shopping – Investment Piece

Fashion Stories: Shorts

a woman in pink linen shorts with a grey long sleeve sweater and leopard print mules

Does it age me that one of the ads that I most remember from my youth is a song that goes:
Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts!

It was for a shaving/Nair product- but I still have that song in my head. And I still think about it in short season. Are shorts in season every spring/summer? Yes. I mean- they have to be, right? But, for some reason this season, I feel as if shorts are everywhere. EVERYWHERE. As in- everyone you know is wearing shorts, shorts are in so many editorials, so many red carpets, so many EVERYTHING. From short shorts (like the song) to Bermudas, to even pedal pushers- all shorts are en vogue.

So. Shorts are a thing we’re doing?

a woman in a white suit short set with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat as well as a gold bandana

The thing about shorts? They do scream summer. I can’t think of anything other than swimsuits (and we know I love those both in and out of the water) that I wore more as a kid in the spring/summer.

My one issue (ok- not my only issue as out of no where I get worried that I am too old for shorts) with shorts is that I don’t want to look like a kid (and ironically too old) wearing them. So, how do we tell our stories (which I hope this season includes a ton of fun, a bit of nostalgia, and perhaps a smidge of sexiness) with shorts this season?

a woman in pink linen shorts, a grey sweater and leopard mules

These are my tips, and my tips alone for shorts. Note: Like you I am still feeling it out as I go along and experimenting with short length, etc!

-Figure out what you feel comfortable with! Is it a length? A color? A pattern? This season everything- from suits to patterns to to all fabrics and lengths. If you’re drawn to a certain pair of shorts- play with them! I promise you that all shorts, even and especially those pictures here can be styled in SO many various ways.

a woman in a blue and white striped short romper with blue lace up sandals

– Dress up or down as you love. I have been playing with pairing my shorts with heels. Flats. Sneakers. As a suit. Super casually (cut offs and a tee!). Shorts, any shorts, with your favorite tee or blazer or blouse might the outfit for your season. And there are so many shorts! From suiting shorts to tailored Bermudas to the beloved cutoffs. Even rompers.

a woman in black and white polka dot long sleeved blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

Perhaps the biggest story for shorts? To play. For you to figure out how and what and where shorts make sense for you. How to style them to feel most like yourself. Shorts that make you feel your age- in all the best ways.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been both drawn to shorts lately and a bit scared of wearing shorts lately. Yet, for fashion, I’ve been pulling through. (Also, because I refuse to believe that we are too old to wear anything. If you think you look great, who does care? At least, this is what I am telling myself) Shorts can be: cheeky (in the attitude way. OR I guess the other way!), sophisticated, flirty, causal, dressy- and all the things in between. And if shorts can be ALL of that, what stories could we tell in our shorts?

I can’t wait to find out!

How do you feel about shorts? How do you wear them? And any tips for feelings on shorts? I am all legs!

I have linked some of the shorts above and shots I want to wear below! Happy shopping for shorts!

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 pink linen shorts and a grey sweater and leopard mules

Happy Earth Day!

a woman in a green and blue and purple striped dress with a shoulder drape — One of my fave vintage dresses as it was worn by the Miss Texas of 1964 and I bought it in CA. Both of my states!

The best way to celebrate Earth Day (according to me, a shopping maven) is by shopping and enjoying vintage. Shopping isn’t earth friendly you say? Vintage shopping ins one of the most earth friendly things you can do! No need to demand more supply, everything from leather to silk is better from the past (and you don’t have to feel guilty about it!) So, as a way to say thank you to our Momma (Earth) and to do the best recycling (that benefits our closets) here is a round up of my fave vintage places!

Online Shopping Tips

A woman in a navy and white polka dot short set with a skirt over it
Featherstone Vintage

Investment Piece: Polka Dots
Timeless Vixen

Investment Piece: sequins can cheer you up
Recess LA

Investment Piece: Gown So Good
Kit Vintage

And one of my faves Bloomers and Frocks has rebranded to Devils Details

What is your best way to celebrate Earth Day? And where do you shop vintage?

I would love to know! XO RA

It’s Roberto Cavalli!

a woman in a Roberto Cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons, a white tee shirts and black sandal pumps

You may have heard by now, infamous designer Roberto Cavalli left us this week (see here, and for more insight here and here), and while I admit that I don’t have a ton of Cavalli pieces, the pieces I do own are simply amazing.

Like this skirt.

While I perhaps waited too long to shoot it (note to everyone: leather and 90 weather DO NOT mix!), this skirt is one of the dreamiest things I own. From the stitching. To the buttons. To the slight mermaid flare. And really, this is tame for Cavalli. It goes amazing with a simple white tee, or would be fantastic with any sort of sweater, sweatshirt, button down or blouse. Boots. Pumps. The thing about a great piece- like a Cavalli- is that it’s incredibly easy to style as it goest with oh so much. And elevates almost anything you pair it with.

a woman in a Roberto Cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons, a white tee shirts and black sandal pumps

Every time a great designer leaves us (and I feel as if it’s happening more often recently), I can’t help but search for their pieces- both for sale and on resale sites. It’s a bit of honoring the work, researching the work, viewing the work– and sometimes wanting to own a bit of the work. With Roberto Cavalli I couldn’t help but be attracted to his bold pattens, his mixing (I too feel as if leopard is a neutral and goes with florals!), and his iconic flowing sets. TBH I also fell in love with a bit of his snake details (which for this purpose came across in the shoes I found!). I am linking some of the skirts I found below for your own shopping/owning fashion history purposes!

Back to this leather skirt- I’ve had it for years, but each season I appreciate it more. It’s so well made, so thoughtful, so detailed.Even in the heat, it’s the perfect piece to wear with almost anything- even in the heat!

a two shot of Aiden and Carrie from SATC. Aiden : You're fighting with me over a stupid outfit? Carrie: Oh Shut up it's Roberto Cavalli

The following scene from Sex and the City got it right (say what you want about the show, but Carrie often did), Cavalli as a designer is not just some stupid outfit. His pieces aren’t just clothes. Our best designers gave us art. And perhaps the best way to honor them is to wear the art.

Did you love Cavalli? Do you own any?

As mentioned, I’ve linked similar skirts to this one for your pleasure below!
XO RA

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 white tee and a Roberto cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons and black pumps

Essentials Update (White Tees)

A woman in a white tee, a pink tweed Chanel skirt and black and white Chanel sock boots

The thing about loving party dresses and dressing up is that sometimes your essentials get left behind. Beloveds, this is not the time when I will turn you away from any party dress or shoe or any special piece- at all. But, the older I get the more I am realizing that our essentials really matter too. They are often the building blocks of our wardrobes– and they too are worth investing in!

One of the essentials that I’m focusing on currently? The white tee. I know, I know- white can get dirty and grungy (my trick for that is to use this soak every so often to keep my whites really white. I LOVe this stuff and it works SO well!) and it can be tempting to get a passable white tee and just keep replacing them.

BUT. What if we found white tees that were great quality and fit well and we invested in them so they last?

So many outfits and styles can be served by a white tee. This season alone I want to wear them with bubble skirts and shorts and linen everything. Some of those outfits I need a bit fitted shirt, some a bit boxy, some a long sleeve. I’ve been looking at reviews and I think I’ve rounded up a few white shirts that I think would be great — and would last. I’m by no means rushing to buy them all now, but when you start to see them, please don’t be surprised!

What are your thoughts on white tees? Do you invest in them or just wear any old one? What are your favorite white tees?

I’m linking a collection of white tees that I’m loving below and would love to hear all your tips and faves! 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 white tee shirt and a pink tweed Chanel skirt with white and black Chanel sock boots

Pink Linen Days

a woman in a pink linen vest and trousers with kitten heel sandals and a leopard clutch

Things that scream spring (and even summer!) to me:
Loose, easy linen.

Look- I have a thing for suits. Do I ever need to wear one? Nope. But I do. I LOVE them. So this easy set- a vest and a trouser- is just the perfect oversized suit(ish) look.

Pink!

Is it Barbie? Is it that spring is the perfect time for pastels? Or hot pinks?

Or. Perhaps. This set, this linen, this color is the perfect way to scream spring.

(Here come the usual caveats- sets are fantastic as the mix and match possibilities are endless. Linen is such an easy fabric- yes, it wrinkles, but it’s also so incredibly elegant! This pink! What can be said? I am the first to admit that I am not always SUPER girly. Bows. And pinks. These haven’t always been my go-tos. Yet- ever since Barbie I have been able to take some of these “girly” fashions back for myself. Empowering to wear pink? There was a time when I would not have believed you but it turns out–it’s true!)

And because of who I am as a person, I had to pair this spring perfect pink linen with a pop of leopard (it’s a neutral you know!) and kitten heel sandals (so chic and so on trend!).

For Pink Linen Days I can think of nothing as perfect as a pink linen set such as this. What are your go-tos for spring? From sets to fabrics to colors?

I’m linking this exact set here. It’s under $50 and so spring! (yes! This is an affiliate link. While this does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!) There are also leopard and sandal options for you!!

XO RA

Did I do It?

a woman in balloon jeans a black tee and an oversized belt with black suede mules
a woman in balloon jeans with a black tee and an oversized belt and black suede mules

I have never. EVER. been great at a just throwing on a jeans and a tee. See here, and here
I always feel that something is missing. I have the instinct to dress up. To throw on heels. Or something. Jeans and a tee? I have always felt that this sort of causal was not me at best, or at least, I always needed something to style them.

And then.

I got these balloon jeans (styled similar ones here) and all of a sudden event a tee feels like a statement. Is it that the jeans are a bit of a statement? A style? A bit of letting me feel as if just a tee was aok. There are so many people-from you to those in your lives to influencers who make it seem like jeans and a tee are just something you do. You might be one of those people!

Yet. As someone who has constantly overthought jeans- and all the outfits pertaining- I can tell you just throwing on jeans and a tee is so misleading. Fun fact about me? I don’t think that I wore jeans at all till I was at least 8yos. I was so much more interested in party dresses and leotards. Beloveds, we are who are are! And yet. Perhaps it’s the jeans, perhaps it’s me growing as a person-but somehow I was able to throw on jeans and a tee and be done with it.

Is this it? Did I do it?

Ok. So the slightly oversized belt helped! (vintage but I did find you similar!) And these mules! SO perhaps I felt as if the outfit was a bit elevated. Note: we haven’t chatted about the legs or waist or more!Not that any of that doesn’t matter. Or maybe it does? At the very least- did I do it? Did I manage to pull off jeans and a tee chicly and without a care and whiteout doing too much?

I certainly hope so! What do you think?

Same jeans and a similar tee and options for belts and shoes below. I will be honest and tell you that with jeans and a tee it can be great to accessorize, but having the confidence to just throw on a jeans and a tee will earn my admiration (like I hope my love of shoes and party dress and where I wear them does the same for you!)

How do you deal with just a jeans and a tee? How comfortable are you just throwing them on?
XO RA

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

Exact jeans here

a woman in balloon jeans, a black tee and a belt and black suede mules

Striped and Short

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

I have no idea if I read it or I made it up- but I had the idea that we were supposed to wear bright colors for the eclipse on Monday. ** Either way, I had the perfect outfit- this blue and white striped romper. Now I will admit a few things:
-I am beginning to get nervous about wearing shorts. And I hate that as it has nothing to do with anything other than my age. (I got into this a little bit here)
-Rompers. And jumpsuits. Are always a bit of a game of chance for me. Not due to traditional sizing (I sized up here!) but due to torso length. I have a LONG torso, so finding items long enough is half the battle- not to mention a romper/jumpsuit that’s cute and fits in every other way!

Lucky for us all- this blue and white striped and short romper was and is perfect. I don’t feel as if I’m trying too hard in it. And it looks great with “fancier” shoes as well as with flip flops. (Note: as mentioned I did slightly size up in this to ensure it wasn’t too tight and short and to give just a bit in torso length. Checking size guides and reviews does come in handy here!) This striped and short is great for running around in, or for events. I love that it’s a bit classic (color and pattern- and a great rule of thumb is to stay a bit on the classic side if you’re nervous) but the shorts and the details (a la buttons, etc) make it feel a bit edgy. And let’s be honest feeling as if our outfits are a bit fresh and unstuffy can help us feel more special. In this striped and short I didn’t even notice that it was short! Though I did love the stripes!

What did you wear for the eclipse? Did you also think that we needed to be in bright colors? And how do you feel about wearing shorts?

I’ve linked this exact romper (I’m usually an XS in this brand, this is a Small) and similar shoes for you below! XO

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!

**Side note: The eclipse was amazing. It was cloudy but we did get a break to see the ring and full totality. When the sun was completely covered it got dark- like DARK, street lights and lights on timers went on, it got colder, birds went a bit crazy- it was eerie and magical and moving all at the same time. I hope your eclipse experience was just as amazing.

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

Proportion Play

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

In all of the trends and all of the things there are always things we are a bit skeptical of. I-even as someone who will tell you that I am in fashion- am immune to. This season? It’s barrel (or curve) jeans). Sometimes, let’s just be honest, it’s s bit intimidating to style an unknown- even if the unknown is just to you. For example, this season its barrel leg (or curve leg like these exact jeans!). It’s a take on wide leg that’s a bit exaggerated- and perhaps a bit intimidating. As in-how do we style a leg that is supposed to and is designed to bow out?

My take? To play with proportions!

(Note: There are so many takes on this curve.barrel trend you could take. On the pairs I’ve invested in? I’m getting my true size- as I feel as if you get too oversized they just look baggy and while a new thing for me I kinda like the curve leg! These exact jeans and other options are linked for you below!)

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

My take with any proportion that feels BIG or SMALL is to play with it. Or to balance it. AKA – how can you match or mismatch the proportions to find a sweet spot that not only makes you feel comfortable but makes your outfit feel even. Some basic examples may be a low cut top with a slightly longer skirt (or the inverse), or in this case a bit of wide or curved jeans that might be balanced in a tighter top.

In this case- curved (slight barrel jeans) with a corset top (and this in in particular felt like the corsets from couture week (and the tassels!) and the tight with the loose? (Obviously in generic terms) It’s so great. And chic. And made me feel so elevated.

Sometimes- and this is a me thing- I think we get scared of proportions. We want to be the stream lined or best lined version. Or just me? So s trend that goes against that – barrel leg, curve, wide leg- can be scary!! I’m with you! But what if the “new” silhouette was just an opportunity to play! Can we pair a tight top with flowing bottoms? Should we mix and match coverage on our fashion? Or should we play with our proportions from big to small to anteing in between?

In of that, I am a fan. Perhaps our proportions are just there for us to play and experiment and pair all sorts of big and small (fitted or non fitted) items together. Should we try to contrast? Should we match sizes (for lack of a better word)? I know that I have loved a bit of proportion play in that I love pairing a bit more form fitting top with a flared bottom. Or perhaps a loose top with tight pants Balance. Or a bit of proportion play.

I love this take on paring a tight with a loose- or however you want to interpret proportion play. How do you play with promotions? What would you like to see?

There is a future post about barrel leg jeans- so if that’s something you’re curious about I would say-PLAY! You could also size up and just let them be baggy! (IF you have specific questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!)

These exact jeans and similar tops and shoes are linked below. Let’s play with our proportions, shall we?! XO RA

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

Red and Black and Dots All Over

a woman in black and white polka dot long sleeved blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

You know, you know-I have a thing for dots. In fact, I have never met a polka dot I didn’t love. And this spring? Shorts are in (I know, they are always in but this year they are IN) so I couldn’t resit a dotted set. The black and white keep it a bit classic, even with the shorts (more thoughts on those below). What I can’t resist here? Pairing this very classic black and white with a pop of red. The red is a simple pop of color, but the combo of red and black and white is a classic set all on its own.

To me this was the classic set, a must have- and it also felt a bit daring. Here are the usual caveats: sets are great as you can wear them together or apart in every way under the sun. Dots are my favorite pattern and I can’t resist dots in a classic black and white combo. And I love, love love adding red to the mix! It’s a pop of color that is a classic as well!

a woman in a black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

This is where I get a little personal and let you know that I did worry that these shorts were too short. And that I was too old for them. I hate thinking that-I hate these thoughts that come across my mind now and again as we age. Ironically? I would tell you if you asked me that age is just a number and if it something that you love, you should wear it. That too old is not something to worry about when you get dressed. (I know hem length is a personal issue and won’t go down that hole with us!)

Yet. When it comes to me? Even in a red and black and white set that I find so chic and so me- and fits so well? I worried about the being old thing. (And being too short! And worst of all the combo that I was too old and they were too short and I was trying too hard!) Why can’t we by friends to ourselves and support ourselves like we would support our friends? I have no answers, this is something I clearly struggle with. What I do know is that this set was so me, I couldn’t let a little insecurity stop me from wearing it. Which is great- as this is what I want to wear all season!

This set is actually from Zara (Shirt and Shorts (you can always size up to your comfort level! I did in the shorts but love that they are so high waisted!). Yes, I have mixed feelings about ordering from Zara but the set does feel good! I’ve also linked some similar options for you below.

Have thoughts about dots or pops of red or how not to worry about your age? I am all ears!
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 black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

Lavender Haze

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

A spring pastel that I can get behind? Lavender. Just spring enough. Just daring enough.
Here I love the cowl collar I love that this dress feels fresh but is just easy to throw on. I love the gold clash. The storm? Was a bit a luck.

And this back? I love it. It’s a bit more than I would usually do (yes. I know I have some marks from old injuries- we all have things we are hiding!)

Maybe the song is right, maybe we should all stay in the lavender haze.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

Some notes:
This dress is not new- I have been waiting till my back looked better to wear it- though I have to say acceptance is a lesson of its own. I kinda love it paired with boots (though any maxi dress especially in a lavender color would look amazing with any show from sandals to heels to wedges). A dress like this could absolutely be dressed down. Dressed up.

Perhaps this post is a bit less about their exact outfit and a bit more about how to dress in colors that make you feel great and bring you joy. You should. A bit about how to let go of what others think and your perceived or not flaws and find that you can love anything you put on- as long as you love it.

Note. Those are not easy lessons and things to deal with. I am constantly struggling – not only with these lessons but writing with them and how to deal with my own ego.

Maybe the lasting message is staying in our own lavender haze is fantastic- and whatever makes us feel great there is something we should take with us.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

I have linked options including these amazing boots that I can’t stop pairing with everything.
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 lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots