Category: outfits

Now and Then: 3 Piece Suits

a woman in a suit in front of greenery

Suits are somewhat a weakness of mine. I work in field(s) that I might never need to wear them- but from skirt to 3 piece to tux,I can’t help but wear suits, lust after suits and want to recommend all the suits. So, especially in a time when suits are on trend (and every store has a version of a 3 piece suit this season as vests are back in!), I can’t help but not only recommend a suit. Because suits are not only a work place staple, but they are a such a chic outfit. Wear a 3 piece suit, wear nothing under the vest and from flats to heels to meetings to cocktails- it’s sexy. Try a vintage suit set, which ranges from skirts to vests to belts, and layer and mix/match for anything from a proper look to an on edge look.

Suits, especially 3 piece suits, are such a fashion goldmine. There are so many ways to wear them, and so many ways to buy them. You can buy new (Which offer so many options!). Buy vintage, which also offers so many options (also, pro tip: don’t be afraid to buy a men’s suit, it’s so affordable to get them altered to fit you and there are so many men suit options out there-including great 3 piece suit options!)

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms

I will always root for a 3 piece suit that features a great fitting blazer, vest of any kind, and pants from skinny to wide leg. But I’m not unopposed to a suit that looks different from that- from skirts to shorts. There are so many options this season, and when you start shopping vintage your options open up exponentially. Lucky you, I’ve linked both my most favorite modern 3 piece suits and also vintage suits from 3 piece to skirt to mens (again- have them altered!!) Wear the suits alone, with a great silk blouse, with heels or with flats. There are so many ways in which suits are both chic and a staple, a trend and a classic – I am 100% behind you getting more than one great suit. Even if you never need to wear a suit-but just want to. From tuxes to this season’s on trend 3 piece suits, to classic vintages, I know that no matter your lifestyle there is a suit for you.

And I’m hoping some of my faves linked below will be some of your faves!

a woman in white shorts and blazers and platforms in front of a brick wall

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 support!

Some of my current favorite vintage suit (including 3 piece suits) options:

And high on my spring wishlist is a 3 piece suit. You can shop my faves starting under $50 here and here

I will keep you updated on what vintage and new 3 piece suits I’m buying and how I’m styling them!
XO RA

a woman in a hot pink suit blazer and pants with black and gold heels in front a hotel door

White Out

There are two minds about when it is appropriate to wear white pants (especially if you’re from the south-in America)

One is that you wait till Easter. Easter is a day for white outfits and from then on out you can wear white.
Another train of thought is that you wait till Memorial Day (ie End of May)before it’s oak to wear white (pants), etc.
My family (though they are firm that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day) are of the camp that Easter is when white (pants, outfits, all of it!) is aok! to wear. And because, this is the first day that this rule would be in place- here is a round up of some of my favorite white (pants and skirts and etc) outfits that are now ask (as my great-grandma would say!)
a woman in a white dress in front of a house
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations
Investment Piece : Summer Whites
Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen
ke clutch in front of a fence
Investment Piece: Winter Whites

Are you wearing white from now on? Are you waiting for Memorial Day? I would love to hear all about any and all opinions you have!
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 white pants and a white top with wedge sandals and a snake clutch in front of a fence

Are No Pants as Pants a Thing We’re Doing?

Kendall Jenner in a black sweater, black tights, black panties, black heels and carrying yellow flowers and a purse

There have been many recent celebs and runway shows lately that have shown/worn/debuted no pants as pants.

What are no pants as pants? Usually a version of some sort of short shorts/panties over tights (a la a leotard situation) as pictured above (Kendall Jenner) or below :

mui mui runway with a blonde model with black hose and gold glitter panties and a tan sweater walking a runway

When faced with these fashion options and celeb pictures I have the following thoughts:

-I often think that both runway and celeb fashion are not meant to be our every day fashion but to inspire it. The no pants as pants is a perfect example! This is more like a leotard or on stage costume look- most of us can’t do no pants as pants in our real lives (unless your real life is a broadway production) but it can inspire a lot of what you wear (or if you’re brave enough you could wear no pants as pants)

-As someone who grew up dancing and as an adult still takes ballet and barre classes these looks remind me a lot of ballet classes. Especially ballet classes when after class my mom would take me to the grocery store (or other errands) and I would have on my leotard, tights, and a jacket over. No pants as pants doesn’t truly phase me as I always look at it as someone being picked up from dance class and then being taken on errands. In fact, as an adult I often wear my leggings to the store after class and it’s take on no pants as pants

a woman in leotard,pink hose, leg warmers and a sheer skirt
a woman in a leotard

-there are also many ways that are not runway or celeb (because in real life no pants is not always an option) to take this trend into your own style. One way is to wear tights under everything from mini dresses to shorts Ala :
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots
or:
a woman in black hose and heels, brown shorts, and a black turtleneck and purse

-No pants as pants can be something that you ignore or it can be a workout style or you can be brave and incorporate no pants into your everyday style (from no pants to minis over hose). There are so many options for you- brands are currently offering an no pants legging option, and of course I’m a fan of mini dresses/shorts/etc over hose to mimic no pants. And of course, if you are too afraid of minis a bit longer skirt or short over hose would also mimic the no pants as pants!

runways model with a sheer skirt over hose

Of course, if you want to mesh trends you could wear sheer (skirts, dresses, pants) over no pants as a cross over trend of sheer and no pants-but that feels like a lot (or a little bit of layering! and another post!)

In short, or no pants, this is a trend that for some reason is not a trend that shocks me (it may be the ballet core in me), but I would love to know your thoughts on it!? Does no pants as pants shock you? Could you adjust it to your style? Is it something you could see you in? I would love to hear about all your no pants as pants!
XO RA

Party in the Back

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, false jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a show girl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

While there are times when I struggle to throw just a tee and jeans on (see here), there are times when jeans and a tee are easy for me. Mainly it’s when jeans and a tee feel just similar enough to my favorite (a party dress). And here? This exquisite silk jacket is a party- especially in the back.

I love not only this sky blue, but the image of the showgirl (?) on the back. The quilting, the colors, all of that makes me smile. But a gorgeous woman with feathers and more on her headpiece (and you know if you’re entertaining in a headpiece it’s seriously glamorous!) in a beautiful gown- even if I’m not in a party dress there’s no reason I can’t wear one on my jacket. Maybe that’s been my problem all along with jeans and a tee- when I wear them I tend to overthink as I worry that they’re not “special” enough- when maybe if I indulge my inner party dress (even in jeans and a tee), things (and jeans and a tee) would come easier to me.

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

Truly the star of this outfit is the jacket (though I love these high waisted jeans and there are some of my favorite platforms). But the jacket? So special! It’s a Michael Vollbracht (you can read about him here). I first was turned onto this amazing (vintage) designer when a Vintage Dealer I love had some of his pieces for sale. I missed out on those, but set alerts for Vollbracht on a ton of resale websites- Etsy, Vestiaire, eBay,GEM, etc- was able to snag this reversible jacket. (I managed to find you some Vollbracht and similar quilted vintage jackets-linked below!)

What I love about special vintage pieces like this jacket is that they are a party in and of themselves. They feel special, they make your outfit special, they let you move special. You could obviously dress any jacket like this up- pair with silk skirt or pants, wear over a dress, any of the above. However, when a piece is a party (in both the front and the back!) I love pairing it with a juxtaposition. Like with “just” jeans and a tee, or over a swimsuit, or as a robe. Or as it’s own party dress!

a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it in flares and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flare jeans and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
a woman in a blue silk jacket with a showgirl on it, flares, brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall

What is something that you can add to any outfit that makes you stand a bit taller, feel as if you’re at a party, or you’re the party? For me, it’s beginning to be this jacket. I can throw it on with anything and feel like I’m bringing the party with me- and leaving a party wherever I go!

These exact jeans and similar vintage jackets are linked below. I would love to know how you do your jeans and a tee- and your feelings on parties!
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 silk jacket, white tee, flare jeans, and brown suede platforms in front of a grey wall
As I mentioned, this jacket is reversible, so please be prepared for another outfit with it!

The Almost

a woman in a jersey dress with a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in a mirror in a bathroom

The Almost
As in: I almost didn’t post this outfit. As in I almost was afraid to talk about my insecurities in this outfit. Almost as in this shoot was more of an OOTD on the fly shoot and I love to think that for this space I try a bit harder.

But how does the song go? Almost doesn’t count.

Which I know- in the song- means that the almost trying doesn’t matter and she’s done (with a dumb boy), but here the almost doesn’t count means that we’re not giving into excuses.

So, yes, I wore this as an OOTD a few weeks past. And was worried that all of the things I got insecure about (but am working on!) during the pandemic were prominent. I mean- didn’t most of us have some issues after lockdown? And I also like to think that all of our insecurities are really only evident to ourselves! AKA in my head you’re saying :”Rachel, what insecurities? You look great!” Which is what I would say to you- no matter what sticks out to you about your own body. (Though in total confidence walking through stores in this I was a bit self conscious for the first time in a while) And with that, let’s ignore or get over or accept what we’re insecure about. Even if we’re working on those things!

As for perfect pictures? (Perhaps another insecurity of mine!) What if there are no perfect pictures? Though I do really love the sky here- and how these yellow (vintage Bottega but I found you similar) shoes pop. And the cutouts on the dress that somehow like a flower? Paired with the ruching that clings in (hopefully) all the right ways? Enough of different views, enough to get the feel? Maybe that’s perfect enough.

There’s another saying: once begun is half done. Or another one I have to remind myself of regularly: perfect is the enemy of good. Both I take to mean, sometimes we just have to do the thing, almost or not. The thing is- in this case- a great jersey dress, a pop of a shoe, and a classic bag are always a great combo. If it’s almost, with your insecurities, or not quite perfect. And if you love it (or have a great day in it), maybe it’s all of the things- perfect and almost and done!

I’ve found similar things for all of you to have great days in below!
XO RA

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

a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background

Wildflowers

a woman in a blue and white top yellow skirt and brown shoes in a field of bluebonnets
a woman in a blue and white top and yellow skirt and brown platforms
a women's foto int brow suede platforms in a field of wildflowersq
a woman in a blue and white halter top and yellow skit in a field of Bluebonnets
a woman in blue and white halter top and yellow skirt in a field if bluebonnets

I’ll be honest with the change of season (from winter to spring, and I’m still not sure I got to wear all I wanted to)-which brought storms which for the first time brought massive headaches- I’ve been behind.
Yet I had the opportunity to shoot this. A bit vintage (the Ralph Lauren top and my grandma’s skirt and blazer, though I found you so many similar!) in a field of wildflowers.
There has to be a special club for people who grew up in Texas who still have memories of their parents telling them picking a bluebonnets (wildflowers) would get them arrested. To be honest in this shot I was afraid to pluck any flower as I was afraid of getting arrested- and also I’ve been told that bluebonnets attract rattle snakes so we didn’t linger. I don’t want any snakes or jail time, fun fact snakes are a top fear of mine! So these pics are a big accomplishment!!
And beyond all of that, there is a certain spring factor that makes us all want to walk in a field of wildflowers (or maybe that’s just us Texans- though I had the same urge when I lived in California)
Perhaps it’s just a spring urge. Like wearing yellow (which I have reservations about) with blue (ironically this combo was insprired by a current Ralph Lauren look. In fact, I’m still think of buying a yellow suit as I’m convinced it will go with so much!) Or wearing blue ( a spring fave of mine). Or flowers -which I’m always more tempted to buy in the spring.
Or maybe it’s just that as spring is springing (storms and headaches and all) we all long to wear a bit of color or brightness or there are flowers.

What do you long to wear in the in spring? Or what is stereotypical and yet you find yourself wearing? Have you ever risked snakes or jail for a look or a picture?

XO RA

I’ve similar looks to these below. This post does contains 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 yellow skirt suit with a blue and white halter top in a filed of wildflowers

#groundbreaking

Investment Piece: #groundbreakingInvestment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

You know that joke about groundbreaking florals for spring.

I know that joke.

So, we don’t have to say it, right? Not saying it doesn’t make it any less true or funny; but if we’re all thinking it? We don’t have to say it.

And yes, it’s groundbreaking florals for spring. Which might not be so groundbreaking. We’re offered florals every spring, right? (And sometimes in the fall). Moody florals, dark florals, big florals, small florals, bright florals, daisy florals. There’s never a shortage of them, and if you always have your pick of them, it doesn’t feel groundbreaking.

So we don’t need to tell the joke.

Maybe the magic is taking something that’s not groundbreaking, and making it your own kind of groundbreaking. Fresh florals?

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Let’s go back to the beginning. Can florals be groundbreaking? Is there a way to make something that’s a staple your own?

My take? Yes. I think that there’s no other way to wear florals than in a groundbreaking, personalized way.

But, what does that mean?

Well, that probably depends on you. I’m partial to a moody floral, there’s’ something about the dark and the flowers that I like. I’m partial to vintage–done, and redone. This number, with the show stopping ruffle/cape is vintage, but it feels fresh. I love that it flounces, but reads more formal than sun dress.

(Confession? This dress paired with my crazy hair makes me feel a little like Carrie Bradshaw. Which I don’t hate.)

Your groundbreaking floral? You have options. Light/dark, big/small, formal/casual. I think the question becomes: what do you like? What do you feel? Any fashion item only feels and looks stale when we wear what we’re “supposed” to wear, instead of what we like. So can florals be groundbreaking? Absolutely. (Go ahead, read that in Big’s voice). All it takes is you wearing florals the way that you like. That’s the groundbreaking part.

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Side note: Feel free to wear shoes with your groundbreaking florals. I didn’t just because I had to climb to get on the ledge.

This floral number is a vintage piece from Timeless Vixen, but you don’t have to despair! There are so many options for you, both vintage and modern. I’ve linked all kinds of florals below, I’d love to see how you make them groundbreaking!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Groundbreaking

On Luck

Investment Piece: Summer Sleep

It’s St Patrick’s Day – will you be wearing green for “luck”? My one St Patrick’s story that I think about every year was about the St Patrick’s when I was 8 (maybe 9), and I had strep throat. It was raining and I was in the backseat of the car with my sister, coming home from the doctor. At the time, I thought of myself as chic (for a child), wearing a white, ribbed skirt with a white sweatshirt with a teddy bear on it (I LOVED that sweatshirt). No green. And my sister pinched me. From there on out, I make sure that I always green on 3/17. Even if it’s a small shamrock sticker.

What’s weird is that I’ve never thought of St Patrick’s Day as lucky. Or green as my color. There are things that I’ve worn for luck- we all have, I think being a little superstitious is a part of the human condition. My favorite animal is a pig, and I have shirts and socks that I will throw on if I need a little luck. I’m a huge fan of my alma mater’s sports teams and will wear purple (all the way down to lingerie) to will them to win. Evil eye jewelry, special necklaces, there a few things that I know I can turn to, to at least make me feel lucky.

I have this one bracelet- thick, red, inscribed with huge white letters that says “Luck is believing you’re lucky”. It’s not one I wear often, but I think about it (and its message often).

This week I’ve been thinking about luck. And what we wear to feel lucky. There are things I wear for luck, but most of them I wouldn’t wear into a big meeting or event (I love my pig socks but they don’t scream chic).

Yet, there are outfits that I’ve felt lucky in- that fit me perfect, that I trusted I looked good in, that made me feel powerful, that good things seem to happen in. Is that luck? Or just a good outfit? And what is the distinction between the two?

Investment Piece: On Luck

One of my acting coaches used to say that luck was only opprotunity meeting preparedness (even if it’s not, we’re pretending that’s a word). Maybe that’s what a good outfit is like- when you feel confident in what you’re wearing you’re more open to things, when you’re confident and believe in your luck more doors open. It doesn’t matter if it’s green or if it’s black, if an outfit makes you feel lucky, it’s lucky.
The thing that I love about this theory? It gives us the power. We’re the lucky ones, not the outfits. Though I’m never, ever going to tell you to stop wearing things that make you feel lucky. If it works, why jinx it?

And I do suggest wearing green – just in case!
Xo RA

Slip It On

a woman in a black, white, and gold slip dress with gold wedge boots and a fringe shawl
a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with a fringe shawl
a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with gold boots and a fringe shawl

The reason that slip dresses, in particular bias cut slip dresses, come back in style often (we’re not going to talk about how suddenly the 1990s are vintage as it makes me need to lay down) is because they are infinitely flattering. Nightgown. Gown. Dress. Slip. These type of dresses are so easy to slip on, and yet I love that they never look as if there are something that’s just thrown on. From nightgown (which technically this one is, from the 1970s) to gown, these slip dresses wear as if they are made for you- and the styling possibilities are endless.

I could wax poetic about cuts and fits and all the things-or about how I’m a fan of wearing pjs as street wear, or how vintage is so easy to make modern-and while all of those things are true, lately I’ve become more interested in the details of styling.

For Example:

a woman in a gold, white and gold slip dress with a safety pun and fringe shawl

Make it your own. Often when we bat that phrase about I think we think about styling, but make it your own can also mean fit. This fantastic slip nightgown (from my beloved

Normally I would pair a slip dress with heels. And yet, lately, I’ve been wanting to explore my styling, and perhaps get a bit out of my comfort zone. Instead of heels, I’m loving this slip dress with boots- wedge boots to be exact. The gold matches the dress and wedge makes it a bit more like a heel (or at least that’s what I tell myself) While not in my wheel house, I love the boots here. They feel modern, a bit daring, a bit not me but perfectly me at the same time.

Lately, I’ve been incredibly interested in choices that are me but aren’t my go-to, these boots are so me but feel like a fresh change with a slip dress.

a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with gold boots and a fringe shawl

This shawl was my grandmas (I have a thing for a piano shawl, as they are both statement pieces and simple accessories). I love that it adds a bit of drama to a simple outfit (that’s still stunning), and yet isn’t the star of the outfit. I also love incorporating beloved (be it vintage, family or just special to me) item into my outfits. Here I love knowing that my grandma is with me- though she probably wouldn’t wear her nightgown out, even if it looked like a slip dress! Little details mean a lot to me, and I love knowing what they mean, even if Im the only one who is aware of all of them!

a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress, fringe shawl and gold boots

From any era, I recommend a slip dress. They are flattering and go with so many options- from dance floor to sleeping (and if you like you can wear the same slip dress for all of that!). I’m a fan making things your own with tailoring, and I love shoes that feel both you and a fashion risk. An outfit that you can just slip on and be fabulous? That’s a must in my book!

This slip dress (nightgown) is vintage but I’ve linked similar, as well as these exact boots (a splurge but you can most likely now find them on resale sites- need help with that? Please reach out!), and the shawl is antique but I’ve found you some as well!

What do you slip on? How do you wear a slip dress? Do you wear nightgowns-especially those that look like gowns? I would love 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!

You can shop all options of this look here

a woman in a black, gold, white slip dress, gold boots and fringe shawl

Cropped

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated mini skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on steps
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

I’ve always been a bit nervous about crop tops. My fears? That they wouldn’t look good, would show all the midriff parts I hate on me, and (more recently) would make me look old trying to look too young. (VERY ironic advice from an old acting coach of mine: show the audience where you’re vulnerable and they will fall in love with that. I’m not sure if this applied to wearing cropped tops or not)

Therefore, the most surprised person in the past few seasons has been me: because there are so many cropped tops that I have loved. Crop Top sets, stand alone crop tops, even this button down cropped shirt- I have loved so many, put so many on wishlists, and even dared to wear some. Maybe the cropped tops have changed, or maybe I have. Perhaps I’ve managed to find crop tops that were in my comfort zone and didn’t stoke my fears. Or we could guess that I learned to let some of my fears go- though I have to say that they still pop up from time to time. But, for all my concerns about cropped tops, they are becoming a staple in my closet.

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

How did I make peace with the crop? (I’m sure this is where I’m supposed to tell you to also make peace with you, but I think that’s a lifelong work in progress and I’ve found it much easier to make peace with the cropped tops!) First, I think find a crop top that you feel comfortable in. Maybe that means the cropped top isn’t super short, or maybe it’s long sleeved, or is a button down- or any one of the 100s of things a cropped top can be. The thing is you have to like it and feel comfortable in it (read not feel as if you have to pull it down all day) And a pro-tip about feeling comfortable in a crop top- don’t be afraid to size up!

While this cropped top isn’t my only cropped top, I feel so comfy in it- it’s not super short, in fact it is just a hair longer than my waist- and the button down silhouette makes it feel very work appropriate (and a little grown up!).

Second part of how to make peace with the crop top is to love (and feel comfortable in what you pair the crop top with! Maybe that means the skirt (or shorts or pants) are a bit high rise, maybe the bottoms are a bit oversized, maybe there’s a belt, maybe not. There is no tried and true method, which can be frustration as that can mean you’re trying things on. BUT with that much possibility, it means you can have fun.

Years ago, I never would have thought that I could wear an outfit like this (or any of the other shorter, tighter cropped tops I have!). And yet, this outfit is now a spring favorite, I love the way that it makes me feel- and it’s fun. Maybe there’s something to this cropped thing.

Do you wear cropped tops? How? And how did you make peace with them?

This cropped top is Target (I sized up to a Medium) and the skirt is vintage (though I found you similar). The shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints and code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE gets you $50 off your first pair!

I can’t wait to hear about how you crop!
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 cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs