Sunday Chronicles: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

movie poster-pink- with an older woman in a skirt suit and hate, holding a briefcase with Dior dresses, a man raising his hat and two women in the background with text Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

This week I went to the movies for the first time since the pandemic started. There’s a whole post to be written about my love for movies, how I used to go at least once a week, and how nervous I was to go back to the movie theater. I did wear my mask the whole time, chose a smaller theater, and a weekday matinee. All which made me feel more comfortable. But. This post is about Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, which was not only a great movie to see (and about fashion!) but a movie that reminded me why I love movies and stories so SO much.

Not giving the entire plot away, but in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris a London cleaning lady in 1957 saves up to buy herself a Dior dress (when it was still all couture), and her adventures doing so. I will never be the one to discourage you from saving and buying yourself something beautiful (Dior dress or not), but that wasn’t the only thing I loved about this movie!

I loved that Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris reminded me that:

Fashion is Magical
an older woman in a teal cardigan and red hat looks on in awe , behind her sit a woman in a floral dress and a man in a black suit

When Mrs. Harris gets to Paris, specifically to the House of Dior, she stumbles into a fashion show. Her expressions during the display of dresses, suits, coats, and hats is simply one of awe. She even claps at certain looks. I understand that impulse- I’ve clapped when buying shoes. But it was a reminder that fashion is magical, it can make you feel things, it’s awe inspiring. Yes, fashion is functional and tells our stories, and is often beautiful, but I think that sometimes we forget that the combination of all of those many things that fashion is can be magic. And sometimes, in a couture house, or when we see fashion that moves us, or when fashion is incredibly beautiful, I think the appropriate response is to call it magic and be awe struck by it.

Fashion is mad of details
One scene in the movie, one of the workers gives Mrs. Harris a tour of the Dior workroom. From buttons to patterns to embellishments, there was an attention to detail- from the magical to the mundane. Yes, the movie reminded me that fashion (and we) are magic, but there is also function, business, work, and detail that goes into fashion. Yes, there are conversations to be had about who makes our clothes, how they make them, and our own needed details. I loved that this movie- about the magic of fashion- took the time to point them out. And it was also a reminder to me that the little things about our outfits- the ones we think maybe no one notices? They matter.

Our Stories Matter
In the film, Mrs. Harris is a simple war window, a cleaner called an “invisible woman” by more than one person. Yet her story- falling in love with a dress, yearning for that beauty, saving and coming to live out her dream inspires others. From love to work, Mrs. Harris inspires and changes the lives of those who she comes into contact with. In this blog I’ve made it my mission to tell our stories, with fashion, to make sure that our stories matter. There was a part in the movie where it’s mentioned that even if Mrs. Harris is simply going to keep her Dior dress for herself that it’s worth it, and I agree with that. I also agree with the notion that the stories we tell- who we are, what we do, what we wear, can change others.

There is so much more to this movie. I truly loved every minute of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (I may have to get back to the theater more often!), and highly suggest seeing it! It’s also a book (which I’m reading), and I believe that you can get the entire Mrs. Harris series (she also goes to New York and Moscow!) on Kindle for under $10!! And because of who I am, and the stories I tell, I did make my movie going outfit an occasion:
a woman in a blue silt shirt, white pleated silk skirt, studded brown sandals stands in front of a red wall, brown door, sink
(The skirt is vintage Dior because I love a theme!)

Have you made it back to the movies? Have you seen (or read) Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris? What were your take aways?

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

Pool Style

a woman in snakeskin one piece swimsuit and wedges blue and white shirt dress and bucket hat in front of a pool and hedge
a woman in snakeskin one piece swimsuit and wedges blue and white shirt dress and bucket hat in front of a pool and hedge
a woman in snakeskin one piece swimsuit and wedges blue and white shirt dress and bucket hat in front of a pool and hedge

I’m one of those that will wear my swim as fashion (see ,
here, and herehere/a> and you can search swim in the search bar

But. While we’re here, let’s chat about pool style. Do I wear different swim suits for fashion and for the pool? Yes.  I am that friend who will wear swimsuits with my skirts and pants and shorts, and then absolutely change into a different swim suit to get into the water.

a woman lounges on a chair by the pool in a striped shirt dress, wedges, a bucket straw hat in front of a pool and green hedges

And yet, there is an overlap between my pool style and my swim style (aka I am also a firm believer in looking chic in your coverups!). In both on the street and by the pool, I want to look my best- which for me usually means a great pair of shoes- and while matchy-matchy isn’t a thing I religiously adhere to, I want the outfit to go together. For the pool? I err a bit more on the practical side, but still am a fan of statements.

Like this snakeskin print one piece. Practical enough to swim laps in, but chic enough to turn heads (and if you did want to wear it on the street, I think using this suit as a bodysuit with black pants would be very 1950’s chic- It’s linked for you below!). A shirt dress as a cover up (and of course with a swim suit you don’t have to button up!) that also double as a great day dress. And of course, a great pair of shoes and a hat (this one is my favorite summer hat, it provides coverage and is chic!).

a woman walking from the pool in a snakeskin one piece swim suit, open striped shirt dress, straw bucket hat and wedges

There is nothing wrong with throwing on a pair of cut-offs or a sarong over your swimsuit, or even an old teeshirt. I’ve done all of that! This season I’ve been partial to terry cloth separates. No matter what suit I’m wearing, or what I have over it, I do like to think that my pool style is an extension of my style -just another story I’m telling. What do you wear to the pool? Do you think of your pool attire as style?

a woman in a striped shirt dress and straw bucket hat, wedges, walking away by a pool and hedgesNote: This post does contain affiliatelinks. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman by a pool in a snakeskin swimsuit, an open striped shirt dress, wedges and a straw bucket hat

Summer Fashion

I’m still under the weather but am dreaming about swim, summer, and how we can all beat the heat. In
the meantime enjoy this video of swim styles

Hopefully, I’ll be back to myself asap, and will break down some current swim styles.

XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Sick

Investment Piece: Day Off

I had big plans for this weekend – from posts to IRL plans. And yet, they’ve all been put on hold as I’ve been under the weather. Because of the pandemic, of course I’m worried about it being Covid (I’m currently just achy and have a sore throat so I’m hoping not!). I did have the Omicron variant in January- and I didn’t talk about it. Partly as I wanted to see how it played out (I was lucky and had a mild case but did deal with lingering symptoms, one of my fears of getting another variant); and partly as talking about being sick isn’t something I’m skilled at.

Also, partly as I was hoping if I didn’t address ha I bc Covid it wouldn’t affect us here.

I spent yesterday laying low, doing the bare minimum, taking care of myself. At the end of the day I was feeling better than I did when I woke up. There is a chance this is something – but I’m crossing my fingers it’s a little bit of being run down and I get over asap. But. This time I want to talk about it- my fears about being sick, how it might affect me, and include us in the process. We (all of us) have been dealing with the pandemic and it just seems silly not to be honest about our personal experiences.

There is a new outfit post tomorrow, and as of now it doesn’t seem as if any of our shoot plans or posts will be affected. If I do end up having Covid I will let you know (again, let’s hope I’m not!) and if the schedule changes here I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, let’s take care of each other out there. If you have any tips to get over any illness quickly I’m all ears!

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

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Yes, I love this dress so much we shot it twice! I love the simplicity of it. From the fron it’s simply a t-shirt dress, but from the back–oh from the back! It’s backless! And it’s both sexy and yet still simple. It goes great with heels, as well as with sandals. I’ve worn this to dinner, and out running errands. It’s just perfect!

The surprising thing about this dress? At first glance, it’s not my color. If you know me you know that orange and I usually don’t mix. Usually I’m more of a purple person, or classic black, or red. But there’s something about this shade of orange, just bright enough to feel like summer but not SO orange. (We’re sticking with that).

Perhaps, much like a basic that is really a statement, there’s something to be said about things that aren’t what they seem on the surface.  In all honesty, everything about this dress was a bit shocking for me-from the out-of-my-comfort-zone color, to the length (I do still worry about being a bit too old for mini dresses), and while I love a bit of back showing, this one felt a bit risqué. But all together, it’s perfect and somehow me.

Shouldn’t our choices give us room to shock (even us) a bit? Give us a bit of room to grow? I like to think so. And choosing dresses that sometimes aren’t what we would think we would choose for ourselves can expand how we think about ourselves. OR just look amazing at a weekend brunch 🙂

This dress was custom, but I’ve linked similar dresses that are new and fantastic for you below. I hope that your weekend is full of the best kind of surprising plans!
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!

Sparkle Swim

a woman in a green sparkle green one shoulder one piece swimsuit with a green sparkle sarong over it in nude heels in front of a pool and green hedges
a woman lounging on a bench in front of a lake in a pair of white shorts, a green one shoulder body suit and green mules
a woman in green one piece one shoulder sparkle swim and matching sarong with nude heels with a pool and green hedges and pool

I’ve never been one to NOT wear swim with EVERYTHING (see here, here, here, and more if you search swim in our side bar!) but this sparkle swim is a bit special. Because sparkle elevates everything. From pool side to outside outfits (I didn’t know what else to call the outfits I make with swimsuits), a little bit of glitz always makes what would usually be a pool day be a day of glamour.

And if there is anything I LOVE it’s a bit of glamour.

Especially when it’s incredibly hot and feels as if everything is a bit more difficult than it should be- you may be a bit of glamour.

I’ll be honest- I’ve never been one to like glitter (it always felt a bit of a LOT) but in this set- the one piece and the sarong, it feels just the right bit of sparkle. Together as a set, and wearing the one piece as a body suit with shorts (or pants or skirts!), this sparkle swim feels like a breath of fresh air- and all that we might need right now.

a woman in white shorts and a green sparkle one piece one shoulder swim in front of a bench and a lake
a woman in e one shoulder one piece green sparkle swimsuit with a matching sarong in front of a pool and a hedge

And then , this set got me to thinking- what’s the difference between sparkle and glamour? Why am I so open to one while being resistant to another? Is it the wording? The association I have with the terms? Why is one better (or different) than the other?

And ya know, I don’t know that I have great answers for you. I’ve always associated glamour with old Hollywood, old money, high end things and sparkle with fads, trends, and for lack of a better word-cheap.Yet, this sparkle swim set left me feeling glamorous. So, perhaps my associations were lacking, or misguided. Or maybe sparkle and glamour can mean the same things.

the back of a woman in white shorts and a green sparkle one piece swim suit in font of a bench and a lake

Maybe, in my rush to judge, and think of myself in a certain light (don’t lie, we all do it), I’ve overlooked sparkle in the chase of glamour. When all along, they may have been the same thing (at least some of the time). All I know is that this sparkle swim, and all the sparkle swim I’ve seen this season, has been glamorous. And perhaps my strive for glamour has always had a bit of sparkle (from sequins or these sparkles or any of the other sequins and sparkles found in the search bar). Maybe sparkle has always been my thing?

My thing has always been swim so it wouldn’t be that far off. As for the difference between sparkle and glamour, as of now, I’m leaning towards sparkle as glamour- based on my experience with this swim set. What do you think?

I’ve linked the exact swim and similar shorts for your shopping pleasure below! I would love to know your thoughts on the difference between sparkle and glamour- please let me know in the comments!
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!

Snd love the heels? They’re my beloved Sarah Flint’s and you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your own pair!

a woman sits on a bench in front of a lake in white shorts and a one shoulder green sparkle swim suit and green heels

Sunday Chronicles: Burnout

A woman in white pants, a red and white striped shirt holds a big hat over her face as she stands in front of a pool

Everyone I know is burned out right now. The toll of the last few years seems to be taking its tool, and my loved ones (and me) are over tired, over sensitive, and overwhelmed. If you google burnout what turns up is: Burnout is a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It’s a result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress. In many cases, burnout is related to one’s job. Burnout happens when you’re overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to keep up with life’s incessant demands. Which is a great definition. And may accurately describe our collective state during this time due to the incessant nature of everything.

What’s not super clear when you google burnout is how to cure it.

It’s not just my loved ones, I have to admit that I’m a bit burned out too. I’m wiped, at times finding it difficult to be passionate about the things I care about, and in general I have little to no energy. My burnout is not an all day everything issue, but I am beginning to notice it. Remember on Wednesday when I was all excited to revamp everything? While that’s still my plan, I haven’t found the energy to start on anything, and even the things I feel excited about I’m still kinda “meh” about.

I’ve spent some time this week chatting with more than one friend, and they are all feeling the same way. So, my question is: if we know that we’re burned out what do we do about it?

Google has advice like “rest, journal, exercise, get help”- which are all great suggestions. But what if you’re doing all those things and still dealing with burnout?

The answers for that seem to be a bit more vague, especially as so much of the collective burnout isn’t work related, but related to the Pandemic, the state of the world, and all of the things we don’t have control over. So, what am I doing about my own burnout? I am resting more, and at the same time trying to get into a routine that serves me (aka not staying up super late watching old reruns!). I’m bringing back a sense of play, aka letting myself move (swim, dance) just for fun, and getting in my closet and exploring. I’m also making it a point to spend time with friends and people I love.

Is it a quick cure? Not at all. But my desire for the revamp (and all good things) also keeps me going a bit. Are you dealing with some burnout right now? How are you “curing” it? What helps? I’m open to any and all tips- and if I find something that works great, I will pass it along!

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

(Mini) Skirting It

Investment Piece: (MIni) Skirting It
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting it
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It

Know what I hate? The idea that something is too “young” (or too “old”) for a certain age group. Yes- there’s dressing appropriately, but if you feel great in something, why shouldn’t you wear it? Yet. While I would tell you that you can wear all the things that make you happy, I sometimes also worry that my choices are too “young”. Or that I shouldn’t wear something because of my age.

For example, mini skirts. Part of my issue is that I worry my height is too much (my solution to that is to make sure that any mini skirt I buy isn’t too loose, for example this number I sized up so it wouldn’t be short and tight!), but I also worry that I’m too old for mini skirts.

And loves, I would like to think that I’m not too old for anything. Following your own advise it tough, but, I decided to mini skirt the issue and wear what makes me happy. And this skirt, these colors- how could you not be happy in it?

Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It
Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It

Maybe skirting the issue (mini or otherwise) comes down to a little bit of bravery. Or confidence. It may seem silly, but wearing a mini skirt seemed like a big deal to me. However, wearing it was so fun. I didn’t feel old, I felt empowered. Mainly by the fact that I was wearing something that brought me joy!

Some styling notes:
– as mentioned above, I did size up so that the skirt wasn’t too tight. Although this skirt is so stretchy! It’s incredibly comfy (and there’s room enough for shorts underneath if that makes you comfortable!)

-I paired it with a blouse to balance the look. Although from bikini tops to tank tops to sweatshirts, this skirt would go with so many things

-I wore flats as again I was worried about my height. But. I might get even more daring and wear it with wedges or heels!

Investment Piece: Mini SKirting It

What time are you avoiding wearing because of something you “should” wear? How would it feel to wear it instead? I would love to hear about it!

I’ve linked this skirt a few others like it below so you can mini skirt it with me!
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!

Revamp

a blonde woman in a red jacket and a sequined striped maxi skirt sits on the edge of a white bathtub

It’s July. And hot. We’re officially in the throes of summer, and while it’s normally the time for vacations and taking off, this year I’m planning to spend the height of summer in a slightly different way. For me, it’s time to do a little revamp. Of my closet-cleaning it out, really editing it, and then adding pieces that I need. Of my house- it’s in need of a deep clean and some editing too! And of my schedule- I want to make sure that I’m spending time where I want to! I am also thinking of revamping this site. From series that I have sorta let slide over the pandemic to new series and systems I want to try, I’m looking to make this space even better. Why am I bringing this up?

You’re such an important of this site! Are there things that you would like to see here? Anything you’re missing? What would you like to see revamped? Let me know in the comments or email me! I will start working on making everything a bit better– while still attempting to get in summer!

I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
XO RA