Investment Piece – Page 75 – Everyday Editorial

New Things

Investment Piece: New Things

I have an ex who always thought that I would love skateboarding. His reasoning? I love the ocean (true) and he thought it could replace surfing (while that may be true, and I have surfed- I wouldn’t say I’m in any way/shape/form good at it). So while I appreciated the skateboard (he tried), I’ve never really gotten into it.

However, the longer we’re inside the more I’m a bit intrigued. Could I skateboard? Is that who I am? Who’s to say we can’t take up new things?

(Or if nothing else, pose with them)

Investment Piece: New Things

Do I want to try new things? Maybe even skateboard?
Yes.
And my take on new things (currently) is trying new outfit combos. Usually, I love a good heel or boot with a dress (especially one that’s leather). It just feels elevated. And as much as I love my shoes, even I have to admit that there are days that don’t call for wearing heels around the house.
So, even though it wouldn’t be my first instinct, I loving wearing sneakers with everything. Dresses. Jeans. Pants. Shorts. For me, it’s new and feels a little rebellious.

I get that it’s not skateboarding down the street, but when I wear something new to me, it can’t help but feel a little like a step in the right direction. Like maybe one day I could be the woman who does wild things.
In the meantime, maybe I’ll just dress like it. Or, at the least, dress in ways that feel new to me.

Has being at home changed the way you dress? What are you willing to try now in your outfits that you wouldn’t before? I would love to hear about it!

(I know. Sneakers are this HUGE thing. But at a time when I need new things, switching up what I would normally wear feels BIG. And like a new thing. And maybe just like the surfing feeling my ex was trying to give me. Not the end, but at this moment, I’ll take it).

I’ve linked similar shopping 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!

Investment Piece: New Things

Grey or Gray

Investment Piece: Grey or Gray

Grey or Gray.

Grey or Gray?

Or here’s the issue-does it matter when the grey is this amazing? (If your grey or gray is not amazing you may be on your own)

This grey is amazing. So I’m ok with an e or an a. (And I looked it up-grey or gray, both are correct!) Grey is one of my favorite colors (come to a sample sale with me and you may be in charge of stopping me from buying ALL the grey t-shirts. It’s a thing I do.) And while you may use grey or gray, it’s one of my favorite colors. I love all black. I’m a fan of a pop of color, especially red. But there’s just something about grey. It’s neutral without being boring. It can be moody, dark, or light. Grey can read professional or a little rock and roll. It’s one of those colors that can work with you. (One of my very first, when I didn’t know what I was doing posts was all about grey, see it here. Oh the days when it was me and an iPhone. I still love those pics though!)

But back to this dress-wool, long, but able to keep it’s shape and keep ’em guessing. I love the neckline! Yes, it is a little low; some ways to make it a little more conservative (or work appropriate): Wear a thin tank or shirt underneath it, a turtleneck would look amazing! Wear a bralette that provides a bit more coverage, or if you’re ok with showing skin but worried about movement, use fashion tape to keep the pieces in place. I love the idea of mixing textures, so these velvet slides with this wool dress were a fun choice. Another option: any pump, boot, or slides. I even think this silhouette would look great with oxfords!

I love this dress, and wish I could share the exact one with you–but I got it last season on sale, from an Australian website. However, this look could be recreated with any grey maxi-we’re simply going to look for ones with slits and movement, and maybe an interesting neckline! The velvet slides are from Asos, again last season. I’ve found similar items (both dress and shoes) and have linked them below! (Yes, these are affiliate links, I do get commission if you buy, but that does not affect price for you! )

Grey or Gray, let’s Monday! XO RA

Shop my picks:

Investment Piece: Grey or Gray

Sunday Chronicles: Being Dumb

Investment Piece: Dumb

loves, I’m laid up with allergies and a sinus infection there’s been a lot of tea and resting, and thinking. During the times that I can’t be “fashion”, what am I? During these times when all of our schedules have been off and we may not have been our best- does that make us who we are? I wrote this when I first started this blog; I was figuring out how to write, how to shoot, how to do this. Not to mention, what my voice and purpose were. I like to think we all have come a long way. But, there are still things that remain true: like we’re layered, that loving this concept of fashion says nothing about your intelligence, and that we’re all still growing.xo RA

Does loving fashion mean you’re dumb?

If you know me for five minutes you catch onto a few things- I love fashion, especially shoes, and I’m not ashamed of that fact. Is this the only defining feature I have? Heavens no! Although, to be fair, it is an obvious one. To me this quality is one that goes with being tall and blonde– it’s who I am, I give no thought to it.

So imagine my surprise a few years ago at a dinner party I threw, with a delicious champagne risotto I’m still proud of, that a friend of mine turned to me and said, “I’m surprised you’re a good cook, I mean you like fashion”. Really? Liking one thing automatically prevents you from having another skill set?

Know me for ten or fifteen minutes you pick up on other things- I love sports (don’t call me when my teams are playing), I’m an insatiable reader, I love true crime, cooking, am religious about my workouts, and have a weird obsession with art theft. Do any of these qualities ultimately define me? I think not–aren’t we all really complex, layered creatures? One quality cannot define a person–and if we have to make a fashion tie in, if I was one dimensional could I love both high end shoes and sweat pants? Probably not. And I do.

But let’s examine the real issue– if we can agree everyone can have more than one interest, does liking fashion make you dumb? Is fashion dumb? I, clearly, am going to say no. Argue what you like–clothes have power. Putting on a certain outfit, a certain pair of shoes–you move a certain way, you feel a certain way, it affects you. That isn’t dumb– that’s power. Also, look a Zac Posen dress, look at the draping, tell me that’s not art– not a superior craft. I will argue for days that shoes that are well made are easier to walk in, no matter how high the heel. If there is that much skill and power in what you put on your body, how can it be dumb? How can an interest in that be dumb?

So, somewhat proudly, I tell you — no fashion doesn’t make you dumb. If anyone tells you other wise look them in the eyes and dare them to prove it to you.

Wishing us all a week of layered thoughts and amazing shoes!

xo RA

Not Getting The Memo

Investment Piece: Not getting the memo

I’m ready for fall weather- that crispness in the air that makes things feel new, not being comfy without a sweater, and everything that goes with it. The weather? It’s not really getting the memo. We’ve had a few days of “cooler” temps, but then we’ve gone right back to days with temps in the 90s.

However. There have been fall mornings. Early, there’s moments where it’s cool, and just a little foggy, and you can feel the fall in the air. I’ve been getting up earlier and earlier to soak these moments in, shoot looks, and wear all the sweaters I can before the temps go up. This practice has been both invigorating, and a little surreal. These fall moments in the morning seem to be in totally different days from the afternoons with scorching temps and where I can barely be bothered to wear sleeves.
But, these fall mornings do have one meaning- the memo is getting delivered and change is coming.

This is where I wish I had something profound to offer about patience. About letting go. About change and timing and all the things that fall can symbolize. I don’t. I’m not a very patient person, can have a hard time letting go, can resist change (even if I want it), and can struggle trusting timing. If anything, I understand days that want to be both summer and fall, I can be that way, too.
What I am focusing on is the good that I believe is coming (even if it’s just great outfits). The hints of change in the mornings can be full of promise, and maybe waiting a few weeks to get to wear all the sweaters isn’t the worst thing (it gives us one last chance to wear sundresses if nothing else).

So. While I’m waiting for the weather to get the memo, I’m working on my own issues. And I’m trying to hurry change by layering turtlenecks under everything, and wearing loafers with attitude.

How are you handling these days of both summer and fall weather?
Xo RA

This jumpsuit is vintage and these shoes are a few years old, but I’ve found you similar items and have linked them below for your shopping pleasure!

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: Street Style

One thing I really miss in this pandemic time? Street Fashion- both seeing what people are wearing and seeing how people react to what I’m wearing. It’s fashion month again, though this year it’s different. Most presentations are online and open to everyone. Are you watching? I find myself watching some but not all, and of course it always depends on how many zooms I’ve had that day. But I still miss the street style. And since there’s no way to get to see some now, I’m looking back at last year’s street style.
Do you love street style? Getting dressed up yourself? Maybe we could put our own twists on these outfits and walk around in the backyard?
Xo RA

We are in the middle of fashion month: NY, London, Milan, Paris. And maybe that’s not something you really care about, maybe it is. Personally? I love looking at what’s to come. What I love more? The street style. With every fashion week, there are scores of pictures of the people who attend, the people walking the streets, the non-models. Their outfits run from classic to out-there, and for me, provide an endless inspiration. I love “getting to know” these people through the stories they tell with their outfits. From what they wear I can imagine who they are, what they do, and where they shop. As someone who can plan outfits out for weeks, I love seeing people get celebrated for that. (I also love stealing ideas from them).

Below are some of my favorite Street Stlye shots from this fashion month. Let me know: what stories do you see here? What do you want to recreate? Are you an outfit planner? If you knew you were going to be photographed walking somewhere, what would you wear?

I’m fascinated by the stories our fashion tells. What about you?
Xo RA

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Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Street Style

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Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Street Styke

In Between

Investment Piece: In Between

I’m impatient. It’s not one of my most fine virtues, but it’s very true. I want what I want when I want it. And lately, I’ve been longing for fall weather and fashion. There were a few days that were cool and perfectly fall. This weekend the temps were back in the 90s.
Sometimes beginnings take time. Sometimes instead of beginnings, we are still in the in between.

Investment Piece: In Between

I went to one of my favorite sites to shoot (this amazing building with exposed brick and details that’s right on the water). It was a steak restaurant and is being turned into some other restaurant. The construction has started- as in there are fences up and they’ve clearly torn some things out. Other than being fenced off and I can’t shoot at all of it, it’s the same. A little different. But mainly the same.
Like many of us, it’s in between.

Which got me thinking about the weather–and how I would love to be showing you sweaters and coats–but can’t bear to be that warm yet.
And also made me think about where we are. In so many ways, we are in between. If you’re in the States, we’re in the middle of an election- between two candidates, two choices, two futures. While it’s “officially” fall, we’re still dealing with summer weather. And you may personally be in between, not where you were but not where you want to be–I know I am.
Being in between is both a little magical and a little frustrating. There’s this sense of not being on the right track,and yet at the same time, there is so much room to play.
What do we do in the in between? How can we use it to get to where we want to go?
Investment Piece: in Between
What I’m doing? Focusing on what I want, attempting to balance action and rest, talking to all the people about all my goals, and believing that if I buy enough sweaters, sweater weather will have no choice but to come.

This dress (and these shoes!) is a bit in between. It’s Sika’a and is African print. I love it- the mix of patterns, the off the shoulder (which you could pull up), the details. It’s a bit thicker than a summer dress, but not quite a winter dress. The pattern is both classic and fresh. It’s both fancy and a shirt dress. It’s in between. And it’s perfect for being in between.
(Sizing note: I’m a 0/2 in dresses. I got a UK10 as I wasn’t sure (and do have broader shoulders). It’s a little big but not TOO big!)

I also love these mesh shoes!

Investment Piece: in between

What do you do with all the in between we’re dealing with?

I’ve also linked other striped dresses and mesh shoes below for your shopping pleasure!
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: In Between

Be Ambitious

Investment Piece: Be Ambitious

There are many, many things a woman is supposed to be–and even more many things a woman is not supposed to be.
A woman should be:
Kind
Beautiful
Seen and not heard
Able to lead but not power hungry
In fact, not hungry in any way
Demure
Never ambitious
In words, perfect. But the perfect might never be defined.

This is a hard time for so many people, and women in particular. I’ve read countless articles about how the pandemic has been more difficult and added more workload to every woman’s plate. I know I’ve been cooking, cleaning, and doing more dishes. Which I am glad to do! I really love taking care of the people I love.

However, I can’t help but also being ambitious. I don’t think you should shy away from ambition either.

Investment Piece: Be Ambitious

Ambition can mean many things- career goals, personal goals, any goals. Does it matter what you want to be good at? I don’t think so. But I know right now all of it, from the personal to the career to the charity to the global, can feel hard. Like nothing we do makes a difference. Like it doesn’t matter.

I have no idea what the answers are, but I know that anything we do in the name of love- of our career, of our families, of others, is never wasted. And I think that means, especially as woman, that we emabrace ambition- whatever that means to you- and go whole heartedly in whatever direction we’re called. There are challenging times. I can’t back away from that. I can’t pretend that everything is perfect right now. But I can tell you I’m determined to go after what I want, maybe more than ever.

It means being uncomfortable.
It means asking for what I need. And help sometimes.
It means being ok with what doesn’t get done.

Non-sequiturs: are you registered to vote (especially in the States?) What’s your voting plan?
I’m loving the Juxatipositon of a graphic sweatshirt and structured chinos- this specific sweatshirt can be found here. I’ve linked these pants and other options 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: Be Ambitious

Fall Transitional Pieces

Happy Fall! Fall is one of my most favorite times of the year, mainly as I feel like there is so much creativity to play with in our fall and fall transitional outfits! Things to play with: layers (yes, of course, sweaters and Blazers, but why not tees and turtlenecks under your summer dresses?) and shoes (wear boots with shorts!). But two of my most favorite fall transitional pieces?

Leather shorts! Wear with tees and sweaters now! Layer with tights and boots later!

Light coats as wrap dresses! (Make sure you’re comfy with how much the cover, use tape or safety pins as needed!) Dresses now and later you can use them as coats over jeans, etc!

Both of these pieces come in so many variations (and are great to buy vintage!) I’ve linked some of my current faves for you below. What is your favorite fall transitional piece?

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!

End of Summer

Investment Piece: End of Summer

Tomorrow is the official last day of summer. It seems like it should have more fanfare but-between Labor Day (the unofficial last day of summer), the start of school (even if it is online), and everything being crazy (pandemic)- it’s a little note in our days. Does the end of summer warrant a big deal? Did you do everything you wanted to this summer?

I’ve had thoughts. This from last year and this from last week. Endings and beginnings can be big deals and no deals all at the same time, so how do we dress for them?

Investment Piece: End of Summer

It’s days like today when I have to remind myself that tomorrow won’t magically be different. Like my 16th birthday, the end of summer and the first of fall might not feel different right away. They might feel the same. (Beloveds, it might still be hot) And while I keep hoping for one moment that’s big and changes things immediately, fall might be a slow change. (And there is nothing wrong with that, I just have to manage my expectations)

So. Even if tomorrow is the same, if today is an ending, what do we do with it?

Do we cram the last bits of summer in? (Yes, I may get in my toddler pool and relax this afternoon).
Do we move ahead? (I am hoping to put on a sweatshirt at some point this week?)
Do we transition?
Investment Piece: End of summer

Right now? I’m transitioning. This is a vintage knit dress (we’ll chat transition knits soon! They can be your best friends!) from Rudi Gernreich (a designer you should know! We’ll chat him too, but if you’re impatient you can read all about him here

How are you doing the end of summer?

I’ve found you Rudi Gernreich dresses of your own- linked 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: End of Summer

Sunday Chronicles: Rituals

Investment Piece: Rituals

I’ve been thinking a lot about rituals recently. When I think of rituals, I can’t help but think of church (specifically Catholic Church, even though I was not raised Catholic), but really, we all have so many rituals. How we wake up, and our morning routines are rituals. Our evening routines are rituals. How we pray. How we mourn. (Again, the church thing). So much of what we do as humans can be based on rituals. And I don’t know about you, but with the pandemic my schedule and my rituals are off.

I can tell you what sets me up for my best days-my rituals. Naming at least 5 things I’m grateful for, a couple of goals for the day, at least one HUGE cup of coffee, a walk, a hard workout. But lately, these rituals have been all over the place. There are days I’m ready to go at 7a, and days I sleep into 9a. (Don’t get me started on my sleep schedule in the pandemic). I’ve been thinking about how I could set a morning ritual- but so far nothing has stuck.

If you’re in the States, you can agree that our rituals for mourning (the huge number of dead) and the loss of so much (life isn’t back to “normal”) have gone completely out the window. Which makes mourning, on both a personal and a national level difficult. It can make functioning difficult.

So, if on many levels, our rituals are being disrupted, what do we do?

Honestly, I don’t know.

Do we do our old rituals half way? Come up with new rituals? Wait till we can do what we need?
Maybe? I don’t know

This is what I’m doing.
I’m trying to stick to the rituals that work for me- which means making my mornings work no matter what time I wake up. It means sticking to my rituals even when it’s just me and it’s imperfect.
I’m adapting. I’m trying new things, new routines, new rituals. Some are working and sticking. Some are not.
I’m waiting. I’m hoping there will be normal, we can mourn and do our rituals together. I’m not stopping our lives, but I’m holding space.

How are you dealing with your routines and rituals right now? Are they different? What do they look like?
I would love to know and learn from you!

Wishing us all a week of comforting rituals and amazing shoes! Xo RA