Pink Power

a woman in a hot pink dress, hot pink tights and hot pink boots
woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights and boots

Every October I do at least one post in a pink outfit. It started as a way to chat about breast cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (please go get your mammogram. I’m also talking to myself- as that’s on my to-do list. And it’s easy to out off. But we can’t wear amazing things if we’re not here! Wanna be accountability buddies and make our appointments?) I’ve had so much fun each year coming up with pink outfits and “celebrating” (I know that’s not the word but I can’t really put my finger on what is) the month. Yet, ironically, if you were to ask me, I’d tell you that I’m not really a pink person.

But the thing about pink is- it can grow on you. And, like anything else, once I’ve found my shade of pink, it’s became one of my favorites. Hot pink is the pink for me- from gowns to suits, it has snuck throughout my closet so it’s almost a neutral. Perhaps, when I would say that I’m not a pink person I meant the stereotypical pink- over sweet, a bit timid, a bit young. The thing that I’m learning is that pink is power. Wearing it makes me feel powerful, the hot pink is a symbol of my power, and when you get to have fun like this how could you not want to indulge in your own pink power?

a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots, and gloves
And yes, this year’s pink outfit is a play on the Zendaya Valentino campaign and the hot pink looks that are everywhere. I’ve had this pink dress for years (it was one of my first hot pink purchases!). The boots were also from season’s past, every so often I think about culling them from my closet, but they bring me so much joy that I could never part with them. And it turns out my instinct was right (and maybe gives strength to the argument that everything comes back and you shouldn’t get rid of things!). The tights and gloves were simple purchases, and super easy to find! Putting my own take on the look of the moment was so incredibly fun- and once again the pink was powerful!

a woman in a hot pink dress and tights and boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots, and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress with tights, boots, and gloves

One of the things that changed my stance about pink, and power, besides how great it looks, was that I realized that my power- the things that make me special from my sarcasm to how I cry easily to my ability to make leopard work with anything- is my own. My power can be soft, it can be chic, and can be pink. What do you wear when you need to feel powerful? What’s your stance on pink?
And when is your mammogram?

I’ve linked similar shoes and dresses for your shopping pleasure below! Both the tights and gloves were found on Amazon if you want those as well!
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!

Magic in a Dress

a woman in a teal and gold lame midi dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake

As much as I believe in fashion, and our stories, and how the the two are connected- there are times when all of the things (our stories and our fashion) are just magic. Like this vintage Hanea Mori (more on her below!) that I got from Pickled Vintage (check my IG stories today for my current picks from her!) that I recently wore to my cousin’s wedding (more on that next week on Fashion Stories!). Maybe it’s the teal or the gold, or the subtle pattern- or the fitted waist and button back- but this dress made me feel magical. It was magic. And if the people who came up to me and complimented me on the dress had anything to say- it was a hit!

Another way to say that this was magic in dress- on a magical night!

So what makes a dress magic? For me, it’s part how it makes you feel (aka the fit, the color, the details) and part where you wear it to (I am one to always overdress but it helps when your outfit fits the occasion!). Also, magic is a bit elusive, some times you have a great dress and a great event- and while you look great you lack that magic. While we can’t plan or demand magic my secret for this is doing just a little bit more.
AKA:
– going to a cocktail event? Wear a dress with a bit of metallic, glam, or glitz. Just righton the edge of formal
-Wear amazing shoes (a way of life) but especially at any sort of event
-Statement Pieces. From Jewelry to the dress or shoes, there should be one piece on you that subtly stands out.

You can’t always do magic on demand, but you can create the right environment for magic to flourish!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights

About Hanea Mori:

Hanae Mori (Japanese: 森 英恵, Hepburn: Mori Hanae, /həˌnɑːeɪ ˈmɔːri/, 8 January 1926 – 11 August 2022) was a Japanese fashion designer. She was one of only two Japanese women to have presented her collections on the runways of Paris and New York, and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official haute couture design house by the Fédération française de la couture in France.[1][2] Her fashion house, opened in Japan in 1951, grew to become a $500 million international business by the 1990s. She’s a designer to know and this isn’t the first time you’ll read about her here!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights
a woman in a gold and teal lame dress on rocks by a lake

There are times when magic just strikes. And of course, there are moments when we make the magic. In my experience the easiest way to do that is to wear things that make you feel magical (aka look amazing on you and have details that just pop! A great place to wear them doesn’t hurt either!)

So, how do you make magic in a dress? What makes a magical outfit to you?
Below I’ve linked some lame choices, some Hanea Mori choices, and these exact shoes for you!

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 teal and gold lame dress

Suit but make it Fashion

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms
a woman in a plaid suit
a woman in a plaid suit, grey corset, brown gloves, and bucket bag

Is it weird that I love a suit- even when I have never needed to wear a suit in any of my adult pursuits? As in, I’ve always loved a suit and every time that any of the “fashion” says suits are back I get excited. Because, besides being a work wear staple, a suit is a symbol of power, a suit is also a fashion staple. A suit can be so many things (and the pieces of a suit can be so many more!). And when you choose to make a suit fashion- like let’s say pairing it with a corset (fashion of course) and platforms (so in!), gloves (let’s bring them back, shall we?) and a great bag (this one is vintage but I’ve found you similar!).

Suits are one of the staples that I can routinely go back to, over and over again- no matter the style, that make me feel good. Suits make me feel adult, professional, and a bit more in control. And when I can put my own twist on them (see above), I can’t help but wonder why I don’t wear suits every day!

a woman in a plaid suit, grey corset and brown platformsI
a plaid blazer, navy bucket bag and brown gloves on a bench
a woman in a grey corset and plaid pants and brown platfroms

A corset top seems like a lot, right? Yet, it can elevate a lot of outfits- even a suit which I think is one of those outfits that doesn’t need elevating. Is there a limit to elevating? Perhaps not!

One of my favorite looks this fall is strapless tops with pants (and a blazer thrown in) so doing that with a suit makes my day. How I did it? Paired a much loved vintage corset top with a suit from last season (That feels oh so now) and platforms, vintage gloves, and a vintage Bottega that feels brand new.

I know that to me, suits are these fun and fascinating pieces, but if you have to wear them everyday they may not be. So. If you have to wear suits all the time how do you make them fashion? What tips might you need to make them more fun? If you don’t have to wear a suit, what’s stopping you and what would make you wear one? How can we make suits fashion?

I want to hear about it all!
XO RA

I’ve linked similar and exact pieces below!

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

a woman in a grey corset and plaid suit

How to OverDress Sneakily

a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platfroms
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platforms
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platforms

I know that you’ve heard me say that party dresses are some of my favorites. There has never been one that I can say no to. And I tend to overdress. Not on purpose! But yes, I am that friend who will show up cocktail ready (in more ways than one!) no matter how many times you tell me that the event is casual.

And yet. Maybe my second favorite thing (fashion wise at least) is an outfit that seems FANCY yet feels like pjs. Wearing your pjs works. And vintage lingerie is more than adequate. But so many of my favorite outfits- when I’m told that I’m overdressing- are the ones that are easy. That feel good. That still let me overdress.

So is it possible to overdress (in a sneaky way) and get the high of high dressing and yet deep like you’re in your pjs?

Yes. They are called silk caftans. And when paired with platforms (though I’ve also worn this dress to the grocery store with sandals and gotten compliments on it!)
And while this one was gifted (from Silk Ranch It is not influenced by that! In fact, you can see how much I love their silk caftans and pants here.

And in fact, as much I wasn’t influenced, the first few times I wore this dress, I wore it backwards (on accident!)

a woman in a gold and purple caftan

Yep. I thought that this part, with the V and the tassel was the front. Then Sheryl sent me a message letting me know the caftan was supposed to go another away! A little insight into that sometimes being the best dressed means making it your own- and that great things can be worn more than one way!

a woman in a gold and purple caftan
a woman in a gold and purple caftan
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and platform shoes

So, here’s what’s great about a silk dress- be it caftan or slip or shirt. It reads overdress. As in, no matter what you’re going to, in a silk dress you’ll always be on point for your events. And in some cases, you’ll be the fanciest one there- but why risk underdressing? And what I love about a caftan? They are both casual (read drinks by the pool) and fancy (read fancy cocktail parties). And the best part of silk (esp caftans?) They feel like pjs. Meaning that no matter how many people love your dress, or how fancy it is- you’ll be comfy (like pjs comfy). And paired with platforms (did you know they’re in again?!?) or even your flip flops, the silk caftan will never steer you wrong.

How to overdress sneakily? Silk. Especially a caftan. Add some platforms. Or some sandals. OR clogs (also in!)! And then indulge in the compliments. Like that you look good while feeling comfy.

I can’t recommend Silk Ranch enough. And I’ve linked similar items below. How do you overdress in a sneaky way?

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 and purple caftan and brown platforms

Why You Should Rock Zebra

a woman in a zebra print suit in front of a stone wall
a woman in a zebra print suit and yellow heels in front of a stone wall
a woman in a zebra suit in fronts of a stone wall

I am a firm believer that animal prints are neutral, but I will acknowledge that usually when I’m thinking of animal prints, I’m thinking of leopard. And leopard being a neutral is a hill I’m willing to die on. Yet, leopard isn’t the only animal print (out there, on trend, worth your time) that’s neutral. Perhaps we overlook it, but zebra print (especially in easy separates that read a as a suit but feel like pjs) is something that you should rock – often.

a woman in a zebra suit in front of a stone wall

You can see some of my other favorite zebra print items here.
One of the things that I love about zebra print is that it’s just a bit unexpected. It’s a lot neutral (black and white together? And if you’re someone who wants to follow the “old” rule about not wearing white after Labor Day, this is a nice work around!) and yet a bit bold. Easy to down play, and yet easy to pair with a statement piece- or a pop of color in your shoes, bag, etc.

It’s easy to not think about zebra; as much as black and white make it a neutral, you sometimes have to think about that color combo in new ways. Yet, when you do, so much opens (fashion wise at least) opens up!

a woman in zebra print in front of a stone wall
a woman in a zebra suit in a front of a stone wall

So, why do I think that zebra should be what you rock this fall (aside from the above reasons)? It’s fun. And chic. While zebra can be used as a statement, if used as a neutral you can put your own spin on it, though I have to say I’m currently loving shades of yellow with it!

Zebra is the ultimate combination of playing it safe while standing out that you can rock all season long (and into the the winter and early spring!). I’m loving this jacket that’s a wrap coat and easy pull on pants- and I’ve linked them below! These shoes are from last winter, but I’ve found you similar.

As summer ends and we start fall, what animal prints are you looking to wear? And how?
I’d 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 zebra suit in front of a stone wall

You won’t Break my Soul

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in the park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink  halter dress twirls in a park

It’s been a rough (to put it lightly) couple of years, right? And I know that things aren’t over, and we’re still going through it. But. I’m ready for joy again. For fashion to be fun again. To dance all night again (ok, I’m not 18 so maybe not ALL night, but a good portion of the night!)

Perhaps it’s cliche, but I can’t stop listening to Beyonce’s You Won’t Break my Soul. A great dance song? Yes, of course. Also, a great little message- that no matter what happens that we can remain unbreakable, we can remain in our joy, we can wear a great dress and dance a little. Yes, I’ve been dancing in my living room. And yes, I’ve been thinking about the things I can wear that bring me joy- such as halter dresses (from the 70s and disco itself!) that twirl in ways that make me smile. I’ve also been thinking about how joy, true joy, is a radical act. One that we maybe don’t pay enough attention to.

Joy may be the way to keep us all sane. So, from joy in our clothes to joy in our actions- why is joy something we can be willing to deny ourselves?

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

I don’t know the answer to that. I know that some think of You won’t Break my Soul as just a fun song (and it is!!), but I also think of it as a call to guard our joy. To indulge in our joy (from dresses to shoes to dancing (even in your living room). Because our joy (And our souls) are something to celebrate. And if you do that in a fantastic dress? All the more joyful (and less likely to break your soul!)

Some fashion notes: This dress is a true disco era dress! From the 70s, you can tie it so many ways (but I love a dramatic bow on my back!). It’s jersey so hugs in all the right places without being too difficult to upkeep. Gold sandals that have become my party go-to (yes, you can dance in them all night-or part of the night long!)

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

Fun fact about this shoot: I was a bit behind, so it was just me in the camera and this stunner of a dress. I can’t help but dance in it. The weekend was a bit rainy (as in pouring one minute and then dry) and this shoot happened in a break in storms. It started raining right after I got the last shot, and then I danced for a bit in the rain (lucky for us all, jersey dries quickly!). A little bit of luck, a little bit of joy, and a whole lot of dress. Not bad for a shoot that was a bit last minute!

I’ve linked these exact shoes and similar dresses for your shopping pleasure below. Go out there and feed your soul a bit today!
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 peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

Finding Beauty

a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers
a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers
a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers

I can’t remember the whole quote, or who said it, but someone once said something like:
“Making things beautiful, that will be my life”.

And I get that beauty isn’t everything. But I have to admit that I seek it out, that I like it, that I love to find beauty in the everyday- from my garden to flowers painted on a wall. Beauty as a, value can seem a bit at odds when I’ve told you that my style is more “classics with an edge” (see here), but isn’t beauty classic? And isn’t finding beauty- even in the most ugly places- one of the most classic tales of all time?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about beauty. What it means to me, what it means to seek it, what it means to be beautiful and yet not completely conform to “standards”. Yes, those are big questions. Which I won’t make us get into! What I will say is that the more I’m open to finding beauty, the more I see it- everywhere.

a woman in a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it
a woman in a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it

This is a wall I’ve driven by at least a million times, yet, I never noticed the mural until recently. It’s not that I was stopped or going any slower. It’s just one day I looked over, and there was a mural of beautiful flowers. I’m sure it’s not new, in my car I’m often in my head, singing along to the radio, talking to myself (if you say you don’t I won’t believe you!), all the things that distract us. Then, occasionally, I make it a point to really take in what’s around me. It’s amazing all the beauty out there that we just pass by! Because I can’t resist a little beauty, I had to stop and take pics- because the beauty we find should be celebrated. And shared.

Isn’t that what beauty is for?

a woman with a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it

On a fashion note- yep, I’m wearing all white. I know there’s a “rule” that we don’t wear white after Labor Day, but I don’t know that I’m really following that rule to a “t” anymore (sorry, Mom!). This skirt is linen, which eventually I will trade in for more fall clothes (because hopefully the temps turn much cooler!). But, I don’t know that I will rule out white bottoms. Turns out, that rule isn’t always the boss of me! I wrote about the “white after Labor Day rule” here (a great read if you didn’t grow up with that rule!). In the meantime, and these last few weeks of summer- let’s wear all the things that keep us cool and help us find the beauty!

This skirt and shirt are from past seasons- but I’ve found you similar- and these shoes were my summer splurge and I wear them all the time!
What are you wearing for the last few weeks of summer and how are you finding beauty?
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!

Crazy. Cat. Lady.

I came home from my Aunt’s funeral and have been under the weather since! My best nurses? The cats! Yep, besides my love Cartier I currently have a former stray I fed for years in the house- Rebel. He went from being skittish to being a cuddle monster. They give the best hugs and the best care! And look amazing on a dress. Here’s to us feeling better ASAP and getting all the love we need! XO RA

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady

One of the highest insults to a woman of a certain age? A fear for some women? A lazy way for men to demean women?
Crazy. Cat. Lady.

It can mean a lot of things- from perhaps someone who keeps too many pets (there is a limit) to a woman who’s single. I’ve had men use the phrase as something I should be scared of- and yet, much to my own surprise, a crazy cat lady is what I may be.
(As in I’m crazy about my cat.)
(And I’m unafraid to wear chic dresses like this one with cats on it)

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy cat lady

The ironic thing? Growing up I wasn’t a big cat person growing up. My sister was- she begged and pleaded for a cat until my mom gave in. And it wasn’t that I didn’t love the cats we had-but I was never as passionate about cats as my sister. In fact, there have been times when I’ve teased my sister about loving cats so much. And- here I am. I have a kitten named Cartier that’s become the light of my life -I spend a lot of my days singin to her, playing with her, and I miss her when I have to leave.

(If you’ve followed me for a while you may know that last year, we lost my beloved cat, Dreamer. We got her while I was in college. I loved Dreamer, but she and I got really close the past few years. She passed when 21 -ancient for a cat!-and it was devastating. I got Cartier last August, I wasn’t sure I was ready, and Cartier was my first kitten for me. Little did I know how much Cartier would mean to me. I’ve become someone that I used to tease my sister about- I take way too many pictures, call her my baby and treat her as such, and fill my days with her. I am the crazy cat lady they warned you about!)

fashion, blogger, high fashion , fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady

One of the misconceptions about crazy cat ladies, or at this this crazy cat lady, is that they dress poorly. Yet, this dress is one of my new favorites. It’s Dolce and Gabbana (I know) from a few seasons ago that I got second hand (one of the absolute best ways to shop). I love the classic cut with flares- the pleats, the sleeves, the slip that occasionally peeps out. And of course the print! Who could resist these sweet cats playing? (As someone who can’t resist her own cat it’s not me!)

It’s lady like and a bit cheeky and that’s one of my favorite combinations! We haven’t event chatted about the shoes- some of my favorite Guccis- the platform, the stripe, the lion on them. I love to think they’re a pop against the dress!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy. cat. lady

Is wearing your pet on your sleeve the new thing? Maybe for crazy cat ladies!

While this dress is older, I’ve linked you similar below. I ALWAYS want to see pics of your pet and things you love to wear so please share 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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy cat lady

(Mini) Skirting It

Investment Piece: (MIni) Skirting It
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting it
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It

Know what I hate? The idea that something is too “young” (or too “old”) for a certain age group. Yes- there’s dressing appropriately, but if you feel great in something, why shouldn’t you wear it? Yet. While I would tell you that you can wear all the things that make you happy, I sometimes also worry that my choices are too “young”. Or that I shouldn’t wear something because of my age.

For example, mini skirts. Part of my issue is that I worry my height is too much (my solution to that is to make sure that any mini skirt I buy isn’t too loose, for example this number I sized up so it wouldn’t be short and tight!), but I also worry that I’m too old for mini skirts.

And loves, I would like to think that I’m not too old for anything. Following your own advise it tough, but, I decided to mini skirt the issue and wear what makes me happy. And this skirt, these colors- how could you not be happy in it?

Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It

Maybe skirting the issue (mini or otherwise) comes down to a little bit of bravery. Or confidence. It may seem silly, but wearing a mini skirt seemed like a big deal to me. However, wearing it was so fun. I didn’t feel old, I felt empowered. Mainly by the fact that I was wearing something that brought me joy!

Some styling notes:
– as mentioned above, I did size up so that the skirt wasn’t too tight. Although this skirt is so stretchy! It’s incredibly comfy (and there’s room enough for shorts underneath if that makes you comfortable!)

-I paired it with a blouse to balance the look. Although from bikini tops to tank tops to sweatshirts, this skirt would go with so many things

-I wore flats as again I was worried about my height. But. I might get even more daring and wear it with wedges or heels!

Investment Piece: Mini SKirting It

What time are you avoiding wearing because of something you “should” wear? How would it feel to wear it instead? I would love to hear about it!

I’ve linked this skirt a few others like it below so you can mini skirt it with me!
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!

Inspired by: Valentino Resort 2018

Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort

With my fashion choices, I like to think that I get my inspiration from everywhere. However, there are times when I just happen to be inspired by other fashion choices that I either see people making (why street style is still such a strong force) and by the fashion choices presented to me. This week?

Ok. More than a week.

I’ve been inspired by the images of Valentino Resort from 2018 that have been flooding all my timelines. (Both at the time and now!)
Investment Piece: Inpsired by Valenitno Resort

Especially when I realized that this patterned, all the best of the 70s look I could recreate with pieces I already owned.

Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort

Note: none of my brands here are Valentino. Though I do love that house (see here, here, and here, and search “vintage Valentino” in the search bar. There’s not a lot of Valentino I pass up).

What I love about this Valentino Resort look? It’s patterned, all mix, all bold, all subtle. It goes together, and yet, any of these pieces would be great on their own. I love the headscarf. Could we make those a thing? Please? And the loafers (heeled)? Perfection. It’s like the best of logo, the best of patterns, and the best of the 70s. (AKA those sunglasses).

Do I want this Valentino look? Of course.
But then, I realized that I could recreate it with pieces I have!

This wrap dress? (And yes, everyone should have a wrap dress, it’s a basic in my book) Vintage DVF. The pattern and the colors are seasonless and perfect to match with anything. These loafers? Gucci. And yes, I am unafraid to use this turquoise as a neutral. Even here, it doesn’t “match” perfectly, but it goes. And somehow, I had the perfect scarf and sunglasses.

Should you copy everything that comes down the runway or is in an ad? Not at all. Should you get inspired by it? Yes. Take what you love. Turn it into your own. And if you can recreate a look you love? Why not?

I’m already excited for when it’s not 100 degrees and I can put my spin on this Valentino Resort look:
Investment Piece: Inspired by Valentino Resort

Below I’ve linked some Valentino pieces I love, some DVF, some great wrap dresses, and more.
I can’t wait to see what you create and get inspired by!
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!

Investment Piece: Valentino Resort