Fall Blues

It’s officially fall and I’ve spent most of the week fighting off the latest variant (still). It’s been one of those weeks where work, scheduling, most everything has been rearranged and moved aside in an effort to recuperate and feel like myself again. Things that help? Outfits like this. Shoes that wrap. Skylines and slits. Stay tuned for updated looks and new things coming. Here’s to entering the new week feeling like our best selves! Xo RA


Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues

Fall Blues are a thing.
The colder weather, the shorter days, the change in the air–it can leave you feeling a little down. Or the fact that the colder weather and change in the air aren’t coming quite as quick as you would like. The only cure I know of? Deep breaths, leaning into the change, and getting excited about sweaters and boots. All valid things.

The good news? Loves, these are the kind of Fall Blues that involve sad feelings, deep breaths, or even loving sweaters. These Fall Blues are the kind that make you want to dance, that go with any kind of weather, and doesn’t require a love of boots (though you should still probably be excited about boots). This is blue silk and crepe. This is a bell sleeve, a wrap top, and a slit that goes there. This is the kind of October Blue that can make you happy now and later. And loves, that’s an October Blue I can get behind.

In pieces this Cult Gaia ensemble is amazing. The top would go great with jeans, trousers, a different skirt. The skirt? I’ve already worn it with a great graphic tee (I’ve already worn it with my Tom Petty tee), a white button down, or one of those beloved sweaters. And the silk is some of the softest I’ve felt in a while. I love the drama that the lace up shoes bring, and who can go wrong with a vintage Bottega Venetta clutch? The real trick here for Fall blues? Besides blue, it’s simply trusting that one color can carry an outfit. I’m a huge fan of monochromatic looks, and while the sleeves and the slit help, I think that any one color look can make an impact!

I got this limited edition Cult Gaia years ago, and while it’s no longer available, the feeling of the look is so easy! Any skirt and top can mimic this feel (and I’ve linked my faves below), you simply need to embrace a monochromatic look, have some fun, and find yourself a rooftop!

If you’re still suffering from Fall Blues, I can recommend apple cider and wine. If that doesn’t work, you’re on your own!

Shop my picks below, they do contain affiliate links (I get commission though there is no added cost to you!

Happy October Blues!
XO RA

And if you love this exact top you can shop my closet on Dora Maar where you can find that and so many other goodies!

Investment Piece: October Bues

When it’s not love….

I originally posted this last September, but I’ve had a few instances recently where I’ve bought things (then returned them) because I just didn’t love it. I’m gearing up to do another closet clean-out and it has me thinking: what if it’s not love? Should we buy every trend or keep everything just because it’s trendy or a basic? Shouldn’t we aspire to a closet of things we love, and feel free to let go of everything we don’t? There’s a saying that you shouldn’t settle in love, well, loves, as a person who loves her closet I’m beginning to think we shouldn’t settle in fashion. When it’s not love, let’s let it go. Get my original thoughts below!

a woman in a long sleeve black top, yellow and black pattern and pleated skirt and black boots

What to do when you HATE the trend

NY Fashion week has come and gone, and we’ve been presented with what’s on trend for now, and for the Spring. Which is great, right? Hopefully you’ve been inspired and are excited about what will be/is offered to you, and you have ideas and plans on how to wear it (or you’re excited to see how we wear it here!) But loves, let’s be honest with each other. There’s a chance, and there are times, when you just HATE a trend. Maybe you try it and it’s just not flattering on you. Maybe it brings back bad memories. Maybe you just hate it so much you can’t bring yourself to try it or think about it. I get it. I know, I’m in fashion and supposed to encourage you to try new things. Which I think you should. But not everything is for everyone.

Loves, I’ve struggled with this part all week. A part of me is torn–I feel as if I’m supposed to encourage you to try new things. Maybe the right piece, the right time, the right color will change your mind on a trend. Maybe. Trying different versions of a trend is also valid. Maybe you hate cold shoulder, but you love a certain off-the-shoulder. Maybe. Classics may be your thing and you don’t want to vary out, but one dress could change your mind. Maybe. I think all these avenues are great-again, I’m for us all trying things. But loves, sometimes things don’t work. And that’s valid too. Trends are simply that, a passing fancy, and if you don’t like it, it’s ok. A new trend will come about, or classics are always in style.
There are trends that I don’t like; and my personal view is that fashion is supposed to be a fun way to express yourself–not a list of things you HAVE to wear.

So, at the end of the day my biggest advice is, if you don’t love it, don’t wear it. That simple. Love what you wear, wear what makes you feel good!

XO RA

Ruffles and Stripes

Investment Piece: Ruffles and Stripes
Investment Piece: Ruffles and StripesInvestment Piece: Ruffles and Stripes
Investment Piece: Ruffles and Stripes
Investment Piece: Ruffles and STripes
Investment Piece: Ruffles and Stripes

I’m not one for things that are too sweet; that includes desserts and fashion. Bows don’t do much for me, embellishments have to be just right, and I usually am picky about ruffles. However, some times things come along that are the perfect combination of sweet, classic, and fun, and I can’t resist them. Like this dress! I love the ombré blue stripes. I love the ruffles that aren’t too sweet. I adore the neckline and how low the arm hole is, I even love the bows (or knots) on the shoulder. Perfect for a bbq, wear it with heals for a night out, this dress screams fun and summer. This is the type of sweet I can’t resist.

This dress is from years and years ago- but the thing about a perfect not too sweet dress is that it’s something that you can go back to again and again. There hasn’t been a summer since I’ve gotten this dress that I haven’t worn it repeatedly. With my classic Dr Scholl’s (my cousin was the first to turn me onto how comfy these classic sandals are, and now they are my go-to recommendation for summer sandals!) or with heels, or with flip flops or anything in-between. This dress screams summer to me, and it’s been a part of so many of my summers. Even with its sweetness, it’s just right for me.

Ruffles and stripes are such a classic combo, but I love how this dress feels fresh! I couldn’t help pair the white and blue with a pop of red, but it would look just as great with tonal accersories. And if you’re a little shy on top, I think this dress layered with a white tee or tank top would be on point! Don’t forget your straw bag (this one is my mom’s from the 1970s, moral of that story is don’t give anything away), add a hat, and you’re set for the last few weeks of summer!

Shop my picks below! XO RA

As this dress is a few years old, I couldn’t find the exact dress, I’ve linked both striped dresses and tiered dresses that I love and that remind me of this dress. And of course, my favorite Dr Scholl’s Originals!

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!

Getting in the Water

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water
Investment Piece: Getting in the Water
Investment Piece: Getting in the Water
Investment Piece: Getting in the Water
Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

Loves, in a moment of vulnerability, I have to admit, this was a hard week. I know, we’re all having hard weeks. It’s just a hard time. And what do I do when it gets tough? Buy shoes! Well, yes. But other than that, a thing I do is get in the water. There’s something about water-surfing, paddle boarding, just sitting by it, that calms me down and makes me happy. Getting in the water is one of my favorite coping mechanisms. And getting in the water in fashion? I LOVE it!!

And loves, this is why I love this job. I love the creativity of it, the thinking out of the box on how to present my fave fashion to you, and the people I work with. This dress is Clover Canyon, and as an Ocean Baby I can’t recommend them enough; their clothes are made of neoprene (always water ready) and the patterns are to die for! I love that my photographer, Katy Shayne, was nonplussed when I said I wanted to shoot this dress on a board and that I would figure it out! And so we figured it out, I got on a paddle board and we were able to get great looks from the dock (the dress is water ready, cameras not so much). Bonus-I got to be on the water and got a session in after we were done!

Another moment of vulnerability: this shoot is from years ago. Yet, I’ve updated it. And it rings true. This week, in August 2023 has been tough. My reaction? Get in the water. I found my self putting together a closet, stressed about what to shoot, and needing to be in the water. So, here we are. I went to the water, and I wore this dress (yet again) and things are looking up. Isn’t it funny how things can come full circle?

I’ve updated my shopping picks (and while I love swimsuits and wearing them out, thank you for indulging me in wearing dresses in water!) and hope that however your week has gone, you’re getting in the water!
XO RA

Note: this post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

Pretending to be in Paris

It was a national holiday and the weirdest short week this week. So many of my Social Media feeds are full of friends and acquaintances who are traveling- from Europe to Asia to all the islands. With the holiday being on Tuesday, the week has been so choppy, and while there are a ton of great sales (and great sales coming), I decided to join everyone. At least in spirit. I’m linking and shopping for us, but just know, at least mentally, I’m pretending to be in Paris.

Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretneding to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris

Sometimes the only reasonable response to a week is to pretend to be in Paris. To find a place that gives you the feel of the city of light. A cafe with great espresso and red umbrellas. High end art and velvet couches. A dress that’s classic and red lipstick. Loves, I have a confession to make: I’ve never been to Paris. It’s on my lists, and has been at the top of my Vision Board for years, but it hasn’t happened-yet. And with all the things in the world, it may be a while till I get to go. So, while I’m determined to make Paris a reality for me, in the meantime, I spend some time making Paris a reality for me, here. This may be the part where you tell me I can’t know what Paris is like, and that might be right, but I get to create what I want, and isn’t that amazing? My Paris? Chic, fun, and has amazing wine. I get to wear amazing dresses and act like the art I love. Will the real Paris live up to mine? Well, there’s only one way to find out, and I’m willing to take one for the team, and try it out!

Loves, how can you not feel like you’re some place magical in this dress? I love the black and white, the stripe, the silk. It’s timeless and classic, and lends itself to any situation,and any magic. We may not be in Paris, but here’s hoping your Friday is full of magic–and that you get to wear something like this!

XO RA

The dress is Valentino, I got it on Vestaire Collective for less than $300 and I’ve found you similar! Shop my similar and Paris inspired picks 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!

Southern Summer

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We’re back! After a week of reflection and listening, we’re still in the fight but excited to bring you new content! First up: one of my all time favorite summer dresses. I pull this number out every year when the heat turns up. I stay cool. I look like a lady. And there’s something about this outfit that lets me know that summer has started!
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There is something special about summer in the South. Yes, it’s hot and can be humid. There’s also magic in the air, there’s a kindness and time can slow. Spending part of my time in the South it’s an exciting time: there are bbqs, rivers, and sweet tea on the porch.

And when I got my hands on this stunner from the 1910s I knew it was a perfect fit–the tiers, the buttons up the back. This is a lawn dress, which means it’s linen or cotton, and these dresses were commonly used for everything from tea time to night gowns to picnics! We know that I love a great vintage number, and I love making them modern. Maybe it’s my height, maybe it’s the age, but I love that it’s a midi dress now. And the shoes! Gingham screams summer, and I love the mix of colors and leg wrap!

While white is most certainly a summer color, I love adding a bit of pop to it. And any color can be your pop (ya know, if gingham is not your thing). Again, the mix of traditional and non-traditional is what I love about this outfit–and summer! While this dress is vintage, and these JCrew shoes are a few summer seasons old, there are so many ways to take the idea of a southern summer and make it your own. Gingham dress with white shoes. White shoes with this summer’s gingham. Mix and match. Pop your white with a bold color. All white (if you dare). Wear what you love. Maybe that’s the trick to any southern summer.

And a note: My mom is the true star of this southern summer- not only did she do all the buttons (and snaps, because yes, there are two layers of each), she helped take these pics! Stay cool out there lovers!

I’ve linked all sorts of options for your southern summer. I can’t wait to see your take on 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!

Want your own vintage lawn dress? I got you here:

Or maybe something more modern:

Happy summer!
And loves it’s supposed to be SUPER hot this week- please stay cool out there!

for Mom

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I promise there is so much exciting, new content headed your way. Birthday weeks are always a little crazy, and always make me a little nostalgic. I can’t help but look back at some of my old looks, and my old celebrations. This post is from a few years ago. I had worn this sheer dress with just a body suit to a fashion event. And though my momma loves me, she doesn’t always love the fashion risks I take. So, that year, for her birthday, I knew that I had to style this dress the way she’d love it!
As I wrote:
My mom is my biggest fan and helper (she’s actually CFO of this little venture). She’s always has my back, always supports me, always is willing to help. And she’s not the biggest fan of all the sheer that I sometimes wear, and that is so on trend this season. Literally her thoughts when she saw thisNote: 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!

Mom’s Style

I’ve been posting this on my mom’s birthday for a few years now- it’s become tradition. While my mom’s birthday isn’t till Tuesday, this is a big week for us- Mom’s birthday, my birthday, we celebrate my mom’s 50th college reunion this weekend as well as Mother’s Day. My mom and I are close, and yet different. However, as I get older I realize I’m more like her than I think, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Especially now, as some of us are apart from our families, I think about how the women in my life shaped me. I spent the past few years isolating with my mom- it wasn’t always easy, but I’m so grateful we did! Even though we spent the better part of the years not getting dressed up- I still learned about style from her over this past year. And yes, we’re getting dressed today! Hope whatever your relationship with moms are, this season lands easy. Xo RA

InvestmentPiece: Mom's Style

Loves! It’s my Momma’s birthday! (on Tuesday!) If you haven’t caught on, my mom and I are close, and I can’t begin to describe how much I love her, and how appreciative I am for all she does for me. Mom is a CPA and teaches accounting, she’s our CFO, and while that’s completely different from her creative daughter who thinks shoes are a necessity (I mean I need shoes, I occasionally want to eat); Mom’s style has influenced me and helped me become the fashionista I am today. So, what did I learn from Mom’s style? Glad you asked!

Stay True to Your Style

No matter the trend or what “you’re supposed” to do, sticking to what you love and what works for you is something to be admired–and makes you look stunning! Mom is a big fan of navy. She is known for her love of navy suits, shoes, and bags. There are years when navy is “in” and years when we’ve had to search for navy for Mom. That doesn’t matter to Mom, even when the styles she loves aren’t in she sticks to them. There’s a classic-ness in that, a commitment. That’s not to say Mom doesn’t try new things, but I’ve learned that you don’t need to be a slave to trends, that sticking to things you love is something to be commended, and when you find something that fits you–hang onto it!

Proper Undergarments Matter

Mom and I have had a lot of events recently and at everyone Mom has mentioned that she thinks I might need a slip. (Side note: I have slips, I’m not great at wearing them) Here’s the thing though: Mom may have a point. Lining, slips, proper garments: our clothes fit better when we make sure these things are taken care of. Proper fit is important (Mom is big on that too) and to ensure that the fit flows, proper undergarments help. (And let’s be honest, no one likes the look of lines!)

Invest in Your Suit
Something Mom and I agree about whole heartedly? Your suit, be it an actual suit, jeans or yoga pants, is something to invest in. Mom, being an accountant, is a fan of actual suits and made it a point to invest in good ones each year. Now that she’s in a place where she’s good on suits, Mom is having fun filling her closet with tanks, tops and blouses (both classic and trendy) to wear with her suits. However, she’s always adamant that her suits are high quality, she checks seams and linings, that it’s where she spends her money. And loves, I agree–what you wear the most should be where you invest your money.

Don’t be Afraid to Accessorize

Mom is a more conservative dresser than I am, yes. However, Mom is not too conservative for a great accessory! I can’t remember a time when Mom didn’t leave the house without a scarf, jewelry, pins, or gloves. We do a high tea occasionally, and Mom is always on point with her hats (and gloves!). The lesson? You can always be playful, and the details are always a place to have fun!

While Mom and I may have different opinions about certain fashions, but my Mom has some amazing style, and I’m so grateful she taught me all she knows!

Have some champagne to celebrate!

XO RA

End of an Era: Online Vintage Shopping Tips

One of my favorite ways to shop is vintage. It’s helped me collect things, it’s shaped my style, and it’s made me a better shopper. However, I know that it’s intimidating to shop vintage (especially online!). So, I’ve rounded up a few of my best tips for shopping vintage below!

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A few years ago, the last episodes of “Mad Men” began to air. Can we chat for a minute about how this show affected our culture? Not just for the viewers (and yes, I’m obsessed) but in how it affected fashion. Styles always come back around –evidenced in the resurgence of the 70s on the runway–but this show made vintage, and vintage inspired dressing cool. I’ll admit–I’ve always loved vintage, there’s something about clothing that has a story that speaks to me. However, let’s be honest–it can be hard to shop for–both online and in person. The good news is there are a ton of amazing vintage shops out there–and if you find one by all means go in and look (don’t forget to try on!). With the advent of Etsy, some online shopping for vintage has gotten much easier–and the finds can be amazing. Here are some of my favorite Etsy finds as well as tips to online vintage buying!

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1. Know your measurements, not your size.

Clothes were cut and sized differently in different eras, not to mention that certain body types go in and out of fashion (a whole blog on its own). Make sure that you measure correctly (or get someone to help you!)–and go by those. Also, depending on the fit of the dress, give yourself an inch of wiggle room–there’s nothing worse than ordering a dress and having it be too tight to breathe.

2. Research Shop Policies

Some shops take returns and exchanges, others won’t–most that I’ve found are happy to dialog with you about everything. Ask questions, send them your measurements–make friends. Knowing upfront some of your options if things don’t work out can make the purchasing process easier. Communication can be key here. Even if you read the policies, reach out with any questions or concerns you have. Most vintage shop owners I know are more than happy to help, to work with you, and to provide more information!

3. Have a budget and understand what you’re paying for

Some vintage is really expensive–when you factor in the rarity quality. Some is really affordable, either way make sure you know what flaws the item has–and what other costs such as alternations and shipping with cost you.

4. Buy things you will wear

This is probably a rule for life, but when I get deep in vintage holes I can lose myself in just beautiful pieces. Realistically however, there may not be a place to wear that pristine 1900 wedding dress–I know, shocking! If you are just a collector, amazing-buy at will. If you’re looking to add to your closet realistically assess whether or not you could wear it without feeling like you’re in a costume (unless you want a costume). Yes, this means that you may pass on some things, but what you’ll buy will be great when you wear it!

Some of my favorite vintage shops (where you can shop online)?
Bloomers and Frocks
RecessLA
The Kit Vintage
Timeless Vixen
Garment Modern</>
Miriti
Of course
Etsy
And one of my current faves is the GEM shopping app (should be available on any of your devices!). There you can simply search for any vintage item and have a ton of options!

And FYI vintage is a great place to shop for Halloween costumes!
Need more help shopping vintage? Please reach out- it’s one of my favorite things!

All clothing vintage

First picture photo credit Kate Richards

I’d love to know: how do you shop for vintage online?

Xo RA

Film Style: Hitchcock’s Heroines

Investment Piece: Film Style

As an actress, movie buff, and fashion lover I am endlessly fascinated by and inspired by the fashion we’re presented with in films. I would argue that fashion in films is incredibly important: fashion presented in films can influence how we think of an era, of an actress, influence what we buy, and what designers put on the runway. There may be no one more influencial than Alfred Hitchcock and his heroines. Hitchcock had a thing for blondes (if you haven’t read about that, it’s fascinating topic to research), and his blondes were always impeccably dressed.

Hitchchock, his films, and his heroines are full on iconic, and have been written about almost ad nauseam, but their influence stands. Several runway collections, outfits, and costumes have taken a page from the Hitchcock Heroine playbook; be in Grace Kelly in “To Catch a Thief”:
Investemnt Piece; Hitchcock's Heroines
To Janet Leigh in “Psycho”:
Investemnt Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

And full disclosure: I’ve dressed up as Tippi Hedren as her character in “The Birds” for Halloween (top pic) in years past, and it’s one of my favorite Fashion Halloweens!

From suits to gowns to pencil skirts, Hitchcock’s heroine’s were always dressed impeccably, and on trend. The outfits never took over the movie, but left a impact on the viewer. These designs were often done by Edith Head, infamous costume designer (loves, Edith designed or put together some of the most iconic and beautiful garments ever. She is a icon on her own, and if you don’t know about her I cannot more strongly urge you to at least Google her. I promise I will feature her on an upcoming Designer Spotlight–she’s that important), but the designs shown in Hitchcock’s films inspired everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Bottega Veneta. Some great reading on the subject can be found:
Hitchcock Fashion Moments and Hitchcock’s Heroines and their influence on fashion.

Investment Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

The great thing about the fashion that Hitchcock heronines inspires? You don’t have to wait for a designer to present it to you! Have a pencil skirt? Add kitten heels and a blouse? Got a draped gown? Add a necklace! Have a skirt suit set? You’re good to go! Need some inspiration and/or examples of Hitchcock’s Heroines? TCM often shows Hitchcock movies and the inspiration they provide from Halloween costumes to day to day fashion inspiration is endless!

What movies do you go to for fashion inspiration? And what Hitchcock heroine do you want to dress like?

XO RA

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