Investment Piece – Page 3 – Everyday Editorial

Make-Up Update

There are so many reasons why I don’t do make-up tutorials/feature a ton of beauty content.

a woman in a grey corset and plaid pants and brown platfroms

1. There are so so many GREAT accounts to follow for that–I am not one. In fact, there are times when I have turned to YouTube, IG, etc for a great tutorial
2. My main philosophy is great skin care is makeup (and below I’ll be sharing some of my new faves). But I’ve never really loved the look of foundation (especially heavy foundation) on my skin. I would rather have great skin and minimal makeup. Also? I really miss my eyelash extensions from years ago (and side note I’m looking into a lash lift and tint!)
3. If I’m not great at makeup I feel odd telling you what to me. My go to? A red lip. It will never steer you wrong- but I know there is more to makeup.

SO. Completely understanding that big makeup looks (even when I love them!) are not my specialty, and yet loving make-up- especially my go to’s , I’m doing an update of all the skincare (as it’s really my makeup) and makeup that I’m loving now. Yes, these are more natural looks. Yes, they go great with a big lash and a red lip. But. They are so adaptable and you can make them your own! I hope that you love them as much as I do!

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 barefaced woman with hair in a bun with the remains of a red lip

As mentioned above, my best make-up trick and update is great skin. I’m always into trying out anything that will make my skin better. In fact, the more I get my skin into a place I love it and feel comfortable bare faced, the more I love it!

One line I’m absolutely in love with? Sisley! Especially their rose oil. It’s hydrating, anti-aging and alone or under makeup gives me a great glow. They also have a mask and eye cream that are worth your attention!

Shop my Sisley picks:

a close up of Il Milkage primer and Saturday Skin mask
Being really into skin care makes me susceptible to all ads– and yet there are times when I find products I really love! Case in point? Il Milkage- I know their ads are everywhere- but this primer with collagen is making my skin look younger and leaves me poreless. This Saturday Skin Sleeping Mask? Put it on and go to bed, wake up looking glowy. What else could be better?

You can shop both of these products here

a look at Surratt eye glows and blush

And of course, it wouldn’t be a makeup update without some actual makeup! A new to me brand that’s become my fave? Surratt. They have oh-so many dreamy products but my faves are the above vaseline (my grandma’s secret weapon!) based eye shadows and blushes. Buildable. Blendable. So dewy and natural looking! They look great over your skin (or a primer or foundation!)

Shop my faves here

What products- from skin care to makeup – are you loving right now? And what’s your go-to makeup routine? Skin care? I would love to hear about it all!

XO RA

Dots and Dates

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Ever have a day where – even if your calendar is empty- you just have to get dressed? Know those days when you just have to get out of the house- even for a bit, even for an errand or a self date?

And then there are those times when the desperate need to get dressed and the urge to get out coincide. For me, this was one of those days (ok, not today today, but this is about that day!). My go to? A great maxi skirt with my favorite print (the polka dot!) I can’t help but feel good in them. Paired with a bit of a corset top and a belt and my new fave sandals- I have to tell you I felt fantastic. If you have to get dressed (for events or from your own feelings), there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel great. A favorite pattern. The shoes you love. Shapes that flatter you. Could you ask for more?

As for dates– do you love self dates? I do! One of my favorite things to do, when my schedule is free, is take myself to a matinee on a random weekday. But happy hours, lunches, shopping – when you can just be with yourself and enjoy your company? It’s a hard thing to get to, but oh so worth it. Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I take myself for a coffee. Or to stroll. Or just go sit somewhere and read. I love my friends and family and the people who make my life so rich- but there is occasionally something about spending some time alone that is just so needed and so sweet.

Doing a self date in an outfit that makes me happy and feel like me? Perhaps that’s where I should really say that we can’t ask for more!

What do you wear when you need to get dressed? Need to feel as if you put on something that mattered or felt like you? How do you spend your time when you need time alone or a date with yourself? I would love to hear all about both of these things!

This skirt is vintage and this top is years old- but I’ve linked similar options for you below– I wish you have the best outfit and best time along this week! 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 you can get these exact (and Current fave shoes) here

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Sunday Chronicles: Spring Forward

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

When you woke up this morning there’s a good chance you lost an hour of sleep (if you live in the States and if you’re not in AZ. If you don’t meet those criteria, know I’m jealous of you). Daylight Saving Time (where we spring forward in the spring and fall back in the fall to try to “control” time) is not my favorite. In a week, I will love that the days seem longer and that I have more sunlight. However, right now, waking up with it being an hour earlier, and no way for me to explain all that to my cat, I’m tired.

Actually, most of us who are under Spring Forward, or Daylight Saving Time are tired. Did you know heart attacks increase during the week following the spring forward? I find that to be crazy. But, I’m not going to argue any case against who we tell time, or whether or not we should keep Daylight Saving or get rid of that- that’s above my fashion grade.

What I would like to talk about? All the things I plan on doing with my “extra” hour of sunlight. I have to spring forward, I might as well enjoy it!

Investment Piece: into joy
I plan on working in the backyard, pulling out my pool, and getting in the water. Happy hour with my feet in a pool? Sounds amazing! Eating outside in the brief time before it gets too hot? Count me in. Evening walks, reading outside, if it involves using my extra hour to be in the sun, I’m interested.

Also see: Clean the patio, clean out the garage, and get the house spring ready. AKA spring clean.

Investment Piece: Lounge Luxe

Besides the time- it feels like the year has sprung forward. It’s getting hot (not warm, hot!) where I am, and while that makes me scared for the summer, though we are supposed to have a “cold” front this week which I am now excited for. The heat makes it feel as if my wardrobe- from what I’m wearing to my wishlist- is springing forward. I’m in summer clothes, and I love it, but at the moment it feels fast. Time, not the clock, but time itself feels as if it’s gone a bit forward. The beginning of the year felt a bit slow, and all of a sudden things feel fast and busy. That could be a sign I need to adjust my personal schedule and routine, but it could also just be the season. (Most likely a combination of both!) Perhaps the best use of my new hour of daylight is to find ways to adjust to all the springing forward everything is doing!

This also means part of my “new hour” will be spent cleaning out my closet, making adjustments to my wardrobe (selling or buying or both!), and again- spring cleaning- entering the new season 100% as ready as I can be. Even if a “new hour” means I’m extra tired.

Do you spring forward? How are you dealing with losing an hour of sleep? What are you looking forward to doing with your extra hour? I hope that if you sprang forward, that today was easy on you!
Wishing us all a week of daylight and amazing shoes! XO RA

Everything Dress

a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers

With so much of fashion being “day to night” (or perhaps that was just Cosmo when I was growing up!) or a dress that “does it all”, feeling that you should have an outfit-or dress- that does everything can feel pressing. And yet. Can anything really do it all? There is so much out there and expecting one dress to meet every need- from errands to work to brunch to cocktails to galas to big events- seems like a big ask. However, I can’t help but look for an “everything” dress everywhere.

I don’t know that we will ever find a dress that can truly go from work to errands to dinner to galas–but I may have found a dress that will take you from work to errands to cocktails/dinner (with a quick change of shoes and maybe makeup- just like Cosmo foretold!). This jersey dress is absolutely a run around dress- errands, work, etc. With heels it absolutely works for cocktails and dinner. The slight cut out can be seen as an interesting detail or a sophisticated twist. The button skirt? A Bit casual. OR a bit dressy. The options here are anything and everything!

While I am aware that I may never find a dress that does it all, I love this one. It’s everything I need right now, and can do everything I need. Can you ask for more?

I am so in love with this dress, you can shop the exact one (yes, this is an affiliate link and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support!

Yet- I couldn’t end the post here! It’s International Women’s Day and I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you how much I love being a woman. How much I believe in us. How I’m glad you’re here and how much room I think is at the table. Yes, this day could be cliche and just passing, the strongest people I know have been women. The people I have known most willing to fight for others have been women. And for so much of the time, the women doing that have done it back wards and in high heels. I think women deserve the world and I can’t wait to see us get it. Thank you for celebrating just a bit with me!

Whether you’re doing everything or nothing today I hope you have a great dress for that– and that today makes you walk a little taller! XO RA

Are Pedal Pushers a Thing We’re Doing?

a woman in black capri pedal pushers and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels

There are some trends that come and go and then some trends that truly never leave us- but have recurrences in popularity. Case in point? Pedal Pushers. Or Capris. Really- both! (Note: Usually pedal pushers are just a bit more short, usually hitting right at the knee, while capris can hit anywhere on the calf!) If you listen to my mom, and countless other women, these types of pants (the pedal pushers and the capris) have been staples for decades. And yet- if you look around pedal pushers are everywhere this season- looking brand new.

So, are pedal pushers a thing we are doing? Or a thing we’re still doing?
Very clearly, my answer is yes.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a silk scarf top and black heels

Part of why I love the pedal pusher/capri look is that it is incredibly versatile!

(And very pro tip- if this length is new to you and you’re curious so many work out leggings come in these lengths. Buy those first. Play with them- these are actually work out “leggings” that I played with while having a great pair of pedal pushers in a cart!)

From Gym:
a woman in black workout capri leggings with leopard sneakers and a white tee

To cocktails. And everything in between. My mom has been doing pedal pushers for a while. Me? For years I put this length of pant in the “workout” file. Slowly, I’ve begun easing out of just workouts (though they look great with kicks and a tee), and have begun pairing my pedal pushers with everything from causal sweaters to cocktail tops (and heels!). I love that not only can a pedal pusher go from day to night but also from a work out to whatever your day brings!

a woman in black workout capris and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels
While I love them, here are my tips for the best/chicest pedal pusher looks:
-Play Causal first. Tees. Sweaters. Though I do love a blazer with them (see here) See what you love. See what feels natural to you. And yet- because you can go from sports bra to cocktail look, try pairing all the things with your pedal pushers. Go to’s for me? Sweater Vests. Blazers. Tees. Button Downs. Silk Tops and Going Out Tops

-Shorter is better. For the capri/pedal pusher. A few years ago I would have told you that a capri closer to a legging was more comfortable to me, yet now- I’m loving a true pedal pusher (aka to my knee!) It’s chic. You can pair with anything. And makes your leg look a bit longer

-Heels may ne nest if you’re worried about the length. Even just a kitten heel will length your leg – or the appearance of your leg- which can help you feel confident! The great thing about a pedal pusher is that they are both modern and yet have a vintage feel. And that duality is so delicious- and lets you style as you love.

From the gym to drinks, pedal pushers (not new but something we are now doing) I can’t resist reaching for these over and over again! Are you going pedal pushers? How do you stay them? I would love to hear about it!

XO RA
Below I’m linking these looks as well as my current fave pedal pushers! I can wait to see how you wear them!

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 pedal pushers here

Shop cocktail look here

Shop sweater vest look here

a woman in black pedal pushers and a silk handkerchief blouse and black heels

Waiting On Spring

a woman in a white vest with a red flower brooch with denim and white chino mix pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

It feels a bit early and yet not early enough (as the the temps are a risings). AKA we are waiting on spring. And yet- I can’t stop myself from dressing for it. Spring that is. This white vest is such a versatile piece – it can be styled in oh so many ways. But speaks to the seasons to come. This floral brooch? I know florals for spring are so boring. And typical. And expected. But would they be in this shade and in this pin (which can be placed anywhere -aka could be actually groundbreaking!) Jeans (which run TTS even though they say rigid ) that have a bit of white. Ivory? We have previously chatted if we should wear white pants before the holidays here and here. And we won’t even go into wearing white (from shoes to pants, et al) before Easter. Or Memorial Day. And the divisions that lay there within. This is simply an outfit that skirts all the “no’s” and yet feels on the precipice of change.

AKA a new season. And for our purposes that means weather, earth, and of course fashion!

a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels

There are so many theories about change and choosing but one of my most faves is just to trust that your choice (no matter what that is) is the best and put all your energy into your new choice. A great way of saying to stop looking forward. A great way to say whilst waiting on spring you should dress like spring (aka see above).
Perhaps this is just a big way to say “if you build it, it will come”. And trust that goes for everything from fantastic seasons )or change that is needed) or fantastic outfits.

And for all of the above, perhaps we all just need a way to feel fanatic. And in season. And hopeful. (maybe white is a bit cliche here but when isn’t it? The floral brooch? Both a bit cliche and yet such a take on florals for spring- and who could ask for more?)

While we are waiting- or transitioning, because that’s what we’re really doing right? From seasons to various versions of ourselves? We are just dressing and hoping and waiting and working towards the best of us. And if it involves a great outfit in the meantime? Who are any of us to judge?

I’ve linked EXACT options for pants, vest, brooch for your below (and options on the shoes). What are you currently waiting on? And how are you passing the time?

XO RA

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

Shop this look here

a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

Sunday Chronicles: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross

An upside and the downside of living in LA is that celebrities are everywhere! (They are just like us!)

And even though they become common place, there are just a few celebrities that I can’t help but Fangirling over. Tracee Ellis Ross is one of them. One of the best stories I have? Meeting Tracee in a SoulCycle bathroom and chatting about red lipstick. (I’m not sure of the exact science, but red lipstick does help. Everything.)

Investment Piece: Fan Girling Tracee Ellis Ross

At this point, you may be asking: why Fangirl over Tracee? I mean yes, she’s stunning, talented, an advocate for causes she believes in, does amazing things like lift other artists up:

Tracee’s Instagram is a glimpse into amazingly glam and couture moments and behind the scenes slices of life. There’s so much to love, and if you haven’t seen her TED talk yet, you need to get on that:

And I love this speech about having kids and the worth of being a woman:
Tracee Ellis Ross is the life coach we need.
She’s an endless inspiration for outfits and how to show up in life.

There are many, many reasons to be Fangirling over Tracee Ellis Ross. But, why do I?

Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a woman who is comfortable in her skin, and this alone makes her radiant. We give a lot of lip service to self care and self love, even I have written about it (here, here, and here). As we know, self love isn’t just face masks and a hashtag on Sunday’s. It can also mean saying no to things, saying yes to things, and choosing to treat yourself like someone with worth.

To me, Tracee shows how to do all that. Yes, a part of it is the glam fashion and the support of amazing causes. I don’t personally know her, and there could be an argument that any time we follow someone from afar that we’re only getting a curated view of their lives. Valid points. Yet, if this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tracee Ellis Ross’s life, I’m still a Fangirl. She’s the kind of woman I’d love to be: self assured, giving, funny, and real.

I also wouldn’t say no to this Gucci cape:
Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross
Just saying.

In the meantime, I’ll just work on being comfortable in my skin.

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

Investment Piece: Fangirling Tracee Ellis Ross

No Plans I Guess?1?

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

So: On Monday I had to think about a change of plans due to the weather: Change of Plan

And here we are again. We are tentatively stepping into spring. And yet: we have had another cold snap (as in we went from 80 degrees to 40 degrees in a day! I don’t know if we call this a snap or a weather whiplash! And if we believe my Great Grandma we have another snap before Easter!) I know that this skirt is part of a Spring collection. And there are so many stylings you can do with spring options!) So. How do we style a skirt from a spring collection for colder weather?

My take? When there are no plans for the weather (aka when it shifts like this how can you?) you plan ahead. Or shift ahead. Like pair what’s supposed to be a spring skirt with a sweater, tights and heels! No plans, for the weather, I guess? Make plans- or contingencies- for your outfits.

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

When there are no plans- for the weather or social or life- the good new is you can make your own. Sometimes this means that you get to stay in and watch whatever you like and eat whatever you like (the cocktail you love? you can have that too!) Sometimes that means you get to wear what you like! Aka the skirt you thought (and will) wear through spring – you can style it for the last (or perhaps not last) gasp of winter. In this case it means pairing a coated linen skirt (exact one linked for you below. For me it fit TTS, though the buttons were just slightly off!) with hose and a light knit sweater. When it is warm this skirt (that my mom had one similar with a matching vest in the 1960s!) will be paired with everything from a cropped button down to sandals. But now. With the weather having no plans? I’m having to make my own- which looks like this:

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

You may be thinking that any look that can go between seasons is the one for you– and you may be right (good new for no plans on the weather is that a great top and a pair of great hose may be all you need to keep on hand!). What I am thinking is that any piece that goes from season to season (and yes, you will see this skirt styled again in warmer weather) is one to invest in. To tell stories with. A kind of piece I build my wardrobe around.

So. What are you styling with no (weather) plans? How do you take a piece from season to season to anything in between? This skirt is the top of my Spring looks- and yet I love with the weather throwing yet another curve ball this skirt could go with a no plans plan. What could you style in the same way? I would love to hear any and everything about it!

XO RA

Note: This exact skirt and similar options are linked below. While this post does have affiliate links that does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support.

a woman in a red coated skirt with a grey turtleneck, grey tights and gold heels

Fashion Stories: Fashion TV

Black and White with a Pop

I cannot over state how much I truly, TRULY, truly believe that fashion is a method with which to tell our stories. From our day to day lives to eras in time to celebratory events- our fashion and fashion choices let us express how we’re feelings, what we want, and in some cases : move history forward.

And while I have this deep held believe, we can often see it reflected in TV. Not just in the aspect that TV can show us fashion that we can aspire to and inspires us (I wrote about that before, see here and here and slightly here), TV shows can also chronicle the stories that fashion had a hand in telling. I’m talking about the newer shows Feud: Capote vs The Swans (airing on FX and Streaming, detailing not only the INFAMOUS Black and White Ball-most gowns are in the MET- but also Captoe and the NY Society Ladies he loved and battled with) and The New Look (on AppleTV, depicting the creation of the House of Dior and the fashion changing “New Look” post WW2).

Note: as I am BEHIND, I haven’t been watching either- but have been reading, recording, revering from the couch and am actively planning weekends to indulge in what looks like (if nothing else) GORGEOUS television

Investment Piece: Fashion STories Dior

There is drama to be had in these show- from society and new business conflicts. But there is also beauty, and a deep fashion history. The New Look? It changed how women dressed- especially after the war and the “return of femininity”. The Black and White Ball that Capote threw? It launched model careers, designer careers and encouraged the Ad Vaunt Guard looks of the 60s/70s. (Again, fashion shown in both of these shows has had books written about it and is on display in museums).

So, how does this help us tell our stories? There is of course, the inspirational aspect- even if vintage there are outfits that can be inspired by these shows! There is the history- fashion, my favorite kind! And, there is also the lesson (not just don’t feud with a society elite!), but how to dress for certain events, how to push the boundaries, and how to react when fashion (and live) goes astray.

I plan on having more to say–and outfits to share- when I watch the shows (soon!) but in the meantime, here are thoughts I’m loving reading!

On Feud:
Feud Brings Back The Fine Art of Getting Dressed
A MasterClass in Vintage Costuming (note! A ton of my vintage friends have helped on this show!)
Dressing the high-society ‘swans’ in ‘Feud’ was an adventure in both authenticity and artistry
A Closer Look at the Swans Costumes

On The New Look:
True Story of New Look
The Story behind the Dior and Chanel Chaos
Christian Dior: The New Look
The Secret History of Chanel

Investment Piece: Chanel Means Never Having to say "I'm Sorry"

Have you been watching these Fashion Stories on TV? What do you think about them? How are they inspiring you? I would love to hear all about it!

XO RA

Change of Plans

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

There are outfits that I plan out, outfits that I throw on– and outfits that change due to a change in plans. Yes, sometimes that change in plans is an actual change in plans- ie dinner plans fell through and I stay home, we change restaurants or forgo a movie, etc. But, sometimes the change of plans is due to the weather. As in- this adorable, polka dot (my fave pattern!) top- with its turtleneck and sleeve buttons, and side slits- was meant to go with jeans. Or pants. Boots or tights for sure. As truly, this was meant to be a staple of my late winter wardrobe. I got it for Christmas (go Dad!) and was dreaming of all the ways I could (cold weather) wear it).

Then.

It got hot. Yes, in February, yes, in the 80s. Yes, it meant changing all my outfit plans. But. The great thing about great pieces? They can change with you (I get this is to an extent. But it extends here so let’s go with it and change the plans!)

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

What to do when plans change- or in this case, temps rise? Replan. Or redo your outfit. In case, this meant instead of pairing this fantastic, dotted top with jeans or pants or boots- I paired it with shorts. And my new favorite sandals. Half tucked- for style and to show off the slits. The shorts are just long enough (though be warned- short shorts are still IN ) to play for “winter” (even when it’s 80 in winter). The pop of color in the shoes brightens up the look –because if I haven’t mentioned it, it is getting warmer! Yet- for this being not what I had planned, not in the temps I thought- I love this!

I love the tuck, the shorts, the shoes (truly, my new faves!). Any piece that lets you change plans in it- or redo outfits- or change seasons- is a keeper in my book. Really? I bet that there are pieces in your closet that you’ve regulated to a certain season or a certain outfit– what would really happen if you changed the plan?

The plans changed so much that this shirt is no longer in stores, but I’ve linked similar tops– and these exact shoes and similar shorts! I was thrilled with my change of plans outfit–and hope you love any change of plan outfit that you may need in the coming weeks!
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 my new favorite sandals here

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals