Category: outfits

Systems

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

This is a Mrs. Emily skirt (lovingly made by hand and goes with it all. You can read more about how much I love Mrs. Emily, a small fashion designer here. And while this about how much I love this silk skirt (and you can customize the hem length!) and all the things you can wear with it (from party looks to work looks), it’s also about systems (like outfit formulas, but for our lives).

One of the many, many things I love about Mrs. Emily is her fashion philosophy. Her Instagram (@mrsemily) and her newsletter (highly recommend sign up here) are full of thoughts on waredrobe building, confidence building, and how we can make our lives work (through our clothes). Mrs. Emily will tell you that she’s a wife, momma, and fashion designer (and maker), she speaks honestly about all the different hats she’s wearing, and how she makes that work.

I love the honesty (because it’s not always easy) and I love how these musing make me think about my own fashions and my own systems. In fashion, we talk about systems as outfit formulas- things we know go together, that you can simply put on, and they make your life easier. What about the systems (or outfit formulas) for our lives, from work to social? Do they make our lives easier and make us feel good? Or do we need to update them?

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

Like all of us, I wear a bunch of hats. Fashionista. Blogger. Actress. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Caregiver. Cook. Dishwasher. Every day is a bit different, but there is never a lack of things to do. Sometimes I feel on top of it all, sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed. What I’m learning (and what Mrs. Emily will tell you) is that the more you can design your life to support all the things you do, the easier your life is on you. For me, that means schedules, time to write, time to be creative, planning ahead, and more.

Honestly? Lately, I’ve been feeling like I to update my systems. Find better ways to make space for all my things. I’m thinking of it like this skirt, I know no matter what when I put it on, it will look and feel good. It’s like that, but for my schedule. (Or you could think of it as a new outfit formula- like all of the sudden figuring out that there are a million ways to do jeans and a tee- and they all work!).

Is it a weird time of year to be adjusting my systems? With us heading full steam into the holiday season, most of us get through, then readjust in the new year. While I understand that mindset, I know that I need the support now, and I thought- I’ll be playing with holiday looks all season, why not play with my systems?

So. I’ll be adjusting, trying out, scheduling, rescheduling and seeing what works for me. Like putting everything from a tee to a blazer with my new fave Mrs. Emily skirt, I’m looking for things that let me work, no matter what the day calls for. And I’m a bit excited to see what systems I come up with.

What about you? How are your life systems? Are you feeling supported by them? If you have any great tips, I would love to hear about them!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: Systems

This Barbie Wears Pink

Every October I love doing (at least one) pink post.
1- because while I don’t really think of myself as a “pink” person- I am. I love (especially) hot pink, wearing pink in various ways (especially the unexpected), and after Barbie The Movie, really embracing the sides of me that love all things pink. Essentially, I think I love surprising myself and you with this color that I never think I like

2- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My family is one those affected by this disease, and we lost my aunt this year (making clear not to cancer, she survived that- but Breast Cancer is still so hard). I had my first mammogram this year (absolutely a fine experience- more awkward because I’m one of those that even when I get massages want to help. Yes, I tried to help too much in my mammogram. BUT I got it. And I’m fine. And I’m excited to hear about yours). Usually in these yearly posts I link to various companies who give a portion of profit to Breast Cancer Research, etc. There’s a lot happening right now (and most likely more than one cause who needs your attention and money) I honestly haven’t even thought about that. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t great ways to shop and give to Breast Cancer (or other services), but beyond that, beyond wearing pink, perhaps what the people you know affected by this cancer need most is you. Being with them, listening to them, helping them. There are big ways to give- but the small ways can be the most impactful.

3-Again, I’ll tell you that I don’t wear a lot of pink. These posts remind me that I do. And in this spooky time- when I love putting together my Halloween costumes, when the holiday season is rapidly approaching (aka Christmas is already all over the stores) that it feels as if life and seasonal choices take over everything. Think about it- it’s Fall- we’re all into neutrals and costumes and then red and black and green for the holidays. So many choices are holiday coded so that there are times when wearing pink at this time feels a bit rebellious and a bit of a statement. Maybe I just really like being a bit different and pink at this time of year lets me indulge that.

Whatever the reason, October to me wouldn’t be the same without pink. And yes- I really do wear pink in my real life- if you do I would love to hear about it.

Here’s to all the reasons to pink and all of the amazing outfits it creates! XO RA

Fashion Halloween: Cleopatra

a woman in a gold caftan posing like Cleopatra
a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece
a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece
a woman in a gold caftan and a gold headpiece

One of my go-to Halloween costumes? Cleopatra! I am a fan of caftans, so yes I had (have?) this gold number (but have linked packaged costumes and great gold dresses!). Ironically I also had this wig (from a Mad Men party I threw for my birthday many moons ago), I simply had to work on my makeup (which was really fun!) and buy a headpiece. This costume is so easy, so chic, and really comfy. From answering the door to trick-or-treaters or parties, it’s customizable, recognizable, and fun.

Part of what I love about fashion Halloween is the combination of fashion and characters. What’s great about Cleopatra is that a gold caftan- while a bit Palm Springs- is a great party number. Forgiving and chic, and can go from summer to holiday. This is a costume, or outfit that if you want to invest in, you’ll get so many uses out of it!

Note: here I went barefoot but these kind of caftans look great with gold sandals or heels!

This look was originally posted years ago, but this is a look and costume that I’ve gone back to time and time again!

Happy Fashion Halloween! XO RA

Notes: 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 gold caftan and gold headpiece

Fashion Halloween: Marie Antoinette

a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown with a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne
a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown, jewels with a a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne

Fashion Halloween is one of my favorite things. I know, I know- I can go overboard- but I truly LOVE the combination of fashion and acting, the planning and putting together of a costume (bought or put together from fashion pieces you have and love), and the putting together of a character via an outfit. Let’s be honest, a lot of what we wear is a costume (of one kind or another) and Halloween is just when we’re a bit more honest about it. This year for all of my Halloween costumes I got inspiration from shows I loved, characters I loved, and fashion I wanted to explore (or was easy to put together!).

First for Fashion Halloween? Marie Antoinette. She’s always fun but has gotten a ton more attention with the recent PBS show about her and Louis. (I loved it- took me an episode or 2 to truly get into it, but very well worth your time!) Also, being over the top is a fun part of Halloween- and who is more over the top than Marie Antoinette?

This costume was so easy- but so fun. While there are so many Marie Antoinette costumes for sale (and I’ve linked quite a few for you below), I used a ballgown I already had (and want to wear everywhere. You’ve seen it before

a woman in a Marie Antoinette Wig, plaid gown and jewels with a velvet couch, macaroons, and champagne

Silhouette of the Season

a woman in a plaid suit and a grey buster with brown platforms
a woman in a strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag and a camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top, pants, kitten heels, camel coat on her shoulders, bamboo Gucci bag
a woman in a plaid suit, grey corset, brown gloves, and bucket bag

A suit (that’s perfect for not work as it is for work!) trend that I’m loving this season (though I have to brag that I wore both of these outfits last year- ahead of the curve!) is a bustier or strapless top with a suit. It truly is the silhouette of the season. Aka this look is everywhere this season! Making it so easy to mix and match a top with a suit, but a set at every price point; and then mix and match all the pieces.

What I love about this silhouette is that it’s so chic and so versatile. Is there anything easier than a bustier or strapless top with a form of a suit? Could be pants and blazer, pants and a coat, perhaps just a strapless top with a skirt (or even shorts or capris!). This is so easy to make this silhouette your own, to style it in any which way which makes you feel most stylish and powerful. Yes, I wore these outfits- now known as the silhouette of the season- seasons ago, but I play on restyling these items in so many ways. This black top with a black midi skirt and black blazer. Grey bustier with grey knit skirts and boots. I have a great pair of grey wool trousers that would look great with either top. Or I may have to pair a blazer with this look:

a woman in grey trouser with a yellow bustier and a grey shawl and black peep toe heels

The combinations with this fashion formula are endless. And chic. And perfect for work or play. The silhouette of the season? Why wouldn’t it be?

(Note: if a bustier or strapless top feels like a LOT for you, or you live in a climate where this look would still be too cold, this silhouette would look just as great layered over a turtleneck. In fact, these tops or bustiers layered over a knit dress or turtleneck is just another way to make this silhouette of the season your own, or reinterpret it!)

a woman in a plaid suit and a grey bustier top with brown platforms
a woman in strapless top and black pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,

Are you into this silhouette of the season? I just can’t get enough of it! Below I’ve linked similar looks to not only these takes on the silhouette as well as my fave new offering, for take on this look. Mix. Match. Wear to work or parties. I’d love to hear how you’re styling the silhouette of the season!

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 strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

Fashion Stories: Changing to Stay the Same

a woman in a maxi denim dress with a gold belt and gold glitter and black booties
a woman in a denim maxi dress and leopard sneakers

They say that everything comes back in style (which may also be a reason to never throw anything away!). And as someone who is slowly beginning to see styles that she remembers from her childhood back “on trend” I can only say- I didn’t think things would change so quickly to stay the same for me.
Perhaps another way to say that, is that as much as things change, they stay back. Or come back to themselves. Or whatever they say.

Take for example the denim, skirt and dress, trends this fall. Maxi. Slit. Just a hint of a shirt dress. They remind me of dresses from the 1990s. And earlier. These denim pieces also remind me of my grandma (Mimi). I’ve written a lot about her influence on my fashion sense, see here, but let me tell you- my Mimi also loved a denim dress. Or skirt. She would pair denim on denim, pair belts with her denim dresses- and wear both with everything from sneakers to sandals.

Denim dresses are a huge trend. Yet, they also bring me back to my Mimi. Sometimes we change just to stay the same.

a woman in a denim dress with leopard sneakers
a woman in a maxi denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties

This is where you may be thinking that I style these new but same denim dresses much differently than my Mimi would have- but really, I don’t think I do. Perhaps I’m a bit more flashy. But my Mimi loved a great accessory. A gold belt? She’d love it. The glitter booties might be exactly up her alley, but I have a feeling she would have loved them. And leopard sneakers? My Mimi would have worn these herself! We, my Mimi and I, were different- but we were really the same.

And we both love(d) a denim moment.

a woman in a denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties
a woman in a denim maxi dress and leopard sneakers

This denim dress, and all of the 1000s and 1000s ways you could style it (truly a bit dressed up and with sneakers are barely scratching the surface of what is possible here!) is a trend- but isn’t it also the same? What I mean is that, at least in my case, denim like this was a staple in my childhood- I’ve spent my adulthood changing and finding my own style, and am now in the same thing it started in. Maybe that’s what all those saying mean. Just perhaps- all roads do lead home, we change and yet find ourselves the same. I just think we should wear fabulous shoes with it!

I’ve linked this exact dress (under $50!) and similar ones, as well as some fantastic shoe options. What is something that you’ve changed and then found out it was simply the same? 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!

a woman in a denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties

Fall Blues

It’s officially fall and I’ve spent most of the week fighting off the latest variant (still). It’s been one of those weeks where work, scheduling, most everything has been rearranged and moved aside in an effort to recuperate and feel like myself again. Things that help? Outfits like this. Shoes that wrap. Skylines and slits. Stay tuned for updated looks and new things coming. Here’s to entering the new week feeling like our best selves! Xo RA


Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues
Investment Piece: October Blues

Fall Blues are a thing.
The colder weather, the shorter days, the change in the air–it can leave you feeling a little down. Or the fact that the colder weather and change in the air aren’t coming quite as quick as you would like. The only cure I know of? Deep breaths, leaning into the change, and getting excited about sweaters and boots. All valid things.

The good news? Loves, these are the kind of Fall Blues that involve sad feelings, deep breaths, or even loving sweaters. These Fall Blues are the kind that make you want to dance, that go with any kind of weather, and doesn’t require a love of boots (though you should still probably be excited about boots). This is blue silk and crepe. This is a bell sleeve, a wrap top, and a slit that goes there. This is the kind of October Blue that can make you happy now and later. And loves, that’s an October Blue I can get behind.

In pieces this Cult Gaia ensemble is amazing. The top would go great with jeans, trousers, a different skirt. The skirt? I’ve already worn it with a great graphic tee (I’ve already worn it with my Tom Petty tee), a white button down, or one of those beloved sweaters. And the silk is some of the softest I’ve felt in a while. I love the drama that the lace up shoes bring, and who can go wrong with a vintage Bottega Venetta clutch? The real trick here for Fall blues? Besides blue, it’s simply trusting that one color can carry an outfit. I’m a huge fan of monochromatic looks, and while the sleeves and the slit help, I think that any one color look can make an impact!

I got this limited edition Cult Gaia years ago, and while it’s no longer available, the feeling of the look is so easy! Any skirt and top can mimic this feel (and I’ve linked my faves below), you simply need to embrace a monochromatic look, have some fun, and find yourself a rooftop!

If you’re still suffering from Fall Blues, I can recommend apple cider and wine. If that doesn’t work, you’re on your own!

Shop my picks below, they do contain affiliate links (I get commission though there is no added cost to you!

Happy October Blues!
XO RA

And if you love this exact top you can shop my closet on Dora Maar where you can find that and so many other goodies!

Investment Piece: October Bues

Fall Wishlist

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms

One of my most favorite things about a new season is making a wishlist for it. Of course those wishlists are always dependent on what I need to refresh in my closet, the upcoming trends, and what I personally love. A juggling act, a bit of shifting at all times, and of course a bit of planning and wishing. This year: I’m still into suits, I want a bit of fun, I need to replace some leather pieces- and I’m excited for all the things to come!

I know that what I may want (now) and want later in the season may change; and I know that both of those things may be incredibly different from what I end up buying. For now, at the start of fall the below categories and lists are where I’m starting. I know that I may end up in different places, with a different closet- but this is where I’m starting. Over the next few weeks I’ll be refining this seasonal wishlist (and letting you know what I’ve bought!- those on my email list will be the first to know! Want in? Sign up!)

In the mean time here’s what I’m wishing about for fall- what are you looking for- new, or updates to your closet? I would love to hear about it all!

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!

Personality Pieces
We all have things that are just us- for me it can often me Dinosaurs, polka dots, statement pieces, and classics. My fall wishlist? Full of all of these things. I’m a fan of updates that look like me so I can’t help but fall in love with staples and statements that scream my name!

Leather Updates
I know faux leather is in- but all of mine have worn out. I’m looking to replace some of my faux leather pieces or perhaps replace them with vintage or new leather pieces. From skirts to blazers these are some pieces I’m loving!

Suting
Suits have been in (honestly I don’t know when they’ve ever been out!) but I just love them. Especially the trend of matching trousers, bustier and blazer! I have some that I love- but I keep seeing suits (and that combo!) everywhere. I may wait and see- but I’m upping my suit game this season!

Basics
This is the time of year when I go through my closet and see what I need to update. Sweaters. Layers. Coats. Bags. More. Yes, some of these I want in statements, but I also want some tried and true classics to come back to for YEARS!

Investment Piece: Color of the Season

On top of all of these- I’m looking to add some color. Add some laters. Buy some great trousers- and of course more! Again, I’ll be updating my list (sending it to my email subscribers in the next few weeks- I hope you’ll be one of them!) and of course letting you know here! If there is anything I can help you find for fall- or recommend -please don’t hesitate to reach out!

XO RA

When it’s not love….

I originally posted this last September, but I’ve had a few instances recently where I’ve bought things (then returned them) because I just didn’t love it. I’m gearing up to do another closet clean-out and it has me thinking: what if it’s not love? Should we buy every trend or keep everything just because it’s trendy or a basic? Shouldn’t we aspire to a closet of things we love, and feel free to let go of everything we don’t? There’s a saying that you shouldn’t settle in love, well, loves, as a person who loves her closet I’m beginning to think we shouldn’t settle in fashion. When it’s not love, let’s let it go. Get my original thoughts below!

a woman in a long sleeve black top, yellow and black pattern and pleated skirt and black boots

What to do when you HATE the trend

NY Fashion week has come and gone, and we’ve been presented with what’s on trend for now, and for the Spring. Which is great, right? Hopefully you’ve been inspired and are excited about what will be/is offered to you, and you have ideas and plans on how to wear it (or you’re excited to see how we wear it here!) But loves, let’s be honest with each other. There’s a chance, and there are times, when you just HATE a trend. Maybe you try it and it’s just not flattering on you. Maybe it brings back bad memories. Maybe you just hate it so much you can’t bring yourself to try it or think about it. I get it. I know, I’m in fashion and supposed to encourage you to try new things. Which I think you should. But not everything is for everyone.

Loves, I’ve struggled with this part all week. A part of me is torn–I feel as if I’m supposed to encourage you to try new things. Maybe the right piece, the right time, the right color will change your mind on a trend. Maybe. Trying different versions of a trend is also valid. Maybe you hate cold shoulder, but you love a certain off-the-shoulder. Maybe. Classics may be your thing and you don’t want to vary out, but one dress could change your mind. Maybe. I think all these avenues are great-again, I’m for us all trying things. But loves, sometimes things don’t work. And that’s valid too. Trends are simply that, a passing fancy, and if you don’t like it, it’s ok. A new trend will come about, or classics are always in style.
There are trends that I don’t like; and my personal view is that fashion is supposed to be a fun way to express yourself–not a list of things you HAVE to wear.

So, at the end of the day my biggest advice is, if you don’t love it, don’t wear it. That simple. Love what you wear, wear what makes you feel good!

XO RA

Unexpected

a woman in tux pants, corset top, and leopard sneakers
a woman in tux pants corset top and leopard sneakers
a woman in tux pants and a corset top. Leopard sneakers.
a woman in tux pants, corset top, leopard sneakers
a woman in tux pants a corset top and leopard sneakers

I often will tell you how I love a juxtaposition. They’re interesting. They make anything -from an outfit to a room – really anything (sorry I got 2 cats in my lap and try to find a ton of examples is not ideal! Having a cat in your lap-that may be another post!)

SO here’s the thing. tux pants (which these are. A fun fact about these ones that I bought second hand- I love that the cummerbund is adjustable) are a fun thing to to play with. Not matter the tux pants (or jacket) you can either dress them up (add heels, add a fancy top, no top with a blazer) or dress them down- like here I paired them with sneakers. Though I’m sure that with a leopard print these sneakers are super dressed down!

Ways I’ve also styled these tux pants: with graphic tees and heels, with vintage pj jackets and also with silk blouses and closed toe heels. Classic but with this cummerbund- it always feels like a statement.

Yes, these are second hand for years past- and yet any tux pants (some of my current faves are linked below), any kind of tux pants are such an easy way to style anything in your closest. A great tee? Dress it up with a tux pant. Need to dress formally? A blazer or a silk blouse, paired with heels could be the ticket.

(Yes, it feels odd to call any outfit combo the ticket as mainly as there are so many outfit combos for so many outfits and most of all I want. you to go with outfits that make you feel amazing!)

And there are so many outfits that I know or feel as if you can make (?) with a pair of tux pants!

Here’s what I love about the unexpected- with tux pants or with anything:

-It’s a way to let your style bleed into your real life. Where I wore this outfit? To Target. To errands. No where fancy, but I felt special everywhere I went.

-It’s a way to express yourself. Let’s be honest- from tux to suits to everything in between- we (as a people) have a way that we “think” things will be styled. For a tux? You expect black tie- and maybe that’s heels or blazer or vest or silk shirt or all of the above. So to see it (tux pants that is) with sneakers (and leopard which to me is a neutral but may not be) or a version of a corset top (here it’s just strapless, but really I may mean racy?)- this is not what one would expect.

Yet- As someone who loves to dress up but doesn’t always have a place to dress up at, as someone who loves playing with various pieces and seeing what fits for various days. For someone who truly believes that dressing for our days-no matter what they bring- is a way to bring joy to us- the unexpected is a great way to play with our fashion and also find a way to fit out style into our day to day style. (Said as someone who loves a great part look yet whose daily outings are more likely to include the grocery store rather than balls).

So- tux pant with sneakers? Or graphic tees? Or flats? Or anything that than the (chic) blazer and heels? A bit unexpected. But a lot bit of how to make your fashion your own (which is the point, no?)

I’ve linked similar unexpected pairs for you below- and of course, if your styling is a bit more expected I’m a fan of that as well!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that may not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a black corset. black tux pants and leopard sneakers