Category: outfits

Baby, it’s GLAM outside…

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

I am one of those people who always longs and wishes for cold weather. (I also idolize snow- though the one time I ever have seen a ton of it we lost power for days- I am convinced snow can be beautiful and you can stay warm. And I still wish for it each year!) Sweaters and coats and scarves and all the like- I love them, and dream about how to layer them. Chic winter looks? Forever on my Inspo boards. In my heart, I want to believe that winter chic, cold weather GLAM, whatever you want to call it, is something that I can pull off.

Then. The temps drop. (Fun fact, by the time you read this it will be 29 degrees here!). And when it gets really cold- all my dreams of winter chic, cold weather glam get thrown out of the window. I find myself in sweats- sometimes layers of sweats!- and all I care about is being warm. This is never something I am proud of — but it happens like clockwork every year.

This year? I know the cold is coming. (Cut to me mentally prepared to be freezing). Yet- this year I am determined to live out my cold weather GLAM fantasies. Yes, it will be cold- but BABY it is going to be GLAM outside.

I am starting with layering cashmere and faux fur. Pairing socks (cashmere again) with heels. Staying warm while staying chic? It is in my forecast.

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

Let’s take a minute for details- because one of my thoughts is that if I HAVE to get in sweats, I can keep up the glam with accessories. Such as heels (I do love them with socks! I am also not above wearing tights or long socks under anything!), jewelry (anything that sparkles), and of course chic jackets (yes, the faux fur counts as both my GLAM and as a back up. It would look chic over sweats too!

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules
a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

There are many ways to layer for Baby it’s GLAM outside cold- from tights under your pants to double sweaters to jackets on jackets or a wrap over it all. I am trying to imagine a world where I can stay warm- but look chic. If I believe in snow that much, I figure this has to be possible! For a starter outfit- this one was so fun! And easy- the jeans are so comfy (linking the exact ones- no stretch so size up but the cuff is so chic!), and the layers didn’t feel overwhelming– and I did stay warm!

Here’s hoping my Baby, it’s GLAM outside crusade lasts through the low temps.

What do you wear when it’s cold outside? How do you deal with wanting to look your best and staying warm?

I would love to hear all about 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!

Link to bling: here

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

Knit Dreams

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural
a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural
a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural
a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

When we think of sweaters and knits, I know that they can come across as bulky and a bit boring. And this is from someone who always thinks that she will LOVE sweater weather. And cold weather. And all the kinds of weather where we can layer and bulk and all the winter things. Then I remember that I have spent most of my life in places where winter is under 60 and snow (if there is ever any -though I always wish for it- melts in a day). When it turns cold, or even a bit chilly, perhaps it’s not that our fashion gets limited, perhaps it’s just that I am late to the game at dressing for cold weather. Or knits.

But. I am learning!

Take the above knit dress. Not boring. A statement (that pink color! The shape! The pockets!). Knit boring? Not on my watch. Just a bit of knit. A lot of dreaming about chic dressing. And some realizing the two aren’t so separate.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural
a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural
a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

I was drawn to this knit dress for a few reasons ( and yes, the color and shape and the pockets!), but there are so many ways to style this. You could layer- a turtleneck or shirt underneath. Or a shirt or turtleneck or blazer over. I love it with heels. But it would be oh so chic with boots. Or tights. Flats. Oh so many, many options.

Perhaps that is what knit (weather, dreams) is about- there are options with sweaters and knits and layers and tights and the like. Yes, hot weather is full of chic looks. And winter clothes can be bulking- and maybe even some of them are boring and basic. Yet. You can layer and opt for knit dreams that leave you both cozy but oh so chic.

This is usually where I let you know that the shopping options are affiliate links- and while I do always appreciate the support (and you can always shop with me via links in bio), but these options? Not affiliate. Just a knit dress I couldn’t live without (again. Have you seen the color and the shape and the pockets?) and a brooch that just I knew that I had to have!

This dress is currently sold out (but may come back!), but the brand is Hanifa. This is my third piece from the brand and I can’t tell you how I love them.

This brooch is from GardenWinks on etsy and while this broth may be sold out, there are so many options that are similar and again- oh so chic.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

What are your knit dreams like? Cozy? Chic? Both? I would love to know- and if you have any real winter dressing tips I am forever all ears!

XO RA

Statements

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots
a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots
a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots
a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

There is a generally believed fashion “statement” that your outfit really only needs one statement piece. You can have the one- plan your outfit around it. The thought being that perhaps more than one statement would be messy. Or loud. Too much. (Note: these things are not always bad). And while I don’t disagree that this is a good rule of thumb, I also believe that rules are made to be broken.

As a surprise to no one, I love juxtaposition and a bit of rule breaking.

The thing is- I do believe that two statements can compliment each other. See above?!? This blazer with the (attached) floral appliqué is a statement unto itself. It could command and stun outfits from jeans to skirts to shorts (like here). Likewise, red boots? Was there ever such a statement? These boots were made to pop with anything you pair them with (though we know I also love to use “pops” as casual pieces). Either of these pieces could be their own statement, could be the center of an outfit.

And yet? I love them together. They balance, play off of, and make winter shorts (pair with tights or hose!) a fun thing!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots
a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots
a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

So. How do you pair two statements together to make a coherent and not “too much” outfit? There is some trial and error (never be afraid to play- worse case you can change!), but here are my general guidelines for mixing statements:

-Keep most of the outfit monochrome. For example, while this blazer is a statement it is the same color as most of the outfit from shorts to tights to sunglasses. While the blazer will always be a statement, keeping it the same color allows for a bit of a blend!

-Keep the outfit “classic” and let details be the statement. Blazer and boots? Simple and classic. The statements here are the color of the boots (that are allowed to pop as the rest of the outfit is the same color) and the floral appliqué.

-Keep in mind that proportions, accessories and more can be the statement. A great brooch and a belt? Statements. Shoes and a statement scarf? Statement. The great thing about combining statements is that you can start by combining pieces you feel comfortable with- and then venture out into pieces that may be a step for you!

Any outfit that you may feel cautious about (from shorts to statements to everything in between) I suggest playing with- get dressed, sit at home, take some pictures, run to the grocery store in. That way you can adjust. HUGE swings (In my opinion) shouldn’t be taken on days where you can’t change if needed!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

And speaking of statements: I have found these exact ones for you
(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!)

This exact blazer can be found here
And these boots can be found here.

I would love to know- what are your favorite statement clothing pieces and how do you/have you ever combined them? XO RA

a woman in black shorts, black hose, red boots, and a black blazer with a floral appliqué

Looking Up

a grey plisse pleated dress and pink gucci mules in a window
a grey plisse pleated dress and pink gucci mules in a window
a grey plisse pleated dress and pink gucci mules in a window
a grey plisse pleated dress and pink gucci mules in a window

If you are following along (and I hope you are. If nothing else the drama of this house damage and repair at least provides you with some sort of entertainment!)- we moved into a hotel this week- cats and all- so that the house could be demo-ed after a leak and subsequent mold and finding of asbestos. To say it’s been a lot- may be an understatement. Getting the cats to move was both better and worse than I expected. Packing and estimating and underestimating what we would need in a hotel for a week has been both better and worse than I thought. And my mental and emotional abilities- to make choices, to get dressed, to leave the cats alone in a hotel room has been both better and worse than I expected.

I was a bit realistic. I packed a lot of workout gear and lounge options- knowing that would most likely be what I turned to. And even though it was in room, my workout today was actually VERY good. But. I will be honest- I packed a lot of fashion- from outfits to statements to more- that I thought I would be able to wear by now. It’s not as if there is anything wrong. Just between the house (and going back and forth for locks and packages and etc) and the weight of getting cats in a hotel room and being in a hotel room, and feeling the weight of the time of year– I am getting excited about outfits, but haven’t been able to get dressed yet. Some seasons are like that.

Yet. I have so many amazing things to share with you. So many outfits I am excited to wear. And just having those feelings? And looking at this light? Things are looking up. Perhaps it’s a sign that things will be ok- the outfits and the house and the season will fall together. Goal for today (yes, I write a day in advance!) is to actually get dressed. Leave the room. Look up and get inspired. And did I mention get dressed?

This season, or maybe year, hasn’t been mine. I have made my peace with that. I’ve also chosen not to force- because from outfits on nothing forced is great. But. Even in the chaos of all this (waves hands in the direction of being in a hotel, having the house demo-ed during the holidays, realizing work won’t start till the new year, and the trauma for both the cats and I for moving them!) I am looking up and forward to the next chapter. And some FANTASTIC outfits (if I do say so myself!)

Here is to looking up? Moving forward? Getting on with it!
XO RA

This exact dress can be found here
(you know the drill-this is an affiliate link and while that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)

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