Throwing on a shirt and shorts is a summer staple. My favorite is when that ritual is elevated and shirts like this Vintage number help! I love the star detail-the buttons, the straps, the way it’s simple and classic all at the same time. It would go equally as great with a skirt or white pants, yet it was perfect with cutoffs. The shoes are quickly becoming a go-to, the peep toe makes them summer perfect and the color is, believe it or not, neutral enough to go with everything! What are some of your summer go-tos?
Scary and overwhelming: that’s what most of us think of when we think of pattern mixing. And loves, it can be. But like all good scary and overwhelming things, it can be incredibly rewarding. Some of the process is trial and error, and comes down to taste, but when I’m mixing there are a few guidelines I follow, and I hope that they help you!
Play with Sizes
Great combos often come from mixing patterns of the same shape- little and big polka dots for example. However, some of the biggest payoffs come when you mix different patterns- the trick is just to keep one pattern big and one small.
Play with patterns in the same color
Love navy, stripes, and flowers? Play with that combo- it would go great together!
Chose colors that compliment each other
I love a great pop of color- red shoes for example! And when mixing our patterns it’s aok to play with color, just make sure they compliment each other. Black/Red. Blue/Yellow. Green/Pink. All classic combos- but I loved this combo of blue and white check and cream and black. They don’t match- but the colors compliment!
Have fun!
Most importantly- have fun! I am really a fan of trial and error in this process. The guidelines are great- but if there’s something you want to try go for it. Mix and match. Try it on- worse case? You have to change. Best case? It works! It seems like a win/win to me!
I’d love to know- do you mix patterns? What do you stick to?
While pursuing some online shopping recently I saw this image on FreePeople and was obsessed! I’m a fan of the neck scarf (as evidenced here ) and thought, “what a fresh way to think about it”. So I’ve begun tying a scarf around my ankle!
And I love it! I think it’s great with jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses. It’s a pop of color, a little something, and an easy elevation to an outfit.
I’d love to know- are you willing to try this trend?
XO RA
I love pieces that are multi-seasonal–and this black jacket from Zara is a perfect example. I’ve pinned it and worn it over shorts, making it great for summer. I’ve also put it over jeans. It’s great open, it’s great closed. And while it’s light weight (and sheer on bottom), it’s great for fall (I’m picturing it over pants and even layering a sweater over it). And these shoes–I’m a fan of all things red!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Zara
Shorts: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Gucci
I’m still obsessed with this season’s off the shoulder silhouette, but love this fresh take on it with split bell sleeves. It looks amazing with these perfectly torn Levis, but looked just as great tucked into black pants with heels. And speaking of these jeans- Levis married the perfect combination of their vintage fit and modern fit (read great butt with a hint of stretch) and the rips in the knees are just right!
Hope your Friday is going swimmingly!
Happy Weekend! XO RA
I keep having to tell myself that I don’t have to have all the bomber jackets. But I just couldn’t resist this Zara one! It feels so luxurious-from the silk to the design, and goes with everything from shorts to skirts. I’m also obsessed with these tulle socks, I have a thing for socks and heels, these elevate that! The jacket is light enough for cool summer mornings, but I know I will be wearing it through fall–so see, I had to have it!
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Zara
Skirt: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: LK Bennett, old, similar here
Socks:Pan&theDream Make sure to check out their other socks too!
This skirt loves. It is just simply breath taking- the colors, the sequins, the length. I wore it dressed up, but am planning to throw on sandals and a t-shirt with it and let it make a statement. These pictures were taken one night after dinner, moments before a storm, but even with the coming rain I couldn’t resist the temptation to get this skirt under the lights! As the saying goes, fashion is worth the risk!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Skirt: Jcrew, sold out online, call 18005620258
Top: Alice&Olivia, old, similar here
Shoes: Nina Ricci, old, similar here
There is something about a classic shirt dress–especially when it comes with details like a french cuff, is made of hammered silk, and its tag reads Lanvin. This is one of my finds at the Kit Vintage–and while it’s not a true “party dress”, it’s quickly become a staple in my wardrobe, and has made a party appearance. With flats it’s great for running errands and day wear. With heels it’s great for dinner and parties. I’ve worn it with and without the belt. In fact, I haven’t found a way that I haven’t loved it. And these shoes!!
We all know that I love me a good cheeky shirt (or pant, or jacket, or shoe)! So is it really any surprise that I completely fell for this knit Zara shirt that says Hello (as you’re walking away)? Nope. I love the vintage feel of it, the loose knit, the perfect pairing with a scarf and vintage shoes! I spent part of my weekend in the South–the dreamy quality you see here is the humidity-honestly. Yet, the top was light enough that I didn’t want to die (although my glasses did fog up more than one morning!).
I hope it is less humid and just as cheeky where you are!
XO RA
Details:
Top: Zara
Jeans: Madewell
Vintage Gucci Loafers
Vintage scarf
No matter what doctrine you follow, we can officially wear white!! And if you’ve been like me, “unofficially” wearing it, it’s a double win. Over the years I have loved my fair share of white pants, skirts, shoes, and bags. However, this year I have a new love: white shoes! I always strayed away from them–unsure of what to wear with them, afraid that maybe they were too much. This year though, I faced my fears (which were largely unfounded) and realized that I had been missing out! What can you wear them with? Everything! Jeans, skirts, shorts, pants–I love them with denim, it’s almost a color pop with black, they feel fresh with it all. Too much? I may not believe in such a thing, but no–any well put together outfit can handle a pop of anything! So I would love to know–are you a white shoe lover? What do you pair them with?
XO RA
Details:
From top-bottom
Jacquemus, sold out
Vintage YSL
Vintage Gucci Zara
