Investment Piece – Page 45 – Everyday Editorial

Cape it Off

Investment Piece: Cape it Off

As we move into the holiday season, statement pieces will become prominent- and I have no problem with that. We know I love a good party dress (and look) and am unafraid to standout. And yet, as we move into the holiday season, I also have a tendency to want to dress as easy as possible. I truly have 2 modes- I’m either VERY dressed up or I’m in workout leggings or sweats VERY casual. While I constantly work to find my middle, during the holiday season (with the statement and party) looks, I have a weird desire to marry the 2 sides of myself in one amazing outfit. (Aka I want an outfit that looks like a party and feels like my pjs)

Capes. Capes are the answer (for me). I have a thing for capes – see here, here, and the ultimate statement cape here. Through the years, I’ve worn capes as coats, tops, dresses, and as statements. The great thing about a cape is that as much as it’s a statement, capes are easy. As fancy as they can be, you simply put them on (even over your workout gear) and go.

Investment Piece: Cape it Off

This latest addition to my cape collection is a fringed vintage number (look closely: it even has an attached pouch for carrying lipsticks or secrets). I mentioned here that this holiday season is already seeming like a lot. And it is. In the past few days, I’ve had events, work, a lot of housework, deadlines, volunteer shifts, and social engagements. As much as I love a party look, running from thing to thing is tiring (especially when we keep messing with the clocks!). My saving grace? A piece that I can put on, that lets me look as dressed up as I need to, but is simple.

We shot this in between Pilates and a trunk show. Yes, this cape is truly over my workout leggings and a turtleneck. My hair is coming out of its bun, I’m sure my lipstick is smeared- but when you cape it off, those things don’t seem as noticeable. Everyone just focuses on your cape (which lets you get away with a lot, maybe that’s the secret!). Add a pair of shoes that walk the line between slippers and loafers, and you’re ready to holiday. Or run errands. Or whatever it is that your day needs you to do.

Do you love capes as much as I do? What’s your go-to when you need a statement outfit but want to feel relaxed? Or have to run from the gym to a holiday event?

While this cape is vintage (via Recess LA), I’ve found you similar and linked them 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!

Investment Piece: Cape it Off

Keeping it Simple

Investment Piece: Keeping It Simple

We’re heading into a time of year that always seems overwhelming. Overdone. Over a lot. In the 24 hrs from Halloween to November (and really before! This year is worse with supply chain issues), we go VERY quickly into “uber” Holdiay mode. You may feel it-and may not know how to dress. And while I’m never one to say not to a party dress, there’s something that makes my life easier during this time of year.
Keeping it simple.
I know in terms of schedules and gifts (?) that can be hard. And in terms of feelings of pressure, expectations, and hopes and disappoints, I can’t help. Where I can help in keeping it simple?
Your outfit.
A simple midi (or maxi!) slip dress (they are so easy to dress up or down and go with anything!), a leather blazer (a must. They add so much to any work look, party look, over coat look, etc), and a great heel (I’m partial to my Sarah Flint perfect sandals, the arch support alone! Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your first pair!). I happen to add a vintage fur muff- but any holiday clutch will do. I promise this simple formula will never steer you wrong , will never leave you wanting, and will always keep it simple- do you can focus on all the other aspects of the holiday!

Investment Piece: KEeping it Simple

Are you surprised that I’m keeping it simple? Don’t worry, there are a ton of party dresses and looks headed your way. But the thing is, I don’t know that party and simple are opposites. As we head into this time of year, it’s important to have outfits in your pocket (or muff!) that make you feel confident. That are easy. The easy kind that don’t look easy(in the they look great way, not in the over complicated way).
That’s what this look is- and it’s a formula that’s custizable for any occasion (work, party, etc). Most importantly it can keep your holiday simple, so that you can focus on what’s important- like the people around you.

How are you keeping it simple this holiday? What are you wearing?
I’ve linked options for this exact outfit (for parties or work or more!) 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!

If you love these shoes (and I do!) shop Sarah Flint and use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off!

Investment Piece: Keeping It Simple

Holiday Dressing

We know that I love a good party dress- I’ve never met one I didn’t like! So as we move into the holiday season, I’m beginning to think about holiday dressing. What does it really meant to dress holidays? Why does it bring me so much joy? What is needed to dress joyfully- because I know it’s not just holiday dresses? And if you don’t necessarily need a holiday dress (or even a holiday suit or jumpsuit), what do you need for holiday dressing?

We’re going to be chatting about it all season. To start, an overview of my holiday dress collection (this is just a fraction!) and an overview of holiday dressing!

What does holiday dressing meant to you? Below I’m linking some dresses that I’m loving this holiday season!

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!

Trying It On

Investment Piece: Trying It On

Remember when we chatted about fall trends here and about lug sole boots here? Well. I decided to try them on.

Which really means that I got a sweater vest dress (aka knit dress, which I highly recommend) and some lug sole boots (these happen to be vintage and wedge. If you know me, these boots wouldn’t be my first run to, but it turns out that I highly recommend them as well!).

So. How do you know what to try on? How do you know what to keep on and what to take off?

Investment Piece: Trying It On

For me, this choice was a tad bit easy. I love sweater vests (I have no idea if that makes me trendy or preppy), so a knit dress (which I also love) as a sweater vest? That’s a no brainier. Of course I had to try it on, and of course I had to keep it. Lug sole boots? That was a much tougher call. I remember the 1990s (so, yes, when we call them vintage it does personally hurt), and I’ve been wary about any “trend” from that time period that “came” back. Also- I always thought that lug sole was a bit too clunky- aka would make my feet look bigger- for me. It turns out? I was wrong. Lug sole (again, these are “vintage” from Etsy) are actually fun. And perfect for the season! Where I am, fall means a little (lot) bit of rain, and these boots made me feel confident walking through it.

Trends can be difficult to wade through (pun intended). My best advice is to go towards ones that are similar to what you already love. Try what you’re curious about. Try what you’ve loved on others. And perhaps, try a bit, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. It turns out that there are trends out there worth trying on. For me, it was these. What trends have you been trying on this season?

Investment Piece: Trying It On

Below I’ve linked both this exact dress (with a slip under!) and current lug sole boots I’m loving. If you try them on I would love to know about it!
XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Trying it on

Sunday Chronicles: Halloween Costumes (FAIL)

Investment Piece: FAshion Halloween

We know that I love Halloween. Or as I call it, Fashion Halloween. Getting together a costume, making it a bit high fashion, shooting it- I love every minute of it.

This year, I had grand plans- but what’s that saying? The best laid plans….or the way to make God laugh is tell him your plans. Either way, my best fashion Halloween plans have been more like a Halloween costume fail.

Investment Piece: Halloween Costume Fail

My big plan this year? Get the kitten in on my costume (there may be some truth to the warning that animals and small children will always upstage you). I was going to get my little kitten in a dinosaur head gear, and I was going to be a Dinsoaur hunter (aka sarfari chic).

However, someone said “hard pass” to their costume.

Investment Piece: Halloween Costumes Fail

Cartier, my cat, wouldn’t put on the costume at all. She’d play with it (till she ignored it), but try to put it on and she would bite and scratch.
So, I scrapped that plan (though you could argue that she was just getting into character). Instead, I thought that both Cartier and I could be princesses (I have a whole closet section of party dresses and some of them could be very Princess!)

And yet…
Investment Piece: Halloween costume fail

The dinosaur went over better. Cartier wouldn’t even come near her crown. (Until after I stopped trying to shoot anything when she decided to play with the cord).

Part of this has been my fault, this year I waited till the last minute to do our costumes, I was so excited about them, I didn’t even stop to think that they might not work! With Cartier deciding she was out, I had to choose- scrape it all or go it alone. And mind you, I had less than a day.

Investment Piece: I put a spell on you

When you’re on deadline,you do what you can with what you have. My Halloween costume plans had failed- but luckily I always have a backup. This “bad witch” shirt is one of my faves. Paired with a devil’s horn headband? Last minute costume. Cartier? She can be one of my little imps (no headdress required).

Next year, will not be a fail (I’m already planning and ordering!). In the meantime, this bad witch is excited about welcoming trick-or-treaters tonight, and watching Hocus Pocus. However, you’re celebrating and no matter your costume, Happy Halloween!

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

Fall Colors

Investment Piece: Fall Colors

Black is classic. I love it- and my closet will attest to that. Neutrals are also a love of mine, they’re so easy to match with anything, always chic, and a neutral monochrome look is one of my go-to’s when I need to feel pulled together. And if you haven’t caught on- grey is one of my favorite colors (is it a mix of black and neutrals? Its own category?)

But lately. Even though it’s a bit unexpected. Even though there are times when it feels a bit daring. Even when I worry that I shouldn’t. I’m playing with colors for fall. And not just the colors you may associate with fall (or the colors I associate with fall): reds, yellows, etc. The fall colors I’ve been playing with are like these Lavendar cords: softer, brighter, unpredictable, and yet- stunning.

Investment Piece: Fall Colors

Lavendar is one of those colors that I love, but I don’t think of wearing all that often. Then I do- and it’s just wonderful. I love that it’s almost neutral, but still a standout. I love that we think of pastels as a spring palate, but that this shade now seems like fall to me. Lavendar now appears in the fall leaves for me, in the fall sunsets, in all the fall colors.

And if a color can surprise us this fall (then turn out to be a classic) what else could?

Investment Piece: Fall Colors

Some notes about these fall colors:

-If you’re exploring your own fall color and are a little bit worried about how season appropriate the color is, make sure the fabric is seasonal. These are cords, so even if the color can feel light, the fabric makes it a bit more grounded. And I love a great cord- they truly feel like fall to me.

-while I’ve linked a few cord options for you below, these are actually from the little girl section of Target. I know- a bit much. And not an option for everyone. But sometimes I play in the teen and pre-teen section. So much of that is not cut for a woman’s body, my style, etc. BUT. Sometimes I come across a gem like these- high rise, wide leg, and they fit perfectly. (Play with sizes if you’re going to experiment in this section) The other great reward? These pants were only $20!

Add a great sweater and a fall mule- all the fall colors you could ever need.

Investment Piece: Fall Colors

I’ve linked these exact pants and other options for you below. Happy fall!
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!

Cat Eyed

Investment Piece: Cat Eyed

It’s my personal opinion that leopard is a neutral. I’m also of the opinion that this is old news.
So. If leopard is a neutral, how can we play with it? How can we make this old news new again?

First- I have spent years – YEARS- hiding the fact that I wear glasses. I mean- usually contacts, but over the pandemic, I tended towards my glasses. It’s not that I think my glasses are nerdy (they’re cat eye! How could they be anything but chic!), but that it’s was just in my head that it’s a “thing” to wear glasses. So, I just didn’t. But. There’s something about this combo, the leopard, the crop, that just felt like it was the time to bring out the cat eye.

And what is leopard than a cat eye? (A classic, a neutral, a needed thing – but a bit of a pop)

I love this version: cropped, pleated, shoulder pads. It’s vintage, and while the rest of the outfit is modern, I can’t help but feel that the whole outfit is a bit of a throw back. Hence the cat eye. Perhaps the way to make old new is to revisit the old.

Oh. And add a cat-eye.

Investment Piece: cat eyed

The great thing about this cat eye (jacket and my glasses) is that they go with everything. I have worn this jacket with a dress, a knit skirt set, my pjs, leggings, and honestly whatever I have on. From black to hot pink, it’s both a neutral and a stand out, and now a go-to. My glasses? I’m slowly but surely getting over wearing them (I wear them all the time in real life, but for pictures!), yes, you’ll see me a lot in contacts. But I hope there is always a bit of that cat eye in me.

How are you wearing leopard right now? And I would love to chat about glasses! Do you wear them? Do you hide that you wear them? Why are we like that?

While this jacket is vintage, I’ve linked modern options as well as these exact shoes (so comfy) and pants and top!
Xo RA

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

Investment Piece: cat eyed

Ex Files: The Friend

Investment Piece: The Friend

It’s that time of the month when I attempt to be Carrie Bradshaw, aka my own personal dating horror stories. If this speaks to you (or you just love the drama!) you can search ex files over in the search box for more, or may I suggest The BreakUp Text, Dudes and Nudes, The One Who Got Married. This month is a doozy- and sadly I didn’t break up with the dude over this (in my defense I was 23), but without further ado may I present The One Who Lied About a Party. Got Dating Horror Stories? I would love to hear them! Maybe we can even chat about you being featured! Xoxo RA

The Friend

First and foremost, let me say that I do think that men and women can just be friends. Truly, I do. And yet- I think we’ve all had friendships in which feelings were developed, by one or the other friend, sometimes both! On top of that, I think that sometimes we can flirt with our friends. As long as no boundaries are crossed, and everyone is ok with it- I get it.

But what about the friends who don’t respect boundaries? The ones who seem to get mad at you when you don’t reciprocate the feelings that they’ve developed? Can you keep the friendship going?

For years, I was friends with Mark. We found the same things funny, loved sports, and really rooted for each other in our romantic endeavors. He was the one that I could go over any text from any guy with, then joke about whatever game was on. We wanted VASTLY different things out of our romantic partners, so I never thought feelings would develop for either of us.

Yet. There were times that Mark and I would flirt. Very innocently, and the few times he crossed the line I felt comfortable talking to him about it and we would be ok. Then, I went through a breakup, and like many things in times of transition, I changed my schedule. I got out more, I wasn’t available as much. That seemed to make Mark mad. It felt like every text I got was a bit angry, had a biting remark about my schedule, and he seemed mad at me that my breakup plan didn’t involve him.

I told Mark that while I cared deeply about his friendship, that I only ever wanted to be his friend. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I also didn’t want him to be mad at me for that. Mark seemed to take it well and things were ok between us.

For a month or so.

Then he began making highly sexual comments and jokes. I would tell him that it made me uncomfortable and he would tell me to learn to take a joke. Which of course, was a red flag for me. When this happened for the 5th time, I simply blocked him. I just didn’t want to hassle with someone violating my boundaries over and over. And while I miss his friendship, so much of that had been turned into anger and someone who didn’t seem to respect me- so there isn’t much to miss.

How would you handle a situation like that? Have you been able to save a friendship that’s been through that?

Xo RA

Fall Party

Investment Piece: Fall Party

Have I ever met a party dress I didn’t like?
I honestly can’t recall.
Which probably says a lot more about me than it does about party dresses. And yet, I can tell you all the details, nuances, reasons why I love all the party dresses I have (and have missed out on).
This one? It’s every so slightly vintage inspired- that tent shape, that neck bow, that low back. It’s so comfy (I mean, it’s the perfect dress to eat or drink ANYTHING in) but oh-so-chic. With just-so-slight kitten heels, it lets me feel like it’s the 1960s while being completely modern. This combo has become my new go-to for fall parties (even the virtual ones),

Pro-tip- with dresses (or tops) that show off my back, I like to wear my hair up. I feel as if it shows off the statement of the dress!

Investment Piece: Fall Party

This dress is Staud. Over the pandemic they’ve become one of my favorite brands, I love the vintage feel of these clothes, with modern touches. And every single piece I have from Staud has been so comfy and flattering.

No matter if you’re going to parties or staying in, they have never let me down. This exact dress is sold out, but below I’ve linked some of my current favorite Staud dresses, and these EXACT shoes (they’re Kate Spade and they’re on sale!)

Investment Piece: Fall Party

A quick note about fall parties. I know so many of us (me included) are not yet comfortable with big crowds (a pandemic will do that to you). Has the fact that I’m not going to parties stopped me from buying party dresses? Not at all. But it has changed the way I’m wearing them (aka at home or with a mask). Please wear and go where you feel safe- and know that the right party dress will always feel great at home!

My shopping picks are linked below. What fall party are you headed to this weekend?
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: Fall Party

Fashion Stories: Her Mom’s Dress

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

As someone who is just fascinated by the stories we tell with our fashion, the things we keep, the ones we let go of, and the stories the get told after we’re gone- it’s always a honor when someone gifts me a special fashion item.

This dress is chic enough on its own: the way you can wear it on or off the shoulder. With or without a belt. With almost any shoe, heel, boots, even sneakers. The tassel tie. It’s a vintage Arpeja-California, under the label Young Edwardian. Known for their styles influenced by 1960s British boutique fashion, retro trends, and focusing on youth and trend-oriented clothing, one of my favorite things about the brand is that its ads featured Lynda Carter.

If Wonder Woman likes it, it has to be fantastic!
Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress
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I’ve worn this dress to a neighborhood party. To run errands. And to meet a friend for lunch.

But what makes this dress so incredibly special to me? It’s from one of my dearest, bestest friend’s mom. That would be so kind on its own, but not only did my friend’s mom pass down the dress, she passed down her story of it. My friend’s mom wore this number to a wedding in the 1970s. It made her feel magic and sparkly, and she hung onto until this summer when it was gifted to me- to make more magic in it.

To be trusted with that, to be given the chance to carry on someone’s fashion story? It’s much more than a dress (which I love), it’s a honor. I only hope to give this dress all the stories it deserves.

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

What thing has been passed down to you? How are you carrying on its fashion story?
I would love to hear all about it!
Xo RA