outfits – Page 2 – Investment Piece

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

Fashion Stories: I Miss Abandon

Investment Piece: I miss Abandon

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we dress for our days has changed within the past years. Dressing for joy, dressing for function, dressing for bed.
Some disclosures:
-I’ve always had a thing for party dresses and not always enough parties to wear them. Now, I’m getting DRESSED to go to the store, but there is a section of my closest that’s not getting enough wear right now. Yet, I have more than one party dress on my current Wishlist.
-I want to write about how we should buy and wear whatever makes us happy. I DO believe in that. I’ve also ordered a bunch of leggings this week (they’re pants now?) and there are days when getting dressed at all is hard.
-While I love going into stores and finding something I didn’t know I wanted, I also love shopping online. In fact, I’ll tell you online shopping is so easy (and it’s like you get presents!). Right now I’m missing in person shopping.
-Things are difficult for everyone right now. Budgets. Stress. It all. Dressing for anything may not be at the top of our lists. I do think it helps, though.

These pictures are old. From years ago, on a Los Angeles spree, one afternoon in RecessLa (you can read about them here), on a whim I spent several hours trying on things. We took pictures and laughed and just enjoyed the fashion. It turns out, I had a ton of these on my phone. Looking through them made me smile. And for all my thoughts about fashion right now it made me realize:

I miss abandon.

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

I miss spending hours falling in love with new things and trying them on. Imagining where to wear them. I miss finding a thing I didn’t know I needed and walking out of a store feeling new.

There are friends of mine who are already planning to dress BIG whenever they can-from concerts to movies, and I’m with them. Any chance I get I’m DRESSING. And I’m on board with that. But I do worry that I will still miss abandon. The random. The surprises.

I miss good surprises.

So. Now. With what we have. How do we invite abandon in? Order something exciting online? Try a new online store? Shop all the vintage on IG and Etsy? I’m in. But I’m open to all ideas.

How are you dressing with abandon right now? How do you think we should invite it in?

This was a vintage dress, I didn’t get it, but I’ve found similar and have linked them below for us all.

I’m wishing us all a little abandon this week, whatever that looks like!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: I miss abandon

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!

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

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

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

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