It feels as if turning a silk scarf into a summer top is a tradition, see here and here, though I’m a huge fan of scarves in general. Recently I saw an editorial shoot where a model wore a knit top (very similar to a scarf) that had a tail like a scarf. And I couldn’t help but think: if I wear silk scarves as a top during the summer, why can’t I use my wool scarves as a top during the colder months?
Turns out, I can!
This a simple wool scarf that I folded, put as a top and tied. I talk more about it:
Again, this style hack is so easy to adapt (from the scarf you’re using to what you’re pairing it with) and yet so chic!This scarf would look great with a tonal piece (such as a camel skirt or hot pink pants, shoes, etc) or as a pop of color, such as tied over a black dress. And of course, any differently colored or printed scarf could be paired with an array of options- from jeans on up!
While silk (or spring) scarves as tops, it always feels light and fun (and I do love that option!). Yet, this winter scarf as a top feels so much more editorial, a bit elevated, a bit more styled. And I can’t help but love it. How are you wearing your winter scarves? Would you wear them as a top? And with what?
Both this scarf and these go-to high waisted black pants are from seasons ago, but I’ve linked similar options for you below.
Happy Scarf-ing and shopping!
XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that may not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank your for your support!
My week has been thwarted by a jammed toe. Yes- I am a klutz! Earlier this week I walked into a weight during Pilates class, jamming 2 toes on my left foot- and while I’m aok, they’ve affected everything. What shoes I can wear. My sleep. My schedule. Shoots, posts, appointments all had to be rescheduled. So while I’m on the mend, I’m still barefoot- meaning that today we’re looking back so next week we can move forward in amazing shoes! Xo RA
Escape.
She was bored. Even with the impending holidays, she needed a little excitement. A little adventure. She needed an escape. It was nothing personal, and nothing to fear; it’s just that sometimes we all need to be a little wild, a little different than we are, a little escape.
So, she got herself just that.
In the country, in the quiet, she was able to let loose. Never one to blend in, she let the escape be her canvas. From vistas to leopard sightings, what she really found in little moments of escape was herself again.
And don’t worry, she brought the clothes home with her. Just in case she needs a little city escape.
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Have I mentioned how much I love Amberleaf? And the coat selections they have for you this season are just…..I can’t imagine you needing anything else. From cashmere to classic cuts to every color you could want. They are worth escaping in!
(Remember to use the code RACHELADELICIA when you shop!)
Just because it’s coat season doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to bland winter fashion. Mix colors (how great are these gloves?). Wear print (well, leopard is a neutral, but there are so many prints out there to embrace). Your coat can be the star of your outfit, or a stunning topper. Realistically, you might not need an escape. BUT your outfit can be an escape from the ordinary, and I see nothing wrong with being ready just in case there’s a last minute get away.
This coat is Amberleaf and avaible on their site. I’ve linked pants and gloves for your escaping pleasure.
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!
Every October I do at least one post in a pink outfit. It started as a way to chat about breast cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (please go get your mammogram. I’m also talking to myself- as that’s on my to-do list. And it’s easy to out off. But we can’t wear amazing things if we’re not here! Wanna be accountability buddies and make our appointments?) I’ve had so much fun each year coming up with pink outfits and “celebrating” (I know that’s not the word but I can’t really put my finger on what is) the month. Yet, ironically, if you were to ask me, I’d tell you that I’m not really a pink person.
But the thing about pink is- it can grow on you. And, like anything else, once I’ve found my shade of pink, it’s became one of my favorites. Hot pink is the pink for me- from gowns to suits, it has snuck throughout my closet so it’s almost a neutral. Perhaps, when I would say that I’m not a pink person I meant the stereotypical pink- over sweet, a bit timid, a bit young. The thing that I’m learning is that pink is power. Wearing it makes me feel powerful, the hot pink is a symbol of my power, and when you get to have fun like this how could you not want to indulge in your own pink power?
And yes, this year’s pink outfit is a play on the Zendaya Valentino campaign and the hot pink looks that are everywhere. I’ve had this pink dress for years (it was one of my first hot pink purchases!). The boots were also from season’s past, every so often I think about culling them from my closet, but they bring me so much joy that I could never part with them. And it turns out my instinct was right (and maybe gives strength to the argument that everything comes back and you shouldn’t get rid of things!). The tights and gloves were simple purchases, and super easy to find! Putting my own take on the look of the moment was so incredibly fun- and once again the pink was powerful!
One of the things that changed my stance about pink, and power, besides how great it looks, was that I realized that my power- the things that make me special from my sarcasm to how I cry easily to my ability to make leopard work with anything- is my own. My power can be soft, it can be chic, and can be pink. What do you wear when you need to feel powerful? What’s your stance on pink?
And when is your mammogram?
I’ve linked similar shoes and dresses for your shopping pleasure below! Both the tights and gloves were found on Amazon if you want those as well!
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!
There have been many Fashion Halloweens when I chat about “easy” costumes, Halloween shirts, and little accessories that you can use to get in the spooky spirit! And I stand by those!
This shirt is my go-to (yes, I’ll be wearing it more than one time this week!) and stand by these tips for last minute costumes read here. And yes, if costumes aren’t your thing, a headband with any ears or horns is great. Or an elaborate makeup look. Or a shirt that says “bad witch” on it (this fave of mine is from seasons past but I know you can find it on eBay! If you need help with that LMK!)
And yet.
With Halloween being on the edge of the winter holidays- where, in theory, there will be all sorts of parties and events and date nights (or if nothing else excuses for you to buy dresses for events you don’t have to go to!)- and I couldn’t help but think of simple, but effective, costumes that you could put together with pieces you may already have! OR with pieces that you want to buy but need another place to wear!
Below I’ve taken 2 “high” fashion dresses and let you know easy ways that you could make them into Halloween costumes. Not only would you be very Fashion Halloween, these are dresses you may already own. Or, if you want to invest in these dresses they are great for any holiday party, dinner, date night- and not just in the holiday season! Fashion as your halloween costume? Maybe that is the scariest (aka most fun!) thing of all!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
A Cat
I’m a firm believer that leopard is a neutral, and any leopard piece you buy is an investment! So a leopard dress? A must. From date night to parties, this dress (or similar ones) will have you always on trend, always able to accessorize, and always not boring! And for Fashion Halloween? Super simple! Just add cat ears (or mask if that’s your jam)- and you’re a cat. A costume you already have or an excuse to get a new dress? Either way, it’s chic!
I’ve linked this exact dress, choices under $100 and cat ears I love:
Witch
A black lace dress- is a bit witchy, a classic, a must for any holiday or date night or big event- and super easy to turn into a Halloween costume. Simply add a witch hat (or devils’ horns). Simple, stunning. And a great reason to wear a stunner you already have or invest in a new one! You’ll wear it all the time (I wore this for Valentine’s last year!). This number is vintage but I’ve linked similar for you below!
What are you being for Halloween? Or to parties? And if you don’t have something in mind, might I recommend one of these easy Fashion Halloween looks?
Also- if you need a costume and have no idea what to wear, email me! This is something I love and I would love to help!
When I first came up with the above outfit, my main concern was that it would be flattering. We all have body worries-and my concerns about the outfit were centered on those. I didn’t know it at the time, but those were the simpler days.
As I get older, not only do I worry about things being flattering, I worry about being too old for them. And I hate that I think that, I hate that I ask myself if I’m too old for things. I want to be able to tell you that no matter what you wear- from crop tops to cutouts to mini skirts to sleeveless and strapless tops- I want to tell you that as long as you feel confident in it, and love it, that there are no age limits (or any body limits!).
A part of me believes that.
And a large part of me worries about trying too hard. About dressing so young I make myself look older. About being one of those women who cling to youth with such a grip that they look foolish. It’s not that I think this about other women, or outfits I see from editorial shoots to Instagram. But it’s something I worry about for me.
Do you think that we get too old to wear certain things? What do you think that age is and what do you think those things are?
A dear friend had a great perspective on the “am I too old for this” question when I recently send her a picture of a different crop top. She pointed out that while I and someone younger than me might both be drawn to the top, that we would style it in different ways, and that as I am the age that I am, my styling would be age appropriate. And she’s right. Even my own personal style has changed from my 20s to now. Even when I love crop tops, etc, I do try to balance the outfit, and style it in ways that make me feel confident.
So. Why do I worry about being too old for things? And what does that really mean?
Even on Instagram (etc) I can show you pictures of stunning women, older than me, wearing all the things I worry about making me look old- and I love the outfits and think they look amazing. Is it really just a personal doubt that I have? And if so, how do I get over it?
I’m not 1000% sure. My plan is to continue to pick pieces and outfits that I love, and that I feel confident in, style them the way I like- and hope for the best. With any stage of life, I know that there will be things that I chose to stay away from, that my style will evolve with me, and that there will be things I don’t feel confident in (for whatever reason). And when it comes to me putting aways styles I used to wear, or chasing things I wouldn’t have in the past I hope that I’m choosing based on what I love- and not my fears (especially my fears about being old).
I’m also hoping that if I do wear things that make me look too old or that I’m trying to hard that one of my dear friends will (gently) tell me. Feel free to consider yourself a dear friend!
I would love to know if you occasionally have these “am I too old” fears- and if there are any ways your style is changing because of them?
Every Halloween I tend to wear a certain shirt to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters (a thing I LOVE to do!) and you can see my usual go-to trick-or-treat outfit here. Maybe part of fashion halloween that I should chat about is that I have my costumes, and then I have what I answer the door to trick-or-treaters in (and why shouldn’t both be fashion?).
And yet, this year, I’m thinking of not only combining Fashion Halloween and giving out candy, but comfortable costumes and a night of frolic.
AKA on one of my costume shopping trips I found this pj set that’s not only perfect for a party but perfect for a comfy Halloween night- and yet is still fashion. You could elevate this look with make-up (not my skill set), or even heels (my wheel house for sure!), Where I found this set (Target!) also had matching sets for the whole family so if you need a couple or family costume, this is an easy or high fashion way to match!
I’ve never thought or considered being a skeleton for Halloween. And yet, with matching accessories, these pjs feel just as great as any ball gown costume that I can think of (and most likely more comfy!). A bonus is that they are the best costume to stay at home in- be that watching scary movies (or Hocus Pocus for the 300th time!) or handing out candy to your local goblins! (aka wear to hand out Halloween candy but make it fashion!). You don’t need makeup (though if you can do that teach me how!) or anything else- but this simple set. I’ve linked it and the slippers 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!
Is it weird that I love a suit- even when I have never needed to wear a suit in any of my adult pursuits? As in, I’ve always loved a suit and every time that any of the “fashion” says suits are back I get excited. Because, besides being a work wear staple, a suit is a symbol of power, a suit is also a fashion staple. A suit can be so many things (and the pieces of a suit can be so many more!). And when you choose to make a suit fashion- like let’s say pairing it with a corset (fashion of course) and platforms (so in!), gloves (let’s bring them back, shall we?) and a great bag (this one is vintage but I’ve found you similar!).
Suits are one of the staples that I can routinely go back to, over and over again- no matter the style, that make me feel good. Suits make me feel adult, professional, and a bit more in control. And when I can put my own twist on them (see above), I can’t help but wonder why I don’t wear suits every day!
A corset top seems like a lot, right? Yet, it can elevate a lot of outfits- even a suit which I think is one of those outfits that doesn’t need elevating. Is there a limit to elevating? Perhaps not!
One of my favorite looks this fall is strapless tops with pants (and a blazer thrown in) so doing that with a suit makes my day. How I did it? Paired a much loved vintage corset top with a suit from last season (That feels oh so now) and platforms, vintage gloves, and a vintage Bottega that feels brand new.
I know that to me, suits are these fun and fascinating pieces, but if you have to wear them everyday they may not be. So. If you have to wear suits all the time how do you make them fashion? What tips might you need to make them more fun? If you don’t have to wear a suit, what’s stopping you and what would make you wear one? How can we make suits fashion?
I want to hear about it all!
XO RA
I’ve linked similar and exact pieces below!
This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I might earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Have you ever heard that it’s possible to meet the right one at the wrong time? I know many people will tell you this when you’re out dating- and it may be true (my verdict is out on that). In the shopping world? While timing is an issue-it’s not like you’d wear a bathing suit in a snow storm- I more lean to the adage that’s what’s meant for you will find you (though it is also true that nothing haunts you like the vintage you didn’t buy!).
Perhaps a more accurate way to state my philosophy (for fashion), is that the right item can be fit into any timing (within reason). Take for example this skit:
From a new to me brand, ME+EM, a UK brand dedicated to bringing luxury and classic workwear and beyond, this skirt was meant for spring/summer. The brand suggested paying the matching scarf as a top (Which I could never make work for me, though I did make a crop top work!) and pairing both of those with a blazer for work, and without the blazer for play. And I wanted to show versions of that. Yet, I got this skirt on sale, right at the end of summer- when there was so much to chat about and do!
My intent was to show you all the ways this skirt (and scarf) could be worn- and I did wear it with a crop top and sandals, with a blazer, with heels. But, the timing called for a sweater and boots (if it’s not sweater weather, maybe we can conjure it!); so instead of fighting the timing, I went with it. It was supposed to be spring-ish skirt, but because it’s right, and because it’s timeless, it fit the timing, even if it wasn’t intended.
Who said that timing was an issue? Maybe they weren’t wrong, but perhaps they weren’t right.
How does timing affect what you wear? And if it’s the right thing for you- from shoes to skirts to dresses- how do you wear it throughout the seasons. I know that there are things that don’t translate seasons, but I am a believer that timeless pieces, and the right pieces for you, will always fit. (And as a styling note, the more timeless pieces you have the more timing isn’t a thing you need to worry about!)
I would love to hear about all your timings! And I’ve linked this exact skirt and scarf for you below- to wear in whatever time you see fit!
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!
One of my favorite ways to shop is vintage. It’s helped me collect things, it’s shaped my style, and it’s made me a better shopper. However, I know that it’s intimidating to shop vintage (especially online!). So, I’ve rounded up a few of my best tips for shopping vintage below!
A few years ago, the last episodes of “Mad Men” began to air. Can we chat for a minute about how this show affected our culture? Not just for the viewers (and yes, I’m obsessed) but in how it affected fashion. Styles always come back around –evidenced in the resurgence of the 70s on the runway–but this show made vintage, and vintage inspired dressing cool. I’ll admit–I’ve always loved vintage, there’s something about clothing that has a story that speaks to me. However, let’s be honest–it can be hard to shop for–both online and in person. The good news is there are a ton of amazing vintage shops out there–and if you find one by all means go in and look (don’t forget to try on!). With the advent of Etsy, some online shopping for vintage has gotten much easier–and the finds can be amazing. Here are some of my favorite Etsy finds as well as tips to online vintage buying!
1. Know your measurements, not your size.
Clothes were cut and sized differently in different eras, not to mention that certain body types go in and out of fashion (a whole blog on its own). Make sure that you measure correctly (or get someone to help you!)–and go by those. Also, depending on the fit of the dress, give yourself an inch of wiggle room–there’s nothing worse than ordering a dress and having it be too tight to breathe.
2. Research Shop Policies
Some shops take returns and exchanges, others won’t–most that I’ve found are happy to dialog with you about everything. Ask questions, send them your measurements–make friends. Knowing upfront some of your options if things don’t work out can make the purchasing process easier. Communication can be key here. Even if you read the policies, reach out with any questions or concerns you have. Most vintage shop owners I know are more than happy to help, to work with you, and to provide more information!
3. Have a budget and understand what you’re paying for
Some vintage is really expensive–when you factor in the rarity quality. Some is really affordable, either way make sure you know what flaws the item has–and what other costs such as alternations and shipping with cost you.
4. Buy things you will wear
This is probably a rule for life, but when I get deep in vintage holes I can lose myself in just beautiful pieces. Realistically however, there may not be a place to wear that pristine 1900 wedding dress–I know, shocking! If you are just a collector, amazing-buy at will. If you’re looking to add to your closet realistically assess whether or not you could wear it without feeling like you’re in a costume (unless you want a costume). Yes, this means that you may pass on some things, but what you’ll buy will be great when you wear it!
I LOVE Halloween. It’s partially the actress in me, and partially all the stories, but I can’t help but love any and all characters. It’s partially my belief that fashion is a mode with which to tell our stories, and there’s no better story than a costume. And,also? I just love to dress up!
This year I’m planning two costumes for “Fashion Halloween”, and I can’t wait to share them with you in the coming weeks!(Let’s just say a Dino and a historical fave are involved!) In the meantime, let’s take a trip down memory lane and think about all the fashion Halloweens that have come before: Cleopatra, A Mermaid, Lady MacBeth, the Birds, etc.)
Do you know what you’re going to be yet? Do you have a plan?
I’ve started sharing some of my costume ideas: from subtle things to comic book heroes, I’ve linked some below, and you can always shop my looks on the sidebar, or follow me in the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle apps for daily inspiration!
Let’s get excited about spooking, shall we?
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!
More subtle touches:
Some of my current fave Comic Hereo costumes:
And you can shop some favorite Halloween tees here
