shoes – Investment Piece

Tis the Damn Season

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Yes. Tis the damn season. And while I know that often means holidays or festivals, etc, etc — the season I am referring to is “Iconic Princess Diana Outfit Season”. Usually this refers to bike shorts (check!) and a sweatshirt. Here, I trade the sweatshirt for an iconic denim jacket. And trainers for the MOST STUNNING shoes. (Because even the most iconic outfit deserves -I won’t call this an update- I will call it a twist!) But no matter what you call the outfit- it is the season for it. As in, it’s fall but not quite. It’s not summer, but is still a little. The mullet of seasons? Sounds awful. Transitional? A fashionable way to put it, and a better way to plan your outfits.

As we all wear the outfit of the season (a la bike shorts and) I find the most interesting takes on it are the details:
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
like pockets..

And belts. It’s an all in one with a safari jacket (and I am loving this one in denim that feels a bit upscale!)

Embellished heels- though I love the curved kitten heel on these! In the iconic Diana outfit she wears high top Reeboks(a must have from my childhood and a part of me still yearns after them!), so I feel as if this elevated take on a basic mule adds to the outfit of the season.

From gym. To errands. To just a Tuesday. This outfit formula (again, the outfit of the season according to Princess Di, and it’s the one time I won’t argue with royalty) is not only the outfit of the season (and yes, it is absolutely the sweet weather spot to wear it in all varieties – tis the damn season), but oh-so-adaptable. You can make this outfit in so many ways your own. Take the base of bike shorts and add:
-your choice of long sleeve top
-your choice of stylish shoe

Tis the damn season? Tis the damn outfit. In oh so many ways!

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Are you a fan of this iconic Princess Diana outfit (Ala bike shorts and)? How have you made this formula your own? How are you inspired by a simple formula that lets you play with so much?

I am linking this exact jacket (on sale!) and these shoes (not on sale but worth it!) below. I am linking bike shorts but as they are oh so versatile I think any and all are a must! If you have a great take on this outfit I would love to hear about it!
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 bike shorts and a safari jacket and embellished shoes — my take on an iconic outfit

Leopard Shirt Dress

a woman in a leopard shirt dress with a pleated waist leans against a vintage car

There are outfits that we (or maybe just me?) say can be dressed every which way. Usually, we (or me), mean that you can dress them up or dress them down. That these outfits can be paired with any shoe, accessory, or combo. And yes- this leopard shirt dress does all of that. It’s completely versatile in how you can style it- even without big belts. In one day I managed to wear it with heels (above) and leopard kicks (below). Varying styling can absolutely change an outfit- in this case a dress- and knowing a piece goes with everything in your closet is a thrill, as it opens up so many possibilities.

And we haven’t even chatted about how leopard is a neutral and how a shirt dress (especially one with details) is a classic. (Both true statements!)

But, what most impressed me about this leopard shirt dress that I spent part of the last week living in is that this dress was able to be whatever I needed it to be- with minor work on my part. And when a dress, or an outfit, does the work for me? I can’t resist it!

a woman in a leopard shirt dress and black heels in front of a gate

a close up of a pleated waist of a leopard shirt dress
the hem of a leopard shirt dress with leopard sneakers

Leopard will forever be my go to. Classic. Edgy. Neutral. And yet feels like something. Also- goes with everything! This particular leopard shirt dress (another go to as a great shirt dress is both classic and edgy and has oh so many style possibilities!) was a draw for me because of the details. The pleating on the waist, that makes it look as if you’re sucked in. The slight batwing sleeve. What you can’t see? The stretch! The pockets! I knew that this was a dress that could be anything that I needed it to be, all while looking chic. And- I was right!

I wore this dress on a recent trip– and from walking from cafes to museums, to cocktails and upscale events, this dress was everything I needed it to be. Yes, I changed shoes- but that was about it. You could absolutely add belts, jewelry, big or small bags, so much– but the leopard shirt dress did the work for me. And I am oh so grateful for that!

a woman in a leopard shirt dress with leopard sneakers in a mirror

Leopard. Shirt. Dress. That can be anything and everything you need. Why wouldn’t you add that to a fall (or spring or everything in between) rotation?

I couldn’t resist– and if you can’t either, this exact dress is linked for you below!

Wishing us all a week that works as chicly and as hard as this leopard shirt dress! 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!

Is it a Summer Suit Still?

a woman in black Bermuda shorts, a black bra and black blazer with open toe leopard print kitten heels and a Gucci logo print clutch

It’s not like I expect Labor Day to happen and all of the sudden that a new (cooler) season would be here (but a woman can hope!). I know that it’s still *technically* summer- and if nothing else the temps would love to remind me. Aka they won’t let me forget. So, while we’re in this in-between seasons, when we’re not quite done with one, and it’s not quite cool for the next season- what do we wear? Especially when we want to start wearing all of the new(ish?) trends- like suits (suits aren’t a trend.They are definitely a classics, but back in super style again!).

Yet- what do we call suits like this- on trend but appropriate for the temps? A summer suit? I know it’s still summer- but it feels as if I shouldn’t be calling anything “summer” right now. And is it a suit if it’s shorts? Or is it a fantastic blazer with shorts? And does it matter what we call it if the outfit is both stylish and we love it?

As in- I have worn various versions of this summer suit (again, a blazer and shorts- even fancier shorts!) for everything from dates to work meetings to attempting to look super professional while not overheating. I feel as if the secrets are to match colors (all black for example), pair with a statement shoe-from leopard kitten heel to real heels, and an amazing bag. Am I partial to a clutch? Sure, but I don’t know that there’s a wrong answer here from totes to briefcases to shoulder bags to clutches.

Can we call this a summer suit? Is it a pre fall suit? Whatever it is, I think that for the next few weeks, if you can get away with it, this outfit combo is the secret to a lot of your dressing woes.

This blazer is vintage (as is the clutch) and the shorts and shoes are from seasons past, but I’ve linked similar pieces for your “summer” suiting below. Let me know how you style pieces like this in this transitional 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. Thank you for your support!

a woman in black Bermuda shorts, bra and blazer with leopard kitten heels and a Gucci clutch

Trend to Try: Are Socks With Peep Toes Something We’re Doing?

We are so sorry for the lack of post on Wednesday! The server had a downtime and we were not alerted in advance- it feels as if everything this summer is a bit off. What’s not a bit off? A trend that comes back. One of my very first posts asked the essential question: Are Socks with Peep Toes Something We’re Doing? Hint- my answer was yes. And on Fall trend lists this question -for all heels, etc- is being asked again. My answer hasn’t changed. So- let’s revisit a bit of tips and inspo- and sock shopping!! XO RA

There are times when I think of trends for us to try, that aren’t exactly trends. Socks with Peep toes? Not only was it one of my very first posts (look below, I’m so grateful you stayed with the site while we grew. We’re still growing!); I keep seeing this look everywhere!

And I get it! It’s a way to: show off a great pair of socks, hide a bad pedicure, wear heels in the winter, and make a statement.

I loved this “trend” years ago, and I still do! See:

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, Red//Pink, Gucci, Brian Atwood, Jcew, Ca, TX

Stuart Weitxman, Pan and the Dream, tulle, socks, fashion, blogger, vintage, high fashion, InvestmentPiece

What is it about socks with peep toes (or any heels) that’s such a pull? I love that it’s slightly cheeky, slightly edgy and slightly classic. It’s just the combo that seems both fashion forward and almost geeky (can we admit that fashion can be geeky?) all at the same time. A trend? Not really. Something you should try? Absolutely!

Below is my orginal post and thoughts on the matter:

Are Socks With Peep Toes Something We’re Doing?
Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Socks with Peep Toes

They are something we’re doing.Look at any magazine, any campaign right now and there they are–peep toe shoes worn with socks. Do we like it? Is this what we want? I will be honest–I was hesitant, but I LOVE these Chanel boots that look like socks:

So I thought: How bad can it be?

And here’s the answer: Surprisingly enough, not that bad.

I found it’s really comfortable. I think it looks best when the colors match– but it can be fun. So if you like it–why not? And if you can’t–I get that too.

Some style tips: feel free to ease into the trend by wearing the same color sock as shoe (it will read like a boot).
Play with sheer as they can give a hose like feel which can be a bit more comfortable as well!
Patterns, bows, all can be done as an ankle sock till you feel more comfortable.

This trend is so customizable and oh so chic- I hope that if you haven’t before that you play with it and make it your own!

I’ve updated some shopping options for you! And would love to know: would you rock this trend to try?

XO RA

Notes: This Post Does Contian Some Affilate links, while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Soon You’ll Feel Better..

I hate that it’s correct, but sometimes time is the best thing- no matter what you’re battling. As I have mentioned, recently I have been battling something. Not being 100%, not being truly ill, feeling bad in so many ways ( and a lot overtired). But. Time heals. And as they say- soon you will feel better. (Maybe the trick is giving yourself time to feel better!) However- I am here to tell you it’s possible…..within the past week I have gone from throwing a “jacket” over a night gown….

a woman in a black maxi dress with a pink bolero over and white and black clogs

To wearing my PJ top with pants and feeling better (and lighter with a hair cut!)…

a woman in a coral tank top and white pants and yellow wedges with a straw bag

To actually feeling the best I have in months. Maybe it’s the Barbie Brat theme?

a woman in black linen shorts and a button down with black and white sneakers and pink sunglasses

There’s a lot unsaid and in the air— but I am actually on the upswing and excited to get dressed and get back to me. There is a quote (I have seen it on social media recently) and (I am paraphrasing) but that “I’ve done nothing all summer but wait for myself to return to me”. That’s a bit what it’s been feeling like. But. I think I may be coming back. Is it the hair? The return of energy? I don’t know! Honestly, it’s probably a lot…..yet. I am feeling more and more like me. And getting more and more on top of things. Here’s to feeling better for us all (soon!) and the amazing stories (aka fashion) that will come from that.

And if you’re at a point where your fashion (or story) is where you are throwing something over a nightgown- solidarity!

Also- I am embracing the journey to feeling better I am linking all the outfits on this page for you below. When you need to get back to yourself what do you do? I am open for any and all stories and tips and community!
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 black maxi dress and a pink bolero and white and black clogs — Got you this exact nightgown/lounge dress!

pink and black all day

a woman in a coral tank top and white pants and yellow wedges with a straw bag — This top is part of a Midnight Bakery set and a new fave!

pjs as outerwear but make it chic

a woman in black linen shorts and a button down with black and white sneakers and pink sunglasses — I know this isn’t right- but Barbie Brat summer?

New Fave Barbie Shoes

here’s to us all feeling (even) better soon! XO

This Barbie’s Job is Shoes….

Hi my loves! I have managed to catch some sort of stomach bug and am in bed, in sweats, completely out of it. And yet? When I get up to move around the house, I can’t help but still wear amazing shoes! I am in love with these Barbie x Keds- the pink, the throwback to the original bathing suit. They are so chic and the little details (the B!) are just everything.

I will be resting up and hopefully back in more amazing things on Monday. In the meantime….this Barbie is clinging to her shoes!

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

You can be a Barbie with me here

It’s Berries for Me..

a woman in strawberry print top and skirt holding a straw and leather tote with gold mule

a woman in a strawberry print top and skirt with a straw and leather tote with gold mules

Strawberries? Have never been able to resist them. In fact, one of my very first words was “fresas” (strawberries in Spanish- another fun fact we lived in Spain from when I was 1mth-18mth and not only did I say strawberries in Spanish, I would steal them off my parent’s plates). My favorite desert? Strawberry shortcake or berries with whipped cream. It’s always and forever the berries for me.

So. Wearing berries on my outfit? Also can’t resist. This strawberry set is so so me, and so summer. It’s sweet and chic– but lends itself to so many combos. I have already paired the skirt with a sweater vest and a tee. The top? White pants, white skirt, jean shorts. (My mantra is that sets are the best as you can wear them together and oh-so-many-ways separately!) These berries are also so on trend (besides being up my alley) -aka grocery store core-aka wearing food on your clothes. Of course for me- if it’s food- it’s berries for me…

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store

The thing about loving something deeply and then wearing that something? It makes the entire outfit a bit more fun! No matter how I style this set- alone or together- wearing it is a symbol of what I love. And fun. Perhaps sometimes we (me!) can overthink the stories we are telling with our fashions (and as we know I am big believer that our fashion tells our stories) – but what if the prints we chose were a bit of whimsy? A bit of the season (or when I style these pieces for cooler temps the season we wish it were!)? What about dressing for fun? And berries?

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules

It’s high summer- heat and malaise and amazing food. I hope you’re wearing things that bring you joy. That make you smile and hopefully make others smile too. I also hope that you’re eating all the bounty of summer that makes you smile. For me? It’s the berries…

What foods are bringing you joy? And what foods are you loving to wear?

I believe this set from JCrew is sold out- but there are other options (and I am linking it JIC!)
Hope the berries you have are incredibly ripe and juicy 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!

Other options:

Brighter Days Ahead

a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms

Beloveds, I know I have been both honest (and perhaps a bit vague as this is a fashion blog) that I have been going through things recently. And all of a sudden it hit me- what helps me is fashion. Getting dressed. Yes, there is implementing change and getting a routine of healthy habits. But, for me, part of that is getting dressed. For some, I know that means just putting on clothes- and I know there are days that I will do that- but for me that means coming up with and wearing clothes and outfits that excite me and are perhaps a bit editorial.

I am aware that my schedule is a bit all over (something I am dealing with) and sometimes my outfits may come later in the day. Or days when getting dressed may be fun earrings and a fantastic red lip. But my goal this week (and the coming weeks) is to brighten my days with fashion.

If that fashion that brightens my day happens to be bright? Even more fun. Yellow, especially the neon kind, isn’t usually my go-to. However, this yellow and grey bring me joy (and it’s not the first time see here). So maybe it’s this combo of yellow and grey (though to be honest grey is one of my favorite colors) is my go -to. And on a dreary day (or in a dreary time?)? This combo does brighten my day .

What do you do when you try to brighten your day? What do you wear?

This dress is Loewe that I bought resale and I found a lucky someone the exact same dress. I also found very similar pieces! I hope that your Monday is bright and you’re wearing something that brings you joy!

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!

Bubbles and More

a woman in a beige bubble skirt dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in beige bubble skirt hem dress with lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in a beige bubble hem dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch

On trend? So chic? Bubble hems. Not at all new. There’s a saying that you should always have bubbles in the fridge- just in case. While I am a believer in this for bubbles (the kind you drink), I also think that bubbles on hand in your closet might be a great plan!! I will be honest- the bubble hem originally sounded to me like a trend, something to enjoy like a treat and then forget. Then. I fell in love with this dress. Part tee. Part Tank. All bubbles.

Wears easy. Looks chic. Keeps me cool. Reminds me of both ballerinas and the silhouettes from the 1950s. All in all? A great piece that I know I will wear for years to come. And like bubbles in the fridge? It’s comforting knowing that I have a great and easy dress to pull out!

a red ket lock cone box
a red cone key lock jewelry box with a rhinestone t-rex and a mirro

This bag? Actually a jewelry box!! This is where I tell you that I long to be cool and mysterious but …..I LOVE Dinos. And red. And things that shine. And yes- this was meant to be a dresser item, I have found that it holds a few cards, keys and one lipstick perfectly. Your phone is attached to your hand (right, it’s not just me?!?!?); so while this Coach jewelry box was not meant for it- it makes the perfect clutch. And I love to think that sharing our quirks and loves and interests makes us more chic. Nothing we can say will sway me from that.

a woman in a beige bubble hem dress, lace up sandals and a red cone clutch
a woman in a beige hem bubble dress with lace up sandals and a red cone clutch

Together. A Bubble hem. Lace up sandals (yes, a must in your closet), and a pop of color-whether or not it’s a nbag that wasn’t meant to be or else- it’s a perfect summer outfit. I have found that bubbles–in drink or fashion forms- are classics. In a neutral? Even better. And a bit of showing you? Your quirk, your love, your pop? That my loves is a pop or a more indeed. How is that not the combo to a perfect outfit?

I have linked these exact pieces below. However, if you play with this formula or let this formula or advice lead you to pieces in your closet you love I would love to hear about it! Also-what is your fave bubbles? (JIC we need some!)

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!!

If you find yourself in need of a TRex jewelry case/ clutch it’s on sale and can be found :
here

a woman in a beige dress with a bubble hem and lace up sandals

Short Stories (but long!)

a woman in a white button button shirt dress undone to the waist and a blue and white check mini and black heels

Do you ever have those stories that you can’t wait to tell your people– and while it seems that the story should be short, you keep going and going and so the story gets long? Or you add too many details? Or perhaps it’s a long story and you don’t add enough context so it ends up being too short?

Sometimes outfits are like that. I hate being that person to tell you something is too –something. anything. — but often what we need is balance. In our outfits and our story telling.

And yes. Outfits and story telling are both arts. So. How do we balance the short and the long of it? Details.
a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

A Mini? A Maxi? While I love both of these- a mini checked skirt and a shirt dress with all the ways to wear it- I love that combined that these 2 pieces that may be on the extremes are not only balanced. but the perfect mix. I don’t know that I will ever tell you or believe that any piece is too old or young– it’s just how you style it! However, I do know that there are stylings that make us the most comfortable –some of us love long stories and some love short. The Best? Perhaps a combination.

In other words, if you are a bit nervous about a mini skirt the best way to style is to balance it out. Long sleeves. Tights. Or a maxi shirt dress over it, and how you button it is up to you!

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

This is where we can all be honest and mention that there are looks and pieces, and angles that make us all a bit uncomfortable. (Insecure is such a hard word). Like. Even if you know that everyone has skin it still can kill me that occasionally mine doesn’t lay super flat all the time. Or that in angles I look worse or better. So. I get that a mini skirt may be out of the comfort zone. I won’t talk you into anything you hate.

Though. Sometimes playing with our comfort zones and shorts and longs can be fun– and we can find outfits that check all the boxes and look fantastic.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

Perhaps that’s all a short and long way to say that lately I have loved playing with mini- skirts. Shorts. Etc. It’s so hot and they are so chic. And yet. I do get feeling that there are –insecurities or hesitations or all and any- with minis. But there are times that you don’t want a maxi. So. what if you had both? That’s what I keep coming back to. In general, I love a balance. A mini with long sleeves, a maxi with strapless, etc, etc. Yet. What if there were other ways?

A maxi shirt dress that floats and partially covers and yet reveals the mini skirt? A short and a long story at the same time. Perhaps that’s the best balance of all.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

I highly recommend this combo- and this skirt. (It’s Versace found resale on Dora Maar but I have found you one and similar!). This shirt dress with buttons every which way is from seasons ago, but I (again) found you similar! How are you comfortable telling your short (aka mini skirt) stories??

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!