Category: shopping

The Only Faux is my Fur

Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The Only Faux is my Fur

We spout the phrase “fake it till you make it” as stellar advice, in both professional and personal matters. And I get it- faking it helps you get where you need to be. When I was in Los Angeles, auditioning a ton, a Casting Director told us to always dress nicely and carry an expensive purse, it would give the illusion (or faux appearance) that we were “busy and booked”. Thus making us more appealing (the wanting what we can’t have and wanting what other people want parts of psychology). If you’re feeling less than confident, people will tell you to fake it- act confident until you are. And it works! Acting like you’re happy, etc, is proven to make you more happy.
So, should we always be a faux version of ourselves?

I’m all for a dose of false confidence to help me become more confident, but I also want to be comfortable in my skin. I’ll give you the appearance of everything being perfect, but when I need to, I want to let people know what’s bugging me, or what’s wrong. And it’s not just me- most of us don’t like fake people (which I know can include a lot of behaviors), most of us don’t want a faux life. Do we fake it till we make it or do we be real?

And, I don’t have any answers. I think it comes down to discernment. Yes, faking it while making it is a great strategy, and yes you are amazing even when you’re not, and you can be real with people. Can both things be true? Why not?

The good news is that in fashion, fauxs are good- unless they’re knockoffs, which is a whole other conversation, so for the sake of this one? Let’s chat really, honest- the only faux is my fur.

investment piece: the only thing Faux is my fur

Do you have a strong opinion on fur? Or Faux fur? This is where I admit besides faux, I love vintage furs- especially my grandma’s! Vintage fur is a form of recycling, and while I don’t condone animal cruelty, the animals are long since dead. Real, modern fur? That makes me feel a bit more icky- or I should say my feelings are a bit more complicated. . So, I’m incredibly grateful that faux fur has come a long way. And I’m grateful that so many vintage furs are out there. This number? Faux! But it’s so soft and chic, and during the winter it keeps me warm and feeling like I’m making it, which is especially important when it feels dreary outside (and sometimes in!).

January, especially the tale end of the month, is really a fake it till you make it month- between the winter blahs, the feeling that maybe your resolutions were a bit much, the cold, and the yearning for spring. Is is possible that a faux could help us fake it? That by wearing something faux we could get to a real place? I only know we can try, and that a chic faux fur never hurt.

This faux fur is from years ago, but I found you some great faux and vintage fur pieces below (side note: these leather leggings are real, but faux leather can be amazing too! We can fake it in that as well!)
I would love to know what you’re working towards and how you’re faking it (or not!) right now!
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!

investment Piece: The only thing Faux is my fur

Slip Into Something More Comfortable…..

a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, a tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress,
a woman in ablue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat, and blue clutch
a woman in blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch

Slip dresses: a bit of 90s style, a bit of PJ style, a bit of spring style. I love them as they are so comfortable and suitable for lounging and nights out. But yes, they are often associated with warmer temps. Often paired with strappy sandals. We all know I live for a great juxtaposition- and love pairing the unexpected- so my big rebellion for this is to wear my slip dress in the winter. With boots. And a coat (it’s freezing!). The slip dress is still comfortable and just as chic- even if it’s unexpected.

Winter dressing, while I love the thought of it- and jackets, coats, etc – is always a bit difficult for me. As someone who’s lived mainly in warmer climates, my instinct in colder temps is to bundle up. And stay that way! A challenge I gave myself this winter was to get dressed during the cold- to be chic and comfortable and warm. Normally, in cold weather, the idea of slipping into something more comfortable has meant sweats- and how I am breaking that rut is by pairing items I love from different seasons with winter classics. Such as a slip dress with boots and a cashmere coat.

One of the best things about slipping into something more comfortable is that there are 1000s of ways to do it, and endless outfits to wear. Pairing this slip dress with these boots and coat made the winter seem a little less grey and it made me feel a bit more energetic. It also made my challenge a bit more fun! Styling my comfy (but chic) slip dress in a wintery way has made me look at all of my closet with a more thoughtful eye. What pieces could be used for more than one season? How I can be comfy and temperature appropriate while feeling stylish? What outfits feel as good on the couch as they do out?

I’m still playing with a lot of winter dressing– but I will say now when I need to slip into something comfortable I don’t just have to reach for sweats when I’m cold. And I love that! What do you wear when you need to feel comfortable? Are there pieces that you can style for more than one season?

I would love to hear all about it! And I’ve linked you similar pieces so you can slip into something more comfortable 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!

a woman with red nails, a blue cameo ring and a blue clutch

3 in 1

a woman in a silk snake print shirt, black leather skirt, hose, brown belt and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt with a wide brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a black turtleneck sweatshirt, snake print silk skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms

One of the (many, many) reasons I always say I love a set? All of the styling options it gives you. You can wear the set together, wear the pieces apart, come up with so many different feeling outfits that the looks can seem endless. But. What if you’re finding an outfit formula that works for you? Or you’re traveling and looking to pack light? Or really love the feel of a look but don’t want to wear the same thing every day? A set is your best friend here too- as it can give you 3 looks in 1.

All of these looks are the same formula-skirt and top with hose and platforms. (If you wanted to you could switch up shoes and belts, but I wanted to show the uniform here!) Yet- from a sweatshirt to leather to the silk set, they all look different, for being a 3 in 1. I’m all for exploring different looks- and I do wear these pieces in VASTLY different ways, both together and separately. Yet, when it’s cold or you just want an outfit you can count on, it’s lovely (and a bit comforting) to know that one set can give you the same go-to outfit in 3 different ways.

(Note: This silk set is vintage Flora Kung. If you’re not familiar, Flora Kung was a Korean designer in the 1980s known for her pops of color, patterns and exquisite silk. You can find her pieces everywhere from eBay to Postmark and all resale sites in between. The silk in these pieces are such high quality but I find the prices on Flora Kung are incredibly reasonable. I got this set for $20!)

a woman in a black turtleneck, silk snake print skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt, brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snakeprint blouse a brown belt, black leather skirt , black hose and brown suede platforms

Any of these 3 outfits would be great for work, or cocktails, dinner plans, or even just errands. I’m such a fan of a great skirt (it’s one of my go-to’s) and these easy 1 outfit formula feels fresh in every version. I love the mix of textures- silk and leather, sweatshirt and silk– and I’m a fan of hose (or socks) with open toe heels. Of course, the options, even for this 1 outfit formula are endless. Mix and matching, creating outfits, is something that brings me great joy– but I also know that sometimes endless options are overwhelming. With every set I have I love giving myself a go-to outfit formula that will work with all parts of the set. Mornings when I’m running late, feel as if I have nothing to wear, or need to change quickly- a 3 in 1 set/outfit formula is such a great thing to have in your back pocket (or fave bag!).

What are some of your favorite ways to wear your sets? Do you find yourself having an outfit formula for some of them?

This set is vintage, but I’ve linked you some similar options for all 3 in 1 looks 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!

Sales to Shop!

It’s a holiday (for some) but a great sale day (for all!). I hope that whatever this day brings you, you’re warm and feeling great about the year– and excited to treat yourself. From sweaters to fitness to home, these sales are what I’m shopping (and more options in the LTK and Collective Voice apps!).

Happy Shopping! XO RA

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

Extra 40% off at Carbon38
I’m such a fan of Carbon38. Not only do they carry chic workout sets (that also work for errands!), they carry so many pieces that will let you spend your whole day from gym to cocktails, polished! Get an extra 40% off all of these picks with code EXTRA40

Sweater Sale
Equipment is one of my go-to’s for silk- but they also have an amazing sweater game! And this weekend all the sweaters are on sale! Here are some of my faves!

70% off at JCrew
I’m loving the lady like options this season at JCrew. From crepes to iconic trenches all the pieces feel fresh and yet are classics that will last you for seasons to come. Get up to 70% off with SHOPSALE

Extra 25% off Sale
From designer to must have classics, ShopBop is a must shop- and this weekend get an extra 25% off all sale with code EXTRA25. These are some of my faves!

MadeWell Sale
Cult favorite denim, must have blazers, knits and more. Get up to 70% off sale at Madewell with code NEWYEAR. Here are my top picks:

I hope that whatever you’re shopping for you find it! And that today is full of rest and whatever you need! XO RA

Denim Does Denim

a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap

Something no one ever told me about getting older? The things that you once made fun of you will eventually do. Ok- I knew that about going to bed earlier, being more tired, etc. But outfits like denim on denim? Didn’t see that coming. At all. In fact, I used to make fun of a full denim look (am I the only one who grew up calling looks like this a Canadian Tux?!?) Now? I kinda love a denim on denim look- and in fact, think if done well, denim on denim is incredibly chic.

What’s most surprising (to me) about my (newer) love of denim on denim is that denim- or a more casual look- is really not my forte. Party dresses? Yes. All the party looks! Work out clothes? Yep. Live in them. Sweats? Ironically have those down too. Casual, or middle ground, is something I’ve always struggled with – see here, here, and here.

https://www.investmentpiece.com/shopping/jeans-and-a-shirt/
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap

It’s not that I never wore denim- just that I always felt that denim needed a little something to look “special” or “done”. Maybe that’s why I love the denim does denim look- it feels like a set. Like a suit. It can be dressed up. It can be dressed up. But denim on denim feels like something. Something is what I can do, so denim does denim feels in my wheelhouse.

That’s not to be said that denim on denim doesn’t take some risk- or some planning. While I don’t think that you need to match your denim (washes, etc) EXACTLY, I do think denim does denim flows a bit better when the washes at least blend, mesh, or flow together. I also think that denim does does looks more like a set when the fits are similar (slim, oversized, etc) or when the top flows into the jeans (Ie. a corset top with jeans or like this one where the shirt could look like the top of a jumpsuit!)

a close up of jeans, purple plaid socks, black peep toe heels and the shadow of a fringed wool wrap

And of course-like so many outfits- what makes the look are accessories. From belts to shoes, jackets, jewelry and more! For this look, I wanted my denim does denim to be a bit on the simple (yet chic) side. I left off a big belt. My jewelry is simple. I leaned into the season by making sure I had socks on (because I love a great sock with heel situation and because it’s cold!) with my heels (of course!) and added a great wrap- again because it’s cold! There are a million different ways to style your denim on denim- but this happens to be one of my favorites.

Are you into denim does denim? What are fashion things you hated as a kid that you love now? And how do you style them all?!?

As always- exact and similar options are linked for you below! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affilate 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 denim shirt, jeans, socks, heels and a wool wrap

#BeltBag

a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt

Something happens to my brain when it gets cold and it’s like all my fashion sense goes away and all I can think about is being warm. Yes, what that may mean is that as the temps drop I spend a lot of time in sweats. And there’s nothing wrong with sweats- even ways to wear them fashionably! However, as I am slowly learning, sweats aren’t the only option when it’s cold outside. A formula I’m loving recently? A turtleneck, bottom of sorts (love the skirt here), over sized blazer (camel is a classic and I can’t recommend one enough!), boots (yes, these are over the knee combat boots from years ago. They may not be what you think of as a ME item- but I love them!). And my secret weapon- a belt bag (worn as a belt!)

This isn’t the first time I’ve dipped my toe into belt bag fashion statements (see here and here) so it’s not as if I’m new to a belt bag. But. I’m loving the belt bag as a winter staple- it goes with everything, is a chic way to keep my blazers and coats closed, and lets me wear any sort of gloves I need to jeep my hands warm! Any and every belt bag will do; I happened to fall in love with this vintage Gucci one (very findable on eBay and other resell sites!). And every belt bag can go with almost any blazer or coat. It’s the chic way to accessorize in a practical way- yet also while making a statement!

What are your go-to outfit formulas in the winter? And what are your feelings on a belt bag? As a statement or a staple? I would love to hear all about it! XO RA

While there are so many ways to use my simple formula to make endless outfits, I’ve linked similar options to this one for you!!
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!

Trend to Try: Column Dressing

a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings

According to Dictionary.Com a Column is :
noun
Architecture.
a rigid, relatively slender, upright support, composed of relatively few pieces.
a decorative pillar, most often composed of stone and typically having a cylindrical or polygonal shaft with a capital and usually a base.
any columnlike object, mass, or formation:
a column of smoke.

And according to multiple google searches Column Dressing is: dressing in a single color, or dressing in the silhouette of a column (straight- be it skirt, dress, pants).
According to almost every editorial I’ve read- column dressing is the first big trend of the new year.

The great news? Column dressing is incredibly chic- whether you choose to dress in one color, or in.a column silhouette (or both! Like I did above!). The better news? Column dressing is incredibly easy- and I bet that you have the base for an incredibly chic, on trend outfit in your closet. From all black (or any other color) to a dress, skirt or pants (with jacket or top) that fits the silhouette. Just like that! You’re on trend!

The trick? Finding out how to make column dressing your own.

a woman in black maxi skirt and black turtleneck, mules and statement earrings
a woman in a black maxi skirt and turtleneck with mules and statement earrings

While the “rules” of column dressing are simple, that leaves so much room for personality. There’s no rule about what color the base/your outfit has to be. There are obviously some restrictions in the column shape- but even pants with a bit of flare, or a skirt with a train (a la here) work as long as they are paired with same color tops! Column dressing is incredibly minimalist, but within that there is so much room to play.

Surprising to no one, one of my fave ways to personalize a trend, or a column outfit like this is are accessories. Like belts! Or in this case- shoes and statement earrings. I usually choose heels, but I loved how the mules carried the line of color and silhouette. And these earrings (made by my friend Marie! Not a commission link but you can get your own at Marie Monsod at RecessLA) not only make a statement, but they have a column silhouette!

a close up of gold nugget earrings that have rhinestone a black turtleneck and maxi skirt and mules

Very side note: Usually I’m more of a “think about a trend before committing” but this one is so chic- and such an elegant way to ease into the new year, I couldn’t resist. Also side note- though I don’t deny this is column dressing, looking back there are several outfits of mine that qualify as column dressing- so perhaps we don’t even have to call it a trend if we don’t want?

Are you into column dressing as a trend or have you found that you already incorporate it into your style? How do you make your columns your own?

I’ve linked similar items for this column 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!

Comfortably Moving Forward

a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden
a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden

Did anyone else feel as if the holiday ended abruptly? I was a fan of the new year starting on a Monday (it felt clean!); but going back to work (and my inbox) yesterday felt overwhelming. This year, I’m excited for things to come, I am hopeful that our stories will be happy, and I know our outfits will be amazing. So- why am I so tired today?

Often the new year can come with a lot of expectations and pressure to not only change parts of our lives- but to do so right away. Some where I believe I read that part of why gyms are crowded in Jan but emptier in Feb is that people expect/want results so quickly that they burn out (or push themselves and get hurt). I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish this year- and how to balance all of that with a pace that both holds me to my highest self and yet isn’t so fast I burn out. Is it possible to move forward comfortably?

I think so- or at least I tell telling myself that progress, even slow progress, counts and that it’s the moving forward that matters, not the timeline. Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that! Also, I think I might be able to be my best self dressed comfortably. And chicly. Take this knit dress (hood and goes over your hands and all!). It’s simple and chic and yet- comfy. Believe it or not these boots are too (and I love the subtle Western details)! A comfortable way to meet all of our goals? That’s a start to a new year that I can get behind!

a woman in black knit maxi dress with a hood, brown suede boots in a garden

This dress has become of my favorites- it can be casual or dressy or anything in between– and the whole time I’m comfy in it. These boots are vintage-but I’ve found you similar. How are you feeling about this new year? And your goals? And what are you wearing that may let you be a bit comfortable while you chase 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!

Gifting Yourself!

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platfroms
a woman in black watch plaid dress, brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms

This is about the time where you think I’m about to link all the things I want/may be buying for myself (using the holidays as an excuse), right? It wouldn’t be out of left field. I mean, I am REALLY good at shopping for me (someone should pay me to do it!), and I do have a continuous wishlist going. (And please don’t worry- I am sure I will support the economy in the coming weeks with sales, etc). However, I want to chat about gifting ourselves in the ways that aren’t the things.

(This is not a knock on things. I clearly love the things!)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about not only the things that I want- but the woman I want to be, and the life I want. It’s so easy this time of year to just go with the flow, simply relax and lay on the couch starting on the 25th to the 2nd. And I’m a fan of rest- it’s an important part of productivity!- and if you need it, you need it! I’ll be honest, there will be a lot of time in the coming week or so where I’m doing nothing. And it will be a gift to me.

But. I’m also giving myself the gift of looking ahead, of thinking about habits I want to change, and goals I want to work on for the coming year. And giving myself the gift of starting now (in between relaxing). This feels very “self help” (and please be assured I am NO expert), but I can’t help but think that maybe the best gifts to ourselves is letting us enjoy the season and at the same time, building and planning for the season to come.

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in black watch plaid dress with brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms

I feel as if this is where I get specific – and yet I have to say I’m still thinking about what I want to change- from my fitness schedule to my time management (both need some tweaks!). What I will say is that between celebrations and down time I’m considering what I want to be in 2024, and the steps needed to get there. Yes, I want to get into a fitness routine that serves where I’m at and gets me back “in shape” (I miss my old one!). I want to work on my time management (I can procrastinate with the best of them and often find myself working till 11pm or doing things last min). I want to start “The Artist’s Way” (a fantastic book/system for any kind of creative) and want to pick a start date! There are other goals and changes, I’m using this time to decide and plan and implement. (and of course I will share!) My gift to myself is to do the best I can to set myself up for ourselves.

What are you gifting to yourself? And what are you gifting to yourselves?
I want to hear all about it! XO RA

Styling note: This dress is vintage and a friend of a friend. I took it and made it my own by adding one of my favorite belts, hose, and some of my favorite platform shoes. I’m linking options for the look below (just in case that’s also what you want to gift yourself!)

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!

20-Something Fling

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

They say that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. There’s our recent history- and some of our far off history- that I am sure NONE of us want to repeat. AT all. In any way. (Just in case you’re wondering). But. What about our fashion history?

Ever since 2020 (I know), I’ve been a little fascinated by the fashion of the 1920s, and the parallels to today’s 2020s fashion. Maybe there are historical things that are worth repeating? At least in the fashion world! Take this dress. It’s from the 1920s (made in Paris, and I love this “secret garden”‘s Paris feel!), and yet with the sheer, with the embellishments- it feels modern. Fresh. And that’s discounting the pairing of the stirrup hose and peep toe heels.

(I am not a makeup gal but I will say my go-to has and always will be a red lip- no matter what kind of 20s we’re in!)

This vintage feels so on trend and new- and yet the ties to the past can’t be missed. Maybe it’s not repeating the past that we should fear (expect the bad parts, we should absolutely work to not repeat the bad parts of history), but perhaps we should fear missing out on all the great things of the past. This is mainly a fashion statement. I’m aware in the 1920s the original owner of this number most likely wore a slip (or2!) with this dress. And her heels were probably lower. Yet. She probably couldn’t resist swaying like me, couldn’t help but feel fantastic in it like me, and most likely also found herself in Parisian (like in my case) alleyways that had a bit of magic in them. The past sometimes feels so present, and never more so than when I wear something from it.

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

This number- or any like it or inspired by it- would be perfect for NYE, or holiday parties. The basic outfit formula- sheer dress with hose underneath (and obviously covering all your bits!) and heels is a timeless (from their 20s to ours!) combo that will take you from past to present. This dress is truly 1920s Paris vintage from FeatherStoneVintage (one of my favorites and though she’s in Canada she ships all over!) but I’ve found you similar and linked them- along with modern stirrup options.

What are your thoughts on taking the best of fashion history and recreating 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!

a woman in a sheer embellished dress with stirrup tights and peep toe heels