Category: shoes

Nautical Summer

a woman in a cropped cardigan in a blue and white stripe and white pants in greenery
a woman in a cropped cardigan in a blue and white stripe with white pants and brown sandals
a woman in a cropped cardigan in BLUE AND WHITE stripe and white pants
a woman in a cropped cardigan in blue and white stripe and white pants in greenery

This post is mostly (partly) about Nautical Summer. My momma loved a great nautical- from sailor dresses to the blue and white stripe theme- and since my childhood I’ve associated nautical (all of the listed above) with summer. And who doesn’t associate summer with a cropped cardigan and white pants? This pairing really screams summer to me. From the stripes and white pants to the greens- this shoot felt like summer to me and not just because it was 100 degrees. Nautical has always meant summer to me (perhaps because nautical always meant on the water)

So Nautical Summer? Doesn’t have to mean on the water, or sailor themed, or blue and white striped. Perhaps it means the hint of all of all those things! AKA outfits that combine a bit of swim (yes, this cropped cardigan is a swim piece! I can’t stop, won’t stop wearing swim suits as outer wear) with a bit of summer. Or perhaps it means wearing all white (or at least white pants or skirts or dresses-all summer like to me as well). Or perhaps nautical summer simply means that you wear all the things that mean summer to you!

a woman in a cropped cardigan in a blue and white stripe and white pants
a woman in a cropped cardigan in blue and white stripe and white crop pants and brown sandals
a woman in a cropped cardigan with a blue and white stripe with white pants

This post is also partly vulnerable. Fun fact? I hate my stomach. Even at my thinnest (which this is not) I hated my stomach. I hated the way it folded, I hated the way it looked. And yet- there was an acting coach I had that said that if you want people (aka your audience) to fall in love with you, you have to show them where you’re vulnerable. Also know as, ask them to fall in love with your flaws. So, maybe this nautical summer is about embracing our flaws – all those things we’re wary of showing- and being brave about showing all of us off.

So this is me showing us all what I’m vulnerable about, and this is an outfit that you can recreate incredibly easily. I’ve linked options below (including swim cardigans!) and if you need help please reach out!
XO RA

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 cropped cardigan in a blue and white stripe with white pants and brown sandals

Put a Pin in It

an articulated leopard pin holding together a red and white tube top over a white skirt
a woman in a red and white tube top with a leopard brooch and a white skirt and leopard wedges
a woman in a red and white tube top with a leopard brooch and white skirt and snake wedges
close up of snake wedges and a white skirt
a woman in a red and white tube top with a leopard brooch a white skirt and snake wedges

Part of Put a Pin In It is VERY literal. Brooches are coming back. (And I’ve always had a thing for them and the stories they tell! Here’s a fashion stories on infamous brooches that have always inspired me here and here and here) Brooches are such an easy way to add a little something to an outfit. Here I’m literally (yes, literally) holding the top together- yes, it needs to be altered- with a brooch (the same articulated one! It’s just a fave of mine!). And it’s a way to put a pin in it.

Other ways to put a pin it? Revisiting outfits or ideas that didn’t work the first time around. Let’s be honest, not everything fits or works all the time. Is it wrong to wait and try again? Not according to me. Sometimes I think it’s best to let an idea – or outfit or post or writing or etc- lay for a bit if it’s not perfect or doesn’t fit right, etc the first time. With space and time we can come back, make it (all the things) work. Or we come back and make adjustments that make whatever we we were working on better.

The last way I know to put a pin in it? To make something- in this case an outfit your own. White is so chic for the season, but pairing it with wedges are a bit edgy with snake and gold accents? All me. A tube top? You can find one anywhere. Pairing a vintage one with a brooch? All Me. I think the trick is to take any outfit or any outfit formula, and put your own spin on it. That can be so small from your favorite colors to big things like accessories or statement pieces (shoes and brooches are the examples here, but there are so many to be worn!)

I loved pairing these vintage pieces together in a way that felt that was a statement to me. This brooch in this way? New and exciting to me! And yet, a way to make a too big top a fit for me. This outfit would call for sandals but picking ones that are a statement took the outfit from usual to all me. There are so many ways- from sticking to thinking outside the box – put a pin in your outfits. My wish for you this spring and summer is that you find all your own ways to use all the pins. And you need help I’d love to offer mine!

This outfit is made of vintage (skirt, top, brooch) and resell (sandals) pieces, but I’ve linked similar ones for your 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 red and white tube top and a leopard brooch with a white skirt, and snake wedges

With a Safety Pin

a woman in a green floral caftan with heels
a woman in a green floral caftan and heels
a woman in a green floral caftan and heels

I have a thing for caftans (see here, here, and here for starters), absolutely think that they are a must for any well rounded wardrobe, but- with all my love, I can recognize that sometimes caftans can be a little- big. But big is not the word I’m looking for- perhaps I mean caftans can be more oversized, a bit voluminous, and while chic, sometimes we want sometimes a bit more form fitting.

And when that happens sometimes al we need is a safety pin!

a close up of a safety pin in front of flowers

(Note: caftans are by no means the only outfits that you can adjust to your own likes with a safety pin. The options are endless. Here I used a safety pin as I couldn’t make a belt work the way I wanted- but belts are always great options too!)

While I loved the caftan above, while playing with styling options I wanted something a bit more fitted. I inherited this caftan from a neighbor, and it came with a matching belt- but for the life of me I couldn’t make the belt work. It would bugle, wouldn’t flow well, all in all I just couldn’t make it work. So. I grabbed a safety pin. Wearing the caftan I reached behind my waist and pinned the excess fabric- creating a bit of a cape like effect in the back and more of a fitted silhouette in the front.

a woman in a green floral caftan and heels
a woman in a green floral caftan
a woman in a green floral caftan

How great is it that you can alter (not permanently) anything you own? It’s the step beyond making any outfit you own with styling (which I am still a bit fan of!). And how great is it that all you need is a safety pin? Yes- the look was altered with that single safety pin pictured above! Just imagine what I (or you) could do with more!

This was one of my favorite outfits this week, in both variations. But I have to admit that I got such a thrill from being able to change my entire look with a safety pin. This caftan is vintage, but I’ve linked similar ones for you below.

nude heels by flowers
And these shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint Perfect Sandals. Now you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $60 off your first pair!

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 green floral caftan

White Out

There are two minds about when it is appropriate to wear white pants (especially if you’re from the south-in America)

One is that you wait till Easter. Easter is a day for white outfits and from then on out you can wear white.
Another train of thought is that you wait till Memorial Day (ie End of May)before it’s oak to wear white (pants), etc.
My family (though they are firm that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day) are of the camp that Easter is when white (pants, outfits, all of it!) is aok! to wear. And because, this is the first day that this rule would be in place- here is a round up of some of my favorite white (pants and skirts and etc) outfits that are now ask (as my great-grandma would say!)
a woman in a white dress in front of a house
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations
Investment Piece : Summer Whites
Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen
ke clutch in front of a fence
Investment Piece: Winter Whites

Are you wearing white from now on? Are you waiting for Memorial Day? I would love to hear all about any and all opinions you have!
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 pants and a white top with wedge sandals and a snake clutch in front of a fence

Spring Ribbons

a woman in blue ribbon woven suit
a woman in a blue ribbon skirt suit
a woman in a blue ribbons skirt suit
WOMAN IN blue ribbon skirt suit
woman in blue ribbon skirt suit
a woman in blue ribbon skirt suit

Holiday (from Passover to Easter and all of those in-between) outfits usually run to the side of pastels and whites- to celebrate the beginning of spring. And I’m a fan of any and all of those! Even if there is nothing you’re celebrating this weekend, I hope that whatever you’re wearing is joyful and spring like. I love this vintage ribbon suit- it’s both classic and a bit edgy. Pair a classic with a new and edgy shoe- that reads a bit like Cinderella (Aka clear a la a glass slipper) and you have the perfect Holiday outfit!

This suit is vintage but I have linked you similar options below. Beyond Easter, Passover, and all Spring Holidays these suits would be perfect for any all spring events from showers to all the parties. I can’t recommend a ribbon suit enough!
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 blue ribbon skirt suit

Party in the Back

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, false jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

While there are times when I struggle to throw just a tee and jeans on (see here), there are times when jeans and a tee are easy for me. Mainly it’s when jeans and a tee feel just similar enough to my favorite (a party dress). And here? This exquisite silk jacket is a party- especially in the back.

I love not only this sky blue, but the image of the showgirl (?) on the back. The quilting, the colors, all of that makes me smile. But a gorgeous woman with feathers and more on her headpiece (and you know if you’re entertaining in a headpiece it’s seriously glamorous!) in a beautiful gown- even if I’m not in a party dress there’s no reason I can’t wear one on my jacket. Maybe that’s been my problem all along with jeans and a tee- when I wear them I tend to overthink as I worry that they’re not “special” enough- when maybe if I indulge my inner party dress (even in jeans and a tee), things (and jeans and a tee) would come easier to me.

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

Truly the star of this outfit is the jacket (though I love these high waisted jeans and there are some of my favorite platforms). But the jacket? So special! It’s a Michael Vollbracht (you can read about him here). I first was turned onto this amazing (vintage) designer when a Vintage Dealer I love had some of his pieces for sale. I missed out on those, but set alerts for Vollbracht on a ton of resale websites- Etsy, Vestiaire, eBay,GEM, etc- was able to snag this reversible jacket. (I managed to find you some Vollbracht and similar quilted vintage jackets-linked below!)

What I love about special vintage pieces like this jacket is that they are a party in and of themselves. They feel special, they make your outfit special, they let you move special. You could obviously dress any jacket like this up- pair with silk skirt or pants, wear over a dress, any of the above. However, when a piece is a party (in both the front and the back!) I love pairing it with a juxtaposition. Like with “just” jeans and a tee, or over a swimsuit, or as a robe. Or as it’s own party dress!

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it in flares and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flares, brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

What is something that you can add to any outfit that makes you stand a bit taller, feel as if you’re at a party, or you’re the party? For me, it’s beginning to be this jacket. I can throw it on with anything and feel like I’m bringing the party with me- and leaving a party wherever I go!

These exact jeans and similar vintage jackets are linked below. I would love to know how you do your jeans and a tee- and your feelings on parties!
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 blue silk jacket, white tee, flare jeans, and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
As I mentioned, this jacket is reversible, so please be prepared for another outfit with it!

The Almost

a woman in a jersey dress with a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in a mirror in a bathroom

The Almost
As in: I almost didn’t post this outfit. As in I almost was afraid to talk about my insecurities in this outfit. Almost as in this shoot was more of an OOTD on the fly shoot and I love to think that for this space I try a bit harder.

But how does the song go? Almost doesn’t count.

Which I know- in the song- means that the almost trying doesn’t matter and she’s done (with a dumb boy), but here the almost doesn’t count means that we’re not giving into excuses.

So, yes, I wore this as an OOTD a few weeks past. And was worried that all of the things I got insecure about (but am working on!) during the pandemic were prominent. I mean- didn’t most of us have some issues after lockdown? And I also like to think that all of our insecurities are really only evident to ourselves! AKA in my head you’re saying :”Rachel, what insecurities? You look great!” Which is what I would say to you- no matter what sticks out to you about your own body. (Though in total confidence walking through stores in this I was a bit self conscious for the first time in a while) And with that, let’s ignore or get over or accept what we’re insecure about. Even if we’re working on those things!

As for perfect pictures? (Perhaps another insecurity of mine!) What if there are no perfect pictures? Though I do really love the sky here- and how these yellow (vintage Bottega but I found you similar) shoes pop. And the cutouts on the dress that somehow like a flower? Paired with the ruching that clings in (hopefully) all the right ways? Enough of different views, enough to get the feel? Maybe that’s perfect enough.

There’s another saying: once begun is half done. Or another one I have to remind myself of regularly: perfect is the enemy of good. Both I take to mean, sometimes we just have to do the thing, almost or not. The thing is- in this case- a great jersey dress, a pop of a shoe, and a classic bag are always a great combo. If it’s almost, with your insecurities, or not quite perfect. And if you love it (or have a great day in it), maybe it’s all of the things- perfect and almost and done!

I’ve found similar things for all of you to have great days in 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 jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background

Cropped

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated mini skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on steps
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

I’ve always been a bit nervous about crop tops. My fears? That they wouldn’t look good, would show all the midriff parts I hate on me, and (more recently) would make me look old trying to look too young. (VERY ironic advice from an old acting coach of mine: show the audience where you’re vulnerable and they will fall in love with that. I’m not sure if this applied to wearing cropped tops or not)

Therefore, the most surprised person in the past few seasons has been me: because there are so many cropped tops that I have loved. Crop Top sets, stand alone crop tops, even this button down cropped shirt- I have loved so many, put so many on wishlists, and even dared to wear some. Maybe the cropped tops have changed, or maybe I have. Perhaps I’ve managed to find crop tops that were in my comfort zone and didn’t stoke my fears. Or we could guess that I learned to let some of my fears go- though I have to say that they still pop up from time to time. But, for all my concerns about cropped tops, they are becoming a staple in my closet.

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

How did I make peace with the crop? (I’m sure this is where I’m supposed to tell you to also make peace with you, but I think that’s a lifelong work in progress and I’ve found it much easier to make peace with the cropped tops!) First, I think find a crop top that you feel comfortable in. Maybe that means the cropped top isn’t super short, or maybe it’s long sleeved, or is a button down- or any one of the 100s of things a cropped top can be. The thing is you have to like it and feel comfortable in it (read not feel as if you have to pull it down all day) And a pro-tip about feeling comfortable in a crop top- don’t be afraid to size up!

While this cropped top isn’t my only cropped top, I feel so comfy in it- it’s not super short, in fact it is just a hair longer than my waist- and the button down silhouette makes it feel very work appropriate (and a little grown up!).

Second part of how to make peace with the crop top is to love (and feel comfortable in what you pair the crop top with! Maybe that means the skirt (or shorts or pants) are a bit high rise, maybe the bottoms are a bit oversized, maybe there’s a belt, maybe not. There is no tried and true method, which can be frustration as that can mean you’re trying things on. BUT with that much possibility, it means you can have fun.

Years ago, I never would have thought that I could wear an outfit like this (or any of the other shorter, tighter cropped tops I have!). And yet, this outfit is now a spring favorite, I love the way that it makes me feel- and it’s fun. Maybe there’s something to this cropped thing.

Do you wear cropped tops? How? And how did you make peace with them?

This cropped top is Target (I sized up to a Medium) and the skirt is vintage (though I found you similar). The shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints and code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE gets you $50 off your first pair!

I can’t wait to hear about how you crop!
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 cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

#colorblocked

a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels

As much as I love fashion, and coming up with looks that I feel represent me, and stretch my style- I also love looks (in this case a dress) that do all the work for me. I’m ironically both very heard working and very lazy at the same time! But, who could blame me when the dresses that do the work are this chic? And the secret? Colorblocking. No matching, no worrying about things going together- just letting the colors and the prints do the work.

Part gown (have I ever mentioned that there isn’t a party dress that I don’t love?) but also part great for any occasion (from brunch on), I’m just in love with this colorblocked dress.

I love the color blocking, IMHO red and pink are an underrated color combo, and here I love the take with a slightly maroon red and more of a hot pink. The subtle animal print (matched on the shoes) is just as refreshing pop (as opposed to my go-to leopard). The cut- from the neckline to the billowing sleeves, and I also love the way that the skirt flows around me. I’m such a huge fan of how clothes make me feel- and this dress made me feel vintage in all the right ways, and sophisticated and fun and ready for anything.

a woman in a red and pink maxi dress with pink wedges
a woman in red and pink color blocked gown and pink wedges
a woman in red and pink dress and pink wedges

Lazy? Not so much, but incredibly efficient. What I love about colorblocked dresses like this one is that the outfits are completely foolproof. Don’t feel like putting together a look? Hate to choose? Simply let the color blocked dress do the work for you. There are days when that helps- and if your fashion helps, that’s a story I’m interested in.

This dress is FKSP, I’m a little in between sizes, but am in a small here and it fit perfectly! I’ve also linked similar dresses and these exact shoes (which will also go great with everything from shorts to jeans to dresses like this one)- and while I’m not usually one for matchy-matchy- I love how these pink shoes match the dress.

What are your go to colors? And do you ever color block them? I would love to hear all 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 a red and pink maxi gown with pink wedges

Fashion Stories: Red Date Shoes

a close up of red sparkly heels on wood floor

Red shoes have always been my go to. Probably because wizard of Oz was my FAVORITE movie when I was little. I would watch it religiously, believed in Glinda, Dorothy- and the power of shoes. In fact, many of my own fashion beliefs could be traced back to the story: that our stories matter, what we wear matters, what we wear helps tell our stories, and that shoes can be magical. It will come as no surprise that when I was a 5yo simply obsessed with Wizard of Oz I insisted on having my own “ruby red slippers”. Also known as, I would make my parents buy me red, glittering, usually with a bow shoes that called by a proper name and believed were magic. And – to be honest- the shows didn’t fail me, ever.

So, when, again as a 5yo, my dad asked me for help picking out a present for my mom to celebrate Valentine’s Day I couldn’t help but pick out red “date night shoes” as I called them. (Not a shock, I still call them red date night shoes). I thought that these red shoes (with a kitten heel and rose detail) were the essence of being an adult, pretty, and that every woman needed a pair of red shoes for Date night.

A big part of me still feels the same way.

a close up of red kitten heels with roses on the toe

a close up of red kitten heels with roses on the toe
a close up of the original red date night shoes that I helped pick out for my mom when I was 5

I loved the above shoes so much, and I loved every time that my mom wore them. They (whoever they are) will tell you that we are who we are, and while I still love Wizard of Oz the thing that has stuck with me through the years are red date night shoes. I love a great pop of red- with any outfit, and I think the easiest way to do a pop is a great pair of shoes. After all these years I still think shoes, especially red, are magical; and I can’t help but buy myself red shoes as part of date night looks (the dates being other stories).

From grown up sparkles that I can’t seem to part with, to my own red roses, to red heels and flats of all kinds- I can’t quit red date shoes. Even when the dates I’m wearing them on are dates with myself. And yes, I still call all of them red date night shoes. And yes, I do think you need a pair. For dates, or nights out with yourself! Below are some of my personal red date night shoes- they’ve all led to magic in their own way, and I just adore them!

a close up of red kitten heels
close up of red kitten heels
close up of a woman in a red skirt and red fringe heels
close up of feet in fishnet stockings and red heeled mules
close up of red kitten heels with roses on the heel and legs in a nude and navy grid dress

What fashion items do you think may have magic powers? What do you associate with date night? I’m firmly on team red date night shoes, but want to know all your picks!

Because we all may need to refresh our red shoe choices, I’ve linked my current favorite red shoes- I recommend all of these for date night!
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!