Stripes and Sets

a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag
a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag
a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag
a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag
a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag
a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag

We know I love a good set for oh-so-many reasons (aka the possibilities and the outfits and the combos are ENDLESS). And I love a great stripe for oh-so-many-reasons (they’re a classic but always feel fresh!). The best combo? Stripes and a set.

This striped set is (I think) super special. I love the colors- it’s perfect for almost all seasons, feels bright, and yet somehow they all blend together. There are so many ways to style this- I’m loving it with these fringe shoes, but I know with boots, or even this skirt and a white tee, will be perfect. My sister and I recently went to a book signing and I wore this set with a green/jade necklace. The subtle green in the stripe was pulled out by the necklace and it was great! The leopard purse is my new go-to, I feel as if it goes with everything. Yet. This is just the tip of the iceberg (or closet so to say) in how to style, or what I want to wear this set with! That’s part of the magic of sets- but also the magic of stripes.

a tag reading deloreta

100% cotton and feels luxurious, this set is also special as it happens to be from a new-to-me-but-now-new-favorite brand. De Loreta. Another fashion friend turned me onto them (as she loved one of their floral sets and wore it for a birthday event). I checked them out and couldn’t help but fall in love! The set is fantastic, I get compliments every time I wear it, but I also love the brand statement and all of my interactions with the brand from packaging to messaging (yes. They will respond to you!)

a tag that reads: We want De Loreta to serve as a thread between the stories of our migrant ancestors and our own mixed cultural identities. Our designs explore our region and heritage as a way of strengthening our connection to the memories we hold dear -whether that's a particular dish or song, a ritual, or a traditional craft. We return to the things that make us feel grounded.
We want De Loreta to serve as a thread between the stories of our migrant ancestors and our own mixed cultural identities. Our designs explore our region and heritage as a way of strengthening our connection to the memories we hold dear -whether that’s a particular dish or song, a ritual, or a traditional craft.
We return to the things that make us feel grounded.

How can you not fall with that statement? The brand is female owned, designed, and sustainable. (And note- I get no commission from them. I pride myself on only recommending things I wear or would wear, but when there’s a brand that I LOVE, I can’t help but rave about them to you- and I hope you support them!) A timeless set that’s also a great brand to support? A stripes and sets for the ages!

a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag

You can shop this exact set and more amazing finds from De Lorena and I’ve linked quite a few similar sets below. These shoes are from seasons ago, but on resale I did find lucky people the exact same. The bag? Vintage Fendi from Pickled Vintage but I have found a new bag that has the same feel! Any set you love is a set I love, and I can’t wait to hear all about the combos you come up with- and what you pair them with!

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!

You can also shop options here

Fashion Stories : Last Minute Halloween

a woman in skeleton pjs with pumpkins

Or perhaps a more accurate title would be Last Minute Halloween Costumes that aren’t just a witch hat or cat ears. Not that there is anything remotely wrong with witches hats and cat ears. Or even vampire teeth. BUT part of my love of Halloween costumes is the fashion, so here we think a little more fashion forward last minute costumes. The following last minute costume ideas may enough things you have in your closet, or at most you should be able to find them for under $25!

Without further ado, my recs for a fashionable (if last minute) costume!

Note: This post does have last minute Halloween costume shopping recommendations. It may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Got a Trench Coat?
a woman in a trench coat with leather sleeves, black hose and heels
A great trench is a fantastic investment to add to your wardrobe, but as the base to a Halloween costume it’s a must! A trench can make you: a spy, Sherlock Holmes, add a scarf and your Jessica Fletcher, add oversized sunglasses and your Jackie O. Wear with fishnets and just be sexy. The options and costumes are endless (ironically just like the ways to wear a trench!)
Some Trenches I’m currently loving (and are currently on sale right now!):

Got a Red Cape?
a woman in a red cape and black boots
A red cape (velvet or not) can let you be so so many things. Red Riding Hood, a vampire, a witch, medieval anything, a superhero, or maybe just a woman in a hood! This is something that you may have to buy. I love capes but these in particular feel costume to me (of course it’s a great time of year for a cape and you can be so many things in a classic cape too!) that I would say just get a cape at the costume store! I found this one for less than $20:

Got a Cocktail Dress?
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

Obviously you could add any mask (from this Dino to a more elegant one!), but a cocktail dress can be so many things too! Add a HUGE red letter “A” to the front- your Hester Prynne from “A Scarlet Letter”. Add opera gloves, a tiny tiara and sunglasses- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. You could say you’re any movie star or princess with the right jewelry!

And these ideas are just off the top of my head! Leather Jacket? Anything from Sandy from “Grease” to a rockstar. Fur Coat? You’re Margot Tenebaum, or any number of celebs. Or perhaps it’s just a bit of makeup that will change your look- there are so many creative costumes you could come up with that are fun and fashionable. And doable last minute!

What are you being for Halloween? Do you have a plan or is it last minute?
I would love to hear all about it!
XO RA

Statement vs Neutral

a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges
a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges
a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges
a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges

When we chat about statement pieces, there’s a tendency to think of them as these big, beautiful, unique pieces. And sometimes they are! Sometimes statement pieces are these one of a kind outfit makers that should be and are the focal point of your outfit. This skirt? Could absolutely be a statement. It could be the the center of so many great outfits- pair it with a grey sweater or a white button down, grey or black boots or heels- this skirt would be a star. (really, it is!) Pairing down every other aspect of the outfit would really make this skirt the statement.

Yet. The same things that make this skirt such a chic statement? The pattern, the tonal colors, the swing, the felt- all the aspects of the skirt that make it special and a statement? They also make this skirt a neutral.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges
a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges
a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

Clearly, nothing could make this skirt not amazing. BUT by switching up the styling just a bit, you can take it from a statement to a neutral. I loved the idea of pairing this skirt with a brightly colored silk halter top (it’s also a way to ease into sweater weather as it’s not QUITE cool enough to wear all sweaters and knits yet!);I felt that it complimented the skirt and also was eye catching on its own. The shoes were perhaps a risk, a bit of pattern mixing with the dots and the houndstooth. However, the blue from the top went with the blue in the shoes, and I love that the patterns (while not matching) flowed together. Truly, any part of this outfit could be made a statement piece. Pairing them together, ensuring that they complimented each other, meshed, etc- it turned the statements into more neutrals.

There are more ways to make a statement a neutral. You could mix patterns, pair with like colors, use a statement as the counter to another statement. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps it’s not about if a piece is a statement or a neutral- but how you’re styling it.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

When I first saw this skirt, I knew that I had to have it. The colors and patterns are some of my fave. A great circle skirt is such a fantastic piece to have in your wardrobe (they’re flattering and go with so much!), and the felt made it feel a bit more special. I plan on making it both a statement and a neutral throughout the season- and I’ve linked the exact skirt for you 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 in a blue silk halter top and a grey polka dot skirt with houndstooth wedges

Not Your Summer Sheer

a woman in a black sheer skirt with a black turtleneck, kitten heels, black boy shorts, and a leopard print bad
a woman in a black sheer skirt, black turtleneck, kitten heels and a leopard print bag
a woman in a black sheer skirt, black turtleneck, kitten heels, and a leopard bag

You hear sheer and you think summer. Right? From summer coverups to light weight dressing, sheer makes sense in the summer. And I get that. Yet. (I feel bad that there’s always a yet with me-yet) Since I got this sheer skirt (in the summer) I have been dreaming of this fall outfit. Yes, I wore this skirt over swimsuits. And layered it under long tees. But for some season, fall is how I’ve always pictured me sheer, not summer!

a woman in a black sheer skirt, turtleneck, boy shorts, kitten heels and a leopard bag

Yes, I love the sheer skirt. But, I love it paired with a turtleneck (and obviously boy shorts under the skirt). You could layer sheer so many ways- over tights or yoga pants, slips or bike shorts. Here I loved the juxtaposition of the ladylike/vintage look with the French twist and turtleneck, kitten heels with the sheer skirt.

And of course all of the classic black with the leopard print bag! Point being- anything that you might at first glance think of as summer (or any one season) might be able to ease into another season. Summer Sheers? When I got this (and other) sheers all I could think about is fall. Not a fault or mistake on anyone’s part- but perhaps a hint at how one thing we have ideas about might be a whole completely new, 180 from what we thought, thing.

a woman in a black sheer skirt with black boy shorts, turtleneck, kitten heels, and a leopard bag

Some ways to wear your sheer in the summer:
over swimsuits, body suits, with sandals, tank tops, and more.

Your sheer in the fall?
Over leggings, tights, with sweaters, blazers, coats, with boots, heels and more.

Sheer doesn’t have to be your summer sheer. A trend can be both in style and a classic. And if you want to wait to style your trends I promise that the looks will still be chic and timely.

The one downfall to styling a trend a bit late? I can’t find this exact skirt (which ironically I got on sale during the summer as I suspect they were thinking sheer was for the spring?), but I have linked similar items (turtleneck and bag are vintage, shoes are from a few seasons ago. Boy shorts? Timeless- avail in so many cuts from Target and up!)

How do you sheer? And are there any trends that you see and think about in a different season?

I’ve linked shopping options for you below, and some detail shots- as they are too good not to!
XO RA

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

a close up of a leopard top handle purse and the bamboo heel of a kitten heel
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a black sheer shirt with boys shorts and a turtleneck and kitten heels with a leopard bag

Fashion Halloween: Phyllis Nefler

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder
a green vest with patches, various cookies and a glass of champagne
a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk blouse, heels, envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches and a gold cig holder
a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk shirt, heels and an envelope hat
a woman in a camel skirt, cape, and a green silk shirt with heels and an envelope hat

Please tell me that you have seen (and loved) the (Iconic) movie Troop Beverly Hills. It was a favorite of mine growing up (and now!). This film is a play on Girl Scouts, when Phyllis Nefler (typical Beverly Hills wife who’s going through a divorce) becomes the leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls’ Troupe. Troop Beverly Hills has the “scouts” you would think (rich, child actors, kids of actors, etc) but even though they play on some stereotypes (shopping badges for one), the girls and Phyllis show love and care, and the real meaning of coming together. Also? The film stars Shelley Long (a gift of a comedienne) and gives us (true) and classic lines such as : “Patches, we don’t need no stinking patches!” And when asked why they didn’t camp but thought a hotel suite counted as “roughing it”, Phyllis replied: “12 people and only 1 bathroom is roughing it”.

One of my favorite parts is when Phyllis takes the standard troop leader uniform (which is horrid) to her tailor, and he gives her a designer worthy ensemble. That’s what I wanted to recreate for this Fashion Halloween. A fab Troop Leader, and what I love most is that this costume is made of classic pieces that can serve you when you’re being Phyllis- and for your real life!

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder

A camel skirt? A go to- will go with everything, looks expensive no matter what, and comes in so many styles. A camel cape? I do have a thing for capes, but not only will this make your skirt a suit, it will look infinitely chic over everything from jeans to trousers to dresses. A silk shirt (green was the Troop Beverly Hills color – and I love that it’s both a statement and a neutral, but this goes for all silk shirts!) will really go from work to play and is truly a great investment. The same goes for camel/neutral heels. An addition to your wardrobe that will become a go-to! I added the envelope hat and cigarette holder (both from Amazon for under $20 combined- and could also be used for so many costumes!) Phyllis Nefler was so much of what I love- someone who got that shopping matters and wasn’t a fan of camping, but at her heart was giving and kind and generous.

Troop Beverly Hills, the movie, is worth your time- and being Phyllis Nefler for Fashion Halloween? Classy and chic and fun, and a way to use your own closet (as you may have these pieces) or an excuse to invest in some classics!

*** Note: The patches here are from my sister’s days as a Girl Scout. Scouting wasn’t really for me- though I think they’re a great organization!- so I really appreciate her letting me use her things!

Below I’ve linked options for this costume, as well as the DVD of the movie!
Here’s to Champagne Wishes and Cookie Dreams and Fashion Halloween! 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 camel skirt, cape, green silk shirt, heels and an envelope hat

Sunday Chronicles: Not sure what to say

Investment Piece; Basic Invite

Well. After a few years that have been unprecedented, this week added another world event that’s taken precedent over everything. And the attacks in Israel and Gaza should. I am not educated enough to know everything about this conflict- or even to have suggestions on how to fix it. All I know is: we all deserve a home, to be treated with dignity, and love. All I can hope is that somehow, we find a way to exist with each other and without hate. I don’t have answers but I can tell you, this isn’t a space for hate.

Yet- because of all this, talking about fashion hasn’t felt right the past few days. I haven’t been posting on social media much, I haven’t felt that style tips or sales or outfit posts have been the thing to chat about. (And we will. Life does have to go on- and fashion can be a form of resistance!) But, I have taken a step back this weekend, I’ve spent time with people and animals I love. I have baked bread and prayed. I have wanted my friends to know I’m with them, in this weird time. Because we are a business, we will be posting new tomorrow. This month we’ll chat more fashion Halloween costumes, fall outfits, sales and more. I just wanted you to know that while we will use fashion as a respite and an act of courage- that my heart is with everyone affected and with us all as we strive to find new ways to coexist and love.

Wishing us all a week of peace and amazing shoes! XO RA

Systems

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

This is a Mrs. Emily skirt (lovingly made by hand and goes with it all. You can read more about how much I love Mrs. Emily, a small fashion designer here. And while this about how much I love this silk skirt (and you can customize the hem length!) and all the things you can wear with it (from party looks to work looks), it’s also about systems (like outfit formulas, but for our lives).

One of the many, many things I love about Mrs. Emily is her fashion philosophy. Her Instagram (@mrsemily) and her newsletter (highly recommend sign up here) are full of thoughts on waredrobe building, confidence building, and how we can make our lives work (through our clothes). Mrs. Emily will tell you that she’s a wife, momma, and fashion designer (and maker), she speaks honestly about all the different hats she’s wearing, and how she makes that work.

I love the honesty (because it’s not always easy) and I love how these musing make me think about my own fashions and my own systems. In fashion, we talk about systems as outfit formulas- things we know go together, that you can simply put on, and they make your life easier. What about the systems (or outfit formulas) for our lives, from work to social? Do they make our lives easier and make us feel good? Or do we need to update them?

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

Like all of us, I wear a bunch of hats. Fashionista. Blogger. Actress. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Caregiver. Cook. Dishwasher. Every day is a bit different, but there is never a lack of things to do. Sometimes I feel on top of it all, sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed. What I’m learning (and what Mrs. Emily will tell you) is that the more you can design your life to support all the things you do, the easier your life is on you. For me, that means schedules, time to write, time to be creative, planning ahead, and more.

Honestly? Lately, I’ve been feeling like I to update my systems. Find better ways to make space for all my things. I’m thinking of it like this skirt, I know no matter what when I put it on, it will look and feel good. It’s like that, but for my schedule. (Or you could think of it as a new outfit formula- like all of the sudden figuring out that there are a million ways to do jeans and a tee- and they all work!).

Is it a weird time of year to be adjusting my systems? With us heading full steam into the holiday season, most of us get through, then readjust in the new year. While I understand that mindset, I know that I need the support now, and I thought- I’ll be playing with holiday looks all season, why not play with my systems?

So. I’ll be adjusting, trying out, scheduling, rescheduling and seeing what works for me. Like putting everything from a tee to a blazer with my new fave Mrs. Emily skirt, I’m looking for things that let me work, no matter what the day calls for. And I’m a bit excited to see what systems I come up with.

What about you? How are your life systems? Are you feeling supported by them? If you have any great tips, I would love to hear about them!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: Systems

This Barbie Wears Pink

Every October I love doing (at least one) pink post.
1- because while I don’t really think of myself as a “pink” person- I am. I love (especially) hot pink, wearing pink in various ways (especially the unexpected), and after Barbie The Movie, really embracing the sides of me that love all things pink. Essentially, I think I love surprising myself and you with this color that I never think I like

2- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My family is one those affected by this disease, and we lost my aunt this year (making clear not to cancer, she survived that- but Breast Cancer is still so hard). I had my first mammogram this year (absolutely a fine experience- more awkward because I’m one of those that even when I get massages want to help. Yes, I tried to help too much in my mammogram. BUT I got it. And I’m fine. And I’m excited to hear about yours). Usually in these yearly posts I link to various companies who give a portion of profit to Breast Cancer Research, etc. There’s a lot happening right now (and most likely more than one cause who needs your attention and money) I honestly haven’t even thought about that. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t great ways to shop and give to Breast Cancer (or other services), but beyond that, beyond wearing pink, perhaps what the people you know affected by this cancer need most is you. Being with them, listening to them, helping them. There are big ways to give- but the small ways can be the most impactful.

3-Again, I’ll tell you that I don’t wear a lot of pink. These posts remind me that I do. And in this spooky time- when I love putting together my Halloween costumes, when the holiday season is rapidly approaching (aka Christmas is already all over the stores) that it feels as if life and seasonal choices take over everything. Think about it- it’s Fall- we’re all into neutrals and costumes and then red and black and green for the holidays. So many choices are holiday coded so that there are times when wearing pink at this time feels a bit rebellious and a bit of a statement. Maybe I just really like being a bit different and pink at this time of year lets me indulge that.

Whatever the reason, October to me wouldn’t be the same without pink. And yes- I really do wear pink in my real life- if you do I would love to hear about it.

Here’s to all the reasons to pink and all of the amazing outfits it creates! XO RA

Fashion Halloween: Cleopatra

a woman in a gold caftan posing like Cleopatra
a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece
a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece
a woman in a gold caftan and a gold headpiece

One of my go-to Halloween costumes? Cleopatra! I am a fan of caftans, so yes I had (have?) this gold number (but have linked packaged costumes and great gold dresses!). Ironically I also had this wig (from a Mad Men party I threw for my birthday many moons ago), I simply had to work on my makeup (which was really fun!) and buy a headpiece. This costume is so easy, so chic, and really comfy. From answering the door to trick-or-treaters or parties, it’s customizable, recognizable, and fun.

Part of what I love about fashion Halloween is the combination of fashion and characters. What’s great about Cleopatra is that a gold caftan- while a bit Palm Springs- is a great party number. Forgiving and chic, and can go from summer to holiday. This is a costume, or outfit that if you want to invest in, you’ll get so many uses out of it!

Note: here I went barefoot but these kind of caftans look great with gold sandals or heels!

This look was originally posted years ago, but this is a look and costume that I’ve gone back to time and time again!

Happy Fashion Halloween! XO RA

Notes: 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 gold caftan and gold headpiece

Fashion Halloween: Marie Antoinette

a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown with a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne

Fashion Halloween is one of my favorite things. I know, I know- I can go overboard- but I truly LOVE the combination of fashion and acting, the planning and putting together of a costume (bought or put together from fashion pieces you have and love), and the putting together of a character via an outfit. Let’s be honest, a lot of what we wear is a costume (of one kind or another) and Halloween is just when we’re a bit more honest about it. This year for all of my Halloween costumes I got inspiration from shows I loved, characters I loved, and fashion I wanted to explore (or was easy to put together!).

First for Fashion Halloween? Marie Antoinette. She’s always fun but has gotten a ton more attention with the recent PBS show about her and Louis. (I loved it- took me an episode or 2 to truly get into it, but very well worth your time!) Also, being over the top is a fun part of Halloween- and who is more over the top than Marie Antoinette?

This costume was so easy- but so fun. While there are so many Marie Antoinette costumes for sale (and I’ve linked quite a few for you below), I used a ballgown I already had (and want to wear everywhere. You’ve seen it before

a woman in a Marie Antoinette Wig, plaid gown and jewels with a velvet couch, macaroons, and champagne