shoes – Page 8 – Investment Piece

April Showers

woman in a checked dress and rain boots looks for rain in a green garden
a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checking for rain in a green garden surrounded by a fence and a white wall

What do you wear when it’s rainy? I know, I know- we’re not supposed to let the weather dictate our clothes- but we kinda do. When it’s cold do we not dress for it? In the warmer temps you aren’t reaching for wool. So, it makes sense that when it rains, it would affect what we wear. And yes, as a shoe lover, I’m mainly thinking of April showers affecting footwear choices. We don’t want special shoes getting ruined by a rainy afternoon!

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots in a green garden

If you’re looking to keep great shoes great and not dry, I know that the easy answer is to simply wear rain boots when it rains. I knew that answer- I’ll be honest my hesitation about rain boots is that they have not always been cute in the past (more on that below). And, when wearing rain boots, do you plan your outfit around them? Just wear rain boots with anything? Change into your “real” shoes for the day when you’re inside and out of the rain?

Rain boots might be the answer to April Showers, but I was still left with questions.

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

All those questions? This how I’ve started to answer them:

Remember just a few sentences ago, when I said that rain boots aren’t always cute. Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s not. Lately, especially, rain boots are chic, in all styles and all colors. And not just if you like a bigger boot (which I’m slowly loving lug sole boots with dresses, it’s taken a minute but the juxtaposition is growing on me!). Rain boots can be a chic shoe (some are too cute to wait for water!) so–I’m planning outfits around rain boots. Short ones, tall ones, black ones, purple ones. I’m also planning outfits around boots that are right on the border of being a rain boot (aka not a traditional rain boot but waterproof). It’s made rain days easier, and chicer.

(Note: when there is a more black tie affair I change my shoes when needed or look for a waterproof heel, but that’s a different post!)

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

What’s your strategy for dealing with a rainy day? How does it affect your fashion choices? Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite current rain boots- I can’t wait to see how you style 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!

Spring Celebrations

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For the first time in a long time it feel as if there are things to celebrate.*

*I’m aware there is still a pandemic and now, a war. There are times when things feel overwhelming and bad and I get it. However, this is the first spring in a few springs that (at least for me) there have been stirrings of real hope. I’m not ignoring or downplaying or avoiding anything happening, but I am giving into the hope (and the subsequent celebrations) that now exist and I hope you join me- in both these new spring celebrations and working together on all the issues we face.

It’s not that I suddenly have a full social calendar or a big announcement (though things have been going well for me lately and I hope that’s true for you too!), but I’m in the mood for a few spring celebrations. Even in the backyard. Even if what we’re celebrating is getting through the day. They say that you have to put out what you want to receive, and if we want to be fabulous in amazing dresses in fabulous places, maybe the way to get there is to dress in stunning things.

(Sidenote: These pics were taken when a few friends came over for some bubbles. We were just excited to be together. I’m a firm believer in dressing for little moments- and that little moments that are fantastic lead to bigger fantastic moments)

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Spring Celebrations range from big to small, formal to informal, some we make a big deal of, but my most favorite tend to be the small ones that remind me of the good things out there. It can be very easy to dwell on allll the things happening, and to get bogged down. There is something about a change of season, temperatures warming, blooms opening up that just feels good. And if that’s not an excuse to put on something that makes you feel special (a wardrobe requirement for me) and sip something delicious with people who make you smile I don’t know what is.

So. I put on a dress- that hugs my hips and has a slight train and buttons up the back. It felt chic and sophisticated and just the right shade of new. And a headband (as someone who usually has her hair in a bun maybe there is something to letting your hair down!). Let’s not forget the shoes!(I’m a fan of anything chic and supportive- these are my beloved Sarah Flints and you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 your own pair. And please join me and Sarah tonight for a spring preview of her new collection- it will be a celebration and please DM me for an exclusive invite!). I drank bubbles out of a vintage glass and I gave into some hope. Is there any better reason to have a celebration?

Investment Piece fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations

The biggest side note of all? This stunner of a dress is actually a wedding dress from the 1930s (no, I’m not getting married). In fact- I’ve recently developed a thing for 1930 dresses, even wedding dresses. The cuts, the patterns, the material- they tend to be just so stunning. And yes, I’ve rounded up some of my current vintage rings for you below.

What are you celebrating this spring?
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!

Below is a collection of 1930s dresses, wedding dress, headbands, shoes and a modern dress to give you this celebratory feel!

Into Opportunities

Investment Piece, belt it, Jcrew, Beau Coops, Mother, high fashion, blogger, fashion, CA, TX, fashion stories, into opportunities
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, into opprotunities, belt it, mother denim, jcrew
Investment Piece,into opportunities, fashion, blogger, high fashion, mother, beau coops, CA, TX

What does your perfect spring day look like? Not just the weather- we could debate temps all day- but the perfect day. I guess I’m also not that interested in what you do-I mean I am- but what I’m really asking is what does the perfect spring day feel like?

In my experience, opinion, whichever suits best!-the end of a season and the beginning of a new one is filled with up and down days. Times when you just feel bogged down, as if things will never change and just tired of it all. Then. The perfect day of the new season comes- in this case spring- and all those things that weigh you down seem lighter, the air is just a bit different, and a lot of hope returns.

You know what I mean? From life to fashion to weather, sometimes seasons go from feeling stuck to into opportunities. Isn’t it funny how that happens overnight?

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, belt it, vintage, Jcrew, Beau Coops, CA, TX

Sometimes the opportunities are ones we’ve been chasing, sometimes they’re brand one we never saw coming. It’s the same with outfits- I never knew I was a belt person till I got this vintage lion one. Now? I want to put over everything- including jackets. What started as a whim has become my go-to outfit- and I’m always amazed at what comes my way in it.

And yes- I will die on the hill that a light jacket is the best thing for spring. You don’t want to be too hot, but you also want to ward off the last few chills. Add jeans, and of course a chic shoe and it’s the perfect spring outfit. Fit for any opportunity.

Investment Piece, belt it, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories into opportunities

What opportunities are you looking for this season? I’m still writing out my goals, setting my sights on what I really want, all while being open to all of the good things that may be (or are) coming my way. I’m also on the look out for any and all outfits that make me feel good- much like this one. I’m trying to keep it simple. But I’m also really shooting high. Is that the way to go into opportunities? I guess we’ll find out!

Please tell me all about the things you’re wearing, your perfect days and your opportunities. I want to hear about them all!
This outfit is one I’ve had on repeat for years (it never fails) and I’ve linked the same pieces, or similar, 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!

Does it Have to be Special?

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I know that special can mean a lot of different things. Perhaps something is special because of where you wore it first, or who you wore it for, or maybe how long you had to save for the outfit, or any combination or more reasons special can be used. Or maybe special can be why you want to wear the outfit. I’m a big fan of special.

But. As I am slowly learning, special can’t sustain it all of everything (Awkward?Crossing my fingers you know know what I meant) by itself. Special needs support (and maybe a place and a time). And as I’m beginning to think or explore or play with- what if it doesn’t have to be special.

This is rich for someone who in these pictures is wearing shoes and carrying a bag that are special to me. (I couldn’t resist. And maybe special is something I cling to?) But, if special is something I showcase or have to have or feel incomplete without- what if an outfit wasn’t special? What if it just was? Would it be ok? Does it have to be special?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, does it have to be special

We know that I love special. From shoes to bags. I keep outfits from special days, from my family, from people I love. Special makes up a lot of what I own. (Or at least a lot of what I own is special to me). What happens when everything is special? Does it make it less special? What if your day-to-day go-to outfits aren’t “traditionally” special? (And that still means that you could look great and feel good in them) Does your outfit have to be special?

These are the questions that I can’t keep thinking about. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much of this year so far sick or recovering or super tired, and my daily outfit has been sweats (special points if they match). Or maybe it’s because (especially with the pandemic) I now feel that every time I shoot something or wear something it has to mean something. But. What if we just put on clothes? If there’s an outfit that you love but that has no meaning or statement piece, is it any less of a great outfit?

I tried here- a simple shirt dress (but in denim that hugs in all the right places), maybe the shoes (velvet and if you can’t see them there are sparkles on the heels) and a bag (vintage Gucci that they re-released this year) were too much. Where I lose my own argument is that I can’t help but add a special element- I can’t help but feel like even a great dress could be made better by a statement piece. And I’m working on it, I do think that we are what makes any outfit special. So not every outfit needs a statement piece. Theory doesn’t always transition easily to practice, which is weird for someone who can lay around in nothing special – but this idea, these areas of play, this is what I’m working on.

What do you think special is? Do you think an outfit has to be special? When you go out can you resist dressing it up? I would love to hear all about it!

And I’ve linked this outfit (or similar) for your shopping pleasure below!
XO RA

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

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion, stories, does it have to be special

Cinderella Shoes: A Blog Birthday

In honor of the release of Disney’s Live Action “Cinderella” I thought I would share some of my favorite “Cinderella” feeling shoes.

From top: Brian Atwood, Marc Jacobs and appropriately named “Cinderella”.

Happy weekend and may your shoes take you magical places!

Above was my first blog post, on this day 7 years ago. (Complete sidebar: I can’t believe it’s been 7! years. It feels like yesterday and at the same time feels like we’ve always been here- in all the best ways!)

I didn’t know what I was doing, even though I had taken classes and tried to prep myself (know how I always tell you I’m back at tech? It used to be MUCH! worse). There’s a chance I still don’t know what I’m doing- I feel like I’m still learning, though I will say that I have a much more firm grasp on what my vision is (telling our stories through fashion). People will tell you that the blog is dead- but I can’t tell you how much I still love this little corner of the internet that we share, and the community we’re building- and I love that we’re still growing.

Because it’s the blog’s birthday I thought we should celebrate, and while yes- that does mean fantastic shoes (so put some on and have a fun drink for me!), I’d also like to share some lessons that I’ve learned over these past 7(!) years!

-Your dreams will change. Grow. I think the best thing is to grow with them. Sometimes that means taking breaks, sometimes it means non-stop work, but at the end it should be worth it. This part (even the work) should be fun. Even when I’m frustrated with tech or what I want to say or the myriad of other things (this is still a job) I’m so grateful I get to do this. Fashion is fun to me, and I hope that comes through in my stories.

-Your path will take its own time. Especially with “influencers” (I have feelings about that word) there is always someone new or with more followers or reaches goals before you. I would be lying if there were times when I wasn’t envious of what others are doing- but I have to remind myself that their path is not mine. All I can do is the best I can, telling the stories how I know (growing and changing of course) and trust. It’s so cheesy to say but I do really believe that what’s for you is for you- it may take time and work- but it’s out there.

-Sometimes our stories are difficult to tell. I really think that fashion is how we tell our stories. And yet, there have been things that have been hard to talk about here (like how sick I was recently. I just didn’t want to post nonstop stories of me in sweats on the couch!). Sometimes, our stories are what we’re trying to be and not what we are. It can make fashion both endlessly fascinating, yet it can also leave you feeling like you have to keep up appearances. (And yes, social media and all the things are part of it.) Boundaries have been hard for me (not just here, but in general), but having a job that’s about sharing has lead me to firm up my boundaries. Not that I don’t love sharing with you! But not every story is for sharing- and that’s ok too.

I’ll be honest, this blog birthday kind of crept up on me. As you know, I’ve been sick and while I’m finally feeling as if I’m getting back to myself, there are still things to catch up on (clearly). In the coming weeks be on the look out for a birthday give-away, and more fantastic shoes.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I’m so grateful for you, I hope that this week is full of magic and amazing shoes! XO RA

Winter’s Last Stand

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One of my weird habits? I’m never more exited to dress for a season (like Spring) when it hasn’t quite arrived. Currently it’s winter’s last stand. As you may know, the groundhog that predicts the weather (see GroundHog’s Day) let us know that in America we should have 6 more weeks of weather. And where I am the temps are going up and down, we’ve had ice and sun. Today it’s supposed to be a high of 60 with high winds.

What I’m thinking about? New swimsuits, crochet cover ups, sandals, white shorts, and sundresses. I’m dreaming of updating my sunscreen and spring makeup, sunhats, and patiently waiting to get in the pool. The funny thing? It’s still way too cold for all of that, and I’m sure sometime in June I’ll start thinking about sweaters again. Maybe it’s that we always want what we can’t have. Or that temps seem better when you’re not in them. But right now, with winter still going on, I’m dreaming of spring (and all the outfits).

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Yet, with all of that yearning for spring, for this to be winter’s last stand, what a great time for outfits. It’s a great time for coat’s last hurrah- and one of the most chic things (I think) is an outfit where you were your coat as a dress. Normally when the coat as dress is suggested, I think we have a tendency to think more about fit and flares, sheaths, or wrap coats (see here, here, here, and here) but why not wear your (long) puffer coat as a dress? It can be just as elegant with a scarf (a la 1950’s starlet but with a more modern pattern) and boots (who could resist a glitter heel?!) as any coat dress.

Shooting this was a bit windy, a bit chilly, but I felt like a lady. Turns out, the right winter outfit is just as fun as any swimsuit or sundress. And as much as I may be ready for the next season, maybe winter’s last stand can be full of amazing outfits, from coats to boots, to scarfs. What will your winter last stand (aka outfit) be?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Pro-tip: winter’s last stand is also a great time to do some coat shopping. They’re on sale and yet you still have some time to wear them this year. I’ve linked some of my favorite sale coats and similar ones to this outfit for your shopping pleasure below!
xo RA

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

Recreate the look:

Shop sale coats:

Now and Then: Loafers

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Is there anything more classic than a pair of loafers? My parents both tell stories about their penny loafers, buying new shoes for school, and the wanting to fit in with their loafers. I remember Cole Haan loafers being what the “cool kids” wore in Jr High, and desperately wanting them. (My mom wouldn’t spend that on growing feet, my mom and I no longer discuss shoe budgets ;))

Maybe it’s that loafers go with almost everything (from jeans to pants, skirts to dresses, suits to casual wear), maybe it’s that there’s always a new version of the loafer, whatever it is, loafers are a wardrobe staple.

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, now and then loafers

The good news about loafers being so classic is that no matter what kind of loafers you like- simple, platform, with tassels, without tassels- there’s a loafer for you. And you have so many shopping options, new or vintage. Vintage loafers are one of my most favorite things to shop for (Etsy and eBay are my go-tos) and I can’t pass a shoe section (at a department store or anywhere) without looking at loafers. My current faves are loafers that are mules!

What about you? What do you wear your loafers with? And what kind are your fave loaders?

Below I’ve linked some of my current favorite loafers from vintage to modern for your shopping pleasure!
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!

Love Lace

Fashion Blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace

It’s the big day for romance! As much as I chat about not being the biggest fan of Valentine’s, I do love a good night out, I do love romance, and I love a good party dress. And a party dress that’s a bit romantic and somewhere to wear it? How could I not love that?

As you know, I believe that we use our fashion to tell our stories- and the thing about love is that there are so many stories, and so many things that are romantic. From nights in, wearing great lounge wear, to first or big date jitters, and the perfect dress. Little gestures – one of my boyfriends would pause the beginning of the show Ozarks for me so I could see all the symbols, to big gestures- flowers and jewelry, etc. What kind of story are you telling tonight/today? Is there a perfect outfit that you found first that you made plans around or did you make plans and find an outfit?

After finding this perfect dress, the lace and those details, I couldn’t help but plan my Valentine’s around it. And can you blame me with a dress this great?

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This black lace dress is a vintage Oscar de la Renta (I want to say 1964 but I may be misremembering) and when I saw it I fell in love. There is no love like fashion love. The black lace, the high neck, the bow around the waist. The small details- the flare sleeve, the lace on the skirt, the slit on the black. When I put it on I not only felt beautiful, I felt powerful. There is something about a dress that commands attention, it makes me feel as if I’m worthy of the attention. Dresses like this one make me feel in control of the story, a feeling love. And when those feelings look like this, it’s just heaven!

(This is a vintage number and as we all know some of the magic of vintage is that there is only one, but I’ve found you similar dresses and linked them below).

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace

Since I have the dress and I have the love, all I needed was a plan. I took my love to a magical restaurant where it feels like we’re stepping back in time. There’s a big fountain, all these stone walls, some trees. Surroundings like this make going out to dinner feel like an event. And as we all know, events need dresses. I’m so grateful that love and lace go together.

I hope that no matter what you do today you feel loved and that the outfit is one that tells an amazing story.
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!

Shark Love

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a Sense of Humor

Or how to dress for Valentine’s with a sense of humor.

Maybe you’ve read some of my Valentine’s posts and you’re worried that I hate Valentine’s Day. That may be a valid worry, but let me assure you that I love love. (I even have Shark Love. And totally get a pass on that bad dad joke because of love.) Things I also love? Dressing with a sense of humor, sequin skirts, and outfits that work for any sort of date night (even Valentine’s Day).

***About Sharks. I couldn’t resist this sweater as it’s just so cheeky. BUT. There’s no way I’m the only one who’s fascinated by and scared by sharks all at the same time. After seeing “Jaws” for the first time, I didn’t get in the ocean for years. And did you know the Ocean is the love of my life?

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humor

Right now, there are articles out there that will tell you how to dress sexy or romantic on Valentine’s Day. And I get it. It’s a night (or day) of romance, and there’s not a thing wrong with dressing to theme. (I’m a fan of dressing to theme.) There’s also everything right with dressing to show your personality, and a sense of humor is one of my most favorite things to showcase. Even through, and especially with, my fashion.

Yes, this is the part where I let you know (again) how much I love juxatipositons and cheekiness.
Loves, it’s aok to love love and love to laugh. (Side bar: if you don’t love to laugh, are you ok? If you’re with someone who you can’t laugh with is that really a love you love? Would Shark Love help you?)

So, my take on a “great Valentine’s look” is a little cheeky, a little funny. No, it’s not my only one. But, can you resist the sparkles and the shark? That this is look is perfect for the office (with a different skirt) and for date night (with a skirt like this). To me, this look says you’re ready for love and you’re good with a great laugh. What’s more attractive than that?

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humorI

Some notes:
-If you’re scared of sharks, another animal would work just as well here as would any graphic sweater or shirt (I hear hearts are popular this time of year)
-Another great skirt (leather, maybe?) could replace the sequins
-Love. But let you shine through. I know you’re fab and you’re loved for the real you.

Even if the real you loves Shark Love sweaters.

I’ve linked similar items below. Again, this is not my only “Valentine’s look” ( I do have something more traditional to show you!), but I’d love to know. What do you wear for Valentine’s?

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: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humor

Classic, Not Boring

InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, CA, TX, easy, Chanel, Jcrew, high fashion

Many times I think we take our classics for granted, we call them boring. It happens with books, art, and for our purposes- outfits. A button down, a pair of jeans, and boots are a classic combination. It will never fail you. Simple, easy, and you don’t have to think too hard about it. Classic. But not boring.

The thing about classics is that within a no-fail formula is so much room to explore, to create, to be extra. Yes, here I’m in a classic combo- jeans/button down/boots. But. The jeans fit perfectly, the boots are anything but boring (over the knee! the cap toe! the design!), the details on the shirt! This outfit is far from boring, and feels like me, even if I’m technically following a formula.

So many of what makes an outfit exciting, or pop, comes down to our details. How do we express ourself within the confines of something that has been done before? What makes a classic feel new? This is about an outfit, but it also applies to our weeks, how we spend our days.

We’re at a time in the year, the winter blahs, and the pandemic, when things may be feeling a bit stale. To stay warm you may be wearing all the sweaters and all the coats. To stay safe you may feel like everything is a bit boring. I get it. Personally, I’ve felt like I’ve been in a rut, and have been cooped up at home lately so nothing feels new. Instead of giving into that, I’m attempting to look at my life (which outfits are a large part) and see what I can work with, what I make exciting. There are classics (routines) that I have and yet within them lay all sorts of possibilities.

Those are what I’ll be looking for all week.
What’s your favorite classic outfit combo and how do you make it your own? I would love to hear all about it!
XO RA

This outfit is made from older JCrew pieces, and the most fab Chanel boots I found resale, but I’ve linked similar pieces for your shopping pleasure below. I know what you choose won’t be boring!
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!