shoes – Investment Piece

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!

Distractions

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas

close up of rafia sandals with citrus and bees

Summer is full of distractions. From the weather being so beautiful you want to be outside. To it being so hot you want to be in the water. Looking forward to vacation. Recovering from vacation. New clothes. Getting rid of old clothes.

Even outfits. For example : I have found that amazing shoes and red lips can distract from a lot. Like wet hair. That white jeans can distract from the rest of your outfit (not that a great summer knit needs a lot of distractions from it!) But a great summer outfit can distract you from all the things you’re not doing , or wish you were doing, or the heat.

In this case, it’s a bit of all of the above. It’s so unbelievably hot that white and light seems to be the only thing that’s appropriate. But you need to distraction from the sweat that happens the minute you step outside. And my hair? Here it is wet. Styling and overdoing seems way too much. BUT. Amazing shoes (take a look at these details!) and a red lip? Who notices?
Perhaps we are all distracting ourselves or others form something. From perceived flaws to the things were wish we were or aren’t. Summer is the season when all of that seems more prominent, and yet it’s the season to be a bit more creative with our distractions.

So. What are you using to distract yourself with? From wishing you were on vacation to a different outfit, what are you wearing to distract yourself? What are you wearing to distract us from all that you don’t want us to see?

Distraction is such an interesting topic. And way of dressing. I will be over here distracting myself from the fact I am not at the ocean and distracting you from my lack of hair styling and overdone makeup. How are we doing so far??

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandals

These exact jeans (I sized down, I think it truly depends on how loose you want a trouser jean. I also may have should have opted for a tall size- these hit a bit shorter than I LOVE but with sandals they are aok), and exact shoes (truly. The details! Bees. Fruit! Raffia!) and options for a sweater vest (honestly my faves always come from his closet– or his section of the store!) but distractions are linked 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 white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas

Summer Shoes for my Inner Child

Of all the things I am, I am a shoe lover. Shoes are magical and can transform any outfit– or day. From heels to sandals, boots and platforms- I have rarely met a shoe I didn’t love. I have been this way since I was a kid. From red shoes (I always had to have a pair in honor of Wizard of Oz and Dorothy) to Jellies- I have always had a thing for almost all shoes. As I have gotten older, my style has changed (somewhat!) Occasionally though, I find shoes that the present -day me and the inner child me LOVE. If you can find a shoe that thrills all parts of you– isn’t that a must have?

From ballet flats to jellies to sneakers that are Barbie approved, here are some of my favorite current summer shoes. Approved by me and my inner child!

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!

Barbie Kicks
platform black and white chevron stripe keds

I know, I know- Barbie was so last summer. But the great thing about Barbie? She’s a classic. And this collaboration with Keds (which I love! I have written about keds before here) is so so chic. While I don’t consider myself a “sneaker” gal, there is something so fun and a bit flirty about Keds. And this Barbie print! I want to wear them with shorts and jeans and all the shirt dresses!

You can indulge your inner Barbie with me here

Ballet Flats
nude mesh ballet flats with rhinestones
Ballet flats are a classic for all ages. Yet, I think I have a thing for them as one of my goals as a child was to be a ballerina. And I loved bling. So these mesh ballerinas? A bit of everything that little me would love- a tad bit of magic- and everything adult me loves. These are also super on trend and these are under $100! Anyone else want to point into them with me?

Jellies
lilac jellies

Jellies may be the perfect combo of childhood and summer. Light, airy and a bit of whimsy. I love that these are a bit grown up- in the style of a classic summer flat, but still have just enough glitter in them that your inner child can smile. Balance them with linen separates! And they are perfect for the pool!

Summer shoes can often be fun! And, when you find shoes that not only are the perfect fit for summer, but also shoes that your inner child would love? What’s not to love about that? What summer shoes are you shopping for? And what is your inner child drawn to?
XO RA

Short Story Long..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

It feels like such a long time since we have been here. I had this huge work trip and I came home so run down. This week my mom has had emergency surgery and that’s taken up so much of my time. If you have stuck around I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that- and how glad I am that you’re here! Hopefully we are settling back into a routine here and there’s nothing but fantastic summer fashion and stories in our future.

That’s the short story. But as we all know, short stories are often long…..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

And speaking of short- have you noticed that minis are back? (I know there is a quip about what a hemline says about the economy but from storefronts to runways, the minis are MINI and back. I personally just think it means fashion!) There can be big feelings about minis- like “is this too much?” “Am I too old for this?” “How do I balance it?”

Some of those questions are personal, and account for your own style- but my simple tips? Perhaps choose a mini that is a bit long. A la a train, or a hi-low hem, or while I am a FAN of a high waist on everything for minis I like a mid or low rise.

And for balance? Something classic. For example, a white button up. It is a bit of an offset, though of course how far you button is up to you! You could also call this wearing a statement and letting it shine. You could also focus on the balance of short and long. But really, I just love the juxtaposition and way that throwing on a button down is a chic way to not overthink your top.

I am the first to admit that I sometimes worry about wearing a mini skirt- and what to pair with. This outfit has been in my mind for a bit. Since I got this skirt. I love that it’s party perfect. Aok at dinner. Cocktails? Couldn’t be more appropriate. I love that the train offsets the mini. The button down that doesn’t feel business. And yes, these are my go-to shoes. This combo could be reimagined in any number of ways with any number of pieces. Even without a mini- aka a longer skirt and a shorter top. Short stories? As long as you want.

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

This is where I confess something. This skirt is H&M. And I have conflicted feelings about wearing fast fashion. Yet. I couldn’t resist this skirt. And while it was out months ago, I found a few on resale sites (which lessens the blow?). Skirts with trains have had their moments (and I am sure they will again). If you would love to dip your toe in the water for that I would love to help you find the perfect one.

Short stories. Long stories. Turns out as long as they are chic, I am a fan of them all!
Shopping options linked below- thank you so much for being here! 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 pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

Pink Linen Days

a woman in a pink linen vest and trousers with kitten heel sandals and a leopard clutch

Things that scream spring (and even summer!) to me:
Loose, easy linen.

Look- I have a thing for suits. Do I ever need to wear one? Nope. But I do. I LOVE them. So this easy set- a vest and a trouser- is just the perfect oversized suit(ish) look.

Pink!

Is it Barbie? Is it that spring is the perfect time for pastels? Or hot pinks?

Or. Perhaps. This set, this linen, this color is the perfect way to scream spring.

(Here come the usual caveats- sets are fantastic as the mix and match possibilities are endless. Linen is such an easy fabric- yes, it wrinkles, but it’s also so incredibly elegant! This pink! What can be said? I am the first to admit that I am not always SUPER girly. Bows. And pinks. These haven’t always been my go-tos. Yet- ever since Barbie I have been able to take some of these “girly” fashions back for myself. Empowering to wear pink? There was a time when I would not have believed you but it turns out–it’s true!)

And because of who I am as a person, I had to pair this spring perfect pink linen with a pop of leopard (it’s a neutral you know!) and kitten heel sandals (so chic and so on trend!).

For Pink Linen Days I can think of nothing as perfect as a pink linen set such as this. What are your go-tos for spring? From sets to fabrics to colors?

I’m linking this exact set here. It’s under $50 and so spring! (yes! This is an affiliate link. While this does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!) There are also leopard and sandal options for you!!

XO RA

Striped and Short

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

I have no idea if I read it or I made it up- but I had the idea that we were supposed to wear bright colors for the eclipse on Monday. ** Either way, I had the perfect outfit- this blue and white striped romper. Now I will admit a few things:
-I am beginning to get nervous about wearing shorts. And I hate that as it has nothing to do with anything other than my age. (I got into this a little bit here)
-Rompers. And jumpsuits. Are always a bit of a game of chance for me. Not due to traditional sizing (I sized up here!) but due to torso length. I have a LONG torso, so finding items long enough is half the battle- not to mention a romper/jumpsuit that’s cute and fits in every other way!

Lucky for us all- this blue and white striped and short romper was and is perfect. I don’t feel as if I’m trying too hard in it. And it looks great with “fancier” shoes as well as with flip flops. (Note: as mentioned I did slightly size up in this to ensure it wasn’t too tight and short and to give just a bit in torso length. Checking size guides and reviews does come in handy here!) This striped and short is great for running around in, or for events. I love that it’s a bit classic (color and pattern- and a great rule of thumb is to stay a bit on the classic side if you’re nervous) but the shorts and the details (a la buttons, etc) make it feel a bit edgy. And let’s be honest feeling as if our outfits are a bit fresh and unstuffy can help us feel more special. In this striped and short I didn’t even notice that it was short! Though I did love the stripes!

What did you wear for the eclipse? Did you also think that we needed to be in bright colors? And how do you feel about wearing shorts?

I’ve linked this exact romper (I’m usually an XS in this brand, this is a Small) and similar shoes for you below! XO

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!

**Side note: The eclipse was amazing. It was cloudy but we did get a break to see the ring and full totality. When the sun was completely covered it got dark- like DARK, street lights and lights on timers went on, it got colder, birds went a bit crazy- it was eerie and magical and moving all at the same time. I hope your eclipse experience was just as amazing.

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

Proportion Play

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

In all of the trends and all of the things there are always things we are a bit skeptical of. I-even as someone who will tell you that I am in fashion- am immune to. This season? It’s barrel (or curve) jeans). Sometimes, let’s just be honest, it’s s bit intimidating to style an unknown- even if the unknown is just to you. For example, this season its barrel leg (or curve leg like these exact jeans!). It’s a take on wide leg that’s a bit exaggerated- and perhaps a bit intimidating. As in-how do we style a leg that is supposed to and is designed to bow out?

My take? To play with proportions!

(Note: There are so many takes on this curve.barrel trend you could take. On the pairs I’ve invested in? I’m getting my true size- as I feel as if you get too oversized they just look baggy and while a new thing for me I kinda like the curve leg! These exact jeans and other options are linked for you below!)

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

My take with any proportion that feels BIG or SMALL is to play with it. Or to balance it. AKA – how can you match or mismatch the proportions to find a sweet spot that not only makes you feel comfortable but makes your outfit feel even. Some basic examples may be a low cut top with a slightly longer skirt (or the inverse), or in this case a bit of wide or curved jeans that might be balanced in a tighter top.

In this case- curved (slight barrel jeans) with a corset top (and this in in particular felt like the corsets from couture week (and the tassels!) and the tight with the loose? (Obviously in generic terms) It’s so great. And chic. And made me feel so elevated.

Sometimes- and this is a me thing- I think we get scared of proportions. We want to be the stream lined or best lined version. Or just me? So s trend that goes against that – barrel leg, curve, wide leg- can be scary!! I’m with you! But what if the “new” silhouette was just an opportunity to play! Can we pair a tight top with flowing bottoms? Should we mix and match coverage on our fashion? Or should we play with our proportions from big to small to anteing in between?

In of that, I am a fan. Perhaps our proportions are just there for us to play and experiment and pair all sorts of big and small (fitted or non fitted) items together. Should we try to contrast? Should we match sizes (for lack of a better word)? I know that I have loved a bit of proportion play in that I love pairing a bit more form fitting top with a flared bottom. Or perhaps a loose top with tight pants Balance. Or a bit of proportion play.

I love this take on paring a tight with a loose- or however you want to interpret proportion play. How do you play with promotions? What would you like to see?

There is a future post about barrel leg jeans- so if that’s something you’re curious about I would say-PLAY! You could also size up and just let them be baggy! (IF you have specific questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!)

These exact jeans and similar tops and shoes are linked below. Let’s play with our proportions, shall we?! XO RA

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals