outfits – Page 2 – Investment Piece

Wear it Again

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Yes, I often get asked if I rewear pieces from my closet (see here, here, and here for starters). And yes- the answer is yes. While I am such a fan of party dresses (and sometimes they are a one and down situation- or at least a more narrow styling field), I am also a big believer that any investment piece (wink, wink) is a piece you can not only style in so many ways, but one you reach for over and over again- through years and seasons.

Perhaps that is a long winded way to say that you have seen these pieces before! Some of them from years ago!

Gold Jeans that feel like a party: Here. Yes, they are “new” aka within the year- but they are (exactly linked below) but from winter. Metallics and holiday parties seem to go together. Yet, gold is also for spring. Gold can be a neutral– and yet I love the blue with it!
Blue Bustier: Here. From when we were a baby blog! As you can see! I have had this top for almost 10 years (which feels insane to say!). It still feels as fresh as it did then.
Shoes: I know I have worn them- again, about 10 years ago I wore these to my birthday party when I walked from my apartment to the venue and I have never had such horrid blisters! Luckily, they have been broken in since then!

Pieces from the past-recent or distant. And yet, each of these I have reached for over and over again. Absolutely what your closet needs? A wear again (and again) piece!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

There is not a premise formula for a wear again piece. All of our lives/jobs/taste are so different. A wear again may range from perfect fitting jeans to suits to day dresses to party dresses. For me, what I look for in a wear again piece is something I can not only style in a million ways, but style immediately with more than one piece in my closet.

Other things I look for in a wear again?
-Durability (aka can I wash it on repeat)
-Statements that can also be neutrals (perhaps a personal style thing)
-Classics that feel fresh (aka jeans that happen to be gold!)

What pieces do you wear over and over again? What piece are you looking to add to your closet that you hope and or plan to reach for over and over again?

I’ve linked these exact jeans (they do crease a bit but fit TTS) and similar options for bustier and heels 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!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Dots and Dates

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Ever have a day where – even if your calendar is empty- you just have to get dressed? Know those days when you just have to get out of the house- even for a bit, even for an errand or a self date?

And then there are those times when the desperate need to get dressed and the urge to get out coincide. For me, this was one of those days (ok, not today today, but this is about that day!). My go to? A great maxi skirt with my favorite print (the polka dot!) I can’t help but feel good in them. Paired with a bit of a corset top and a belt and my new fave sandals- I have to tell you I felt fantastic. If you have to get dressed (for events or from your own feelings), there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel great. A favorite pattern. The shoes you love. Shapes that flatter you. Could you ask for more?

As for dates– do you love self dates? I do! One of my favorite things to do, when my schedule is free, is take myself to a matinee on a random weekday. But happy hours, lunches, shopping – when you can just be with yourself and enjoy your company? It’s a hard thing to get to, but oh so worth it. Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I take myself for a coffee. Or to stroll. Or just go sit somewhere and read. I love my friends and family and the people who make my life so rich- but there is occasionally something about spending some time alone that is just so needed and so sweet.

Doing a self date in an outfit that makes me happy and feel like me? Perhaps that’s where I should really say that we can’t ask for more!

What do you wear when you need to get dressed? Need to feel as if you put on something that mattered or felt like you? How do you spend your time when you need time alone or a date with yourself? I would love to hear all about both of these things!

This skirt is vintage and this top is years old- but I’ve linked similar options for you below– I wish you have the best outfit and best time along this week! 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!

And you can get these exact (and Current fave shoes) here

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Everything Dress

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

With so much of fashion being “day to night” (or perhaps that was just Cosmo when I was growing up!) or a dress that “does it all”, feeling that you should have an outfit-or dress- that does everything can feel pressing. And yet. Can anything really do it all? There is so much out there and expecting one dress to meet every need- from errands to work to brunch to cocktails to galas to big events- seems like a big ask. However, I can’t help but look for an “everything” dress everywhere.

I don’t know that we will ever find a dress that can truly go from work to errands to dinner to galas–but I may have found a dress that will take you from work to errands to cocktails/dinner (with a quick change of shoes and maybe makeup- just like Cosmo foretold!). This jersey dress is absolutely a run around dress- errands, work, etc. With heels it absolutely works for cocktails and dinner. The slight cut out can be seen as an interesting detail or a sophisticated twist. The button skirt? A Bit casual. OR a bit dressy. The options here are anything and everything!

While I am aware that I may never find a dress that does it all, I love this one. It’s everything I need right now, and can do everything I need. Can you ask for more?

I am so in love with this dress, you can shop the exact one (yes, this is an affiliate link and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support!

Yet- I couldn’t end the post here! It’s International Women’s Day and I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you how much I love being a woman. How much I believe in us. How I’m glad you’re here and how much room I think is at the table. Yes, this day could be cliche and just passing, the strongest people I know have been women. The people I have known most willing to fight for others have been women. And for so much of the time, the women doing that have done it back wards and in high heels. I think women deserve the world and I can’t wait to see us get it. Thank you for celebrating just a bit with me!

Whether you’re doing everything or nothing today I hope you have a great dress for that– and that today makes you walk a little taller! XO RA

Are Pedal Pushers a Thing We’re Doing?

a woman in black capri pedal pushers and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels

There are some trends that come and go and then some trends that truly never leave us- but have recurrences in popularity. Case in point? Pedal Pushers. Or Capris. Really- both! (Note: Usually pedal pushers are just a bit more short, usually hitting right at the knee, while capris can hit anywhere on the calf!) If you listen to my mom, and countless other women, these types of pants (the pedal pushers and the capris) have been staples for decades. And yet- if you look around pedal pushers are everywhere this season- looking brand new.

So, are pedal pushers a thing we are doing? Or a thing we’re still doing?
Very clearly, my answer is yes.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a silk scarf top and black heels

Part of why I love the pedal pusher/capri look is that it is incredibly versatile!

(And very pro tip- if this length is new to you and you’re curious so many work out leggings come in these lengths. Buy those first. Play with them- these are actually work out “leggings” that I played with while having a great pair of pedal pushers in a cart!)

From Gym:
a woman in black workout capri leggings with leopard sneakers and a white tee

To cocktails. And everything in between. My mom has been doing pedal pushers for a while. Me? For years I put this length of pant in the “workout” file. Slowly, I’ve begun easing out of just workouts (though they look great with kicks and a tee), and have begun pairing my pedal pushers with everything from causal sweaters to cocktail tops (and heels!). I love that not only can a pedal pusher go from day to night but also from a work out to whatever your day brings!

a woman in black workout capris and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels
While I love them, here are my tips for the best/chicest pedal pusher looks:
-Play Causal first. Tees. Sweaters. Though I do love a blazer with them (see here) See what you love. See what feels natural to you. And yet- because you can go from sports bra to cocktail look, try pairing all the things with your pedal pushers. Go to’s for me? Sweater Vests. Blazers. Tees. Button Downs. Silk Tops and Going Out Tops

-Shorter is better. For the capri/pedal pusher. A few years ago I would have told you that a capri closer to a legging was more comfortable to me, yet now- I’m loving a true pedal pusher (aka to my knee!) It’s chic. You can pair with anything. And makes your leg look a bit longer

-Heels may ne nest if you’re worried about the length. Even just a kitten heel will length your leg – or the appearance of your leg- which can help you feel confident! The great thing about a pedal pusher is that they are both modern and yet have a vintage feel. And that duality is so delicious- and lets you style as you love.

From the gym to drinks, pedal pushers (not new but something we are now doing) I can’t resist reaching for these over and over again! Are you going pedal pushers? How do you stay them? I would love to hear about it!

XO RA
Below I’m linking these looks as well as my current fave pedal pushers! I can wait to see how you wear them!

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 pedal pushers here

Shop cocktail look here

Shop sweater vest look here

a woman in black pedal pushers and a silk handkerchief blouse and black heels

Waiting On Spring

a woman in a white vest with a red flower brooch with denim and white chino mix pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

It feels a bit early and yet not early enough (as the the temps are a risings). AKA we are waiting on spring. And yet- I can’t stop myself from dressing for it. Spring that is. This white vest is such a versatile piece – it can be styled in oh so many ways. But speaks to the seasons to come. This floral brooch? I know florals for spring are so boring. And typical. And expected. But would they be in this shade and in this pin (which can be placed anywhere -aka could be actually groundbreaking!) Jeans (which run TTS even though they say rigid ) that have a bit of white. Ivory? We have previously chatted if we should wear white pants before the holidays here and here. And we won’t even go into wearing white (from shoes to pants, et al) before Easter. Or Memorial Day. And the divisions that lay there within. This is simply an outfit that skirts all the “no’s” and yet feels on the precipice of change.

AKA a new season. And for our purposes that means weather, earth, and of course fashion!

a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels

There are so many theories about change and choosing but one of my most faves is just to trust that your choice (no matter what that is) is the best and put all your energy into your new choice. A great way of saying to stop looking forward. A great way to say whilst waiting on spring you should dress like spring (aka see above).
Perhaps this is just a big way to say “if you build it, it will come”. And trust that goes for everything from fantastic seasons )or change that is needed) or fantastic outfits.

And for all of the above, perhaps we all just need a way to feel fanatic. And in season. And hopeful. (maybe white is a bit cliche here but when isn’t it? The floral brooch? Both a bit cliche and yet such a take on florals for spring- and who could ask for more?)

While we are waiting- or transitioning, because that’s what we’re really doing right? From seasons to various versions of ourselves? We are just dressing and hoping and waiting and working towards the best of us. And if it involves a great outfit in the meantime? Who are any of us to judge?

I’ve linked EXACT options for pants, vest, brooch for your below (and options on the shoes). What are you currently waiting on? And how are you passing the time?

XO RA

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

Shop this look here

a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

No Plans I Guess?1?

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

So: On Monday I had to think about a change of plans due to the weather: Change of Plan

And here we are again. We are tentatively stepping into spring. And yet: we have had another cold snap (as in we went from 80 degrees to 40 degrees in a day! I don’t know if we call this a snap or a weather whiplash! And if we believe my Great Grandma we have another snap before Easter!) I know that this skirt is part of a Spring collection. And there are so many stylings you can do with spring options!) So. How do we style a skirt from a spring collection for colder weather?

My take? When there are no plans for the weather (aka when it shifts like this how can you?) you plan ahead. Or shift ahead. Like pair what’s supposed to be a spring skirt with a sweater, tights and heels! No plans, for the weather, I guess? Make plans- or contingencies- for your outfits.

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

When there are no plans- for the weather or social or life- the good new is you can make your own. Sometimes this means that you get to stay in and watch whatever you like and eat whatever you like (the cocktail you love? you can have that too!) Sometimes that means you get to wear what you like! Aka the skirt you thought (and will) wear through spring – you can style it for the last (or perhaps not last) gasp of winter. In this case it means pairing a coated linen skirt (exact one linked for you below. For me it fit TTS, though the buttons were just slightly off!) with hose and a light knit sweater. When it is warm this skirt (that my mom had one similar with a matching vest in the 1960s!) will be paired with everything from a cropped button down to sandals. But now. With the weather having no plans? I’m having to make my own- which looks like this:

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

You may be thinking that any look that can go between seasons is the one for you– and you may be right (good new for no plans on the weather is that a great top and a pair of great hose may be all you need to keep on hand!). What I am thinking is that any piece that goes from season to season (and yes, you will see this skirt styled again in warmer weather) is one to invest in. To tell stories with. A kind of piece I build my wardrobe around.

So. What are you styling with no (weather) plans? How do you take a piece from season to season to anything in between? This skirt is the top of my Spring looks- and yet I love with the weather throwing yet another curve ball this skirt could go with a no plans plan. What could you style in the same way? I would love to hear any and everything about it!

XO RA

Note: This exact skirt and similar options are linked below. While this post does have affiliate links that does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support.

a woman in a red coated skirt with a grey turtleneck, grey tights and gold heels

Change of Plans

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

There are outfits that I plan out, outfits that I throw on– and outfits that change due to a change in plans. Yes, sometimes that change in plans is an actual change in plans- ie dinner plans fell through and I stay home, we change restaurants or forgo a movie, etc. But, sometimes the change of plans is due to the weather. As in- this adorable, polka dot (my fave pattern!) top- with its turtleneck and sleeve buttons, and side slits- was meant to go with jeans. Or pants. Boots or tights for sure. As truly, this was meant to be a staple of my late winter wardrobe. I got it for Christmas (go Dad!) and was dreaming of all the ways I could (cold weather) wear it).

Then.

It got hot. Yes, in February, yes, in the 80s. Yes, it meant changing all my outfit plans. But. The great thing about great pieces? They can change with you (I get this is to an extent. But it extends here so let’s go with it and change the plans!)

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

What to do when plans change- or in this case, temps rise? Replan. Or redo your outfit. In case, this meant instead of pairing this fantastic, dotted top with jeans or pants or boots- I paired it with shorts. And my new favorite sandals. Half tucked- for style and to show off the slits. The shorts are just long enough (though be warned- short shorts are still IN ) to play for “winter” (even when it’s 80 in winter). The pop of color in the shoes brightens up the look –because if I haven’t mentioned it, it is getting warmer! Yet- for this being not what I had planned, not in the temps I thought- I love this!

I love the tuck, the shorts, the shoes (truly, my new faves!). Any piece that lets you change plans in it- or redo outfits- or change seasons- is a keeper in my book. Really? I bet that there are pieces in your closet that you’ve regulated to a certain season or a certain outfit– what would really happen if you changed the plan?

The plans changed so much that this shirt is no longer in stores, but I’ve linked similar tops– and these exact shoes and similar shorts! I was thrilled with my change of plans outfit–and hope you love any change of plan outfit that you may need in the coming weeks!
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 new favorite sandals here

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

Almost Missed This..

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

I fell in love with these wool blend split waist (yep- that hint of grey isn’t a mistake! The waist on these pants has a high and a low portion– and I just love it!) and have had them for a while. Every time I reached for them, I stopped myself– not because I didn’t want to wear them but because I worried that I didn’t have the “perfect” top to go with them. I wanted to highlight this special and cool waist band! Shirts I looked at: sheer, corset, rouched, seamed, cropped–I felt like it had to be the perfect, most perfect thing to wear.

**Sidenote: perhaps my deep need to have things be perfect explains why I’m so drawn to party dresses! Just something I’m thinking about!

Back to these pants!

Searching for “perfect” kept me from wearing and styling these pants. That I love! Then, this week (while, yes, it’s still February) the weather turned. Hot. It was in the 80s yesterday! And as stylish as these pants are– they are wool and something tells me sweating in them in the extreme heat will not be stylish. My time was now or never- so I grabbed a tank (sweater tank to be exact) and styled them. And you know what? It’s perfect. I love the ribbing matching the stripe on the sides. I love that it’s a bit winter and a bit spring.

And to think: I almost missed this. (I also thought about the double entendre that it was possible to “almost miss” the waistband!)

What are we missing out on by holding onto a way “things should be”? Or what are we missing by waiting for perfect? I don’t know– but I know we probably don’t want to miss them. Advice on how to stop letting perfectionism get in our way is not something I should be giving–I am still working on it myself. But. I know that I almost missed this great outfit (and almost missed sharing it with you!) because I was trying to make it perfect- instead of trusting that it would be. That’s not how I want to live my life. And I also want to wear these pants!

So- what if we just go for all those things? I’m in if you are!

(In the spirit of just that I’ve linked shopping options 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!

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

This is a Nightgown

a woman in a pleated red nightgown with a tie at the waist and a bit of a cape in gold wedges

This is a nightgown. Which may be surprising as it looks incredibly like a dress- like one of those cape dresses that are perfect for everything from weddings to dinners out. This is also a vintage nightgown (which is amazing as there is no way that I could do this before coffee). What may be the most amazing thing about this dress is that it combines some of my most favorite things:
PJ/Nightgown Dressing!
See here, here, here, and here
Capes!
See here, here, here and here.

In fact, this combination of nightgown and cape may be everything I always knew that I wanted. It’s chic. It has a cape! And for lounging, it elevates everything from the couch on! (note: for these pictures I played into the nightgown angle- this is how I wear my hair to sleep, and I’m not wearing makeup. Though I assure you, I had plenty of coffee!) The bonus is that this looks (and can easily be styled) like the formal dress it can appear to be. Add heels and makeup, jewelry- you could even switch out the belt. It’s the best of all worlds!

a woman in a red, pleated nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges — Caffeinated. But I did. Kinda. Wake up like this!

I will be the first to admit that I have a bit of a fascination with vintage peignoir dressing. Fascinated by how elegant and charming it is– and again, that they dressed this way before coffee. It’s simply fascinating to me that all these “night” clothes could be modern dresses. (Note: This dress does look more like a nightgown without the belt, yet another styling option!) While I leaned more into the “nightgown” part here-or perhaps more coffee in the garden–the next time I wear it (if it’s not on the couch) will most like be dressed up. It feels like a it could even be a designer dress of recent seasons. I love that a nightgown can give you so many options.

What are you feelings on all these vintage nightgowns that can be worn as modern dresses? And capes? I’ve linked you both vintage looks and modern dresses for your own take below! XO RA

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

a woman in a red nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges

Happy Valentine’s Day!

a woman in a low cut velvet dress and lace hose

I have a reputation for not liking Valentine’s Day- most likely as I keep saying that. And loves, I actually LOVE love. Sappy love, over the top love, displays of love. I love gifts and even the cards we used to give out to everyone in our elementary school classes. What I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is that there are times and conversations where it feels forced- as if it’s all for show and not for love. I think of Valentine’s Day as I do New Years Eve — fantastic but nothing I want to go out for (those reasons are numerous). My ideal Valentines? A stunning outfit (I went with a low cut vintage Calvin Klein here paired with lace hose), my loved ones (cats count!), perhaps some bubbles (or treats to your liking– that includes shoes or new clothes!) and a good time (there are so many options from a great bath to food to movies and more for this!). It’s not that I don’t celebrate- it’s just that I want my celebrations to be more personal!

However you celebrate, no matter what you think of the holiday I hope that today is a day where you’re surrounded by love- from pets to friends to lovers. I am so grateful for you and am glad you’re here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Note: I did link similar items to this outfit as a I couldn’t resist sharing my love of fashion with 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 low cut velvet dress and lace tights with her cat