Investment Piece – Page 64 – Everyday Editorial

Uniform

Investment Piece: Uniform

My grandma (we called her Mimi) used to have a uniform. Not the school kind, and nothing that matched anyone else- but outfits that she would put on day after day. (The uniform was for running errands and being in the house, when she had events or places to be she would dress accordingly!) As a kid, I always kind of thought that the uniform was silly. I so enjoyed wearing new outfits day after day. But as an adult? I appreciate outfits that I can throw on for anything- the grocery store, post office, other errands, after a shower, to sit on the couch, and as a basic that lets me not think but look good.

My current uniform? A linen dress. Simple. Easy. But chic. And ready for anything. Errands? With sandals or sneakers. Dinner? A party? Heels. On the couch? Barefoot. I don’t have to over think this dress. And so I reach for it time and time again. Please don’t ask me how many days I’ve worn it in a row– but the answer is many!

Investment Piece: Uniform

The older I get, the more I see my mom and my Mimi in me. I can’t tell you how shocking that sometimes is to me. It’s by no means bad- I love the women who came before me. However, I was very much a young woman who thought that I knew everything and was going to be nothing like my elders. So, when it turns out that they had the right ideas all along? It’s both surprising, comforting, and a way to keep them with me.

Uniform dressing is truly something that has saved me over and over. When I’ve been tired or upset or in a rush or any of the multitude of things that I can be- having something to put on that feels like good has been priceless. I’m grateful that my Mimi showed that to me. I’m glad I’ve found this dress that I’ve already worn too many times to count- and that still feels fresh and exciting each time I wear it.

What are you wearing this Monday? Is it a uniform? And are you excited by it?

I’ve linked this exact dress and shoes below if you want to be uniform buddies!
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: Uniform

Sunday Chronicles: Words

Investment Piece: Words

Some various contradictions? I don’t think of myself as a writer. A storyteller? Yes. But if asked I’ll tell you that I use fashion to tell my stories. Yet. I write about them. Blog posts, picture captions, the whys, the how’s of all my outfits- I do write. And. Admittedly, I have some bad writing habits. I use the word “amazing” way too often. The thing is many times, many outfits, many amazings are different. I can tell you something is amazing and mean that it fits perfectly or that it makes me feel strong or that it’s a standout. Yes, I need a thesaurus. Or to be more exact.

Our words mean things, and the way we use them means things, and I’ve been thinking about that recently. Yes, Mercury is Retrograde (if you’re into that sort of thing) which is a great time to reasses and review our communication.

What got me thinking about words: how we use them and what we mean, was a friend’s Facebook post. He was posting about his daughter’s graduation and college acceptance. Yes, he was bragging, and yes he should as his daughter is a delight. But. He called her quirky. I truly admire his daughter, she has a strong sense of self as a teenager and doesn’t concern herself with what people “think” she should be doing. I know what her dad meant by quirky was all of that- that she’s self assured and strong in herself and not worried about being a Teen-Movie-Perfect teen. Me? I take quirky to mean all the weird and bad things- if you called me quirky I would assume that you thought I was so strange and almost unlike-able but wanted to be nice about it. Even though words have meanings, we all take different words to mean different things.

So. When we (me) can overuse the same word or when we all have different meanings for the same word, how do we use our words to communicate with each other? I’m still working that out. There are times when I feel as if words are my best friends and writing comes easy; I feel confident that I communicated my words well. Then there are times when I call everything amazing and I’m crossing my fingers that my words are taken in the best way.

In a time when it can be advisable to be intentional with our words, I’m thinking about my words. What I mean and how to be more exact with them. I’m also thinking about other people’s words- and thinking about asking for clarification when I don’t get other’s words- and giving them the benefit of the doubt that they always mean the best things, as I do. I’m pledging to be better with my words, to watch them and to get out my thesaurus when I need it.

How do you use your words?

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

Silk and Shorts

Investment Piece: Silk and Shorts

Are you a shorts person? Like a real shorts person? I feel like at this time of the year (summer), shorts are everywhere. And it’s hot- they feel good. But sometimes I can hear my grandmother’s voice in head saying that women of a certain age shouldn’t show their knees.

Which is laughable. But when things are in your head?

It’s not that I don’t wear shorts- because I do. And I love them. From cutoffs to “nicer” pairs (like these crepe Bermuda ones).
I wear heels with shorts. I wear shorts formally. I’ll tell you that I don’t know about wearing shorts, but then I wear them in all the ways. I over-think wearing shorts, and throw on any shirt/sweater/swimsuit with shorts. It’s both a contridiction and a stable choice.
During short season there is one combo I love- pairing shorts with a silk (or silky) shirts. It’s a bit of elevation, sophistication, and makes me feel both classic and edgy, all at the same time. Pair with heels and a chic clutch? Perfect for any sort of summer soiree.

Investment Piece: Silk and Shorts

The trick with silk and shorts? Not over heating (sweat and silk are not a chic combo!). Not being afraid of color, mixing silk with silk (not pictures here), or even a patterned silk. This combo was a bit more stated (the shoes and the clutch- both bought vintage- do the talking) but it felt right at home at the outdoor cocktail party on this summer evening.

Though to be fair, an outfit like this would be just as at home on an early fall evening. Or day. Let’s not limit ourselves.

What I love about the silk and short combo is that while it works, it’s still a bit surprising! We (I) think of silk as a more dressy option, and shorts as more of a casual one. And yet- they go together.
How do you wear your silk during the hotter months? And what do you wear with shorts? I would love to know-especially if you wear silk and shorts together!
Xo RA

I’ve linked some similar options to this outfit for you! 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: SIlk and Shorts

#swimseason

Investment Piece: SwimSeason

Every year I write about swim suits, swim season, and all the ways to swim. Maybe it’s because I’m a mermaid looking for her ocean (a joke I make to my family at least once a week), that I use swim suits as all sorts of fashion basics (see here And here, and that’s just for starters!), or maybe just because swim suits are such a big part of summer that I’m a firm believer that you should have a swim collection that makes you feel fantastic. Swim trends come and go- from one-pieces to bikinis. For me, the goal is never to worry about trends but to pick swim suits that I love and that go with multiple locations and outfits!

Investment Piece: Swim Season

A new swim I’m trying this summer? A swim dress. It’s not that I’m stopping with the bikinis or putting away all my one pieces- it’s that I’m open to new swim and this year it’s the swim dress. I’ll be honest, I always thought of any sort of swim dress as something for someone much,much, much older than I am. But. Maybe. I was wrong.

I stumbled upon this swim dress in target. It was chic. Versatile. Able to be worn to a party or in the water. And when I couldn’t stop thinking about it- especially when I realized that a swim dress was perfect for river floating (a big thing where my mom lives), and would let me be swim chic without a cover up at certain outside summer events- I was sold. Turns out swim dresses can be an incredible addition to your swim rotation!

Investment Piece: Swim Season

From the water to events, from one pieces to bikinis and now swim dresses- I’m such a fan of swim wear. You can find me in various suits all season long (alone or with pants/skirts/shorts/etc). I hope that you can find suits that you love, that you feel confident in, that make your outfits pop. I’m linking this swim dress and all sorts of swim suits I’m loving this season below. You’ll be seeing me in so many of them- in so many ways!

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: Swim Season

Happy Memorial Day

Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round Up

Hope that your weekend has left you rested and ready for summer! We’re taking today off (though sale picks can be found on the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle Apps!). See you Wednesday!
Xo RA

Ex Files: Sharing in Misery

Investment Piece: The Ex-files

It’s no secret that I’m no stranger to bad dates. See here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. This month? I have no personal dating horror stories to share (but, no fear, I still have plenty).

What I’ve been doing lately? Indulging in other people’s bad date stories! It makes me feel less alone (maybe it’s not us, maybe it’s dating!). And they make me laugh. From the ones that pop up on Facebook to my new favorite site, The Tinder Chronicles, I’ve become a voyeur in other people’s bad dates. (Though to be fair, I hope you are when it comes to mine!). Below I’m sharing some of my favorites and would love to know: what is your worst best bad date story?

Cosmo Twitter
A bad date in a few characters? I’m in!

1. “We were on the train heading back to my place, and he said he had to pee. There weren’t any bathrooms, so he literally just peed in the corner of the train car. I died of embarrassment.” —Fatouma K., 22

2. “We made a plan to go fishing, but when I arrived to pick him up, all he’d decided to bring with him was two fishing poles — no bait! I ended up having to sit and watch him dig up worms.” —Charity K., 30

3. “He told me he was going to take me to a romantic dinner but got totally wasted beforehand. Before we even stepped foot in the restaurant, he demanded I drive him back to my place. I wound up all dressed up, sitting on my couch, eating cereal while my date snoozed away in my bed. Hot.” —Kimberly C., 30

4. “While we were hooking up in his car, he got a phone call from his mom. He picked it up while I was on top of him!” —Lani F., 20

5. “On a date, he told me that he wanted to get me pregnant to trap me. I think it was his way of saying I’m a catch? Obviously, we were done.” —Nicole G., 27

6. “I got up to use the restroom after finishing only about a quarter of my drink. When I got back, he’d finished the whole thing without asking. Rude!” —Laura M., 24

7. “He brought his dad along on our date so his dad could ‘check me out.’ I never spoke to him again.” —Amanda W., 25

8. “After I brought him back to my apartment, he goes, ‘I want a place like this, one that looks shitty on the outside but nice on the inside, so no one will want to break in.’ Um, thanks?” —Jessica L., 20

Buzz Feed and Reddit
The Internet can let you down in so many ways. Bad Date Stories is not one of them.
My favorites from :
BuzzFeed
Reddit
StyleCaster
And
Insider

The Woman Who Disappeared
While maybe not a bad ex story (maybe he got his?), I can’t stop thinking about this story:
I came over to his house one morning to surprise him with breakfast and a video game he wanted, only to find him naked, asleep, and with his ex curled up in his arms.

He didn’t hear me come in, so I closed his bedroom door, and left his breakfast and game on the kitchen counter along with my key to his house.

I went to my car, deactivated my Facebook, and blocked him on all other forms of social media. I then called my phone provider to change my number before driving off.

I texted family members and close friends that we were no longer together and to block him on social media, as well. I didn’t tell them why.

I was in a position to end the lease at my apartment early, and I started a new job in a different city later that week.

I completely removed myself from him and didn’t offer a shred of explanation or opportunity for dialogue. I disappeared from his life after his betrayal and I think it’ll not only help me to focus on myself without his presence, but I think completely shutting myself off from him will hurt worse than anything when he thinks on how good he had it with me these last 5 years.

What do you think?

Wishing us all a week of not horrible dates and amazing shoes!
XO RA

On the Fringe

Investment Piece: On the Fringe

It’s the weekend that “traditionally” signifies the beginning of summer. Usually one full of BBQs, pool side looks, and sales- it has also traditionally been one of my favorites. The end of school, the feeling of new beginnings, and a reason to be in a bathing suit! This year? I can’t resist going a bit glam. I’ve had a thing for caftans this past year, and this one- the fringe! That color!- makes me feel like a movie star. Maybe I’m just having cocktails by my baby pool in the back yard, but I feel as if I’m ready for my close up on the French Riveria.

That’s the power of fringe and a great caftan.

It’s perfect for covering up, parties, and shaking yourself into the new season. It’s also incredibly comfy and incredibly flattering, and incredibly fun. I can’t think of anything else I would rather be wearing this “traditional” weekend.

(A note: this turban is from Muaves, and that’s not a commission able link! This is my second turban from them- they come in both silk and microfiber. I wear them after showers, by the water, any time I don’t feel like doing my hair. They’re incredibly chic and make my hair incredibly easy to deal with-10 of 10 stars!)

Investment Piece: On the Fringe
Need me this weekend? You can find me by the pool wearing this fringe caftan and hoping I come off as chic as it is! If you’re in the mood to shop sales, I’ll be doing that as well! I’ll be posting my picks and the things I find on my LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle profiles, the best way to shop along with me is to follow me in those apps!

I hope that this weekend is the start of “new” season for all of us full of success and fringe outfits that make us feel fresh. What are you wearing?
Xo

Shop this exact caftan and shoes below!

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!

Summer Set-ting

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

Summer sets are some of my favorite things. Sets, in general, are some of my favorite things. They can be worn together, seperately- the possibilities are endless. And in Summer? One of the best things about sets is that they can provide instant fashion- get up, put them on, no thinking required. Sets are a form of self care in that they take care of your outfit while you take care of you.

This set? Knit. A bit preppy, just a hint of vintage (but it’s not), and it holds a bunch of Summer goals (or sets). Wear it for errands, or parties, or to the pool. Dress it up or dress it down. At a time when I’m Summer goal set-ting, this set feels like all the things I want to be and do.

Want more set inspo? See here, here, here, here, and here.

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

One of the reasons this set was so appealing to me? I’ve spent part of the past year watching a ton of old movies, especially Doris Day movies.
(Doris Day has always been one of my mom’s faves and I was raised on her movies. They’re light, fun, and full of the most stunning fashion. I highly recommend! And if you need a few titles to get you started, feel free to reach out!)
This set felt like something from one of the Doris Day movies I’ve been watching. A bit fun, a bit flirty, a bit functional. As I mentioned, the feel is very vintage, but it’s modern (I love it when that happens!). The fit makes me feel as if I’m starring in my own 60s movie!
Note: one of the last Doris Day movies we watched? The Glass Bottom Boat – details here– in it, Doris Day plays a woman who plays a mermaid to help her dad’s glass bottom boat company. There’s also some spy things, NASA things, and stunning costumes. But. I shot this look at a little place where there are glass bottom boats and there used to be “mermaids” who would perform in shows. Art influencing art? Art influencing our goal set-ting?

Maybe it’s all of the same.

What are your goals for the summer? What do you want to set? To wear? To be? To do?

I want to hear all about it!
Xo RA

I’ve linked some Summer sets for you below! Note- these are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

Sunday Chronicles: Anxiety and Trauma

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

I think it’s safe to say that this past year, the pandemic, has been traumatic for all of us. The lockdowns, the virus, the loses, the figuring a new way of doing things. Even though there have been good moments, and even good things- we’ve all had trauma. And if we’re honest, now that it looks like there is some light at the end of the tunnel (yes, it may feel over but the pandemic is still here!), I bet we all have some anxiety.

Or at least I do.

While chatting with a friend the other night, he said something that really stuck with me- sometimes what calms our fears is admitting them. So, after all our trauma, this is me telling you what I’m anxious about it in the hope that it makes us feel better (or less alone), and that when our anxieties see the light of day they run away.

-I’m anxious about people not wearing masks. It’s not that I want us to be masked forever (though there are parts about the masks that I really like). It’s not that I want to police your choices. It’s that (at least in America), masks have become such a political hot potato, and now that it’s a honor system if you’re Vaxxed, etc, I’m finding it never wracking. Perhaps a better way to explain this is that the pandemic has made me anxious about trusting strangers. I hate it, but it’s true. In a perfect world, we would all get our shots and stay home when sick and take care of each other and come out of this making a better world. Through my anxiety I’m doing my part to make that happen.

-I’m anxious that the reopening is happening too fast. Again- I don’t want to go on like this forever, like most of us I’m ready for “normal” and people and things. But. The virus is still out there and I’m a bit worried that in our desire for this to be over we’re going to find ourselves in another wave of high cases/deaths/lockdowns. Maybe I’m just worried this really isn’t over?

-I’m anxious that I’ve become more awkward and anxious, and that those things won’t go away. The few times I’ve gone out and had full days it’s exhausted me. I trust that as time goes on my pre-pandemic energy will return, but what if I stay awkward? What if all these anxieties stick around and get bigger?

There are most likely not easy answers to these worries. Hopefully they will pass in time as I see that things are ok! And fingers crossed I get over this awkward phase- that I relearn how to chat and interact and maybe even flirt?

What are your anxieties and worries about coming out of the pandemic? How are you handling your trauma from this past year? I’m holding space for all us and all those things.

Wishing us calm and amazing shoes this week! Xo RA

Swim Fashion

Investment Piece: Swim Fashion

In the next few months, you’ll hear a LOT about swim suits- which to buy, which are on trend, which go with the beach or the pool. I love swimwear, I know a bold statement as swimsuits are such a hard thing to shop for (the good news is that if you have a body, you have a beach body! Congrats!)

But. One of my most favorite and time honored fashion tips? Wear your swim wear as fashion wear. As in, more often than not, I wear my one -pieces as body suits. We’ve chatted about it and you’ve seen it:

Investment Piece: Summer SwimSuit guide
Investment Piece: Swim Fashion
Investment Piece: Bikini Days
Investment Piece: Design in the Wild
Investment Piece: Gucci
Investment Piece: Florals

Just for starters! You can also see here.

It’s not that I don’t wear one-pieces in the water, but I find that the one pieces that are special- patterns, cuts, etc- or the fantastic kind of basic- tube, etc- just make such great bases for outfits. They can make anything pop, from shorts to formal skirts.
My tips when picking a swim suit to wear as fashion?
-don’t be afraid to go big. From patterns to colors, this can be the statement pieces. It’s not a time to be shy!

-pair away. I’ve worn statement swim with cutouts and silk skirts. It will always go with jeans, but don’t be afraid to mix and match or think outside the box when it comes to mix your swim!

-Be aware of fit. If you’re going to wear a swimsuit all day, it needs to be comfortable. Straps. Torso length. This is a time to be super picky! (Also for using the facilities, pull to the side- it works!)

Investment Piece: Jungle Heat

I would love to know: do you wear your swim as fashion? How do you style it?
I’ve linked some of my current favorite one pieces for your shopping 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!