shoes – Page 2 – Investment Piece

Red and Black and Dots All Over

a woman in black and white polka dot long sleeved blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

You know, you know-I have a thing for dots. In fact, I have never met a polka dot I didn’t love. And this spring? Shorts are in (I know, they are always in but this year they are IN) so I couldn’t resit a dotted set. The black and white keep it a bit classic, even with the shorts (more thoughts on those below). What I can’t resist here? Pairing this very classic black and white with a pop of red. The red is a simple pop of color, but the combo of red and black and white is a classic set all on its own.

To me this was the classic set, a must have- and it also felt a bit daring. Here are the usual caveats: sets are great as you can wear them together or apart in every way under the sun. Dots are my favorite pattern and I can’t resist dots in a classic black and white combo. And I love, love love adding red to the mix! It’s a pop of color that is a classic as well!

a woman in a black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

This is where I get a little personal and let you know that I did worry that these shorts were too short. And that I was too old for them. I hate thinking that-I hate these thoughts that come across my mind now and again as we age. Ironically? I would tell you if you asked me that age is just a number and if it something that you love, you should wear it. That too old is not something to worry about when you get dressed. (I know hem length is a personal issue and won’t go down that hole with us!)

Yet. When it comes to me? Even in a red and black and white set that I find so chic and so me- and fits so well? I worried about the being old thing. (And being too short! And worst of all the combo that I was too old and they were too short and I was trying too hard!) Why can’t we by friends to ourselves and support ourselves like we would support our friends? I have no answers, this is something I clearly struggle with. What I do know is that this set was so me, I couldn’t let a little insecurity stop me from wearing it. Which is great- as this is what I want to wear all season!

This set is actually from Zara (Shirt and Shorts (you can always size up to your comfort level! I did in the shorts but love that they are so high waisted!). Yes, I have mixed feelings about ordering from Zara but the set does feel good! I’ve also linked some similar options for you below.

Have thoughts about dots or pops of red or how not to worry about your age? I am all ears!
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 black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

Lavender Haze

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

A spring pastel that I can get behind? Lavender. Just spring enough. Just daring enough.
Here I love the cowl collar I love that this dress feels fresh but is just easy to throw on. I love the gold clash. The storm? Was a bit a luck.

And this back? I love it. It’s a bit more than I would usually do (yes. I know I have some marks from old injuries- we all have things we are hiding!)

Maybe the song is right, maybe we should all stay in the lavender haze.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

Some notes:
This dress is not new- I have been waiting till my back looked better to wear it- though I have to say acceptance is a lesson of its own. I kinda love it paired with boots (though any maxi dress especially in a lavender color would look amazing with any show from sandals to heels to wedges). A dress like this could absolutely be dressed down. Dressed up.

Perhaps this post is a bit less about their exact outfit and a bit more about how to dress in colors that make you feel great and bring you joy. You should. A bit about how to let go of what others think and your perceived or not flaws and find that you can love anything you put on- as long as you love it.

Note. Those are not easy lessons and things to deal with. I am constantly struggling – not only with these lessons but writing with them and how to deal with my own ego.

Maybe the lasting message is staying in our own lavender haze is fantastic- and whatever makes us feel great there is something we should take with us.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

I have linked options including these amazing boots that I can’t stop pairing with everything.
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 lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

Go Big and Go Pockets

a woman. in a khaki dress with pannier style pockets, a red and blue silk scarf and red flats

As a woman who will absolutely gush about pockets if you compliment my outfit, I cannot tell you how excited these pockets made me. In fact, they are modeled after a pannier*, and the shape, the ease, the functionally of them made me fall in love quickly!

(Side note: I am aware that this dress pulls a bit, even did so on the model- I think it’s just the fit! And worth it for the pockets!)

The benefit of huge pockets? You can store all your secrets and magic (or just keys and lipstick). But here, these pockets allow you to play with portions- cultivating your look to your own liking. You can absolutely pair this dress with a sweater, top, or even a belt, to further exaggerate the pockets. Or you could wear it alone, letting the pockets speak for themselves! Besides being functional and helpful pockets- these are also fun!

**A Pannier is a bit of skirt looped around the waist. They were incredibly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, usually as an undergarment to make your skirt wider. In fact, some of the fashionable panniers were as wide as a full grown man (what a spectacle!)! Obviously, “modern” panniers are not that big, but playing with volume and proportion are always part of fashion that’s a bit fun. You can read a bit of pannier history here, and you can see modern versions in the popular barrel leg jean as well as this dress!

a woman. in a khaki dress with pannier style pockets, a red and blue silk scarf and red flats

I couldn’t resist pairing these pockets with a scarf (tied in the idea of a cape). For a pop of color. For some fun. And to be slightly off shoulder and play with proportions even more. Flats (and these are absolutely my new go-tos!) for more play–and I was good to go! In this outfit, I loved the various elements – but I would by lying if I didn’t tell you I love the pockets the most!

Are you a fellow pocket lover? Do you go out of your way to get clothes with pockets? And how do you feel about proportion play?

I’ve linked similar options for you as well as this exact dress for your shopping pleasure below!
Happy Shopping! 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!

And you can shop my favorite shoes here

a woman. in a khaki dress with pannier style pockets, a red and blue silk scarf and red flats

Wear it Again

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Yes, I often get asked if I rewear pieces from my closet (see here, here, and here for starters). And yes- the answer is yes. While I am such a fan of party dresses (and sometimes they are a one and down situation- or at least a more narrow styling field), I am also a big believer that any investment piece (wink, wink) is a piece you can not only style in so many ways, but one you reach for over and over again- through years and seasons.

Perhaps that is a long winded way to say that you have seen these pieces before! Some of them from years ago!

Gold Jeans that feel like a party: Here. Yes, they are “new” aka within the year- but they are (exactly linked below) but from winter. Metallics and holiday parties seem to go together. Yet, gold is also for spring. Gold can be a neutral– and yet I love the blue with it!
Blue Bustier: Here. From when we were a baby blog! As you can see! I have had this top for almost 10 years (which feels insane to say!). It still feels as fresh as it did then.
Shoes: I know I have worn them- again, about 10 years ago I wore these to my birthday party when I walked from my apartment to the venue and I have never had such horrid blisters! Luckily, they have been broken in since then!

Pieces from the past-recent or distant. And yet, each of these I have reached for over and over again. Absolutely what your closet needs? A wear again (and again) piece!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

There is not a premise formula for a wear again piece. All of our lives/jobs/taste are so different. A wear again may range from perfect fitting jeans to suits to day dresses to party dresses. For me, what I look for in a wear again piece is something I can not only style in a million ways, but style immediately with more than one piece in my closet.

Other things I look for in a wear again?
-Durability (aka can I wash it on repeat)
-Statements that can also be neutrals (perhaps a personal style thing)
-Classics that feel fresh (aka jeans that happen to be gold!)

What pieces do you wear over and over again? What piece are you looking to add to your closet that you hope and or plan to reach for over and over again?

I’ve linked these exact jeans (they do crease a bit but fit TTS) and similar options for bustier and heels 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 gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Dots and Dates

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Ever have a day where – even if your calendar is empty- you just have to get dressed? Know those days when you just have to get out of the house- even for a bit, even for an errand or a self date?

And then there are those times when the desperate need to get dressed and the urge to get out coincide. For me, this was one of those days (ok, not today today, but this is about that day!). My go to? A great maxi skirt with my favorite print (the polka dot!) I can’t help but feel good in them. Paired with a bit of a corset top and a belt and my new fave sandals- I have to tell you I felt fantastic. If you have to get dressed (for events or from your own feelings), there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel great. A favorite pattern. The shoes you love. Shapes that flatter you. Could you ask for more?

As for dates– do you love self dates? I do! One of my favorite things to do, when my schedule is free, is take myself to a matinee on a random weekday. But happy hours, lunches, shopping – when you can just be with yourself and enjoy your company? It’s a hard thing to get to, but oh so worth it. Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I take myself for a coffee. Or to stroll. Or just go sit somewhere and read. I love my friends and family and the people who make my life so rich- but there is occasionally something about spending some time alone that is just so needed and so sweet.

Doing a self date in an outfit that makes me happy and feel like me? Perhaps that’s where I should really say that we can’t ask for more!

What do you wear when you need to get dressed? Need to feel as if you put on something that mattered or felt like you? How do you spend your time when you need time alone or a date with yourself? I would love to hear all about both of these things!

This skirt is vintage and this top is years old- but I’ve linked similar options for you below– I wish you have the best outfit and best time along 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!

And you can get these exact (and Current fave shoes) here

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

No Plans I Guess?1?

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

So: On Monday I had to think about a change of plans due to the weather: Change of Plan

And here we are again. We are tentatively stepping into spring. And yet: we have had another cold snap (as in we went from 80 degrees to 40 degrees in a day! I don’t know if we call this a snap or a weather whiplash! And if we believe my Great Grandma we have another snap before Easter!) I know that this skirt is part of a Spring collection. And there are so many stylings you can do with spring options!) So. How do we style a skirt from a spring collection for colder weather?

My take? When there are no plans for the weather (aka when it shifts like this how can you?) you plan ahead. Or shift ahead. Like pair what’s supposed to be a spring skirt with a sweater, tights and heels! No plans, for the weather, I guess? Make plans- or contingencies- for your outfits.

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

When there are no plans- for the weather or social or life- the good new is you can make your own. Sometimes this means that you get to stay in and watch whatever you like and eat whatever you like (the cocktail you love? you can have that too!) Sometimes that means you get to wear what you like! Aka the skirt you thought (and will) wear through spring – you can style it for the last (or perhaps not last) gasp of winter. In this case it means pairing a coated linen skirt (exact one linked for you below. For me it fit TTS, though the buttons were just slightly off!) with hose and a light knit sweater. When it is warm this skirt (that my mom had one similar with a matching vest in the 1960s!) will be paired with everything from a cropped button down to sandals. But now. With the weather having no plans? I’m having to make my own- which looks like this:

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

You may be thinking that any look that can go between seasons is the one for you– and you may be right (good new for no plans on the weather is that a great top and a pair of great hose may be all you need to keep on hand!). What I am thinking is that any piece that goes from season to season (and yes, you will see this skirt styled again in warmer weather) is one to invest in. To tell stories with. A kind of piece I build my wardrobe around.

So. What are you styling with no (weather) plans? How do you take a piece from season to season to anything in between? This skirt is the top of my Spring looks- and yet I love with the weather throwing yet another curve ball this skirt could go with a no plans plan. What could you style in the same way? I would love to hear any and everything about it!

XO RA

Note: This exact skirt and similar options are linked below. While this post does have affiliate links that does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support.

a woman in a red coated skirt with a grey turtleneck, grey tights and gold heels

Change of Plans

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

There are outfits that I plan out, outfits that I throw on– and outfits that change due to a change in plans. Yes, sometimes that change in plans is an actual change in plans- ie dinner plans fell through and I stay home, we change restaurants or forgo a movie, etc. But, sometimes the change of plans is due to the weather. As in- this adorable, polka dot (my fave pattern!) top- with its turtleneck and sleeve buttons, and side slits- was meant to go with jeans. Or pants. Boots or tights for sure. As truly, this was meant to be a staple of my late winter wardrobe. I got it for Christmas (go Dad!) and was dreaming of all the ways I could (cold weather) wear it).

Then.

It got hot. Yes, in February, yes, in the 80s. Yes, it meant changing all my outfit plans. But. The great thing about great pieces? They can change with you (I get this is to an extent. But it extends here so let’s go with it and change the plans!)

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

What to do when plans change- or in this case, temps rise? Replan. Or redo your outfit. In case, this meant instead of pairing this fantastic, dotted top with jeans or pants or boots- I paired it with shorts. And my new favorite sandals. Half tucked- for style and to show off the slits. The shorts are just long enough (though be warned- short shorts are still IN ) to play for “winter” (even when it’s 80 in winter). The pop of color in the shoes brightens up the look –because if I haven’t mentioned it, it is getting warmer! Yet- for this being not what I had planned, not in the temps I thought- I love this!

I love the tuck, the shorts, the shoes (truly, my new faves!). Any piece that lets you change plans in it- or redo outfits- or change seasons- is a keeper in my book. Really? I bet that there are pieces in your closet that you’ve regulated to a certain season or a certain outfit– what would really happen if you changed the plan?

The plans changed so much that this shirt is no longer in stores, but I’ve linked similar tops– and these exact shoes and similar shorts! I was thrilled with my change of plans outfit–and hope you love any change of plan outfit that you may need in the coming weeks!
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!

Shop my new favorite sandals here

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

Almost Missed This..

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

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!

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

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