outfits – Investment Piece

Under Construction

Also! Happy Valentine’s Day! From Date Night to Self Love to Galentine’s: I hope that you are surrounded by all the love in all the ways you need it!

a woman in a lame and black silk scarf, black silk scarf, gold lip ring on stairs

I want to pretend like it’s all wine and roses here- but truly we are under construction. As in literally my house is under construction.
No kitchen.
The walls may be done today- yes- while you read this! We are so far from where we have been and with this unexpected renovation, and upgrade. Both great and awful- it’s a lot. Like A LOT.
Every time I think I have things under control and a plan there is a wrench.
Maybe a metaphor for life?
Or maybe the question- that I am currently grappling with-is : how do we live while we are under construction?

And yet- I can’t help but yet again to turn to Fashion. This time it’s a vintage gold and silk scarf-

Did I mention that there are oh so many ways to wear this?

And a black silk skirt?

And a gold lip ring?

a woman in a lame and black silk scarf, black silk scarf, gold lip ring on stairs

I was originally was gonna edit the pictures- yes, sometimes I edit out background and etc. I do not edit me- even when I hate how I look. I do choose a pic that may be my best angles. But it’s all me.
And Frankly? Me? Perhaps I am under construction too. From habits to a life to who I really want to be? Perhaps that is (it is) under construction. And when a construction is in your face? maybe you go with it!

But also. We are under construction. I keep writing and telling about it. But. yeah. I can’t deny that my environment – aka a construction zone- is influencing me
(this is me letting you know from outfits to my habits I am looking at all of me. What’s under construction and what is aok? It is awkward and hard but also a bit rewarding. And this outfit? I think we can only go up!)
a woman in a lame and black silk scarf, black silk scarf, gold lip ring on stairs

So this skirt is seasons old. The scarf? Tied as a top? Vintage. And yet? I found you options! It’s almost like we are constantly under construction. Options that feel as if they are new? Are vintage? What if we thought about our construction as an on going project instead of a destination? (Again, just me wanting things to be true)

And yet. With dust. And painting. And construction. Here I am. Maybe that is the true fashion.
(note: options for you are linked below)!

Here’s to us all being fab and construction finishing! 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!

Hart to Hart

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

During the lockdowns here my schedules have changed. Some for the good, some for the bad. For a while, I couldn’t help but stay up late watching old sitcoms. From “Murder She Wrote” to “Golden Girls”, I’ve loved them! But one of my favorites (and it was new to me!) has been “Hart to Hart”!

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

“Hart to Hart” follows a millionaire couple, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, who globe trot, find themselves in trouble, and solve crimes. It’s both fun and sexy, and just a little funny (I’m just saying if there was a crime or something everywhere I went, I might think it was me!).

I’m loving the show (though I’ve moved to recording it so I don’t stay up too late!), and it’s beginning to influence my fashion. We all make fun of 1980s fashion, and some of it deserves that. However, some is chic and I can’t help but loving the way Jennifer Hart is making me dress!

Investment Piece: hart to hart

What’s “Hart to Hart” style? (At least to me). Clutches. Nude pumps. Put together looks from suits to dresses to even her pjs. It’s the best and most elegant of the 80s. Yes, there are some shoulder pads and Ruffles, but done well I like those things.

This dress? It’s a Dianne Freis (also some of the best of 80s, we’ve chatted about her here) It’s simple and a statement all in one (that color, the Ruffles, the movement! It does have shoulder pads but they go with the fit!). With nude pumps and a vintage clutch? I feel like I’m dashing off to solve a mystery with my husband!

Or just eating outside (every year has its adventures!). I feel glam and yet its easy. Maybe that’s the best part of “Hart to Hart” fashion!

(A sizing note. This is not my only Dianne Freis, with her signature stretchy waist you can wear a ton of sizes. I have an XS, a M, and a S. They’re forgiving and chic-the best of both worlds!)

I’ve linked you similar items below so we can be 80s fatales together!
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!

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

Almost Missed This..

Here it is- Again February. Again in the 80s. And again, I’ve been putting off wearing these pants (and more!) as it needs to be perfect! What is with that? Why is a great outfit something I put off? NO idea of there are answers here – but is a prod to not put off great outfits in the pursuit of perfect outfits!

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

I fell in love with these wool blend split waist (yep- that hint of grey isn’t a mistake! The waist on these pants has a high and a low portion– and I just love it!) and have had them for a while. Every time I reached for them, I stopped myself– not because I didn’t want to wear them but because I worried that I didn’t have the “perfect” top to go with them. I wanted to highlight this special and cool waist band! Shirts I looked at: sheer, corset, rouched, seamed, cropped–I felt like it had to be the perfect, most perfect thing to wear.

**Sidenote: perhaps my deep need to have things be perfect explains why I’m so drawn to party dresses! Just something I’m thinking about!

Back to these pants!

Searching for “perfect” kept me from wearing and styling these pants. That I love! Then, this week (while, yes, it’s still February) the weather turned. Hot. It was in the 80s yesterday! And as stylish as these pants are– they are wool and something tells me sweating in them in the extreme heat will not be stylish. My time was now or never- so I grabbed a tank (sweater tank to be exact) and styled them. And you know what? It’s perfect. I love the ribbing matching the stripe on the sides. I love that it’s a bit winter and a bit spring.

And to think: I almost missed this. (I also thought about the double entendre that it was possible to “almost miss” the waistband!)

What are we missing out on by holding onto a way “things should be”? Or what are we missing by waiting for perfect? I don’t know– but I know we probably don’t want to miss them. Advice on how to stop letting perfectionism get in our way is not something I should be giving–I am still working on it myself. But. I know that I almost missed this great outfit (and almost missed sharing it with you!) because I was trying to make it perfect- instead of trusting that it would be. That’s not how I want to live my life. And I also want to wear these pants!

So- what if we just go for all those things? I’m in if you are!

(In the spirit of just that I’ve linked shopping options for you below!) 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!

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

Chicly Knitted

A woman in black, camel and white color block turtleneck sweater and pants with mesh leather sneakers

Currently invested in? Knit Sets. (Even Sweat sets!) that are absolutely comfy but feel chic and look put together. Essentially, at this point of the weather, dealing with living in a construction zone, and the world events- I am looking for a cheat sheet, the CliffNotes (I know- that’s what I called them in high school!), the easy way to get through a day.

Especially if Mondays are difficult. Or full of decisions beyond your outfit that are a bit more than you can do.

It’s not that I am against sweats (I do believe you can wear them chicly!), but sometimes, perhaps even on a Monday, we need an elevated version. Enter the chicly knitted set (and this is not the only example! You can even make your own in monotone knits, complimentary color knits, or just knits!) The knit set may hang a bit neater, may have more versatility, or simply may make you feel as if you’re dressed.

All are valid and often needed on a Monday. (Or truly any day that’s hard. Or when you don’t feel like getting dressed. Or a day you just can’t but have to!)

This exact knit set is (linked below) and from Ruti, my new go to for elevated casual wear! In this season of life- the house construction, the cold weather, my off schedule, I find myself looking more and more for sets that I don’t have to think about that make me feel and look put together. This chicly knitted set? Perfect on all accounts.

What do you reach for when you need a casual get chic look? How do you make yourself feel put together?
I would love to hear any and all tips!

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!

Shop my chicly knitted set here

Fashion Stories: Her Mom’s Dress

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

As someone who is just fascinated by the stories we tell with our fashion, the things we keep, the ones we let go of, and the stories the get told after we’re gone- it’s always a honor when someone gifts me a special fashion item.

This dress is chic enough on its own: the way you can wear it on or off the shoulder. With or without a belt. With almost any shoe, heel, boots, even sneakers. The tassel tie. It’s a vintage Arpeja-California, under the label Young Edwardian. Known for their styles influenced by 1960s British boutique fashion, retro trends, and focusing on youth and trend-oriented clothing, one of my favorite things about the brand is that its ads featured Lynda Carter.

If Wonder Woman likes it, it has to be fantastic!
Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress
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I’ve worn this dress to a neighborhood party. To run errands. And to meet a friend for lunch.

But what makes this dress so incredibly special to me? It’s from one of my dearest, bestest friend’s mom. That would be so kind on its own, but not only did my friend’s mom pass down the dress, she passed down her story of it. My friend’s mom wore this number to a wedding in the 1970s. It made her feel magic and sparkly, and she hung onto until this summer when it was gifted to me- to make more magic in it.

To be trusted with that, to be given the chance to carry on someone’s fashion story? It’s much more than a dress (which I love), it’s a honor. I only hope to give this dress all the stories it deserves.

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

What thing has been passed down to you? How are you carrying on its fashion story?
I would love to hear all about it!
Xo RA

Minty and Fluffy..

a woman in a mohair skirt and shirt in mint green with suede cowgirl boots
a woman in a mint mohair shirt and skirt with suede cowgirl boots

In challenging myself to not only dress chicly in the cold (and yes! It’s still cold here!), I am not only thinking of “really” getting dressed (aka not layering sweats), but I am thinking of color. And texture. Not only in winter, but when we think of chic, we think black. I have nothing against black! It is a go-to and so easy to do monotone and is chic! Add to that, black is easy in the winter, as it hides everything from snow stains to bulk. Yet. What if there were more colors in winter? And what if instead of hiding away our winter texture, we embraced it?

Admittedly, I don’t know that I went out with those fully formed thoughts, or looking for that– but when I found these mint mohair separates– I not only knew that I had to have them, I knew that this twist on winter dressing was something I wanted to play with! And wear. And be chic and cozy in!

a woman in a mint mohair shirt and skirt with suede cowgirl boots

I also admit- while mohair is absolutely a winter staple. Fluffy and warm and chic. The mint? A bit of a shock for me. I associate mint, and pastels and perhaps lighter colors in general, with spring. So, to have a usually springy color in a fabric (texture) that is decidedly winter? Chic. Cozy but with a twist. Minty and Fluffy not only feels as if it’s a breath of fresh air (and will be a great transitional outfit!) but lends itself to so many winter/chic stylings…

Here, I love it with boots (in suede, patterned) but these pieces would be great with tights and heels, riding boots, non patterned boots, mules and oh so much more. AND! It’s a set- and we all know what I am going to say next- the great thing about a set is that you can wear together or separately!

a woman in a mint mohair shirt and skirt with suede cowgirl boots

Does this make it seem as if I analyzed and overthought this outfit (even before buying)? Well. I hate to tell you — I fell in love and bought on pure desire. The color felt happy. Who doesn’t love fluffy? In getting it for myself that was the only thought- and honestly, I bought before Christmas so it was even before thinking of winter chic even crossed my mind. A great coincidence? Yes- sometimes things fall into place. This outfit just feels good- from the color to the cozy. Minty and Fluffy- everything I didn’t know I needed.

What are your go-to winter colors? Thoughts on mohair? Your most unexpected winter outfits? I would love to hear about them all!

These boots are vintage Dolce from years ago, as is the necklace. BUT I have this exact minty and fluffy set linked for you below! 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 here

a woman in a mint mohair set

Shoulder Pad Power?

a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels

What’s your first reaction when we chat shoulder pads? Power Suits? The 1980s in general? Good? Bad? Politics? There are so many ways to think about, and use, shoulder pads (if you google you will be told the modern shoulder pad comes from the late 1800s when it was designed for football, but if we go back through history a version of shoulder pads have been with us since at least the 1400s) to make statements and outfits.

As someone who was a child in the 1980s (a YOUNG child), I have long associated shoulder pads with over the top outfits. And as I got older, and became a little self conscious about my body, I would cut them out of many a blazer and a dress to make myself look smaller. Irony? A great shoulder pad can actually help make your waist look smaller. The older I’ve gotten, the more in love I’ve fallen with fashion, and the more appreciation I have grown for fashion, my stance on my once hated shoulder pad has changed. I have come to actually love shoulder pads: the shapes that they can take, the way that they can shape us, and the political power we can weld in them.

a woman in a black velvet and chiffon dress with shoulder pads by a Christmas tree

For the purposes of this discussion, we need to agree on a few things:

-Usually, when we (as women) talk about flattering we are usually talking about clothes that make us look as if we are conforming to the current beauty standard. But flattering can also mean a pleasing outfit- and sometimes that means that the outfit itself makes a shape (that may not conform) or is interesting or in general takes up space. Yet, looking at dresses from the past and even power suits, the shapes are incredibly interesting- and again, ironically a wider shoulder with a nipped waist often makes you look smaller. Or conforms to the “usual beauty standard”. A long way to say that shoulder pads can be flattering even if they make our shoulders stand out a bit!

-By taking up space, changing the shape of our bodies, shoulder pads are inherently political. And with politics comes power. (This is where we agree that the idea of women taking up space is a form of power). If you go back to the first popular modern era of the shoulder pad (the 30s-40s), shoulder pads were not only used to shape the body in interesting and exaggerated ways, but as women entered more into the workforce in WWII the shoulder pad was used to make women a bit more masculine. The power suit of the 1980s? Part of the popularity is that the ’80s were when women were (perhaps more in mass) moving up the corporate ladder and shoulder pads were literally used to take up space. Make it seem as if women belonged in male dominated spaces and could dress the part. Fashion not only tells our stories, but it is a social language and at its very base, shoulder pads take up space- and that is political.

(SideNote: There is an interesting NYTimes article about the shoulder pads both candidates wore in the most recent US election, but I can’t find a free version of it– but you should google it!)

That being said, there are a ton of articles I read, knowing that I wanted to talk about shoulder pads, by people who are smarter than I on this topic that I think are worth a glance!

Wikipedia has a great timeline of shoulder pads in fashion with vintage examples to swoon over!

I love the Style Historian’s take on not only shoulder pads in vintage clothes but how to deal with them if you don’t love them :
Evolution of Shoulder Pads

This WSJ article does a bit of history and touches on the cyclic fashion nature of shoulder pads:
The Little Know History of Shoulder Pads- And Why They Keep Coming Back

And a look at some modern shoulder pads on current runways and editorials:
Oversized Shoulders

a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels

I am the first to admit that I used to hate shoulder pads (though- I truly thought that I would hate barrel jeans and I love them! And they have some of the “flattering issue”. Perhaps that issue is worth an in depth convo on its own). The weird thing about that? I have always loved 1930s/40s fashion- and when we look those periods are chock! full of shoulder pads (and exaggerated shapes!). As I age, I have become more open to them (maybe a bit more comfortable in my body) and don’t rush to cut them out of everything. Perhaps, it’s truly that I am more comfortable taking up space. Now, from vintage to modern, when I come across shoulder pads in my clothes I can’t help but think about what shape I’m making, how interesting that is, and how much space I am taking up- and what all that means.

What are your true feelings on shoulder pads? Love them? Hate them? Cut them out? How has your opinion on them changed?

I truly would love to hear any and all things about you and shoulder pads (and bonus if you have amazing 1980s pictures to show us!
XO RA

Baby, it’s GLAM outside…

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

I am one of those people who always longs and wishes for cold weather. (I also idolize snow- though the one time I ever have seen a ton of it we lost power for days- I am convinced snow can be beautiful and you can stay warm. And I still wish for it each year!) Sweaters and coats and scarves and all the like- I love them, and dream about how to layer them. Chic winter looks? Forever on my Inspo boards. In my heart, I want to believe that winter chic, cold weather GLAM, whatever you want to call it, is something that I can pull off.

Then. The temps drop. (Fun fact, by the time you read this it will be 29 degrees here!). And when it gets really cold- all my dreams of winter chic, cold weather glam get thrown out of the window. I find myself in sweats- sometimes layers of sweats!- and all I care about is being warm. This is never something I am proud of — but it happens like clockwork every year.

This year? I know the cold is coming. (Cut to me mentally prepared to be freezing). Yet- this year I am determined to live out my cold weather GLAM fantasies. Yes, it will be cold- but BABY it is going to be GLAM outside.

I am starting with layering cashmere and faux fur. Pairing socks (cashmere again) with heels. Staying warm while staying chic? It is in my forecast.

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

Let’s take a minute for details- because one of my thoughts is that if I HAVE to get in sweats, I can keep up the glam with accessories. Such as heels (I do love them with socks! I am also not above wearing tights or long socks under anything!), jewelry (anything that sparkles), and of course chic jackets (yes, the faux fur counts as both my GLAM and as a back up. It would look chic over sweats too!

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

There are many ways to layer for Baby it’s GLAM outside cold- from tights under your pants to double sweaters to jackets on jackets or a wrap over it all. I am trying to imagine a world where I can stay warm- but look chic. If I believe in snow that much, I figure this has to be possible! For a starter outfit- this one was so fun! And easy- the jeans are so comfy (linking the exact ones- no stretch so size up but the cuff is so chic!), and the layers didn’t feel overwhelming– and I did stay warm!

Here’s hoping my Baby, it’s GLAM outside crusade lasts through the low temps.

What do you wear when it’s cold outside? How do you deal with wanting to look your best and staying warm?

I would love to hear all about it! 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!

Link to bling: here

a woman in a grey sweater turtleneck, short sleeve faux fur coat with cuffed jeans, grey socks and black heeled mules

Knit Dreams

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

When we think of sweaters and knits, I know that they can come across as bulky and a bit boring. And this is from someone who always thinks that she will LOVE sweater weather. And cold weather. And all the kinds of weather where we can layer and bulk and all the winter things. Then I remember that I have spent most of my life in places where winter is under 60 and snow (if there is ever any -though I always wish for it- melts in a day). When it turns cold, or even a bit chilly, perhaps it’s not that our fashion gets limited, perhaps it’s just that I am late to the game at dressing for cold weather. Or knits.

But. I am learning!

Take the above knit dress. Not boring. A statement (that pink color! The shape! The pockets!). Knit boring? Not on my watch. Just a bit of knit. A lot of dreaming about chic dressing. And some realizing the two aren’t so separate.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

I was drawn to this knit dress for a few reasons ( and yes, the color and shape and the pockets!), but there are so many ways to style this. You could layer- a turtleneck or shirt underneath. Or a shirt or turtleneck or blazer over. I love it with heels. But it would be oh so chic with boots. Or tights. Flats. Oh so many, many options.

Perhaps that is what knit (weather, dreams) is about- there are options with sweaters and knits and layers and tights and the like. Yes, hot weather is full of chic looks. And winter clothes can be bulking- and maybe even some of them are boring and basic. Yet. You can layer and opt for knit dreams that leave you both cozy but oh so chic.

This is usually where I let you know that the shopping options are affiliate links- and while I do always appreciate the support (and you can always shop with me via links in bio), but these options? Not affiliate. Just a knit dress I couldn’t live without (again. Have you seen the color and the shape and the pockets?) and a brooch that just I knew that I had to have!

This dress is currently sold out (but may come back!), but the brand is Hanifa. This is my third piece from the brand and I can’t tell you how I love them.

This brooch is from GardenWinks on etsy and while this broth may be sold out, there are so many options that are similar and again- oh so chic.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

What are your knit dreams like? Cozy? Chic? Both? I would love to know- and if you have any real winter dressing tips I am forever all ears!

XO RA

Statements

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

There is a generally believed fashion “statement” that your outfit really only needs one statement piece. You can have the one- plan your outfit around it. The thought being that perhaps more than one statement would be messy. Or loud. Too much. (Note: these things are not always bad). And while I don’t disagree that this is a good rule of thumb, I also believe that rules are made to be broken.

As a surprise to no one, I love juxtaposition and a bit of rule breaking.

The thing is- I do believe that two statements can compliment each other. See above?!? This blazer with the (attached) floral appliqué is a statement unto itself. It could command and stun outfits from jeans to skirts to shorts (like here). Likewise, red boots? Was there ever such a statement? These boots were made to pop with anything you pair them with (though we know I also love to use “pops” as casual pieces). Either of these pieces could be their own statement, could be the center of an outfit.

And yet? I love them together. They balance, play off of, and make winter shorts (pair with tights or hose!) a fun thing!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

So. How do you pair two statements together to make a coherent and not “too much” outfit? There is some trial and error (never be afraid to play- worse case you can change!), but here are my general guidelines for mixing statements:

-Keep most of the outfit monochrome. For example, while this blazer is a statement it is the same color as most of the outfit from shorts to tights to sunglasses. While the blazer will always be a statement, keeping it the same color allows for a bit of a blend!

-Keep the outfit “classic” and let details be the statement. Blazer and boots? Simple and classic. The statements here are the color of the boots (that are allowed to pop as the rest of the outfit is the same color) and the floral appliqué.

-Keep in mind that proportions, accessories and more can be the statement. A great brooch and a belt? Statements. Shoes and a statement scarf? Statement. The great thing about combining statements is that you can start by combining pieces you feel comfortable with- and then venture out into pieces that may be a step for you!

Any outfit that you may feel cautious about (from shorts to statements to everything in between) I suggest playing with- get dressed, sit at home, take some pictures, run to the grocery store in. That way you can adjust. HUGE swings (In my opinion) shouldn’t be taken on days where you can’t change if needed!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

And speaking of statements: I have found these exact ones for you
(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!)

This exact blazer can be found here
And these boots can be found here.

I would love to know- what are your favorite statement clothing pieces and how do you/have you ever combined them? XO RA

a woman in black shorts, black hose, red boots, and a black blazer with a floral appliqué