Fashion Stories: Barbie Fashion

I am trying not to promote struck companies (see here)and yet I”m so into Barbie Fashion. And this is not just BarbieCore (where it’s just a version of pink?) but a look at how designers and how Barbie shaped our fashion.
a sheet of Margot Robbie and Barbie
a sheet of Margot Robbie and Barbie Fashion

This is where I could tell you that to me barbie was always fashion – that’s what I cared about. My Barbies were always well dressed. My mom’s Barbies? They had outfits hand made by my great grandmas! And the callbacks from Margot Robie’s promo tour to original Barbies made my heart grow at least 3 times!

Margot Robie in pink suits and cocktails looks as Barbie
day to night barnie with a blonde doll in a pink suit and then a pink sequin top with a pink chiffon skirt

Fun Fact? This Day to Night Barbie was one of my favorites growing up- and what I thought my adult life would be like! (I would buy the designer version that Margot wore!)

This all got me to thinking: where did Barbie get her fashion from. Because Barbie was always a fashion plate (there were fashion plate Barbies!) but also as someone who’s always loves the fashion past of the doll these articles made me love her more:

A Peek Inside Baribie High Fashion

Barbie’s Fashion history

There are so many more articles to share from how the maker of Barbie (Ruth!) was making a statement as perhaps girls needed a toy that didn’t make theme a mother/wife to the tax evasion (?!) that took her down!

My Barbies were a fave of mine. I got to dress them. They were fierce and got to be everything and anything. And yes, I loved the movie! Part of what I loved was dressing my dolls in clothes that I felt were not only high end but clothes that expressed what they (and I) wanted to tell the world. AKA even my Barbies used their fashion to tell stories. And I still do till this day.

You can buy various books about Barbie’s fashion. You can study Barbie Fashion. And you can wear Barbie- from pinks to black and white stripe (again, there are so many looks from Day to Night Barbie to other Barbies that I would love to wear the looks!)

Barbie was my favorite toy (I had so many and the Dream House and the Cars and more) and it was always the fashion that drew me in- fashion that I would still wear today!

What’s been your favorite Barbie fashion look? Was it for your doll or for you? And if Barbie fashion was for us would you buy it?

Come on Barbie,let’s go fashion!
XO RA

A bit of Fruit Salad

a woman in a cropped tie front linen top and a silk fruit print skirt with yellow lace up wedges sits on a picnic table
a close up of yellow lace up wedges on a woman and a silk fruit print skirt while she stands on dirt

I tried to shoot and write about this new to me but completely fantastic skirt last week. See here. And I hate to tell you that it was too hot. Though I did sweat through this skirt (the most amazing vintage Escada via Pickled Vintage) with the most scrumptious silk and fruit pattern (who doesn’t love cherries and watermelon?!).

There were reservations (mine) about wearing a crop top- but I loved the play with the skirt having a bit of a wrap effect, and the shoes being wrapped. But mainly, none of the pics looked amazing or what I wants to show you as it was so hot and the sweat so visible.

A bit fruity, right?

a woman in a black crop top that ties in the front and a silk printed skirt with fruit print pushes a grocery cart with a red handle with a straw tote in thebasket

Then, I attempted to shoot this look in my local grocery store. I thought the skirt fruit print paired with real fruit (and a story about fruit salad) would make not only a very (editorial) and fun shoot but give us a lot to chat about. Then. My local grocery store let me know that photo shoots in the store are sort of frowned upon.

Though I did get compliments on the look.

Another fruity situation.

A woman in front of a white wall in a black crop top, fruit print silk skirt and lace up yellow wedges
a woman in front of a white wall with a black crop top and a silk fruit print skirt and yellow lace up wedges
a woman in front of a white wall wearing a black crop top and a fruit print silk skirt and lace up yellow wedges

Then. I had to take pics at home. Of this fantastic skirt with the wrap effect in a fruit print. All my favorites are there from watermelon to cherries to color print. There’s the wrap effect (made with buttons instead of a tie. Pro tip- no matter the size of a skirt you love it’s so easy to adjust with buttons or a quick take in!) These are not my fave of this look- mainly as I felt as if there were so many places it could be shown off more. (and of course in the future I will be wearing it everywhere from brunch to meetings to dinners and more!)

And yet. Isn’t that the point of a fruit salad? You have plans, you have lists, you have preferences. And then-you gotta take what’s there, what’s fresh, what’s best. Sometimes we don’t get to choose any of it- except what we put out there.

If what I have to put out there is a great outfit I can’t be sad when shoots or events or any combo of the above was not what I wanted. And I think the same is true for all of us. If we’re putting out our best- in fashion or anything else- if nothing else measures up, we take it as fruit salad and put together what’s best that day.

This whole look is vintage, but I’ve linked you similar 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!

Sunday Chronicles: The Ones You Want Back

a woman in front of a checkered wall wearing a sleeves white dress, red dangle earrings and black glasses

If you’re into astrology, or you have a friend (me!) who is, you know that Venus (planet ruling beauty, love, and money) went retrograde yesterday. While I’m not one who thinks that all retrogrades are bad, or one who should give relationship advice (search ex-files in my posts) I do know that things returning is may be a theme in the next few weeks. Who comes back may be something you need to deal with; I’m more interested in the ones we want back.

And for our purposes, I’m talking about the clothes that we cleaned out from our closets that we regret. This isn’t anti-closet clean out. I wish I were better at it, I’m slowly doing some of mine, and I do think reselling or giving your clothes to new homes is one of the most fun ways to recycle. But. Admit it, there are things that you’re cleaned out that you ended up missing and wanting back.

Or maybe it’s just me?

Off the top of my head I can name at least 2 big things that I miss and regret cleaning out. The above dress- which I know you really can’t see- but it was a white with huge polka dot linen mini dress from Jcrew. And then there’s :
a blonde woman in a green flight suit, gold heels and necklaces in front of a concrete wall with graffiti
this flight suit which I cannot express how much I miss.

I don’t know that I have advice on how to deal with a lost love who comes back or win back any lost love you want to come back- but I do have advice about getting back the clothes you lost. Resale and vintage sites. All of them. (If this feels overwhelming please reach out and I’m happy to help!) From my locals to online I search by general description, labels, design name if I have them, let sellers know what I’m looking for, all of the things. Perhaps it’s Venus Retrograde or the firm belief that we always find what we’re meant to, I do believe that if you’re meant to be reunited with a fantastic piece of fashion that you perhaps parted with too soon it’s out there for you.

This is also my theory on searching vintage and for items from seasons past. If it’s meant to be yours, it’s out there. And loves, it’s usually out there.

I can’t say that this Venus Retrograde will bring our love/beauty/money lives happy endings, but I know that it’s only been one day and I’ve already found the JCrew dress I want back. Who couldn’t help but feel confident with that?

Is there anything you’re looking for out there? How do you handle it?

Wishing us all a week of the perfect reunions and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Life is a Bowl of ….

A black silk skirt with fruit graphics such as watermelon, cherries, apples, etc, with real cherries on top

Fun fact:

It’s so hot that shooting looks outside is almost impossible (I’m hoping that I can get up early enough this weekend for so many shoots! And indoor shoots are planned! Today I was thrown out of my local grocery store for attempting to try and shoot this fruity skirt look – so I’ve had to reach out to plan B. What’s Plan B? In this case it means all of the things around the internet I’m buying and think you should too!)

Yep. MY shoot plans got derailed (though I got compliments on this outfit that I planned!), and yet- I have so many things in so many carts around the internet that perhaps might be in your cart too!

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

From a crop top to swim bottoms to the chicest out out dress, here’s what I’m buying at ShopBop:

If you’re shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I recommend shopping beauty. These are my picks:

Speaking of makeup fro lips to eyes to my fave mascara: currently get 30% off at Tarte with toe FAM30 and these are my picks:

And if you’re wanting a preview of how I styled this skirt here it is:

what are you shopping for? Or what is the weather holding you back from?

XO RA

No Promo Posts

There are so many movies out that I’m currently excited to see. And a few that I had planned content around. Then. SAG-AFTRA (The acting union) of which I’m a proud member, went on strike, and we’ve been told not to promote work from a struck company. And of course I’m sure someone would find some gray area in that. But I just couldn’t bring myself to. In fact, I had some thoughts!

In solidarity with my brothers and sister working for fair pay and with you and amazing outfits!
XO RA

Can’t beat the heat? Join it!

a woman in an off the shoulder red dress and white clogs with black stripes holds a blue watering can in front of green trees and plants a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with black stripes in front of green plants
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with black stripes holding a blue watering can in front of green plants and trees
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress with white clogs and black stripes in front of green plants
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with her back to the camera in front of green plants

I HATE that we’re currently reduced to conversations about the weather. And it’s no one’s fault, and it’s not one conversation. BUT it’s so hot. SO HOT. And everyone knows it. No matter how or who I’m chatting with recently, the heat comes up. We ask each other how we’re handling the heat, we wish each other cooler temps, we worry about what to wear to beat the heat. It feels so cliche to chat and make convo about the weather- but when it’s this hot? What can you do as none of us are beaten the heat? You might as well join it!
.

Currently where I am it’s 90 by 10a and 109 by 6pm. Just unbearable. There are moments when it feels like it might be cool(er) and we could be outside – for a few minutes. And then my camera or phone lets me know that it’s overheating. I try and attempt to plan my days- but beating the heat is oh so rare that it just seems as if we have to ride this heat dome out till the fall (Or at least hopefully in the fall we’ll be able to beat the heat!)

And yet. With the heat, and the high temps, and the sweating through anything and everything you put on, and cameras and phones overheating- we still have to work. (apparently). So if you can’t beat the heat- why not join it?

I know that sounds extreme. To me what join the heat means is- go with the flow. Look, it’s so hot right now, there’s no way you could deny that you’re planning or dressing around it. So. If I can’t avoid being hot I might as well look hot. Or at least that’s my going theory. For example this red (hot) dress. The off the shoulder makes it flattering for everyone, and hides whatever you need hide. Also- these clogs? I thought I hated them (maybe I still do!) but these Adidas ones (linked below, size down), are all I’m wearing right now (most likely to be one with the heat or beat it!). And yes, I’m watering my outside plants more than once a day- though I worry it’s not enough!

What are you wearing to be the heat? Aka if we know we’re gonna be hot what are you wearing in spite of that? Because maybe what it really means to beat the heat is to accept it and dress around it!
This EXACT Dress (I’m in an XS) and shoes (size down- these are a men’s 7 – I’m a Women’s 9 and the rule is go 2 sizes down if you’re switching between men and women sizes ).

Also if you have any tips to beat the heat (or join it!). Please lmk me know!
XO

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 here

Sunday Chronicles: On Strike

a stick drawing of a performer with their arm raised above the words SAG-AFTRA Strong

As many of you may know, I’m an actress (working!) and as of this past Thursday, I’m on strike. I know that there is a lot of preconceived notions about actors and Hollywood and why we’re on strike, so I thought I would let you into my thought process.

Firstly, most actors aren’t famous- or rich. SAGAFTRA has 160,000 members. To qualify for health insurance through the union, you need to make $26,000/yr on union projects. 87% of the union doesn’t qualify. (I don’t). I’m not great at math (unless it’s a shoe sale or an outfit) but I can tell you that the majority of the union members are average, working class, middle class people who’s work just happens to be art. Most actors don’t work regularly. I’m lucky that lately I’ve been booking commercials and print work, but in terms of acting gigs I’m out of work more than I’m in it. And we’re independent contractors- meaning that if you don’t work you don’t get paid. It’s a hustle and a struggle and a blessing. But the idea that actors (and writers) are all rich and working all the time and it’s super glamorous? It’s not true. I love acting, I’m good at acting but work isn’t consistent and often involves long days on set. It’s labor and art and love, and deserves to be fairly compensated.

So. Why are we striking? As streamers have taken over how most of us consume media, the pay structure that was in place (residuals, more pay for hits, etc) has gone out the window. We’re asking to be compensated for the hits we make. (Which weirdly- no streamer wants to give data on viewship, numbers, etc. They want us to subscribe and not unsubscribe. That’s it) We’re asking to be compensated for self tape auditions. You may think it’s easy to tape yourself – it’s not. And the last virtual callback I had was over 4 hrs. I’m lucky that my schedule is flexible, but that was 4 hrs of labor I wasn’t paid for. AI is a big issue. You may have heard that studios want to scan background workers and use their image forever. With no extra pay. I’ve recently turned down 2 commercials as the contract stated that I would be scanned and AI of me would be used going forward. I can’t work today and then never work again. And these issues are the tip of the iceberg.

If you grew up in a right-to-work state unions and striking might be something foreign to you. They were to me when I began pursing an acting career in earnest. But banding together and asking for fair treatment (note- what WAG and SAG are asking for are less than 2% of studio and streaming profits. Studio heads like Iger and Zaslav make MILLIONS a year and are not the actual makers of any product) is a way to take care of each other, to protect each other. Unions have given us weekends, health care and more. Supporting the labor is a great stance. I believe we’re on the right side of history.

And if nothing else the studios have given theater kids a chance to go perform everyday on the picket lines- they may find that’s a big mistake. I’m linking more resources as well as the SAG President’s talk on this. People have asked how to help- I would say support labor. Be understanding when your shows and movies are delayed. Know that we’re fighting for all of us. There are picket line funds you can donate to, and in general know that in this case, the artists are the good guys. Due to location I’m not on the picket lines currently, but I am supporting and participating and believing in a world where labor is valued.

And here is a great article that covers the strike and all sides. Want a fun fact? The last time WAG and SAG were on strike together Ronald Reagan (that Ronald Reagan) was SAG president.

I have no idea how or how long this strike will last. I do know that I believe in us- all of us- and there’s so much fashion to discuss while media is on a break!

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

Thinking Pink

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

Isn’t ironic that if pressed, I would tell you that I’m not a pink kind of woman (and yet, with Barbie the Movie all I can think about is pink!- by which I would really mean that I think of myself as a feminine dresser but not overly girly or wearing big bows, etc- and yet, looking back (and through my closet) there’s a lot of pink. Is it that what I think pink means and what I like to wear are so far apart? Am I just needlessly defensive? Or is it when I think pink I’m thinking about things that no one has brought up?

When I separate the pink in my head that I know I’m not (big bows, super little girl, saccrine) and think pink (my kind of pink)- I have to let you know that I love it. I love the softer side of me and feeling safe enough to share it with people. Pink can be a bit shocking, and we know I love that. Thinking about pink, it can also have depth, from this month being about fighting cancer – you can shop pink here, to pink representing the various layers of womanhood (and there are so so many), pink isn’t just one thing.

Maybe that’s what I have to think about it so much.

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

I was drawn to this dress (via Pickled Vintage, I just adore everything about this store!) because the details (the high neck, the skirt) reminded me of Vera Ellen’s costumes in White Christmas (A family favorite,and if you’ve haven’t added it to your holiday watch list rotation you’re missing out!). It’s the kind of dress that you want to dance in (or at least sway so people can admire how it moves). This dress is dainty – but also daring (ever so slightly sheer).

For all my overthinking and worrying about pink, this dress may be the best of it: in it I feel special, a bit soft, but still strong and immensely confident. If I’m thinking about pink, I want it to look and feel like this. Could we want anything more?

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

What comes to mind when you think pink? Do you wear pink? What does it mean to you?

This dress is vintage, but below I’ve linked modern pink dresses that I just love. These shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint” perfect sandals. This month when you use my code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE on any shoe you’re getting $60 off any full price shoe!
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!

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
A look at this dress completely unedited and a bit more pink!

Amazon Prime Day

I will admit that I have mixed feeling about recommending/encouraging/promoting Amazon- not because I don’t love deals but because I want to move to ethical fashion. And I can’t trust that Amazon is ethical. On the other hand? I can’t deny that I shop there- from beauty to some fashion. And I also won’t keep what I’m doing for you. So, let’s just say that we’re working on getting better with our shopping choices (as we know slow is best) while participating in a deal. Complicated? Yes. A chance to really think about what we want and want to buy? Of course.

And with that out of the way, there are a few things that I must recommend to you. From the SolaWave (I’ve had mine less than a week and am amazed at the results) to red light therapy bands (recommended by my dr!) to crochet dresses (on trend and upcoming I’ll show you all the ways I’m styling mine!) to slip and sculpting dresses. There are so many things on sale for Prime Day(s), so I’ve narrowed it down to my ultimate favorites. Anything you’re loving and think we all have to have? I’d love to hear about it!

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!

Beauty
The must have item is the SolaWave, followed by the red light therapy belt, but I also love these silk pillowcases and face tools!

Fashion
Included: My new fave sneakers, crochet dress, slip dresses, and sets!

What are you buying or have bought on Amazon Prime Day? I want to hear all about it!

XO RA

Beating the Heat

a woman in black Bermuda shorts and a black crop top and white heels turns away from the camera in front of green hedges
A woman in denim cutoffs and a blue and white vest faces towards the water
a woman in board shorts and a strapless top and sandals on a chair by a pool
a woman in a blue shirt with yellow slits and a yellow cami top stands by a grey utility box with "I used to be Cool" spray painted on it in blue
a woman in white pants that slit up the leg and a white and red striped crop top and a huge straw hat lounges on a chair in front of a pool
a woman in a blue halter dress in front of a stone wall

I know, I know, what I’m about to say is a bit controversial. But I can’t help it. My loves, it is HOT outside. And I know that’s something we say EVERY year. This year? It feels like hot x 1000. It’s been over 100 degrees for so long that I now think of anything under 95 as chilly. In the afternoons you can see the heat waving off the pavement. The plants are wilting, the pets are lethargic, and I’m wondering how low we can put in the AC.

In the midst of this, we’re supposed to get dressed? I’ll be honest, lately I feel as if I’m not doing the best job at this. I’m hot, I’ve had cameras overheat and sweated through simple sundresses. The idea of getting a GREAT outfit together can just seem so overwhelming. And yet- there’s so much fashion that I want to wear and show you and chat about. However, there are days when simply getting dressed feels like too much. I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to wear as little as possible while staying cool while staying fashion.

It’s hard.

And it looks like the heat isn’t breaking. So. What do we wear when it’s so hot and all we want to do is beat the heat? I’m not an expert (as I am in the turn down the AC camp) but my recommendations are:
-swim with everything. Not shocking as I am a fan of swimwear as outerwear, but you at least have the option to jump in a body of water at a moment’s notice
-linen. Or any breathable fabric. This is not the season for heavy or synthetic or clingy. Let your body breathe by wearing fabrics that breathe (the first look in this post is one of my faves as it’s a linen top and shorts that can be mixed and matched in SO many ways- but always leaves you cool
-dresses. In general I’m a dress woman (fun trivia I wouldn’t wear jeans till I was 7 as they were too “constricting”) and yet, dresses let the air flow keep you cool, and keep you chic

What do you recommend?

Below I’ve rounded up some of my beating the heat faves but my most important tip is to stay hydrated, dress cooly and stay out of the sun as much as possible in the heat of the day! We’ll save our high fashion for AC and pray for breaks in the temps together!
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 strapless orange dress on a deck in front of river