Ever since we’ve entered the isolation part of the pandemic, I’ve been thinking a lot about essentials. What should we buying, what should we be wearing? Will we ever wear jeans again or go to big parties? The more I thought about it, the more I let my thoughts overwhelm me. Then I thought- one of my essentials is joy. And wearing things that make me happy. I’m known for wearing night gowns out and having too many party dresses. Is that something that should change?
Hopefully I’m eloquent about it here:
And if you’re interested in my Wishlist, here it is! I hope it sparks you joy!
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!
While this post was originally about mistakes that make great outfits, it’s also the perfect isolation/WFH outfit. The PJ top that’s fancy enough for any online meeting. The workout pants. Shoes that are almost slippers. If it was great for on-the-go, it’s even better at home. And I’ve worn this outfit formula more than once recently!
These are a few of my favorite things: feathers and pjs and stirrups (Oh MY!)
*Side note: This is not the part where I apologize for The Wizard of Oz being one of my most favorite movies.
** Doube Side Note: These stirrup pants were not the pants I had planned. I have these great high waisted pants I thought would be great with this feather top (yes, it really is pjs). The plan was the top, the pants, maybe some heels. A great piece on how PJs can be anything. The feathers could be a nod to fun or to Prada, or to both. I was super excited. And then.
I packed the wrong pants. It happens. I’m gonna go ahead and bet when you’re a fashion blogger and have a shoot it feels a bit bigger. But there I am, with the wrong pants. And an amazing look to shoot. What to do?
These stirrup pants (yes, workout, yes, I love them) to save the day. I tend to wear these to Pilates or Yoga and then under all the dresses and the skirts. It’s completely on trend and again, I love them. So, I needed some pants to go with a PJ top. These worked. And, if we’re honest, balance the feathers. Who says feathers can’t be casual?
I have a thing for feathers (we could probably blame Prada but that seems mean). I love the pink. I love that this is a PJ top. Yes, there are pants, they don’t have feathers, but they look great with heels and sweaters. My initials embroidered on the top are another thing I love. Again, this top leans itself to being dressed up. But, I kinda love it casual. It would also looks great in bed (even if no one was bringing you champagne).
Takeaways:
* Sometimes mistakes make for good outfits. There’s always more than one way to wear something, why not embrace that?
* Feathers go with everything
*Don’t count out your yoga pants
* Our middle school selves were right: stirrups are cool
*If you can’t tell they are PJs it doesn’t count
*Outfits don’t have to be one thing. This is perfect to WFH or lounge in, but also works when we’re back to being out and about!
My loves, I look forward to summer every year. And this year will be different. But different doesn’t always mean better or worse, just not the same. With that in mind I’m planning things to look forward to, from my kiddie pool in the backyard to a virtual tour of Paris, these are my ideas. I would love to know yours!
Wishing us all a week of different and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
While this post is a flashback, it makes me think of my quarantine style. A little of this, a little of that. Very fancy and very casual mixed. I’ve been known to wear sweatshirts with fancy skirts, or nice tops with my yoga pants. But this? This is the ultimate high/low dressing. And I may just have to wear it again today!
When I saw this 1920s fringe skirt at Recess LA, I knew I had to have it. Can it be dressed up? The sequins, the detail, the way it would look over a gown–yes! But I love the idea of this fringe skirt over jeans. It’s just simple. Enough. It would look great with a tee and converse, but I love it with a leotard and heels. It’s a show stopper without you having to say a word. And the way this moves…loves. I’ve always loved the idea of a skirt over pants, but this is next level. And while you may not have a fringe skirt in your closet, I think this look could be recreated with any skirt with movement!
XO
Skirt: Vintage
And I’ve had this leotard since I was in high school (and wear it almost every week!)
BUT I did find you similar (and yes that means the 1920s skirt too!) Shop 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!
My loves! I wanted to update this: Dior has put their exhibit (with a guided tour) online for free.
See it:
And
My thoughts remain below! Every Friday in quarantine, I’ve been “getting dressed up” and “going to a museum” (aka looking at collections online!). This week I plan on revising this exhibit, and I just might wear Dior to do it! What to join?
I recently had the chance to see the Dior exhibit, “From Paris to the World”, at the Dallas Museum of Art. It’s a must see for any fashion lover, art lover, human lover. The exhibit has been extended to October 27, and you can get more information about the museum and buy tickets here.
Loves, I have to admit that this exhibit awed me. The amount of art (yes. Fashion is art. Couture is one our last artisan art forms.) The clothes. The beauty.
I took so many, many pictures, thinking I would make us a little video. But then I found these and they tell the story so well:
What I would love to share are my take-aways from this art and fashion heaven:
Fashion is Art
Not that I haven’t said this before, but it’s still true. The craft, the workmanship, the art. In fact, DMA showed Dior next to Monets, and Van Goughs.
And while I’ve always been a believer that fashion was art, what this Dior exhibit reminded me of was that it’s ok, more than ok, to see the bigger picture of your clothes. To not just have things to run errands in (also super important), but to have pieces that make you gasp, fill with joy, that are beyond the everyday. That we should enjoy our clothes, and be inspired by them. Both sides of fashion are amazing.
Fashion Tells a Story
Again, not a new thought. Fashion Telling a Story is one of my core beliefs. However, Dior sent that message home for me. Christian Dior was a man who saw women and fashion in a new way, and his vision changed what people wore. We can think of luxury houses as these big brands, but they all started with a story. They all still tell a story. From Christian to Galliano, each creative designer of a house puts their own take on a line, while carrying the story the house was founded on.
And that doesn’t even touch on the stories told in the clothes (like Jennifer Lawrence falling at the Oscars).
This exhibit made me not only want to know the stories of Dior, and wear the clothes, but find our more about the women who wore these stories. From the classics
To the not-so-classic:
I want it all, and I want to tell all the stories.
What about you?
I’d love to hear if you’ve seen the exhibit, your thoughts, and what things you’ve done in Dior!
Xo RA
I’ve linked to some of the books and films about Dior that I’ve either loved or am longing to love! 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!
It’s a big weekend here at my house. My mom’s birthday. Mother’s Day (which can be a hard day for so many. If you’re hurting, if this day is painful, I’m wishing you peace). And today is my birthday! Things are a bit different this year. No big parties, which I’m very ok with. A little more introspection. But still a lot of champagne. While I can’t be with everyone I love today, I’m so grateful for all of my friends, family, and you!
This week I’m wishing us all peace, love, and amazing shoes! Xo RA
I have forever been a fan of swimwear as out wear. Paired with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc, swim wear can be worn as the best kind of bodysuit/crop top.
You can see how I have promoted swimwear in the wild here.
There is no getting around that the wild looks different right now. And vacations, and swimming for that matter, look different too.
As someone who loves the beach and the water and the pool, I’m sad. As someone who wants us all to be safe, I understand. I’m also someone who believes in finding the silver linings. And my solution? Swim (at home).
If our swim looks great out and about, it will also look good at home. Bonus? If you don’t want to cover up at home you don’t have to! It’s a win-win! (Of course it will still look amazing with all of your other spring and summer looks, from shorts on!)
Swim as the new lounge wear? Maybe it’s not so farfetched! When I was a kid, I remember endless summer days in my swimsuit. We would go to the pool, but before (and sometimes after) I would relax in my swimsuit, read in it, eat in in. In fact, I was more likely to be in my swimsuit than not. Bringing that back might be fun.
And if you are lucky enough to have a backyard, green space, wearing your swim at home means you’re always a step away from the water. Lately, I’ve been having a happy hour in my backyard every night. It makes the time break up, gets me some sun, and feels like a “special” place. This summer I’m hoping to add an inflatable pool to my space (see some I’m looking at here). I’ll let you know how that goes!
In the mean time, I’ll be breaking out my swim suits! And while I won’t be wearing them in the wild, I will be doing swim at home. What about you?
Xo RA
I’ve linked some of my current fave swim suits that would go great alone or paired here:
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!
In “normal” times today would be the #MetGala. It’s a favorite event of mine for so many reasons: the Art, the fashion, the themes, the looks that aren’t translatable to real life, the big swings, and the misses. The first Monday in May is not only an “event”, it’s a great documentary, a grand time, and usually leads to memorable moments. This first Monday is different, and there is nothing I could post that could make it the “same”. However, there is still something about this first Monday that’s special. If you’re following the hashtag #MetGalaChallenge on Instagram, you’ll see so many people recreating looks from past galas (I almost posted my faves here, but didn’t want to post other’s work without permission, but encourage you to search, I’ll be re-posting things I love on IG today!). Here, I’d love to showcase looks I love that might be a bit much, or could be styled to be a bit much. And yes, there is a more than good chance that today I’ll dress up, be extra, and let myself enjoy this first Monday in May. What about you?
Looks that could be used for Met Gala:
This Jacket
Vintage Gowns
Bold Prints
Who can go wrong with a cape?
Sheer with jeans
Fringe
More gowns, I can never resist them!
My favorite show stopper.
I have so many favorite pieces: part dresses, gowns, vintage, and so on. From my child hood I have loved being bold in my choices, and dressing up. The first Monday in May is a time to celebrate that. And while we can’t be together, and the Met Gala isn’t happening, today I’m choosing to love the side of myself that very well may be in a BIG look today. Any of these pieces, mixed, matched, might do! Be sure to follow me on Instagram – @racheladelicia- for #MetGalaChallenge looks. How are you celebrating today?
Xo RA
How crazy has it been for you? How are you feeling?
Over here there are good days and bad days. Ups and downs. One thing I’m needing? A day off. We’re at home, yes, but between the news, work, family, and all the things it feels like I go non-stop. So today? I’m taking me time. Maybe I’ll pamper myself- I need to do my roots and nails. Or maybe I’ll sleep. Or watch movies. But I’m giving myself permission to take a day for me.
If you need the same, here’s your permission. We’ll meet up and compare notes!
Wishing us all a week of needs met and amazing shoes! XO RA
How do you make decisions? Not just the big ones, everyone has a method for those. I mean the kind of decisions that seem small but can be so overwhelming when you’re hot, tired, or just done with decisions.
Like what to wear.
Or what to eat.
Those kind of decisions.
And let’s be honest, even though these seem *unconsequential*, aren’t you a little nicer when you like your outfit, or got your favorite thing to eat. All decisions matter. And sometimes, not making those decisions is the way to make decisions.
Or maybe my decision is just to mix it all up?
Graphic tee? Check. Leopard? Check. Floral? Yep. Kicks with a skirt? Yes. High and low? Why not?
(You know that I have a thing for mixing patterns, gentle reminders here and here. )
It’s just too overwhelming to make decisions, so this little outfit formula is what I’m clinging to in these times of social isolation . Wrap skirts are a chic way to beat the heat, and this leopard is on trend!
(alledgedly versions of this skirt are the current “it” skirt. This one I got on etsy (last seen here, and this number from Asos is similar and on sale!)
I can’t stay away from a graphic tee, especially when it’s Wonder Woman. It’s part of the decision to let me clothes talk for me. And wearing these kicks instead of any sandal or heel (both of which I love and would look great here) is just easy. And right now, I’m all about my decisions being easy.
So, how are you making decisions like this? Are you going for comfort? Style? Both? I’m all about decisions that make us feel good.
And if the decisions involve chocolate I’m even more on board. (Dark Chocolate is a health food!)
This bag is perfect for throwing everything in, you can see my other picks for summer bags here.
If you’re at the point where you can’t make decisions (I feel ya), the good news is that I’ve linked similar items below. 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!
