Category: shoes

Almost Missed This..

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels
a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels
a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels
a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels
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
a woman in a pleated red nightgown with a tie at the waist and a bit of a cape in gold wedges
a woman in a pleated red nightgown with a tie at the waist and a bit of a cape in gold wedges
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!

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

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

No Pants Dance

a leg in hose on stairs with boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman on stairs in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in a cardigan and hose and short shorts and boots with a pearl in the arch on stairs
a woman in hose, short shorts, boots with pearls on the arches, and a striped cardigan on stairsI

No pants (or short shorts) are making a comeback (perhaps they never went away? I grew up dancing and this look is VERY Mom picked up me from ballet and we are running errands. In fact, I wrote about this before because this could be “fashion” or a trend, but to me it’s just workout wear! Read here).

This no pants dance seemed natural to me- hose (pro-tip if this is a trend you’re intrigued by the more opaque your tights the more like pants they will feel!), boots (I can never resist a great detail) and a great sweater (a lady like touch a la this gold buttoned cardigan is a go-to!). The no pants trend for me is merely fun- another great pro-tip if this is something to experiment with give yourself a time limit activity (aka dinner or a timed party appearance, etc), and playing with the juxtaposition of lady like details (pearls and this gold button cardigan) with some risqué (no pants!!) has been so so fun!

a woman in hose with short shorts and boots with pearl accents on staris
a woman in hose and short shorts with a striped cardigan and a boots with pearls on stairs

What helps me in trying out new trends or fads or even this no pants dress?

I think of it like a costume. Or a character. Perhaps it’s my acting training. Or my love of a great story (and my firm believe our clothes tell them!)! However, thinking of myself as someone who WOULD wear an outfit like this–in this case no pants- and playing with all possibilities from juxtapositions to big blazers. Lady Like to more on trend. It’s fun. It gives us a chance to play (another great benefit of fashion!)

I’ve had friends play with the no pants for date night. For events. And in variations for day to day life a la errands! I do most associate this look with dance class — but it has given me so many ways to play and to explore. From short shorts to short skirts. Dresses. Blazers. I do think a great pair of hose will help (and of course there are now so many patterns to choose from!) and a pairing you love- like this sweater.

Are you playing the no pants dance? Experimenting? I would love to hear all about it!! Below I’ve linked similar options and some exact options for these boots (Nicolas Kirkwood sock boots with a pearl–in fact I bought mine resale YEARS ago so I love that there are still pairs out there!)
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 hose and short shorts and a cropped gold button cardigan with boots with pearl accents

Foundations

a close up of pink velvet mules with beaded snakes on them and jean cuffs
a close up of a woman in sunglasses and a one shoulder grey sweater
a close up of a woman in jeans
a woman in trouser jeans, a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules in front of a brick wall
the back of a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules walking up stairs

A wise adage? Buy the best of what you can afford when it comes to your clothes. From jeans to tees, they will fit better, wear better and look better. AKA great foundations lead to a multitude of FANTASTIC outfits. (Not to mention that the better you buy the more it lasts, the less you have to buy- great for the environment and maybe your bank account!).

So- what are your foundations? Also known as what do you reach for time and time again? For some that may be a professional outfit- and for our purposes we count everything from suits to workout sets. For some that may be a leisure outfit- from jeans to again gym sets. And of course there’s everything in between. I won’t judge any foundations (even in your under things drawer– because those foundations matter too!) As someone who is a regular gym goer and also works from home my foundations vary. But I’ve found no matter what, each time I truly invest in a great foundation the outfit and my closet are better for it.

a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules

What foundations am I investing in recently? Well. I love a great pair of jeans that are both on trend and a bit classic. For me, this season, that’s a trouser jean. In a darker wash. A bit like a suit pant, a bit like a jean, and lot of chic. I love that these are just slightly oversized but not baggy. And comfy. (Ironically, these are LEE jeans. Yes, the brand from when we were kids. And yes affordable -not all the best foundations are over priced. Not to have a Bradshaw moment- but did we have it figured out in middle school?) Knits that are classic but edgy- a la one shoulder/part cape. And my go-to mules. These are Gucci and while they were an INVESTMENT I can’t tell you how often I reach for them. They are truly a foundation of my shoe wardrobe.

Within these 3 pieces? Endless options. The base or pop of almost any outfit. I almost shot this look with a silk blouse and these jeans/shoes and it would have worked. I wore this sweater with grey trousers this weekend and it was perfect. To list how many times I have worn these shoes in the past week alone is almost embarrassing. But proves that a great foundation is all you need!

What are the foundations you continually reach for? And what foundations are you investing in this season? I would love to hear about them all!

I’ve linked these exact jeans and similar 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 one shoulder sweater and jeans and pink mules

Simple Lines

a woman's foot with red nails wand a red cage Sandal and black jumpsuit on stairs

Do you remember that line from school? KISS? AKA: Keep It Simple Stupid. It was for papers and reports- like don’t get too carried away. But it also works for outfits.

And I say this as someone who gets carried away.

All the time. And for any reason.

BUT. An outfit that speaks for itself? Where every piece is a statement and yet goes together? That is incredibly comfy and yet feels forcesful. Well. Let me recommend a tux jumpsuit with cage sandals (both of these EXACT products linked for you below!) This outfit is so simple on a first glance- or read. IT’s JUST a jumpsuit and some flats. But on further look it’s the lines, it’s the cuts. it’s the fits that make this “simple” lined outfit stand out!

a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit with red cage sandals

Maybe it’s the lines of the junpsuit. Down the leg. Or the chest plunge. Maybe it’s the pockets. OR these cage sandals. The across lines. The up and down lines. Maybe it’s a combination of it all.
(And yes, there are so many MANY ways to style this outfit-lines or no lines– perhaps layer underneath the jumpsuit. Hose with the sandals. Or add accessories like a necklace or floral brooches. SO many options with these 2 offerings!)

But the lines? The lines are fantastic. From shadows. To sandals. To jumpsuits. All of it. And all of the lines and all of the options. It’s almost like a grid and to make a great outfit you can mix in your own personal loves!

Below are linked these 2 itemsQ I also think that that any way you want to do these lines!
XO RA

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

3 in 1

a woman in a silk snake print shirt, black leather skirt, hose, brown belt and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt with a wide brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a black turtleneck sweatshirt, snake print silk skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms

One of the (many, many) reasons I always say I love a set? All of the styling options it gives you. You can wear the set together, wear the pieces apart, come up with so many different feeling outfits that the looks can seem endless. But. What if you’re finding an outfit formula that works for you? Or you’re traveling and looking to pack light? Or really love the feel of a look but don’t want to wear the same thing every day? A set is your best friend here too- as it can give you 3 looks in 1.

All of these looks are the same formula-skirt and top with hose and platforms. (If you wanted to you could switch up shoes and belts, but I wanted to show the uniform here!) Yet- from a sweatshirt to leather to the silk set, they all look different, for being a 3 in 1. I’m all for exploring different looks- and I do wear these pieces in VASTLY different ways, both together and separately. Yet, when it’s cold or you just want an outfit you can count on, it’s lovely (and a bit comforting) to know that one set can give you the same go-to outfit in 3 different ways.

(Note: This silk set is vintage Flora Kung. If you’re not familiar, Flora Kung was a Korean designer in the 1980s known for her pops of color, patterns and exquisite silk. You can find her pieces everywhere from eBay to Postmark and all resale sites in between. The silk in these pieces are such high quality but I find the prices on Flora Kung are incredibly reasonable. I got this set for $20!)

a woman in a black turtleneck, silk snake print skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt, brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snakeprint blouse a brown belt, black leather skirt , black hose and brown suede platforms

Any of these 3 outfits would be great for work, or cocktails, dinner plans, or even just errands. I’m such a fan of a great skirt (it’s one of my go-to’s) and these easy 1 outfit formula feels fresh in every version. I love the mix of textures- silk and leather, sweatshirt and silk– and I’m a fan of hose (or socks) with open toe heels. Of course, the options, even for this 1 outfit formula are endless. Mix and matching, creating outfits, is something that brings me great joy– but I also know that sometimes endless options are overwhelming. With every set I have I love giving myself a go-to outfit formula that will work with all parts of the set. Mornings when I’m running late, feel as if I have nothing to wear, or need to change quickly- a 3 in 1 set/outfit formula is such a great thing to have in your back pocket (or fave bag!).

What are some of your favorite ways to wear your sets? Do you find yourself having an outfit formula for some of them?

This set is vintage, but I’ve linked you some similar options for all 3 in 1 looks 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!

Denim Does Denim

a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap

Something no one ever told me about getting older? The things that you once made fun of you will eventually do. Ok- I knew that about going to bed earlier, being more tired, etc. But outfits like denim on denim? Didn’t see that coming. At all. In fact, I used to make fun of a full denim look (am I the only one who grew up calling looks like this a Canadian Tux?!?) Now? I kinda love a denim on denim look- and in fact, think if done well, denim on denim is incredibly chic.

What’s most surprising (to me) about my (newer) love of denim on denim is that denim- or a more casual look- is really not my forte. Party dresses? Yes. All the party looks! Work out clothes? Yep. Live in them. Sweats? Ironically have those down too. Casual, or middle ground, is something I’ve always struggled with – see here, here, and here.

https://www.investmentpiece.com/shopping/jeans-and-a-shirt/
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap

It’s not that I never wore denim- just that I always felt that denim needed a little something to look “special” or “done”. Maybe that’s why I love the denim does denim look- it feels like a set. Like a suit. It can be dressed up. It can be dressed up. But denim on denim feels like something. Something is what I can do, so denim does denim feels in my wheelhouse.

That’s not to be said that denim on denim doesn’t take some risk- or some planning. While I don’t think that you need to match your denim (washes, etc) EXACTLY, I do think denim does denim flows a bit better when the washes at least blend, mesh, or flow together. I also think that denim does does looks more like a set when the fits are similar (slim, oversized, etc) or when the top flows into the jeans (Ie. a corset top with jeans or like this one where the shirt could look like the top of a jumpsuit!)

a close up of jeans, purple plaid socks, black peep toe heels and the shadow of a fringed wool wrap

And of course-like so many outfits- what makes the look are accessories. From belts to shoes, jackets, jewelry and more! For this look, I wanted my denim does denim to be a bit on the simple (yet chic) side. I left off a big belt. My jewelry is simple. I leaned into the season by making sure I had socks on (because I love a great sock with heel situation and because it’s cold!) with my heels (of course!) and added a great wrap- again because it’s cold! There are a million different ways to style your denim on denim- but this happens to be one of my favorites.

Are you into denim does denim? What are fashion things you hated as a kid that you love now? And how do you style them all?!?

As always- exact and similar options are linked for you below! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affilate 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 denim shirt, jeans, socks, heels and a wool wrap

Trend to Try: Column Dressing

a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings

According to Dictionary.Com a Column is :
noun
Architecture.
a rigid, relatively slender, upright support, composed of relatively few pieces.
a decorative pillar, most often composed of stone and typically having a cylindrical or polygonal shaft with a capital and usually a base.
any columnlike object, mass, or formation:
a column of smoke.

And according to multiple google searches Column Dressing is: dressing in a single color, or dressing in the silhouette of a column (straight- be it skirt, dress, pants).
According to almost every editorial I’ve read- column dressing is the first big trend of the new year.

The great news? Column dressing is incredibly chic- whether you choose to dress in one color, or in.a column silhouette (or both! Like I did above!). The better news? Column dressing is incredibly easy- and I bet that you have the base for an incredibly chic, on trend outfit in your closet. From all black (or any other color) to a dress, skirt or pants (with jacket or top) that fits the silhouette. Just like that! You’re on trend!

The trick? Finding out how to make column dressing your own.

a woman in black maxi skirt and black turtleneck, mules and statement earrings
a woman in a black maxi skirt and turtleneck with mules and statement earrings

While the “rules” of column dressing are simple, that leaves so much room for personality. There’s no rule about what color the base/your outfit has to be. There are obviously some restrictions in the column shape- but even pants with a bit of flare, or a skirt with a train (a la here) work as long as they are paired with same color tops! Column dressing is incredibly minimalist, but within that there is so much room to play.

Surprising to no one, one of my fave ways to personalize a trend, or a column outfit like this is are accessories. Like belts! Or in this case- shoes and statement earrings. I usually choose heels, but I loved how the mules carried the line of color and silhouette. And these earrings (made by my friend Marie! Not a commission link but you can get your own at Marie Monsod at RecessLA) not only make a statement, but they have a column silhouette!

a close up of gold nugget earrings that have rhinestone a black turtleneck and maxi skirt and mules

Very side note: Usually I’m more of a “think about a trend before committing” but this one is so chic- and such an elegant way to ease into the new year, I couldn’t resist. Also side note- though I don’t deny this is column dressing, looking back there are several outfits of mine that qualify as column dressing- so perhaps we don’t even have to call it a trend if we don’t want?

Are you into column dressing as a trend or have you found that you already incorporate it into your style? How do you make your columns your own?

I’ve linked similar items for this column for your shopping pleasure 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!

Comfortably Moving Forward

a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden

Did anyone else feel as if the holiday ended abruptly? I was a fan of the new year starting on a Monday (it felt clean!); but going back to work (and my inbox) yesterday felt overwhelming. This year, I’m excited for things to come, I am hopeful that our stories will be happy, and I know our outfits will be amazing. So- why am I so tired today?

Often the new year can come with a lot of expectations and pressure to not only change parts of our lives- but to do so right away. Some where I believe I read that part of why gyms are crowded in Jan but emptier in Feb is that people expect/want results so quickly that they burn out (or push themselves and get hurt). I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish this year- and how to balance all of that with a pace that both holds me to my highest self and yet isn’t so fast I burn out. Is it possible to move forward comfortably?

I think so- or at least I tell telling myself that progress, even slow progress, counts and that it’s the moving forward that matters, not the timeline. Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that! Also, I think I might be able to be my best self dressed comfortably. And chicly. Take this knit dress (hood and goes over your hands and all!). It’s simple and chic and yet- comfy. Believe it or not these boots are too (and I love the subtle Western details)! A comfortable way to meet all of our goals? That’s a start to a new year that I can get behind!

a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden

This dress has become of my favorites- it can be casual or dressy or anything in between– and the whole time I’m comfy in it. These boots are vintage-but I’ve found you similar. How are you feeling about this new year? And your goals? And what are you wearing that may let you be a bit comfortable while you chase them?

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!

20-Something Fling

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

They say that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. There’s our recent history- and some of our far off history- that I am sure NONE of us want to repeat. AT all. In any way. (Just in case you’re wondering). But. What about our fashion history?

Ever since 2020 (I know), I’ve been a little fascinated by the fashion of the 1920s, and the parallels to today’s 2020s fashion. Maybe there are historical things that are worth repeating? At least in the fashion world! Take this dress. It’s from the 1920s (made in Paris, and I love this “secret garden”‘s Paris feel!), and yet with the sheer, with the embellishments- it feels modern. Fresh. And that’s discounting the pairing of the stirrup hose and peep toe heels.

(I am not a makeup gal but I will say my go-to has and always will be a red lip- no matter what kind of 20s we’re in!)

This vintage feels so on trend and new- and yet the ties to the past can’t be missed. Maybe it’s not repeating the past that we should fear (expect the bad parts, we should absolutely work to not repeat the bad parts of history), but perhaps we should fear missing out on all the great things of the past. This is mainly a fashion statement. I’m aware in the 1920s the original owner of this number most likely wore a slip (or2!) with this dress. And her heels were probably lower. Yet. She probably couldn’t resist swaying like me, couldn’t help but feel fantastic in it like me, and most likely also found herself in Parisian (like in my case) alleyways that had a bit of magic in them. The past sometimes feels so present, and never more so than when I wear something from it.

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

This number- or any like it or inspired by it- would be perfect for NYE, or holiday parties. The basic outfit formula- sheer dress with hose underneath (and obviously covering all your bits!) and heels is a timeless (from their 20s to ours!) combo that will take you from past to present. This dress is truly 1920s Paris vintage from FeatherStoneVintage (one of my favorites and though she’s in Canada she ships all over!) but I’ve found you similar and linked them- along with modern stirrup options.

What are your thoughts on taking the best of fashion history and recreating them? 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 sheer embellished dress with stirrup tights and peep toe heels