Category: outfits

Scarf as Top

a woman in black pants and black and gold sandals wears a multicolors scarf as a halter top

It’s a summer (and sometimes my winter) tradition to wear a scarf as a top. Over shots, jeans, pants, skirts, bikini bottoms- you name it I’ve worn a scarf as a top with it. For example:

a woman in a scarf as a top and green pants sits on a stone wall!

Investment Piece: Kisses!
a woman in white shorts, a multicolor scarf as a top and platform sandals

This summer is no exception- I’m wearing my scarf as a top:
a woman in a multicolor scarf as a top, black pants, and black and gold sandals

And yet this summer there’s a twist- I’ve used a dog collar necklace (though any sturdy necklace would do!) to help me turn my scarf (as a top) into a halter top! Curious about how?
See here:

I didn’t come up with this scarf as top method alone- I copied it from Bloomers and Frocks’ IG and this classic god collar is from one of my faves Rust and Pearls.
Do you go back to scarves as tops like I do? How do you tie them? Or wear them? I would love to hear all about it!

(Another fun note: this time I paired the scarf with parachute pants- a reach for me as I associated them with cargo pants which are never my favorite. In the fall I want to pair these pants with a blazer to make a “suit” and while they are not in my comfort zone I’m excited about them! Scarves really do go with anything!)

Scarves, pants, and these exact shoes are linked for you below. I can’t wait to see how you do scarf as a top!
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 multicolor scarf as a top and black pants and black and gold sandals

2 Way Crochet

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white striped shirt dress over it. Black sandals In front of a wire gate
a woman in a black crochet dress over black sports bra and leggings with wedges and a a pink fringe purse in front of a concrete wall

This summer crochet dresses (sets yes, but dresses YES) are having a moment. And I get it- they’re cool, easy to throw on over swimsuits, and a bit elevated. Yet. I can’t help but use my crochet in not the most obvious ways- because of who I am as a person. And because I think that every trend that has the potential to become a classic (and TBF I have a crochet dress of my grandmas that I’ve been wearing for years on its own as a swim coverup) has infinite styling possibilities. So, for my crochet in 2 ways I wanted to play with usual OOTD “challenges” I face : What to wear to/from the gym and what to wear on a day to day basis.

Yep, I can dress up like no one’s business. Casual day to day if not always my strength. I’m your friend who’s always overdressed. AT EVERYTHING. (Unless I’m in workout gear. I have 2 modes!)

My take-
–I put this crochet dress over a sports bra and leggings. Paired with a statement bag and classic wedges. It was fantastic. I have a habit of dressing up or dressing for the gym- and this married the 2!
–Then I paired this crochet dress over boyish shorts and under a shirt dress tied at the waist. Pair with a dressed up flip flop- and again, the 2 were a hit!

A Crochet- especially a crochet that could be done in 2 (or more!) ways? That’s the dream!

the backside of a woman in a black crochet dress and a stripe shirt dress over on stairs
a woman in a black crochet Dress over leggings and a sports bra with wedges and a fringe purse

Would this (or any crochet dress) look amazing over swim? A La the current trend? Of course. I’ve admitted that I have a vintage crochet dress of my grandma’s that I have worn over swimsuits for years. But if we’re buying crochet, how can we wear them in more than that one- in these 2 ways?
I would say:
-over pants
-over bodysuits (both full body and not!)
-over slip dreseses
-over slip skirts
-with shirt dresses
-over plain slips
-and these are off the top of my head!

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe dress over and black sandals on concrete stairs
a woman in a black crochet dress over a sports bra and leggings with a pink fringe bag and black and cork wedged on a concrete wall

Every trend, every look, every thing has a way to wear in more than 2 ways (even if it’s just changing your shoes!). With the on trend crochet dress there are so many ways to style- and yet these remain my favorite 2. Though feel free to put crochet over your swim! It’s been known to be chic!

How are you and where are you wearing crochet this summer? Is there more than one way you can wear your crochet pieces? Below I’ve linked not only this dress and these looks but crochet looks I love!
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 the look over leggings : here

Shop the look with a shirt dress: here

a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe shirt dress over and black flip flops in front of a fence
a woman in a black crochet dress over a sports bra and leggings with wedges and a pink fringe bag in front of concrete walls

Liquid Gold

a woman in a black bandeau bikini beneath a sheer gold tunic and pants with black and gold sandals in front of a pool and cabana
a woman in a black bandeau bikini under a sheer gold tunic and pants and black and gold sandals in front of a pool and cabana
a woman in a black bandeau bikini under a gold sheer tunic and pant in front of a pool
a woman in a black bandeau bikini and a gold sheer tunic and pants

Is there a way to make swim chic? And I don’t mean swim suits necessarily – as there are so many chic swim suits out there. I mean from in and out of the water to cover ups and towels, how do we make our swim looks (when we’re not in the water) look as fashion able as we are?

I found this set- gold knit tunic and pants- on a fast fashion site. Which I have to admit, I’m a little embarrassed about. I would love to tell you that fast fashion is never me and you should never buy it. And really- I do believe that’s possible. I think that there is a way to buy only sustainably and to cull your closet and to be ethical in our fashion (and stories). And absolute times when I don’t adhere to my higher callings.

What I will say is that I plan to wear this set for years (you can if you take care if it!) and in so many different ways. And also-even if it’s bad- I’m loving the gold and black for summer. Especially the gold. It blends with the water. It highlights the black from your swimsuit (who doesn’t love a great black swimsuit?). It screams glamour- even when you smell of chlorine and feel so over heated. Perhaps gold is the secret- and when it gets this hot it’s always melted to liquid?

a woman in a black bandeau bikini under gold sheer Tunis and pants with black and gold sandals by a pool and a cabana
a woman in a black bandeau bikini underneath a gold sheer tunic and pants in front of a poll
a woman in a black bandeau bikini underneath a gold sheer tunic and pants

The thing about a great cover up set- liquid gold or not- is that they make you feel like a $1000 bucks before and after you get out of the pool. Gold sets are great for making you feel expensive and chic and a little other worldly. Gold bleeds into liquid quickly, and perhaps that’s why we love it?

It’s the best way to cover up- while showing a bit – and remain cool while in the heat.

Below I’ve linked not only the exact shoes (chic whilst being a flip flop) and bikini (a classic bandeau will never go out of style) and options for not only this sheer gold look BUT gold swim look that I can’t get out of my head. Liquid gold? You’d be solid gold in these!
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!

And buy these exact shoes here: here

a woman in black bandeau bikini under a gold sheer tunic and pant in front of a pool and cabanan

Unexpected Loss

Investment Piece: Aunt's Coat

This Wednesday my Aunt passed away unexpectedly. It’s been a time of shock, grief and wondering how best to support and remember our loved ones. You’ll forgive me- my schedule got out of wack and I’ve been feeling as if jumping into new (which we have!) isn’t best here. How I honor, remember and love is often through fashion. My aunt had a huge heart- and she was kind enough to give me so many amazing pieces. Like the coat above. And a polka dot Victor Costa which I’ve never photographed for the site, but may need to. Please indulge me while I take a moment to honor and remember my aunt through our shared fashion- stories. There’s never a bad time to tell your people that you love them. And if you too find yourself with an unexpected loss I hope it gets easier- because I’m hoping that it does get easier!

XO RA

Investment Piece: Aunt's Coat
My Aunt’s suede coat that she gifted me

Investment Piece: BackYard Parties
My Aunt’s Diane Fries that she gifted me

a woman in blue and yellow floral dress standing in a green yeard

A bit of Fruit Salad

a woman in a cropped tie front linen top and a silk fruit print skirt with yellow lace up wedges sits on a picnic table
a close up of yellow lace up wedges on a woman and a silk fruit print skirt while she stands on dirt

I tried to shoot and write about this new to me but completely fantastic skirt last week. See here. And I hate to tell you that it was too hot. Though I did sweat through this skirt (the most amazing vintage Escada via Pickled Vintage) with the most scrumptious silk and fruit pattern (who doesn’t love cherries and watermelon?!).

There were reservations (mine) about wearing a crop top- but I loved the play with the skirt having a bit of a wrap effect, and the shoes being wrapped. But mainly, none of the pics looked amazing or what I wants to show you as it was so hot and the sweat so visible.

A bit fruity, right?

a woman in a black crop top that ties in the front and a silk printed skirt with fruit print pushes a grocery cart with a red handle with a straw tote in thebasket

Then, I attempted to shoot this look in my local grocery store. I thought the skirt fruit print paired with real fruit (and a story about fruit salad) would make not only a very (editorial) and fun shoot but give us a lot to chat about. Then. My local grocery store let me know that photo shoots in the store are sort of frowned upon.

Though I did get compliments on the look.

Another fruity situation.

A woman in front of a white wall in a black crop top, fruit print silk skirt and lace up yellow wedges
a woman in front of a white wall with a black crop top and a silk fruit print skirt and yellow lace up wedges
a woman in front of a white wall wearing a black crop top and a fruit print silk skirt and lace up yellow wedges

Then. I had to take pics at home. Of this fantastic skirt with the wrap effect in a fruit print. All my favorites are there from watermelon to cherries to color print. There’s the wrap effect (made with buttons instead of a tie. Pro tip- no matter the size of a skirt you love it’s so easy to adjust with buttons or a quick take in!) These are not my fave of this look- mainly as I felt as if there were so many places it could be shown off more. (and of course in the future I will be wearing it everywhere from brunch to meetings to dinners and more!)

And yet. Isn’t that the point of a fruit salad? You have plans, you have lists, you have preferences. And then-you gotta take what’s there, what’s fresh, what’s best. Sometimes we don’t get to choose any of it- except what we put out there.

If what I have to put out there is a great outfit I can’t be sad when shoots or events or any combo of the above was not what I wanted. And I think the same is true for all of us. If we’re putting out our best- in fashion or anything else- if nothing else measures up, we take it as fruit salad and put together what’s best that day.

This whole look is vintage, but I’ve linked you similar 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!

Can’t beat the heat? Join it!

a woman in an off the shoulder red dress and white clogs with black stripes holds a blue watering can in front of green trees and plants a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with black stripes in front of green plants
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with black stripes holding a blue watering can in front of green plants and trees
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress with white clogs and black stripes in front of green plants
a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with her back to the camera in front of green plants

I HATE that we’re currently reduced to conversations about the weather. And it’s no one’s fault, and it’s not one conversation. BUT it’s so hot. SO HOT. And everyone knows it. No matter how or who I’m chatting with recently, the heat comes up. We ask each other how we’re handling the heat, we wish each other cooler temps, we worry about what to wear to beat the heat. It feels so cliche to chat and make convo about the weather- but when it’s this hot? What can you do as none of us are beaten the heat? You might as well join it!
.

Currently where I am it’s 90 by 10a and 109 by 6pm. Just unbearable. There are moments when it feels like it might be cool(er) and we could be outside – for a few minutes. And then my camera or phone lets me know that it’s overheating. I try and attempt to plan my days- but beating the heat is oh so rare that it just seems as if we have to ride this heat dome out till the fall (Or at least hopefully in the fall we’ll be able to beat the heat!)

And yet. With the heat, and the high temps, and the sweating through anything and everything you put on, and cameras and phones overheating- we still have to work. (apparently). So if you can’t beat the heat- why not join it?

I know that sounds extreme. To me what join the heat means is- go with the flow. Look, it’s so hot right now, there’s no way you could deny that you’re planning or dressing around it. So. If I can’t avoid being hot I might as well look hot. Or at least that’s my going theory. For example this red (hot) dress. The off the shoulder makes it flattering for everyone, and hides whatever you need hide. Also- these clogs? I thought I hated them (maybe I still do!) but these Adidas ones (linked below, size down), are all I’m wearing right now (most likely to be one with the heat or beat it!). And yes, I’m watering my outside plants more than once a day- though I worry it’s not enough!

What are you wearing to be the heat? Aka if we know we’re gonna be hot what are you wearing in spite of that? Because maybe what it really means to beat the heat is to accept it and dress around it!
This EXACT Dress (I’m in an XS) and shoes (size down- these are a men’s 7 – I’m a Women’s 9 and the rule is go 2 sizes down if you’re switching between men and women sizes ).

Also if you have any tips to beat the heat (or join it!). Please lmk me know!
XO

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

Thinking Pink

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

Isn’t ironic that if pressed, I would tell you that I’m not a pink kind of woman (and yet, with Barbie the Movie all I can think about is pink!- by which I would really mean that I think of myself as a feminine dresser but not overly girly or wearing big bows, etc- and yet, looking back (and through my closet) there’s a lot of pink. Is it that what I think pink means and what I like to wear are so far apart? Am I just needlessly defensive? Or is it when I think pink I’m thinking about things that no one has brought up?

When I separate the pink in my head that I know I’m not (big bows, super little girl, saccrine) and think pink (my kind of pink)- I have to let you know that I love it. I love the softer side of me and feeling safe enough to share it with people. Pink can be a bit shocking, and we know I love that. Thinking about pink, it can also have depth, from this month being about fighting cancer – you can shop pink here, to pink representing the various layers of womanhood (and there are so so many), pink isn’t just one thing.

Maybe that’s what I have to think about it so much.

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink
Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

I was drawn to this dress (via Pickled Vintage, I just adore everything about this store!) because the details (the high neck, the skirt) reminded me of Vera Ellen’s costumes in White Christmas (A family favorite,and if you’ve haven’t added it to your holiday watch list rotation you’re missing out!). It’s the kind of dress that you want to dance in (or at least sway so people can admire how it moves). This dress is dainty – but also daring (ever so slightly sheer).

For all my overthinking and worrying about pink, this dress may be the best of it: in it I feel special, a bit soft, but still strong and immensely confident. If I’m thinking about pink, I want it to look and feel like this. Could we want anything more?

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

What comes to mind when you think pink? Do you wear pink? What does it mean to you?

This dress is vintage, but below I’ve linked modern pink dresses that I just love. These shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint” perfect sandals. This month when you use my code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE on any shoe you’re getting $60 off any full price shoe!
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: Thinking Pink
A look at this dress completely unedited and a bit more pink!

Beating the Heat

a woman in black Bermuda shorts and a black crop top and white heels turns away from the camera in front of green hedges
A woman in denim cutoffs and a blue and white vest faces towards the water
a woman in board shorts and a strapless top and sandals on a chair by a pool
a woman in a blue shirt with yellow slits and a yellow cami top stands by a grey utility box with "I used to be Cool" spray painted on it in blue
a woman in white pants that slit up the leg and a white and red striped crop top and a huge straw hat lounges on a chair in front of a pool
a woman in a blue halter dress in front of a stone wall

I know, I know, what I’m about to say is a bit controversial. But I can’t help it. My loves, it is HOT outside. And I know that’s something we say EVERY year. This year? It feels like hot x 1000. It’s been over 100 degrees for so long that I now think of anything under 95 as chilly. In the afternoons you can see the heat waving off the pavement. The plants are wilting, the pets are lethargic, and I’m wondering how low we can put in the AC.

In the midst of this, we’re supposed to get dressed? I’ll be honest, lately I feel as if I’m not doing the best job at this. I’m hot, I’ve had cameras overheat and sweated through simple sundresses. The idea of getting a GREAT outfit together can just seem so overwhelming. And yet- there’s so much fashion that I want to wear and show you and chat about. However, there are days when simply getting dressed feels like too much. I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to wear as little as possible while staying cool while staying fashion.

It’s hard.

And it looks like the heat isn’t breaking. So. What do we wear when it’s so hot and all we want to do is beat the heat? I’m not an expert (as I am in the turn down the AC camp) but my recommendations are:
-swim with everything. Not shocking as I am a fan of swimwear as outerwear, but you at least have the option to jump in a body of water at a moment’s notice
-linen. Or any breathable fabric. This is not the season for heavy or synthetic or clingy. Let your body breathe by wearing fabrics that breathe (the first look in this post is one of my faves as it’s a linen top and shorts that can be mixed and matched in SO many ways- but always leaves you cool
-dresses. In general I’m a dress woman (fun trivia I wouldn’t wear jeans till I was 7 as they were too “constricting”) and yet, dresses let the air flow keep you cool, and keep you chic

What do you recommend?

Below I’ve rounded up some of my beating the heat faves but my most important tip is to stay hydrated, dress cooly and stay out of the sun as much as possible in the heat of the day! We’ll save our high fashion for AC and pray for breaks in the temps 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!

a woman in a strapless orange dress on a deck in front of river

Pretending to be in Paris

It was a national holiday and the weirdest short week this week. So many of my Social Media feeds are full of friends and acquaintances who are traveling- from Europe to Asia to all the islands. With the holiday being on Tuesday, the week has been so choppy, and while there are a ton of great sales (and great sales coming), I decided to join everyone. At least in spirit. I’m linking and shopping for us, but just know, at least mentally, I’m pretending to be in Paris.

Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretneding to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris
Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris

Sometimes the only reasonable response to a week is to pretend to be in Paris. To find a place that gives you the feel of the city of light. A cafe with great espresso and red umbrellas. High end art and velvet couches. A dress that’s classic and red lipstick. Loves, I have a confession to make: I’ve never been to Paris. It’s on my lists, and has been at the top of my Vision Board for years, but it hasn’t happened-yet. And with all the things in the world, it may be a while till I get to go. So, while I’m determined to make Paris a reality for me, in the meantime, I spend some time making Paris a reality for me, here. This may be the part where you tell me I can’t know what Paris is like, and that might be right, but I get to create what I want, and isn’t that amazing? My Paris? Chic, fun, and has amazing wine. I get to wear amazing dresses and act like the art I love. Will the real Paris live up to mine? Well, there’s only one way to find out, and I’m willing to take one for the team, and try it out!

Loves, how can you not feel like you’re some place magical in this dress? I love the black and white, the stripe, the silk. It’s timeless and classic, and lends itself to any situation,and any magic. We may not be in Paris, but here’s hoping your Friday is full of magic–and that you get to wear something like this!

XO RA

The dress is Valentino, I got it on Vestaire Collective for less than $300 and I’ve found you similar! Shop my similar and Paris inspired picks below!

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!

Summer Formula

Investment Piece: Summer Formula
Investment Piece: Summer Formula
Investment Piece: Summer Formula

When someone tells you about a “fashion formula” they usually mean that they have a combo (usually top+bottom of some sort) that works with whatever you have. Graphic tee and jeans. Button down and skirt. Etc. None of those are bad. Or wrong. I fully believe in having outfit go-to’s that make your life easier, that you feel great in, and that always work. It’s just that sometimes the formulas I have surprise me.

Like a scarf as a top. Oldest trick in the book. I’ve written about it here, here, and you can see the same scarf as above styled as a different sort of top here). I wear this “top” all summer long- with pants, skirts, bikinis and swim suits. Only this summer, I keep pairing it with shorts. And I think I love it.

Is it a Summer formula if it’s your new go-to and it looks this good?

Investment Piece: Summer Formula
Investment Piece: Summer Formula

When it gets to be so hot (where I am we’ve had it good till this week. Then we’ve been above 100 every day), it can be too hard to think of what to put on. Everything feels like too much, everything is too heavy, everything feels gross. More and more my go-to summer formulas are things that not only do I think look good, but things that keep me cool. Being physically cool now counts more than any other fashion metric. And a scarf as a top? As cool as you can be- seriously sometimes my only concern is that the scarf I grabbed is a bit too sheer. That’s it.

They go with skirts. Pants (if you can handle them). Swimsuits. And shorts. No thinking. No worrying. Just an outfit that you can feel good in (literally). Isn’t that the point of a summer formula? An outfit that lets you express yourself and not sweat that much (hopefully). I’ve been living in this one. I would love to know- what’s your Summer formula?

I’ve linked the exact shorts (under $30) and scarf (under $100) but this outfit works with any scarf and shorts you have on hand! Stay cool out there!

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 so much for your support!