Sometimes Monday just need a little drama. A little feather, a shoe that has a subtle nod to the ballet shoe, an outfit that makes you feel special. Items like this just make me feel like anything is possible–and that’s a Monday feeling I will sign up for!
Happy Monday! Hope you have all the right sorts of drama! XO RA
Details:
Skirt: Old, similar here
Blazer: BCBG, old, similar here
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
They say that friends are some of the most important things in life–and while cliche sounding, it’s true. Recently I have had friends be generous with their time, their support, and their homes. No matter what happens in life it is beyond comforting to know that staying up late and chatting with a friend–or having a place to stay when you most need it–is simply a matter of calling a friend.
The love and support I have gotten from my friends recently got me thinking–adult friendships are so much more complex than the grade school friendships, where sometimes friendship was as simple as always being in the same class. So following are some of the lessons I’ve learned about being adult friends:
Friendships take as much effort as romantic relationships. Yes, they’re different but as adults we have different jobs, schedules, responsibilities, and time constraints. While spur-of-the-moment plans can happen families, jobs, etc often make that an impossibility. So you have to make time for each other. Check in, catch up. Make plans and stick to them. Forgive each other when you have to cancel, and understand when plans fall through. Can this be difficult? Yes, but having plans with a friend can make a long week bearable.
You will have different friends for different needs. Your friendships will rise and fall like waves. All of this is ok. Not every friendship is the bonded at the hip variety–sometimes it’s just the people you chat with at the gym every day. These relationships are no less important than your besties–they can still make your day. Also due to life friendships will crest, there are times when you can be super close and then lose touch–the good news is a good friend is a good friend, and no matter the distance always show up when they’re needed.
You can break-up with a friend and it can hurt worse than your worst romantic break-up. I’ve been there. And yes, as above, sometimes it’s just a crest–but sometimes the friendship has turned toxic. Sometimes we grow apart and aren’t treated as well as we should. Sometimes it’s a conversation and sometimes friends just fade away. If it was a close and important relationship it can hurt like hell. I recommend shopping and wine to get you through.
Your friends will experience life at a different pace than you –and that’s amazing. You may be the first to get married–or the last. Someone who put their career first or a stay-at-home-mom (still a job). While having a ton in common is always helpful, some of my most rewarding relationships are with women in different life places than I am. We can share experiences, say things without judgement, and learn from each other.
In short, I’m having a moment where I just can’t help but be bowled over by the amazing women and men in my life whom I am privileged enough to call friends. I’d love to know–what have you learned about friendship?
Wishing us all a week of great friends and amazing shoes! xo RA
There’s something about a contradiction that I just love–high necks, short skirts, and lace up heels are feeling just perfect for fall. Something about this outfit feels updated mod and vintage to me at the same time–and most importantly it’s all comfy!
Hope you have a great weekend! Happy Friday! XO RA
Details:
Top: Reformation, old, similar here
Skirt: Zara
Shoes: Zara
As Selena Gomez showed us, Pajamas are having a moment–and not in the bedroom. All over the streets of Paris during fashion week stylish women were wearing PJs as suits–and ya’ll, I like it. It is effortlessly chic, comfy, and just subtlety sexy! However-I don’t recommend just rolling out of bed–here are my tips to master PJ dressing!
1. Make sure that they fit–while most pajama sets do fit a little loosely, this is not the time for over-sized dressing! To pull off the polished PJ look make sure that the set you love is fitted!
2. Hair, make-up, shoes–these need to be done! I’m not saying you have to wear heels or have a perfect blow-out, but the idea is to make sure that you look like you have an outfit on, and haven’t just rolled out of bed.
3. Avoid cutesy prints–yes, they’re cute, solids, stripes or florals look the most pulled together
I’d love to know: are you going to dare to wear PJs in public?
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
PJs: Sleepy Jones
Shoes: Topshop, in certain flagships, similar here
Mondays are hard. Mondays can be even more difficult when you’re sunburned and tired and dealing with a to-do list that seems endless. My solution? Cheeky details to add spark to my outfit. I absolutely love this shirt–the “asshole” detail is subtle, a conversation starter, and speaks volumes. And no Monday can be completely bad with glitter shoes–I’m still in love with these Miu Miu booties from years ago. And with details like these the day has to go well, right? Right.
Happy Monday!
Details:
Booties: Miu Miu, old
Skirt Zara
Top: Elkin
Yesterday was National Handbag Day- yes, a made-up holiday, but that’s no reason not to celebrate. Right? Right. While I’m usually a shoes woman, there are special bags that get under your skin. For example, this Gucci stunner. I may have to break down and add it to my collection. I’d love to know – what’s your favorite bag? Which one are you eyeing for the season?
Wishing us all a week of amazing bags and stunning shoes! Xo RA
Fall is coming–I cling to this. Meanwhile we seem to be stuck in this in-between, it’s not truly cool, it’s not really hot (although there are days when it is!). I am desperate to dress for fall, but don’t want to sweat through my outfit. My solution? I’m mixing pieces of the seasons. Take for example this light skirt and top paired with knee high suede boots and a wool accented belt. I feel fall (ish) but don’t melt. And the fall colors make me feel at least somewhat appropriate. How are you dealing?
Happy Friday! XO RA
Details:
Skirt: Vintage
Top: old Kate Spade, similar here
Belt: Johanna Ortiz, similar here
Boots: Gilt
Every season I pick one huge purchase, save up for it, and treat myself. The entire process from the picking to the saving to the wearing is such a joy–it really makes me cherish the purchase more, and it almost makes shopping an event. This season I chose this to-die-for Valentino boots. When I saw them on the runway I knew I had to have them–and believe me, they’re worth it! I have a soft spot for Valentino and these floral embroidered boots go with everything–from jeans to dresses, I’m truly wearing them every where. Not only are these my new fave, they are a treat! I’d love to know–do you make one big purchase? What are you buying?
I’m loving this corset top–it fits so perfectly that there’s none of that “third boob” issue that we can all encounter. Paired with skinny jeans and a classic bag, it’s an easy fix to any Monday!
This weekend I got the pleasure of attending my college homecoming. It’s such a treat to get to catch up with old friends. The older I get the more value I see in friends who know your history. Not to mention the great football and general nostalgia the weekend produces. Up there with pumpkins and cider it’s become one of my fall musts. I’d love to know- what’s on your fall bucket list?
Wishing us all a week of fall and amazing shoes! Xo RA