Party in the Back

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, false jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

While there are times when I struggle to throw just a tee and jeans on (see here), there are times when jeans and a tee are easy for me. Mainly it’s when jeans and a tee feel just similar enough to my favorite (a party dress). And here? This exquisite silk jacket is a party- especially in the back.

I love not only this sky blue, but the image of the showgirl (?) on the back. The quilting, the colors, all of that makes me smile. But a gorgeous woman with feathers and more on her headpiece (and you know if you’re entertaining in a headpiece it’s seriously glamorous!) in a beautiful gown- even if I’m not in a party dress there’s no reason I can’t wear one on my jacket. Maybe that’s been my problem all along with jeans and a tee- when I wear them I tend to overthink as I worry that they’re not “special” enough- when maybe if I indulge my inner party dress (even in jeans and a tee), things (and jeans and a tee) would come easier to me.

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

Truly the star of this outfit is the jacket (though I love these high waisted jeans and there are some of my favorite platforms). But the jacket? So special! It’s a Michael Vollbracht (you can read about him here). I first was turned onto this amazing (vintage) designer when a Vintage Dealer I love had some of his pieces for sale. I missed out on those, but set alerts for Vollbracht on a ton of resale websites- Etsy, Vestiaire, eBay,GEM, etc- was able to snag this reversible jacket. (I managed to find you some Vollbracht and similar quilted vintage jackets-linked below!)

What I love about special vintage pieces like this jacket is that they are a party in and of themselves. They feel special, they make your outfit special, they let you move special. You could obviously dress any jacket like this up- pair with silk skirt or pants, wear over a dress, any of the above. However, when a piece is a party (in both the front and the back!) I love pairing it with a juxtaposition. Like with “just” jeans and a tee, or over a swimsuit, or as a robe. Or as it’s own party dress!

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it in flares and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flares, brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

What is something that you can add to any outfit that makes you stand a bit taller, feel as if you’re at a party, or you’re the party? For me, it’s beginning to be this jacket. I can throw it on with anything and feel like I’m bringing the party with me- and leaving a party wherever I go!

These exact jeans and similar vintage jackets are linked below. I would love to know how you do your jeans and a tee- and your feelings on parties!
XO RA

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

a woman in a blue silk jacket, white tee, flare jeans, and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
As I mentioned, this jacket is reversible, so please be prepared for another outfit with it!

Sunday Chronicles: The Dark Side

a woman in a floral slip dress with gold boots and a fringe shawl stands in front of a city scene

There’s something you may have noticed recently- my hair is getting darker. A more accurate description would be that I’m growing my hair out naturally (though I have to be honest, this is the darkest it’s ever grown in). The choice to go natural was part necessity- as we all also know I had gone a bit TOO blonde (dying hair by yourself will do that!) and needed to get my hair healthy again. Also, Covid left me with scalp psoriasis (which I am getting under control, but it’s a whole other story) and with outbreaks of that, I haven’t wanted to put chemicals on my hair. And, after having colored my hair myself and before that having had to keep up with appointments, I was hoping my natural hair color would be something I could love.

Like most women, I have a complicated relationship with my hair (see here, and wrote about first going a bit darker blonde here), and more honestly this process-and my feelings about it- have been even more complicated. While I knew that my hair would be darker, I picture myself as a blonde, and somehow thought it would naturally be a bit lighter than it is. Growing up my hair would get light any time that I spent time in the sun, and I have to say there is a part of me that hopes that “invite me to your pool season” brings out some highlights. That being said, I find myself liking the darker side. I feel like it makes my eyes pop, and it is fun trying new makeup and clothing colors with it.

That being said, it’s jarring to think of myself as a brunette. (Weirdly I still don’t!) My agent said that to me this week and I had a moment where I was sure she was talking about someone else. And as it feels as if my hair color is still in transition- there is still color at the ends, the tone changes constantly- it feels as if I am in transition too. Plus, there is still a part of me that wonders if I should just go light again (the good thing about hair is that we can change it!). Or I worry that being dark haired will leave me with so much to change. While there are days when I LOVE what’s happening with my hair, there are days that I long to either just go darker or go lighter.

What most impresses me about how I’m reacting to my hair going to the darker side is that I’m being patient. Or trying to. I know that growing out hair color, and letting your natural hair color settle, takes time. It’s sometimes hard, but I’m really curious about what happens when my hair is all grown out (or I cut it) and the color settles (or the sun works magic, or whatever!). Also, as for medical reasons I’m supposed to hold off on coloring, patience may be my only option. So. We’re heading to the darker side. We’re figuring it out, adjusting our views, and embracing change.

Have you ever grown out your hair after coloring it for years? What was your experience? Does coloring your hair affect how you see yourself? I would love to hear all about it!

Wishing us all a week of loving our dark and our light sides and amazing shoes! XO RA

The Almost

a woman in a jersey dress with a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in a mirror in a bathroom

The Almost
As in: I almost didn’t post this outfit. As in I almost was afraid to talk about my insecurities in this outfit. Almost as in this shoot was more of an OOTD on the fly shoot and I love to think that for this space I try a bit harder.

But how does the song go? Almost doesn’t count.

Which I know- in the song- means that the almost trying doesn’t matter and she’s done (with a dumb boy), but here the almost doesn’t count means that we’re not giving into excuses.

So, yes, I wore this as an OOTD a few weeks past. And was worried that all of the things I got insecure about (but am working on!) during the pandemic were prominent. I mean- didn’t most of us have some issues after lockdown? And I also like to think that all of our insecurities are really only evident to ourselves! AKA in my head you’re saying :”Rachel, what insecurities? You look great!” Which is what I would say to you- no matter what sticks out to you about your own body. (Though in total confidence walking through stores in this I was a bit self conscious for the first time in a while) And with that, let’s ignore or get over or accept what we’re insecure about. Even if we’re working on those things!

As for perfect pictures? (Perhaps another insecurity of mine!) What if there are no perfect pictures? Though I do really love the sky here- and how these yellow (vintage Bottega but I found you similar) shoes pop. And the cutouts on the dress that somehow like a flower? Paired with the ruching that clings in (hopefully) all the right ways? Enough of different views, enough to get the feel? Maybe that’s perfect enough.

There’s another saying: once begun is half done. Or another one I have to remind myself of regularly: perfect is the enemy of good. Both I take to mean, sometimes we just have to do the thing, almost or not. The thing is- in this case- a great jersey dress, a pop of a shoe, and a classic bag are always a great combo. If it’s almost, with your insecurities, or not quite perfect. And if you love it (or have a great day in it), maybe it’s all of the things- perfect and almost and done!

I’ve found similar things for all of you to have great days in below!
XO RA

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

a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background

Wildflowers

a woman in a blue and white top yellow skirt and brown shoes in a field of bluebonnets
a woman in a blue and white top and yellow skirt and brown platforms
a women's foto int brow suede platforms in a field of wildflowersq
a woman in a blue and white halter top and yellow skit in a field of Bluebonnets
a woman in blue and white halter top and yellow skirt in a field if bluebonnets

I’ll be honest with the change of season (from winter to spring, and I’m still not sure I got to wear all I wanted to)-which brought storms which for the first time brought massive headaches- I’ve been behind.
Yet I had the opportunity to shoot this. A bit vintage (the Ralph Lauren top and my grandma’s skirt and blazer, though I found you so many similar!) in a field of wildflowers.
There has to be a special club for people who grew up in Texas who still have memories of their parents telling them picking a bluebonnets (wildflowers) would get them arrested. To be honest in this shot I was afraid to pluck any flower as I was afraid of getting arrested- and also I’ve been told that bluebonnets attract rattle snakes so we didn’t linger. I don’t want any snakes or jail time, fun fact snakes are a top fear of mine! So these pics are a big accomplishment!!
And beyond all of that, there is a certain spring factor that makes us all want to walk in a field of wildflowers (or maybe that’s just us Texans- though I had the same urge when I lived in California)
Perhaps it’s just a spring urge. Like wearing yellow (which I have reservations about) with blue (ironically this combo was insprired by a current Ralph Lauren look. In fact, I’m still think of buying a yellow suit as I’m convinced it will go with so much!) Or wearing blue ( a spring fave of mine). Or flowers -which I’m always more tempted to buy in the spring.
Or maybe it’s just that as spring is springing (storms and headaches and all) we all long to wear a bit of color or brightness or there are flowers.

What do you long to wear in the in spring? Or what is stereotypical and yet you find yourself wearing? Have you ever risked snakes or jail for a look or a picture?

XO RA

I’ve similar looks to these below. This post does contains 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 yellow skirt suit with a blue and white halter top in a filed of wildflowers

Ex Files: The Cheat

Investment Piece: Ex Files: Valentine's

Yes, it’s that time of the month where I plumb all the dating horror stories from both my past and people I know (a friend of mine recently let me know that he had spent an afternoon reading all of the Ex Files here on site- and he found it both hysterical and painful. While I don’t recommend doing it all in one session, feel free to search Ex Files in the side bar! It’s a lot. And yes, I have no idea if we’ll ever run out of stories! Xo RA

The Cheat

The only thing that might be worse than being cheated on? Being the other woman- without knowing it!

I began dating Jeff in a whirlwind. We met through a mutual hobby, chatted now and again when we saw each other, and while he continually asked me to coffee I thought nothing of him.
Then, one day we ran into each other while we were doing errands, which lead to lunch, which lead to drinks, which lead to dinner, which lead to us dating for months.
Was it ever serious? Not really. There was no major talk of the future. But we met each other’s friends, talked every day, and had date night every week when we weren’t traveling.

Since then, I have thought about every minute of our relationship, and looking back there were some red flags. There were days when Jeff was hard to get a hold of, and very evasive about what he was up to. We never posted pictures together, and his entire social media were pictures that could have been dates- or could not have been. I did feel like something was off, but every time I brought that up, or mentioned that if he wasn’t very into me we didn’t have to date, Jeff would insist that he really cared, nothing was amiss, and that I was being sensitive about things.

I believed him.

Until- one day Jeff simply went silent. No texts, no calls, no returning messages. The first day? I didn’t really think about it. A week later? I was pissed that someone I had dated so long had been so awful in the ending. Two weeks later? I got a call from a Lisa, letting me know that she was Jeff’s long term, live in girlfriend. She had gone through his phone and found texts- not only to me, but as Jeff traveled for work, in every city that he worked in. It appeared that Jeff led different lives in every single city he worked in. He would sublet apts, pass off AirBnBs as his own, join gyms, take classes, have friends, and girlfriends in EVERY CITY.

Was I upset? Yes. I was horrified (and also curious how he could afford it?!?!?)
I apologized profusely to Lisa, blocked Jeff, and tried to forgive myself for not adding it all up.

So. What do we do? Check IDs and addresses?

Wishing us all a week of single identities and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Spring Wishlist

a woman in a blue maxi sundress in front of pink flowers

How I celebrate the new season? A few things! I deep clean, myself and my home, I think about refreshing my hair (cut or color), I adjust my schedule (from workouts to work). And (perhaps the most fun!) I shop. I clean out my closet and then I make a wishlist for what I want to wear this season, and I make plans to get it.

What I’m looking forward to wearing this spring? Suits. From vests and blazers to oversized to linen, I’m loving a great suit. Pleats. From party dresses to skirts, pleats feel fresh but are classic enough to wear in the coming years. Swimsuits. I wear one pieces as bodysuits, so I’m looking forward to refreshing my collection with everything from leopard to low cut classics.

I’ve made a collection of everything I’m wanting and will be adding to it over the season. What are you putting on your spring wishlist? Anything special you’re shopping for? I would love to hear all about it and help shop if needed!
XO RA

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

You can keep up with and shop my spring wish list here

a woman with a black blazer belted with a gold lion belt, over jeans and wearing heels in a clothing store

#groundbreaking

Investment Piece: #groundbreakingInvestment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

You know that joke about groundbreaking florals for spring.

I know that joke.

So, we don’t have to say it, right? Not saying it doesn’t make it any less true or funny; but if we’re all thinking it? We don’t have to say it.

And yes, it’s groundbreaking florals for spring. Which might not be so groundbreaking. We’re offered florals every spring, right? (And sometimes in the fall). Moody florals, dark florals, big florals, small florals, bright florals, daisy florals. There’s never a shortage of them, and if you always have your pick of them, it doesn’t feel groundbreaking.

So we don’t need to tell the joke.

Maybe the magic is taking something that’s not groundbreaking, and making it your own kind of groundbreaking. Fresh florals?

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Let’s go back to the beginning. Can florals be groundbreaking? Is there a way to make something that’s a staple your own?

My take? Yes. I think that there’s no other way to wear florals than in a groundbreaking, personalized way.

But, what does that mean?

Well, that probably depends on you. I’m partial to a moody floral, there’s’ something about the dark and the flowers that I like. I’m partial to vintage–done, and redone. This number, with the show stopping ruffle/cape is vintage, but it feels fresh. I love that it flounces, but reads more formal than sun dress.

(Confession? This dress paired with my crazy hair makes me feel a little like Carrie Bradshaw. Which I don’t hate.)

Your groundbreaking floral? You have options. Light/dark, big/small, formal/casual. I think the question becomes: what do you like? What do you feel? Any fashion item only feels and looks stale when we wear what we’re “supposed” to wear, instead of what we like. So can florals be groundbreaking? Absolutely. (Go ahead, read that in Big’s voice). All it takes is you wearing florals the way that you like. That’s the groundbreaking part.

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Side note: Feel free to wear shoes with your groundbreaking florals. I didn’t just because I had to climb to get on the ledge.

This floral number is a vintage piece from Timeless Vixen, but you don’t have to despair! There are so many options for you, both vintage and modern. I’ve linked all kinds of florals below, I’d love to see how you make them groundbreaking!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Groundbreaking

Sunday Chronicles: Happy Spring!

Investment Piece: When in Texas

Tomorrow is the official first day of spring, ironic as winter is making its last stand where I am, it’s so cold and rainy! And while it doesn’t feel like spring, like all of the flora and fauna outside I feel as if I’m finally getting used to the new year (more irony, in astrology spring-or Aries season- is the new year, which makes a lot of sense!) and beginning to “bloom”. Aka making progress to wear I want to be, setting in my goals, and feeling good. The energy has me wanting to do all the things. So let me be one of the first to wish you: “Happy Spring!” Spring is a short season in the places I live; summer comes very quickly. Yet, I love spring. I love the warm but not burning temps, the sense of beginnings, and the way we really into the things we set intentions for in the new year. Though it may be short, I’ve listed my favorite things to do during spring, from flowers to closet cleaning. However you celebrate I wish you all the joy that a spring can bring!

Xo RA

Wildflower Day
From pictures to just taking in the beauty, I think that a day spent in blooms is a day well spent. Make a day of it and do a picnic, or maybe a hike? Whatever you do, make sure that you enjoy the wild flowers before summer!

Closet CleanOut
I know, spring cleaning is cliche. But, it works. Spring is a great time to do a sweep of your closet, get rid of anything that no longer serves you, and move spring items to the front of your closet. It’s also a great time to make a trip to the cleaner or tailor and make sure that all the things you love for spring are ready!

Make a Spring Wishlist
Along with making sure your spring closet is clean, spring is a great time to make a spring Wishlist. Shocking, I know, that I would support shopping. But someone has to get all those great new spring things. It may as well be you! A Wishlist lets you make a note of what you need, find items you love, and stay within a budget!

Refresh Your Goals
A bit like cleaning out your closet or designing your wishlist, I think that spring is a great time to look at your goals. Adjust your routine. Measure your progress and revise strategy if necessary. Or scratch everything and make new goals. It’s a time of new beginnings and a time to bloom, it’s a great time to make use of it!

Dine al Fresco
Before it gets too hot, spring is a great time to make use of the patios in your life. From dinners in the backyard to happy hours on a patio, I love being outside during this time of year!

I’d love to know: what do you love to do during spring? What’s on your spring bucket list?

wishing us all a week of new beginnings and amazing shoes! Xo RA

On Luck

Investment Piece: Summer Sleep

It’s St Patrick’s Day – will you be wearing green for “luck”? My one St Patrick’s story that I think about every year was about the St Patrick’s when I was 8 (maybe 9), and I had strep throat. It was raining and I was in the backseat of the car with my sister, coming home from the doctor. At the time, I thought of myself as chic (for a child), wearing a white, ribbed skirt with a white sweatshirt with a teddy bear on it (I LOVED that sweatshirt). No green. And my sister pinched me. From there on out, I make sure that I always green on 3/17. Even if it’s a small shamrock sticker.

What’s weird is that I’ve never thought of St Patrick’s Day as lucky. Or green as my color. There are things that I’ve worn for luck- we all have, I think being a little superstitious is a part of the human condition. My favorite animal is a pig, and I have shirts and socks that I will throw on if I need a little luck. I’m a huge fan of my alma mater’s sports teams and will wear purple (all the way down to lingerie) to will them to win. Evil eye jewelry, special necklaces, there a few things that I know I can turn to, to at least make me feel lucky.

I have this one bracelet- thick, red, inscribed with huge white letters that says “Luck is believing you’re lucky”. It’s not one I wear often, but I think about it (and its message often).

This week I’ve been thinking about luck. And what we wear to feel lucky. There are things I wear for luck, but most of them I wouldn’t wear into a big meeting or event (I love my pig socks but they don’t scream chic).

Yet, there are outfits that I’ve felt lucky in- that fit me perfect, that I trusted I looked good in, that made me feel powerful, that good things seem to happen in. Is that luck? Or just a good outfit? And what is the distinction between the two?

Investment Piece: On Luck

One of my acting coaches used to say that luck was only opprotunity meeting preparedness (even if it’s not, we’re pretending that’s a word). Maybe that’s what a good outfit is like- when you feel confident in what you’re wearing you’re more open to things, when you’re confident and believe in your luck more doors open. It doesn’t matter if it’s green or if it’s black, if an outfit makes you feel lucky, it’s lucky.
The thing that I love about this theory? It gives us the power. We’re the lucky ones, not the outfits. Though I’m never, ever going to tell you to stop wearing things that make you feel lucky. If it works, why jinx it?

And I do suggest wearing green – just in case!
Xo RA

Reading Reviews

the back of a woman in a tan trench coat that reads AWESOME on it

As someone who has background in theater, I have mixed feelings about reviews. I have friends and peers who avoid them like the plague, colleagues who take every word of every review to heart, and the elusive person who is somehow able to take the constructive criticism out of reviews and forget about the rest. I strive to be like the last person, but honestly? Getting reviewed is hard, especially if it’s a project that’s personal.

So, what does that have to do with fashion? Beyond the similarity that having someone criticize your outfit can be awful, reading reviews is how I’ve recently upped my online shopping game.

I have always loved online shopping-the convenience of buying at anytime from anywhere, it’s like getting a gift in the mail from yourself, and you can avoid dressing rooms (which I have a love/hate relationship with). There are so many good things from online shopping. And yet- there are some downfalls too. Even though I sometimes hate trying clothes on (I know, it’s weird- I think it’s the combo of getting undressed/dressed, body issues, and poor lighting), not being able to see (or feel) what you’re buying in real life can be annoying. And lead to even more annoying returns.

Yes, even though I can hate trying clothes on I do recognize that it is an important part of getting clothes you love and will wear! Part of what I love about online shopping is that I can do the try on in the comfort of my own home!

Usually, my online shopping is on point, but lately I’ve had a few orders that were just off. The size was completely wrong, the material felt so much cheaper that I was expecting, the tailoring was undone. Returns are often annoying and time consuming, and to save myself the pain of that, I have made it my mission to become a better online shopper. How I’m doing that? By reading reviews.

It’s not that I never read reviews before, but I often let my desire for the item be the driver of my purchase. But now? I’m paying attention to the reviews, I’m loving seeing how others react to pieces, and I’m grateful for the input of amazing strangers! While I don’t always go solely by the reviews, I’m finding that there are a few things in reviews that really help me shop better!

Pictures
Reviewers who post pictures are saints among us. It’s so helpful to seee pieces on real bodies, as sometimes the models have been pinned into the clothes! When I’m looking at pictures, I look to see fit, how the garments drape, if there are any obvious issues. It’s so helpful to see the item being worn!

Consistency
We’re all different, with different body types, preferences, etc. Naturally, that can lead to varying reviews. However, if I find that a bunch of reviews have the same comment or concern, I take it seriously. Recently, there was a skirt I loved-yet every single review said that the waist seemed to run small in comparison to the rest of the skirt, leading to bunching. It wasn’t just one or two reviewers, but a consistent review. I didn’t buy the skirt, as I trusted all the reviewers!

Details
Often reviews can be incredibly general. Simply “fits great!”. I know it’s so easy to be that general, and I find myself sometimes doing the same thing. So, anytime a reviewer adds details, ie the waist is high, the darts aren’t even, etc I take it into account! Details are incredibly important (And I’ll try my best to add them in here!), and can make or break a garment- or shopping decision!

Obviously, when I’m online shopping I still think about how much I love the item, how I can style it, price, etc- but reading reviews has really helped me in my shopping. Do you read reviews? What do you look for in reviews?

xo RA