Category: outfits

Gifting Yourself!

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platfroms
a woman in black watch plaid dress, brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms

This is about the time where you think I’m about to link all the things I want/may be buying for myself (using the holidays as an excuse), right? It wouldn’t be out of left field. I mean, I am REALLY good at shopping for me (someone should pay me to do it!), and I do have a continuous wishlist going. (And please don’t worry- I am sure I will support the economy in the coming weeks with sales, etc). However, I want to chat about gifting ourselves in the ways that aren’t the things.

(This is not a knock on things. I clearly love the things!)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about not only the things that I want- but the woman I want to be, and the life I want. It’s so easy this time of year to just go with the flow, simply relax and lay on the couch starting on the 25th to the 2nd. And I’m a fan of rest- it’s an important part of productivity!- and if you need it, you need it! I’ll be honest, there will be a lot of time in the coming week or so where I’m doing nothing. And it will be a gift to me.

But. I’m also giving myself the gift of looking ahead, of thinking about habits I want to change, and goals I want to work on for the coming year. And giving myself the gift of starting now (in between relaxing). This feels very “self help” (and please be assured I am NO expert), but I can’t help but think that maybe the best gifts to ourselves is letting us enjoy the season and at the same time, building and planning for the season to come.

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in black watch plaid dress with brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms

I feel as if this is where I get specific – and yet I have to say I’m still thinking about what I want to change- from my fitness schedule to my time management (both need some tweaks!). What I will say is that between celebrations and down time I’m considering what I want to be in 2024, and the steps needed to get there. Yes, I want to get into a fitness routine that serves where I’m at and gets me back “in shape” (I miss my old one!). I want to work on my time management (I can procrastinate with the best of them and often find myself working till 11pm or doing things last min). I want to start “The Artist’s Way” (a fantastic book/system for any kind of creative) and want to pick a start date! There are other goals and changes, I’m using this time to decide and plan and implement. (and of course I will share!) My gift to myself is to do the best I can to set myself up for ourselves.

What are you gifting to yourself? And what are you gifting to yourselves?
I want to hear all about it! XO RA

Styling note: This dress is vintage and a friend of a friend. I took it and made it my own by adding one of my favorite belts, hose, and some of my favorite platform shoes. I’m linking options for the look below (just in case that’s also what you want to gift yourself!)

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!

20-Something Fling

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

They say that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. There’s our recent history- and some of our far off history- that I am sure NONE of us want to repeat. AT all. In any way. (Just in case you’re wondering). But. What about our fashion history?

Ever since 2020 (I know), I’ve been a little fascinated by the fashion of the 1920s, and the parallels to today’s 2020s fashion. Maybe there are historical things that are worth repeating? At least in the fashion world! Take this dress. It’s from the 1920s (made in Paris, and I love this “secret garden”‘s Paris feel!), and yet with the sheer, with the embellishments- it feels modern. Fresh. And that’s discounting the pairing of the stirrup hose and peep toe heels.

(I am not a makeup gal but I will say my go-to has and always will be a red lip- no matter what kind of 20s we’re in!)

This vintage feels so on trend and new- and yet the ties to the past can’t be missed. Maybe it’s not repeating the past that we should fear (expect the bad parts, we should absolutely work to not repeat the bad parts of history), but perhaps we should fear missing out on all the great things of the past. This is mainly a fashion statement. I’m aware in the 1920s the original owner of this number most likely wore a slip (or2!) with this dress. And her heels were probably lower. Yet. She probably couldn’t resist swaying like me, couldn’t help but feel fantastic in it like me, and most likely also found herself in Parisian (like in my case) alleyways that had a bit of magic in them. The past sometimes feels so present, and never more so than when I wear something from it.

a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes
a woman in a sheer 1920a drop waist, sheer, sequined dress with stirrup hose and peep toe shoes

This number- or any like it or inspired by it- would be perfect for NYE, or holiday parties. The basic outfit formula- sheer dress with hose underneath (and obviously covering all your bits!) and heels is a timeless (from their 20s to ours!) combo that will take you from past to present. This dress is truly 1920s Paris vintage from FeatherStoneVintage (one of my favorites and though she’s in Canada she ships all over!) but I’ve found you similar and linked them- along with modern stirrup options.

What are your thoughts on taking the best of fashion history and recreating them? 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 sheer embellished dress with stirrup tights and peep toe heels

It’s a Lace Thing..

a woman in a black turtleneck and sheer black lace pants with black peep toe shoes
a woman in a black turtleneck, black sheer lace pants and black peep toe heels
a woman in a black turtleneck, black sheer lace pants and black peep toe heels

Have you seen them all over your social media feeds and red carpets and celeb sightings? Lace has been having a moment this season. In particular, lace catsuits (or bodysuits, whatever you like to call them!) have been popular- and I’ve been intrigued. I’m never one to shy away from sheer or the naked/no-pants trend, but I have to say that I have been hesitant to get a lace catsuit (because of the using the restroom issues!) – then I found these lace pants!

In general, I’m a fan of lace in all its variations. It’s classic, it’s edgy, it’s sexy and it’s innocent. And we know how I feel about juxtapositions ( I LOVE THEM! ). So, when the “new” lace trend popped up this season, I knew I wanted in on it; but I wanted to make it my own. I did have a – fear is not the word I’m looking for, but perhaps apprehension- about the catsuit. Again, the using the restroom in public (loves, I also LOVE a jumpsuit but in public you end up alone, naked in the restroom stall with your choices) but also that as many ways as you could layer a lace catsuit (and I’ve seen some chic outfits I’d love to recreate) I wanted to find a fresh take on th lace that would also be a bit versatile.

a woman in black turtleneck and sheer black lace pants and black peep toe shoes

Here’s why I love these lace pants: they give the feel of the jumpsuit (but can be paired with anything Ala this classic turtle neck here to a button down, a tee, a tank, under a dress, etc!), they come with built in briefs (so you’re covered!), and the ease of wearing (aka you won’t be alone with your choices in a stall!) is unmatched. These lace pants are chic and sexy and on trend. And this lace thing is just perfect.

a woman in a black turtleneck, black sheer lace pants, and black peep toe heels
a woman in a black turtleneck, black sheer lace pants and black peep toe heels

I understand both rushing into any and every trend, and avoiding them. I also understand waiting till you can find, or style, a version of the trend that makes it feel your own. Lace is such a great trend- it can be so many things, and in this version I love the sheer and edgy and modern lace. (Again, I also love the pants!). You could style this lace in so many ways- and for so many seasons. Perhaps lace is the thing we should all be styling in all of the ways to express all of ourselves. OR perhaps lace is the thing right now- either way, finding your own lace and making it your own- I think that’s the thing!

I’ve linked these exact lace pants below. Note- the rise on me is a bit low, but I love it. And you could tuck into the pants- but this sweater was just a bit too thick to lay flat under the waist band, but it could work!

Are you indulging in any of the lace trends this season? How are you wearing them?
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 black turtleneck and black sheer lace pants and black peep toe heels

Is It Chic to be Corny?

a woman in black tank top, pants with tie, shoes and a black cardigan with sequin candy canes on it

When I was younger, my mom and grandma wore elaborate and gorgeous holiday sweaters. Not in an “ironic” way, or to an Ugly Sweater Party, but just beautiful and embellished sweaters that just happened to be holiday themed. There was one I loved that had Santa going down the chimney, some with snowflakes, and of course, this stunner with sequined candy canes- just to name a few. I thought that they were so chic and not corny at all, just holiday glamorous.

Then- things changed. Holiday sweaters went out of style. Ugly Sweater Parties became a thing- and let’s be honest, holiday sweaters became uglier to fit the theme. Holiday dressing, or more specifically, holiday dressing that was THEMED became corny and faux pas and something I did NOT do. (Not even the sweet jewelry!)

a woman in a black cardigan with sequined candy canes, black tank, pants with a tie and shoes

And now? Things have changed again; or maybe it’s my fashion sense or holiday cheer, or maybe I just stopped caring about what other people think. I’ve come back around and have been wearing my Mom’s and Grandma’s vintage holiday sweaters. Not the corny ones, the chic ones. I’ve even been know to wear tasteful jewelry with holiday theme from lights to snowflakes to Rudolph’s and more. Again- not the ugly kind, but things that I actually love that just happened to be holiday themed. I’m finding I love it, it’s chic and festive and makes me feel closer to my loved ones.

I wore this outfit to a holiday gathering this weekend- beautiful cardigan with sequined candy canes, satin tank, black pants with a satin tie waist, and red and white enamel hoop earrings. I wasn’t thinking chic or corny- I just wanted an outfit that was holiday and I loved. Beloveds, I got so many compliments, from women and men of all ages. One comment that really stuck out to me was a woman who let me know she has a ton of designer holiday sweaters, but has been afraid to wear them as she thought she would be seen as a corny old woman.

How sad is it that we wouldn’t wear something we love for fear of what other’s think? (That’s not a knock on her, I’ve been guilty of it too!) Also, what if what we worry is corny is actually chic? Or what if it’s chic to be corny? At the heart, dressing to theme (holidays or not) is a way to show you care. Dressing well is absolutely a form of good manners, and dressing with joy and being festive? What is that if not spreading cheer? (Cheer and joy and love are chic in my book!)

a close up of red and white enamel hoop earrings and red lips

Fashion, trends, fads- they all change. While I have fallen victim to caring (perhaps too much) about what other people think, I’ve decided to choose chic. And during this season, chic to me means wearing gorgeous, tasteful and festive holiday sweaters, earrings and more. I’m going to revel in the things that I find beautiful and bring joy (to me and others). Maybe it is chic to be corny- and maybe we take back holiday dressing from ugly sweaters. Either way, I’m in!

This sweater is vintage, but I’m linking some vintage sweaters and some modern sweaters- as well as holiday jewelry – for your own celebrations below!
What about you- do you wear holiday sweaters? What are your thoughts about corny being chic?
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!

Vintage Sweaters:

Modern Sweaters and Earrings:

a woman in a black cardigan with sequined candy canes, black tank, pants with satin waist tie, shoes

With a Twist…

a woman with a mini houndstooth tweed dress with tie and gold wedge knee high boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots

I don’t know that I would call my style classic- though I do love a great classic piece. There can be a sense that classic is boring, but I think that classics are fun- mainly as they give you do much room to play. Take an all black outfit, though we think of that as classic, all black can be anything you want from glam to causal to statement shoes, etc. Classic are a great base to build almost anything on.

For example a tweed dress in classic houndstooth. Perfect for this time of year, and with details such as gold buttons and a scarf tie that it feels fresh. Then make it mini, with a 60s mod vibe. Even then it would be a classic- chic with flats or heels. OR you could pair with hose and gold wedge boots. Classic…..with a twist…

Which may be the way I would describe my style!

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold metallic boots

There are times when I’m tempted to show or tell you ALL the ways I style (or want to style) a piece. I think there is value in that. On the other hand, that can often be overwhelming – sometimes it’s too much information at one time, and sometimes then the styling gets lost in the shuffle. I err on showing you the twist (aka how I love to style) because A. it’s really how I wear things B. I think it lets your imagination go wild. I love the classics. And I love classic styling. This dress with a great pair of black heels? Or boots? Or with flats? Perfection. Also, how most websites are going to style it to sell it to you. (and again, a great look!)

But isn’t a bit more fun to style it with a twist? Think a bit outside of the box? And it’s not just gold boots- I have red sparkly flats and leopard mules I want to wear with this dress! The twist is not to dismiss the classic, but to give us options for it. The more options we have (I think) with our styling, the more chances we get to wear our closet. It’s as simple as knowing that you can wear anything you have no matter what kind of mood you wake up in- the mood for classic or the mood for a twist.

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold metallic boots

Even as adventurous as I can be with my fashion, and all the twists, I thinks it’s taken me a long time to truly identify my style. And like many things in life, it’s still evolving and growing. It’s been fun to not only have my style grow but really be able to articulate what I love — even if it’s worth a twist!

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots

Classic. With a twist. I can’t tell you how comfy this dress is and how there is a styling for all your holiday and new year events from work to parties. These boots? Both a statement and a neutral and some of my all time favorites. I’ve linked both for you below.

How would you describe your style? What are you enjoying about it lately? And, what are you longing to try or put a twist on?

I want to hear all about it! 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!

I’ll Be Home…

a woman in a brown dress and brown shoes in front of a train
a woman in a brown Dress, brown shoes in front of a train
a woman in a brown dress and shoes in front of a train

Tis the season for so many things. Family. Love. Traditions. Gifts! And also….travel. Which of all the holiday things, is my least favorite. It’s not that I don’t want to come home (or wherever!) for the holidays. It’s just that usually holiday travel is not for the faint of heart. There was a time of my life when for both Thanksgiving and Christmas I was flying in between LAX in Los Angeles and Texas (various airports). There was a Christmas flight (on December 22!!) for which I got to LAX 3 hrs early (too many years ago)- it took me all of the 3 hours to get through the outside line (which wrapped around buildings. Plural) and through security. I ran onto the plane with 2 mins to spare. It was stressful and while I loved being home for the holidays- I hate travel like that.

On the other hand- there is something special about being home for the holidays. Or where your loved ones are. One of my favorite holiday songs is “I’ll be Home For Christmas”, as for me it really hits that this season is supposed to be about being with the people with love (family or chosen family!). And even when travel was awful…there was nothing better (and is nothing better) than being home and with loved ones for the holidays.

(This isn’t part of this post, but this is a time of year when I think about train travel and how amazing a high speed train would be. Or even the glamour of old school train travel. One of my favorite holiday movies is White Christmas and I often think of how chic the train travel was in that film! Perhaps holiday travel on a train wouldn’t be hectic but would be oh so fantastic! )

a close up of a brown lace up heel and dress on a train wheel
a woman in a brown dress in front of a train
a woman in a brown dress and shoes in front of a train

Before this year, I had never really paid attention to brown. For shoes and bags? Sure. But as an outfit? I didn’t ever think so. Turns out browns, and all its shades, are the perfect chic neutral. I love that it’s simple but feels new and modern, and chic in a fresh way. Will I ever get over black? Not at all. But I’m loving a new shade/neutral/palette to play with.

Also, if you’re going home for Christmas you might as well look AMAZING and brown might just be the way to do it!

a woman in a brown dress in front of a train

There’s a chance that coming home for you means not traveling. Or being with family. I’ve been there and those are valid. I hope that means you’re still surrounded by love (from you to friends to your favorite things) and that you’re still wearing things that make you happy (this exact dress and similar accessories linked- inc are you need a place to start with browns!). Mostly this holiday season I hope we come home to ourselves… whatever that may mean!

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 brown dress in front of a train

Mixing It Up

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck, high waisted black pants, and white sock boots
a woman in a tortoise shell turtleneck with black high waisted pants and white sock boots
a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck, high waisted black pants and white sock boots

It’s festive season- and while we know there has never been a party dress that I didn’t love– there are sometimes when I love an outfit that feels festive (but could be worn anytime) but is also a little unexpected. It’s called mixing it up!

Example: I love that this turtleneck is tortoiseshell. Really, it’s so classic (the black and brown) but feels unexpected- everyone wears leopard now- and a little fresh. Pants? High waisted, cropped but in a classic black. Boots? Chanel from a few seasons ago (I found these exact boots for a few lucky sizes-linked below!). Yet, they feel a bit vintage, a bit classic, a bit new and a bit old. All together? A great winter combo -that you can probably throw together from your own closet- but also a great way to incorporate a few different things into your rotation. Mixing it up can be fun, right?

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted pants and white sock boots
A Personal Note about Mixing It Up: I used to hate turtlenecks. Just hate them. I thought they were all too tight and itched and always felt claustrophobic in them. There was a time in my younger life when I joked that I couldn’t wear turtlenecks as I must have been strangled in a past life. VERY clearly a joke– but I was that serious about never wearing them. Then, I’m not sure what happened. Perhaps I outgrew my aversion, or found super soft and non-itchy turtlenecks, or just found it more satisfying to mix it up! Take this as a sign that all those things that you might think you may not like- maybe it’s worth it to try and mix it up. For me? Now, turtlenecks are a staple!

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted cropped pants and white sock boots
a close up of white sock boots and black cropped pants
a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck with high waisted cropped black pants and white sock boots

I’m never going to stop liking party dresses. And the further we get into the holiday season, I will be in more “traditional” outfits. We will talk about plaids, metallics, velvets, lace. I have a great, VERY classic dress on its way to me that’s VERY traditional Holiday Card. Reds, greens, and even blues will be in rotation. But every now and then, it feels good to mix it up- to wear something completely unexpected that somehow still feels festive. Perhaps it’s a way to remind myself to explore and try all of our fashion options (aka beware of those ruts- even when we love them). Or, perhaps, it’s a way to feel fresh and new, no matter what the season.

How do you like to mix it up? What are some of your go-tos during this season that aren’t “traditional” but feel festive? I would love to hear about them!

Linked below are similar and inspired looks! 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 tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted cropped pants and white sock boots

Holiday Lace

a woman in a black lace dress on a stone walk with a stone wall and trees
a woman in a black lace dress sitting on a stone wall with trees behind wall
close up of a black lace dress
a woman in a black lace dress sitting on a stone wall with trees behind wall
a woman in a black lace dress in

It’s fitting at the official start of festive (aka to me, Party Dress Season) I wear a party dress. And this party dress -or holiday lace dress- is a dress that will last. I’ve worn it not only during the holiday season but at Valentines, at Halloween, on birthdays. This black lace (or holiday lace) is a classic that will last for year and take you through all seasons. Perhaps instead of holiday lace we should call it reasonless lace!

So- here’s to the start of an amazing season of parties, dresses, love, magic, and outfits that make us feel amazing things! This number is vintage, but I’ve looked and linked some modern black lace dresses I love. I can’t wait to share all my holiday ideas, thoughts, gifts and outfits with you!

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 black lace dress in front of a stone wall and trees

Fashion Stories: Party Dress Season

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/72ySvH4GlWg

tis the season. Yes, the sales. Yes, the family and the love and the magic! But also- the party dresses. It comes as no surprise that I LOVE a great party dress, and a season where you can find any excuse to wear one? I’m in- even if that if that excuse is drinking champagne with your cat! Part of why I love party dresses is that-to me- they are a symbol of caring, of hope, and of fun! So, at a time of year when it’s more than acceptable to go all out with your party dresses, I think we should.

I’m not saying that I will ONLY post/wear party dresses for the rest of the year- but know that I’m always thinking about them. And below I’ve linked quite of few of my current faves! Here’s to a season full of all the things that matter most- and a great party dress to wear!

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!

Post Holiday/Cyber Monday

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose and heels and a golden tile skirt

What do you do in the few days/weekend after Thanksgiving? I usually get to being productive (though fun fact: my sister’s birthday is Dec 1st so I’m trained not to truly go all out decorating for the next holiday until after my sister’s birthday- a tradition I’m so happy to keep!); however, this year I’ve taken the time to actually decompress (hopefully!). Which I hope will prepare me for the holidays to come, and of course to recoup from the holiday (and year) previous!

Yes. This means time in things completely not fashionable. Time off social media. Time just in a variation of sweats on the couch. Time thinking about what I want to wear in the coming season Something else I’ve been doing? Thinking about what I want to buy in all the Cyber Monday/Week (are we even calling it that anymore? Is it just sale month now? Is it overwhelming? Or are we giving into all the sales?)?

That certainly is a long way to say- I’ve been online shopping. Good. Bad. Or just taking advantage? I know that I should be planning my holiday season outfits. I know that these sales are not the end all and be all– AND. YET. These sales are full of deals and fashion that might serve all of us from now -through the new year.

Yes, my do-to list may be long but what if my to-shop list is better?

Below is an absolutely non-exhaustive list of not only sales but things I’m buying. What if we took another day to relax, and treat ourselves to any any all the things we might need? From new dresses to time on the couch?

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 Strong Suit
I LOVE a good suit- weird as I could work in yoga pants all day! But I do. And while I could tell you that you could buy vintage (and you can!) but I’m in love with this 3 piece grey wool that will be a hit at any holiday party and throughout the new year:

Anthropologie is 50% off
From faux leather to knits to must have party dresses, everything is 50% off at Anthropologie today and these are some of what I’m loving:

Kate Spade at 60% off
From shoes to bags to jewelry! Everything today is 60% off at Kate Spade and these are some of my most favorites:

a woman in leather skirt and plaid shirt and sandals

I have to admit that I’m relishing in all of the time that is a little bit down. I’m also excited about these deals and the more to come. This week: I’m working on decorations, my sister’s birthday and all the things I want to wear this season! Is it a lot? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a way to truly ring in the season!

I hope you got all of the rest and more you needed this weekend.And I hope that everything you love it on sale!

Xo RA