In a bit of a throw back- yes, this was baby blogger Rachel’s first video! I’ve taken this footage and re-edited it, as shoe stretching (aka getting fabulous shoes than having a time limit on how long I can wear them due to tightness and blisters) is something I’m still dealing with- and spoiler alert these methods still work!
At the end of the day, I’m a shoe lover and yet have a firm policy of no shoe left behind. Which means that I sometimes let myself fall in love with shoes that need a bit of stretch, or to be broken in. I understand that the super logical stance would be to not buy shoes that are the least bit tight or rub or pinch. But is that realistic?
Not for me, at least.
For me, the best I can hope for is that the fabulous shoes that I love that are just a tad bit uncomfortable stretch out very quickly? But, if not? I have ways of making that happen!
How do you stretch out or deal with shoes that you MUST have but are a bit too tight?
xo RA
I’ve also updated my shoe stretchers! Linked below for you are the best (and most cost efficient!) shoe stretchers I’ve found. For me, if I put these in shoes and let them sit a day or so I can see a HUGE difference!
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!
With everything that’s happening in the world, it’s difficult not to question what we’re doing here. And I don’t just mean here- in my tiny little corner of the internet- but in general. Here. This rings especially true for those of us who’s pursuits are more of the creative kind. As I think about the suffering and the potential for destruction that’s happening around the world, I can’t help but wonder- is fashion frivolous? Should we be putting our energy into something else?
I don’t make light of anything that’s happening. It’s heartbreaking and important and everyone in the Ukraine and in war’s path needs and deserves our support and care. Those heavy things deserve our attention and our care (even when doing so is hard). And yet- I can’t bring myself to tell you that fashion is frivolous, that it doesn’t matter.
Yes, maybe now is not the time to be shopping thoughtlessly; perhaps our outfits aren’t the foremost things in our minds. But. While there is not a magic outfit that could bring about world peace (how I wish there were), I still firmly believe that fashion is simply a means with which we tell our stories. And now, more than ever, our stories matter.
I think it’s easy (and a bit lazy) to call fashion frivolous. In some instances, fashion is a luxury, it can be a hobby, and fashion is easy to look down upon as it doesn’t offer any solutions to heavy problems. Yet. Fashion is a trade, a skill, an art. The men and women who make textiles and craft our garments are skilled workers who provide us with at the least a form of shelter and at most, storytelling material.
Even when things are hard and heavy, even perhaps when we aren’t always paying attention to what we’re wearing, our fashion tells our story- from uniforms to support to statements. And our stories matter. The story that we’re telling now may be heavy, but it may also be hopeful. Maybe it’s a story of support for people who are suffering, maybe what you wear lets someone know you’re an ally. Perhaps what you wear tells the story of survival, getting through the day, the story of revolution.
And maybe, by telling our stories we give others the permission to tell theirs.
There are a lot of stories out there right now. Stories that deserve our attention and our help and our reverence. Some of those stories are being today with fashion. So, how can we call fashion frivolous?
(I’m not even getting into how fashion can be a release, can make you feel good, can give you something to look forward to.Fashion can also be joyful, and even in hard ship joy is necessary and sacred. This is a mulit-layered topic, but I think it starts with the understanding that fashion is meaningful.)
I know right now we’re all aware of the world and its suffering, I am and I don’t want to make light of any of it. It’s not the time for carefree frolic of any kind. But, even though there is no magic peace outfit, maybe our fashion (and the support of those who make it) is a part of the solution and not some distraction? (Though if you need a distraction right now there is nothing wrong with that!)
I don’t concede that fashion is frivolous because fashion is a part of who we are, and we all matter.
Wishing us all a week of peace, hope, and amazing shoes. Slava Ukraini!
XO RA
It may not quite be spring, but we’re getting there. Outside it’s getting warmer, which always makes me want to dress- I don’t know if daring is the word- but as things seem to come alive I want my outfits to be more alive as well. So. Leather?
I know that leather doesn’t seem like a spring fabric, it can be heavy, but how could this number- with the cut outs, the apron tie, the carwash slits be anything but alive and daring like spring?
Some very quick style notes:
-This skirt was on my wishlist forever, it’s A.W.A.K.E Mode, a British designer who is known for their modern takes on classics. I just LOVE them
-As this skirt needs to go over something, it’s seasonless. For cooler spring days I’m loving it over a lighter sweater dress, but it also goes over shirt dresses, sundresses, even bike shorts. It’s both a statement piece and incredibly versatile. I’ve even been tempted to wear it over my workout leggings when I’ve been leaving pilates class!
-I did need to size up- there’s no stretch and to get it to tie (those do loosen with wear a bit, as you can see in pictures), so you might want to as well. Also, if you’re planning on wearing this stunner over more bulky items you will need to!
-these shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints.The arch support alone makes them worth it, as does the fact they go with everything. Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your own pair of Sarah Flints (any style!)
-This is not the first year I’ve welcomed warmer temps with leathers and suedes. See here and here!
Maybe what I love about spring in leather is that it’s a bit unexpected. Not the pastels or florals we’ve been conditioned to associate with the turning of the season. Yet- is there anything better to transition from winter to spring in? Leather lets you layer (this leather skirt in particular), keeps you just warm enough (spring is not summer. Though sometimes the temps forget that!), and lets you master the in between spaces of seasons. Ironically enough, I think that there are years I wear more leather in spring than in winter.
What about you? Do you wear leather in spring? How do you feel about stand out leather? What would you ear this skirt over? I would love to hear about all of it! I’ve linked this exact skirt and dress for your styling pleasure 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!
It’s usually the Sunday when we do Ex Files here (the place where I share dating horror stories that happen to me and my beloveds). Yet, today with all that’s happening in the world I couldn’t bring myself to write out a story about dating- I can’t stop thinking about Ukraine. The people, the fight in the them, the leadership of their president. Of course, like many of you, I’m wondering how I can support them, what I should do- and how our stories of fashion fit in this moment. It’s a lot to think about, and I realize I’m in a position of safety and privilege to sit back and think.
I don’t know that I have the answers. What I know is that I highly admire the Ukraine people, the bravery of their president, and that I’m so in awe of their stories. Even related to Ex Files, have you heard the Tinder stories coming out of the Russian war? Evidently Russian soldiers have been attempting to match with Ukrainian women over Tinder- depending on the stories you read either the soldiers are using the women for intel or the Ukraine women who are using the intel to give to the Ukraine army. I like to think Tinder is being used to for good, and if given the chance, would love to read those dating stories.
I also know that we’re each given talents, mine are stories and fashion. At times like these, it can feel as if those talents aren’t needed- but stories like the Tinder one above, remind me that our stories are what we have- and are worth fighting for, maybe the only things worth fighting for. And that on top of telling stories, we can support. If you’re moved to give to help support Ukraine at this time I suggest finding a charity that speaks to you (for me so far it’s been WCK for Ukraine but I know there are so many many great places to give out there). If you need a place to start try here and here.
This week as I’ve struggled to know what to say I’ve been reminded that any work we do to stand up to evil or be good tugs at the big threads that connect us all, and works to unravel all that needs unraveling. Maybe it’s fashion or stories, supporting from afar or up close, what we do is important- and the small things we do can add up to big things.
As overwhelmed and unsure I’ve been this week, I’ve gained strength and inspiration from Ukraine (ironic as I would love to help them). May we all have the bravery of the Ukraines this week, and may we all find our own ways to support them.
Wishing us all a week of strength, peace, and amazing shoes! XO RA
We chatted yesterday about minor holidays, and here we are- in the midst of one. I hope that you get some time off today, or if not, I hope you get to treat yourself. (I have to work but may have to clock out a bit early this afternoon for some sale shopping!). As I mentioned, I often know if these holidays because of the sales, which is never a bad way to find out about anything!
From designer goods to jeans to coats, shoes and more- here are some of my favorite things on sale around the internet (you can shop some more with me by following me in the LTK and ShopStyle apps! I’ll be updating all day!). Many of these things are in bag at these shops- what are you shopping for?
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!)
Nordstrom Sale
From Designer Shoes to Chic Jeans, what seems like almost everything is up to 60% off at Nordstrom. Boots, sandals, and even some swim, this is what I’m loving:
Crew
One of the best sales of President’s Day! Get an extra 60% off sale- from shoes to sequins- with code WARMUP
Rebecca Taylor
Get an extra 25% off romantic favorites from Rebecca Taylor with code EXTRA25
Kate Spade
Some of the chicest bags and shoes for Spring, an extra 25% off with code BLOOM at Kate Spade
Frame Denim
Some of my favorite jeans are Frame (they help show off your assets) and these cuts beyond (think leather and knits) are all up to 70% off!
Bags? Shoes? Coats? Jeans? Dresses? What are you shopping for this minor holiday? I hope you’re finding ways to treat yourself- and I can’t wait to see what we all end up buying!
XO RA
When I was a kid, I was extremely aware of every day we had off school. I tracked them, I looked forward to them, from in-service days to long winter breaks I always had them in my calendar, had plans (even to just stay home) and could name them. As an adult, I wish I could be on top of holidays. It’s not that I don’t know the major ones, or do my calendar, but unless I have major plans often minor holidays escape my attention.
Sad? True? I often know it’s holiday like President’s Day (our current minor holiday in America) because of the sales.
And sales are something I’m a big fan of (tomorrow I’ll be sharing my sales picks!). But I also think holidays- even the minor ones- are something worth celebrating. Maybe it’s that as I get older I more and more understand that we shouldn’t “save” things for special occasions (every day is special), or maybe it’s that any chance I get to relax or travel or be with people I love is a chance I want to take advantage of- but minor holidays are beginning to be some of my favorites.
Ironic when you consider I have a more difficult time keeping track of them.
While when I was in school these minor holidays were something I had plans for, and now they as often sneak up on me and they come as a wonderful surprise! Imagine- suddenly discovering you have a day off!** If you’ve been planning for days like President’s day trips, parties, may be on your calendar. Yet, maybe you’re like me and Monday being a holiday was something you learned about via sales emails. And while I have things I “could” do, there’s not a deadline I must meet. Meaning, this minor holiday is my day- to rest, recoup, watch tv, shop, anything my heart desires.
**Side note, I know not every minor holiday is a day off, as many companies or fields don’t always give time off. There have been plenty of holidays that I’ve spent working-maybe that’s part of why I can sometimes have a difficult time remembering them!
How decant is a day where you don’t have to do anything? There is, of course, the idea that we should use these minor holidays to “get ahead” and work on things- and while that’s valid, and I may do a bit of that- I’m trying to take minor holidays as a time to use for me. In any of those wonderful ways I mentioned above.
So, if you need me tomorrow I may be on the couch, or online shopping, or watching movies, anything that leaves me ready to face the rest of the week at my best! What do you do on minor holidays? How are you spending your President’s Day?
Wishing us all a week of celebrating and amazing shoes! XO RA
Is there anything more classic than a pair of loafers? My parents both tell stories about their penny loafers, buying new shoes for school, and the wanting to fit in with their loafers. I remember Cole Haan loafers being what the “cool kids” wore in Jr High, and desperately wanting them. (My mom wouldn’t spend that on growing feet, my mom and I no longer discuss shoe budgets ;))
Maybe it’s that loafers go with almost everything (from jeans to pants, skirts to dresses, suits to casual wear), maybe it’s that there’s always a new version of the loafer, whatever it is, loafers are a wardrobe staple.
The good news about loafers being so classic is that no matter what kind of loafers you like- simple, platform, with tassels, without tassels- there’s a loafer for you. And you have so many shopping options, new or vintage. Vintage loafers are one of my most favorite things to shop for (Etsy and eBay are my go-tos) and I can’t pass a shoe section (at a department store or anywhere) without looking at loafers. My current faves are loafers that are mules!
What about you? What do you wear your loafers with? And what kind are your fave loaders?
Below I’ve linked some of my current favorite loafers from vintage to modern for your shopping pleasure!
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!
It’s the big day for romance! As much as I chat about not being the biggest fan of Valentine’s, I do love a good night out, I do love romance, and I love a good party dress. And a party dress that’s a bit romantic and somewhere to wear it? How could I not love that?
As you know, I believe that we use our fashion to tell our stories- and the thing about love is that there are so many stories, and so many things that are romantic. From nights in, wearing great lounge wear, to first or big date jitters, and the perfect dress. Little gestures – one of my boyfriends would pause the beginning of the show Ozarks for me so I could see all the symbols, to big gestures- flowers and jewelry, etc. What kind of story are you telling tonight/today? Is there a perfect outfit that you found first that you made plans around or did you make plans and find an outfit?
After finding this perfect dress, the lace and those details, I couldn’t help but plan my Valentine’s around it. And can you blame me with a dress this great?
This black lace dress is a vintage Oscar de la Renta (I want to say 1964 but I may be misremembering) and when I saw it I fell in love. There is no love like fashion love. The black lace, the high neck, the bow around the waist. The small details- the flare sleeve, the lace on the skirt, the slit on the black. When I put it on I not only felt beautiful, I felt powerful. There is something about a dress that commands attention, it makes me feel as if I’m worthy of the attention. Dresses like this one make me feel in control of the story, a feeling love. And when those feelings look like this, it’s just heaven!
(This is a vintage number and as we all know some of the magic of vintage is that there is only one, but I’ve found you similar dresses and linked them below).
Since I have the dress and I have the love, all I needed was a plan. I took my love to a magical restaurant where it feels like we’re stepping back in time. There’s a big fountain, all these stone walls, some trees. Surroundings like this make going out to dinner feel like an event. And as we all know, events need dresses. I’m so grateful that love and lace go together.
I hope that no matter what you do today you feel loved and that the outfit is one that tells an amazing story.
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!
For many people it’s a big weekend: Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, but as this is the weekend it “falls on” several people have been celebrating this weekend; and today is the Super Bowl! If you’re American, even if you’re not a huge football fan, this is a day of good eats and socializing. We chat about ways to say “I love you”, date night looks, and sometimes sports. Often, we don’t think those things overlap, but is there any combination more loving and yummy than love and food?
Food is one of the traditional ways to let someone know you care, to take care of them, to woo them. All over the internet you’ll find recipes for things like “engagement chicken”, “commitment chicken” and meals to make him your own. No matter what your love language, we all speak good food. And no matter what we think, food is a way to say I love you, to woo, to ensure commitment, to care for the people we love.
I’ve written about loving football before (here) but I know there are a ton of people who don’t. Yet, I don’t always think of the Super Bowl as a football day. Even when I’ve cared about the game, I’ve been more concerned about the food. From snacks to big meals, the Super Bowl is also a big food day.
If we have food and we have love, what more do we need? It’s a big weekend indeed.
I love love, and I love good snacks. I’ve spent the weekend celebrating love and today I’m so thrilled to add football food to the mix. Today I’m super excited to be able to spend time with people I love and eat things that are just AMAZING. I’ve been thinking and planning about what to serve all week, but if you’re still on the fix or what to serve today, or how to say I love you might I recommend the following!
Over the pandemic I’ve become a HUGE fan of a great charcuterie board, and today is a great day for one:
Pro tip: don’t be afraid to experiment! Mix cheeses and meats and all the crunchy things. Lately some of my favorite additions have been artichoke pesto and plantain chips. Read all my cheese board tips here
It’s also a great day for other great foods- like pizza and nachos. I’m a huge fan of a great nacho and pizza (well, I eat the Cauliflower kind) is one of my staples. A few years ago I detailed some of my favorite Super Bowl Foods (see here and I have to say they all look temping!
And because it is a day of love, might I also recommend some great enchiladas?
A hearty meal and a great way to say I love you! (and keep you full for 4 quarters) Get my recipe here
This year, as both a way to say I love you and to have great snacks, I’m leaning towards a HUGE charcuterie board with all my fave goat cheeses and crackers. What are you serving for the big game? How have you been expressing your love this weekend?
Wishing us all a week of good snacks and amazing food! XO RA
Or how to dress for Valentine’s with a sense of humor.
Maybe you’ve read some of my Valentine’s posts and you’re worried that I hate Valentine’s Day. That may be a valid worry, but let me assure you that I love love. (I even have Shark Love. And totally get a pass on that bad dad joke because of love.) Things I also love? Dressing with a sense of humor, sequin skirts, and outfits that work for any sort of date night (even Valentine’s Day).
***About Sharks. I couldn’t resist this sweater as it’s just so cheeky. BUT. There’s no way I’m the only one who’s fascinated by and scared by sharks all at the same time. After seeing “Jaws” for the first time, I didn’t get in the ocean for years. And did you know the Ocean is the love of my life?
Right now, there are articles out there that will tell you how to dress sexy or romantic on Valentine’s Day. And I get it. It’s a night (or day) of romance, and there’s not a thing wrong with dressing to theme. (I’m a fan of dressing to theme.) There’s also everything right with dressing to show your personality, and a sense of humor is one of my most favorite things to showcase. Even through, and especially with, my fashion.
Yes, this is the part where I let you know (again) how much I love juxatipositons and cheekiness.
Loves, it’s aok to love love and love to laugh. (Side bar: if you don’t love to laugh, are you ok? If you’re with someone who you can’t laugh with is that really a love you love? Would Shark Love help you?)
So, my take on a “great Valentine’s look” is a little cheeky, a little funny. No, it’s not my only one. But, can you resist the sparkles and the shark? That this is look is perfect for the office (with a different skirt) and for date night (with a skirt like this). To me, this look says you’re ready for love and you’re good with a great laugh. What’s more attractive than that?
Some notes:
-If you’re scared of sharks, another animal would work just as well here as would any graphic sweater or shirt (I hear hearts are popular this time of year)
-Another great skirt (leather, maybe?) could replace the sequins
-Love. But let you shine through. I know you’re fab and you’re loved for the real you.
Even if the real you loves Shark Love sweaters.
I’ve linked similar items below. Again, this is not my only “Valentine’s look” ( I do have something more traditional to show you!), but I’d love to know. What do you wear for Valentine’s?
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!
