shoes – Page 9 – Investment Piece

Velvet and Florals

Investment Piece: fashion blogger, cold weather, vintage, YSL, Valentino, CA, TX, high fashion
investment Piece: Velvet and Florals
Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, Valentino, high fashion
InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, cold weather, vintage, high fashion, YSL, vintage, CA, TX

It is incredibly tempting when the the temps drop to abandon all style for warmth. As someone who hasn’t spent a lot of her time in true “winter” weather, it’s especially hard to not dress in only sweats (multiple) and big coats (because, yes I’m cold all the time). So, when I find pieces that let me retain some style and stay warm, I go back to them again and again.

Also, who can resist velvet and florals? Especially when they’re this chic?

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, vintage, cold weather, high fashion, YSL, Valentino, CA, TX

A trench is an investment I will always endorse, but trenches like this- with a bit of personality and texture? I love them. Velvet isn’t something I would think of for coats, mainly as I worry about it getting wet. BUT. This coat is so warm, and I love that the details, the slits, the buttons, the edging make it special enough to wear as a dress, but warm enough so I don’t regret not wearing sweats. And while florals may be more associated with spring, on boots they’re a bit of a statement. Obviously made for warmth, but made for fashion as well.

I’m always, always going to chose warmth over fashion (easy to say when we’re not going out much). Even with my shorter, not as warm outfits, I’m known to bring a big coat, or wear tights, or layer more than may be necessary. Sometimes winter dressing feels frumpy and big, and there are times when you may feel as if you have to choose between your style and not freezing. Maybe velvet and florals aren’t for you- there’s cords, stripes, faux fur, puffers, polka dots and more to choose from. What I recommend is finding pieces that let you keep warm and expressing your style. It’s been my joy to experience winter (now and again) and an even bigger joy to find warm clothes that look like me.

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, velvet and florals

I would love to hear about your winter staples from coats to boots. The pieces that keep you warm, the ones that keep you stylish, and the ones that do both!
XO RA

Note: This velvet trench is vintage YSL (from the 1970s) and Valentino Floral Boots from the 2015 season, but I have found you similar!
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!

Year of the Tiger

While we collectively celebrated the new year on 1/1, on 2/1 it’s another “new year”- the lunar new year, or the Chinese New Year. 2022 is the year of the Tiger (water Tiger, to be exact), and in the Chinese zodiac tigers are known as strong, brave, and able to exorcise evil. Red is the good luck color of the Lunar New Year, and wearing tigers and red this year can be considered to bring you good luck throughout 2022 (at this point, I’ll take all the good luck we can!).

(I find Chinese astrology fascinating- you can read more about it here. I’m an Earth Sheep (or goat) and the signs point to me having a good year- I’m hoping that’s true for us all!)

If you’re into the astrology, you’re simply wanting another ritual for good luck, or a reason to shop seasonal and special, the Year of the Tiger has something for you. Brands, from skincare to shoes to dresses, have specialty items to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Below I’ve rounded up my faves.

Will shopping ensure good luck for this Tiger year? These’s only one way to find out!

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: Year of of the Tiger

One of my favorite Year of the Tiger products are these slippers from my beloved Sarah Flint. Fuzzy lined for warmth, arch support, and in a great red suede with that embroidered Tiger. You’ll be brave both pre and post coffee! (Also these would look chic with denim!)
Buy them here and use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off!

Beauty
I know, it seems a bit odd to mention Tigers and skin care (or lipsticks) in the same breath, but each lunar new year one of my favorites are the beauty limited editions. From bronzers in the shape of tigers to serums with the red (for good luck), these are the Year of the Tiger limited editions I’m shopping!

Shoes and Bags
From purses shaped like tigers to shoes with tigers on them, to reds, these Year of the Tiger accessories will bring you luck and keep you chic all year long!
These are my favorite from Kate Spade and Tory Burch (both brands do a great job at celebrating the Tiger!)

Clothing
Dress like a tiger, have a tiger on your clothes. Either way, these pieces from Kate Spade, Tory Burch or COS will have you in a celebratory mood, incredibly on trend, stylish- and maybe a bit lucky. If the Year of the Tiger brings good clothes to all of us I won’t be upset about it!

What do you think will bring you the most luck for the year of the Tiger? I’m betting on all of them- and I can’t wait to see us all in various reds and tigers starting 2/1/22. Happy Year of the Tiger loves!

XO RA

1930s Style

Investment Piece: 1930s Style

As someone who LOVES vintage, who shops vintage, who mixes her vintage and her modern wares- I have to let you know that there are times that I fall in love with the styles of a certain decade. Right now? For me? It’s the 1930s. It all started when I watched The Awful Truth one afternoon with my mom on TMC.

It’s about a couple who aren’t *quite divorced* who sabatoge the other’s new relationships. The move is so funny and fun and a romp- but the fashion. OH the fashion!

When I saw Irene Dunne’s wardrobe I knew 2 things- I needed new palazzo pants, and tops with peplums. I’m still searching for the perfect palazzo pants, but I was lucky enough to find this 1930s top on Etsy. Silk-satin with the perfect peplum.
-I have to admit, the rest of this outfit is modern. The pants? Commando leggings with a chic front slit- not quite palazzo, but a great balance to any peplum. The shoes? Sling backs in a color I NEVER thought I would love, but it reads both modern and vintage- and I love the slight platform. I paired them with slip clips in a deco nod.
And all together? It feels like a vintage holiday (and I love that it’s unexpected and no red to be found). All the things and details I love about the 1930s (yes, I’m still over here adding to my 1930s collection. What decade are you living right now?) and yet, it’s very chic and modern. (And any time we can make leggings a chic part of look-especially a holiday look- I’m a fan. What couldn’t you do in these?)

Did my love of the 1930s lead me to the perfect holiday outfit? Or is it that the holidays call for a 1930s look? The more I fall in love with the fashion from this decade it’s hard to tell. Maybe it’s both?

I’ve linked both these details and my current fave 1930s finds for you below. If you’re a fellow vintage lover, I would love to know- do you love the 1930s? What about it? And how are you dressing 1930s for the holidays?
Xo RA

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

Shop the modern details here

Shop 1930s picks:

Investment Piece: 1930s Style

To all the Parties…

Investment Piece: To all the Parties

It’s officially the “holiday” season, aka party dress season. I’m sure you’ve heard me say how much I love a great party dress (or look), and a whole season where you need an excuse to wear a party dress? How could that not be my favorite?

(I know that the holiday season is about so much more than party looks. The hope, the joy,the love, and the time with people you love- all of the is real meaning of the season. The parties (really, for me, the party dresses) are the star on the tree. But if you really enjoy party dresses, it’s a great time!)

Investment Piece: To all the parties

Wanna know a secret? I don’t even go to that many parties, especially in the past few years, but I can’t stop buying and wearing party dresses. I’ve been this way since I was a baby- always in a party dress, may not be at a party. What is it about party dresses that I love so much? I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. In a year where all of us could be in sweats all the time, I kept buying and wearing party dresses (some of the time. I also wore-and still wear-my fair share of sweats). And when you’re buying things that you might never need, and then you wear them (even just around the house or grocery store), those things have to have a special meaning to you.

So I’ve thought about it. Gone through my party dress collection. Worn sweats. Changed into party dresses. Changed back. Thought about things (and my outfits) some more. Finally, this is what I have on why I love a party dress (look) so much:

It’s the hope. To me, party dresses are a physical way to express and wear hope. That anything could happen. That your dreams could come true. That the life you want is here. I’m aware that all of that is ALOT to put on a party dress- but I don’t think I’m wrong. Yes, party dresses are fun, they may show off your best assets, or maybe they just make you feel joy. Isn’t that part of the season? The joy, the hope? And if a dress can bring that to you? Why not?

To all the parties (dresses), indeed!

Investment Piece: To all the parties

What do I love about this party dress? It has that classic, vintage feel but is modern (I got it at Anthropologie,it’s currently sold out but I did find similar items for you!). It’s fun – everyone loves to twirl in tiers. Also? I love the color! Yes, this pink, the gold- it’s winter holiday appropriate; but, they also work for any other time of the year. Because hope and joy aren’t limited to this time of year.

Why do you love party dresses? What do they make you feel?
This dress reminds me of vintage Missoni so I found you some, as well as some other similar dresses!
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: to all the parties

The Stress

Investment Piece: The Stress

Has it hit you yet?

If you’re in the States, there’s a great chance you’ve just survived Thanksgiving (with or without family), and the planning, shopping, eating, and people have left you exhausted. No matter where you are, the winter holidays are coming, full force. The sales have started. I woke up to an inbox full of invitations to sift through. And while none of this is bad, and I’m grateful for it all- it feels like a lot.

Maybe it’s that the lockdown took the social sense out of me? Maybe it’s that things are moving too fast? Maybe it’s that the holidays always feel a bit insane and I’d just forgotten it?

I have no clue. Truthfully, it’s probably a bit of it all. All I know is sometime on Friday, the stress hit. Not the average “I have a lot to do stress” (because yes, that), but the “I have a lot to do, and should give a lot, and places to be, and feel this pressure for it all to look and be perfect” stress.
Am I the only one who gets it?

Investment Piece: The Stress

Holidays can bring with them their own brand of stress, and their own pressure for perfection. (This is where I remind us-me- that perfection is not a thing, but this is one of the times of the year when PERFECTION feels like a requirement. Hence the stress) And while I thought I had mentally and emotionally prepped for the stress, and the outfits (see here), it turns out that there are times when the stress is unavoidable.

If you’re reading this there is a high chance I’m stressed about in no particular order:
-the work to be done
-the work completed
-the decorating for Chrismas
-the present shopping
-my shopping
-my pop-up weekend
-letting down people I care about
-letting done people I don’t care about
-finishing the library book I’m loving but don’t have enough time to read
-taking time to read the library book I’m loving but feeling like I should be working or decorating or something
-how Thanksgiving went
-how Christmas should go

Given the chance, I could go on about my stress all day. And the thing is- I know so much of this doesn’t matter, or has easy solutions. Yet. I can’t help but feel the stress.

Investment Piece: The Stress

What do you do to deal with stress? Currently, I’m working out and trying to read (but see above). I’m either wearing some sort of sweats or am dressed to the nines. To combat it all, I’m trying to come up with outfits that calm me down. Yes, I’m one of those whose coping habits is planning outfits. So, a cropped pant with a sweater (with it’s twists) and statement shoes? This outfit can’t shop and decorate and meet deadlines and make me feel like I can breathe easier. But. It does make me feel better about the day. And what to wear.

These shoes are vintage Prada. The other pieces are from seasons past. But, if you need some stress relief I found you similar items. And if I do say so myself, outfits like this make stressful days seem less stressful.

Xo RA

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

Shop similar here

The History

Investment Piece: Aunt's Coat

My closet is a mix. Vintage, modern. Designer, non brand. High, low. And while I don’t know that I have favorites (or if I do they change all the time), I love it when I know the stories of a clothing item. Stories are what I base my outfits on (if we’re honest, I think we all base a LOT on stories), so when I know where something comes from, what’s it’s been through, what it’s lived- it brings me joy.

This coat is my Aunt’s. Now it’s mine, but I know it’s history, who gave it to her, where it’s been (Dallas to Houston to Denver to me), how she wore it, and what it held for her. Yes, it’s a great coat without all of that- the suede, the low waist, the button detail, the way it’s a bit neutral and a bit statement; however, knowing its history helps me write its future.

I know that there’s a low belt missing, and while I could replace it, I know that it works both as a dress or a coat without it. Knowing the history means my aunt warned me that this stunner of a coat has a tendency to rub off on lighter colored clothes (so to watch what I wear underneath). The little imperfections? I’m aware of what caused them, and that makes it all a bit more special.

Investment Piece: The History

It’s not that I need a piece’s history to style it. No matter what I know about this coat, I know it will be so mod over a short skirt, chic over a long dress or skirt, perfect by itsself, and go great over jeans (I’ve thrown it on over sweats for an early am errand and it was heaven!). But. Knowing how’s it’s been styled does give me jumping off point. If there are ways it doesn’t work (like I already know it needs a slip under if it’s being worn as a dress because of gaps) I’m prepared.
So, now I get to make new looks and new stories, make this coat my own.

Do you like knowing the history of pieces you own? Adding to it? Or do you like brand new pieces to make your own history in?

All of the pieces in this outfit are from past seasons (or my Aunt’s closet), but I’ve found you similar and have linked them 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!

Investment Piece: The History

Keeping it Simple

Investment Piece: Keeping It Simple

We’re heading into a time of year that always seems overwhelming. Overdone. Over a lot. In the 24 hrs from Halloween to November (and really before! This year is worse with supply chain issues), we go VERY quickly into “uber” Holdiay mode. You may feel it-and may not know how to dress. And while I’m never one to say not to a party dress, there’s something that makes my life easier during this time of year.
Keeping it simple.
I know in terms of schedules and gifts (?) that can be hard. And in terms of feelings of pressure, expectations, and hopes and disappoints, I can’t help. Where I can help in keeping it simple?
Your outfit.
A simple midi (or maxi!) slip dress (they are so easy to dress up or down and go with anything!), a leather blazer (a must. They add so much to any work look, party look, over coat look, etc), and a great heel (I’m partial to my Sarah Flint perfect sandals, the arch support alone! Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your first pair!). I happen to add a vintage fur muff- but any holiday clutch will do. I promise this simple formula will never steer you wrong , will never leave you wanting, and will always keep it simple- do you can focus on all the other aspects of the holiday!

Investment Piece: KEeping it Simple

Are you surprised that I’m keeping it simple? Don’t worry, there are a ton of party dresses and looks headed your way. But the thing is, I don’t know that party and simple are opposites. As we head into this time of year, it’s important to have outfits in your pocket (or muff!) that make you feel confident. That are easy. The easy kind that don’t look easy(in the they look great way, not in the over complicated way).
That’s what this look is- and it’s a formula that’s custizable for any occasion (work, party, etc). Most importantly it can keep your holiday simple, so that you can focus on what’s important- like the people around you.

How are you keeping it simple this holiday? What are you wearing?
I’ve linked options for this exact outfit (for parties or work or more!) 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!

If you love these shoes (and I do!) shop Sarah Flint and use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off!

Investment Piece: Keeping It Simple

Trying It On

Investment Piece: Trying It On

Remember when we chatted about fall trends here and about lug sole boots here? Well. I decided to try them on.

Which really means that I got a sweater vest dress (aka knit dress, which I highly recommend) and some lug sole boots (these happen to be vintage and wedge. If you know me, these boots wouldn’t be my first run to, but it turns out that I highly recommend them as well!).

So. How do you know what to try on? How do you know what to keep on and what to take off?

Investment Piece: Trying It On

For me, this choice was a tad bit easy. I love sweater vests (I have no idea if that makes me trendy or preppy), so a knit dress (which I also love) as a sweater vest? That’s a no brainier. Of course I had to try it on, and of course I had to keep it. Lug sole boots? That was a much tougher call. I remember the 1990s (so, yes, when we call them vintage it does personally hurt), and I’ve been wary about any “trend” from that time period that “came” back. Also- I always thought that lug sole was a bit too clunky- aka would make my feet look bigger- for me. It turns out? I was wrong. Lug sole (again, these are “vintage” from Etsy) are actually fun. And perfect for the season! Where I am, fall means a little (lot) bit of rain, and these boots made me feel confident walking through it.

Trends can be difficult to wade through (pun intended). My best advice is to go towards ones that are similar to what you already love. Try what you’re curious about. Try what you’ve loved on others. And perhaps, try a bit, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. It turns out that there are trends out there worth trying on. For me, it was these. What trends have you been trying on this season?

Investment Piece: Trying It On

Below I’ve linked both this exact dress (with a slip under!) and current lug sole boots I’m loving. If you try them on I would love to know about it!
XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Trying it on

Cat Eyed

Investment Piece: Cat Eyed

It’s my personal opinion that leopard is a neutral. I’m also of the opinion that this is old news.
So. If leopard is a neutral, how can we play with it? How can we make this old news new again?

First- I have spent years – YEARS- hiding the fact that I wear glasses. I mean- usually contacts, but over the pandemic, I tended towards my glasses. It’s not that I think my glasses are nerdy (they’re cat eye! How could they be anything but chic!), but that it’s was just in my head that it’s a “thing” to wear glasses. So, I just didn’t. But. There’s something about this combo, the leopard, the crop, that just felt like it was the time to bring out the cat eye.

And what is leopard than a cat eye? (A classic, a neutral, a needed thing – but a bit of a pop)

I love this version: cropped, pleated, shoulder pads. It’s vintage, and while the rest of the outfit is modern, I can’t help but feel that the whole outfit is a bit of a throw back. Hence the cat eye. Perhaps the way to make old new is to revisit the old.

Oh. And add a cat-eye.

Investment Piece: cat eyed

The great thing about this cat eye (jacket and my glasses) is that they go with everything. I have worn this jacket with a dress, a knit skirt set, my pjs, leggings, and honestly whatever I have on. From black to hot pink, it’s both a neutral and a stand out, and now a go-to. My glasses? I’m slowly but surely getting over wearing them (I wear them all the time in real life, but for pictures!), yes, you’ll see me a lot in contacts. But I hope there is always a bit of that cat eye in me.

How are you wearing leopard right now? And I would love to chat about glasses! Do you wear them? Do you hide that you wear them? Why are we like that?

While this jacket is vintage, I’ve linked modern options as well as these exact shoes (so comfy) and pants and top!
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: cat eyed

Fall Party

Investment Piece: Fall Party

Have I ever met a party dress I didn’t like?
I honestly can’t recall.
Which probably says a lot more about me than it does about party dresses. And yet, I can tell you all the details, nuances, reasons why I love all the party dresses I have (and have missed out on).
This one? It’s every so slightly vintage inspired- that tent shape, that neck bow, that low back. It’s so comfy (I mean, it’s the perfect dress to eat or drink ANYTHING in) but oh-so-chic. With just-so-slight kitten heels, it lets me feel like it’s the 1960s while being completely modern. This combo has become my new go-to for fall parties (even the virtual ones),

Pro-tip- with dresses (or tops) that show off my back, I like to wear my hair up. I feel as if it shows off the statement of the dress!

Investment Piece: Fall Party

This dress is Staud. Over the pandemic they’ve become one of my favorite brands, I love the vintage feel of these clothes, with modern touches. And every single piece I have from Staud has been so comfy and flattering.

No matter if you’re going to parties or staying in, they have never let me down. This exact dress is sold out, but below I’ve linked some of my current favorite Staud dresses, and these EXACT shoes (they’re Kate Spade and they’re on sale!)

Investment Piece: Fall Party

A quick note about fall parties. I know so many of us (me included) are not yet comfortable with big crowds (a pandemic will do that to you). Has the fact that I’m not going to parties stopped me from buying party dresses? Not at all. But it has changed the way I’m wearing them (aka at home or with a mask). Please wear and go where you feel safe- and know that the right party dress will always feel great at home!

My shopping picks are linked below. What fall party are you headed to this weekend?
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: Fall Party