shoes – Page 7 – Investment Piece

Why You Should Rock Zebra

a woman in a zebra print suit 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Whites

a woman in white pants and a white top with wedge sandals and a snake clutch in front of a fence

tis the season to wear all white. Which can mean a ton of things- glamorous, classy, a spill trap. I’ve always been one to dare it all (coffee spills) and wear all white during the summer, it feels very crisp to me. But, because of who I am as a person, I also love doing it (summer whites) with a twist.

ke clutch in front of a fence
a close up of a woman's face with a star earring and sunglasses

Which sometimes means accessories like these above- great shoes, a great bag (especially when you’re wearing all white feel free to go bold with both of these pieces- I’m a fan of animal prints but color, pattern! Go crazy!). Or even your jewelry and sunnies. Another way to punch up all white? I love big, gold necklaces or earrings, or even an arm stack!

ke clutch in front of a fence

And sometimes your summer whites can be the statement. Off the shoulder. These pants are actually sequins (but work as a basic!). Of course there are so many statement whites- cutouts, minis, maxis, tanks, etc. While white may be considered a blank canvas, that really just means that it’s exciting-and you can make a summer white outfit what you like.

Yes, you can do all white in any season (even this retired southern belle will tell you so!), but there’s just something about summer that screams for white outfits. Pants, dresses, even shoes.

I would love to know- how do you do summer white? How daring do you get with it?

While this outfit is a few years old, I’ve linked similar pieces for you to play with 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!

Getting Back Out There

a woman in a gold skirt, back top and gold shoes stands in front of a White House and a green hedge

I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last, to comment on how difficult – on many levels- the past few years have been. And I’m someone who likes to be at home (which I know, is surprising as I also love to dress up and go out!). **** As I as I may have enjoyed some time at home, it’s finally become time for me to start getting out there again. The process is slow, it’s surely not steady, but my need for routine, community, and a bit of fun have pushed me out of the house and into the world (and parties!).

*** Also, this is a side note that none of this post is judgment or advice on what you should be doing or how you should be getting out there. In all honesty, I feel as if I’m still getting my stamina back from a “mild” case of Covid in January. I’m still home a lot, still masking, still wary. Much of my own “getting back out there” is managing wanting to be involved in community, see friends and getting some sort of routine going while protecting myself and my loved ones.

a woman in a gold skirt, back top and gold shoes stands in front of a White House and a green hedge

For me there have been many layers to getting back out there. Beyond what we’ve all gone through, I’ve been battling fatigue since January, and since then even my at-home routine has been all over the place. It feels as if I’ve had to fight back from that, and then get out of the house. A two-step that’s not been the most graceful, but I’m getting out. Seeing friends. Going to parties (small ones).

Sometimes I’ve found myself being awkward. Two years at home will do that to the best of us.
But more surprising, at least to me, is that from gym classes to seeing friends, for the first time I’m a bit lost at what to wear. And I love a great party outfit! And clothes!

Some of my what-to-wear “issue” has been fit- I think all of us, even if you didn’t gain any panny weight may have had weight shift, or may be questioning what clothes best fit your life. Another what-to-wear issue has been that with only online socializations I’m not always sure what dress codes are. And I’m super excited to wear all the clothes I didn’t get to wear for the past few years. (And yes, this all deserves a separate and long conversation and we have some of it here).

a woman in a gold skirt and a black top standing in front of a White House and a green hedge

Getting back out there has meant experimenting. Sometimes being overdressed- and being okay with it. And enjoying being in my clothes again. This look above was for a friend’s small birthday champagne toast. Yes, I was the “fanciest”. But I couldn’t resist this metallic (both a bit floral and a bit animal) skirt paired with a corset top and my new favorite spring shoes. I felt alive in it. And like me- the woman I was before.

Perhaps getting back out there simply means that I’m working my way through outfits that feel like me and make me feel like me. What does getting back out there mean to you? And how have you been going it?

I’ve linked this outfit (similar and exact pieces) for your own getting 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!

Dino Casual

investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, blogger, Dino causal

The thing about me is that I do fancy (for some reason) much more easily than I do causal. Perhaps it’s that I try too hard, or maybe I just love a party dress too much- but I can over think jeans and a tee shirt see here. And yes, everything I laid out then is still true, for some reason party dresses, pants, looks, etc come easy to me. I wear casual looks every day- from work out gear (which sometimes I don’t ever change out of) to jeans- but I have a much harder time styling and shooting those looks.

Another way I try to explain this to everyone is that I do extremes well- I can go big or I dress as if I should stay at home. The in betweens? I always feel like I should do something more with them.

However, maybe it’s because it’s a Monday after a holiday and I’m tired, or maybe because the past few years just putting on jeans and a tee has felt like dressing UP, I’m becoming more and more curious about the in-betweens. Playing with just jeans and a tee, showing you some of my day- to-day style. Not that I will EVER stop buying and shooting party dresses (I can’t), but I’m into a bit more casual.

A close up of a woman in a dino printed button down and jeans in front of a white fence

This is my version of casual. Great jeans and great shoes. And because I can’t resist a little something- a fun print.

Another weird thing about me? I love dinosaurs.Like little kid love them. I get excited when I see them and can’t help but want all the Dino things. And I also wear dinos- from sweat pants to button downs. My best tip for Dino fashion purchase? The kids section of Target. As in, yes- that’s a shirt from the little boy’s section (my best tip is that often the kids’ XL is perfect sizing. I highly recommend! If nothing else, it gives you another place to play with your style).

Do dinos (or any graphic that speaks to you) count as casual? Why or why not? And does this count as casual if I simply adore these shoes and think they’re special (as well as what I want to wear all summer)? I’m not sure. But I know this is how I’m doing casual, and it feels like it’s right. Perfect for a casual workday or dinner, and great for the fancy kind of errands.

a woman in a Dino print shirt and jeans with sandals in front of a white fence

How do you do casual? What are your go-tos? And how do you combat the need to make it all a bit special (or is that just me)?

Below I’ve linked the details to this outfit. I can’t wait to hear about your casual dinos and more!
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!

woman in Dino print button down and jeans in front of a white fence n

Styling Spring Caftans

a woman in a silk sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a White House

I have a thing for caftans -see here, here, and here for starters. There is something so chic about caftans to me- very Palm Springs, very “oh I just threw this on but look like a movie star”, very “I’m so fabulous I don’t have to try”. You may think of caftans as more “grandma chic” (I get it, I thought I would get into caftans as I aged), but truly, caftans aren’t for the old, nor do they make you look old. They’re simply chic. And once I got into caftans, I just can’t help but want to wear them to everything.

And beyond that, caftans are very forgiving, meaning at any spring celebration you can eat and drink your heart out and still feel comfy in your outfit. An important feature in my book!

a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house

I started wearing caftans regularly during the Covid lockdowns. Over on Instagram (@racheladelicia) I started a weekly series called “Cocktails and Caftans” where I would learn (or show off my skills) a new cocktail and wear a fabulous caftan. The idea was a virtual happy hour at home and an excuse to “dress up”, while still wearing comfortable “lounge-ish” outfits. Who knew that it would start me wearing caftans all the time?

For all the above reasons, and because-to me at least- caftans are special. They border ease and glamour so effortlessly- even styling them is a breeze. Most caftans don’t need much. A pair of shoes (and everything from flat sandals to your highest platforms go). Sometimes some jewelry. With this caftan I lucked out (it’s from Pickled Vintage, one of my faves), the sleeves and the yoke are beaded, it’s sheer and the print is so festive, all it really needs is a pair of great heels to make it party ready. These are my beloved Sarah Flints, and you can get $50 off your own pair with the code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE.

Originally, I got this caftan as an option to wear to a cousin’s wedding- but I don’t think I can wait that long!

a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house

What’s something that you can’t help but come back to over and over? Most of us would say jeans, sundresses, etc- but it’s becoming increasingly clear to me that caftans are on my list. And why not? From weddings to simply hanging out in your back yard, there’s a caftan for that. They make you feel easily glam, no matter the occasion and go with almost any shoe. When I show up in a caftan, please don’t be surprised- but I hope you’ll be in one too!

I highly recommend vintage caftans (and Pickled Vintage!) but I’ve also rounded up some of my favorite modern caftans for you below!

Happy Caftan season!
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 caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house