Grey Skies

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to Beat Grey Skies?

Throw on a grey dress and spice it up. I know, it’s the holiday season and we’re supposed to be focused on reds, greens, and blues. The boots are red. And, hear me out, grey looks can be festive. Take this vintage dress (from one of my faves Bloomers and Frocks) that feels modern. Grey isn’t gloomy or bland, it’s the back drop for red (those boots!) and edge (that jacket!), yet a statement on its own.

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey skies?

Watch the details. The pleats in this skirt are perfect for business, yet scream fun. Red boots? Sassy, great with skirts/dresses/jeans, and they add a bit of cheer. I also love how high these boots go, don’t let it scare you, let them inspire you (and maybe, occasionally, give your black boots the night off). We haven’t chatted about what makes an “investment piece” in a while, but loves, let me tell you, a great leather jacket is one. Leather jackets edge up any look while remaining classic. Wear your with everything from work dresses to jeans. Grey doesn’t have to be a background player, but with the right details, it can stand out and let details shine. How are your skies doing?

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey Skies?

Embrace them. I love the elements of this outfit; and on their own they’re amazing. This combo is perfect for work, play, or anything in between. It will be great in January, when the parties are over and you need some cheering. (Tell me boots like these wouldn’t make you smile in the middle of any winter day.) Wear a dress like this with any shoe from sneakers to heels to more boots. Live in your leather jacket. Let red boots make any outfit pop. Grey is one of my favorite colors (see here,
here, and here) and while grey skies can often mean storms; I think using grey to turn the tables and make an amazing outfit is the way to beat almost anything.

I’ve linked similar items below. Happy shopping!

XO RA

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to Cocktail Casual

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

My guess? You have holiday parties and drinks and dinners on the books. Every site is pushing the 12 dresses of Christmas (not to mention NYE). Feeds, catalogs, and stores are full of sparkle and velvet and shine. I love all of that. Want to hear a secret? I love a great party dress, have never been able to resist them, and have quite a few coming your way. However, not all holiday get togethers call for your party dress. Is there a way to cocktail casual?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Right this way!

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to Cocktail Casual? Start with a party top. Does it have to be sequined and velvet and over the top? No. I think it does need to be a little special, but it doesn’t have to scream holiday. I love this Tory Burch one as it has some sparkly details, but doesn’t go over the top. The blue and white, and the floral, go with the holiday, but will also look great in the spring.

You have a top. How to Cocktail Casual? Pay attention to your shoes. Heels or dress flats or boots are a must. The casual doesn’t come from your shoes. I’m not saying choose footwear that’s uncomfortable, but shoes that make you want to celebrate are always a good thing. These wedges are from quite a few seasons ago, but I love that the shape is just orginal enough, yet the pattern is classic. If you worry about wearing heels out, wedges are always a great option. They give you height while maintianing balance.

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to Cocktail Casual: the casual part! Loves, you need a great pair of jeans. I love a dark, skinny pair with little to no distressing. If you find that you need two pairs of cocktail casual jeans, you can make your second pair black. The dark rinse will go with any top, and keep you looking polished while not dressy. And bonus? These cocktail casual jeans can make the transition to casual and look great even with your favorite sweatshirt!

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to cocktail casual? Remember that the most important part of any holiday party is that you have a good time!

I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces below! Happy Shopping!
XO RA

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Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

Why Purple?

Investment Piece: Why Purple, purple skirt
Investment Piece: Why Purple? Purple Skirt

This is a story about why purple. Purple is not only the color of royalty and wisdom, it’s my school colors (yep, both high school and college). If you follow me on Instagram you know that I am a loyal alumni of my college, TCU. Maybe I take college football a little too seriously, but we have a “Go Purple Friday” tradition. And I follow it. Then, I also wear purple on game day. So, I’m always on the look out for fashionable purple to show my pride.

*SideNote: this skirt looks a little more magenta in pictures. I promise it’s more purple! Continue reading Why Purple?

Holiday Gift Guides: Kids’

Investment Piece, holiday gift guide, for kids

By no means do I claim to know what the cool kids like, but I have rounded up some holiday gifts to fit all ages! (These picks are based on the amazing kids in my life, I’m sure that the fantastic kids in your life have a list, but we can all use some ideas!) So, without further ado: my holiday gift guide for kids! Continue reading Holiday Gift Guides: Kids’