This season there’s a “new”trend – lug sole boots. Here’s the thing, as someone who can remember the 1990s, I’m here to tell you that this is not the first time that lug sole boots are “in”, to be worn with everything from slip dresses to jeans.
Yes, I have feelings and thoughts about the 90s being back. Some of them are good. Some of them are ego based. The good news is that getting the chance to “redo” parts of my youth leaves me more free to choose what I really love. And, like many other trends, leaves me fascinated by what comes back and what trends we can buy vintage. Currently, I can’t stop thinking about lug sole boots.
In the 90s, all the cool kids wore lug sole boots (With slip dresses and flannel). Of course, at the time, a lot of those lug sole boots were Doc Martins (I can’t tell you how much I begged for a pair but as I was growing, the cheap kind- aka knock offs- were what my parents were willing to do) or combat boots. The options this time around are more plentiful, but if you’re looking both new and vintage, all of the sudden your options become limitless!
Some of the modern lug sole boots are so chic, streamlined, and perfect for dresses that I’m very tempted. Like these knee high boots from Madewell. I think they would go perfect with jeans and a blazer, or, for old time’s sake, a slip dress and some flannel.
Ironically, when this trend first came about I didn’t LOVE it. Of course, I’ve been 5’10 since I was 11 years old (yes, taller than all of the boys) and with bigger feet (about a size 9) it always felt like this style made me look bigger. Yet. When I started researching fall styles and saw this all over, from editorials to sales, I fell in love with some vintage lug sole boots. I can’t wait to wear them with my leggings and yes- even dresses. Maybe everything does deserve a second chance?
Pro tip- while I’ve linked some vintage lug sole boots for you below, some key words if you’re vintage searching yourself that are super helpful include: Lug Sole, 90s boots, Steve Madden, Doc Martin, combat boots, hiking boots, thick sole, fall boots.
What do you think? Are you pulling out old lug sole boots? Buying new? How do you feel about this trend being both a now and then situation? I would love to know all of your thoughts!
As usual, I’ve linked some of my faves- both now and then, aka new and vintage- for you below. Happy shopping!
Xo RA
Note: this post may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
We’re off shopping (please feel free to shop with us in the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle apps!) and enjoying the long weekend. We’ll be back Wednesday with more shopping, stories, outfits and more.
Perhaps this weekend is about travel for you. Or relaxing. Or the last hoorah of summer.
Maybe it’s a combination of all of the above.
Or perhaps. Most excitingly, maybe this weekend is about shopping for you (it is for me!). The long weekend sales have started and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Below I’ve linked some of my fave sales picks so far (of course the best way to shop with me is to follow me in the ShopLTK and ShopStyle apps. I’ll be updating there all weekend!)
Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s fun and you stay save!
Xo RA
Note this post may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Mother Denim Sale
Mother denim is one of my fave brands – their jeans hug me in all the right places and are classic and yet on trend. Get all my picks up to 50% off here.
Rebecca Taylor Sale
Rebecca Taylor is one of my go-toys for romantic looks. And this weekend you can get an extra 30% off sale with code SUMMER30. Shop my picks here
Club Monaco
Looking to buy new for fall this weekend? Get 25% off everything – yes! New arrivals- at Club Monaco this weekend with code BYESUMMER. Perfect work pieces, and a couple of lounge pieces (because WFH is still a thing!) Shop my picks here.
30% off at Madewell
Who doesn’t love Madewell jeans? And this weekend the jeans (and more) are on sale, and you can get an extra 30% off with code CHEERS! Shop my picks here
DL1961 Sale
Am I on a denim kick? Are you? I love DL1961 sculpt denim- it’s good on even your worst days. I promise! And this weekend, sculpt and new styles, classics, and more are all 15% off (yes, new styles) with code LABOR15. Shop some of my favorite styles here
No matter what you’re shopping for (or not) this weekend, I hope it’s a good one!
Xo RA
Why do I have a thing for short suits? I’m not 100% sure. Perhaps it’s that they are perfect for the season- I know, summer is technically “coming to an end” but it will most likely be SUPER hot through October. Maybe it’s because they’re easy (shorts/blazer/shoes- the easier outfit formula ever). Or there’s a chance that why I love a good short suit is that they’re a bit unexpected, a lot chic, and while they have a certain allure are easy to recreate over and over with all the things you may already own.
The short formula is so simple (And yet, really powerful). You simply need shorts- I prefer Bermuda, but really any a bit one the formal side, a blazer- I love a fitted one, or a vintage one, or any one!, and shoes- may I suggest loafers (or heels!). I almost guarantee that you have all of these things in your closet now (and of course I have shopping recs!). The trick is putting them together. For this suit I went with a monochrome look, though feel free to mix and match. Denim, color, pattern- there’s nothing super serious about a short suit so there is no need to take the short formula super seriously.
Side note: the above velevet loafers are my go-to for the Halloween season (I can’t resist how subtle they are). Lucky for me, they go great with oh-so-many outfits. Loafers, even the specialty ones, are always a great investment.
So. What short formula are you working with? Confession? I can’t wait to recreate this look in leather! What about you? Would you wear as a short suit?
I’ve linked options for this exact look below!
Also- I know that the southern part of the US is being battered by Hurricane Ida. And there are so many Afghan refugees starting their new lives this week. It’s overwhelming, and that’s not even mentioning the enduring pandemic. Things are a lot right now. All week I’ll be listing resources to help (only if you can! It’s a lot to just exist right now!) all the above on my socials. Our survival depends on each other, be kind out there.
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!
Every time I wear all white I feel as if I’m daring. Will I spill on it? Will it bring things on? Will it immediately get dirty?
Often the answer is yes. But. Sometimes, the answer is no. It’s the time of year when it just feels right to wear all the white pants and dresses that you can (no matter how you feel about the wearing white after Labor Day issue! Though if you feel the pressure to get in wearing white pants now I completely get you!). It also feels a bit daring, which I love. Who knows what will happen in all an all white outfit?
Sometimes what feels daring about wearing an all white outfit is that it can feel a bit bridal (which is not the look I’m going for, but I have been known to wear a wedding dress not for a wedding, see here). Sometimes it just feels daring to have attitude. And sometimes daring just feels like wearing what we want.
This has been a year. And the last year too. Wanna know a secret? I didn’t wear this outfit for any occasion or event. It was just what I put on a Monday. Shot it in my backyard. Like a lot of us, I’ve been staying in and what used to be my usual routine of out and about has been few and far between (still). So it felt daring to get DRESSED. Like for real dressed, not just for the couch dressed. To wear what I wanted. To wear what could make a mess. To wear what to me reads summer. Even as we head into fall.
There will always be talk of daring fashion. But. Sometimes, the most daring fashion you can wear is what you really want to wear- from sweat pants to ball gowns to an all white outfit for no reason. How are you daring in your fashion? How would you like to be more daring?
For me? I’m thinking of wearing what comes to mind more often, a few more party dresses, and for the end of summer, a bit more all white outfits. I would love to hear about your daring outfits!
These pants are vintage but I found similar for you! These shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints and you can use code SARAHFLINT_BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your first pair. I’ve linked similar items 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!
At the beginning of every season I get so excited about all the outfits to come. I plan so many things that I want to wear, I sometimes even get over zealous in thinking about all the things I want to wear. Then-especially in the past two years- life happens and all the outfits sometimes don’t end up happening. We change seasons, I get excited about the next one and the end of the season sometimes goes without me properly enjoying all those outfits.
This year. While I am looking forward to fall, I’m determined to enjoy the end of summer. End of summer will be full of great plans and greater outfits. I’m spending a day or so looking at outfits from summers (and summers past) thinking and planning out what I want my end of summer to look like.
Should I make sure to wear all my vintage swim?
Get in my fave summer shirt more than once? Maybe with white jeans?
Pull out all the straw acessories and the one of my most perfect summer dresses?
Spend some time in my summer robe (I only wear as a dress)?
Swim sweater?
Spend the end of summer in the best caftan?
Wear all white?
Wear all my bikini tops as tops?
More crochet?
Blazers with shorts?
This summer I attempted not to have too plans (I was worried about them not being fulfilled). But I did want to wear all the sundresses, all the swimsuits, and all the white sets. I haven’t worn everything that I wanted to yet, but I figure I still have a bit of time till the true end of summer is here. What did you want to wear this summer? What have you worn? What do you need to still wear? I’m still making my list and would love your I put- and of course I will share what I end up wearing!
There’s something about the color blue. I’ve always loved it, as it matches my eyes, but there’s something else about the shade. In art, blue was the most expensive shade, and could mean anything from holiness to royalty to mystery. And maybe that’s a part of the draw. There are a lot of us who love the shade, but that’s not the only reason why I love this dress.
This is in blue. And it comes in two parts: In Blue. Part One:
I’ve always loved a great party dress. And the greatest things about that? Any dress is a party dress.
It’s true. Just depends on what kind of party. (This where someone could tell you that the most important people to have in your life are the kind that make going to the grocery store a party. You could also be that kind of person! :))
My favorite kind of dress to wear in the summertime? Sundresses. Especially halter maxi ones, like this one. They can be dressed up or down (just change your shoes accordingly), and show just enough skin to feel like the season. From the beach to a soriee, a dress like this one can get you through the summer (and it travels like a dream). I’m partial to the blue, and those details, but really, any great halter dress will do!
In Blue. Part Two
I have a thing for vintage. This dress is Radley London, vintage from the 1960s/70s. I also have a thing for Ossie Clark. See here, here, and here. Radley London? It has a connect to Ossie.
Radley was a British clothing manufacturing company of the 1960s through the 1980s and owned by Alfred Radley. The company is best known for its association with the Quorum Boutique, of which it acquired controlling interest in 1969.
The designers at Quorum, Ossie Clark, and Alice Pollock, also did garments under the Radley label and many Radley garments borrowed design elements from the popular Quorum designers. The garment would be sketched by Clark, then Radley’s in-house designer would use the ideas to produce a variety of designs for Radley.
Rose Bradford was the designer employed by the Radley firm in the late 1960s to adapt the original designs of Ossie Clark into affordable licensed pieces under the Radley label (once they had come to the financial rescue of Alice Pollock and Ossie’s boutique, Quorum). Bradford seems to have been an extremely talented designer in her own right, designing under her own name for both the Radley and Quorum labels in the 1970s, but was always overshadowed by the many other designers Radley employed over the years. She is also rumoured to have wholly designed some pieces which were sold as Ossie Clark garments, as an experiment to see if this could work without Clark’s involvement.
Do I know who actually designed this dress?
Nope.
And that doesn’t change how much I love it.
But a dress this great, with a connection like that, and with details that will make my entire summer a party? I’m sold.
I’ve linked similar dresses below for your shopping pleasure! And want to hear all about your parties!!
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!
One of my favorite places to shop Radley London is eBay. I found this one for you, and there are a ton more!!
I began writing this piece in 2018- 2 WHOLE years ago, but never hit publish because I felt like I never got what I wanted to say right. Now, with Sex and the City Rebooting on HBOMax, I can’t help but think not only about what I got from the orginal airing (and the MUTLIPLE rematches I’ve done over the years), but also what I’m getting from the leaks from the reboot. Like- maybe friendship lasts or maybe walking away gracefully when a project isn’t for you is winning. I’m thinking about it all.
The orginal show had its issues, flaws, and I’m more able to see them the further away from my first viewing I get, but this show still means so much to me. Mainly as it was the first show where I felt really seen- and it felt like some of the choices I made in my young life (aka pursing acting and spending spare money on shoes rather than settling down) were ok.
Without further ado, here are my thoughts on Sex and The City I would love to know yours, and what this show meant to you, as well as your hopes and fears about the reboot!
Xo RA
Sex and the City TV series (1998-2004) starring Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Kim Cattrall as Samantha Jones, Kristin Davis as Charlotte York and Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes – dvdbash.com
Yes, my loves, it’s another take on Sex and the City Why did this one show affect so many of us so deeply?
It’s not just the amazing fashion that the show showcased; although, you could make the argument that it was the first fashion blog, and the fashion was fresh, amazing, provocative, and more than a valid reason to tune in. Blogs, Instagram accounts, my closet are a testament to the fashion presented. Manolos became a household name because of the show; it had an impact. I won’t go into the fashion here (though I will tell you I loved Man Repeller‘s take on updating Carrie’s best outfits), not because I don’t love it, but because SATC was so much more than fashion. (I also won’t debate Adian vs Big, because as someone who’s dated assholes, it’s some times nice to see an asshole change. Fiction is great!)
I was in my 20s when SATC came out (yes, I will still claim to be in my 20s, I’m great at math), and SATC was the first time I got to see a women centered show address women like me. Women who loved their friends, careers, and men, but whose love lives didn’t fit in the “box” imposed on them. You could argue that men and the characters love lives were the center of the show, but no one was rushing to be married at 25 with a house and 2 kids. I’m from the south, and at the time the show was first on I was an actress with 4 jobs scraping by in LA, most of my high school and college friends were married with houses. It was a breath of fresh air to reconginze myself in a TV show, and be told that all the things that I was (am) were reasons for celebration, not shame.
Not that marriage and houses and kids are bad, or not something that I want. But for a while in my 20s being single felt like a I was a side show and a show where single women (who were thriving) were accepted as normal was stunning. It made me feel as if I wasn’t making the wrong choice by pursing my dream and not doing things “the way” I was “supposed” to. Watching Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charolette made me feel hopeful about my future, and even though I still tell dating horror stories, I felt like it was ok to have them- that I wasn’t some kind of freak!
This show had such an impact on my life. While I could go on forever about why I love it, I will spare you. Instead I offer my main takeaways from Sex and the City. Yes, I may be trying to live my life like Carrie, but if it’s with the following lessons, is that a bad thing?
Female Friendships Matter
At the diner, after yet another breakup, Charlotte utters the enteral line, “What if we were each other’s soul mates? Then, we could let men be things that come and go”.
This line cut me, and has defined many of my friendships. Till this point, any show about a woman was about finding love; or the woman was already married, or a mother. How amazing is it to think that maybe the people to get you through your life are your friends? (And how true). Is it that the women on the show, or me, don’t want to find love? No, not at all. But maybe it’s the realization that no matter your romantic situation, the real loves of your life are the friends who come into your life and stay and love you. Seeing this spoken and shown repeatedly on SATC let me know that it was ok that I wasn’t married, and that being married isn’t the last word on being loved. This was revolutionary.
It’s Ok to Live Your Own Way
Women Not Apologizing for it. I loved all the things that the women on SATC refused to apologize for, from expensive shoes to sex drives to mixing shorts and fur coats. Have you ever counted how many times a day you say sorry? Or worry about how you’re coming off? Or maybe you apologize for making life decisions that are different than someone else’s? Seeing women owning who they were, and not being sorry for wanting what they wanted was eye opening for me. Related? Carrie’s career was taken seriously. To this day, there are times when explaining what I do is difficult. Both men and women can assume that I’m just “playing” and “not really working”. Do I have this career because of a TV show? No. But, seeing someone representing careers that I was pursuing being unapologetic about not having a “traditional” career or schedule empowered me.
The Women Failed
They questioned themselves. They questioned their friends. They failed, they succeeded. The women cried on each other shoulders and celebrated each other’s successes. They had bigger problems that just break ups, and sometimes things didn’t work out. My loves, that’s life. No matter who you are or where you live, there are issues (and not just of Vogue). It’s hard. We all mess up. Sometimes it’s ok, and sometimes it’s not. Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charolette are the first characters I can remember not getting it right all the time, and not being villains. They were just figuring out their lives. Isn’t that what we’re all doing? And yet, did seeing women do it change things for you? It did for me.
I asked a question: Why did this show affect so manny of us so deeply? I have more takeaways, favorite outfits, favorite moments. Yes, the show was flawed and would be a different, more diverse show if it were done today. Yet, so many of us drop what we’re doing and watch it repeatedly. It sticks with us, we chat about it, talk about what character we are (my take: the ladies were almost archtypes and we all have a little of each of them in us). Why?
Sex and the City gave us women who were messy, complex, simple, searching, winning, failing, loving, fighting, and making it up as they went along. They were human, and all that goes with that label. I think this show meant so much to us, because we saw ourselves in it. And my loves, that is a beautiful thing.
I would love to know, are you a SATC fan? Why?
Wishing us all a week of messiness and amazing shoes! XO RA
Don’t laugh! It’s a serious question. And I have serious answers. (Also a confession: I sometimes get scared of color, too. There’s a reason all black is a go-to outfit. ) I’m sure that I could bring up science, or a color wheel, to talk about what colors go together and why we shouldn’t be scared about mixing them. I could do that. But, I’m not going to-for both of our sakes. Color blocking can be scary, you can have the perfect outfit but you can worry about the colors going together. It is a serious question. And these are my serious answers:
When it comes to color blocking, or any sort of mixing colors, I think that there is only one thing you can do. Try it out . Put on your colors, or lay them next to each other on your bed. Do you like them together? Do they compliment each other? Awesome! You’re ready for step 2! If they don’t, you’re not behind, just try new colors! Once you have colors that you like together, step 2 is super simple. Take your color blocking in the wild . I don’t mean you have to run wild in nature (though I completely support it if you do), but take the outfit for a spin. Go to your event, through your day, to the grocery store. Do you feel comfortable? Do you get compliments? Yay! (I think this is the part where I say we’re ready for step 3; there is no step 3, unless you count putting that outfit into your rotation.) If you don’t, you just go back to your closet and try again! See! Serious answers and a serious plan for getting over our fears about colors!
Right about now you may be thinking that I made this sound a little too simple. I get that, it’s fair criticism. My defense? I think it is that simple. If it’s color, color blocking, or something a bit bigger, I think that we can sometimes over think a problem, when it is really easy. (I’m not the only one guilty of that, right?) Fashion is supposed to be fun. Color blocking is a little like coloring. Let’s keep it simple and let’s not be scared. If I can do it, you can do it. Deal? Deal.
Notes on the Outfit:
These boots are one of my fave things (and name something that doesn’t go with red). They’re dramatic and look great with everything from jeans to shorts to dresses and skirts. I think the key is to balance them with something a bit simple, unless you’re looking for drama!
This maxi shirt dress is a closet staple. It’s perfect for work, and yet can easily be made party ready. It goes great with almost any shoe’ you get to play with accessories depending on your event! (AKA I’m a fan of basics in not-so-basic colors!)
I’ve linked some similar styles below (yes, they are affiliate links, I get a small commission but that doesn’t affect price for you!)
And I would love to know: how do you deal with color blocking fear?
I’m endlessly fascinated by all the trends that come back, and those that never go away. Most trends, I find, you can shop both new and vintage – which is a great thing as it leaves us with so many more options. (And price points!)
This month a trend I can’t stop thinking about is crochet. Crochet was a staple in the 1960s-70s, though as a homemade accent/staple you can find it as early as the 1920s and before. Yet? Trend forecasters are predicting that crochet will be HUGE from now 2021 (where you can already find crochet dresses, skirts, pants, swim wear and more) to about 2023.
What does that means for you?
If you love this trend (and if you don’t you don’t!) this is the time to invest! Buy the pieces you love, don’t feel guilty about spending a bit more on crochet pieces as they’ll be in style (and come back), and if you find a vintage crochet piece you love buy it! The most amazing thing about trends coming back in style is that you can pick and choose what exactly you love and buy accordingly.
What I love about crochet? It can be as subtle or as overt as you like. As casual or fancy. The first above picture is a dress I got from my grandma- she wore in the 1970s and the crochet shoulders always feel timeless. Now? I’m loving the crochet maxi dresses, the sweaters, the things that I know will last (and come back on trend again and again).
Isn’t it funny how the styles circle back to us? I would love to know your thoughts on crochet! Do you love it? Will you invest in it now that it’s back again? Let me know!
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!
