Where to Shop: autark

Investment Piece: Autark

Last year, at Austin Fashion Week, I had the great pleasure of meeting and falling in love with autark, and it’s designer/owner Sophia McMahon. From puff sleeve dresses and tops, to the ethical and slow approach, the pieces in each collection of Autark are just dreamy, and make me feel sophisticated and the little girl in me LOVES twirling in them! Sophia is charming, and we both love our cats and “Law and Order”, and I knew that I wanted to share my love of Sophia’s autark with you!

Investment Piece: Autark
Investment Piece: Where to Shop Autark

I got the chance to sit with Sophia and learn a bit about her brand, her story, and where she wants to take us with her fashion:

IP: What drew you to fashion design? How did you get started?

I was always interested in design, but a lot more academically focussed while I was at school. After I finished school and went to university, I worked for a couple of years in a completely different career – I enjoyed it but didn’t feel challenged. After taking some time to consider my career direction, I decided to take a leap and pursue the interest I’d always had, but felt a little to afraid to chase after. I enrolled at TAFE here in South Australia, and started autark straight after graduating in 2016.

How would you describe Autark’s mission? Who do you design for?

My mission is quite lofty – it’s to change the way that consumers think about their clothing. Firstly, I want people to think differently about the clothes they buy – what clothes they purchase and how often, how they care for the clothes that they own, and what they do with them at the end of the life of the clothing. My wish for customers is that they don’t feel the pressure of purchasing more often, that they buy well made, beautiful pieces that they can wear much more frequently, but that last for a long time.

Secondly, I want people to know that slow fashion can be fun, light and fashion forward! The aim for my pieces is that they are versatile and classic, yet with a design perspective or point of interest.

I design for women of all ages, who are interested in fashion and design, ethics, and who know their own mind. I absolutely adore seeing customers in autark pieces – it really gives me a buzz like nothing else.

Investment Piece: Autark

I know that your line is Eco-friendly. What processes do you use to get your line that way?

I am so proud of our progress in the way that we approach limiting our impact in as many different areas of our process as possible.

All of our pieces are still made here in Adelaide, Australia, which is wonderful – it’s fantastic being able to build relationships with our manufacturers and see their beautiful work in real time. We are also really excited that our next collection will be made entirely from deadstock fabric, which is fabric that was not utilised by its previous owner. And of course, all fabric continues to be 100% natural fibres.

For the future we are focussing on further refining our processes particularly in regards to the sustainability of our practices, and will be exploring different ways of processing our fabric offcuts, as well as the kinds of finishings we use for our pieces. It’s something that we work to improve on a continuous basis.

Take us through the Autark process-design, manufacturing, etc.

We are currently producing one collection per year, so throughout the year I collate inspiration and design ideas. I’ll then start sourcing fabrics and try to match fabric and design ideas together. Next comes the sampling, to see how the fabrics work with the designs, which then flows on to production.

There is a lot of problem solving at every step of the way, but it keeps me on my toes!

Investment Piece: Autark

If someone was to buy just one piece from your line, what would you recommend? What would you say is your signature piece?

That’s a really tricky one to answer! Can I say an outfit? Probably the Puff Sleeve Bodice and High Waisted Pant. I just adore this outfit – to me it epitomises what I am trying to achieve with the label. Two classic pieces that can be put together as one statement outfit, which can then be broken apart to be dressed up or down. I love this outfit with heels, or sneakers, the pant with a t-shirt, and the bodice with jeans. The possibilities are practically endless!

I know the fashion community in Australia is supportive and welcoming. Is there anything you’d love people to know about it?

I’m so proud of our local industry here in Adelaide, and as a greater whole in Australia. There is so much talent here, and in my opinion a really unique, fresh and easy design perspective. The Adelaide community in particular is creative, proactive and energetic, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

Investment Piece: where to shop Autark

My favorite pieces from Autark are also the puff sleeve pieces! (You can shop the dress and top) I urge to explore all the collections at autark. The collections are so beautiful, classic, and charming! Sophia, autark, and Australia are things I love, and this month a portion of proceeds from Autark will be donated to the wildfire relief in Australia, so we can all feel great about shopping!

I hope that you love Sophia and autark as much as I do, happy shopping!
Xo RA

Dino Casual

investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, blogger, Dino causal
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, Dino causal
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories,

The thing about me is that I do fancy (for some reason) much more easily than I do causal. Perhaps it’s that I try too hard, or maybe I just love a party dress too much- but I can over think jeans and a tee shirt see here. And yes, everything I laid out then is still true, for some reason party dresses, pants, looks, etc come easy to me. I wear casual looks every day- from work out gear (which sometimes I don’t ever change out of) to jeans- but I have a much harder time styling and shooting those looks.

Another way I try to explain this to everyone is that I do extremes well- I can go big or I dress as if I should stay at home. The in betweens? I always feel like I should do something more with them.

However, maybe it’s because it’s a Monday after a holiday and I’m tired, or maybe because the past few years just putting on jeans and a tee has felt like dressing UP, I’m becoming more and more curious about the in-betweens. Playing with just jeans and a tee, showing you some of my day- to-day style. Not that I will EVER stop buying and shooting party dresses (I can’t), but I’m into a bit more casual.

A close up of a woman in a dino printed button down and jeans in front of a white fence
a woman in a Dino printed button down and jeans with cream platform sandals on in front of a white fence

This is my version of casual. Great jeans and great shoes. And because I can’t resist a little something- a fun print.

Another weird thing about me? I love dinosaurs.Like little kid love them. I get excited when I see them and can’t help but want all the Dino things. And I also wear dinos- from sweat pants to button downs. My best tip for Dino fashion purchase? The kids section of Target. As in, yes- that’s a shirt from the little boy’s section (my best tip is that often the kids’ XL is perfect sizing. I highly recommend! If nothing else, it gives you another place to play with your style).

Do dinos (or any graphic that speaks to you) count as casual? Why or why not? And does this count as casual if I simply adore these shoes and think they’re special (as well as what I want to wear all summer)? I’m not sure. But I know this is how I’m doing casual, and it feels like it’s right. Perfect for a casual workday or dinner, and great for the fancy kind of errands.

a woman in a Dino print shirt and jeans with sandals in front of a white fence

How do you do casual? What are your go-tos? And how do you combat the need to make it all a bit special (or is that just me)?

Below I’ve linked the details to this outfit. I can’t wait to hear about your casual dinos and more!
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!

woman in Dino print button down and jeans in front of a white fencen

Styling Spring Caftans

a woman in a silk sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a White House
a woman in a silk sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a White House
a woman in a silk sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a White House

I have a thing for caftans -see here, here, and here for starters. There is something so chic about caftans to me- very Palm Springs, very “oh I just threw this on but look like a movie star”, very “I’m so fabulous I don’t have to try”. You may think of caftans as more “grandma chic” (I get it, I thought I would get into caftans as I aged), but truly, caftans aren’t for the old, nor do they make you look old. They’re simply chic. And once I got into caftans, I just can’t help but want to wear them to everything.

And beyond that, caftans are very forgiving, meaning at any spring celebration you can eat and drink your heart out and still feel comfy in your outfit. An important feature in my book!

a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house

I started wearing caftans regularly during the Covid lockdowns. Over on Instagram (@racheladelicia) I started a weekly series called “Cocktails and Caftans” where I would learn (or show off my skills) a new cocktail and wear a fabulous caftan. The idea was a virtual happy hour at home and an excuse to “dress up”, while still wearing comfortable “lounge-ish” outfits. Who knew that it would start me wearing caftans all the time?

For all the above reasons, and because-to me at least- caftans are special. They border ease and glamour so effortlessly- even styling them is a breeze. Most caftans don’t need much. A pair of shoes (and everything from flat sandals to your highest platforms go). Sometimes some jewelry. With this caftan I lucked out (it’s from Pickled Vintage, one of my faves), the sleeves and the yoke are beaded, it’s sheer and the print is so festive, all it really needs is a pair of great heels to make it party ready. These are my beloved Sarah Flints, and you can get $50 off your own pair with the code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE.

Originally, I got this caftan as an option to wear to a cousin’s wedding- but I don’t think I can wait that long!

a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house
a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house

What’s something that you can’t help but come back to over and over? Most of us would say jeans, sundresses, etc- but it’s becoming increasingly clear to me that caftans are on my list. And why not? From weddings to simply hanging out in your back yard, there’s a caftan for that. They make you feel easily glam, no matter the occasion and go with almost any shoe. When I show up in a caftan, please don’t be surprised- but I hope you’ll be in one too!

I highly recommend vintage caftans (and Pickled Vintage!) but I’ve also rounded up some of my favorite modern caftans for you below!

Happy Caftan 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!

a woman in a sheer caftan with orange and blue flowers on it stands in front of a blooming tree and a white house

April Showers

woman in a checked dress and rain boots looks for rain in a green garden
a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checking for rain in a green garden surrounded by a fence and a white wall

What do you wear when it’s rainy? I know, I know- we’re not supposed to let the weather dictate our clothes- but we kinda do. When it’s cold do we not dress for it? In the warmer temps you aren’t reaching for wool. So, it makes sense that when it rains, it would affect what we wear. And yes, as a shoe lover, I’m mainly thinking of April showers affecting footwear choices. We don’t want special shoes getting ruined by a rainy afternoon!

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots in a green garden

If you’re looking to keep great shoes great and not dry, I know that the easy answer is to simply wear rain boots when it rains. I knew that answer- I’ll be honest my hesitation about rain boots is that they have not always been cute in the past (more on that below). And, when wearing rain boots, do you plan your outfit around them? Just wear rain boots with anything? Change into your “real” shoes for the day when you’re inside and out of the rain?

Rain boots might be the answer to April Showers, but I was still left with questions.

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

All those questions? This how I’ve started to answer them:

Remember just a few sentences ago, when I said that rain boots aren’t always cute. Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s not. Lately, especially, rain boots are chic, in all styles and all colors. And not just if you like a bigger boot (which I’m slowly loving lug sole boots with dresses, it’s taken a minute but the juxtaposition is growing on me!). Rain boots can be a chic shoe (some are too cute to wait for water!) so–I’m planning outfits around rain boots. Short ones, tall ones, black ones, purple ones. I’m also planning outfits around boots that are right on the border of being a rain boot (aka not a traditional rain boot but waterproof). It’s made rain days easier, and chicer.

(Note: when there is a more black tie affair I change my shoes when needed or look for a waterproof heel, but that’s a different post!)

a woman in a checked dress and rain boots checks for rain in a green garden

What’s your strategy for dealing with a rainy day? How does it affect your fashion choices? Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite current rain boots- I can’t wait to see how you style them!

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!

April Dresses Bring…..

Investment Piece: do it all
Investment Piece: In Blue
Investment Piece: April Dresses Bring

I’ve always been a dress girl. Always. Never hesitated to reach for a dress, wear a dress, suggest a dress. In fact, when I was 4 I went a year wearing princess dresses (or a variation thereof). I don’t think I owned my own jeans until I was in first grade.

I feel comfortable in dresses. They’re my go-to.

Especially in spring. And especially in the beginning of spring, when there is still a bit of a chill in the air. To me, a dress says that you’re ready for the warmer weather, that you’re ready for any surprises, and yet, that you’re staying warm and ready for now.

In a dress you can be ready for anything.

Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: April Dresses bring
Investment Piece: April Dresses Bring

So, while I buy (and wear) dresses year round, April is the time of year when I seem to only want dresses. To set the tone for spring and summer. To wear to nice places or to just hang out in the back yard (TBF there’s no rule that those things are mutually exclusive. I’ve dressed up to go to the back yard. I recommend it!)

I usually pick a few casual (ish) dresses that I plan to wear all through the season – throwing on for errands, lunches, movies, or being at home. And then I pick one (or two) exciting dresses- if nothing else to wear around the house on my birthday (in May). There’s a dress for every occasion (if not I’m a pro at helping you come up with one).

So. The question is: what dresses are you wearing this April? What are they bringing in? Adventure? Comfort? All of the above?

I’ve linked some of my current favorite dresses. One of them I know is perfect for April, and for bringing in a great summer.
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: Pop of Color

Sunday Chronicles: Reset Inspiration

I went to write about a reset this weekend. In all honesty? I’m burnt out (not due to the blog or fashion but being completely wiped leads me to being VERY uninspired and behind), and that on top of worldly events (war, pandemic, etc. I know we’re supposed to be over it all but what if we’re not?), and I’m currently trying to stay afloat. In a perfect world, we could all have some time off, some time to reset. However, in the world we’re in we’re often resetting on the go. How do we do it? What do we need to completely reset? I looked back at this post- and I’ve been doing the same things- movies, rest, some favorite foods, cat snuggles. I’m hoping that we’ll get to a point where I feel like myself again. In the meantime, I’m still looking for reset inspiration- and open to any and all ideas!

Xo RA
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories,

I’m going to call myself out on something I’m probably not supposed to:

Lately, I’ve been un-inspired.

Part of it has been my schedule. I’ve been a little overbooked, a little tired, and a little in need of time off. Forcing the issue: trying to plan shoots, outfits, doing the admin, all the things, has left me feeling really depleted.

The weird thing? I’m really excited about some of the things in the works. Outfits/shoots/collabs. There is so much good stuff coming!

So, where has my inspiration gone?

I’ve been battling massive headaches with the weather changes, and that could be a part. This month has just felt heavy in some ways, and that could be it.

But, I’ve made the decision that instead of forcing the inspiration this weekend, I would let it find me. So I took time off (could you tell?). I went to the movies (twice! A Star is Born for the second time and First Man-see them both!) I avoided social media. I vegged out. And by Sunday evening, I’m hoping that things are back to normal–that I’m inspired/working/excited.

My question for you, my loves, what do you do when you’re not inspired? How do work through when you’re depleted? Is there anything you would like to see on site? Are there any questions you have for me?

Comments and emails and DMs are all open! Tell me all about it!

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

FBF: Gucci Top

Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
Investment Piece: FBF Gucci Top

Fashion stylists and advisors will tell you all the time to buy things that will last you forever. Sometimes that means classics, sometimes that means labels, sometimes it means both. I bought this Gucci top years and years ago from RecessLA and when I got it I thought I was behind on building some of my collections. Turns out, I’m just ahead of myself. Because I loved this Gucci logo top then, and I love it now. I did a whole logo week around it (and other logo items, see here, here, and here). I also then read House of Gucci (and saw the movie!) and couldn’t help but notice that this top was in film- so I’m Gucci now, that’s how it works, right?

This top was a find at one of my favorites, Recess LA. And the originial post harks from the days when Investment Piece was me, my iPhone, and my gumption. We’ve come a long way. (And we still love logos!) This is all I originally wrote about this stunner of a Gucci top:

I’ve never been into wearing a ton of labels–but sometimes I can’t resist. (And weirdly the older I get the more I love certain labels, and yet had opinions about what not to wear labels on- something to discuss I’m sure!) I found this amazing vintage Gucci at one of my favorite LA stores, RecessLA, and fell in love–I mean look at that detail. Modern denim culottes make it feel fresh–and those slides are so comfy!

Yep. That was it. I mean it’s all true. Sadly, I let the crops and slides go in one of my closet clean outs. (Yes, there are times when I wish I had hung onto certain things). This Gucci logo top? Still in my closet. Still a go-to. I still love it with jeans. I love it with camel skirts. Or black pants. Maybe, I just love it. It was one of my first vintage logo pieces, and I can’t help but fawn over everything about it-the GGS, the hardware, the leather cuffs. It’s a classic and a standout, and maybe that’s what I love about all these logo pieces. What about you?

While this Gucci top is more than a FBF, it’s vintage I’ve found you similar and I’ve linked some similar picks of the whole outfit for you. Happy shopping!
XO RA

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

Overthinking (Jeans and a Tee)

Investment Piece: Jeans and a Tee
Investment Piece: Overthinking

I don’t post a lot of outfits that are just jeans and a tee. Part because there has never been a party dress I didn’t love (true since I was a tot). Part because I can overthink jeans and a tee. Talent? Weirdness?

Either way, the fact remains that I can call this Tuesday:
Investment Piece: Holiday Gown

And at the same time worry about jeans and a tee. Shooting this look? I worried that it wasn’t “enough”.

It’s not that I don’t’ wear jeans often, or just throw things on, or any combination of all the things. Jeans and a tee may be my “relaxed” go-to’s (as well as sundresses), but they can have me overthinking like nothing else.

Investment Piece: Overthinking
Investment Piece: Overthinking

The irony? I truly believe that a great pair of jeans are an investment piece. There is nothing like a pair that make you feel good, look good, can be dressed up or down, and make you feel like you.

***I personally think high rise is best, I have a naturally super high waist, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. But, if you like a low rise I get it–there are jeans out there for you.

Tees (and basic sweatshirts like this one) are my go-to’s from sleeping to workouts to pairing with skirts and pants.

So, why does pairing jeans and a tee together make me overthink so? (And yes, maybe that’s a question for therapy.) Is it that I feel that each outfit needs to make a statement? That it’s boring? Or is it simply that if I’m showing off fashion, that I feel like the SHINEST things should take the spotlight?

I don’t know. Now that I’m aware of this habit and overthinking tendency though, I’m actively challenging myself to be both a party dress lady and a jeans and a tee lady. We can be noth, right?

But, forgive me if I stick to my party dress ways for a while. They’re just too good not to!

I have linked jeans and sweatshirts I love (and even Vans, as I love a good Van!)

What outfit makes you overthink?

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: Overthinking

Sunday Chronicles: Effortless

Investment Piece: Effortless

There is a myth, or ideal really, that most American women–especially those who love fashion adhere to; that being “French”, or effortless is something to aspire to being. That somehow to be able to throw on anything and have it look perfect,to have your hair fall perfectly everyday; that it is possible to not really try and that you will look perfect and things will work out. And here’s the thing–this is true sometimes. We all have days where our hair is somehow perfect, and no matter what we put on it looks great, our careers and relationships just seem to click and flow; and everything requires minimal effort. I do love effortless days–they make everything seem easy and doable.

On the other hand, the great Tom Ford has said “Dressing well is a form of good manners”. I’m not saying to dress well and being effortless are mutually exclusive–but as much as we strive for effortless, let’s be honest–we all experience the other side of the coin too. We all have days where we have to think about what we wear, try on many options–put effort into our clothes. We have days where we have to spend time on hair and make-up, maybe put in extra effort into our relationships and career because it is needed. Is this effort a bad thing? Hopefully it pays off– and let’s be honest , there are times when putting in the effort is fun, it feels good to try sometimes.

I often long for effortless. It’s a dream to have every outfit be a hit, hair that always falls into place, things that come without too much hard work. Yet, I find I often have to put in effort. I can try (too hard at times) and there are still outfits that didn’t work, bad hair days, and things that came with intense amounts of effort.

Are these the only two options–putting in effort or being effortless? Are there the types of people who have to try and those who don’t? I don’t have all the answers–I know, that bums me out too. I do think that all of us are both of these types though. I believe that we are all capable of effortless days–and all have days where effort is required. Here’s the big epiphany- I don’t think that one is better than the other. Days where everything from your t-shirt to hair to relationship and career just work are amazing and you should cherish them. Days where you have to think and try for your outfit, lipstick, conversations and meetings are also amazing and you should cherish them.

And some days are in the middle- a mix of effort and effortlessness and those might be the most special of all.

Maybe effort and effortless are two sides of the same coin; maybe we need one to appreciate the other. Maybe aspiring to effortless is something you should do; maybe trying, even trying too hard occasionally, is something you should do too. All I know is that both can feel good–and that both kinds of days can be good. So this is my wish for us all: great days this week–whether that means you have to put effort into your hair or not and of course, amazing shoes.

xo RA

Dinos and Shade

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It’s Spring, which means that in the span of a day I go from freezing (am) to sweating (pm). The only thing that saves me? A great outfit and in the afternoons- shade. And this adorable dinosaur key chain from Coach also is making me incredibly happy. My fave gingham shirt (that looks great tied) and these pants (part mom, part cropped, and the structured satin! I’ve worn them dressed up and as a bathing suit cover up–they’re a new staple.) Even when it goes from 50-85 outside, these things make me feel cool–which is hot, right?

Side note- this week has felt like a month so I’m hoping that whatever you’re wearing is bring you joy and some coolness.
XO RA

This outfit is made from pieces that are seasons old- but I’ve found you modern (aka current ones!)
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!