Shopping can be like a wild night out. You never quite know how things are going to go, what you’re going to find, or who you’re going home with. You might wake up the morning after with regret, or you migh wake up the morning after loving what you did. Yes, here we buy into the theory that the morning after can lead to a long and happy relationship– but we limit this theory to shopping. So my tips for having a great morning after? Stick to places you love that treat you right (this number is from RecessLA and we know that they are one of my favorites). Know your limit (not always fun, but your bank appreciates it). Choose wisely (dresses like this Prada number won’t steer you wrong).
If it’s another kind of morning after I recommend coconut water and low light. A great burger doesn’t hurt either!
Loves, let’s chat a minute about lingerie dressing. There are so many versions of it, there are so many ways to wear it, there is so much to love about it. This Prada dress is what I consider the best of high end lingerie dressing. It combines the classic “little black dress”, a little lace, and a hint of nude. Silky and Lacey, but perfect for a cocktail party, though I won’t judge you for wearing this around the house! The result? Not your average dress with just a hint of lingerie. Sophisticated, fun, and not a thing to regret in the morning.
When there are many, many things to not like about the morning, it’s always nice to have purchases like this to make the morning after easier (and give you something to look forward to in the evening!)
Last I checked, this dress was still available at Recess (love it? You can check their website or contact them via Instagram to inquire), or shop my picks below!
Hope this morning had no regrets!
We know I love fashion. We know that I love Art. We know that I think fashion is Art. We know that a goal of mine is to be Art. Is it any surprise that I love this dress?
I love going to museums, and I also like dinosaurs (yes, like a kid!); so the tar pits in Los Angeles hold a special facisnation for me. I love the thought of walking on history! And though you can’t play in the tar (which would require a different outfit entirely) the scenery is beautiful! The tar pits are connected to LACMA, which makes this art inspired dress a perfect fit. I love the abstract faces, the color blocking, the cut out. It’s classic, but it’s edgy. This dress is silk, but a Topshop find-so it’s completely affordable!
This piece is perfect for gallery openings, museum days, cocktails, dinner, or 9-5. I like to think it brings me a bit closer to being Art, and that I will take every time!
Happy Friday! XO
This Topshop dress is sold out (Their Unique and Boutique lines are worth a look!) I love this one , this one, and this one. Shop my other picks below!
Loves! There are many, many things I love about my job. I love the shopping and the putting together of outfits. I love finding things to share with you, and interacting with you on social media, and the site. And one of my most favorite things about this job are the events. I get to meet you and other vendors. I get to be with you and shop! It’s amazing!
I’m also incredibly lucky that I get to host and attend events in more than one state. In my current tour through Texas, and specially this past weekend, I got to attend two amazing events: Bloomers and Frocks/Lively Collective held a Ladies Lounge in Austin, TX, full of tarot/henna/amazing fashion; and in Tyler, AAVintedge held a “Cool Collective” benefitting rescue dogs with amazing vendors/food/music.
Both events were amazing! At the Ladies’ Lounge I got to meet Solaris, who was simply amazing at reading tarot cards, as well as got to shop my some of my two fave stores in Dallas. In Tyler, I got to be with my love AAvintedge, and got to know amazing new vendors: Jesse Roberts (@jlr_leathers on Instagram, her bags are dope and so affordable) and Vanessa from Cade Republic Design (Cade Republic), and Beetle Rose (@shopbeetlerose, amazing shorts and undies!)Events leave me feeling so energized and full of inspriration. I love seeing what people wear, what people are selling, and what people are saying. I love getting to know you and getting to know people I think you should know.
If I haven’t made it to your neck of the woods for an event, don’t worry! I have events (and am planning events) for this summer in both CA and TX. Got an event you want me to visit? Have an event you think I should host? Let me know, I’d love to make it!
I’m busy recovering from my wild weekend, I have great things to show you this week, and make sure you’re following me on Instagram to see what goodies I got at these events!
There’s been a few reports lately about Gucci doing collaborations with this or that designer, and I have to put it out there, Gucci- if you’re listening, and you need people to collab with- I volunteer as tribute. You can take me, I’m yours.
Loves, I often wax poetic about how much I love Gucci, I know many of your other factor it fashion bloggers do as well. It’s hard not to. To me, this resergnce of Gucci under Alessandro Michele is the perfect combination of fun, details, the classic shapes, and excess. There are pieces that simply belong in a museum, there are knit pants that I long to live my life in; and the frivolous way that the fashion is presented (skateboards) is just magical. I am an unapologetic fan girl and have already googled how to sell them my kidney for the shoes I want. (Only slightly kidding)
Pink is the color of the season, or one of them, and surprise I love this Gucci Pink. I love the simplicity of the cut, the details, the bow. It’s great for running around (it would go great with sneakers), dinner, work, events (these are Zara boots but it would also go great with heels or higher boots). This dress is available at Reccessla right now (loves, they have so much Gucci in) and it was a joy to play and shop in! I managed to leave it behind, which is the most shocking piece of information here, but yet I can’t think of a more perfect Spring dress.
From girlhood I have had a complicated relationship with my hair, haven’t we all? Like it or not, women (and girls) get fed messages about their hair that affect how we see ourselves. Don’t believe me? Look at any princess movie or any doll, long, beautiful hair rules. We have stereotypes about hair color. There are documentaries about “Good Hair” (if you haven’t seen this film by Chris Rock, I highly recommend it, it’s a whole other level of hair drama that I can’t speak to, but I want to acknowledge). It’s “statement” for a woman to chose to have short hair. Hair is often our first attempt to change who we are or how we’re seen, and as something we deal with on a daily basis, can accepting our hair be a form of self acceptance?
I am a natural blonde (yes, it did get darker as I got older, and I now enhance it), and my hair, left to it’s own devices can range from curly to wavy. I kept it long as a kid, it’s been thick, it’s now fine, but I have a lot of it. And loves, my hair and I have fought, it may be what I’ve cried over most. When I was 10, I grew my hair to my waist, my grandma was my nanny, she hated long hair-she offered me $100 to cut it. I did cut it, I hated it, and then my mom wouldn’t let me accept the money. This may have set the tone for a complicated relationship. I started experimenting with color in college, I’ve been super blonde, brown, red, and mousy. I spent years paying to have my hair chemically straightened, fighting my curl every step of the way.
But loves, these experiments weren’t always fun. I worried about being perfect-the perfect shade, the perfect cut, the perfect style. I wanted (and maybe still want) my hair to be its best self, look natural, and yet control everything about it. This may be a great metaphor for my life. Yes, I try to control my hair, and I can freak out about it. Ladies, I know there are some of you who can cut, color, style with an ease and grace that I envy. You seem not to worry about the shade or cut, and I long to be like you. For me, just accepting my hair and trying not to white knuckle a hair appointment has been a journey.
About three years ago I was at a breaking point. I had been attempting to find a colorist and my hair was in a bad state- it was blonde, but had orange, green, and brown in it (from bad dye). I needed a cut badly, my last keratin had grown out, and my ends were a wreck. I was lucky enough to find two women, Colleen and Sulekha, who changed my hair (and my life), and have helped me on the way to accepting my own hair.
Saying I was nervous to start this journey is a severe understatement. Colleen wanted to layer my hair (I had awful visions of 90s hair) and she had to talk me into it, the first time she let my hair go really wavy I almost had a heart attack, I had all these “rules” about length (it had to go into a bun, which to be fair I still stick to). I was jumpy and though she claims I’m not a bad client, I’m sure I drove Colleen crazy. It took some hand holding, some styling, but loves, I now love my wavy hair, and I’m so grateful that Colleen showed me how to embrace it. And loves, the cut was a cakewalk compared to color. Have I mentioned that there was green and orange in my hair? That I want the “perfect, natural” shade of blonde? My colorist, Sulehka, not only had to retone and color correct my hair, she’s had to deal with me being anxious about shades, learning that quality of light can make your hair “seem” different”, to really work to earn my trust. I’m lucky she stayed with me. We’re at a point now where I can sit down and let her do her thing, which lucky for me is a natural-like shade of blonde that’s made some boyfriends believe that I don’t dye my hair.
I’m at a point where I love my hair, I’m embracing having wavy,blonde hair that I don’t really fix. I love my Juxatipositon of messy hair and couture, my hair feels a part of me now. There are still times I freak out, I want to control length, I see the color in reddish light and will worry about color for days on end’ but I’m learning to relax. I’m learning that my hair can be exactly what it is, and that’s ok. And I’m learning that accepting a part of me is so much easier than fighting it. AND that great hair really does make your life better!
So, loves, what are your hair woes? Can you let it go or do you control it? What do you think it says about us?
Wishing us all a week of amazing hair and amazing shoes! XO RA
If you want to give my miracle workers a try: Colleen can be found @cleencuts on Instagram, and Sulehka is at Sally Hershberger LA. Tell them Rachel sent you!
This trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so how to wear a corset belt? With attitude. With jeans.
Over a dress, having fun.
Actually loves, there aren’t a lot of rules when it comes to corset belts. Part of the magic of wearing them is that they are part statement, part basic–and they go with everything. I love the Rock and Roll edge that the belt provides with this simple white tee and jeans, but you could easily make this more casual by wearing sneakers instead of heels. Over a dress with flats, with shorts and sandals, with super high heels. (Get my other corset look here). Corset belts are perfect when you want to define your waist, add a little something, be edgy, be soft, or just need a belt! They’re a nod to sexy, a way to hold yourself in, a little throw back, and are modern all in one; the point being that you can’t go wrong with them.
Loves, there’s also a very good chance that you don’t need me to tell you how to wear a corset belt, or any fashion for that matter. Though I have lots of ideas, and am always happy to help, the reality may be that you don’t need my help. Maybe you need inspiration, or loves maybe you just need permission. Before you take a deep breath and my comments get filled, I am not trying to imply that as a woman in charge of herself that you need permission to wear anything, any way you like. What I would argue is that sometimes we hold ourselves back, for reasons that would be another article, blog, another forum. So we’re focusing on the corset belt. And loves, however you rock it or don’t is perfect. The outfit you have in your head will be amazing (and if turns out you don’t like it, you change). You have permission to have fun, to try things out, to wear what makes you happy. Ironic that we’re talking about permission with a corset belt that holds you in? Maybe. Or maybe not!
This belt is from my love, Elaine Kim, and I love how soft it is–seriously loves, you need to feel this leather–and the zipper! It’s gone with everything from jeans to dresses (see above) and I’m still thinking up ways to wear it!
I cannot explain to you how fun this shoot was, one of my faves! And yes, I say that all the time, and yes, I take it as a challenge to improve each time: but loves 7-11 Juxatipositon was simply fun. And isn’t that what fashion is supposed to be? A high end jumpsuit, by Katy Rodriguez found at Resurrection Vintage, fit for the red carpet in 7-11, Twizzlers in hand?!? I was inspired by the Rihanna looks in a drug store, and I have to say–she was on to something. There was so much to play with, not as many people stared as you would think, and this jumpsuit! I highly recommend playing with Juxatipositons and if that happens to be in 7-11, so be it!
And this fashion! This is not where I tell you that this jumpsuit could be made into something it’s not. It’s a special piece, rhinestones and slits, and all; and you can’t/shouldn’t hide that. It’s not something that you could repurpose as workwear or casual wear, but there are ways to soften it. The slits on both the legs and chest could be sewn up–either with thread, tape, or safety pins. You could wear a shirt under the jumpsuit, and this night I threw a sweater on top (so only the legs showed) for drinks. I think for an upscale pool party you could pair this stunner with flats, but I think, other than that, heels would be best! Resurrection Vintage (Resurrection Vintage, lastore@resurrectionvintage.com, or @resurrectionvintage on Instagram) has a pink jumpsuit exactly like this one available–if you get it, show me the Juxatipositons you wind up in!
Love bugs, most importantly, go have some fun out there!
XO RA
Loves, it’s our second birthday!! (Or close enough!) This journey has been so amazing: the work, the people, the clothes! And I’m so grateful that you’re along for the ride. We’ve been growing, refining our niche, and adding new series’ and your support means so much. The blog has so many exciting things in the works and I’m thrilled to share them with you! You can expect more editorial inspiration and outfit looks Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s. Tuesday and Thursday we will continue to spotlight brands, stores, and events we love-and hope you love too! Some new series: Designer Spotlight, once a month we’ll chat about a designer we love and Fashion in the Wild, once a month you can expect a video of a fashion trend out in the world (real trends, real reactions, real out there!). Sunday’s you’ll get the same op-Ed piece that’s one of my faves (Sunday Chronicles), other than the last Sunday of the month when I’ll share the ExFiles, horror stories from the dating world.
And loves, it’s our birthday but we’re celebrating you! Are you signed up for our website? Make sure you do, because as part of the celebration every newsletter subscriber will receive 10% to one of our favorite stores, Lively Collective (@livelycollective on Instagram) and be in the running for prizes including a stacking ring set and a snake flannel from Velvet California (like the one I wore here). You’ll get details when you sign up!
We’re off to have a sip of champagne and work on posts, again, thank you loves, from the bottom of my heart!
See some of my fave looks from our journey below, shop my wish list and have some champagne –it’s our birthday!!
Loves, when we think LA we think beaches and boardwalks, Melrose and Beverly Hills; but there are other sides of LA. Colorful, playful sides that deserve to be explored: Downtown, Mid Cities, Korea Town, to name a few. And lucky me, I got to walk Downtown LA in one of my favorite outfits to date. The sites, the colors, the sounds, the endless cars: all were amazing backdrops and fun to explore! We know I love the beach, but my advice? Get out of the sand and get to walking LA, I promise you won’t be the only one, and you’ll love it!
As for the fashion:
This Jcrew graphic tee is the best! It goes with everything, and has just enough attitude to make anything pop.
Todd Oldham pants: Can you believe this print?? It’s fun and festive, I can’t wait to wear it with purple, and it’s simply iconic. If you missed it, I wrote about Todd yesterday, you can catch up
Armani shoes: Graphic, vintage, classic
Zara bucket bag: Perfect for summer, surprisingly roomy, it’s become my go to!
Where are you walking today?
XO RA
I found the shoes and pants at Recess, shop my picks below!
