Snaked

Snake, Cut out, Zara, JCrew, Investment Piece, high fashion, blogger, TX, CA
Jcrew, snake, Investment Piece, high fashion, blogger, CA, TX
High fashion, snake, cut out, Jcrew, Zara, Invesement Piece, blogger, Ca, TX
High fashion, snake, cut out, Jcrew, Zara, Investment Piece, blogger, CA, Tx
Snake, high fashion, Jcrew, Zara, investment Piece, blogger, CA, TX

Monochrome looks are a go-to for me (they are simple but allow for so much personality). And here? I love the pop of these snaked shoes (although snake is almost a neutral, I promise). The strapped pump is everywhere this season but when I was shopping, I wanted one that was a little big of a stand-out. And Jcrew delivered! I love the snake-print, I love the strap, I love the thicker, stacked heel. Add to that a basic sweater with cut outs and this one tone outfit is a bit more. The shoes go with everything, and I like that the sweater is a little unexpected! I’m wearing the sweater mainly with high waisted pants, jeans, and skirts; but you could also layer it, or show a bit more skin! Either way, this snaked look is Friday approved!

Details:
Sweater: Zara
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Jcrew, sold out also love these
And similar here

Fashion Halloween: Betty Draper

Halloween, fashion, blogger, Betty Draper, costume, Investment Piece
Betty Draper, Mad Men, Halloween, costume, Investment Piece

I love Halloween, I’m a theatre major, actress and into fashion–costumes are fun to me! I love really dressing for a part, even if that part is just handing out candy. Last year we got into some fashion costumes (here) but this year I wanted to devote more time to it. A great costume can sometimes take some time and effort, though my goal is to present (for the most part) costumes that are fashion (and therefore made from your closet); I’ve picked costumes I’m actually considering being this year–and also costumes I think are fun! (Side note: I also love costumes you buy and in the past have been Catwoman and WonderWoman–I approve and while I’m not presenting those ideas, I still think they are fashion and love them!) So for the next few Thursday’s be prepared for Fashion Halloween, we’ll get you dressed up!

First up: Betty Draper. I loved Mad Men, especially the fashion. And I loved the episode when Betty shot the pigeons–and that makes for a fun, yet easy costume!

Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece, Betty Draper

Loves, this is basically an excuse to wear your nice PJs out. It’s simply a nice nightgown (or a slip dress would work), a great robe (this one is vintage, I got it on Etsy but you can use what you have), and slippers (these are cashmere mules from The Real Real but I think almost anything would work:mules, feathered shoes, any heel). The great thing? It’s completely comfy (and if you like you can smoke and drink all night and be in character). The trick of this costume is in the details;
Fashion Halloween, Betty Draper, InvestmentPiece
Betty Draper, Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece
Perfect makeup:red lips, eyeliner and mascara. Red nails. And bob your hair (I followed an online tutorial here and there are a ton more out there!)
Full disclosure: I didn’t buy a toy gun for this (or cigarettes) but that is an option (Most Halloween or toy stores have them); I felt like the essence of the costume came across without it!

Betty Draper, Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece
Betty Draper, Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece
Fashion Halloween, Betty Draper, Investment Piece

I love this idea, or the idea of dressing like your favorite character in general! Check back next week for our next costume!

XO RA

Afraid of Color

Fashion, blogger, investment piece, TX, Austin, solace, London, shorts, Schultz, stairs, high fashion
Legs, Schultz, solace,London, high fashion, TX, CA , blogger, Investment Piece
Solace, London, TX, CA, blogger, high fashion, investment piece
Stairs, high fashion, color block, London, TX,CA, blogger, investment piece
Color block, solace, London, TX, CA, blogger, high fashion, InvestmentPiece,
Solace, London, short, stair, high fashion, CA, TX, blogger, InvestmentPiece

Loves, I have to admit that there are times when I can be afraid of color, which sounds weird I know, as I encourage you to try color. But we all love to stick to what we know. So when I first saw this stunning Solace London top, I wanted it in cream. I loved the juxatipositon of the t-shirt top with the attached train (I envision running up and down stairs in it-hence the shoot setting). And yet, the cream was sold out in my size (note this is UK sizing and a bit smaller than what we’re typically offered in the States). My choices were this maroon and blue number or nothing at all. So, I took a chance–and I’m so glad I did! While it’s not what I would normally pick, I love the maroon with the blue (it really pops and is fun!). And scared though I was of the color, this is really still easy to pair–here with shorts for fall transitioning, over jeans, skirts. It goes with black, cream, brown. Yes, the blue is a pop, but the maroon is very grounding. Next time you have a choice, I say go with the color, you might just surprise yourself!

XO RA

Details:
Top: Solace London
Shorts: Joes
Shoes: Schultz, old

Pink Suit

image
image
image
image
image
image
image

We know I love a suit (see here, here, and here), so it’s not a surprise that I love this Pink Suit from JCrew. I love the color (it pops and manages to be classic and a standout), the cut (I feel like a real grown up) and that the pieces work separately (with tops and jeans). I love that it feels like New York. I love that the pink color is perfect for the season, not only fall but as we know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and as you may know, my family was touched by this disease this year, so expect a pink outfit every week as a little reminder to get checked, have your loved ones checked, and take it seriously). But mainly I love that it’s a pink suit, and feels powerful, and not little girl-like. So, everyone wins?

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Jacket: JCrew
Pants: JCrew
Shoes: Gucci, old
Shot by @meganmweaver
Want more info on Breast Cancer Awareness? Check here

Last Goodbye

image
image
image
image
image
image
image

Loves, I’m hoping that this heat wave is our Last Goodbye to Summer. Yes, wearing stunning vintage floral dresses like this one makes up for it. But I’m DONE. (With the heat that is) I’m ready to wear sweaters, show you boots, get cozy. I love this dress, it’s simple and stunning all at the same time. It’s a tad sheer and sexier than you think, but innocent and sweet at the same time (and we know I love juxatipositon so). It works for dinner, it works for events, it works for hanging out in gardens. It makes me feel regal and yet is perfect with my bare feet. I love it. I want to wear it a lot. But I’m also ready for fall. And so, I can think of nothing better to wear to give summer one last goodbye (let’s hope!)

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: vintage, from my love AAVintedge, find something great from her on Instagram (@aavintedge) or online here

Cape

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image

Loves, I know I just overwhelmed you with pictures, but there are two truths here:Chosing shots from this shoot was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and to date, this is one of my most favorite looks and shoots. It’s from my Downtown Fort Worth shoot with Megan Weaver. The background (Bass Hall) was just stunning. The hair -made me feel old Hollywood. I can’t take full credit for the look; this is vintage Saks Fifth Avenue cape that I wore as a dress, and I got the idea from my dear friend Marie at RecessLa, though the piece is from Kit Vintage.
Capes are so in this season, and I love this take on it! Wear it as a dress, because why not! (On Monday, I wore my jacket as a dress, see that here) If you have a cape that fastens in the front (or that you can pin) why not try it! The cut outs on the side are sexy without being overstated, it’s a statement without trying, and I bet that it will look stunning. Don’t feel like being adventurous? I get it. Capes look great over jeans, pants, skirts, and master the line between keeping warm and not overheating! In short, get a cape, and wear it.

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Details:
Cape: Kit Vintage, shop her site here
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Shot by @meganmweaver

Coat Dress

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image

There are dresses made to look like coats. Then there are coats that we can wear as dresses. So why not? It’s not quite chilly enough for a jacket, but this weekend there were brief moments that felt like fall! So the perfect solution-a light coat, worn all by itself as a dress! (This coat does have closures down far enough to work, however I did pin the neckline) I love this coat–the soft grey color, the elegance of it. And I love the juxatipositon of that with sneakers. Yes, this coat would be great over a dress, or as a dress with heels, but it’s great with sneakers and flats too! It’s the perfect toe-dip into fall.

I’d love to know: Do you have dresses that could work as dresses? Do you?

Happy Monday!
XO RA

Details:
Coat: Keepsake If you don’t know Keepsake, they’re a great Australian label, they ship here and you can also shop the label at Shopbop, Revolve, and Nordstrom
Shoes: Addias

Waiting on Fall

image
image
image
image
image
image
image

It’s official, it’s fall. The only we’re left to do? Wait on fall- weather that is. It’s still hot, but I can’t help but think of cooler weather: sweaters, boots, coats. I’m looking forward to velvets, jewel tones, mohair, and stunning boots. And while I’m waiting on fall? I’m loving tempting it-trenches over swimsuits, tulle socks with my shoes. It feels just fall enough, but I don’t melt! And yes, I’m aware this is not a look you could recreate for work. However, you can recreate the feel. A trench over a romper or a sundress. Wearing your swimsuit as a bodysuit. And these tulle socks? Always an option!

Happy Friday! Xo RA

Details:
Trench: Zara
Swimsuit: vintage from AAVintedge
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Socks: Pan&theDream
Scarf: Zara, old, similar here
Bag: Mansur Gavriel

New/Old

image
image
image
image
image
image
image

There are so many things about my job I love; and one of the things I love most is getting to know new people, and finding great clothes! This is the story of how I did both! This gorgeous dress is vintage from Isreal, and I had the pleasure of finding it through a new friend – Miriti. She and I began following each other on Instagram and I got the chance to meet her, and shop her amazing collection! (Stay tuned for more info on her!)I fell in love with this number, I love the contrast of the high neck and v-neck. It’s completely innocent and completely sexy all at the same time! It’s the perfect juxatipositon, and I can’t wait to find more like this!

Xo RA

Details:
Shop Miriti on Instagram @m_i_r_i_t_i
Shoes: Miu Miu, old, you can find these on eBay and Tradesy and sites like that! Search “Miu Miu wedge sandal”

#red

image
image
image
image
image
image

They say with the right one you won’t need much- they may be talking about love, but I think it applies to clothes too. Yes, each look is different – and some need the hair, makeup, accessories to make the look. But sometimes, the clothes are so perfect for you, nothing is needed. No makeup. No hair. Even barefoot and in glasses it just works. Case in point? This head turner. It just fit- and didn’t need a lot. And loves, let’s not weigh ourselves down with things we don’t need (apply that to what you will!)

Hope Monday doesn’t feel like one! Xo RA

Details:

I actually didn’t buy this one from RecessLa<\a> and that may haunt me. Make sure you check them out- in LA or shop their Insta @recessla