Loves, as any good Southern/California woman I love stripes. I especially love them when they have my initials on them. Add in that this little number is super comfy and perfect for errands, post gym, and casual dinners? Let me tell you what I’ve been living in–this! So technically, it’s labeled a swim suit cover-up. And yes, I’ve used it for that. It’s also a great robe, and a great dress. The zipper front and drawstring waist make this completely adjustable for any occasion. The constrasting stripes make it modern–and I love the hood!
Loves, before each photo shoot I spend time steaming, ironing, pressing each outfit. And here we are: it’s summer, it’s the season of linen. And loves, linen wrinkles. Even if you spend 45 mins trying to make it perfect. Even if you just sit down for 5 seconds or it’s a little humid outside. Linen wrinkles. I know I have stressed over getting outfits perfectly stressed. Like this one:
And even these pants:
Here’s the thing: no matter how tightly woven the linen is, it’s going to wrinkle. It’s part of the weave. Now that weave makes it a perfect summer staple (and keeps you cool), but it’s not for the ones who love things un-wrinkled.
So what do we do? It seems to me that accepting some wrinkling is our only option, unless you carry a portable steamer with you! And as this Wall Street Journal article suggests, there are be something appealing about a slight wrinkle- a casual, carefree summer “je ne sais quoi”, if you will.
I’d love to know your thoughts! Do you embrace your linen wrinkle? Or do you fight it? And if so, how?
There is nothing basic about these white pants-but they work as a basic, making them a winner in my book! Yes, they are sequined, but if there is such a thing as a subtle sequin- this is it. I’ve worn them with t-shirts, blouses, heels, flats. They are as fancy as you need them to be. But as it’s the heat of summer, I love the look of an all white look! A little shoulder, a little wedge- that’s how you Wednesday.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to vintage dressing. One says wear it almost like a costume- exactly like it was worn. The other tends to incorporate vintage into your modern look. Me? I say, why not a little of both? I love to wear my vintage pieces in a modern way, but there are times when the pieces can stand alone- and don’t need help. Case in point? This stunning 1920s dress-found in mint condition. I can wear over a pencil skirt for a classic look, or over jeans for a modern twist. The best of both worlds? I like to think so!
Happy Monday! Xo RA
Details:
Dress:Vinatge
Shoes: Gucci. Old
Pencil skirt: here
There is something about a simple outfit that packs a punch. I’m such a fan of these pieces- cropped tank and linen pants (both go with everything, this blue is almost a neutral) paired with fringe heels and a to-die for vintage bag (that’s almost reversible), and you have some summer magic!
Caftans are the perfect summer (or any season really) staple. Comfy, classic, chic–they feel like pjs and yet every time I wear one I’m constantly asked where I got it. There are so many options out there–and yet my faves come from AAVintedge and ModMelrose; they use vintage fabrics, come in various shapes, and are completely affordable! It’s a winning Monday combination!
Throwing on a shirt and shorts is a summer staple. My favorite is when that ritual is elevated and shirts like this Vintage number help! I love the star detail-the buttons, the straps, the way it’s simple and classic all at the same time. It would go equally as great with a skirt or white pants, yet it was perfect with cutoffs. The shoes are quickly becoming a go-to, the peep toe makes them summer perfect and the color is, believe it or not, neutral enough to go with everything! What are some of your summer go-tos?
Scary and overwhelming: that’s what most of us think of when we think of pattern mixing. And loves, it can be. But like all good scary and overwhelming things, it can be incredibly rewarding. Some of the process is trial and error, and comes down to taste, but when I’m mixing there are a few guidelines I follow, and I hope that they help you!
Play with Sizes
Great combos often come from mixing patterns of the same shape- little and big polka dots for example. However, some of the biggest payoffs come when you mix different patterns- the trick is just to keep one pattern big and one small.
Play with patterns in the same color
Love navy, stripes, and flowers? Play with that combo- it would go great together!
Chose colors that compliment each other
I love a great pop of color- red shoes for example! And when mixing our patterns it’s aok to play with color, just make sure they compliment each other. Black/Red. Blue/Yellow. Green/Pink. All classic combos- but I loved this combo of blue and white check and cream and black. They don’t match- but the colors compliment!
Have fun!
Most importantly- have fun! I am really a fan of trial and error in this process. The guidelines are great- but if there’s something you want to try go for it. Mix and match. Try it on- worse case? You have to change. Best case? It works! It seems like a win/win to me!
I’d love to know- do you mix patterns? What do you stick to?
While pursuing some online shopping recently I saw this image on FreePeople and was obsessed! I’m a fan of the neck scarf (as evidenced here ) and thought, “what a fresh way to think about it”. So I’ve begun tying a scarf around my ankle!
And I love it! I think it’s great with jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses. It’s a pop of color, a little something, and an easy elevation to an outfit.
I’d love to know- are you willing to try this trend?
XO RA
I love pieces that are multi-seasonal–and this black jacket from Zara is a perfect example. I’ve pinned it and worn it over shorts, making it great for summer. I’ve also put it over jeans. It’s great open, it’s great closed. And while it’s light weight (and sheer on bottom), it’s great for fall (I’m picturing it over pants and even layering a sweater over it). And these shoes–I’m a fan of all things red!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Zara
Shorts: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Gucci
