Beloveds! This weekend is Easter. If you’re celebrating, I hope that your celebrations are full of people (and food you love!). If you’re not celebrating, I hope that this weekend is restful- and still full of things you love. I’m taking the day to be with family and celebrate the holiday- we’ll be back tomorrow with fresh fashion!
Happy Holidays!
XOXO
RA
Cut Outs? In or out, let’s be honest they are a fashion staple. Even one of the fashion history accounts I follow recently posted an outfit with a cut out from the 1920s. So, why do cut outs (especially these hip ones) feel fresh? Exciting? A bit edgy?
(Note- the drape of this dress allows for a cut out as low as you feel commutable, here I am trying to balance the -high- leg slit. And as I said to the family I went out with this night- I am wearing flats so it makes the outfit a bit casual! Or at least, that’s the theory I am running with- in flats!)
Maybe it’s because a cut out gives you a chance to show and tell at the same time- a hip or shoulder here, but not a leg or stomach there. Or the opposite. Cut Outs also make a simple dress (though- let’s never discount the impact of a simple dress!) a bit more interesting. A bit more dynamic. What I personally love? You can hide your least favorite parts while giving the impression you’re sharing it all (akin to small talk where people feel as if you’re giving details but you’re not!) For example- there are parts of my stomach that I don’t love and am a bit self conscious about- yet with the hips and this leg- you would never know! It’s the best distraction ever!
Feel as if you have to have the perfect body to wear cutouts? Nope. That’s part of the beauty (to be fair, you don’t have to have anything perfect even for crop tops!), but again cut outs let you control what you show. You can read about cut outs here and the fashion history here.
I felt so beautiful, and perhaps a bit cheeky, in this cut out. How do you wear cut outs? And how do they make you feel?
The details? Vintage Prada Shoes! (I call these my Marie Antoinette shoes as for some reason they make me think of that time period) The best lab grown ring (side note- the entire site is 20% off and getting you or a loved one bling is always a good call!) And a fresh blow out (as I am usually throwing my hair in a bun I feel as if it needed documentation!)
This exact dress and a link to bling on sale is for you below! I hope that you cut it out in the best ways this weekend! XO RA
Please 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 your support!
Dress:
Bling on sale with code CARATADAY:
I think I am rounding out the bug I have had as I want to dress up again! Yet- because I am still not 100% I am looking at hostess dresses. And caftans. And all things lounge that look like a party dress. And as a reminder:
This is the time of year when we’re looking for looks that are festive but yet, super comfy. Or at least I am. I love me a good party dress, I can’t resist a party dress, but at this time of year, I’m usually a bit overwhelmed and a bit behind, so while I want to be in a party dress I still need to be comfy.
My secret weapon for this? A hostess dress. Part fancy robe, part party dress that lets you go from
This:
to this:
OR in simple terms a hostess dress is:
The idea of a hostess outfit as somewhere between loungewear and partywear has been around since the 1920s. In 1925, Vogue decided pajamas were de rigueur, especially should you be able to acquire an Elsa Schiaparelli housecoat-and-pajama-pants set. In the ’60s, caftans and palazzo pants became the hostess outfit du jour. Since then, the idea of dressing up for company tends to mean something fancy and not all that comfortable. (read more on these thoughts here)
or you could put a hostess dress like:
an informal dress or robe to entertain at home.
Incredibly popular in the 1940s-60s, you can read more about hostess gowns here and here. But yes, hostess gowns are part robe/part party dress, sometimes more sheer, sometimes more embroidered, but for me- the perfect combination of chic and comfy.
This is a hostess dress.
As is my new favorite (purple with a but of a cape):
There are so many hostess dresses out there (I’ve linked some of my vintage favorites for you below, and my go-to sites are Esty and the Gem app) but for me, what ties them together is the mix of lounge wear and party wear. Hostess dress were the first dresses (or pant suits!) to toe the line between pajamas and ball gowns. And as much as I love party dresses, I also love lounge and fancy pjs, so I think that hostess dresses are heaven. (I also love the idea that in days gone past, people would just throw these on to have neighbors over for drinks or even just to chat with their husband!)
Since Covid, I’ve discovered a passion from caftans- which are a direct descendant from hostess dresses, which explains part of my love of hostess dresses. As they range from more formal to incredibly informal, there is a hostess gown (especially as wearing vintage makes it even more special!) for every holiday party or at home drink you have on your calendar!
Have you ever worn a hostess dress? Do you love them as much as I do? I hope that you find a part robe/ball gown aka hostess dress that lets you tell all of the most amazing holiday fashion stories this season. And I also hope that said hostess dress keeps you comfy as you look amazingly chic. Again, I’m linking my current favorites below (including a green exact copy of this purple one!), if you need help finding your perfect hostess dress please let me know!
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 your support!
My beloveds!
We are having major site issues (as you may have noticed). As my skill set is more accessorizing rather than web site designing, I am currently dealing with getting help and making this place sparkle again. Thank you so much for your patience – we hope to be back in amazing shoes in no time!
Xox RA
I went to write about letting go this week. Quelle Surprise- letting go is still something I struggle with! And it turns out I’ve written about it more than once (do I have issues letting go about writing about letting go? I guess so!) Instead of repeat myself- or beat myself up for not letting go soon enough I’m re-reading this and reminding myself as long as I am trying, it’s progress!
A wise friend once said to me,” We do things until we can’t do them anymore”. She was referring to me beating myself up about not being able to make a choice- but on many levels she’s right. Every one of us hangs on to different things : ideas, people, things- and we hang on till we simply can’t anymore. There are so many different situations and so many different breaking points- but can we agree that the human truth is that is hard to let go of some things? Ideas, feelings, dreams, people, sweaters from 7th grade- any and all of these can be held onto for years.
And I’m the worst. Call it stubborn, call it loyal- but I can have a hard time letting go of things I love. Maybe it’s that the devil you know is better, fear of the unknown (are those the same? ), fear of loss, fear that nothing better will come along- there are times when we can all hold too strong and too long to things because of these and a host of other reasons. I have no answers for ideas, people, dreams- but clothes I can help with!
Here’s the thing about holding onto things for to long- and let’s be specific things you should let go of, there are tons of things you should hold onto forever, but that’s another post-if you hold onto the wrong things for too long, you’re not making space for new, better things. True in life, true in your closet. Is letting go easy? Not always, but some times you have to ask yourself – do I need this sweater from 7th grade? Or do I want new and exciting things?
I clean out my closet regularly but have found myself hanging onto things for that one day, or if I ever need whatever. I’m probably one of the only fashion bloggers to tell you that hanging on to some things out of nostalgia is aok (really), but some times you have to to let go. So this time -I did. All those things I’ve been on the fence on, the things I never wear- I’m getting rid of them. I got to the point where I coudn’t hang on anymore, and I’m finally ready to make room for new things (like fall Valentino boots!). And can I tell you? It feels fabulous!
I’d love to know: what’s your method for letting go of thing?
Wishing us all a week of making space for the good things to come, and of course amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves!! I’m so exited to share the first of the new project we’ve been working on:
Fashion Stories : Telling the Stories our Fashions Hold.
I’m a big lover of fashion. I’m a big believer in stories. I’m convinced that we’re all story-tellers and that in our closets are pieces that hold meaning and explain different parts of us. Whether it’s something that shows a side of us that we don’t normally share with the world, or the outfit that we got our big promotion in, our fashions tell our stories. So, let’s bring our fashion out of the closet and listen.
Or, at least, that’s the idea.
And our first story? My great-great grandma’s wedding dress. Wedding dresses are one of those things that we all hang onto, and pass down. They’re full of the hope and love that the first owner had on her big day, and as we pass them down, the dresses get full of the love and hope that the older generation has for the younger generation.
My Great-Great Grandma, Cora Christine, wore this gown in 1887 to marry my great-great grandpa, Arthur A. From just a fashion standpoint? The beading (that even runs underneath the belt), the train, the sleeves. It’s just exquisite. The story? While this wedding dress was originial to my great great grandma, she got it at McNeil’s Gowns (an extensive Internet search has produced nothing on this brand, if you know something I would love to hear it!), it’s been passed down in my family for generations. It’s become one of the things that no one can (or wants to) get rid of–and not just because it’s gorgeous.
I never got to meet my great-great grandma (I’m not that old), but getting to wear her dress let’s me in on little bits of her personality. That she must have liked details. That she could pull off being delicate and a train. That she wanted a dress for her wedding like this, at a time when some people didn’t go big for their wedding day. There are parts of her in me, and this dress describes both of us.
I made us a little video for Out of the Closet. Our fashions hold stories, and I love telling them:
(Yes, there are some technical issues. It’s hard being great at fashion and not great at technology. Also, if you know someone who’s great at editing send them our way!)
Loves! Thank you for listening to my stories. I would love to come play in your closet and tell yours!
XO RA
Working from home (yep, I am one of those who did it before Covid and am still here on the couch!) is such an interesting fashion experiment. There are days when I do get dressed – go out, have meetings, have plans, or at the least do shoots- all the things and look amazing. There are days when I procrastinate, go to the gym, shower late and end up working late in PJs in bed (or the couch or in my “office”). Like many things in my life, it’s the in between days- where I don’t have big meetings, don’t “have” to get dressed, but am not super behind (ie, did get to the gym and get dressed and working like a normal person) that I find the most difficult to dress for- or on.
It’s always tempting to stay super casual when working from home (let’s be honest, no one wants to sit around in hard pants), and yet, I find I work better when I have a cute outfit on. So? What do you do? Dress up? Stay in sweats? Or- what I call the mullet of work from home- try a bit of business on top and a bit casual on bottom.
Yes, usually that means I am in some sort of sweats or leggings and then a cute top. Actually, my go to is a button down with some sort of lounge pant. But. Then there are the days when I do my best work from home outfits- like the one above. A blouse that is a bit business (though paired with the right skirt/pants/jeans this top could be fantastic as an evening top!) and shorts (though hard but comfy) and of course heels for a picture. Best of both worlds? Or just what it takes to get through the day? Perhaps all of the above. We know that I love a juxtaposition in any and all outfits, and maybe the combination of business and causal for days when we are working from home are the best.
Lucky you? This business on top and shorts are both “new” and I have linked both for you below. I would love to know what you wear when you work from home. Or how you balance business and casual. I am always open to any new outfits! 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 your support!
Shop this exact look here
This post is originally from a few years ago (there are times when it shocks me that I’ve been doing this for years!); but this is something that I’ve been thinking about recently. Not necessarily French seams, though yes, but the idea that things take time. The idea that something that is well made, and worth the time and effort, is better than something that is ready quickly, but made to fall apart. The idea that somethings, both French seams and ideas are meant to last. Also, what fashion means to me, why I care about quality and what I can do to explain my views with you (more of all of that to come!).
And then, I remembered I wrote about this before: so I give you again, It’s all in the seams!
Enjoy!
XO RA
Yesterday my mom and I got to talking about couture, really the magic of couture is seaming, lining, and fit. French seams, where you essentially double sew the seam so it’s encased, are the trademark of couture- they’re difficult, time consuming , and look amazing. The seams are part of what make couture fit so well, last so long, and look stunning. So they’re worth it. In fact the trick to catching couture – and real designer bags and shoes- check the insides
It got me thinking about what is worth it. We live in a world that demands everything instaneously- relationships, careers, material goods. Everything is expected to come quickly, it can be considered failure for things to take time. But here’s the thing about rushing things – quickly made seams fall apart. I can do a quick seam- but it won’t last, and probably won’t look good. And when you want something to last- and look good- you have to take the time to do the little things, whether that’s French seams or letting a relationship or career take its time. It’s a process, but rush the process and the inside falls out.
I would rather have a closet full of French seams- bags and shoes that last- things that are beautifully made than a closet full of seams that fall apart. I understand that this means I will spend more, and things will take time to accumulate. I’m okay with it. In fact, I’d like to build a life full of relationships that last, a good career, and moments that matter- those things take time as well. But, when I look at the French seams – it’s worth it.
Happy Sunday! Wishing us all a week of great seams and amazing shoes! XO RA
Every Spring it feels as if there is a new take on the classic trench. And who could blame everyone? It is a classic for a reason- and even with that there are oh so many ways to wear one- from dress to coat to everything in between. A new take this year? A denim trench. What I love: denim is both classic and yet a bit casual (lending itself to wearing as a shirt dress or pairing with sundresses, shorts and more), and yet this shape is still a classic (meaning that any trench you invest in will be one you can wear for years to come!). Another thing to love about this trend? With it being so popular, it means that there is a denim trench at every price point.
Full disclosure? I have had the one pictured above for years (and yes- owe you better pictures, this is where I tell you- embarrassingly- that even though I take pictures of myself for a living, and wear this trench every spring- I have no pictures -that I can find- of it. This will change). And yes, I am a bit embarrassed that aside was a bit of a run-on, but I think I can live with that.
In the mean time? I have rounded up and linked some of my current favorite denim trenches. Soft, hard- in all price points. Again, there are so many styling options- and all look amazing with Spring classics and trends from white denim to florals!
Please note: the following are affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, this does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!
Also- I want everyone to know that I am not immune of everything that is going on- from tariffs to stocks to *waves hands in the general world on fire*. I do my best to make this space a place of respite, a place to get away from it all– and within reason will try to live up to that. Tariffs will affect our shopping. (and if you’re interested in how “American Made”-from brands to why some of that is impossible- I am happy to share that too!). Second hand (I have always loved vintage and thrifting!) and sewing will start to become popular. As things change for us all, I have no idea what’s to come. I will do my best to navigate in a way that feels good and honors us all (we all matter or none of us do) and our fashion (as that matters too!). It’s a great time to invest in things you love, to shop small, and to build community. This year (as I have said) has really been about just getting out of bed (and some days barely at that)- I am hoping to get back and build on this community. Let’s take care of each other- and our closets!
XO RA
I got into vintage in high school- I loved looking just a bit different than everyone else. The vintage love/obsession grew in my 20s/30s/plus as I realized that the quality, the style and the price I could afford were always unmatched. Shopping vintage lets me get amazing style and brands- that I may or may not have been able to afford “new”, and let me learn about so many FANTASTIC designers that I otherwise would have never knew existed. Vintage has added to my life (via friends and retailers) and closet (in too many items to count) in ways I could never replace.
I’m also a fan of wearing special pieces handed down from my family. From my grandma’s purse to my aunt’s dresses, to dresses from my BFF’s mom. When I wear something from someone I love I feel as if I’m carrying just a bit of them with me .
Resale? Huge fan! For quite a number of the same reasons above- I get to get items from seasons past, the quality, and the brand I love at a price I can often afford. This sometimes means that a lot of things I have aren’t new, but new to me. It also is how there are a ton of logos and brands in my closet.
And yet- I’m aware that this means that I’m wearing other people’s clothes. That has never bothered me. I’m not shy about buying most anything resale or vintage, from shoes on up. As long as I know it’s been cleaned, I often don’t worry at all about it. The thing is- I know that there are some people who do care. ALOT. About the fact that they are wearing other people’s clothes. Questions I get from the people who worry about other people’s clothes range from worrying about the cleanliness to not wanting to have old things.
Neither of those worries have ever been big concerns of mine. I tend to shop from reputable dealers/resellers, and in reality even putting your new clothes through the wash before you wear them is never a bad idea. In fact, I often love that I’m taking a piece from someone and giving it a new life- my own spin on it so to say.
These thoughts are brought to you by a social media post questioning how old is vintage (20+ years) and wondering if others ever really wore other people’s clothes. I was surprised by the people who thought differently than I do- and comforted by all the people who love vintage and resale like me!
Note- there is no right answer, we all have things we’re comfortable with!
But my question is – do you buy vintage and resell, aka other people’s clothes? And what are your thoughts on it?
I would love to know!
XO RA
