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

Site Glitches

My beloveds!

We are having major site issues (as you may have noticed). As my skill set is more accessorizing rather than web site designing, I am currently dealing with getting help and making this place sparkle again. Thank you so much for your patience – we hope to be back in amazing shoes in no time!
Xox RA

Spring Break- ING

a woman in a low cut black swimsuit and white pants in a garden
Investment Piece: Surprise Ending
Investment Piece: Swim Fashion
Investment Piece: Days in La
Investment Piece: Swimming Pool
Investment Piece: Swim Cape

It’s Spring Break in a lot of places in the US- a time to get away, to reset and recharge. Me? We are still waiting for the house to be (mostly) done. (Fingers crossed it’s today) My Spring Break? a beginning of a return to me and a schedule and updating you. This week, in the lead up to the ending of most construction, our power has been off, our internet down, my schedule all over- though I do love laying in bed with my cats it’s been. A. lot. I had big plans for a post (about transitions and fake spring and the hope of all that may come) but alas- the Spring Break for me was not having the access to get that up. Meet me here Friday? We will have updates and thoughts and maybe this spring break will be the thing that gets us back.

This year. The past 10 months have been so disruptive and hard- I can’t wait till we are in a place with fantastic fashion and a set routine again. Thank you for waiting that out with me! If you are on Spring Break I hope you are living it up and getting a true rest!

XO RA

Day Off….Sorta

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

We are dark here for the US holiday (though you can always shop with me! Links to the side!) Though- I am still working (and shopping)– today we get walls and painting done– and at this point I am excited to share all of the new when it gets done.

I hope that today is not just a Monday for you- but full of sales and shoes and all the good!

XO RA

NYE LEWKS

a woman in a black floral and lace slip  nightgown
a woman in a black floral and lace slip  nightgown
a woman in a black floral and lace slip  nightgown
a woman in a black floral and lace slip  nightgown

I want to tell you about who cool I am. Or the AMAZING outfits I have to be at a party (or more!).
And I do. I have.

Let me tell you the best way to spend NYE is in. In a slip nightgown that is good for anything younwant to do. Bubbles. (of any kind). And fries. As everything is better with fries. Do I have more exciting outfits? Yes And I will will show them on social media and here- but it is oh so lovely to be at home on this holiday and in something we call chic. I’ve linked my fave current options below.

I am dying to know: how do you love to spend NYE?
XO RA

The Holiday Overwhelm

a woman in red and black plaid pants and a long sleeve black shirt holds a cat in red and black pjs sits next to a poinsettia

So. It’s perhaps the kick off for the holidays (this is very US coded as this is the week of Thanksgiving, but yet- no matter where you are next weekend is December so it all works!)
Or perhaps (if you have been following along about our house drama) but we have a date when we need to be out for the abatement and demo of the house (which means a LOT of packing and stress)
Or perhaps it’s just my own internal angst.
But the overwhelming feelings this holiday?
They are intense!

So while my list (of not only to-dos but to survives) seems oh -so- big I am trying to tell myself that all the holiday things will come and will work out — I have to be honest:
We need to pack and make plans to be out of my house (with my cats!) for a week for the beginning of work. In between this, I had a goal of changing over my closet from summer to fall (with an ever so slight clean out). And some gift guides. And all the things.

Let me be honest in that this holiday overwhelm? It’s overwhelming.
(and yes- even just this time of year can be overwhelming, if that’s what you’re feeling it’s 100% valid!) My overwhelm? Not 100% the holiday (but not helping. The house? not helping)
So. Here’s the plan and the schedule and how I am dealing with the overwhelm :

– I am not making big decisions. Originally, I thought that I would switch my closet out and clean it out. Pack up for the renovations and clean it out. But As I am realizing a lot of big changes are coming (some oh so quickly), I am realizing that big choices (and yes, even a closet clean out) should be pushed down the line. In other words, I know that I am not in a space to make any sort of big choice (event if it’s a “should I keep this shirt choice”). I am doing what I can- aka switching over the closet and any deep clean out may be waiting. This also goes for the rest of the house.

-I am letting it go. This Thanksgiving will most likely be on boxes and out of containers. I am not stressing. I am letting it be

– I will have to let this site go dark for a week. Not my plan. Or ideal. But. I can’t do it all. We will be back after this week! And of course you can shop along with me on all the sites (links updated!)

So. I guess this is my way of saying the holiday is oh so much for us that we are taking off. We will be (packing and getting our house right and then prepping for us!) back next Monday 12/2– and I can’t wait to update you on OH SO MUCH *including gift guides this year*!!

I will be on all the socials and the sites. and will be updating my shopping picks– and I do hope the overwhelm becomes a bit less and I have a sooner post. But. I wanted to get ahead.

SO. Meet ya here on 12/2? Links to shop? If you need me you’ll email?
Same and same!

XO RA

Migraine

Investment Piece: Day Off

I am so sorry I have been MIA. I have been battling the worst migraine- we are talking blurry vision, unable to sit up, head pounding, so incredibly nauseated migraine. Essentially I have been non-functional since Tuesday- too sick to even get dressed much less work. As I type (squinting as it still hurts) I’m hoping it’s on the way out- my big plans are pain pills and bed asap. Starting Monday I hope to be back and myself again. In the meantime? My fashion story is dark rooms and satin eye masks!

Wishing us all a pain feee week and amazing shoes! XO RA

WordPress Maintenance

a woman in a vintage peach night gown with flat sandals with fruit charms

Hi my loves!

There is scheduled WordPress maintenance that will interfere with our Friday post- we hope to have it up by noon- but if not will be back Sunday with fashion and stories!

Thank you for your patience!!

Xo RA

So Sorry!

a woman in a white shirt dress and black heels

My beloveds, it was every intention to get a post up today. However, while not affected weather wise by the Hurricane in Houston, I have been dealing with power and internet outages due to the storm. We look to be all set so I will meet you back here on Friday with NEW fashion stories. So sorry about that and thank you for your support!

XO RA

Circle Skirt

a woman in black strapless swimsuit,  a printed circle skirt with a mini Chloe saddle bag and Dr Scholl's purple sandalsa woman in black strapless swimsuit,  a printed circle skirt with a mini Chloe saddle bag and Dr Scholl's purple sandals
a woman in black strapless swimsuit,  a printed circle skirt with a mini Chloe saddle bag and Dr Scholl's purple sandals
a woman in black strapless swimsuit,  a printed circle skirt with a mini Chloe saddle bag and Dr Scholl's purple sandals
a woman in black strapless swimsuit,  a printed circle skirt with a mini Chloe saddle bag and Dr Scholl's purple sandals

Not new, but more and more becoming a go-to, must have, wear all the time, combo for me? A strapless swim (and this black one is my GO TO, I wear it with everything!) and a circle skirt. Chic. Easy. Cool- especially temp wise! This outfit combination is so classic, and yet, endlessly adaptable. Do I love it with my Dr Scholl’s? Absolutely. Would this outfit look just as amazing with heels or wedges? Yes. Love this crossbody? Yes. Pair with a tote or clutch. Truly, there are so many ways to look chic in this outfit formula.

You could even swap the swimsuit as bodysuit for a tee, or a crop top. A blouse. A vest. Almost anything you like. In the summer I am partial to skirts with some movement and some drape (pencil skirts are fantastic and I love them but when it’s 105 out anything that touches me too tightly can feel like too much!). Circle skirts in particular just feel fun, swinging and a bit like the season.

Loves! I do hate to jump the gun but I can’t wait to tell you and show you a project that me and my seamstress are working on– making this skirt! Yes, we will probably make it in more than one fabric and I can’t wait to wear them with everything!

I know it’s the season of shorts. And capris. Sundresses. But I can’t tell you how often I reach for a skirt in the summer. Go to’s. Go with everything. Go chicly.

What are your go-to outfits and outfit formulas in the summer? What makes you feel the most cool (temp wise) and chic? I would love to hear all about it!

Some of these exact pieces and similar ones are linked for you below. And if you’re in the market for a circle skirt I do have to let you know that there are ton of amazing vintage options- I would look at Etsy and one of my fave ways to shop vintage is on the GEM app. Happy circle skirting!
XO RA

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