outfits – Page 27 – Investment Piece

Sky Blue

a woman in a strapless blue dress in front a grey wall a woman in a blue strapless dress in front of a grey wall

a close up of a woman in a blue dress and sandals in front of a grey wall

Last week was a WEEK. My birthday. My mom’s birthday. Some family birthdays. Family events. It was amazing- dinners, meet ups, celebrations. And exhausting- dinners, meet ups, celebrations. Not to mention the travel for all of those and the being “on” for all of those. Most things have a duality – even the good things. I wrote yesterday about things speeding up ( if you missed it, you can read it here) and they are- this month is full of non-stop events for me (and I’m sure for you too, there’s a reason why we all post vacation looks now! We all need one 😂).

I wore this dress on my (actual) birthday. And as for crazy weeks go, my day was a great one- I went to my favorite Pilates class,spent time with my faves, took myself to lunch- and snapped these pics randomly. As much as I wanted to share this dress with you, I will admit I didn’t know what to say. It’s not exactly the same as I felt here but I’ll be honest as much as I LOVE this dress (and have plans to wear it again and again) and as much as I’m happy with these pics (yes, a photo shoot taken in the middle of a day that was personal), when I went to tell you ALL the things all I could think of was that this dress is silk, has cutouts and HAS POCKETS!

All important things.
And yet, that didn’t feel like enough to say over and over again in a post. Pockets are exciting, but maybe not enough to write a whole post about (yes, I do always worry about that).

Then. This past weekend, I went to a family Celebration of Life for a passed family member, and I took a picture of the sky. It was nothing special- just the blue sky and some clouds. I had already decided to call this post “Blue Sky” and when I asked my mom for any notes or ideas on this dress/post, the only thing she mentioned was that it reminded her of the sky on our trip. I knew it was a sign.

As is blue sky. Usually blue skies are a sign of all the good things to come. That struggle or the storm is over. Blue skies are a good omen. So what does a good dress mean- especially one that made me feel special, that has pockets, that is the color of a special sort of hope- the color of blue sky?.
(I’m a special kind of grammar nerd and I’m not sure how to punctuate that sentence!)

So. What do blue skies mean to you? Or dresses with pockets? Or the dresses that make you feel special? The ones that you wear on special days to mark it or to celebrate all the good things you wish for?

I want to know all about those dresses, about your colors that mean good things are coming, and the good things you do believe you’ll find or are coming for all of us in the next season!

I’ve linked this exact dress and almost the exact same sandals. I hope you wear them on a day with blue skies and one that brings you only great things!
xo RA

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

a woman in blue dress in front of a grey wall

Rose Garden

a woman in a green silk wrap dress with pink roses stands on a stone staircase

When I was little, my mom used to quote me an “old” song Rose Garden by Lynn Anderson:

I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There’s gotta be a little rain sometime
When you take you gotta give so live and let live or let go
Oh-whoa-whoa-whoa
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden

(And it goes on. Highly recommend, it’s super catchy!)

As a kid, I liked it, though I probably didn’t “get” all of it- like the whole relationships have ups and downs, and not being perfect is aok. As a teenager, while Rose Garden was still catchy, I didn’t like it as much- because it was my teen years that my perfectionist tendencies really came out.
Yes. I’m still fighting them today.
It’s not that I don’t understand that there truly is no thing as perfect, and that everything will go to plan all the time. It’s that I want things to be perfect and to go to plan, from outfits to pictures to social interactions. I can forgive you any “imperfection” but have a hard time extending that grace to me.
In fact, why most pictures here on the blog (IG is a bit different) are from shoots is that I really expect every outfit, shot, look to be perfect- and that’s easier to control on a shoot. So the few times that I can let go and just shoot what I’m wearing in the wild? Completely out of my comfort zone and yet completely a blast.

We can debate if it’s ironic that I did it this time in a dress that is essentially a rose garden.

a woman in a green silk dress with pink roses on it, close up of floral rings
selfie of a woman in a green silk dress with pink roses
a woman with a glass of champagne in a green silk dress with pink roses on it

This was the dress I wore to Mother’s Day dinner with my family (I told everyone all night that I was on theme as my mother’s name is a form of Rose!). It’s a vintage, silk Flora Kung (we will be chatting about this designed in the future!), and all of the pictures here are ones taken at our celebration. I made my sister do an impromptu photo shoot on the stairs outside the restaurant. (isn’t she great?!?) I took selfies and close-ups throughout the night. And while I can look at some of these pictures and wish that they were slightly different, shooting “as is”, was fun. It made the night a little more exciting. I also had to trust that these pictures would work- the good ones and the bad.

It’s a lot like the Rose Garden song- perhaps the take away is that I need a little bit of control and out of control. By no means will I stop with photo shoots, but perhaps I can open up my rose garden (practicing my puns for Father’s Day ;)) to impromptu shoots. Maybe both make a beautiful garden.

What about you? Do you like to have a bit of control or are you completely comfortable doing things on the fly? How do you handle the balance in that- the good and the bad? And – do you remember the song “Rose Garden”?

a woman on a stone staircase in a green silk dress with pink roses

Some Style Notes:
-The silk in this Flora Kung dress is just exquisite. Highly recommend!
-You can’t always get the perfect size in vintage shopping, this dress is a little big (it’s a size Small) but the cut is still incredibly flattering
-Shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint’s, you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your own pair
-Below I’ve linked some Flora Kung I’ve found for you and some contemporary floral pieces for your shopping pleasure.

Hoping that your weekend and your garden get what they need this weekend! 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!

Fashion Stories: Raiding Mom’s Closet

Today is my mom’s birthday. And tomorrow is mine! There have been a few posts over the years that have felt like “tradition” to post on our days and this is one of them. Today my mom (and sis and dad) will be headed to lunch- and I won’t be wearing this, though Mom did approve the dress! It feels great to be able to celebrate and mark our birthdays with fashion-because, like playing dress up with this number growing up, fashion (no matter how much mom and I differ) fashion is what can bring us together. Hoping you have a great Monday and that this post gives you some inspiration – even to raid your mom’s closet and restyle her pieces! xo RA

This post was originially just an outfit post. But even then, I knew that this vintage piece, from my mom’s closet was a story. And what’s that I’m always saying? Fashion is just a way to tell our stories. My mom wore this in her 20s. It was in my sister’s and my “dress up box” growing up. My sister and I have both worn it-to parties, as business wear, even as a costume. To me it tells the story of my mom’s hope and dreams, and how my sister and I carry that on. I am so fascinated by what we keep in our closets. And in this case, what we keep, use, and keep going back to. What’s in your closet?

Investment Piece: Raiding Momo's Closet
Investment Piece: Raiding Mom's Closet

As someone who loves vintage clothes, there’s a special place I love to go for vintage: Mom’s Closet. I don’t always get the chance to raid mom’s closet, but when I do, I think it’s magical. This dress/jacket set is from my mom’s wedding, it was her going away outfit. I love that she saved it, that she lets my sister and I wear it, and that it’s a vintage piece that lends itself to modern style. Everything about this vintage dress is great–the button detail, the drop waist (though I couldn’t resist belting it with this stunner), and the flair.

Here’s part of what I think is magical about fashion: it can transform itself and you. While this dress holds special meaning for my family, it’s easy to make this a “new” look”. The belt is a way to dress it up, and socks with shoes are one of my fave things ever. ( See here, here, and here for some examples). The look feels fresh, yet it’s an homage to my past. Raiding my Mom’s closet is one of my favorite things. I’d love to know: who’s closet do you love to raid? And how do you do your vintage?

The dress/jacket are from my mom’s closet
The socks are Gucci, the shoes Brian Atwood
The belt is vintage from RecessLa. Pics are by the amazing Megan Weaver!
I’ve picked some similar picks for you below!
XO RA

Black, White, and Green All Over

a woman in a lush green setting wears a white with black polka dot bathing suit with a sheer black skirt over and a straw hat

We’re at a weekend in May that, for me, starts all sorts of vacations. Or at least a vacation mindset. It’s the weekend for a lot of graduations. And of course Mother’s Day. For me and my family, it’s also the weekend (or this year the Monday and Tuesday after Mother’s Day) of my mother’s and my own birthdays (Monday and Tuesday, respectively). Essentially, for me, this weekend and the following few days, are full of celebrations, dinners, and great outfits. Exactly the kind of thing that puts you in the vacation mindset.

And what’s a vacation without a swimsuit? Or, perhaps I should say that this is the weekend that I want to start wearing swimsuits with everything. Especially swimsuits that double as a bodysuit, with a chic skirt and a hat (this green lushness is my backyard but I’m convinced this outfit will look just as great in jungles and by pools and seasides alike).

Yet- with all of this vacation mindset (and swimsuits), this is also a time when I stick to classics- maybe it’s all the time with my mom (which I love), or maybe it’s the classics let you play a bit more (aka classic colors and polka dots with a sheer like skirt).

It’s Black, White, and Green all Over.

a woman in a lush green setting wears a white with black polka dot bathing suit with a sheer black skirt over and a straw hat

I’m looking forward to the upcoming summer months. And vacations. And wearing swimsuits with everything. And there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to having a weekend that’s a bit more classical. Am I the only one who’s was reminded of Dr. Seuss with this title? This big birthday weekend always makes me think about my childhood and what I want for the next year. As a kid I loved Dr. Seuss, in fact the night that my little sister was born, when my parents dropped me off with a family friend, I made the mom of the family read Green Eggs and Ham to me at least 100 times (if not 100 times more than that). The thing is- I love a classic. And I love mixing a classic up- aka wearing swim suits with everything. In the coming year, I hope that there’s a lot of both. Classics. Mixing it up. Trying new things. sticking to what works. Finding things that make em smile.

This weekend I’ll be in IG a lot, sharing our celebrations, sharing what I’m wearing, both classic and with a twist. And I’ll be spending the next few weeks thinking and planning where all I can wear a swim suit. Especially the white and black ones. Especially where it’s green!

Wishing you and yours a happy Mother’s Day, or that it lands gently for you, and hoping that your classics pair well with all your twists. Linking this outfit below for your shopping pleasure!

XO RA

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

Posted on May 6, 2022May 5, 2022Categories outfits, shoppingTags black and white and green all overLeave a comment on Black, White, and Green All Over

Birthday Wishlist

Every year for my birthday (which is next Tuesday, 5/10) I make a wishlist. Actually, I always have a wishlist and shopping list going – but it gets worse (or longer) around my birthday. It’s part wanting to make sure that my loved ones are up to date on my current tastes and wants (my sister calls this control, I call this smart) and part shoring up my own list. (Also part excuse to get myself something VERY special) But as I went to share my wishlist with you, I began to really sit and think about why I make a wishlist. I do it for every season, and to be honest I haven’t even really gotten started on my spring wishlist, stoppable ).

Though I did get my hands on those gold sandals- seen here.

And when I look back at this spring’s wishlist, and the wishlists from seasons past, I’ve realized that while my wishlists are always a shopping list (and I will tell you that shopping with a list is always best!), really my wishlists are always a wish for the season. What I want to do. Who I want to be. How I always come to those realizations is through clothes (and shoes).

When I ve help but want ALL the party dresses I know that I might need a night out. When I think about workout clothes, there’s often a gym schedule I want to stick to. But often, my wishlists can let me go a bit deeper than that. When I make my wishlists, or like an outfit, I don’t just like it- I imagine myself in it, I think about all the things I’ll do it.

For example, when I saw this outfit:

(Note: Those are affiliate links and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)

I didn’t just think about how I LOVE the color and the cut, and the cheekiness of a ball skirt with a crop top. I thought about how great it would look at those parties that border the causal/fancy line. This summer I have both a garden champagne toast and the possibility of a museum “night out” (aka drinks and dancing with art) and I think this outfit would be perfect. It also enshrines how I hope to look in the coming season- confident, back out there, a bit brave, and right on the edge of classic and edgy. A lot for one outfit? Perhaps. Or maybe that’s the point of a wishlist- putting out there what we want to be, in the hope that an outfit can help us realize that.

(Also- I know that no one outfit will completely change you or your life. But I do think outfits help! That is maybe a longer conversation we need to have some time!)

What does this all mean for my birthday wishlist? There is some overlap from my spring wishlist. I’m attracted to sets right now- both for elegant work looks and party looks. I’ve never been one to show off my midriff but I’ve been drawn to crop tops (a sign I’m looking for confidence?). But overall, my wishlist is a list of outfits that will get me back out there, make my workwear a bit more elevated, and are incredibly special. With those outfits in closet, I’m looking for a year of moving forward, deepening connections, and really going after what I want. Good thing that they make shoes for that 😉

As I get new outfits, and have new experiences, I can’t wait to share them with you here. What do you think of when you make a wishlist? Would you like me to share mine here?

XO RA

Posted on May 4, 2022May 3, 2022Categories outfits, shoppingTags Birthday WishlistLeave a comment on Birthday Wishlist

Getting Back Out There

I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last, to comment on how difficult – on many levels- the past few years have been. And I’m someone who likes to be at home (which I know, is surprising as I also love to dress up and go out!). **** As I as I may have enjoyed some time at home, it’s finally become time for me to start getting out there again. The process is slow, it’s surely not steady, but my need for routine, community, and a bit of fun have pushed me out of the house and into the world (and parties!).

*** Also, this is a side note that none of this post is judgment or advice on what you should be doing or how you should be getting out there. In all honesty, I feel as if I’m still getting my stamina back from a “mild” case of Covid in January. I’m still home a lot, still masking, still wary. Much of my own “getting back out there” is managing wanting to be involved in community, see friends and getting some sort of routine going while protecting myself and my loved ones.

For me there have been many layers to getting back out there. Beyond what we’ve all gone through, I’ve been battling fatigue since January, and since then even my at-home routine has been all over the place. It feels as if I’ve had to fight back from that, and then get out of the house. A two-step that’s not been the most graceful, but I’m getting out. Seeing friends. Going to parties (small ones).

Sometimes I’ve found myself being awkward. Two years at home will do that to the best of us.
But more surprising, at least to me, is that from gym classes to seeing friends, for the first time I’m a bit lost at what to wear. And I love a great party outfit! And clothes!

Some of my what-to-wear “issue” has been fit- I think all of us, even if you didn’t gain any panny weight may have had weight shift, or may be questioning what clothes best fit your life. Another what-to-wear issue has been that with only online socializations I’m not always sure what dress codes are. And I’m super excited to wear all the clothes I didn’t get to wear for the past few years. (And yes, this all deserves a separate and long conversation and we have some of it here).

Getting back out there has meant experimenting. Sometimes being overdressed- and being okay with it. And enjoying being in my clothes again. This look above was for a friend’s small birthday champagne toast. Yes, I was the “fanciest”. But I couldn’t resist this metallic (both a bit floral and a bit animal) skirt paired with a corset top and my new favorite spring shoes. I felt alive in it. And like me- the woman I was before.

Perhaps getting back out there simply means that I’m working my way through outfits that feel like me and make me feel like me. What does getting back out there mean to you? And how have you been going it?

I’ve linked this outfit (similar and exact pieces) for your own getting 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 for your support!

Posted on April 29, 2022April 28, 2022Categories outfits, shoes, shoppingTags Getting back out thereLeave a comment on Getting Back Out There

White Dress Season

I will never get my shock one day, years and years ago, while at a football game (after Labor Day) that a guy friend of mine commented on some woman’s white pants, stating that white pants weren’t supposed to be worn after Labor Day. Not that the sentiment was shocking- I’m from the US South and that “fashion rule” is ingrained when we’re children. (We can all debate if its a “rule” that should be followed.) Another debatable point- when do we start wearing white? Is it Easter or is it Memorial Day?

For this argument, and because it’s what I believe, I’m going with white after Easter is the “rule”. Which makes this white dress season. Growing up, I always associated white dresses with weddings, and not much more, but as it turns out: I’m a fan of white dresses. And seasons where you can these chic, elegant and fun white dresses is a season I want to be in.

Sidenote- there are white dresses that do look a bit bridal, and I do recommend wearing those with caution. No one wants to be in a wedding dress when they’re not at a wedding, or they aren’t the bride. The good news? There are so many white dresses, and so many ways to wear them that being too bridal isn’t usually an issue. For this white dress, one of the things I LOVE about it is that while it’s elegant (and could be a wedding dress), the cut out and the drape lend it to any more formal affair. And while keeping white clean can be a challenge (the only downside!) this white dress always makes me feel chic and very stylish.

So.If it’s white dress season (which I have decided it is) and we love a great white dress (which we clearly do), where do we wear white dresses? How do we celebrate white dress season?

Cocktail parties, picnics, bbqs (a bit of a bold move), dinner parties, errands, brunches, house parties, dates, and any places that may need a bit of chic-ness. While white dresses can vary from casual to more formal, my only tip is to make sure that the white dress you love is thick enough or lined to not show through.

Wearing white feels both bold and calming. Dresses like this one always make me feel a bit elevated. What does white dress season make you feel? And what white dresses do you wear?

I’ve linked some of my faves for your shopping pleasure 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!

Posted on April 25, 2022April 24, 2022Categories outfits, shoppingTags white dress seasonLeave a comment on White Dress Season

Sun and Shade

Dressing at this time of year is always a crap shoot. It’s technically winter, but it’s beginning to feel like spring, or depending on where you are- summer. (We had 7 degree weather the other week, yesterday it was 85! 85!) In the sun- it’s so warm and the less you can wear (chicly) the better. The shade? I freeze. And the wind? Don’t get me started.

So. What do we wear to manage both the sun and the shade? To be both cool and warm in- chic is a given.

Also- an aside-what are you wearing to work in from home a year later? I’m bored of sweats and yoga pants (don’t worry, I’m still in both), so I’m playing with getting dressed every day. Yes, it can be a struggle. So simple dresses like this are becoming my go-to (and I’ve always been a dress woman!) but- if you have a magic outfit I would love to hear about it!

Both sun and shade I care about details. These shoulder pads (have I mentioned that everything comes back around? This is a vintage Valentino dress, but it reads very modern), the kick pleats, the mock pockets!

(Super aside- I read somewhere recently that women’s clothes lost their pockets about the 16th century when it was thought that women might carry spells and such in their pockets! We may have to discuss this more at length, but, I have no clue what spell this pocket would be big enough to hold- maybe that’s the magic!)

And these shoes are my new go-to, and perfect for balancing the sun and shade. Part loafer, part mule, slip on but not heavy. I bought them on a whim (thinking I would hate how big they are). Jokes on me as I LOVE them- and can’t help but pair them with everything.

Even in-between work dresses.

This dress is wool and will be too hot to wear in a few weeks. And yet, the cap sleeve made it too cool to wear a few weeks ago. The balance between sun and shade. In a dress. Maybe the only thing left to decide is how many times I can get away with wearing this number in the next week or two?

As I’ve mentioned, this dress is vintage Valentino, but I’ve found you similar cream wool dresses, and linked these shoes, for your sun and shade shopping 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!

Posted on April 22, 2022April 21, 2022Categories outfits, shoppingTags Sun and ShadeLeave a comment on Sun and Shade

Dino Casual

The thing about me is that I do fancy (for some reason) much more easily than I do causal. Perhaps it’s that I try too hard, or maybe I just love a party dress too much- but I can over think jeans and a tee shirt see here. And yes, everything I laid out then is still true, for some reason party dresses, pants, looks, etc come easy to me. I wear casual looks every day- from work out gear (which sometimes I don’t ever change out of) to jeans- but I have a much harder time styling and shooting those looks.

Another way I try to explain this to everyone is that I do extremes well- I can go big or I dress as if I should stay at home. The in betweens? I always feel like I should do something more with them.

However, maybe it’s because it’s a Monday after a holiday and I’m tired, or maybe because the past few years just putting on jeans and a tee has felt like dressing UP, I’m becoming more and more curious about the in-betweens. Playing with just jeans and a tee, showing you some of my day- to-day style. Not that I will EVER stop buying and shooting party dresses (I can’t), but I’m into a bit more casual.

This is my version of casual. Great jeans and great shoes. And because I can’t resist a little something- a fun print.

Another weird thing about me? I love dinosaurs.Like little kid love them. I get excited when I see them and can’t help but want all the Dino things. And I also wear dinos- from sweat pants to button downs. My best tip for Dino fashion purchase? The kids section of Target. As in, yes- that’s a shirt from the little boy’s section (my best tip is that often the kids’ XL is perfect sizing. I highly recommend! If nothing else, it gives you another place to play with your style).

Do dinos (or any graphic that speaks to you) count as casual? Why or why not? And does this count as casual if I simply adore these shoes and think they’re special (as well as what I want to wear all summer)? I’m not sure. But I know this is how I’m doing casual, and it feels like it’s right. Perfect for a casual workday or dinner, and great for the fancy kind of errands.

How do you do casual? What are your go-tos? And how do you combat the need to make it all a bit special (or is that just me)?

Below I’ve linked the details to this outfit. I can’t wait to hear about your casual dinos and more!
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!

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Posted on April 18, 2022April 15, 2022Categories outfits, shoes, shoppingTags dino casualLeave a comment on Dino Casual

Styling Spring Caftans

I have a thing for caftans -see here, here, and here for starters. There is something so chic about caftans to me- very Palm Springs, very “oh I just threw this on but look like a movie star”, very “I’m so fabulous I don’t have to try”. You may think of caftans as more “grandma chic” (I get it, I thought I would get into caftans as I aged), but truly, caftans aren’t for the old, nor do they make you look old. They’re simply chic. And once I got into caftans, I just can’t help but want to wear them to everything.

And beyond that, caftans are very forgiving, meaning at any spring celebration you can eat and drink your heart out and still feel comfy in your outfit. An important feature in my book!

I started wearing caftans regularly during the Covid lockdowns. Over on Instagram (@racheladelicia) I started a weekly series called “Cocktails and Caftans” where I would learn (or show off my skills) a new cocktail and wear a fabulous caftan. The idea was a virtual happy hour at home and an excuse to “dress up”, while still wearing comfortable “lounge-ish” outfits. Who knew that it would start me wearing caftans all the time?

For all the above reasons, and because-to me at least- caftans are special. They border ease and glamour so effortlessly- even styling them is a breeze. Most caftans don’t need much. A pair of shoes (and everything from flat sandals to your highest platforms go). Sometimes some jewelry. With this caftan I lucked out (it’s from Pickled Vintage, one of my faves), the sleeves and the yoke are beaded, it’s sheer and the print is so festive, all it really needs is a pair of great heels to make it party ready. These are my beloved Sarah Flints, and you can get $50 off your own pair with the code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE.

Originally, I got this caftan as an option to wear to a cousin’s wedding- but I don’t think I can wait that long!

What’s something that you can’t help but come back to over and over? Most of us would say jeans, sundresses, etc- but it’s becoming increasingly clear to me that caftans are on my list. And why not? From weddings to simply hanging out in your back yard, there’s a caftan for that. They make you feel easily glam, no matter the occasion and go with almost any shoe. When I show up in a caftan, please don’t be surprised- but I hope you’ll be in one too!

I highly recommend vintage caftans (and Pickled Vintage!) but I’ve also rounded up some of my favorite modern caftans for you below!

Happy Caftan season!
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!

Posted on April 15, 2022April 14, 2022Categories outfits, shoes, shoppingTags styling spring caftansLeave a comment on Styling Spring Caftans

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