I realize that the fact that holidays are coming is not news. In fact, you may be prepped and ready and excited. Me, on the other hand? I’ve spent the past month redoing my closet (and started on the kitchen last night) and while my family and I have chatted about holiday plans- it truly hit me last night that the holidays are really coming. Soon. And really, are kind of here?
Are you ready? (Just tell me no) How do we get ready?
If you’ve come this far thinking I might have amazing tips for cooking (I do my grandma’s Pecan Pie!) and decor tips you’re going to be incredibly disappointed when I tell you that I mainly shop. That’s how I holiday prep. I plan outfits. Get excited about parties (and then mainly stay home!), and buy party dresses (and shoes!). Buy presents. Buy new Holiday items. Somehow shopping is my answers.
So. This is the week I start. From gifts to outfits, to things for the house, I’ll be making (and sharing) my lists, planning and shopping. Starting with? The perfect ThanksGiving Outfit:
(I may have a thing for red!)
What I love about this outfit is that it’s simple but chic. And easy to eat in! I love the sweater dress that feels a bit vintage. And yes- you could wear almost any shoes with this dress, but I love pairing over the knee boots- to keep you warm and cover up just enough (no relative will get to say anything to you!). This may be the first holiday purchase that goes in bag!
(Now to get gifts, decor, and all the rest!)
One of my favorite ways to prep (and holiday buy)- holiday dresses. Again, red may be my favorite (just so cheery and chic and this year, incredibly on trend). So below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite red dresses (and velvet heels!) as well as the above Thanksgiving outfit!
If you have any “real” tips on how to holiday prep, I’m all ears (especially if they involve party dresses!). Am I stressed that the holidays are coming? Maybe. But I have a feeling we can get through them together (or order enough online to hide that!)
XO RA
note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them!
I know, I know – it maybe doesn’t feel as if it’s the time of year to play. There’s so much to do, the holidays can be overwhelming (from family to travel to gift giving and buying), and if you’re like me you’re so so behind. When I start to think (or overthink) about all the things on my to-do list (and then look around at my upcoming house repairs), I truly don’t want to play. Or holiday. And yet- playing is I think what’s needed at this time of year. It’s what makes the season oh-so magical.
Here- I am not playing with holiday themes per se (though this is a great combo for a Thanksgiving outfit!) but with layers:
this is a workout onesie (jumpsuit?) under a
vintage leather skirt
paired with a chiffon leopard print top.
All of these pieces would be fantastic on their own- or paired with like fabrics. But- what if layering wasn’t just a piece under a sweater or a coat? Or what if leather went with a soft fabric?
And let’s not forget the strappy (Apple is telling me that’s not a word but Carrie Bradshaw and I would beg to differ!) gold shoes! That add just a bit of whimsy.
I am playing with all these options- and then the posing. Against a blank wall. Popped hips. Pulled shoulders.
Lately (with all the chaos in my life and the house), I have worried that I have lost my fun in both dressing and taking pictures (part of the basis this very blog is based on). And when you LOVE something – like playing dress up and wearing outfits and taking pictures of them– it is awful when you feel as if you may be losing it. The only way I know to get it back? Playing. Trying things on. Pairing things up.
Honestly? Originally, I didn’t plan to wear any of these pieces together. I started with a completely different look- hated it- was going to the gym so had the onesie on- then started to play. And I LOVED it. I ended up wearing this combo to 2! different meetings!
And the playing around didn’t stop. Yes- the blouse (linked below) is traditionally meant to be worn with the zipper in back (though that does leave you with still oh-so-much room to play as the zipper goes both ways!), but I couldn’t help but realize that put on backwards the top is still oh-so-chic. And takes a look to a completely different level!
I know – tis the holiday season and it’s oh so full and the to-dos and musts are overwhelming. But. The holiday season is nothing without magic. And magic is impossible without play. So- I hope that your shopping from food to gifts is as painless as possible. That family is easy going. That Hallmark movies have nothing on you. But I also hope that you have time to play around (and make your own magic). Even if it’s just an outfit combo. Or a picture.
This skirt is vintage, these shoes are from seasons ago- but I’ve linked options as well as this exact top and catsuit (onesie?) below. XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission on them. Thank you for your support!
There is a saying “you put gave up and put on a pair of sweat pants”. I know it was meant as a dig. And
I know that there are times that we give up. I also think that there are times when sweats can be oh so chic (just one example is here). But what if putting on sweats was an act of trying? AS you know my life- from house (with all the mold and repairs and etc) has been less than great. And there is so much I want to wear and write and talk about. Yet. There are days when it’s almost too much to just get dressed.
I used to take the phrase” you gave up and put on sweatpants” as a funny thing. Or something to at least somewhat pity someone over. And that’s even with knowing and wearing outfits where I think that sweats are so chic. With heels even! Then this season of my life hit. And I can tell you- even when I’m wearing sweats this is me trying.
I am trying to get it together – and get dressed for you and me. This is me trying- to not just rot. This is me trying- to dress up even when my days are only so casual and have no need of trying.
In not joke way, I will tell you that I know (for me) that getting dressed helps me. Trying helps me. And there are days when sweats are it- and yet. I want to try. I am proud of the sweat pants outfits I have. And wear. And long to wear so much more- I want to promise that I will get dressed each day this week but I can’t. So. What if I just promise that I will try?
Isn’t that all we can do? And what if trying- from sweats to “real outfits” to anything and everything in between is what our lives and our real fashion is made of? What are those stories like? I would like to try those!
These exact options for trying this way are linked below. As I try to try I will keep you updated!
XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thanks for your support!
If you’re VERY online, you know that there has been a lot of discourse about hauls (when someone buys anywhere from 10-50 pieces at a time, usually from a fast fashion retailer). And people have opinions. I have opinions. There has been advice from where to shop instead of fast fashion, to just stop hauls and shopping fast. But more important than all of that, I think the questions we should be asking ourselves is how can we find joy in really finding our style and taking our time building our wardrobes. Let’s chat about it!
And one of the dresses from my vintage “haul” (aka all of the lovely clothes that a neighbor gifted me when she and her daughter cleaned out their closets) I’m on the fence about. I love the color and the details- and it would need to be taken in (and there are so many options on how to do that!). So- what do you think? Keep or sell?
Wishing us all a week of intentional shopping and amazing shoes! XO RA
I know. A skirt can be oh so many things. But in this case? I love it as a statement!
Also this statement is absolutely a bit like Carolina Herrera- aka add a white button down to anything and love that it can be both a foil and a statement to a piece that’s a statement in itself. AKA I love that this skirt- an absolute statement- is eased and complimented with this button down. Ok. And may be the unbuttoned down of it. And these shoes? As always and forever my first instinct is to wear heels with everything and anything. And yet. I LOVE the play against what may be a party piece- and we know I love a party anything- but that flats make a bit everyday.
And who doesn’t want every day to be a party? Or dress like every day is an occasion? Or proof that an investment (this one is actually my Grandma’s!) like a button down is a must from jeans to party?
The thing about a skirt? It can be just a piece. Like. Something you wear with great: shoes (from heels to boots), tights to bare, any sort of shirt you love- including a button down. (Or a jacket or a crop or anything else – all which might be a great fit here!) AKA, perhaps a skirt which is often seen as a piece of clothing is something that can be SOMETHING.
Here? A statement. Such a statement. The colors? The folds and form? The actual structure? All Statements. And when you let a piece be a statement- A la this skirt being the focal point of the outfit (even with the red shoes that are not only a pop of color) but a bit of a statement themselves- that then alone would be a statement but in the mix are a compliment.
I guess the lesson this is that we should lean into any combination that allows a pattern or a piece or a color to pop (and we pair those with a button down that is also both a statement and a basic), and if this means a skirt. Then we statement skirt. Here I do love the colors (fun fact! In my family of 4 we can’t decide what color these dots- yes my fave pattern are- a shade of purple? Royal Blue? A bit of both? Let me know what you see!)
Linked below is this amazing skirt- both structured and formed with an amazing color- from the JCrew x Christopher John Rogers collar, these shoes, and some options for a top(I think everyone should have more than one GREAT button down and if you need help shopping for one please let me know!)
Why be shy? Let’s all make a statement this week- and going forward! 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 the support!
While the weather turns cooler (or at least I hope it is cooler where you are. We *hopefully * or *alledgedly* are getting a cool -cold!- front this week, and I for one am hoping this at least means temps in the 60s. Yep. It’s bad out there!), I know we are supposed to be talking about sweaters. And I do love a great sweater, knit, tight, etc. But truly? I am a boot gal. Perhaps it’s that I have and always will be a shoe gal- but boots- from classic to these red cowgirl boots (everything I have always wanted) to studded and more- boots are the versatile piece you need for fall that can take you from basic to statement.
What can you wear with boots? Shorts. Skirts. Dresses. Jeans. Pants. Tights. Socks. From knee high to ankle boots to the ones that go up to your thighs- your boots at this time can be oh-so-seasonal and yet so chic! Pair with a simple dress/skirt/short? Even when it’s hot, they’re on trend. Pair with tights? Those same outfits are winter coded.
Truly, there is nothing you can’t wear boots with- and there are so many boots to be worn. From classic styles and colors, to the above red cowgirl boot that you make the focal point and statement? You could fill a closet with boots and yet not be bored with any of them! I know that the same could probably be said about different sweaters (from types to patterns to lengths, etc) but boots are such a fall staple- and I love being able to tow the line with them also being the star!
Side note? Boot Season note?
The above red cowgirl boots have been on a wishlist of mine since I was 5! 5! Do I think that they might heal me? Well. They won’t hurt! And from jeans to shorts and dresses and more- I can’t wait to wear these as a basic and as a statement.
(Obligatory: 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 shop these exact same red boots here (and I think they are on sale now!)
I don’t just love cowboy (girl?!) boots. I loved studded. Riding. Classic. Patterned. Oh so many boots- and yes. There are so many in my closet. And so many on my wishlist. Below are some that I am loving this season. I can’t wait to show you all the different pairs I have/may get and how to style them.
Do boots excite you as much as sweaters? What’s your excitement in cold weather? I would love to hear all about it!
The thought pieces, blog posts, social media posts, etc that tell you to get a capsule wardrobe or to invest in investment pieces (yes, I see what I did there!)- they are merely trying to prepare you. I am all for statement pieces. Fun. Impulse. Yet- I know that time after time, investing classic (that can be fun!) pieces- a capsule if you like, investments if you’d rather- let you get dressed even when you’re uninspired. It doesn’t matter why- we all have times from personal to societal grieve that getting dressed seems hard. And days when we are too tired or stressed or uninspired to pick out “big and bold” outfits. And times when in general we just don’t have the energy. So what to do when you’re uninspired?
Rely on your closet. Your basics- elevated or not. Your investment pieces- from classic to designer. This means that even when you don’t want to, even when it feels overwhelming- you can get dressed. And look chic. Or at least put together. I get it- I have been there this week. So when I had to get out and actually be dressed- a great black knit and a pop (aka snakeskin boots) were an easy reach- but oh so chic! And most importantly, when I was uninspired low effort.
How do you build a closet or wardrobe that lets you get away with being uninspired? IMO a ton of classics- from dresses to trousers, blazers, blouses, and a bit of black. But. A but of fun-from graphic tees to pops of color in accessories and a bit of leopard. Simply great pieces that lend themselves to being paired together. Vintage. New. All a bit of the tailored, a bit of your personality, a lot of what you can throw on and feel dressed in. There is so much to say about this- but as always I think that any piece you can buy that you can wear in oh-so-many-ways and in oh-so-many-circomstances- and oh-so-classic with just a touch oof personality. Those are the clothes to get- so those days or months or years when you are just uninspired- you can still get dressed.
The best part of building a closet like this is that you can just get dressed. No overthinking. No worrying. Just get dressed. Uninspired? What if that lead you to still being oh so chic and on trend and classic? What if that’s what we strife to be? Uninspired but still able. Still chic. Still going on.
Linking all sorts of options for you belong- uninspired or not! 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!
If this was a hard week for you? Same. If you’re still grieving and unsure? Same. If you’re not sure what to do right now? Same!
But what I do know is that we have to get up and get back to work. So, some things that I am thinking about and working towards during this time:
– Taking things at their word. Which means tariffs and price increases from 40-70% are coming. Are there any electronic or European brand needs that I have? Can I get them now? Can I make big payments now?
-Turning to restyling and vintage styling. Yes- I will always believe in using fashion for our stories, and while our fashion may change, I wonder how we can change with them. Mending and laundry care will also become important and I will do my best to help with all of this!
-Fashion as a statement. I no longer mean being bold or “fashionable”. I mean how can we tell the story of what we are going through with our choices? What is safe and what should we push on?
-How do we maintain joy? Joy in itself is resistance
-Looking to the lessons of history (yep, so much of where we are has happened before!) how can we use those?
And perhaps most importantly, how can we continue to build and show up for our communities?
I don’t know that I have any of these answers- quite frankly I am still wrapping my head around everything. But I do have faith in us- from our red lips down to our fantastic shoes. If there is a need or a skill you have- could you share it with us? If there is something you have specific knowledge in, could you share? If you just need a friend- could you share?
My biggest hope is that the worst doesn’t happen, but I know we have to prepare for it. I only know that if it is an act of defiance- I want to look amazing. And have amazing shoes. And of course- be with you.
Anything you need to say or share we are here.
Wishing us all a week of peace and amazing shoes! XO RA
Like many of you, the results of the US elections this week have absolutely gutted me. It’s not that I didn’t anticipate my side not winning- but the manner, the cruelty of the other side (the rape and death threats I’ve gotten have been truly INSANE), and the mourning of the path I thought we might take have been intense. I’ll be honest- I haven’t gotten dressed since Tues. I brushed my hair yesterday and it felt like progress. I’ve been in bed. I’ve been crying. My life lately has felt like a lesson in letting myself feel things: so while I will pick up, the world will go on, we will fight the good fight (and look amazing while doing so), I’m giving myself this time. I am grieving- what could have been, what loved ones voted mean to me, a lot. If you’re in the same boat- I see you. I’m here too.
Wishing our grief purpose. Xo RA
My family has an old cat (21! Which is over 100 in cat!) I never considered myself a cat person, but this nugget wormed her way into my heart and was there for me a lot- that story could be a whole other blog. Starting last week, she began to decline and I’ve spent my time balancing work and being her nurse- including staying up late and watching her. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Grief is a wild and woolly thing. Grieving someone (or a pet) before, or as, they pass is also wild. This experience has made me think a lot about grief- how we deal with it, how we talk to other people about it, and how we dress for it.
About 5 years ago, I went through a 2 month period where both of my grandma’s passed, as well as an uncle. Funerals, wakes, various services- I became a pro at planning them, attending them, dressing for them (in hose, as that’s what my Mimi would have wanted from me). Black dresses and suits, nothing flashy, I even had mourning hats with veils. In some ways, that was the easy dressing part. If you see someone like that, you assume that they may be in the throws of grief (or literally at a funeral) and we tend to be compassionate to greiving people.
But what about when you’re not at a funeral? What do you wear to grieve when you’re at the grocery store or at a bedside or just so tired from loss that life seems hard?
Societies, communities, all of us, have rituals to deal with grief. Widows used to wear black for over a year. In some communities you still refrain from certain things while you’re in mourning. However, there is not a universal way to mourn. And black is not exclusively for mourning- some cultures wear white for grief, others purple. And I wear all the colors all the time (and a lot of black a lot). On top of that, this year and the pandemic has been hard and full of loss for everyone’ and not being able to be together has often made the grieving process much more difficult. If there is nothing that can universally let people know you’re grieving, what do you wear?
Right now, I’m living in some version of sweat pants. I’ve been up late, and on and off, nights, need clothes that can get dirty and be cleaned easily. My hair is pulled up. My eyes are puffy (maybe that’s the tell). If I saw someone dressed like me at the grocery store, I would assume that they were going through something. But the thing is- I have a shoot and 2 video calls in the next few days. I’ll de puff (yes, hemroid cream helps! It’s an old make up trick!) and clean up and hopefully no one will know how sad I am.
If dressing for our grief is an outward processing of it, or at the very least showing people your grief; does it mean something when you don’t dress for your grief?
I don’t know that there’s one answer to these questions. Grief and our fashion choices are personal. So personal. Some of us don’t like to share any thing about our grief, others over share to strangers. Would you want everyone to know you’re grieving by your fashion choices? Or not. There are times, even this week, that I wish that there was a little signal I could send out to explain to people that I’m not operating at my best as I’m grieving. Yet, I don’t know that I want to share it with everyone and be questioned or judged if I choose to dress in a “happy” way. Again, grief is wild and woolly.
I also want to reconginze that not all grief dressing (if that’s what we call it) is somber and black. Joy and the good memories are part of grief too. I have quite a few pieces that were handed down to me by my grandmas, every time I wear them (or an outfit they would like) I feel as if I’m honoring them. My kitty? Will probably make it on a sweater or necklace (in one of those pet collections that so many brands have), and when I wear it I’ll remember how lucky I was to love her. Wearing special or happy things that remind me of people and places I’ve lost are a way to honor them, just like wearing black.
Thinking about grief and what to wear for it can lead you down such odd paths. There’s no right answer and as we’re all carrying some form of loss (especially after this year). Perhaps we should assume that we’re all grieving a bit (no matter what we’re wearing) and be extra gentle with each other. What do you think?
