Investment Piece – Page 68 – Everyday Editorial

Check It

Investment Piece: Check It

Things change, things stay the same.
What’s the same? We know I have a thing for gingham (I do! And it shows itself every spring see here and here to start). That’s not news, or new. What is new? It’s that every spring I find a new gingham, a new check. This is most likely not the last checks I will find and wear as the weather warms, but it’s the first, and right now, it feels the most fun!

I’m usually not a green person (well, what I should say is that it needs to be the right green for me to love it) but I couldn’t resist these green checks. It’s not quite gingham but it is- which is kind of new? The details are what first drew me in- the balloon sleeves, the pleats. This is a set (and we know what that means- you can wear it together or separately) but reads like a dress (my favorite kind of set). Also, this is my new favorite (old) belt-yes, the best belts that you can get are vintage or resale. Case in point, this Fendi one!

Investment Piece: Check It

What is it about checks that makes me feel as if it’s finally spring? I’m not 100% sure. Maybe it’s the form? Checks have a pattern, they fit, they follow, they make sense. And when you’re transitioning- from one season to the next, or from one phase of life to the next, patterns are comforting. Maybe it’s tradition? Gingham and checks have been a spring staple for decades. Long before I fell in love with them. Maybe it’s Hope. When I see checks for sale I know spring is coming. And what is spring other than hope and rebirth persevering. How can you not want to check it?

Investment Piece: Check It

Notes on this check it- it’s from Target, meaning that you get spring for very reasonable. My new favorite belt? Fendi I got resale. Perfect for cinching all your checks, dresses, skirts, pants, and more. And yes, I found you similar. The green? Especially after a harsh winter it feels nice to be reminded of bloom. What means spring to you? What are you wearing to show 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: Check It

Now and Then: Pleated Jeans

Investment Piece: Pleated Jeans

I shop vintage. I shop new. (I’m equal opportunity that way!) One thing that sometimes fascinates me is the new trends that you can find vintage (often for less!). There are nights that I will spend down rabbit holes looking at both new clothes and vintage clothes- often in the same style.

Because I love both vintage and new, and want us all to have ALL the options I’ve decided to let you in on some of my searches- and this month I’m looking at pleated jeans! The truth is that I used to hate pleated pants. HATE them. Would avoid them at all costs, HATED them. Over the years, my opinion has changed. I know love flowing pleated trousers (I guess never say never). And. I’m coming around to pleated jeans- they do add a bit of sophistication so if you’re wearing your jeans to any work or “event”, they pair beautifully with blouses. Or tank tops.

My main tip with pleated jeans is to make sure that they aren’t too tight. In between sizes? Size up. Ensure that there’s a wider leg. To balance out the pleats you need a bit of volume.

Maybe, like me, you’re coming around to pleats in your pants I have great news! Pleats (in such chic silhouettes) are available both new and vintage!
The advantages of buying new? The cuts can feel a bit more modern, there’s often more stretch in the fabric, and you are guaranteed to find your size.
The advantage of buying vintage? Often SO much cheaper, they’re already broken in, and let you stand out just a bit.

The reality? So you didn’t have to, I spent a bit of time looking at both new and vintage pleated jeans. Most of them looked EXACTLY the same. It truly comes down to what you’re looking for: new or vintage. Now or then?

I’ve linked some of my favorite new pleated jeans below. And a few vintage ones that I love (I know with vintage they may not be your size! I would recommend searching Etsym or if you need help finding vintage jeans please reach out and I’ll help!)

Are you rocking pleated jeans? From now or then? I would love to hear 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!

Something Gingham

Investment Piece: Something Gingham

It’s Spring and the one thing that’s on every list: Something Gingham! True every spring (I’m still obsessed with my gingham Jcrew heels from last year, you can ogle them here), but especially true this year. Gingham dresses, shoes, pants, tops, bags- everything is something gingham. And loves, this gingham is chic, fresh and fun!

I love the silhouette on this Zara blouse: the collar, the cut out, the sleeves. It goes great with jeans, but lends itself to a more formal look, think pencil skirt, just as as easily. And nothing has diminished my love of vintage Levi’s–s I can’t help but wear everything with them! And these heels! Last seen here, I love the laces, the esperadille look, and the ease of matching them! This outfit is perfect for a night out or a day running errands!

and loves, this is how we do something gingham. How are you rocking it?

XO RA

This top is from Zara, the jeans are vintage. I’ve linked similar items to both as well as my favorite spring gingham pieces below!
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission on them. Thank you for your support!

Sunday Chronicles: Hope for Spring

Investment Piece: Hope for Spring

The days are gradually starting to be longer. Even though where I’m at we’ve gone through the worst winter storm (and the most snow) that I can ever remember- tiny, green things are beginning to poke through.

It’s been a bad month. Or at least hard. On top of a bad, hard year. I don’t think that we’re out of the woods. But. For the first time in a year, I have hope for spring. That things (including us) will bloom. That we will turn a corner. That the hard will be less hard.

I have no proof. I can’t for sure tell you that things (pandemic and otherwise) are over or magically better or behind us.

However, this weekend I went for a run outside; it was cooler than expected but I still got hot. Even though it had been months since my last outside workout, I was able to run further and faster than I expected. Vegetables tasted super fresh and the air felt clean. There was no distinct change, but I felt spring hope in the air.

If things (recovery, vaccinations, etc) go the way I’m hoping (or the way they’re supposed to), there is a ton I’m hoping we get to do. Travel. Seeing friends. Touching people. Visiting museums. Hearing live music. A random coffee or cocktail at a little place that just looks good. Or dinner out at a place you love.

I know it may not be immediate. But I believe in hope. And I believe in us.

Sometimes hope is radical. Trusting that the future will be good is optimistic at best and naive at worst. Yet. I hope. I believe in our spring. And that all of us will bloom again.

It’s in the air. And I trust in the hope.

What are you hoping for? What do you see us getting to do soon?

Wishing us all a week of hope fulfilled and amazing shoes!
XO RA

The Short of It

Investment Piece: The Short of It

Do you think of shorts as winter fashion? I don’t usually. Not really. Even on the winter days that feel like summer, I tend to not think about shorts.

I also usually think about shorts as casual wear. Not dressy or formal in the slightest.

And yet. These leather shorts are making me reconsider all my short held beliefs. They’re not casual (though they do look great with a t-shirt). And ironically, they will be too hot when it’s over 100 this summer. I was reluctant to get them- while I loved them, I wasn’t sure that I would wear them.
Again, my believes were short-sided. I’ve worn them with everything. But I love this mix: leather, silk, and chic boots. All not completely expected, but they work. And it has been just enough to keep me warm!

What clothes do you have short sided beliefs on? Could it be that they would really look stunning?
The short of it may be that they just might. If you try anything out, let me know!

I’ve linked theses exact shorts- they’re on super sale and I would love to be twins with you!
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: The Short of it

Ex Files: Dumped before an Event

Investment Piece: Ex Files

It’s that time of the month! Dating horror stories, what went wrong stories, he’s the jerk stories, my lame attempt at pulling a Carrie Bradshaw- call it what you like, but I hope you enjoy! Search Ex Files in the search bar, but don’t read them all in one sitting-it’s not good for your heart! Xo RA

Dumped before an Event

I met Brian at a spin class. I love spin classes. He loved this spin class. One class we happened to ride by each other, and that became a thing. That thing led to coffees after class, which led to lunches, which led to an afternoon date that lasted till late night. It was perfect.
Brian didn’t seem like any guy I had dated before- but he was cool. Listened to the “right” music, we had tons in common, and like me, he was introverted. He seemed kind.

Right after our first “date” I had to leave for an extended work trip. I assumed, rightly or wrongly, that he and I would fizzle out. However, Brian texted me all day, every day while I was gone. I knew what he was listening to, what he was drinking, that he was thinking about me all the time. I got flowers (on the road), and cards. It would come as a surprise to no one that I returned thinking that Brian and I were a thing. And he seemed to think the same way.

The minute I landed- more flowers, more texts, more calls, more plans. We spent a week spinning together, eating together, and spending a ton of time together. While looking back, it was clearing love bombing, at the time, it just felt nice. I really believed in what we had going on.

So, when an event came up for a charity I volunteer for, I was happy to tell Brian about it. He was into it. Told me he would love to go, asked what he should wear, what kind of flowers he should get me, etc.
It meant a lot to me- it wasn’t a gala, but it was an event. One of those where you have to give your dates name and there’s a list at the door and it’s a DEAL. I was excited to bring someone, I was excited to how off Brian, I really believed in what we had- or what I thought we had.

The morning of the event, Brian and I had plans to spin together- which we did. But he was off, wouldn’t say hi, wouldn’t look at me. I could feel something was wrong, but in a dark room, on a bike, there’s not a lot of time for conversation. He left the gym right after class,and I thought maybe he has a bad day but it would work itself out. We were supposed to meet at 5:30 to go to my event. He called me 5 to let me know that he wasn’t coming, that he didn’t think of me as anything other than a friend, and that he thought I might be getting the wrong idea about his intentions. When I told him I thought I was only responding to what I thought he was putting out (no friend has texted me that much, send me flowers, told me that they wanted to be with me, etc) and that I was embarrassed that he was backing out of an event that I had to give his name to, with no time to replace him- he called me stupid and let me know that I was leading myself on.

I’m not going to lie- it sucked. I somehow pulled it together (girlfriends are the best) and went to my event and it was ok. I would love to tell you that it was the last time I spoke to Brian, but he texted me a few months later hoping I wouldn’t hold a grudge, that he was wrong to treat me so rudely, and he hoped I could give him another chance. I never responded. I couldn’t take the chance that I would put his name on another list that he would skip out on.

What happened to Brian? I wouldn’t know- but I will say, I hope he got left off some lists!

Have you ever been dumped right before an event? How did you bounce back?
Xo RA

#dotsondots

Investment Piece: #dotsondots
Investment Piece: Mixed Patterns

Have you heard? We’re having a theme party this week! Mixed patterns, mixing patterns, patterns on patterns. Quite the party!

And there’s nothing like kicking off a party with polka dots. Right?

I have feelings about polka dots. Some feelings are that you can’t go wrong with polka dots, that dots are neutral, and that there isn’t a dot that I don’t like. (You can see more of dots and dots here, here, here, and here.)

When it comes to mixing patterns, the easiest thing to do with dots is to pair them with more dots.
Dots on Dots.
It’s a thing.

Investment Piece: #dotsondots

Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns

I’ve said more than once that there is no “magic formula” for mixing patterns. And that’s true- to a point. However, there are tricks and ways to make mixing patterns easier on you! Dots on dots.

Or in other words, mixing patterns is a snap when you mix pieces with the same pattern. Maybe one piece is different colors (see white and black polka dots above), or in different sizes (big and small). Mixing the same pattern together in different pieces can take the worry out of mixing patterns, because you know that the two patterns will go together. Surprise! Dots go with dots! (Stripes also go with stripes but that’s a post for another day!)

The magic in dots on dots, or mixing any same pattern? You get to play with the details- the colors, the sizes, the pieces. Freedom and structure, the perfect juxtaposition.

My favorite thing about dots on dots? It makes even seperate pieces look like a set.

**Though I have a confession. I had this exact dot on dots look in mind for a while. I kept trying it, and yet something always felt off. What? I’m not sure, because finally one day it just looked great (to me at least!). The point? Play with your dots on dots (or mixing patterns). Sometimes it just takes a minute.
And yes, I added stripes on the shoes for a kick. I can’t help it!

Investment Piece: #dotsondots

I’ve linked some of my favorite dots below! Happy mixing!
XO RA

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!

Fashion Stories: Restoration

Investment Piece: Restoration

Have you been following the saga of the Givenchy dress found and restored by Henry Wilkinson? I’ve been paying attention on Instagram– and it’s amazing and I love it! Henry is a costume designer who happened to find part of a vintage Givenchy gown. It looked like this:

Investment Piece: Restoration

After research, care, and a lot of work, Henry got it to look like this (again):

Investment Piece: restoration

And! It turns out this gown was owned by Princess Lee Radziwill (Jackie O’s sister!)
Investment Piece: Restoration

Following the journey online was just thrilling. I learned about zippers! Henry showed us how to shape! And it fed my love of fashion as a means to tell our stories- the night the Princess wore it, what happened to it, and how it transformed all of us by being restored to its former glory. For the full story, I’ll let Henry tell you:

If you want to read all about it you can, at:
Vintage Fashion Guild
Town and Country
Yahoo

And I whole heartedly recommend following Henry on Instagram (@henryjjwilkinson) for his documentation of this project (and other fashion stories).

As someone who loves wearing vintage, I love to think about who has worn/owned my beloved vintage gowns before me. Now, I’m thinking about who will wear my clothes after me. What will happen to them? I can only hope that they recieve the care that Henry gave this gown. And we can all hope to wear something so beautiful!

To all the stories our fashion holds!
Xo RA

#Dotted

There’s something about polka dots that I just love-they’re playful and fun, and yet can be sophisticated. So when I found this dotted Geoffrey Beene at one of my go-to TX Vintage places I couldn’t resist it! I love the business like feel (that collar, that bow!), the pockets, the length, and the way it balances work and party. I also loved the way it felt modern; I can wear it with any shoes really, but loved the juxtaposition of the dots with my beloved Jaquemus circle/square sandals. It feels fresh and new!

And as I reemerge after the storms in TX and all that went along with them, I needed something fun! I hope you’re staying safe and warm out there!
Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Dress from ReVint
Shoes: Jaquemus

Sunday Chronicles: The Thawing

Investment Piece: The Thawing

We got our power back. We have water. We are so so lucky.

And yet. This week has been so hard. Balancing the magic of snow (I have never seen that much! Or had it last more than a day!) with the systematic failures (no power and no clean water is no fun). I really thought that I was ready to write about it. To talk to you. To share. To get back to normal.

I’m writing this on Saturday- trying not to have a breakdown. I’ve been so tense. I’ve been so tired. I’ve been so stressed.

This site is going to get back to normal. But not today. I just don’t have it in me. And for that, I apologize. I want to tell our stories with fashion- but spending this week layering sweats and coats the only thing I can think about is washing my hair. I hate washing my hair.

If you’re so inclined, you can donate to Texas relief here. I’m hoping to have new content for you tomorrow.

In the meantime- stay warm, stay kind.

Wishing us all a week of ease and amazing shoes!
XO RA