outfits – Page 60 – Investment Piece

How to Stay Star Struck

I write about a lot of stars.
I wear a lot of stars.
When I was born, my birth announcement was a star.

Maybe there’s just something about stars that attract. The question? What do you do after that? How do you stay Star Struck? (Cause Stars can be hard to hold on to)

My take: combine stars with a classic piece (i.e. A blazer).
Wear stars like a neutral.
Let the stars be the focus.

Let the stars be simple and complex at the same time. And when people ask if you’re a star, just smile.

This method isn’t always fool proof, but I can promise that with practice, it will let you stay star struck. And that’s just you, think of the people around you!

Need more star inspiration? Try How to Star Gaze, Seeing Stars, #Star, #seeingstars, Shooting Stars, and one of my star favorites Star Power. (That’s not all, just put the word star into that lovely search bar on your left. It seems I have no problem staying star struck).

The moral? Maybe we should all stay a bit star struck, wear stars like a neutral, and shine a little bright. (Corny? Maybe, I can’t help it, the theme is stars!)

This blazer is from my love AAVintedge (and more specifically, my other “mom” there, Lori. I just love it. Lucky for you? I’ve linked my favorite star pieces (as well as jeans, and similar shoes and bags) for you below. Wanna be star struck together?

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links, and while that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: How to Stay Star Struck — How to Stay Star Struck

#LeatherTrench

Investment Piece: #leathertrench

What would you be if you weren’t doing what you are? Me? An art restorer. Or, more scandalous, an art thief. Why? A few years ago, I began reading about the value of art, the stealing of art, the up keep of art, how Hilter coveted art, and forgeries. I can’t get enough of the topic, both fiction, nonfiction, books, and movies. (Tell me “Thomas Crown Affair” is not a great movie. I can also recommended the author David Silva and his series of art restorer and spy.)

So, think what you will of the show, when The Catch was on ABC, I loved it. An investigator, an art heist, con men–I was in! (And another note- Mireille Enos is a treasure and art, herself). About this time, you may be asking, what on earth does this have to do with a leather trench?

Let’s chat about it.

Investment Piece: #leathertrench

On the show, The Catch the lead character wore a leather trench all the time. I became obsessed with finding one. I love that it’s slightly edgy, classic, and able to pass for a dress (while also looking great over jeans). Being me, I looked high and low for one. (Good places to start: your local vintage store and Etsy.) Me? I lucked into one at one of my favorite places Bloomers and Frocks (you can read about them here.)

I love the classic color, I love the belt, I love that this is complete on its own. Simply add heels (yes,this would also look great with flats) and you’re good to go. Do I look like someone who would catch a thief? Or steal a painting? That’s the look I was going for!

Investment Piece: #leathertrench
Investment Piece: Leather Trench

Leather trenches can be bought vintage or new. They’re a staple that manages not to feel stale. And there are so many ways you could wear them-alone or paired with other great pieces. I associate them with spies and art work (some of my favorite things). What do leather trenches make you think of?

I’ve linked similar pieces below!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links, and I may earn commission off of them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Leather Trench — #leathertrench

Rock Flats

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

Loves, let’s get something out of the way. I put together this look. I love this look. This look makes me think of a toy solider. Why? Too many kids books? The buttons on the vintage dress? That these boots are white?

I’m not exactly sure. And I’m not sure what dressing like a toy solider says about me. But we had to get that out of the way before we chatted anything else–this is great vintage dress, and these flat, knee high, Chanel boots are just stunning–but still, if I didn’t say toy solider, I’d be thinking it. And what if you were thinking it?

See, we had to get it out of the way. Maybe this is a toy solider look, buy my goodness, the pieces are simple and fantastic and made me believe in rocking flats. So, let’s chat about that, shall we?

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

Another confession? If you tell me you have these great boots, I’m just going to assume that they have heels. In fact, tell me about shoes and I will assume that they have heels. Prejudice? Maybe. I’m just a heels woman. And I have the high arches that make them comfortable. I just assume we all walk in heels.

Here’s where my prejudice fails me. Flats can be amazing, can be a statement, can be a wow factor. You can Rock flats and they can change your life.

Why it too so long for me to learn this? Who knows!! But I’m on board now, and there’s no going back.

So, rocking flats. How to rock flats? Should you Rock Flats?

Loves, yes.

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

I wasn’t attracted to these boots because they were flats; I was attracted to them because they are simply amazing. The color. The detail. The over the knee aspect. That they’re flats? Just a part of the fabulousness that they are. These Chanel boots (bought resale at Vestiaire Collective) are just everything that I didn’t know that I needed, so even with my flare for heels, I went for flats.

This vintage dress? Simple, elegant, doesn’t need much. It’s the perfect dress to wear with just about anything. So, amazing, white, supple, over the knee boots? The answer was in itself super easy. Wear them, love them.

Actually, loves, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: how to rock flats? The same way you do heels. Find a pair you love (for whatever reason). Wear them with an outfit you love (for whatever reason). That’s the secret, you just Rock flats.

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

I’d love to know: How do you Rock flats?

I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure below! Happy Friday!

XO RA

Note: this post contains some affiliate links. While they do not affect price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

American Girl

Investment Piece: American Girl

She was an American Girl. Raised on Promises. She Couldn’t help thinking that there was a little more life, somewhere else. After all it was a great, big world. With lots of places to run to. And if she had to die tryin, she has one little promise she was gonna keep.

Oh yeah. All right. Take it easy, baby. Make it last all night.
She was an American Girl.

Tom Petty was one of my favorite musicians, and this song is one of my anthems. Cause I am an American Girl, raised on promises. I used to play this song when I taught spin (what they don’t tell you about being a creative is that you have a career and a million jobs), and to this day, every time I hear it on the radio I can’t help but turn it up and sing along. (Related: if you were never lucky enough to see Tom Petty in concert, I highly recommend this video of his last song, the full concert is also available online).

But loves, this American Girl doesn’t sing (I’m a humanitarian). So what does being an American Girl mean for fashion?

Investment Piece: American Girl

There is no standard look for an American Girl. She doesn’t have to do or say or wear one particular thing. Isn’t that what we’ve fought for? That an American Girl can be whatever it is that she wants to be. And that extends to fashion. Like something? Wear it! Love who you are? Express it with your outfit choices. Want to be something different every day? There’s nothing more American Girl than that.

My only rules:
– Leopard is a neutral
-Concert Tees go with anything
-Great Heels take you places

You could take the pieces of this outfit, combine them in a thousand different ways and make the outfit as casual or as formal as you wanted. You could rock a look just like this, and be a little rock and roll. Anything you choose is perfect for the American Girl that you are that day. How’s that for magic?

Investment Piece: American Girl

I’d love to know: how you do define being an American Girl (or Woman, as we should have been using)? What do you think makes one? And what does an American Girl wear?

I’ve linked similar items (and these exact pants, which are now on sale!) below.

Take it easy, baby. Make it last all night. She was, an American Girl
XO RA

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links, and while they do not affect the price for you, I may make commission off of them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: American Girl

Nights in LA

Investment Piece: Nights in LA

Nights in LA can be just as magical as the mornings. There is always something going on: from premiere to event to just a great burger. You might have to watch yourself on a LA night, there’s the tempation to think you might be left out, that maybe you’re not at the right event or venue, but I really don’t buy that. My experience has been that any night, any place can be amazing, if you’re with the right people. And lucky for us all, I’ve been known to bring my own drama (the sleeves on this dress!); and I’ve found that if you’re looking for magic LA nights will give it to you. Look at that light!

We can talk about any event, but let’s talk about this dress. It’s all statement: the low back, the sleeves, the length. Part witchy, part goddess, all magic; just the way I like it! And the great thing, this dress is deceptive. It’s the softest jersey, so while it can turn heads, it’s a throw on and go type of dress. I promise. What I love about statement dresses (or statement anything) is that they don’t need a lot of help. Wear your hair natural. You can throw on flip flops if you need to, I did. You don’t have to try too hard, the dress does it for you. This dress is a Norma Kamali, I love that her style is drama with out the fuss. Her jersey is some of the softest that I have ever worn, the cut is always great, and there’s always an “it” factor: sleeves, a deep back, or both! (You’ve also seen some of her swimwear here)

This night in LA was indeed magical, but there was no special event. My photographer, Katy Shayne, and I simply were craving a great burger, and may be a martini or two. The light was perfect, and I was in the mood to wear this dress. And I was able to talk Katy into shooting me. That simple. Nights in LA are magic, but the best kind of magic is the kind you bring yourself: a great dress, a great friend, a great meal, a great laugh. Premieres can be fun. Events make me happy. But there are a ton of LA nights that have left me breathless, and all that was needed was a great dress!

I’d love to know: what’s your brand of magic, or statement dress for Nights in LA (or anywhere)?

Shop my picks below:

Investment Piece: Ngihts in LA

How to Dress Up Leather

Investment Piece, fashion, vintage dresses, leather sleeves, Chloe, Elaine Kim, high fashion, CA , TX

Leather can mean a lot of things: a staple, a jacket, the pants you should have, and even a fetish. We think of leather as being tough, hard, and not red carpet ready. The reality? Leather can be anything you want it to be: staple, a jacket, pants, dress, and even dressed up. How? Let’s chat about it.
Continue reading How to Dress Up Leather

From the Archives

Investment Piece: From the Archives

Sometimes I shoot things and forget to share them. Not because I mean to, but because I get so wrapped up in sorts of things. This stunning Victor Costa dress is one of those things. I shot it, about a year ago, on my way on the door to a party. Its simple elegance, and the fact that it makes a statement while being super comfy, makes it a staple in my party rotation. The shoot was impromptu, and I always meant to re-shoot. I came across these photos while planning my January calendar, and realized that you deserve to see them (even as I think that they could be more “perfect”). So from the archives from me to you: here they are!

Investment Piece: From the Archives

And from the archives: let’s chat 1970s fashion. Of all the eras, the 70s get a bad rep. With the extreme bell bottoms and crazy patterns and colors, I get that, there are some things that should stay in the archives. However, some of the 70s fashion is amazing. Some flares are meant to be worn with tees, platforms, maxi dresses, and some patterns are vital parts of any modern closet (thank you, 1970s!). Yes, when the 70s were bad, they were bad; but when they were good, they were good. The same is true for polyester. The trick? Keeping the good, and letting the bad stay in the archives.

Victor Costa? He’s fantastic and should be brought out of the archives at any given opportunity. Victor loved to dress women in “special” dresses, was known for making affordable verisions of designer clothes (yes, knockoffs), and his designs were classic and on trend at the same time. I love the collar on this dress, that neckline, and the length. It falls just amazing, and is always a hit at every party I wear it to. I get it, this is the part where I’m supposed to tell you this dress could be made casual, and yes, you could throw on some adidas with it. However, when we pull amazing things from the archives, why can’t we let them be what they are?

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Spring Cleaning, high fashion, CA, TX

Not bad for being from the archives, right? It’s funny, every time I think about reshooting a look, and I mean a full look, not pieces of it, I always tell myself it’s because the look could be better. The pictures could be better. I could tell you abou the story better. What I’m learning is that fashion doesn’t have to be perfect to have an impact; and while I don’t know that I will ever be able to put aside my perfectionist tendencies completely, being a little imperfect isn’t always bad. Thank you for letting me share my archives with you!

I’ve picked some of my favorite 1970s inspired styles below, and if you ever come across a Victor Costa, I recommend you take it!

XO RA

Note: This site does contain affiliate links, and while that doesn’t affect price for you, I may recieve commission from them! Thanks for shopping!

Holiday Gown

Investment Piece: Holiday Gown

How to Holiday: Get yourself a holiday gown. Does this gown have to be in holiday colors? No. Do holiday gowns have to be worn only during the holiday season? I don’t think so. Tis the season, and while that does bring with it the holiday reds and greens and sparkle; I say you can be daring. Get a holiday gown that not only makes you feel like a holiday princess, but that works all year.
Continue reading Holiday Gown

Black and White with a Pop

Black and White with a Pop
Investment Piece: Black and White with a pop

Black and White: it’s so classic. This dress? I love the lines, the Velvet, the silk. The sleeves add a bit of fun, and the whole combination is a show stopper. It’s perfect for the holiday season as there is enough of a sparkle, but also perfect for any Tuesday.Not to mention, it’s amazingly comfy–this is actually a 1930s dressing gown! Continue reading Black and White with a Pop

Grey Skies

How to beat grey skies

How to Beat Grey Skies?

Throw on a grey dress and spice it up. I know, it’s the holiday season and we’re supposed to be focused on reds, greens, and blues. The boots are red. And, hear me out, grey looks can be festive. Take this vintage dress (from one of my faves Bloomers and Frocks) that feels modern. Grey isn’t gloomy or bland, it’s the back drop for red (those boots!) and edge (that jacket!), yet a statement on its own.

How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey skies?

Watch the details. The pleats in this skirt are perfect for business, yet scream fun. Red boots? Sassy, great with skirts/dresses/jeans, and they add a bit of cheer. I also love how high these boots go, don’t let it scare you, let them inspire you (and maybe, occasionally, give your black boots the night off). We haven’t chatted about what makes an “investment piece” in a while, but loves, let me tell you, a great leather jacket is one. Leather jackets edge up any look while remaining classic. Wear your with everything from work dresses to jeans. Grey doesn’t have to be a background player, but with the right details, it can stand out and let details shine. How are your skies doing?

How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey Skies?

Embrace them. I love the elements of this outfit; and on their own they’re amazing. This combo is perfect for work, play, or anything in between. It will be great in January, when the parties are over and you need some cheering. (Tell me boots like these wouldn’t make you smile in the middle of any winter day.) Wear a dress like this with any shoe from sneakers to heels to more boots. Live in your leather jacket. Let red boots make any outfit pop. Grey is one of my favorite colors (see here,
here, and here) and while grey skies can often mean storms; I think using grey to turn the tables and make an amazing outfit is the way to beat almost anything.

I’ve linked similar items below. Happy shopping!

XO RA

How to beat grey skies