How to wear a Corset Belt

Investment Piece: Corset Belt

This trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so how to wear a corset belt? With attitude. With jeans.

Investment Piece: Corset Belt
Over a dress, having fun.
Investment Piece: Corset Belt
Investment Piece: Corset Belt
Investment Piece: Corset Belt

Actually loves, there aren’t a lot of rules when it comes to corset belts. Part of the magic of wearing them is that they are part statement, part basic–and they go with everything. I love the Rock and Roll edge that the belt provides with this simple white tee and jeans, but you could easily make this more casual by wearing sneakers instead of heels. Over a dress with flats, with shorts and sandals, with super high heels. (Get my other corset look here). Corset belts are perfect when you want to define your waist, add a little something, be edgy, be soft, or just need a belt! They’re a nod to sexy, a way to hold yourself in, a little throw back, and are modern all in one; the point being that you can’t go wrong with them.

Loves, there’s also a very good chance that you don’t need me to tell you how to wear a corset belt, or any fashion for that matter. Though I have lots of ideas, and am always happy to help, the reality may be that you don’t need my help. Maybe you need inspiration, or loves maybe you just need permission. Before you take a deep breath and my comments get filled, I am not trying to imply that as a woman in charge of herself that you need permission to wear anything, any way you like. What I would argue is that sometimes we hold ourselves back, for reasons that would be another article, blog, another forum. So we’re focusing on the corset belt. And loves, however you rock it or don’t is perfect. The outfit you have in your head will be amazing (and if turns out you don’t like it, you change). You have permission to have fun, to try things out, to wear what makes you happy. Ironic that we’re talking about permission with a corset belt that holds you in? Maybe. Or maybe not!

This belt is from my love, Elaine Kim, and I love how soft it is–seriously loves, you need to feel this leather–and the zipper! It’s gone with everything from jeans to dresses (see above) and I’m still thinking up ways to wear it!

I’d love to know: how do you wear a corset belt?

XO RA

Shop my picks below:

7-11 Juxatipositon

Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatipositon
Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatipositon
Investment Piece; 7-11 Juxatipositon
Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatitposition
Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatipositon
Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatipositon
Investment Piece: 7-11 Juxatipositon

I cannot explain to you how fun this shoot was, one of my faves! And yes, I say that all the time, and yes, I take it as a challenge to improve each time: but loves 7-11 Juxatipositon was simply fun. And isn’t that what fashion is supposed to be? A high end jumpsuit, by Katy Rodriguez found at Resurrection Vintage, fit for the red carpet in 7-11, Twizzlers in hand?!? I was inspired by the Rihanna looks in a drug store, and I have to say–she was on to something. There was so much to play with, not as many people stared as you would think, and this jumpsuit! I highly recommend playing with Juxatipositons and if that happens to be in 7-11, so be it!

And this fashion! This is not where I tell you that this jumpsuit could be made into something it’s not. It’s a special piece, rhinestones and slits, and all; and you can’t/shouldn’t hide that. It’s not something that you could repurpose as workwear or casual wear, but there are ways to soften it. The slits on both the legs and chest could be sewn up–either with thread, tape, or safety pins. You could wear a shirt under the jumpsuit, and this night I threw a sweater on top (so only the legs showed) for drinks. I think for an upscale pool party you could pair this stunner with flats, but I think, other than that, heels would be best! Resurrection Vintage (Resurrection Vintage, lastore@resurrectionvintage.com, or @resurrectionvintage on Instagram) has a pink jumpsuit exactly like this one available–if you get it, show me the Juxatipositons you wind up in!

Love bugs, most importantly, go have some fun out there!
XO RA

Shop my picks below and have an amazing weekend!

90% off luxury consignment

Walking in LA

Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA Walk
Investment Piece: LA WalkInvestment Piece: LA Walk

Loves, when we think LA we think beaches and boardwalks, Melrose and Beverly Hills; but there are other sides of LA. Colorful, playful sides that deserve to be explored: Downtown, Mid Cities, Korea Town, to name a few. And lucky me, I got to walk Downtown LA in one of my favorite outfits to date. The sites, the colors, the sounds, the endless cars: all were amazing backdrops and fun to explore! We know I love the beach, but my advice? Get out of the sand and get to walking LA, I promise you won’t be the only one, and you’ll love it!

As for the fashion:
This Jcrew graphic tee is the best! It goes with everything, and has just enough attitude to make anything pop.
Todd Oldham pants: Can you believe this print?? It’s fun and festive, I can’t wait to wear it with purple, and it’s simply iconic. If you missed it, I wrote about Todd yesterday, you can catch up
Armani shoes: Graphic, vintage, classic
Zara bucket bag: Perfect for summer, surprisingly roomy, it’s become my go to!

Where are you walking today?

Investment Piece: LA Walk

XO RA

I found the shoes and pants at Recess, shop my picks below!

90% off luxury consignment

Seeing Stars

Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars
Investment Piece: Seeing Stars

There’s something magical about the heavens, and there’s something magical about putting the heavens on a fantastic dress! The details of the dress are simply stunning-from the embroidery to the cut-outs (I’m usually not a big fan of the cold-shoulder silhouette, but when it’s done right, it’s amazing), the flow, and loves, this dress has pockets!! This dress, seeing stars and all, is perfect for date night, events, and cultural outings. It would look just as great with flats as heele, making the options endless!

Happy Monday!
XO RA

This dress was a vintage find at Recess and shot by Katy Shayne at LACMA! If you’ve never been to LACMA, I highly recommend it. There is the iconic light fixture in front (I’m sure you’ve seen some of that on Instagram), but don’t ignore the rest of the grounds! Besides a stunning collection of artwork, LACAMA is host to gardens, this rock struture; and is attached to the LA Tar Pits, where you can find dinosaur like finds! Anything on these grounds would be magical, I just have a soft spot for stars!

Shop my picks below:

Snake Bitten

Investment Piece: Snake Bitten
Investment Piece: Snake Bitten
Investment Piece: Snake Bitten
Investment Piece: Snake Bitten
Investment Piece: Snake Bitten
Investment Piece: Snake Bitten

Oh Loves! This shirt has me snake bitten. In real life, snakes aren’t a favorite of mine, but Gucci and my new fave Velvet California have changed my mind! {Side Note: look for an upcoming post on Velvet California: the owner is amazing, I love the patches on vintage flannels and slips, and it’s all affordable (and chic!)} The snake is just a little bit edgy, and then these jeans! I borrowed these Dolce and Gabbana’s from a friend (yes, I was sad when I had to give them back!). The silhouette is simply stunning. And together! Just so cool and fun! I felt like a rock star, and my opinion on snakes may be changing!

Top: Goes with everything. Seriously. I’ve worn it with jeans, over slip dresses, with black pants, heels, flats: I’ve yet to find something it doesn’t go with. The snake makes it a statement, but the vintage flannel is so soft and comfy!

Jeans: I did have to give these back, but the good news is that this shape is everywhere! From Zara to Free People, you can get an extreme flare. And the good news? It’s a statement! Goes great with everything from tanks to sweaters, sheer tops to flannels!

And these Stuart Weitzman shoes: they are just perfect!

You too can get snake bitten at Velvet California, or on their Instagram (@VelvetCalifornia), the Dolce Jeans were resale from @Recessla, but you can shop some of my picks below!

XO RA

Leather Swim

Investment Piece, Norma Kamali, leather skirt, pleats, fashion blogger, high fashion, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, leather swim, pleats, leather skirt, Norma Kamali, swim, CA, TX
Investment Piece, leather swim, altazarra, leather skirt, pleats, lace up,
Investment Piece, leather swim, leather skirt, pleats, Norma Kamali, altazarra, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, leather swim, high fashion, fashion blogger, Norma Kamali, Altazarra, leather skirt, pleats, CA, TX
Investment Piece, leather swim, leather skirt, pleats, Norma Kamali, swim, high fashion, CA, TX

We know I love juxatipositons and creative dressing, so it should come as no surprise that I love a great swimsuit that doubles as a statement bodysuit. Yes, loves, this is a swim suit paired with a leather skirt. Leather swim anyone? The trick with this styling is to get either a swim suit that’s completely classic, or one that stands out. I love the mesh panels on this Norma Kamali number, but let’s be honest, it’s probably not the best choice for rough swims. However, it is perfect paired with a leather skirt. It’s the best combination of soft and edge, and just sexy enough! And these shoes! I love the heeled espadrilles, the lace up. This look makes me feel like summer, and is perfect for cocktail parties, date night, and upscale pool parties.
I’d love to know-how do you creatively wear your swim suits?
XO RA

Shop my swim and leather picks below!

90% off luxury consignment

Netted

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, netted, fish nets, leather, vintage, Givenchy, CA, TX, high fashion
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, netted, vintage, leather, Givenchy, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, netted, fish nets, vintage, leather, Givenchy, high fashion, CA TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, netted, fish nets, leather, Ca, Tx
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, netted, fish net, vintage, leather, Givenchy, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, netted, fish nets, vintage, leather, Givenchy, CA, TX

Name the number one trend on Instagram right now.

Did you guess wearing fish nets with jeans? I did. But who says that fish net tights are our only opprotunty to be netted? My new fave layering piece is this thin, fish net, top. Great under sweaters, button downs, and tanks. I love it a bit risky with just a bra underneath, or layered under a blazer. It’s edgy meets subtle. And paired with vintage jeans and these detailed Givenchy pumps? It’s perfect for the last few cool nights!

This netted top is thin enough to wear through the summer and I can’t wait to layer it under slip dresses and as a swim cover up. And on the cooler nights it will toughen up sweaters and blouses. The best part might be that you’re following a trend, but you don’t look like everyone else! Wins around!

I’d love to know, would you wear a netted top?

XO RA

Jeans are vintage from my love AAVintedge, You can see my version of fish nets and jeans here, and see this leather jacket styled differently here

Shop my picks below and have an amazing Monday!!

Florals for Spring

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Beehive, florals for spring, gingham, groundbreaking, high fashion, CA, TX

Groundbreaking, I know.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, florals for spring, beehive, gingham, groundbreaking, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, florals for Spring, Beehive, gingham, high fashion, Beehive, CA, TX

But loves, I actually like to think that this floral, tiered skirt from Beehive is fresh. I love it paired with the slight gingham of the top (and the off the shoulders!). And this silhouette on this floral skirt is amazing, there is so much movement! Not to mention that the colors are bold and fun.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, florals for spring, beehive, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, florals for spring, beehive, high fashion, CA, TX

I love this top and wear it with everything from white to jeans, and over slip dresses. Though this floral skirt is bold, don’t be afraid to mix it- it goes with gingham, stripes, blue, and a great white shirt. You can wear heels and take this floral skirt to a party, or wear sandals and go about your day!

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, florals for spring, Beehive, CA, TX

Your grandma’s floral skirt this is not, and I can’t wait to wear it all season! Happy Friday!
XO RA

You know you can find one of my fave’s Beehive online here And on Instagram @beehiveboutique

Shop my picks below!

Blue Jean Baby

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, high fashion, jeans, vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, vintage, uniform, high fashion, CA, TX

Are you a blue jean baby? I know I am. Jeans are a go-to, part of my uniform, and my “suit”. There are all sorts of fits, cotton blends, and ways to wear jeans; but let’s be honest, jeans are a big part of our lives.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, vintage, high fashion, CA, TX

I wrote about the perfect fitting jean here, and not much has changed from this article. I personally love a great mix of vintage Levi’s and “modern” jeans. I need a high waist, I care about pocket placement, and if the jeans are new like a little stretch (but just a little). My favorite styles are boyfriend (these are by The Rebel Stylist) and a straight cropped (the pair featured here are Jcrew). I am not afraid of a flare, and love details!

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, Stephen Spillman, jeans, high fashion, CA, Tx

What I love about being a blue jean baby? They go with everything. Everything. This dressed up sweatshirt to a “going out top”, blouses, blazers, sweaters, heels, sneakers, and flip flops. I have yet to find something that doesn’t go with jeans.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, Stephen Spillman, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, vintage, CA, TX

I’d LOVE to know: what are your fave jeans? What do you wear them with? Are you a blue jean baby?

XO RA

Sweatshirt pics by Stephen Spillman. Find him on Instagram at @spillmanphoto, Vintage jeans via The Rebel Stylist.

Shop my blue jean picks below!

A Tractor

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, A Tractor, high fashion, CA, TX
Invesement Piece, A Tractor, fashion blogger, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, A Tractor, Steve Madden, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, A Tractori, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, A Tractor, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, A Tractor, high fashion, Ca, TX

Loves, I have a confession to make. I took these photos back in Novemeber. One thing lead to another, Holiday editorial calendar, and I never posted them. Which is sad, because I love this shoot. I love the heavy equipment. I love the pink boots (old Steve Madden) and the pink earrings. I love the slip dress whose straps are invisible. I love the tractor, and the play on attractive (A Tractor). I just love everything about it.

The Dress: Goes with everything, super easy to layer with, and is a staple.
Boots: Statement but almost a neutral, love them with jeans, and dresses.
The earrings: Statement,and that movement!

And this backdrop! Another confession? I’m not 100% sure what this digger machine is called, so we’re going with tractor. (Go ahead, explain it to me), but how great is this juxatipositon? How fun?

I promise not to hold photos from you again, especially when they’re this great!

Shop my picks below and have an amazing Monday!
XO RA

These earrings are from one of my faves in Austin: Garment Modern, shop their Instagram (@garment_modern) and their site Garment

Shop my dress and shoe picks: