Investment Piece – Page 29 – Everyday Editorial

Getting in the Water

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

Loves, in a moment of vulnerability, I have to admit, this was a hard week. I know, we’re all having hard weeks. It’s just a hard time. And what do I do when it gets tough? Buy shoes! Well, yes. But other than that, a thing I do is get in the water. There’s something about water-surfing, paddle boarding, just sitting by it, that calms me down and makes me happy. Getting in the water is one of my favorite coping mechanisms. And getting in the water in fashion? I LOVE it!!

And loves, this is why I love this job. I love the creativity of it, the thinking out of the box on how to present my fave fashion to you, and the people I work with. This dress is Clover Canyon, and as an Ocean Baby I can’t recommend them enough; their clothes are made of neoprene (always water ready) and the patterns are to die for! I love that my photographer, Katy Shayne, was nonplussed when I said I wanted to shoot this dress on a board and that I would figure it out! And so we figured it out, I got on a paddle board and we were able to get great looks from the dock (the dress is water ready, cameras not so much). Bonus-I got to be on the water and got a session in after we were done!

Another moment of vulnerability: this shoot is from years ago. Yet, I’ve updated it. And it rings true. This week, in August 2023 has been tough. My reaction? Get in the water. I found my self putting together a closet, stressed about what to shoot, and needing to be in the water. So, here we are. I went to the water, and I wore this dress (yet again) and things are looking up. Isn’t it funny how things can come full circle?

I’ve updated my shopping picks (and while I love swimsuits and wearing them out, thank you for indulging me in wearing dresses in water!) and hope that however your week has gone, you’re getting in the water!
XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

Sunday Chronicles: Is dressing to theme back?

a woman in a black and white striped dress, pink coat, black heels and black purse in front of a stillife painting off flowers

There’s a saying that dressing well is a form of good manners. And I agree. I’ll admit that I have a tendency to overdress at times; but in general, being appropriately dressed for occasions is important. You wouldn’t wear your bikini to a funeral. Unless it was a pool funeral?

However, there’s a step beyond dressing well or appropriately. Dressing to theme. Lately, with certain events happening we’ve been seeing it a lot. I read an editorial about how some guy thought all the pink and black and special outfits around isn’t his thing. It is mine! Maybe it’s the sorority girl in me, or the actress, or the fashionista that loves curating outfits- but I think dressing to theme, dressing for events is FUN.

And I, for one, vote for dressing for events to be back! And I especially vote yes to dressing to theme!

Dressing to theme truly plays on everything I love about fashion. You get to curate a look, be creative with styling and interpretation, and when you dress to theme for an event- you get to be a part of a group. I’m not promoting anything (go strike!) but I will tell you going to the movies, seeing everyone dressed in their “take” on the theme was thrilling. It felt like we were all together, and a part of something.

I know that not every event or outing has a theme. And there are some themes that would just be ridiculous to dress to. In no way, shape or form am I suggesting that you dress as a pepperoni on pizza night or anything like that. But fun events? Like a movie. Or parties that truly have a theme? Why not dress to it? Enjoy it? Revel in being a part of something. Find camaraderie with people who love a thing that you love.

And perhaps the thing that you love might be dressing to theme?!

Did you dress up to see anything special this summer? From movies to concerts to parties- I want to hear about all of your theme dressing!

Wishing us all of week of being on theme and amazing shoes! XO RA

It has Pockets!

a woman in a green midi skirt with two front pockets and a white tee leans against brown doors
a woman in a green skirt with 2 front pockets, a white tee, holding a snakeskin clutch in front of brown doors

I am 100% one of those women, who if complimented on my outfit in public by another woman will AWLAYS, ALWAYS tell you (sometimes incredibly enthusiastically) if it has pockets or not. Pockets are important. Pockets can make an outfit or even or your day.

We won’t get into the fact that as much as I am an ARDENT fan of pockets, I weirdly do not like cargo pants. Really. Strange. But true.

However, we are focusing on pockets that we love. So when I found this skirt (linked exactly below if securing the pockets is important) I couldn’t resist. Chic. On trend. Linen blend. Lined! And it has pockets!! You can see the pockets! You can see the pockets!!

Things I put in my pockets just in this shoot: keys, phone, camera cover, wallet, hands, hung my sunnies out of them. My hopes. Pockets are a bit magical (ask any other woman!) and all we may need is a place for our things.

And pockets that feel on trend and chic? priceless.

close up of a snakeskin oversized clutch, cork /snake/gold wedges and brown snake skin sunnies on a green stip

Fun fact? Im not usually a green fan. Yet. This green? Love it. Just the shade I need. And what it went best with (at least in my head?) Snakeskin. Details on shoes. Bags. Sunnies. Just seemed to go with pockets. Or this skit!

a woman in a green midi skirt with 2 front pockets and a white tee, snake skin clutch and wedges in front of iron windows
a woman in a green skirt with 2 front pockets, a white tee and a white tee and snake wedges and clutch

Maybe my non liking cargos has led me to liking pockets that are bigger. Or perhaps knowing any pocket that I deem chic (like these!) is a keeper; or maybe, it’s just that we need places for our things (magic and non-magic) should be celebrated. Or styled. Or both!

What I do know is that pockets are somethings I seek out- before the outfit or the vibe is set- pockets take priority. So planning an outfit, a vibe, a look around pockets? Much easier than wishing you had pockets!

a woman in a green skirt and white tee and snake bag and wedges

Maybe our pockets- and what we keep in them are magic. Maybe embracing styles we didn’t think we liked- I know these are not cargos- and yet loving pockets and then embracing pockets in a big way is a step? Or no. Perhaps that’s the way we grow. Or perhaps pockets in any form- from on the front and being obvious to the more subtle on the side of of our skirts (or dresses or pants) is soothing to celebrate. Even if it was just us calling and telling each other!

a woman in a green midi skirt with pockets, a white tee and snake purse, sunnies and shoes

These exact pockets are linked for your below! (as well as similar options for the rest of this pocket lovely outfit!) I’m assuming you love pockets – so how do you talk/styl/love them? I would love to hear about it!

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 green skirt with pockets on the front and a white tee and snake clutch and wedges

Make Your Set

a woman in oversized linen shorts and top with white clogs and a basket bag
a woman in oversized linen white shorts and black blouse in heels in front of a green hedge
a woman in oversized black linen shorts and white and black polka dot shirt with lace up sandals

On trend this summer? Linen sets. Or “boxer” shorts (or type shorts) with a blouse. My take on the trend? Linen Separates (and I bought these shorts years ago but found you the exact ones!) that I mix and match. I know this is about trends- but for me this is more uniform, or go to’s. Any day I don’t need to be or wear something special (or even days when I do), I know that I can throw one of these on- from black on black to white with black to polka dot. Clogs. Sandals. Heels. Any Bag. And I while not only look on trend but feel amazing in my outfit.

Yes. At least once a week I’m wearing some sort of combo of this outfit- for errands. Or work. Or drinks. Or whatever the day brings. I mix and match shorts and tops and make all kinds of sets. It’s almost kind of thrilling!

And the thing about this trend? You can make your own set.
None of the above looks were bought together. From shorts to tops, all of these pieces were bought at different times, different seasons. One was even a gift from when a dear neighbor cleaned out her closet. Yet? Mixing and matching these pieces is not only super easy, it brings me joy. Most importantly- it’s easy. As someone who loves fashion I can over think my outfits. There’s nothing to overthink here. Just throw on and go!

a woman in an oversized linen shirt and shorts and heels
a woman in oversized linen shorts and top with lace up sandals

The even better thing? You can do this with any set. Or separates. Get your fave shorts. Or skirt. Or pants. Add your fave blouses over time. Or tees. Or tanks. Mix and match as wanted. Or needed. There doesn’t have to be a “this goes together” set that you can only wear together. This kind of “make your own set” is so friendly and so easy- and is completely make your own set. It’s the ease of summer- that just happens to be on trend right now!

I’ve linked some of the shorts and shirts and shoes I’ve made my own set with- but any easy short and shirt you love will do!

How do you make your own set? I would love to see!
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!

Scarf as Top

a woman in black pants and black and gold sandals wears a multicolors scarf as a halter top

It’s a summer (and sometimes my winter) tradition to wear a scarf as a top. Over shots, jeans, pants, skirts, bikini bottoms- you name it I’ve worn a scarf as a top with it. For example:

a woman in a scarf as a top and green pants sits on a stone wall!

Investment Piece: Kisses!
a woman in white shorts, a multicolor scarf as a top and platform sandals

This summer is no exception- I’m wearing my scarf as a top:
a woman in a multicolor scarf as a top, black pants, and black and gold sandals

And yet this summer there’s a twist- I’ve used a dog collar necklace (though any sturdy necklace would do!) to help me turn my scarf (as a top) into a halter top! Curious about how?
See here:

I didn’t come up with this scarf as top method alone- I copied it from Bloomers and Frocks’ IG and this classic god collar is from one of my faves Rust and Pearls.
Do you go back to scarves as tops like I do? How do you tie them? Or wear them? I would love to hear all about it!

(Another fun note: this time I paired the scarf with parachute pants- a reach for me as I associated them with cargo pants which are never my favorite. In the fall I want to pair these pants with a blazer to make a “suit” and while they are not in my comfort zone I’m excited about them! Scarves really do go with anything!)

Scarves, pants, and these exact shoes are linked for you below. I can’t wait to see how you do scarf as a top!
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 multicolor scarf as a top and black pants and black and gold sandals

Sunday Chronicles: Not Going to Plan

Investment Piece: Green Envy

I’ve had one of those weeks. Well, not one of THOSE weeks, but one of those weeks that did not go to plan. At all. In any way. Which can be incredibly frustrating, and leave you feeling behind or worse. But, there are times when things are not going to plan, when it can be a gift. Right? At least that’s the mindset I’m going with.

This past week I had plans, and ways that I thought things would go. As the saying goes, “Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans”. I’ve found it to be true over and over again. This week I had to deal with my own grief with my Aunt passing, as well as help plan for her service. I had to juggle a new day job while planning ahead here. I needed to adjust as new info came in on both personal and professional levels. I had to cancel my plans, I had to rearrange my schedule, I had to take time for me. And while there were times that having to put all my plans on hold was upsetting, there are times when things not going to plan was the best thing to happen.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I think about things (mindset) and how I roll with the punches. Being a planner, I can sometimes get a little (a lot) upset when things don’t go according to my plan. Trusting that I’m always in the right place at the right time, that things will always work out for the best, and that the unplanned can be gift doesn’t always come naturally. I work at it. I’m getting better at it.

Because, the thing is, not going to plan is a gift. Sometimes it means that we get something so much more amazing than what we had planned. I had to rearrange things this week. I missed some things that I was looking forward to. And, I felt behind as I didn’t do my plan. But you know what? I got to rest. I got to really look at some things and I got the chance to do some self care. Work worked out, and while there are things I’m playing catch up on, I’m full of new ideas and in a place where I’m rested enough to get more done.

There are times when our plans won’t get us where we want to be, and we have to trust that things not going to plan will. I’m working on it. How about you?

Wishing us all a week of great events (planned or not) and amazing shoes! XO RA

2 Way Crochet

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white striped shirt dress over it. Black sandals In front of a wire gate

This summer crochet dresses (sets yes, but dresses YES) are having a moment. And I get it- they’re cool, easy to throw on over swimsuits, and a bit elevated. Yet. I can’t help but use my crochet in not the most obvious ways- because of who I am as a person. And because I think that every trend that has the potential to become a classic (and TBF I have a crochet dress of my grandmas that I’ve been wearing for years on its own as a swim coverup) has infinite styling possibilities. So, for my crochet in 2 ways I wanted to play with usual OOTD “challenges” I face : What to wear to/from the gym and what to wear on a day to day basis.

Yep, I can dress up like no one’s business. Casual day to day if not always my strength. I’m your friend who’s always overdressed. AT EVERYTHING. (Unless I’m in workout gear. I have 2 modes!)

My take-
–I put this crochet dress over a sports bra and leggings. Paired with a statement bag and classic wedges. It was fantastic. I have a habit of dressing up or dressing for the gym- and this married the 2!
–Then I paired this crochet dress over boyish shorts and under a shirt dress tied at the waist. Pair with a dressed up flip flop- and again, the 2 were a hit!

A Crochet- especially a crochet that could be done in 2 (or more!) ways? That’s the dream!

the backside of a woman in a black crochet dress and a stripe shirt dress over on stairs

Would this (or any crochet dress) look amazing over swim? A La the current trend? Of course. I’ve admitted that I have a vintage crochet dress of my grandma’s that I have worn over swimsuits for years. But if we’re buying crochet, how can we wear them in more than that one- in these 2 ways?
I would say:
-over pants
-over bodysuits (both full body and not!)
-over slip dreseses
-over slip skirts
-with shirt dresses
-over plain slips
-and these are off the top of my head!

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe dress over and black sandals on concrete stairs

Every trend, every look, every thing has a way to wear in more than 2 ways (even if it’s just changing your shoes!). With the on trend crochet dress there are so many ways to style- and yet these remain my favorite 2. Though feel free to put crochet over your swim! It’s been known to be chic!

How are you and where are you wearing crochet this summer? Is there more than one way you can wear your crochet pieces? Below I’ve linked not only this dress and these looks but crochet looks I love!
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!

Shop the look over leggings : here

Shop the look with a shirt dress: here

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe shirt dress over and black flip flops in front of a fence

Liquid Gold

a woman in a black bandeau bikini beneath a sheer gold tunic and pants with black and gold sandals in front of a pool and cabana

Is there a way to make swim chic? And I don’t mean swim suits necessarily – as there are so many chic swim suits out there. I mean from in and out of the water to cover ups and towels, how do we make our swim looks (when we’re not in the water) look as fashion able as we are?

I found this set- gold knit tunic and pants- on a fast fashion site. Which I have to admit, I’m a little embarrassed about. I would love to tell you that fast fashion is never me and you should never buy it. And really- I do believe that’s possible. I think that there is a way to buy only sustainably and to cull your closet and to be ethical in our fashion (and stories). And absolute times when I don’t adhere to my higher callings.

What I will say is that I plan to wear this set for years (you can if you take care if it!) and in so many different ways. And also-even if it’s bad- I’m loving the gold and black for summer. Especially the gold. It blends with the water. It highlights the black from your swimsuit (who doesn’t love a great black swimsuit?). It screams glamour- even when you smell of chlorine and feel so over heated. Perhaps gold is the secret- and when it gets this hot it’s always melted to liquid?

a woman in a black bandeau bikini under gold sheer Tunis and pants with black and gold sandals by a pool and a cabana

The thing about a great cover up set- liquid gold or not- is that they make you feel like a $1000 bucks before and after you get out of the pool. Gold sets are great for making you feel expensive and chic and a little other worldly. Gold bleeds into liquid quickly, and perhaps that’s why we love it?

It’s the best way to cover up- while showing a bit – and remain cool while in the heat.

Below I’ve linked not only the exact shoes (chic whilst being a flip flop) and bikini (a classic bandeau will never go out of style) and options for not only this sheer gold look BUT gold swim look that I can’t get out of my head. Liquid gold? You’d be solid gold in these!
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!

And buy these exact shoes here: here

a woman in black bandeau bikini under a gold sheer tunic and pant in front of a pool and cabanan

Ex Files: The Friend Break Up

two women- one in red pants and a black top with red hair and one in a pink skirt and white top with black hair stand on either side of a broken pink and red heart

It’s my monthly dating horror stories, my attempt at being Carrie Bradshaw, and hopefully a bit of cathartic release for us all. If you’re in the mood to really suffer I recommend My ex’s Friend, Dumped Before an Event, and The One Who Asked For His Money Back. You can also search Ex Files in the search bar. A friend of mine let me know that he spent a day reading all of these back to back- and that it was funny and horrifying! Of course, all names have been changed to protect the innocent and the not-so-innocent. Be careful out there!

Xo RA

While the above is true, this month’s ex files is a bit different, with a slightly off focus. We (us, society, media, literature, whoever) usually talk about love in the romantic sense. And romantic love is amazing and fulfilling- and makes for great stories. But it’s not the only kind of love out there. Nor is romantic love the only kind of love we should be prioritizing. I often think of a scene in Sex and the City (the original series) where Carrie is heartbroken again and the ladies are at a diner and Charolette says : “Maybe we could be each other’s soul mates. Then men are just things to have fun with”.

I love the spirit of what Charolette said. Because I think that often our platonic or family love stories get pushed aside so easily for romantic love- when so often our friends can be soulmates (the platonic kind) and our relationships with our friends are incredibly intimate and vulnerable. There is a part of me that would like to hope that our friends are what gets us through. Alas, I’ve also gone through some friend breakups.

This is where I clarify: I don’t mean friend breakups to be the kind where you grew apart or your schedules no longer mesh or you’re in different cycles. I have friends that I’m apart from but we can pick up. Friends that I don’t chat with regularly but if they needed me I’d be on a plane. Friends if I called – even if it’s been years- would be on a plane for me. The kind that reach out and care no matter what. With life, sometimes we don’t get to be with our friends as much as we want/ need. That’s not what we’re chatting about.

This about those friendships who ended (often without a “breakup” which may be part of the issue) and we’re hurt and sad and don’t have a societal language for the break up.

And here’s the thing friend breakups are often more heartbreaking than romantic breakups. I will share bad dates and breakups with you. I can’t write about my 2 most hurtful and life changing friend breakups as it’s too painful. Is it because friend breakups are often not “official”? There’s no “chat” aka ” I want kids and you don’t” or “My job needs me here and you don’t want to move”. Friendship breakups can be more painful and personal- feeling as if the person you trusted your secrets to just couldn’t stand you. Every time (there’s not been a lot!) with a friendship breakup I’ve been left wondering if I was just a horrid person; and at least with a romantic breakup there’s a clean line.

Often friend ship breakups are messy (I’ve read some articles that I can’t bear to link and read some texts and yet I still am grateful my friend breakups are not overt- I couldn’t bear to have someone I trusted lay my issues raw) – there’s no division of property. In a romantic breakup, your friends take your side. In a friend break up? They may not. Your other friends may still be friends with your now “ex”- and it’s much worse navigating social things with an ex friend. Especially when people you’re still close to are close to them.

Don’t worry about me. There’s no friend break up that’s recent or looming ( I hope!). There have just been things that have me thinking. We really are given no guidance to friend breakups – so how do we do them? how do we manage them?

If you have insight, I’m open!

In the meantime, I’m hoping you and your besties are chatting and happy! xo RA

Unexpected Loss

Investment Piece: Aunt's Coat

This Wednesday my Aunt passed away unexpectedly. It’s been a time of shock, grief and wondering how best to support and remember our loved ones. You’ll forgive me- my schedule got out of wack and I’ve been feeling as if jumping into new (which we have!) isn’t best here. How I honor, remember and love is often through fashion. My aunt had a huge heart- and she was kind enough to give me so many amazing pieces. Like the coat above. And a polka dot Victor Costa which I’ve never photographed for the site, but may need to. Please indulge me while I take a moment to honor and remember my aunt through our shared fashion- stories. There’s never a bad time to tell your people that you love them. And if you too find yourself with an unexpected loss I hope it gets easier- because I’m hoping that it does get easier!

XO RA

Investment Piece: Aunt's Coat — My Aunt’s suede coat that she gifted me

Investment Piece: BackYard Parties — My Aunt’s Diane Fries that she gifted me

a woman in blue and yellow floral dress standing in a green yeard