Investment Piece – Page 63 – Everyday Editorial

To The Water

Investment Piece: To The Water

It’s the heat of the summer. Ok- yes- August and September (and may even October) will be hotter, but it’s hot. And it’s summer. Officially. There’s something about July. Things slow down, get hot. People travel (now that we can again), life in general seems to go on vacation. And all I can think about is getting in the water.

Last year was a year inside, and while I was grateful for my litte back yard (toddler) pool, it wasn’t enough. I got into a REAL pool for the first time in year last week, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. For me, there’s just something about the water. It’s healing and calming and grounding- all at the same time. This year, as things get more open and I get more comfortable with that, I am yearning to be in all sorts of water, from pools to the beach. Yes, if you have access to any of that please invite me over.

Investment Piece: To the Water

This may also explain why I’m currently living in a bathing suit. If I always have one on, then I’m always ready to be in the water. Like a “if you build it, it will come”, but more of a “if you dress for it, you’ll find it”. (And also I had a habit of wearing my swim suits around, see here, here, and here for starters)

On top of all that, it’s horridly hot outside. Wearing a bikini top as a top for a light skirt is the closest I can come in public to being as lightly dressed as I would like. It’s all balance.

But if I happen to find water I can get into- all bets are off!

For the next month, I’ll be dressed in similar outfits, all swim based, all hoping that I get to be in water as soon as possible. What about you? What are you wearing?

I’ve linked this exact suit and skirt 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!

Investment Piece: to The water
While both of these pieces are vintage, I love a great wicker bag for summer! I’ve linked some of my current faves:

Investment Piece: To Water

Secrets

Investment Piece: Secrets

Have you heard that one thing that I LOVE in outfits is Juxatipositon? Well. The only thing that I may love more than that is secrets.

Like when outfits surprise you. When outfits seem to be one thing but are really something else. Those kind of secrets? Those are my kind of outfits!

Investment Piece: Secrets

What looks like a strapless maxi dress (and is partially), opens to be a slit top. Worn over pants that have a secret (or not so secret) slit up the side? Depending on your angle you have an outfit full of secrets and style.

Investment Piece: Secrets

The thing about clothes with secrets is that they are so many ways to wear them. You could wear this top alone as a maxi dress. Or as a dress with a long sleeve top (button down or turtleneck) underneath. Wear it open over a pair of shorts. Or a skirt. Or jeans. Or pants like these, with secrets of their own. Whatever way you choose (and clearly the ways to wear secrets are endless), somehow it’s always chic.

I love wearing something that reveals itself to be another thing entirely. When I wore this, I had someone think I was in an evening gown. Another think I was in a skirt and top set. And each time, when I moved and the top and pant slit revealed themselves? The surprise and pleasure was worth all the secrets in the world.

(Note: I shot this in front of a theater. As you may now, I’m an actress by training and I’m never far from it. Maybe my love of secrets is really just a dramatic turn. Or maybe it’s just my way of staying true to my theater degree. Whatever it is- I recommend it!)

Investment Piece: Secrets

The other thing about clothes with secrets? They can hold all of yours. Everything you want to show, what you want to hide, and they help you reveal what you need to when the time is right. And they hold all the feelings and worries that goes with all of that!

I’ve linked this exact top (on sale) and similar pants for you below. Secrets- I recommend 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!

Investment Piece: Secrets

Sunnies

Investment Piece: Sunnies

I wear sunglasses in almost all my pictures (they let me not worry about having my eyes closed in a great shot!), but I hardly ever write about them. It’s not that I think that Sunnies (what the cool kids call sunglasses) aren’t a must have fashion accessory, but just that they are such a basic for me that I often don’t think too much about them.

Yes, that is a bit of a contridiction.

I do think about the sunglasses for each shoot- and each in real life outfit. From color to shape to function, I’m thoughtful and intentional about which sunglasses I wear. They matter.

Investment Piece: Sunnies

Some people will tell you that you shouldn’t spend too much on sunglasses (they get lost and broken way too easily). Ironically- the only pairs I’ve ever lost or broken have been less expensive (and I was still upset about them). My sunglasses collection has a little bit of everything- cheap ones, designer ones, free ones from sporting events. And I love them all.

Investment Piece: Sunnies

My advice for adding to your own Sunnies collection? A mix. Low to high. All the colors. All the shapes. Pairs to keep in your car. Pairs you don’t mind losing in the ocean. Pairs you’re careful with. I have a bit of each, and I have to say that adding the special pair of sunglasses to my outfits is one of my joys.
And the great part? All of these kinds of sunglasses you can find all sorts of places, from gas stations to designer boutiques. (Though my biggest tips of all? If you love designer Sunnies consider buying them resale or vintage. You can get the pairs you love at a price you’ll also love!)

Below I’ve linked some of my current favorite Sunnies for all of your outfit needs (and bonus, a couple of sunglasses chains so you won’t loose them!)

Happy shopping!
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: Sunnies

Bike Short Season

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Do you remember when bike shorts became a THING? I remember Princess Diana wearing them (and looking chic per usual) when I was little, but it’s only been in the past few years that bike shorts have become a staple and must have piece of my wardrobe. What about you?

Yes, this is another set. I’m not even addressing it because at this point, sets are just who I am.

Bike shorts? They are also quickly becoming a part of who I am. The only thing I want to wear for workouts lately, and what I keep reaching for after workouts- bike shorts are my new go to’s. From all sorts of colors to rises, to lengths. From wearing them with sports bras and sneakers to blouses and heels, maybe summer is now bike short season.

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

I’ll admit, I had some reservations about this set, as chic as it is. It’s white. And white (and tight) are a difficult thing to pull off. For anyone (don’t ever let any picture tell you differently). However, this set was just patterned enough (that metallic snake provides a bit of color and a bit of pattern and a bit of coverage- perfect combo) and the fit (high rise and oh-so flattering, they also hold you in!) that I couldn’t resist. I do feel like these make me run faster and my abs work harder in Pilates, but my fave way to wear them? With denim and cute sandals. (It’s a different kind of workout) This set was made for looks that don’t include sweat.

Maybe that’s why I keep going back to bike shorts. Yes, they are perfect for workouts in this heat, but they’re more perfect for errands, meeting up with friends, and summer outings in the heat.

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Do you keep reaching for bike shorts? How do you style them? I’ve linked this exact set (as well as what I love to wear them with) for your shopping 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!

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Sunday Chronicles: Father’s Day

Investment Piece: Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day my beloveds! I know that this day is one of those days when we’re “supposed” to feel a lot of things, but in reality this day can be very loaded. I’m lucky to have a good relationship with my dad, but between loss and struggle I know that father relationships can be trying. If, for any reason, today is difficult for you I pray that it lands gently.

Xo RA

Wine and Packing

Investment Piece: Wine and Packing

Last week, I went on a short trip with my family. It was lovely to get away for a bit!

**This was my first time traveling during the pandemic, and in all honesty, I wasn’t sure how I would handle my pandemic-anxiety. While there were times when I worried about crowd size and mask wearing, over all I was at ease and comfortable the whole time. It can be done!

It also didn’t hurt that we had a great time!

We drank some wine:
Investment Piece: Wine and Packing
Went to the National Museum of the Pacific War (a lot of info but really worth your time):

There was even a castle:
Investment Piece: Wine and Packing

Truly a wonderful time and I’m so grateful to have been able to spend time with my family.

However, a trip always means packing. And I am an overpacker. Even going to the gym I take extra shoes and options. I can’t help it. But this time, I was determined to pack thoughtfully and intentionally.

How did my packing hold up? Ok-ish. There were times on the trip that I felt like I brought the completely wrong shoes.

Investment Piece: Wine and Packing

Instead of the pink shirt I had planned to wear with this skirt, I wore this white tank top instead. The elastic of the top and skirt just laid weird together. But I ended up loving this top- even with my pink pants!

Investment Piece: Wine and Packing

I ended up throwing in a dress, which was the right call! I wore it to wineries and our one “nice dinner” the second day we were gone.

Investment Piece: Wine and Packing

The only things I didn’t wear? My extra shirts. Travel is so amazing, but I can rethink everything I wore- for me it can really be difficult when I have limited options. However. I LOVED what I took, and I loved the outfits I came up with.

May every bag you pack be as gentle with you!
Xo RA

Here We Go Again: Sets

Investment Piece: Here we Go Again

If our patterns help tell our stories, what does it reveal about me that I keep going back to sets? There was one here on Friday- I can’t stay away. Part of it is that I love that you can wear each part of a set seperately. Part of it is that I love the look of matching. And part of it is simply that I love the ease of not having to worry about what to put on in the morning. Or afternoon.

Either which way, I’m wearing another set- here we go again.

Investment Piece: here we go again

When I first saw this set it made me think of the beach. Just thick enough, just soft enough to be everything I want to slip into after a day at the shore. The same is true for the pool. While I haven’t made it to the water yet, I have worn it on a car trip and for summer errands, and I can highly recommend it for both! You can dress it down with flip flops, dress it up with wedges, or wear it to lounge on the couch. The perfect summer set!

Investment Piece: here we go again

Perhaps my most fave thing about sets? They make me feel at ease. Like somehow they get me together. If you know me well, when you say “here we go again” about me, it usually means I’m getting passionate about something. Or in my feelings. I really want to be cool and mysterious, I’m usually not. But. Sets make me feel like I can be that cool, and together, and at ease.

Maybe what this set pattern lets you know about me is that I sometimes dress how I want to be, the most together or me. That’s a “here we go again” I’m happy to show off.

I’ve linked the exact short set (I’m in a size small here) and similar shoes below! If you’re a set lover like me I know you’ll love it- and if you get it I want to see how you style 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: here we go again

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Bucket List

Investment Piece: Summer Bucketlist

This past week my family and I took a short vacation- mainly visiting wineries and museums. It was fun, and hopeful, and made me think that maybe this summer deserves a bucket list. Last year, my summer bucket list was simply to survive. This year? While I’m not sure I’m ready for ALL the things, I am looking forward to doing some of the things.*

*while this recent little trip seemed to ease some of my reopening anxiety, I still have a little bit. Did you miss it? I got honest about my fears here.

Bucket lists, to me, are equally about hopes and plans. Summer is the season that seems to both move the slowest and the fastest for me, and I’m trying to put doable things on my list while remaining flexible (as things both become more open and as my anxiety *hopefully* lessens). Small things, big things, and everything in between: here’s what’s on my summer bucket list so far!

A Pool
Investment Piece: into joy
Remember last summer when I got a baby pool and it was my favorite thing? It still is, but this year I want to go to a real pool. And swim. And get my hair wet. Lay out. Nap in the sun. Come home smelling like sunscreen and being a little bit sun tired. I don’t know if I will be able to get to a beach (the dream) but I want a lot of pool days.

Reading and Movies
I used to be an avid reader. As in I was averaging at least 2 books a week. I would lose myself in books and stories. Same thing for movies. One of my favorite things used to be “sneaking” off to a matinee and letting the magical world welcome me in. If you follow me on IG you may have seen me say on my stories this week that I’m doing a little detox- mainly as that for my Hot Vaxxed Girl Summer I want to become/recreate/rediscover my best and most fashionable self. And part of that for me is getting back to reading and movies.

Plans
Investment Piece: Lounge Luxe
When I sat down to make this bucket list, this is about where I got stuck. In the “before” I used to make plans- for the blog, travel, friends, family. And I would follow through! From lunches to meetings to shoots to holidays. But. After 2020, I’m having a hard time distinguishing between plans (meet my friend’s babies! Go shopping! Meet for lunch! Shoot certain outfits!) and more dreams (take tap dance again! Plan vacations!). There’s no reason why I can’t (and shouldn’t) do both, as well as follow through with them. Yet, it feels a bit overwhelming. I may also still be a little superstitious and I don’t want to plan TOO far ahead. My solution? At least every other week I want to have a plan (meet a friend for lunch, get that dr’s appt booked, take a class, etc). I’m not forcing myself to go big, and letting my plans be a little more flexible than I usually would. Little things, but hopefully leading to big things.

What about you? What’s on your summer bucket list? Are you letting yourself get right back into the swing of things or are you easing in? Tell me all about it!

Wishing us all a week of crossing off bucket lists and amazing shoes! XO RA

Perfectly Set

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

When I was little I couldn’t stand it if things didn’t match perfectly. My outfit, my shoes, my hair bow. They all had to go together. I didn’t believe in blending or “things going together”. I wouldn’t dream of mixing patterns like I do now (see here and here). And while I’ve grown a lot, there are still things I want to match exactly. Like sets.

You may have seen sets like this one (a crop top with a skirt) in a ton of spring editorials, stores, and IG pictures. I wanted one. And I found one that I loved! The color was a bit of a stretch for me (I don’t usually yellow) but it felt soft and spring! The cut would let me show off, and yet hide what I wanted to! I felt like I could dress it up, or down, and that for all my spring soirées it would be perfect.

I got the top. Turns out productions on the skirt was stopped due to the pandemic.

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

Knowing that I can get tunnel vision when it comes to my outfits, and now knowing that I like things to match perfectly, you can imagine the pickle I found myself in. (Yes, I know this is such a minor problem, but have you been noticing that little problems are seeming really big lately? Me too) The thing is, I wanted this look more than I was worried about matching perfectly, so I took a risk. I’m a believer in vintage, and went to some of my vintage go-to’s to see if I could find a skirt that would match this top. This yellow number was one of the first I found. I risked it. Got it. And it matches, perfectly.

In fact, it’s a perfectly set match. Like I had planned it.

I’m sure that there are lessons here. Maybe to let go. To trust blending. That things don’t have to be perfect. I’m open to all of those. Maybe the lesson is just to go after what you want? Maybe the lesson is all of that.

Whatever you get out of it, I hope you find a perfect set in your future.
(I’ve even linked you some below!)

Me, I’m over here letting things not be perfect (or trying to) and matching things as best I can!
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: Perfectly Set

Now and Then: Denim Jacket

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket

A closet staple no matter the season? A denim jacket. I have at least 6. From more “formal” (if formal denim jackets are a thing) to personalized to short sleeved:

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, trend to try, embroidery, high fashion, CA, TX

Various sleeves, various shades, various types. I wear them with everything from dresses to my workout leggings. My denim jackets are the pieces I reach for time and time again. Recently I got an ad for a “new” denim jacket- oversized, short sleeved, just a tad destroyed. And all I could think of was all the different ways that I could wear it. The second thing I thought of? Whether or not I could find a similar jacket vintage.

One of the things I love about trends, fads, fashion in general is that things come back around. Styles that were popular when I was young are all of a sudden on trend again. (Yes, this is an excuse to hang on to all the things that you truly love) So, when there’s a basic (or a trend) I always debate to buy new or vintage. There are pros and cons to both- and in this case, fantastic denim jackets (with all the sleeves and embroideries and styles) you can find both new and vintage. Both now and then.

The only question is: what you find and what you want! Below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite denim jackets. Some are new. Some are vintage. All are chic and all are on trend. It’s just what you like- now or then!

I would love to know: how do you wear your denim jackets? Do you prefer to shop new or vintage?
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!