shopping – Investment Piece

Where to Shop LA: Recess

Tariffs in the US are -well to be the most honest at best, a bit uncertain. They may (yes, I know some were lowered) affect everything from base price (Loves, NOTHING is made in the USA. It may be put together here. Made? No) to shipping. And the safest option? Resale. Vintage. Thrift. There are still oh so many ways to look oh so fabulous and get what you want (yes, I am here to help!) So occasionally I will be showcasing resale/vintage/etc stores you must shop. Without tariffs. No matter the mood in the White House. Please note that Recess has also opened a home line (a great way to decorate or give one of a kind house gifts!) One of my faves:

Lovers! If you’ve been paying attention then you know that I love me some vintage–and when I’m in LA Recess is always the first place I stop! What I love: this is a very curated shop with a mix of modern/vintage/high/low pieces that feels like a friend’s house (comfy couches and chandeliers), prices are great (seriously), and the staff is superb (not only do they know their stuff, there’s never pressure to buy, you get honest feedback–and they aren’t opposed to an impromptu photo shoot if the piece you find is worthy!).

On my most recent trip I sat down with owner Marie Monsod to get the scoop on the store and her tips for shopping vintage!
Q:What makes Recess different from other resale stores?
A: What really sets Recess apart is the mix. We don’t just sell dresses or casual, we have a wide selection of both contemporary and vintage formal and casual pieces at all price ranges, as well as a great selection of vintage accessories (shoes, hats, belts, bags, scarves, jewelry). Our inventory is part consignment/part store-owned, so there is always something new.

Q: Where do you find some of the amazing pieces that are in the store?
A: I shop everywhere: flea markets, thrift stores, Estate sales, personal closets, other resale stores. I go both low and high–really anywhere I can find things!
Q: What tips would you give to people shopping vintage?
A: Vintage shopping is so different than regular shopping–there’s no guarantee of what you’ll find so it’s hard to plan. The first thing is to know your style and what looks good on you–that way you can begin to recognize pieces that would fit into your wardrobe. However, at the same time you need to open and try things–you may find something that you wouldn’t normally go for, but the fit or the material is so special that you have to have it [sidebar–this happened on my trip to Recess and I left with a green dress that I wouldn’t have picked up, but the fit was too perfect to let it get away]. Also think about the outfit–can you wear it with jeans, dress it up/down, think about all the options. Don’t overlook accessories–a vintage accessory can add uniqueness to any outfit, and that’s what makes dressing exciting–wearing a Zara skirt with a vintage belt can set your outfit apart. Every brand has some cool pieces so find things that fit you. I think vintage shopping is special because unlike shopping at the mall you will never find another piece like the vintage one–so if you find something that is perfect and fits–buy it! Don’t let yourself be a victim of buyer’s remorse. That being said, anytime you have you vintage shop you have to be patient–you may not find something and that’s ok. I always say “don’t force it”. Here at Recess we want you to be happy–so if you need a day to think about it, put it on hold, go home, think about it. Don’t buy anything you don’t love just to buy something.

Q: What are some vintage brands we should ALWAYS buy if we see them?
A: Of course there are the usual suspects-Chanel, YSL, Armani, Gucci, etc; but I think any item that has a “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” label is worth investing in. Old department stores also made their own clothing and it is worth buying–Neiman’s, Saks. The great thing about vintage is that the construction is so superior to most of what is offered now that almost any item you can find that has been taken care of will be a great investment–and will last.
Q: What’s the one turn you think people have about vintage shopping and what you would say to them?
A: I think some people can be turned off by the price of vintage, but I think you have to take in to account everything about the piece. Again, most vintage construction is so good that you’re paying for workmanship that isn’t easily found today. You’re also paying for the rarity–some of the pieces are literally one of a kind and you’re paying for that. At Recess we try to keep our prices down, we really strive to be reasonable, but if there is a high price know it can be a combination of these things as well as brand.

I cannot tell you how many pieces of my own wardrobe have come through Marie and Recess, from amazing Gucci tunics to Saks dresses to hats to vintage lion belts. I always feel like I’m getting a good deal–we aren’t lying when we say the prices are reasonable! And the entire staff will be honest–tell you yes or no, help lead you to a piece that may be perfect for you, and make you feel like a friend! So LA–go shop! And if you’re not in LA, no worries! Marie ships everywhere! Make sure to follow Recess on Instagram (@Recessla) and check out their website Recess LA

And here’s a pic of me trying on everything in the store:

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Mom’s Style

I’ve been posting this on my mom’s birthday for a few years now- it’s become tradition. While my mom’s birthday is on Friday this year it’s a big week of her birthday, my birthday, family in, Mother’s Day and prepping for some fun shoots, a deep house clean and family get togethers. My mom and I are close, and yet different. However, as I get older I realize I’m more like her than I think, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Especially now, as some of us are apart from our families, I think about how the women in my life shaped me. I spent the past few years isolating with my mom- it wasn’t always easy, but I’m so grateful we did! Even though we spent the better part of the years not getting dressed up- I still learned about style from her over this past year. And yes, we’re getting dressed today! Hope whatever your relationship with moms are, this season lands easy. Xo RA

InvestmentPiece: Mom's Style

Loves! It’s my Momma’s birthday! (on Friday!) If you haven’t caught on, my mom and I are close, and I can’t begin to describe how much I love her, and how appreciative I am for all she does for me. Mom is a CPA and teaches accounting, she’s our CFO, and while that’s completely different from her creative daughter who thinks shoes are a necessity (I mean I need shoes, I occasionally want to eat); Mom’s style has influenced me and helped me become the fashionista I am today. So, what did I learn from Mom’s style? Glad you asked!

Stay True to Your Style

No matter the trend or what “you’re supposed” to do, sticking to what you love and what works for you is something to be admired–and makes you look stunning! Mom is a big fan of navy. She is known for her love of navy suits, shoes, and bags. There are years when navy is “in” and years when we’ve had to search for navy for Mom. That doesn’t matter to Mom, even when the styles she loves aren’t in she sticks to them. There’s a classic-ness in that, a commitment. That’s not to say Mom doesn’t try new things, but I’ve learned that you don’t need to be a slave to trends, that sticking to things you love is something to be commended, and when you find something that fits you–hang onto it!

Proper Undergarments Matter

Mom and I have had a lot of events recently and at everyone Mom has mentioned that she thinks I might need a slip. (Side note: I have slips, I’m not great at wearing them) Here’s the thing though: Mom may have a point. Lining, slips, proper garments: our clothes fit better when we make sure these things are taken care of. Proper fit is important (Mom is big on that too) and to ensure that the fit flows, proper undergarments help. (And let’s be honest, no one likes the look of lines!)

Invest in Your Suit
Something Mom and I agree about whole heartedly? Your suit, be it an actual suit, jeans or yoga pants, is something to invest in. Mom, being an accountant, is a fan of actual suits and made it a point to invest in good ones each year. Now that she’s in a place where she’s good on suits, Mom is having fun filling her closet with tanks, tops and blouses (both classic and trendy) to wear with her suits. However, she’s always adamant that her suits are high quality, she checks seams and linings, that it’s where she spends her money. And loves, I agree–what you wear the most should be where you invest your money.

Don’t be Afraid to Accessorize

Mom is a more conservative dresser than I am, yes. However, Mom is not too conservative for a great accessory! I can’t remember a time when Mom didn’t leave the house without a scarf, jewelry, pins, or gloves. We do a high tea occasionally, and Mom is always on point with her hats (and gloves!). The lesson? You can always be playful, and the details are always a place to have fun!

While Mom and I may have different opinions about certain fashions, but my Mom has some amazing style, and I’m so grateful she taught me all she knows!

Have some champagne to celebrate!

XO RA

Tailoring in May

a woman in a navy dress with blue polka dots with a corset waist, and nude sandals on stairs with a blue sky and green trees

Beloveds, it is the first Monday in May- which means it’s the Met Gala. If you are SUPER online or super active in certain places you may be wary of supporting what may seem like a display of wealth. The Met Gala raises funds for museums and preservation – under attack right now. And the theme this year? A nod to the history we should honor. And if nothing else, a great tailor job is something to be in awe of- as you know I think a great tailor is a great investment! You can read more about the Met Gala and theme: here, here, and here. I love a great tailor and a great suit! You can look at some of my suit looks here, here, and here. As for me, this First Monday in May- am I wearing the Zac Posen for Gap? Yes. Yes, I am!

a woman in a navy dress with white polka dots with a corset waist on stairs

From suiting to draping to everything in between, a lot of what I love about clothes- a lot of what makes us look amazing in clothes in tailoring. And tailoring involves a lot- beloveds there are tomes, and forums, and spaces devoted to tailoring. My best and most general definition of tailoring is an attention to detail. It’s the nip, the pleat, the fold that makes an item not only fit to perfection- but take on a shape and life of its own. And while I LOVE a good suit (and my ladies, let me say there is nothing chicer than a woman in a great suit!), tailoring also applies to dresses.

(Cats and cool kittens, this is where I could wax poetic about Zac Posen- I have always been in awe of his command of draping and details but at risk of running on and on you can read about Zac here and his position at Gap here. And shop this dress and more of the collection I love (disclosure below) here.

The details I love in this polka dot dress? Besides the dots- and the pockets- the corset details in the waist. The pleats are so precise, the shaping so chic. I love the collar (and there are so many ways to style this- open, closed, off the shoulder, a bit popped like here). The skirt is just full enough, and while the poplin holds its shape- there is still movement. It’s a perfect day dress, and yet it feels special. Tailored to me. Detailed. Perfectly tailored for May.

a woman in a navy polka dot dress with a. corset waist on stairs

What are your thoughts and definitions and wants in tailoring? (This is also a space to chat Met!) And what do you love to wear tailored? I would love to hear everything about it! Again- relinking this exact dress- it is selling out but I can’t recommend it enough! XO RA

Please 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 navy polka dot dress with a corset waist

Shop this dress here

Fashion Stories: I Miss Abandon

Investment Piece: I miss Abandon

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we dress for our days has changed within the past years. Dressing for joy, dressing for function, dressing for bed.
Some disclosures:
-I’ve always had a thing for party dresses and not always enough parties to wear them. Now, I’m getting DRESSED to go to the store, but there is a section of my closest that’s not getting enough wear right now. Yet, I have more than one party dress on my current Wishlist.
-I want to write about how we should buy and wear whatever makes us happy. I DO believe in that. I’ve also ordered a bunch of leggings this week (they’re pants now?) and there are days when getting dressed at all is hard.
-While I love going into stores and finding something I didn’t know I wanted, I also love shopping online. In fact, I’ll tell you online shopping is so easy (and it’s like you get presents!). Right now I’m missing in person shopping.
-Things are difficult for everyone right now. Budgets. Stress. It all. Dressing for anything may not be at the top of our lists. I do think it helps, though.

These pictures are old. From years ago, on a Los Angeles spree, one afternoon in RecessLa (you can read about them here), on a whim I spent several hours trying on things. We took pictures and laughed and just enjoyed the fashion. It turns out, I had a ton of these on my phone. Looking through them made me smile. And for all my thoughts about fashion right now it made me realize:

I miss abandon.

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

I miss spending hours falling in love with new things and trying them on. Imagining where to wear them. I miss finding a thing I didn’t know I needed and walking out of a store feeling new.

There are friends of mine who are already planning to dress BIG whenever they can-from concerts to movies, and I’m with them. Any chance I get I’m DRESSING. And I’m on board with that. But I do worry that I will still miss abandon. The random. The surprises.

I miss good surprises.

So. Now. With what we have. How do we invite abandon in? Order something exciting online? Try a new online store? Shop all the vintage on IG and Etsy? I’m in. But I’m open to all ideas.

How are you dressing with abandon right now? How do you think we should invite it in?

This was a vintage dress, I didn’t get it, but I’ve found similar and have linked them below for us all.

I’m wishing us all a little abandon this week, whatever that looks like!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

Designer to Know: Pierre Cardin

Investment Piece: Pierra Cardin
Investment Piece: Pierre Cardin

A few weeks ago I got lucky with a vintage find. I stumbled across this darling Pierre Cardin and snapped it up, ironically the day before we lost the great designer. Fate? Luck? Good Vintage Shopping? Maybe a combo of all three. And while I love the whimsy in the pattern of this dress, the way it moves, and the neck tie- from now on I’ll always think about how lucky I was to find it, right when Pierre Cardin (a towering designer before) became an icon past.

Investment Piece: Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin , born Pietro Costante Cardin[a] (2 July 1922 – 29 December 2020), was an Italian-born naturalised-French fashion designer. He is known for what were his avant-garde style and Space Age designs. He preferred geometric shapes and motifs, often ignoring the female form. He advanced into unisex fashions, sometimes experimental, and not always practical. He founded his fashion house in 1950 and introduced the “bubble dress” in 1954.

Cardin is responsible for many of the trends that were popular both in the 50s-70s, as well as today. As Wikipedia tells us:

Cardin’s fashion career began in the 1940s, after WW2. Cardin moved to Paris in 1945. There, he studied architecture and worked with the fashion house of Paquin after World War II. He worked with Elsa Schiaparelli until he became head of Christian Dior’s tailleure atelier in 1947, but was denied work at Balenciaga.
Cardin founded his own fashion house in 1950. His career was launched when he designed about 30 of the costumes for a masquerade ball in Venice, hosted by Carlos de Beistegui in 1951. Cardin inaugurated his haute couture output in 1953 with his first collection of women’s clothing and became a member of the Chambre Syndicale, a French association of haute couture designers. The following year he opened his first boutique Eve, and introduced the “bubble dress”, which is a short-skirted, bubble-shaped dress made by bias-cutting over a stiffened base. He was the first couturier to turn to Japan as a high fashion market when he travelled there in 1957.

As haute couture began to decline, ready-to-wear (‘prêt-à-porter’) soared as well as Cardin’s designs. He was the first to combine the “mini” and the “maxi” skirts of the 1970s by introducing a new hemline that had long pom-pom panels or fringes.

Beginning in the 1970s, Cardin set another new trend: “mod chic”. This trend holds true for the form or for a combination of forms, which did not exist at the time. He was the first to combine extremely short and ankle-length pieces. He made dresses with slits and batwing sleeves with novel dimensions, and mixed circular movement and gypsy skirts with structured tops. These creations allowed for the geometric shapes that captivated him to be contrasted, with both circular and straight lines. Cardin became an icon for starting this popular fashion movement of the early 1970s.

Investment Piece: Pierre Cardin

Inspired by space travel and exploration, Cardin visited NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1970, where he tried on the original spacesuit worn by the first human to set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Cardin designed spacesuits for NASA in 1970.

Cardin resigned from the Chambre Syndicale in 1966 and began showing his collections in his own venue. He also designed uniforms for Pakistan International Airlines, which were introduced from 1966 to 1971 and became an instant hit.

In 1971, Cardin redesigned the Barong Tagalog, a national costume of the Philippines, by opening the front, removing the cuffs that needed cufflinks, flaring the sleeves, and minimizing the embroidery. It was also tapered to the body, in contrast with the traditional loose-fitting design, and it also had a thicker collar with sharp and pointed cuffs. A straight-cut design was favored by President Ferdinand Marcos.

In 1975, Cardin opened his first furniture boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. In 1977, 1979, and 1983, he was awarded the Cartier Golden Thimble by French haute couture for the most creative collection of the season. He was a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Prêt-à-Porter from 1953 to 1993.

Like many other designers today, Cardin decided in 1994 to show his collection only to a small circle of selected clients and journalists. After a break of 15 years, he showed a new collection to a group of 150 journalists at his bubble home in Cannes.

Pierre Cardin designed everything from swim to bags to clothes. He sought to sell his brand in the late 1990s, but no sale ever went through. You can still shop his designs in vintage stores, and you can read more about his iconic career (and see his designs!) here, here, here, and here.

Investment Piece: Pierre Cardin

I don’t need all the history to know that I love this dress. But I love getting to know designers, recognizing their works, seeing how much of what I wear has been inspired by and affected by those who came before me. On Etsy (and other vintage sellers) you can find so many Pierre Cardin pieces- from very mod skirts with cutouts to swim to bags to dresses like this one. I’ve linked some of my faves below.

I’d love to know: are you a Pierre Cardin fan? Love knowing about designers?
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: Pierre Cardin

Fashion Stories: Swim as Street Wear

I love the water, which means that I often am in need of an updated swimsuit. BUT more often than not, when I am shopping for swim I think about fashion. More often than not, when I am shopping for swim I am thinking not about the pool or the beach but about fashion. I have mentioned more than once that I wear many of my swim wear as fashion. From one pieces to bikinis tops, there are so many swim suits that I wear as either body suits or crop tops. Swim as fashion or street wear is nothing new to me- in fact my swim “close” is divided into swim I wear in the water and those I wear with fashion. As we head into not only holiday weeks but into the heat of summer I am looking to update not only swim for the water but swim for the fashion.

I know this is not the only time I have written or worn my swim as fashion (truly, are the two separate?). Every year, once the temps heat up I slip into something a bit swim- and I think my outfits are better for it. (this is usually where I link all the swim I love. I will in future posts! there are also a few cover ups I have my eyes on- and in my cart!)
How do you wear your swim? What do think of wearing swim as fashion?
If you (like me) wear your swim as fashion I would love to see how to style it!
XO RA

But(ter) Yellow

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

Butter Yellow. It’s on all the trend lists, all the outfit suggestions, all the in lists. I am the first to admit that yellow and I have a complicated relationship. There are shades of yellow that just look- that just make me look- horrid is the word I want to reach for, but washed out is probably more accurate. (Pics above kind of give away the ending BUT..) Every time yellow comes up, or it gets recommended to me, or any of the things- I get a little nervous. I worry that yellow is not for me.

And while I am always one to tell you that you don’t have to follow every trend (and yet that you can make any trend your own); there are times when being on trend feels good. Makes us feel that we belong.

It’s also then when I realized that I have butter yellow in my closet. And that I like it- and like it on me!

From this vintage set to this knit skirt:
a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

The other thing about trends? They come and they go- but oh so often, so many of them stick around in many ways. Yes, butter yellow is on all the lists now. Yet, yellow (in all it’s shades) has been popular for year. Pastels? A Spring Staple. And sets and knits? Anytime a classic can be on trend I love it. In my closet were these butter yellow pieces to love- but I have also rounded up current faves for you. Whether you go in on this trend, or find a better one for you- I hope that you feel chic (and spring like) in it!

XO RA

Please 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 yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

Cut IT Out

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Cut Outs? In or out, let’s be honest they are a fashion staple. Even one of the fashion history accounts I follow recently posted an outfit with a cut out from the 1920s. So, why do cut outs (especially these hip ones) feel fresh? Exciting? A bit edgy?
(Note- the drape of this dress allows for a cut out as low as you feel commutable, here I am trying to balance the -high- leg slit. And as I said to the family I went out with this night- I am wearing flats so it makes the outfit a bit casual! Or at least, that’s the theory I am running with- in flats!)
Maybe it’s because a cut out gives you a chance to show and tell at the same time- a hip or shoulder here, but not a leg or stomach there. Or the opposite. Cut Outs also make a simple dress (though- let’s never discount the impact of a simple dress!) a bit more interesting. A bit more dynamic. What I personally love? You can hide your least favorite parts while giving the impression you’re sharing it all (akin to small talk where people feel as if you’re giving details but you’re not!) For example- there are parts of my stomach that I don’t love and am a bit self conscious about- yet with the hips and this leg- you would never know! It’s the best distraction ever!

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Feel as if you have to have the perfect body to wear cutouts? Nope. That’s part of the beauty (to be fair, you don’t have to have anything perfect even for crop tops!), but again cut outs let you control what you show. You can read about cut outs here and the fashion history here.

I felt so beautiful, and perhaps a bit cheeky, in this cut out. How do you wear cut outs? And how do they make you feel?

The details? Vintage Prada Shoes! (I call these my Marie Antoinette shoes as for some reason they make me think of that time period) The best lab grown ring (side note- the entire site is 20% off and getting you or a loved one bling is always a good call!) And a fresh blow out (as I am usually throwing my hair in a bun I feel as if it needed documentation!)
a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

This exact dress and a link to bling on sale is for you below! I hope that you cut it out in the best ways this weekend! XO RA

Please 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!

Dress:

Bling on sale with code CARATADAY:

here

a woman in a long black jersey gown with hip cut outs and a front leg split

Fashion Stories: Hostess Dress

I think I am rounding out the bug I have had as I want to dress up again! Yet- because I am still not 100% I am looking at hostess dresses. And caftans. And all things lounge that look like a party dress. And as a reminder:

a woman in a purple hostess dress on a red couch

This is the time of year when we’re looking for looks that are festive but yet, super comfy. Or at least I am. I love me a good party dress, I can’t resist a party dress, but at this time of year, I’m usually a bit overwhelmed and a bit behind, so while I want to be in a party dress I still need to be comfy.

My secret weapon for this? A hostess dress. Part fancy robe, part party dress that lets you go from
This:
a woman in a purple cape dress spinning
to this:
a woman in a purple hostess dress un bed

OR in simple terms a hostess dress is:
The idea of a hostess outfit as somewhere between loungewear and partywear has been around since the 1920s. In 1925, Vogue decided pajamas were de rigueur, especially should you be able to acquire an Elsa Schiaparelli housecoat-and-pajama-pants set. In the ’60s, caftans and palazzo pants became the hostess outfit du jour. Since then, the idea of dressing up for company tends to mean something fancy and not all that comfortable. (read more on these thoughts here)
or you could put a hostess dress like:
an informal dress or robe to entertain at home.

Incredibly popular in the 1940s-60s, you can read more about hostess gowns here and here. But yes, hostess gowns are part robe/part party dress, sometimes more sheer, sometimes more embroidered, but for me- the perfect combination of chic and comfy.

A woman in a black and green hostess dress at a backyard party
This is a hostess dress.

As is my new favorite (purple with a but of a cape):
a woman in a purple hostess dress leaning against a wall

There are so many hostess dresses out there (I’ve linked some of my vintage favorites for you below, and my go-to sites are Esty and the Gem app) but for me, what ties them together is the mix of lounge wear and party wear. Hostess dress were the first dresses (or pant suits!) to toe the line between pajamas and ball gowns. And as much as I love party dresses, I also love lounge and fancy pjs, so I think that hostess dresses are heaven. (I also love the idea that in days gone past, people would just throw these on to have neighbors over for drinks or even just to chat with their husband!)

woman in a silver caftan in front of a balcony

Since Covid, I’ve discovered a passion from caftans- which are a direct descendant from hostess dresses, which explains part of my love of hostess dresses. As they range from more formal to incredibly informal, there is a hostess gown (especially as wearing vintage makes it even more special!) for every holiday party or at home drink you have on your calendar!

Have you ever worn a hostess dress? Do you love them as much as I do? I hope that you find a part robe/ball gown aka hostess dress that lets you tell all of the most amazing holiday fashion stories this season. And I also hope that said hostess dress keeps you comfy as you look amazingly chic. Again, I’m linking my current favorites below (including a green exact copy of this purple one!), if you need help finding your perfect hostess dress please let me know!

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 purple hostess dress in a doorway

Business on Top

a woman in a snake print tie blouse, Bermuda denim shorts and gold mules

Working from home (yep, I am one of those who did it before Covid and am still here on the couch!) is such an interesting fashion experiment. There are days when I do get dressed – go out, have meetings, have plans, or at the least do shoots- all the things and look amazing. There are days when I procrastinate, go to the gym, shower late and end up working late in PJs in bed (or the couch or in my “office”). Like many things in my life, it’s the in between days- where I don’t have big meetings, don’t “have” to get dressed, but am not super behind (ie, did get to the gym and get dressed and working like a normal person) that I find the most difficult to dress for- or on.

It’s always tempting to stay super casual when working from home (let’s be honest, no one wants to sit around in hard pants), and yet, I find I work better when I have a cute outfit on. So? What do you do? Dress up? Stay in sweats? Or- what I call the mullet of work from home- try a bit of business on top and a bit casual on bottom.

Yes, usually that means I am in some sort of sweats or leggings and then a cute top. Actually, my go to is a button down with some sort of lounge pant. But. Then there are the days when I do my best work from home outfits- like the one above. A blouse that is a bit business (though paired with the right skirt/pants/jeans this top could be fantastic as an evening top!) and shorts (though hard but comfy) and of course heels for a picture. Best of both worlds? Or just what it takes to get through the day? Perhaps all of the above. We know that I love a juxtaposition in any and all outfits, and maybe the combination of business and causal for days when we are working from home are the best.

Lucky you? This business on top and shorts are both “new” and I have linked both for you below. I would love to know what you wear when you work from home. Or how you balance business and casual. I am always open to any new outfits! 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 this exact look here

a woman in a snake print tie blouse, Bermuda denim shorts and gold mules