Investment Piece – Page 55 – Everyday Editorial

Ponte-d

Invesment Piece: Ponte-d

Full disclosure? I took these pictures after getting my second vaccine shot. Those 15 mins we’re supposed to hang out to make sure that we don’t have any bad reactions? I put mine to use-I was also too excited to sit still, so it made sense! When I got my vaccine I was so grateful and happy and I hope that comes through (also, the side of this health clinic is a great backdrop!) This dress is Staud (they’re quickly becoming one of my favorite brands) and I had my eye on it for quite a while before I bought it. I planned to wear it somewhere special- and while the pandemic changed my plans-it turns out I did. I love hearing vaccine stories so please tell me yours!

Investment Piece: Ponte-d

Audrey Hepburn but a little more daring. 60s but more beachy. Those are the feelings I get when I put this number on. Both incredibly sophisticated and a little bit risqué. Maybe it was the excitement of getting the Vaxx, or just the way this dress made me feel, but I felt like I was making a statement. And yet- was comfy enough to go home and lay on the couch.

Do you think that special clothes make events stand out or do you think events make clothes seem special? It’s most likely a combination of the two. Either way, this dress felt special and the day felt like an event. And, on a Tuesday afternoon, feeling like I was ready for some Mad-Men-like soriee? I’ll take it.

You may be wondering if I’ll feel that way the next time I wear the dress. I trust I will. Every time I’ve tried it on it’s felt special. I don’t think that wears off. And if nothing else, the ponte fabric holds everything in and the leg slits make moving easy-peasy, and you can’t not feel special that way.

Investment Piece: Ponte-d

You can find the dress here or shop similar items and these shoes here. Yes- those are affiliate links, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

What did you wear to get Vaxxed? Or are you planning to wear something special? I highly recommend it!

Xo RA

Hard Pants

Investment Piece: Overthinking

I’ve had some fascinating conversations with friends lately. One about hard pants- the idea that after a year in “lock down” it’s been incredibly hard to imagine where you would willingly trade yoga pants- or lounge pants- or soft pants- for anything hard and high waisted that constrains you in any way. I’ve also had the “what kind of jeans are in” convo with friends with girlfriends who long for a low waist (not me) and those who want a high waist (me, I need it). The funny thing? I think both of these converstations are about the same thing (comfort and finding your style and what fits your body).

The good news? We are at a time when trends and being “in” is all subjective. Brands have at minimum 3-4 seasons backed up. Yes, we may be seeing things out and about, but really anything goes. The better news? We are hopefully at an age- over 18, a year into a pandemic that the best trend, the in thing is what looks good on your body. And that’s what you buy. And wear. And celebrate.

Investment Piece: hard pants

My friend who is worried about Jean styles? This is what I told her: I’m not a low waist gal. And yes. They (low waist jeans) may be coming back in style. My issue? If you measure from my crotch to my hips it’s 9 inches. From there to my natural waist? Another 10 inches. I’m super long waisted. Most “low” waisted styles don’t even cover all my things. I need at least a 9 inch rise. Really I need a 11-14 inch rise. But. I take what I can get. I know that low rise can look so amazing on so many people. And I want those people to get what looks best on them. But. For me- I need a high rise. So. I will always pick that, no matter what’s in style, no matter what else is offered.

I chose the hard pants that look good on me.

And maybe the hard pants that are for you aren’t jeans. That’s ok (true story, I didn’t wear jeans regularly till after college).
Maybe it’s leggings.
Or trousers.
Or skirts.
Or party dresses.

I won’t judge any of it. I think the hard part of hard pants should be figuring out what pants (or non pants) look best on you. The rest? Just choosing those. Admist the trends. And your friends. And what looks good on other people.

Investment Piece: #OOTD Roundup

We may have different definitions of hard pants- maybe they’re jeans or high waisted or tight. My wish is that the hardest part of any of your outfits is finding what you love. The rest? That’s the soft and easy part!

Are you nervous about hard pants? What does that mean to you? Are you a low or a high waist gal? Please tell me all about it!

Xo RA

Below I’ve linked some of my fave high waisted looks (I’m partial). If you want low waisted, yoga pants, etc- stay tuned- and please let me know! I can send curated looks to you!

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

Cut It Out

Investment Piece: Cut It Out

Lately I’ve been hopeful. Maybe it’s spring and all the budding (especially after the winter). Maybe it’s the change that’s in the air (especially after last year). Being hopeful is thrilling and intoxicating- it feels like so much can happen. Like anything.

But being hopeful is also scary. A part of me wants to tell me to cut it out.

It’s not that I’m superstitious (just a little stitous). But when you’re hopeful, while there is so much that can happen, there are also so many ways in which you can be let down. And being let down can hurt. Especially after a year that was incredibly painful and full of loss.
I want to be hopeful, but it sometimes feels safer to not be. And then, I want to tell me to cut that out too.
Because what is the point of all this- the flowers, the beginnings, the great dresses if we don’t believe in the possibilities they contain?
Maybe the balance is cutting it out just enough- being hopeful and being grounded. Hard to manage? I’m willing to try.

Investment Piece: cut It Out

Cut outs have been in and out of style since the 1960s. And like me- sometimes they are hopeful. Sometimes they are disappointing. And this year, like the buds on the trees, they are everywhere. My tips? Don’t go too tight (yoy don’t want to be squeezing out of the cutout). You can choose how daring the cutouts and what to show- some styles are nothing but cut outs, others, like this one, are cut out on the modest side. Fancy. Casual. Wear the cut out to a beach or to a wedding.

And we aren’t even touching on worrying about looking certain ways in cut-outs. That’s a whole other blog.

You can be as hopeful or as shy as you want in your cut out. Maybe that’s why in this time- when things are beginning to feel hopeful and yet is a bit scary- I’m wearing something that’s both hopeful and scary. And daring and modest.

I’m cutting it out- the bad attitudes and fear. I’m sticking to hope. And wearing cut outs.
Wanna cut it out with me?

Investment Piece: Cut it Out

This exact dress has sold out but I’ve linked similar and I’ve linked these exact shoes (chic and under $30!)
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: Cut It Out

Sunday Chronicles: Vaxxed

Investment Piece: Vaxxed

I got my second Pfizer vaccine shot this week. And while I did have some side effects (more on that!), it was the highlight of my week. I’m not a doctor, and I hope I’m preaching to the choir here, but this is my impassioned plea for us all to get vaccinated. This pandemic has been hard on all of us, for various reasons. The vaccine is the way for us to get herd immunity – and be able to hug (and shop together).

You may have concerns- some of them may be valid. But in weighing all the options, I knew that the vaccine was the way to go for me. And I’m so grateful that my friends and family have made the same choice. I want to be honest, I did have some side effects. My fatigue and brain fog were both intense. I was feverish for 2 days after my second shot. My arm and lymph nodes were swollen for a while. (Everyone’s reaction will vary!)But all of that was so much better than getting Covid, or being in the position to give Covid to someone I love.

Because I was warned that the second dose of the vaccine might leave you drained, I was prepared. Even though I was sick-ish for a bit of the week, it was the best sick week! I had worked ahead, all I had to do was the bare minimum so I took the chance to lay on the couch, watch bad TV, sleep in, and enjoy being a bit lazy. In my case, water, sleep, hot baths, and mild exercise (walks and stretching), as well as Advil, helped. I felt like myself a little less than 3 days after my shot.

This year has been so hard, and it’s been hard to be apart. Getting vaccinated is how we can make it back to being together. I believe in science, know that vaccines won’t trace you, trust that doctors want what’s best for us. I trust the vaccine, and I hope that you do too.

Have you gotten vaccinated yet? Are you planning to? I would love to hear about your experiences!

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

Spring Leather

Investment Piece: Spring Leather

Do you ever feel as if certain things belong to certain seasons? Costs in winter and swimsuits in summer- that sort of thing? And yes, there are things from each season that really only belong in certain seasons (or weather). You wouldn’t wear a bikini in snowstorm or a coat when it’s over 100 outside.

But. There are fashion things that fall in the grey areas-or more than one season. Yet, one of those appearing in a season you’re not expecting? Shocking. Wild. Edgy. But maybe, just a thing we should do.

Take for example- spring leather.

Investment Piece: Spring Leather

Spring leather (at least for me) has a brief window. Wait too long to wear it and it’s simply too hot outside (and there is nothing worse than sweating in leather). But in the few weeks when spring is really spring- warm but not too hot, and there’s just enough of a cool breeze now and again? Spring leather is my go to.

It’s just surprising enough to make a statement. It’s enough to make you feel like a bit edgy and rebellious. And when it’s refined (like this number. And it’s on sale! I’ve linked it for you below!), it’s the best of all worlds- even when the party is only in your backyard. I love the smocked waist and the puff sleeves. It would go great with flats. Or heels. And from fall to spring, you can be cool (without getting too hot).

I love being a little bit unexpected. Finding new seasons to wear my clothes in. And dresses like this one.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’re wearing this season? How are you wearing it? I would love to hear all about it!
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: Spring Leather

Now and Then: Puff Sleeves

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

I am endlessly fascinated by how trends come back. Today’s example: puff sleeves. Usually when I think of puff sleeves, I think of little girls. Sweetness. Innocence. But they are back in a big way- from dresses to statement tops.

Part of the appeal of puff sleeves, to me, is that they can make such an impression, but can also be so simple. A dress with puff sleeves? Instant looker, even if the rest of the dress is just a dress.

**** ok. I don’t believe in “just a dress”. I mean to say simple. Elegant.

And as many puff sleeves that you can get today, there are just as many puff sleeves way back when. 1930s? Puff sleeves. 40s? Puff sleeves. 70s? Puff sleeves? 80s and 90s? Puff sleeves (I even wore some of those!)

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

The joy of having things in both now and then is that you can find, choose, get the exact version of the trend that’s perfect for you. All while staying on trend. It’s win/win! From 1930s to super modern, there’s a puff sleeve out there that’s just for you. I’ve linked puff sleeves below that are both vintage and modern.

This is a trend to play with, enjoy. Wear puff sleeves from back then and right now. See what fits. What you love. Maybe there’s a puff sleeve to pass down to the ladies who come after us.

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves
And if you were thinking that you had seen these puff sleeves before- you’re right! This was the dress that I wore for my birthday last year, seen here. My own little version of now and then. (I’ve also talked about puff sleeves here. Some trends never die, they just come back endlessly. Lucky us!)

What kind of puff sleeves are you wearing?
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: Puff Sleeves

Spring Greens

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Sometimes, but only sometimes, when we think we don’t love a thing maybe it’s just that we haven’t had the right thing. I know I worded that awkwardly, but the sentiment is true. For years I thought that I didn’t really like gin. Didn’t hate it. But didn’t love it. During the pandemic I began experimenting with cocktails- turns out one of my faves is a French75 (made with gin), and one of my new fave things is Empress 1908 gin (it’s purple!). It wasn’t that I didn’t like gin, but I hadn’t had the right gin.

The same is true with green. I never hated green. I’ve worn green. But it’s always been a hit or miss thing for me. A sign of spring- yes! And while I love it on the trees, I always thought it looked better in nature than on me. Turns out, I was just waiting for the right green. My own spring green. And my loves, I think this is it.

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Knit. Just slightly metallic (lurex even maybe). Pleated. Just the hint of ballerina. And while slinky, ever so forgiving. I found this Missoni number resale (but I did find you similar below) and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I thought that green wasn’t for me. But this green? This spring? It’s perfect.

I feel amazing in it- and by amazing I mean both like my best self and better than that, ready for a red carpet or to dance the night away at some chic, gone by disco. It could be the cut or the high-end knit. But really, for me it’s the color. Just like the green that spring brings, this shade on me feels new and renewed- all at the same time.

And if a dress (or a drink) can make me see things in a new light- make me realize that they may in fact be for me- what else have I been blind to. What other great things are out there waiting for me?

That’s the hope that I’m hanging onto this spring, and that’s the feeling this green gives me. I wish that you find something that makes you feel the same way. Again, this was resale (really, it is the best) but I found you similar- both new and vintage!
Xo RA

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

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Extra

Investment Piece: Extra

So. The thing is: I’m extra. I tend to feel too much, talk too much, and I over dress too much.

Really. In the before I wasn’t afraid to show up in nice dresses and loud outfits. In the after, I can only imagine that many of my outfits will include cocktail dresses, sequins. I have over a year of outfits that no one saw (and I take pictures of so many of my outfits!), so get excited for that.

When I was younger, I was a bit embarrassed about how extra I could be. Often times I didn’t even know that I was being extra- working on my emotions and rambling is one thing, but it’s taken years to realize that my idea of what to wear and other people’s expectations can be very different, and how to both not care and regulate my outfits. However, the older I get the more ok I am with being extra. With really being who I am- even when it means I’m over dressed.

Investment Piece: Extra

It’s not that I want (ever) to show people up or show off or any of those things. But I tend to love big fashion. To think that cocktail(ish) dresses are more casual than they are. To not think that I’m overdressed at all and then find out people are only wearing sweats.

And yes, I used to come up with excuses and worry. But now? I just roll with it. I think that dressing well is a part of my love language – I dress up for you as I’m THAT excited to see you and to do things with you. My closet is full of pieces that are standouts, and I love wearing them in all situations.

Investment Piece: Extra

These pants are some of the most fabulous pants I’ve ever owned. Lame. Somewhat sheer. No matter what I wear them with- from tshirts and tank tops up- they make a statement. I’ve worn them with a bit of everything, but never out anywhere. I’m a little like these pants- no matter what or where I am, I can be a bit extra. The thing is- I no longer fight it. I’m comfortable being extra and I trust that I can be loved for that.

Pants like this shouldn’t be hidden away- and neither should you. Isn’t it funny when fashion teaches us a lesson?

These pants are vintage, but I’ve found similar ones for you 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!

Fashion Stories: Childhood Trends

This week I am so thrilled and grateful to be featured in Voyage Austin. Both the process of this interview and while giving it, I couldn’t help but think about our stories. And our fashion. And what shapes both. It’s always funny as I always think I’m SO DIFFERENT in various stages of my life, but when I look back- there’s always a through line.

This was one of my first fashion stories, chatting about childhood fashion and what I still wear. Believe it or not, I think about it all the time- or I should say I think about how my fashion has stayed constant. The fashion that really makes me who I am.

The Voyage article is so nice- and it’s even niecer to tie it back to what I’ve been wearing for life.
Xo RA

Loves, as you know, I’m a big believer that fashion helps us tell our stories. And our stories matter. This summer, I’ve spent a lot of time helping my mom clean out many things. In mom’s house? A lot of baby pictures, which got me to thinking:

Last month we talked wedding dresses (see here) and yes, those are an item most of us can’t get out of our closet. Another item we tend to hold onto? Baby clothes (though my mom has mine boxed in the attic, but still). It made me wonder: does how we dress as children influence how we dress as adults? Are the things that were in our closets as kids still in our closets?

In my case, yes!! I was never one to turn down a party dress (I refused to wear pants till I was 5); and I’m still very partial to a great party dress (and shoes). There are direct lines between what I wore (and many times a day I changed) as a kid, and what I wear (and how many times a day I change) a day now. Ironically enough, my mom used to take pictures of all of my baby outfits, now I take pictures of my outfits. Everything comes around?

I hope you enjoy this video I made about these thoughts. I’d love to know:
What was in your closet as a kid? What can’t you get rid of? Did what you wear then affect what you wear now?

XO RA

***Note: I think I ramble too much. At one point, what I was trying to explain was I danced as a kid (yes, I still wear leotards around), and it got me in the habit of wearing a bun ALL the time

Spring Shades

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

Isn’t it funny how when things start changing colors in spring, our clothes start changing colors too? Almost every year, about this time, there’s an influx of color- be it brights or pastels- that is a deviation from winter. And every year, about this time, I’m surprised by how much I’m drawn to the new spring shades.

It’s not that I spend my winters only wearing black. But. Spring can make me feel like I’m drab, and adding in spring shades makes me feel brand new. New colors, new cuts, new me. I’m like the flowers- I bloom.

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

The spring shade I’m loving this year? Lavender. Just a slightly sweet version of purple, but it doesn’t feel saccrine sweet to me. Skirts. Dresses. Tops. Shoes. You can get anything and everything in lavender. But one of my favorite things? This jumpsuit. I bought it on a whim-but it’s become a corner stone of my spring wardrobe. The shade? Perfect. And these shoes? White felt daring (and super spring like) and the slip on is one of my faves.

Both are linked for you below! The jumpsuit great deal because it’s under $30, but I’ve worn it at least 3 times a week-it’s so easy to throw on and look chic. A sizing note- I wanted it a little over sized so I got a size bigger than I normally would have- I think it’s perfect. I also have a long torso and have been so happy that it’s a great length for me!

What spring shades are you loving and wearing?
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: Spring Shades