bit business (though paired with the right skirt/pants/jeans this top could be fantastic as an evening top!) and shorts (though hard but comfy) and of course heels for a picture. Best of both worlds? Or just what it takes to get through the day? Perhaps all of the above. We know that I love a juxtaposition in any and all outfits, and maybe the combination of business and causal for days when we are working from home are the best.

Lucky you? This business on top and shorts are both “new” and I have linked both for you below. I would love to know what you wear when you work from home. Or how you balance business and casual. I am always open to any new outfits! 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 this exact look here

a woman in a snake print tie blouse, Bermuda denim shorts and gold mules

Trend to Try: Denim Trench

a woman in front of a closet in a denim trench

Every Spring it feels as if there is a new take on the classic trench. And who could blame everyone? It is a classic for a reason- and even with that there are oh so many ways to wear one- from dress to coat to everything in between. A new take this year? A denim trench. What I love: denim is both classic and yet a bit casual (lending itself to wearing as a shirt dress or pairing with sundresses, shorts and more), and yet this shape is still a classic (meaning that any trench you invest in will be one you can wear for years to come!). Another thing to love about this trend? With it being so popular, it means that there is a denim trench at every price point.

Full disclosure? I have had the one pictured above for years (and yes- owe you better pictures, this is where I tell you- embarrassingly- that even though I take pictures of myself for a living, and wear this trench every spring- I have no pictures -that I can find- of it. This will change). And yes, I am a bit embarrassed that aside was a bit of a run-on, but I think I can live with that.

In the mean time? I have rounded up and linked some of my current favorite denim trenches. Soft, hard- in all price points. Again, there are so many styling options- and all look amazing with Spring classics and trends from white denim to florals!

Please note: the following are affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, this does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Also- I want everyone to know that I am not immune of everything that is going on- from tariffs to stocks to *waves hands in the general world on fire*. I do my best to make this space a place of respite, a place to get away from it all– and within reason will try to live up to that. Tariffs will affect our shopping. (and if you’re interested in how “American Made”-from brands to why some of that is impossible- I am happy to share that too!). Second hand (I have always loved vintage and thrifting!) and sewing will start to become popular. As things change for us all, I have no idea what’s to come. I will do my best to navigate in a way that feels good and honors us all (we all matter or none of us do) and our fashion (as that matters too!). It’s a great time to invest in things you love, to shop small, and to build community. This year (as I have said) has really been about just getting out of bed (and some days barely at that)- I am hoping to get back and build on this community. Let’s take care of each other- and our closets!
XO RA

Fashion Stories: Fashion As Rebellion

A woman in a tee that says Hands Off, a black blazer and jeans

I am a firm, FIRM, believer that fashion is just another way with which we tell our stories. Fashion as a story telling fabric is the basis of what we do here. SO. Fashion as a way to speak out- for anything that you believe in. OR in general show rebellion? Yes. I’m here for it.

I know the most obvious way to tell our rebellious or political or out there stories are graphic tees. And from tees to sweatshirts I have a ton of graphic shirts. Graphic shirts with anything are a go-to formula for me. From shirts that are simply “Wonder Woman” to the more forceful graphic like above (and yes, that’s tame in my collection!) a graphic is an easy way to let people know your stance. But fashion is so much more subtle and lets us tell our stories in so many ways!

Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It
(This may not be the best example!)
But often when I think of fashion as rebellion I think of mini skirts in the 1960s. And how then men went from suits to longer hair and flares. Burning Bras. Tye Dye. NOTE: I am not old enough to have lived through that. I was not in the 1960s. Though- I was a teenager when Elmo and Grunge (ya know, flannels and ripped jeans and dark eye make up and combat boots) were all popular. Perhaps every generation has its own fashion that is a form of rebellion.

To truly understand how to dress to rebel (and not just dressing in what people you know what like), let’s understand what rebellion is:
According to the dictionary rebellion is:
an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

There are times when what we wear absouletly is in service of actively over throwing the government. Then there are times that what we wear is simply to let our displeasure known. To make a fuss. To give support. And to let people know where we stand.

I have never actively worked to throw over the government. But I have worn shirts and ears in supports of causes I love. In thinking about our stories, and how rebellion could be one- I’ve thought a lot about what we wear. From hem lines to high heels to shirts that give to causes.

Some reading that I’ve found helpful on these thoughts:
The Clothes that Shook The World
Rebellion, Gender, Fashion
You Say You want a (Fashion) Revolution?
and from sheer to faux fur, mob wife to mesh flats, 2024 has its own trends already (and we all know more to come). Wearing things like faux fur and being BIG can be rebellion (or at least a pendulum swing). Or dressing well- instead of wearing pjs to the grocery store (I am guilty of both!). All Black. Pops of Color. Pink. Bows. Prints. Mixing Prints. Black Nails. Anklets. All of these have been told to me to be a bit rebellious. I don’t know that rebellion always has to go against the status quo- but it does have to be unexpected.

Investment Piece: Product of a Strong Female

Interestingly enough, too young to have been around when mini skirts were a STATEMENT, I never burned a bra (too young), and while I was here for Nirvana and some Elmo in high school — it feels as if I have sort of missed so many fashion rebellion moments. Even sheer is no longer new (though it might be a bit more daring at times). SO. How do we rebel with our fashion now?

Is it by being more daring?
By wearing graphic tees in support of our causes?
Wearing the unexpected?

I don’t know! But I’m open to it all and will be telling my own story in the above ways.

As there is no clear way to tell you how to rebel in your fashion below I’ve linked fashion that supports causes that are dear to me– no pressure to you! Below are shirts that give to Gun Control, Women Homelessness, Reproductive Rights. But I know there is more out there. And you could always go anti trend. Or let me know how you’re dressing in an anti establishment way!!

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 white tee with black letters saying we should all be feminists and red pants and black heels

Wait…The Champagne!

a woman in black Bermuda shorts, a graphic tee saying Wait the Champagne, a black Coach bag and snake skin sandals

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of Champagne to make it through-especially on a Monday. And While that may not always meant that you pop a bottle at no-one, it often does mean that a fantastic graphic tee (I can never resist one with a cheeky and oh-so-true thought!). U usually wear this shirt on Fridays (it feels very much like a weekend gateway message!), but on a Monday? How could I resist? That is – how do you resist a simple yet chic outfit that lets you let your personality shine?

a woman in black Bermuda shorts with a graphic tee that says Wait..the Champagne, a black coach bag and snake skin sandals

These shorts? (Though I love that they are long enough to not make me question if they are too short for my age) are so chic (and will go with everything. Black, classic, pleats, and a linen blend that allows for a bit of wrinkle but doesn’t collapse. A classic bag with a bit of an edge- that gold chain! (I don’t know that I am for the bag charm trend but this bag is perfect for one- and who knows! I have an older Dino keychain/charm that I could be persuaded to take with me all the places!). Snake skin sandals that act as a neutral? Love it!

So. How are you amusing yourself at the beginning of yet another week? And how are you communicating that in your outfit? I highly recommend a graphic tee and classic pairings. Who knows? Maybe someone will even pass you a glass to celebrate getting through the day!

Exact details linked below. Attitude comes separate! (and I hope this Monday is as good as it gets!) 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 all details, including my jewelry here

a woman in black Bermuda shorts with a graphic tee that says Wait..the Champagne, a black coach bag and snake skin sandals