outfits – Page 14 – Investment Piece

Pockets to Go

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VF8ZiVpxNLs

Note: you may want to turn the sound down- or if not I get if you want revenge!

This part adding your own pockets. There is a reason why every woman you know gets excited and tells you enthusiastically about the pockets on your outfit. It’s because we need them!!! So when I got that I could add my own pockets- with this apron skirt via COS (this is the short version, they did have a maxi skirt version!) Not only functional- how great to tie yourself 2 huge pockets to store all the things you might need from a red lip (a necessity if I ever met one!) or to hold everything from keys to wallets. A simple tie around and any outfit automatically has more- pockets that is!

These apron skirts are also wool. Which makes this option a bit of making fall trends/purchases/etc work now. Could you call this transitional? Sure! Pair this apron skirt over every kind of short now- later use it over every kind of pant. Both times use it over skirts that have unkindly left out pockets. (And with skirts if and when temps drop feel free to add tights, boots, etc as needed!)

a woman in a black biker shorts and black muscle tank with a tying apron skirt with pockets and wearing black heels

I have a thing for using tiny card cases- or wallets. So a simple big pocket can often be enough for me- a wallet of a sort, my keys (as needed), and a lip (red is my go-to). What else do you need?

And as women so many of our options- pants, skirts, dresses, leggings and more – don’t have pockets. There is a reason why we tell each other gleefully when something has pockets! So pockets to go? Pockets on demand? Pockets that you could add to anything? For any reason I’m completely on board!

These exact pockets and more are linked for you below. Never be shy to tell someone else if what you’re wearing has pockets! And never be shy to add pockets to anything you’re wearing! Win/Win/Pockets!!!

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 black tank, biker shorts and an apron skirt with pockets over, and black sandal mules

Red -y Fall Transitions

a woman in a blue striped midi skirt, grey strappy top and red lace up heels

We could chat about a lot with this outfit. And here’s where I will admit there are shoots where I wear something simply for the outfit to be photographed- and shoots where I wear an outfit I wear and I shoot it. This is the latter. I love a great skirt. Always have, probably always will. Fun fact? I don’t think I wore jeans till I was 6 or 7 (and that’s only because I realized all the kids in 1st grade were wearing them and I was a-okay being a trendsetter but didn’t want to be left out!) as I always wanted to wear skirts or dresses. Point being a great skirt is such a fantastic piece to build outfit(S!) around- or even a closet.

Pair a great skirt with a tee, a blouse, a sweater, a going out top, a blazer- the options are endless! What I love about this particular skirt (minus the pockets) is that it’s perfect to transition from summer to fall. It’s a linen blend, but it reads wool. And the blue, black, grey and very light red stripe mean that it goes with so many things- and not just black- that could read both summer and fall. A bit nubbly, a bit weighted, it moves fantastically, but truly can stand alone. Here (because it’s still over 100!!) I had to pair it with an elevated tank; aka a “going out top” I’ve had for a good 10 years. Strappy, low cut, and really a bodysuit- but the pleats and folds make it feel expensive.

a woman in red lace up heels and a blue striped midi skirt
a woman in a blue striped midi skirt and grey strappy top with red lace up heels

Beyond outfit formulas and transitional pieces- red is on trend for fall. This is one of those trends that just makes me laugh. Mainly? I love red. One of my favorite colors. I’m also a HUGE fan of pops of red in outfits- and especially love a great red shoe (read about my early and faithful love for Dorothy or Red Date Shoes here). So red as a trend? Great! But, when was red ever “out”? Aka for me red not being a thing was never a thing- if you know what I mean. These fantastic red shoes? Years old, worn regularly, a favorite. (Though, yes, I will be using this “trend” to add to my red section in my closet. I mean- it’s in the name of fashion!)

What I could say about this – there is always a trend that’s not a trend but a staple to you. Use it to your advantage to transition seasons. Love red like me? Now is the time to get out your red, add it to your accents, say you’re ready for fall. Of if red- or any other fall trend- is something that you’ve always liked but never knew how to wear it? Might I suggest you start small? The term “pop of” may be overused, but anything that you’re a bit unsure of never looks wrong as a shoe, or bag, or belt, or scarf, or umbrella, coat, etc- start with an accessory and see how you feel. Then go all out in an outfit- or not. You always get to choose!

But I do love a great pop of color- especially when it’s red. I love a statement shoe. And when an outfit that is very much me on a Monday feels perfectly on trend and red-y to transition to the new season- it makes the outfit feel a little more special.

What are your thoughts on red? How do you wear it? What fall trends are you looking forward to and what are you wearing during these transitional weeks from summer to fall? I want to hear about it all!

This top (as mentioned) is old, as are the shoes from seasons and seasons ago. The skirt? Vintage and a gift from a lovely neighbor. However, I’ve linked similar pieces for you below – don’t be afraid to take what you love and mix and match and make your own for years to come (trends or not!)
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 blue striped midi skirt, grey strappy top, and red lace up heels

Color Me Wild

Posting this today as the new season line from Hanifa drops. I’ve gotten so much joy out of this dress. And once again, after being ill, I’m navigating the outside world and what I’m comfortable with. (Things change and stay the same). And yet- I’m still wearing this dress. And loud noises (even under underpasses) can still sound like storms.

Investment Piece: Color Me Wild

Leopard is a neutral (yes, I think so).
We’ve established that time and time again, and it’s something I do really believe. However, what if we took something we know to be true (leopard is a neutral) and we played with it? Turned it on its head? For just a brief moment, made it untrue?
This is aka when I saw this leopard print dress in this stunning shade of blue, I knew I had to have it. While it’s not completely wild, it’s not a true neutral. It’s showsstopping (the sleeves and slits help with that) and yet it’s a tad bit subtle. Color with wildness and reason.
The balance felt right to me, and also? Is fun. Fashion is a lot of things, and one of those things is fun. Color. Print. The wild? How could you not have fun playing with that?

Investment Piece: Color Me Wild

It’s time to get back out there (within reason).
Another thing that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. There are so many things that I’ve missed over this past year- some I’m ready to dive back into, some I’m not so ready. Perhaps that’s where the wild comes in. If I can look at leopard in a new way (color), could I look at the wild (outside, however you want to label it) in a new way?

These shots were taken under an underpass. Everytime a car passed over it sounded like thunder I was convinced it was going to storm all shoot. But. I loved how I got to see something I pass almost everyday in a new way. Yes, there’s a path (to cross the street), and some rocky landscaping, but when I pass by it every day I barely see it. Exploring it, shooting it, climbing it- I was able to see it in a whole new light.

And if an underpass can be a whole new world, what else am I overlooking? What wild out there could be made new?

Investment Piece: Color Me Wild

What could you look at anew – from patterns to places? What are you currently comfortable with, and what do you long to be comfortable with? Are you coloring yourself wild or are you playing it safe?

These are questions I’m asking myself and exploring. There are times when I’m coloring wild and times when I’m way more neutral. I’m learning to give myself grace, and have fun, either way.

What about you?

This dress is Hanifa, I have this sweater dress from them, and I have to let you know how much I adore this brand. Almost everything from their new collection is on my Wishlist. I’ve also liked similar dresses for you below. Color wild!
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: Color Me Wild

Labor Day Style

a woman in a white maxi skit, brown lace sandals and a white flower crop tip
a woman in a white maxi skirt, brown lace up sandals and a white flower crop top

It’s a “holiday” weekend. And the “unofficial” end of summer (though it will be HOT and summer for a bit more). Many of you are out on the water- or on family trips or not working today- or any of the multitude of ways a holiday and an ending could be spent.
And yet-

There should be no surprise I’m in white. According to (old) advice starting tomorrow only winter white will do. Was that advice written before it was 100 into October? Probably. Do you need to stick to it? That’s up to you! But wearing white (while risking all the spills and stains) seemed the thing to do.

It should also come as no surprise that this top is a swimsuit top. I’ve linked it in black and found one(in Medium-I’m in a small here but I feel like I could have used a medium. It’s all flexible and what you’re comfy in!) For the “last” (by no means last) day of summer a swimsuit felt like the thing to wear.

Accessories? Straw. With a hint of leather. Lace up.

Be by the water. Enjoy the heat but don’t get overwhelmed by it. Dress to the day, but don’t let this holiday determine anything for you. There’s a lot for today- but I mainly hope that you’ve shopped the sales that spoke to you, that you wore what made you happy, and that the “rules” that we’re supposed to be bound by made you laugh!

I’ve linked similar and exact shopping options below (it’s Labor Day but wear when you want- you’re in charge!). I would love to know what you’re wearing and shopping and the rules you plan on breaking going forward!
XO RA

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

And shop the whole outfit here

Whatever you’re wearing – from swim to color- I hope you’re having a great “holiday”!

a woman n a white maxi skirt with a white flower crop top and brown lace up sandals and a straw tote with leather pocket

Ruffles and Stripes

Investment Piece: Ruffles and Stripes

I’m not one for things that are too sweet; that includes desserts and fashion. Bows don’t do much for me, embellishments have to be just right, and I usually am picky about ruffles. However, some times things come along that are the perfect combination of sweet, classic, and fun, and I can’t resist them. Like this dress! I love the ombré blue stripes. I love the ruffles that aren’t too sweet. I adore the neckline and how low the arm hole is, I even love the bows (or knots) on the shoulder. Perfect for a bbq, wear it with heals for a night out, this dress screams fun and summer. This is the type of sweet I can’t resist.

This dress is from years and years ago- but the thing about a perfect not too sweet dress is that it’s something that you can go back to again and again. There hasn’t been a summer since I’ve gotten this dress that I haven’t worn it repeatedly. With my classic Dr Scholl’s (my cousin was the first to turn me onto how comfy these classic sandals are, and now they are my go-to recommendation for summer sandals!) or with heels, or with flip flops or anything in-between. This dress screams summer to me, and it’s been a part of so many of my summers. Even with its sweetness, it’s just right for me.

Ruffles and stripes are such a classic combo, but I love how this dress feels fresh! I couldn’t help pair the white and blue with a pop of red, but it would look just as great with tonal accersories. And if you’re a little shy on top, I think this dress layered with a white tee or tank top would be on point! Don’t forget your straw bag (this one is my mom’s from the 1970s, moral of that story is don’t give anything away), add a hat, and you’re set for the last few weeks of summer!

Shop my picks below! XO RA

As this dress is a few years old, I couldn’t find the exact dress, I’ve linked both striped dresses and tiered dresses that I love and that remind me of this dress. And of course, my favorite Dr Scholl’s Originals!

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!

Lounge Luxe

Investment Piece: Lounge Luxe

Like me, you may be in a bit of a quandary lately. Wanting to “get dressed”. Yet, it’s a million degrees outside, and even “cool” clothes seem so hot. On top of that, I work from home- meaning that in reality I could wear pjs/sweats/nothing all day and get away with it.

Working from home is both a blessing and a curse.

There are all sorts of suggestions on how to deal with this time we’re in and dressing for. You may just wear your pjs. Or workout clothes. Get dressed. Go all out with a fancy top and be comfy on bottom.
While there’s no right or wrong way to dress right now, what I’m finding works best for me (on a day to day basis) is lounge. Luxe.

This is a vintage terry dress (gown? Swimsuit cover up?). It’s a statement. And like wearing your robe all day. (Yes, even at home I sometimes wear heels but it’s also great with flat sandals or barefeet. Even when I’m sick- things like that make me feel more in control!). Like many things, it’s a choose your own adventure: it can be a full on outfit, or it can be something to lounge in. Perfect for a summer soriee (socially distanced) or perfect laying on the bed after a shower (I can not be the only one who does that for hours).

Most importantly, it makes me feel “dressed” when I need to be. Because lately there are days when I do need my outfits to make me feel good. To let me know that we’re all strong and capable and all the things. And sometimes I need those feelings on days when it’s hard to get dressed. The solution? Lounge luxe. Both worlds, what you need it to be, and fancy feeling.

With outfits like this I’ve been able to lay on my couch and feel good about it. Win/win/lounge?

This dress is vintage, and my only terry cloth dress–I highly recommend them for comfort and style and have linked some vintage ones similar for you below. What are you wearing daily? Is it giving you what you need? I want to hear all the stories 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!

PS. Thank you to everyone who reached out- I am feeling better and am hoping to be in new and “real” outfits next week! In the meantime- I’m lounging!

Investment Piece: Lounge Luxe

Surprise Ending

Investment Piece: Surprise Ending

Loves, we know how I feel about juxatipositons. I LOVE them!! So is it any surprise that I love a good surprise ending?
The kind you don’t see coming.
With all sorts of twists and turns.
The kind that makes you gasp.

Who said that surprise endings couldn’t happen in fashion?

This shirt dress (similar here) is one of my all time go-to’s. It’s as classic and as daring as you like it, the dress not only buttons down the front, but the back and the sides as well. So, it’s fitting that it’s the back drop for a surprise ending.

Investment Piece: Surprise Ending

It’s hot. (That’s not the surprise ending) And I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking of everything I can do to not only stay cool, but look like I’m pulled together while staying cool. The surprise ending? Vintage swim under my shirt dress. All the structure and poise of a dress, all the coolness that wearing your swimsuit in public allows.

Bonus in this surprise ending? You get to wear your swimsuit in public. I’m always a fan of that.
(See here, here, and here for starters)

Of course, dresses on their own are a great way to combat the end of summer heat wave, but I’m a sucker for the drama. I love glimpses of things that maybe don’t belong, the unexpected, and the juxatipositons. Like vintage swim under your dress; I love that they’re almost like shorts (but not quite) and maintain an air of class (even though they’re swim suits). And, with these on, you’re always prepared to get in the water (if the need so arises).

Surprise endings? A way to keep the heat from beating us? Or just a way to switch things up?
Maybe it’s all 3?

I’ve linked similar items below. I’d love to know: what surprise ending will you share?
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: Surrpise Ending

Getting in the Water

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

Loves, in a moment of vulnerability, I have to admit, this was a hard week. I know, we’re all having hard weeks. It’s just a hard time. And what do I do when it gets tough? Buy shoes! Well, yes. But other than that, a thing I do is get in the water. There’s something about water-surfing, paddle boarding, just sitting by it, that calms me down and makes me happy. Getting in the water is one of my favorite coping mechanisms. And getting in the water in fashion? I LOVE it!!

And loves, this is why I love this job. I love the creativity of it, the thinking out of the box on how to present my fave fashion to you, and the people I work with. This dress is Clover Canyon, and as an Ocean Baby I can’t recommend them enough; their clothes are made of neoprene (always water ready) and the patterns are to die for! I love that my photographer, Katy Shayne, was nonplussed when I said I wanted to shoot this dress on a board and that I would figure it out! And so we figured it out, I got on a paddle board and we were able to get great looks from the dock (the dress is water ready, cameras not so much). Bonus-I got to be on the water and got a session in after we were done!

Another moment of vulnerability: this shoot is from years ago. Yet, I’ve updated it. And it rings true. This week, in August 2023 has been tough. My reaction? Get in the water. I found my self putting together a closet, stressed about what to shoot, and needing to be in the water. So, here we are. I went to the water, and I wore this dress (yet again) and things are looking up. Isn’t it funny how things can come full circle?

I’ve updated my shopping picks (and while I love swimsuits and wearing them out, thank you for indulging me in wearing dresses in water!) and hope that however your week has gone, you’re getting in the water!
XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

It has Pockets!

a woman in a green midi skirt with two front pockets and a white tee leans against brown doors
a woman in a green skirt with 2 front pockets, a white tee, holding a snakeskin clutch in front of brown doors

I am 100% one of those women, who if complimented on my outfit in public by another woman will AWLAYS, ALWAYS tell you (sometimes incredibly enthusiastically) if it has pockets or not. Pockets are important. Pockets can make an outfit or even or your day.

We won’t get into the fact that as much as I am an ARDENT fan of pockets, I weirdly do not like cargo pants. Really. Strange. But true.

However, we are focusing on pockets that we love. So when I found this skirt (linked exactly below if securing the pockets is important) I couldn’t resist. Chic. On trend. Linen blend. Lined! And it has pockets!! You can see the pockets! You can see the pockets!!

Things I put in my pockets just in this shoot: keys, phone, camera cover, wallet, hands, hung my sunnies out of them. My hopes. Pockets are a bit magical (ask any other woman!) and all we may need is a place for our things.

And pockets that feel on trend and chic? priceless.

close up of a snakeskin oversized clutch, cork /snake/gold wedges and brown snake skin sunnies on a green stip

Fun fact? Im not usually a green fan. Yet. This green? Love it. Just the shade I need. And what it went best with (at least in my head?) Snakeskin. Details on shoes. Bags. Sunnies. Just seemed to go with pockets. Or this skit!

a woman in a green midi skirt with 2 front pockets and a white tee, snake skin clutch and wedges in front of iron windows
a woman in a green skirt with 2 front pockets, a white tee and a white tee and snake wedges and clutch

Maybe my non liking cargos has led me to liking pockets that are bigger. Or perhaps knowing any pocket that I deem chic (like these!) is a keeper; or maybe, it’s just that we need places for our things (magic and non-magic) should be celebrated. Or styled. Or both!

What I do know is that pockets are somethings I seek out- before the outfit or the vibe is set- pockets take priority. So planning an outfit, a vibe, a look around pockets? Much easier than wishing you had pockets!

a woman in a green skirt and white tee and snake bag and wedges

Maybe our pockets- and what we keep in them are magic. Maybe embracing styles we didn’t think we liked- I know these are not cargos- and yet loving pockets and then embracing pockets in a big way is a step? Or no. Perhaps that’s the way we grow. Or perhaps pockets in any form- from on the front and being obvious to the more subtle on the side of of our skirts (or dresses or pants) is soothing to celebrate. Even if it was just us calling and telling each other!

a woman in a green midi skirt with pockets, a white tee and snake purse, sunnies and shoes

These exact pockets are linked for your below! (as well as similar options for the rest of this pocket lovely outfit!) I’m assuming you love pockets – so how do you talk/styl/love them? I would love to hear 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 green skirt with pockets on the front and a white tee and snake clutch and wedges

Make Your Set

a woman in oversized linen shorts and top with white clogs and a basket bag
a woman in oversized linen white shorts and black blouse in heels in front of a green hedge
a woman in oversized black linen shorts and white and black polka dot shirt with lace up sandals

On trend this summer? Linen sets. Or “boxer” shorts (or type shorts) with a blouse. My take on the trend? Linen Separates (and I bought these shorts years ago but found you the exact ones!) that I mix and match. I know this is about trends- but for me this is more uniform, or go to’s. Any day I don’t need to be or wear something special (or even days when I do), I know that I can throw one of these on- from black on black to white with black to polka dot. Clogs. Sandals. Heels. Any Bag. And I while not only look on trend but feel amazing in my outfit.

Yes. At least once a week I’m wearing some sort of combo of this outfit- for errands. Or work. Or drinks. Or whatever the day brings. I mix and match shorts and tops and make all kinds of sets. It’s almost kind of thrilling!

And the thing about this trend? You can make your own set.
None of the above looks were bought together. From shorts to tops, all of these pieces were bought at different times, different seasons. One was even a gift from when a dear neighbor cleaned out her closet. Yet? Mixing and matching these pieces is not only super easy, it brings me joy. Most importantly- it’s easy. As someone who loves fashion I can over think my outfits. There’s nothing to overthink here. Just throw on and go!

a woman in an oversized linen shirt and shorts and heels
a woman in oversized linen shorts and top with lace up sandals

The even better thing? You can do this with any set. Or separates. Get your fave shorts. Or skirt. Or pants. Add your fave blouses over time. Or tees. Or tanks. Mix and match as wanted. Or needed. There doesn’t have to be a “this goes together” set that you can only wear together. This kind of “make your own set” is so friendly and so easy- and is completely make your own set. It’s the ease of summer- that just happens to be on trend right now!

I’ve linked some of the shorts and shirts and shoes I’ve made my own set with- but any easy short and shirt you love will do!

How do you make your own set? I would love to see!
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!