Cutoffs

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I’ve admitted that I often shy away from shorts, and this was also true for cut-offs. I needed a pair that wasn’t too short, too tight, the perfect amount of distressed. And loves? I found them. This pair of Joe’s fits my bill–not too short, not too tight, able to be rolled up, and just the perfect amount of distressed. I love them with the contrast of a button up, but I’ve been wearing them non-stop-with tees, tanks, sweatshirts, everything. What cutoffs do you love?

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Shorts: Joe’s (note I sized up one size for fit)
Shirt: Front Row
Shoes: Tibi, also similar here

Suited

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In many ways my life doesn’t need suits. I work for myself, mainly, from home and could wear yoga pants all day without anyone knowing any better. When I book acting work the costume designer dresses me. However, I clearly love clothes too much to only wear sweats (though don’t worry, I do) and one thing I have always loved is a great suit. There’s just something about it-clean lines, being pulled together, and the feeling they give you. This vintage suit fits my bill–the great fit, the slight flare, and the great feeling!

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details: Suit, vintage, found on etsy
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bag: Mansur Gavriel

Spring Leathers

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Leather and Suede in Spring? I know that it sounds a little unexpected, but spring is a great season for leather! The trick–keep it light, not necessarily in color (although that works), this is not the time for sweaters and coats and leather. This is a season for your fave t-shirt and suede pants. A skirt with a button down. Unlined leather pants paired with everything. Crazy? No, it works; it’s just warm enough for spring winds but not overbearing. Throw your suede and leather pieces on like your favorite pair of jeans, it elevates you just a bit but it’s comfy!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details: Suede Skirt, old, some of my picks:
here, here, and here. Another great place to look for suede pieces in general is vintage shopping, including etsy
Striped shirt: old, similar here
Leather pants: Helmut Lang and on sale! Similar here
Suede Pants: old, similar here, here and here

And wearing my fave Stuart Weitzman sandals

Cropped

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Summer is fast approaching and I can’t help but be drawn to styles that remind me of the beach. So I’m loving this For Love and Lemons crop- it goes with jeans, high waisted skirts and pants, and bikini bottoms! The fringe detail elevates the top- meaning you can dress it up for more than just sand, and I love the color! This look worked for running errands and a quick trip to the river, but with a jacket over it could even be (somewhat) office appropriate!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Top: For Love and Lemons and matching skirt here

Skirt: Zara

 

 

Denim Skirt

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The subtle 70s vibe that seems to be everywhere? I love it. Especially when it’s manifested like this amazing denim skirt–it goes with nice blouses, tank tops, flip flops, or heels. Or you can simply throw on an old leotard with it and call it a day. Still chic, still works. My kind of vibe.

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Skirt: Zara
Leotard: old, similar Danskin
Flip Flops: Target

Clothes as Biography

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I inherited my grandma’s minks this week- which was incredibly bittersweet. I vividly remember playing in them when I was a little girl; and looking forward to the day when they would be mine. As much as I will miss my grandma, I know I will love wearing these- and will always feel her with me. Her name is still embroidered on the lining:
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The funny thing? I can count on one hand the number of times I saw my grandma wear these coats. And yes, they are special occasion, and yes that’s what we tend to pass down- but when I picture my grandma I see her in her day to day outfits. Slacks. A blouse. Sensible shoes. So while I love this coat, and have memories of my grandma in it, her biography is really told in her grease stained apron, her favorite worn slacks, the blue dress she wore to church. The mink was something she was proud of, something she loved, but it’s not her whole story. And it got me thinking- if the things we leave behind tell who we are what would you know from my closet?
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My closet is vast so there might be a lot. There’s my love of shoes
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(And this isn’t even half). There are tons of jeans, jackets, bags. You might get that I love to dress up and am sarcastic
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Of course the latest addition is this coat, and what I’m really hoping my closet tells you is how much I enjoyed it (life and my closet)- and how much those things love me back!
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Happy Thursday!!! XO RA

Buttoned Up

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You know me–I love a classic item with a twist! So, it’s no surprise that I’m absolutely in love with this Anna Quan shirt. It’s a good one–nice, thick, beautifully tailored, french cuffs–and here’s the twist, you can wear the sleeves undone for a modern take. The option for your initials is another fave of mine (because I like to mark my territory) and it looks great with jeans (I’m loving these JCrew that feel vintage), pants, skirts or over a dress. Now, please excuse me while I go raid my mom’s vintage cuff links!

Happy Wednesday!

Details:
Shirt: Anna Quan
Jeans: Jcrew
Shoes: Vintage Gucci, and yes, I’m all on board for the oxford trend

Carrie Bradshaw Moment

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I love fashion and I came of age in the “Sex and the City” years. So sometimes I just can’t resist paying homage to the show–after all, I’m a blonde, wavy haired girl. I can’t help it. And this silhouette? I just love it. It’s a dress over a tulle skirt (and this is the point where my mother would like me to mention you could wear a slip underneath this skirt and cover more of your legs–I do have little hot pants on)–and love the illusion of see-through, love the feel of this, love the reference to a show that shaped some of my fashion sense. It’s just fun–and perfect for a night out. The skirt is also great alone (slip or shorts) with a top, and this dress (though too short on me to be a dress) would work over pants, shorts, or on its own!

Happy Monday!! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Nasty Gal
Skirt: Free People, old, similar here, here, and here
Shoes:Steve Madden

40’s Vibe

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Loves, I have something a bit embarrassing to admit. I often shy away from shorts. Which is ridiculous because if you wanted me to help you with shorts I would–if you told me you were too old for shorts I would tell you there’s no such thing, and I do truly believe that there’s a short for everyone. But for me, I shied away–being tall I worried about too short, too tight, too this. This romper is changing that. I put it on–and it’s perfect. Just long enough, just tight enough, just right. It feels very 40’s to me–but is modern and the silk makes me feel just dressed up enough. It goes great with heels without feeling too much, goes with flat sandals like a dream. Basically it’s enough!!

Happy Friday!! XO RA

Details:
Romper: Marina Hoermanseder, check restock at Moda Operandi, similar here
Shoes: Miu Miu, old, similar here

Back View

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In my experience every summer needs a denim dress, and loves this one is a stunner. It’s part basic strapless dress: part chambray, part linen (so yes, it will wrinkle, even if you steam it twice). It has pockets (and we know I love pockets). It’s a great midi-length (can be worn with sandals or heels). But loves, the back. It’s part amazing. Draping detail that adds just enough drama–literally all I want to do in this dress is twirl. And if that’s not a good reason to have it, I don’t know what is!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Milly
Shoes: DVF, old, similar here