Hi My beloveds! Good news/bad news? We have a timeline for the repair and demo due to this huge, unexpected (is there any other kind??). And I am thrilled with some plans and even like the contractor. The bad? We have to be out today (Sunday. For a week. Yes, moving into a hotel with cats. Pray. Send all the vibes!). Which means I have been quiet and frantically packing. While I think we will make it, there has been no time to do anything but prepare for this. I will be shooting and have so much to share. We will be dark till Wednesday and then will resume our regularly schedule! Thank you so much for being patient and being here and your support. I hope that – for me, instead of me- you’re out wearing something fantastic and telling stories. And please tell them to me!!
As much as I love fashion, as much as I love it when I can use fashion to tell my (and our) stories- lately my life (due to an unexpected home damage and now repair) has looked more like sweats, rather than then the party dresses I would love to be wearing at this time of year.
Not that sweats can be chic. See:
And while- there are absolutely days where my sweat ,or yoga pants, or whatever I can throw on are absolutely NOT chic- they do tell the story of where I am. AKA in the midst of a bit of chaos. And to satisfy the parts of me that want it chic (and party) during the chaos? I may have stumbled upon the perfect solution? Outfit? Combination?
A sweatshirt dress. A dress that’s a sweatshirt. Fun fact? The past few days I have spent in a sweatshirt dress I have had since the 5th grade. (I swear it’s chic, but by the time I even thought to take a pic I was 2 days in, it was over sweats and Uggs (none of those are bad!) but I was dirty from packing and carrying bags and honestly- too tired to tell a story. Sometimes the story is we aren’t ready to tell it yet! Also. I promise I have added to my sweatshirt dress collection since I was 10. From dark grey to light grey (linked below!) I do love a theme! These dresses are not only cozy. They are chic. And versatile. Wear with sweats. And Uggs! Boots. Tights! Heels! Flats. And to bed – or to errands, causal events and more.
If you need me this weekend (which is supposed to be cold and dreary), you might (aka will) find me in a sweatshirt dress. I am linking my current fave below (yes, it is an affiliate link. That doesn’t affect the price for you but I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)
No matter what your story is, and even if it’s a story you don’t really feel like telling right now- I hope that you find an outfit that makes you feel chic and fun- and lets you do what you need to do!
Here’s to getting through this story! In the chicest but comfiest way possible!
XO RA
Shop my current fave and go-to sweatshirt dress here
This season of my life has been— trying- to put it mildly. Getting through the days can somehow take all of me, and as much as I love my fashion I find myself in sweats more often than not. And it’s taking a toll- I yearn for party dresses and fancy shoes and all the things I love (which does include being here with you!). **
** A small house update- we are moving into a hotel (cats and all) next week while demo starts on the parts of the house affected by the leak and mold. That means this week (and last) we have been frantically packing and organizing. Again, it’s been a lot. My hope is that a week away and then the start of house work lets us settling into a routine, and let me get dressed again.
I am struggling right now, not only with all the chaos, but getting into anything looking like a routine, getting dressed for real, and staying consistent here. Honestly, I don’t know what the next few weeks will look like. But. I have things that I want to wear, and share. So- we are working to see what a sustainable schedule here for the next few weeks will look like. I will update you on that- in the meantime you can always shop with me via affiliate links in bio. And I will send out a special newsletter with gift suggestions. (You can also sign up for the newsletter here!).
Back to business? Not in the way that I would like, but we’re getting there. And we are excited to dress the part.
Thank you for staying here with me, your patience, and your support!
XO RA
BTW these “business” (yet fun) pants can be found here (yes, that is an affiliate link. Yes, I may earn commission, but it won’t affect the price for you. As usual, thank you! )
So. It’s perhaps the kick off for the holidays (this is very US coded as this is the week of Thanksgiving, but yet- no matter where you are next weekend is December so it all works!)
Or perhaps (if you have been following along about our house drama) but we have a date when we need to be out for the abatement and demo of the house (which means a LOT of packing and stress)
Or perhaps it’s just my own internal angst.
But the overwhelming feelings this holiday?
They are intense!
So while my list (of not only to-dos but to survives) seems oh -so- big I am trying to tell myself that all the holiday things will come and will work out — I have to be honest:
We need to pack and make plans to be out of my house (with my cats!) for a week for the beginning of work. In between this, I had a goal of changing over my closet from summer to fall (with an ever so slight clean out). And some gift guides. And all the things.
Let me be honest in that this holiday overwhelm? It’s overwhelming.
(and yes- even just this time of year can be overwhelming, if that’s what you’re feeling it’s 100% valid!) My overwhelm? Not 100% the holiday (but not helping. The house? not helping)
So. Here’s the plan and the schedule and how I am dealing with the overwhelm :
– I am not making big decisions. Originally, I thought that I would switch my closet out and clean it out. Pack up for the renovations and clean it out. But As I am realizing a lot of big changes are coming (some oh so quickly), I am realizing that big choices (and yes, even a closet clean out) should be pushed down the line. In other words, I know that I am not in a space to make any sort of big choice (event if it’s a “should I keep this shirt choice”). I am doing what I can- aka switching over the closet and any deep clean out may be waiting. This also goes for the rest of the house.
-I am letting it go. This Thanksgiving will most likely be on boxes and out of containers. I am not stressing. I am letting it be
– I will have to let this site go dark for a week. Not my plan. Or ideal. But. I can’t do it all. We will be back after this week! And of course you can shop along with me on all the sites (links updated!)
So. I guess this is my way of saying the holiday is oh so much for us that we are taking off. We will be (packing and getting our house right and then prepping for us!) back next Monday 12/2– and I can’t wait to update you on OH SO MUCH *including gift guides this year*!!
I will be on all the socials and the sites. and will be updating my shopping picks– and I do hope the overwhelm becomes a bit less and I have a sooner post. But. I wanted to get ahead.
SO. Meet ya here on 12/2? Links to shop? If you need me you’ll email?
Same and same!
I realize that the fact that holidays are coming is not news. In fact, you may be prepped and ready and excited. Me, on the other hand? I’ve spent the past month redoing my closet (and started on the kitchen last night) and while my family and I have chatted about holiday plans- it truly hit me last night that the holidays are really coming. Soon. And really, are kind of here?
Are you ready? (Just tell me no) How do we get ready?
If you’ve come this far thinking I might have amazing tips for cooking (I do my grandma’s Pecan Pie!) and decor tips you’re going to be incredibly disappointed when I tell you that I mainly shop. That’s how I holiday prep. I plan outfits. Get excited about parties (and then mainly stay home!), and buy party dresses (and shoes!). Buy presents. Buy new Holiday items. Somehow shopping is my answers.
So. This is the week I start. From gifts to outfits, to things for the house, I’ll be making (and sharing) my lists, planning and shopping. Starting with? The perfect ThanksGiving Outfit:
(I may have a thing for red!)
What I love about this outfit is that it’s simple but chic. And easy to eat in! I love the sweater dress that feels a bit vintage. And yes- you could wear almost any shoes with this dress, but I love pairing over the knee boots- to keep you warm and cover up just enough (no relative will get to say anything to you!). This may be the first holiday purchase that goes in bag!
(Now to get gifts, decor, and all the rest!)
One of my favorite ways to prep (and holiday buy)- holiday dresses. Again, red may be my favorite (just so cheery and chic and this year, incredibly on trend). So below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite red dresses (and velvet heels!) as well as the above Thanksgiving outfit!
If you have any “real” tips on how to holiday prep, I’m all ears (especially if they involve party dresses!). Am I stressed that the holidays are coming? Maybe. But I have a feeling we can get through them together (or order enough online to hide that!)
XO RA
note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them!
I know, I know – it maybe doesn’t feel as if it’s the time of year to play. There’s so much to do, the holidays can be overwhelming (from family to travel to gift giving and buying), and if you’re like me you’re so so behind. When I start to think (or overthink) about all the things on my to-do list (and then look around at my upcoming house repairs), I truly don’t want to play. Or holiday. And yet- playing is I think what’s needed at this time of year. It’s what makes the season oh-so magical.
Here- I am not playing with holiday themes per se (though this is a great combo for a Thanksgiving outfit!) but with layers:
this is a workout onesie (jumpsuit?) under a
vintage leather skirt
paired with a chiffon leopard print top.
All of these pieces would be fantastic on their own- or paired with like fabrics. But- what if layering wasn’t just a piece under a sweater or a coat? Or what if leather went with a soft fabric?
And let’s not forget the strappy (Apple is telling me that’s not a word but Carrie Bradshaw and I would beg to differ!) gold shoes! That add just a bit of whimsy.
I am playing with all these options- and then the posing. Against a blank wall. Popped hips. Pulled shoulders.
Lately (with all the chaos in my life and the house), I have worried that I have lost my fun in both dressing and taking pictures (part of the basis this very blog is based on). And when you LOVE something – like playing dress up and wearing outfits and taking pictures of them– it is awful when you feel as if you may be losing it. The only way I know to get it back? Playing. Trying things on. Pairing things up.
Honestly? Originally, I didn’t plan to wear any of these pieces together. I started with a completely different look- hated it- was going to the gym so had the onesie on- then started to play. And I LOVED it. I ended up wearing this combo to 2! different meetings!
And the playing around didn’t stop. Yes- the blouse (linked below) is traditionally meant to be worn with the zipper in back (though that does leave you with still oh-so-much room to play as the zipper goes both ways!), but I couldn’t help but realize that put on backwards the top is still oh-so-chic. And takes a look to a completely different level!
I know – tis the holiday season and it’s oh so full and the to-dos and musts are overwhelming. But. The holiday season is nothing without magic. And magic is impossible without play. So- I hope that your shopping from food to gifts is as painless as possible. That family is easy going. That Hallmark movies have nothing on you. But I also hope that you have time to play around (and make your own magic). Even if it’s just an outfit combo. Or a picture.
This skirt is vintage, these shoes are from seasons ago- but I’ve linked options as well as this exact top and catsuit (onesie?) below. XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission on them. Thank you for your support!
There is a saying “you put gave up and put on a pair of sweat pants”. I know it was meant as a dig. And
I know that there are times that we give up. I also think that there are times when sweats can be oh so chic (just one example is here). But what if putting on sweats was an act of trying? AS you know my life- from house (with all the mold and repairs and etc) has been less than great. And there is so much I want to wear and write and talk about. Yet. There are days when it’s almost too much to just get dressed.
I used to take the phrase” you gave up and put on sweatpants” as a funny thing. Or something to at least somewhat pity someone over. And that’s even with knowing and wearing outfits where I think that sweats are so chic. With heels even! Then this season of my life hit. And I can tell you- even when I’m wearing sweats this is me trying.
I am trying to get it together – and get dressed for you and me. This is me trying- to not just rot. This is me trying- to dress up even when my days are only so casual and have no need of trying.
In not joke way, I will tell you that I know (for me) that getting dressed helps me. Trying helps me. And there are days when sweats are it- and yet. I want to try. I am proud of the sweat pants outfits I have. And wear. And long to wear so much more- I want to promise that I will get dressed each day this week but I can’t. So. What if I just promise that I will try?
Isn’t that all we can do? And what if trying- from sweats to “real outfits” to anything and everything in between is what our lives and our real fashion is made of? What are those stories like? I would like to try those!
These exact options for trying this way are linked below. As I try to try I will keep you updated!
XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thanks for your support!
If you’re VERY online, you know that there has been a lot of discourse about hauls (when someone buys anywhere from 10-50 pieces at a time, usually from a fast fashion retailer). And people have opinions. I have opinions. There has been advice from where to shop instead of fast fashion, to just stop hauls and shopping fast. But more important than all of that, I think the questions we should be asking ourselves is how can we find joy in really finding our style and taking our time building our wardrobes. Let’s chat about it!
And one of the dresses from my vintage “haul” (aka all of the lovely clothes that a neighbor gifted me when she and her daughter cleaned out their closets) I’m on the fence about. I love the color and the details- and it would need to be taken in (and there are so many options on how to do that!). So- what do you think? Keep or sell?
Wishing us all a week of intentional shopping and amazing shoes! XO RA
I know. A skirt can be oh so many things. But in this case? I love it as a statement!
Also this statement is absolutely a bit like Carolina Herrera- aka add a white button down to anything and love that it can be both a foil and a statement to a piece that’s a statement in itself. AKA I love that this skirt- an absolute statement- is eased and complimented with this button down. Ok. And may be the unbuttoned down of it. And these shoes? As always and forever my first instinct is to wear heels with everything and anything. And yet. I LOVE the play against what may be a party piece- and we know I love a party anything- but that flats make a bit everyday.
And who doesn’t want every day to be a party? Or dress like every day is an occasion? Or proof that an investment (this one is actually my Grandma’s!) like a button down is a must from jeans to party?
The thing about a skirt? It can be just a piece. Like. Something you wear with great: shoes (from heels to boots), tights to bare, any sort of shirt you love- including a button down. (Or a jacket or a crop or anything else – all which might be a great fit here!) AKA, perhaps a skirt which is often seen as a piece of clothing is something that can be SOMETHING.
Here? A statement. Such a statement. The colors? The folds and form? The actual structure? All Statements. And when you let a piece be a statement- A la this skirt being the focal point of the outfit (even with the red shoes that are not only a pop of color) but a bit of a statement themselves- that then alone would be a statement but in the mix are a compliment.
I guess the lesson this is that we should lean into any combination that allows a pattern or a piece or a color to pop (and we pair those with a button down that is also both a statement and a basic), and if this means a skirt. Then we statement skirt. Here I do love the colors (fun fact! In my family of 4 we can’t decide what color these dots- yes my fave pattern are- a shade of purple? Royal Blue? A bit of both? Let me know what you see!)
Linked below is this amazing skirt- both structured and formed with an amazing color- from the JCrew x Christopher John Rogers collar, these shoes, and some options for a top(I think everyone should have more than one GREAT button down and if you need help shopping for one please let me know!)
Why be shy? Let’s all make a statement this week- and going forward! 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 the support!
