outfits – Page 29 – Investment Piece

Does it Have to be Special?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, does it have to be special

I know that special can mean a lot of different things. Perhaps something is special because of where you wore it first, or who you wore it for, or maybe how long you had to save for the outfit, or any combination or more reasons special can be used. Or maybe special can be why you want to wear the outfit. I’m a big fan of special.

But. As I am slowly learning, special can’t sustain it all of everything (Awkward?Crossing my fingers you know know what I meant) by itself. Special needs support (and maybe a place and a time). And as I’m beginning to think or explore or play with- what if it doesn’t have to be special.

This is rich for someone who in these pictures is wearing shoes and carrying a bag that are special to me. (I couldn’t resist. And maybe special is something I cling to?) But, if special is something I showcase or have to have or feel incomplete without- what if an outfit wasn’t special? What if it just was? Would it be ok? Does it have to be special?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, does it have to be special

We know that I love special. From shoes to bags. I keep outfits from special days, from my family, from people I love. Special makes up a lot of what I own. (Or at least a lot of what I own is special to me). What happens when everything is special? Does it make it less special? What if your day-to-day go-to outfits aren’t “traditionally” special? (And that still means that you could look great and feel good in them) Does your outfit have to be special?

These are the questions that I can’t keep thinking about. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much of this year so far sick or recovering or super tired, and my daily outfit has been sweats (special points if they match). Or maybe it’s because (especially with the pandemic) I now feel that every time I shoot something or wear something it has to mean something. But. What if we just put on clothes? If there’s an outfit that you love but that has no meaning or statement piece, is it any less of a great outfit?

I tried here- a simple shirt dress (but in denim that hugs in all the right places), maybe the shoes (velvet and if you can’t see them there are sparkles on the heels) and a bag (vintage Gucci that they re-released this year) were too much. Where I lose my own argument is that I can’t help but add a special element- I can’t help but feel like even a great dress could be made better by a statement piece. And I’m working on it, I do think that we are what makes any outfit special. So not every outfit needs a statement piece. Theory doesn’t always transition easily to practice, which is weird for someone who can lay around in nothing special – but this idea, these areas of play, this is what I’m working on.

What do you think special is? Do you think an outfit has to be special? When you go out can you resist dressing it up? I would love to hear all about it!

And I’ve linked this outfit (or similar) 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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion, stories, does it have to be special

Spring Break

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring break

Where I’m from Spring Break starts today (or I guess Monday?), and while I’ve always had the theory that parts of our lives are always on the school schedule (even if you don’t have kids), for some reason this year Spring Break hit me out of the blue. Maybe it’s the pandemic that has screwed with my sense of timing or events. Perhaps it’s that it’s still feeling like winter (it’s cold and rainy today) and while in some part of my brain I’ve known warmer temps are coming, but they’ve felt far off. Or maybe it’s that my own life has been upside down a bit so a thing like Spring Break hasn’t been on my radar.

The thing is, no matter my own awareness, Spring Break is here. And it has me thinking- in a world that’s been a little off (and there is still so much going on) and as an adult without kids- what does Spring Break really mean?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring break

I wish that I could tell you that my spring breaks were full of fun trips, a little respite from responsibilities. In reality, if I do get some time off this coming week it will most likely be spent cleaning (even cleaning out my closet) and getting caught up on things. BUT. If I could have a spring break like the movies tell it, this is what I would like to do:

Investment Piece: Swim Cape

Absolutely spend some time on the beach or by the water. Sleeping. Reading (can you imagine the luxury of reading books a day). Sipping on bubbles and eating fresh food. I’m one of those who still loves to work out on vacation, but balancing that I would love some true time off.

Investment Piece: Birthday

Spend time with family and friends. Over the past years I feel like my relationships have suffered. Having time to catch up, hug my people? I can think of nothing better.

Investment Piece: Vintage Swim

I’ve mentioned that I need to clean out my closet- have I mentioned that I would like to spend some time replenishing it? A few shopping trips (to see some friends even!), a little update, a little making room. Maybe my issue with spring break issue is that I need more than a week.

I think the main thing that I would like to do for Spring Break is break- get some down time, get some fun and come back to my life a little refreshed. Since my life is no longer around school spring break is something we have to make. So, if we’re making our own spring break how are we giving ourself the break we may need?

I’m still working on that. In the meantime I am dreaming of being on the beach, so below I’m linking everything I would love to take on a beach trip from swimsuits to picnic needs!
I would love to hear any and all your tips for breaks and how you’re spending the next week!
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!

Spring in Leather

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring in leather

It may not quite be spring, but we’re getting there. Outside it’s getting warmer, which always makes me want to dress- I don’t know if daring is the word- but as things seem to come alive I want my outfits to be more alive as well. So. Leather?

I know that leather doesn’t seem like a spring fabric, it can be heavy, but how could this number- with the cut outs, the apron tie, the carwash slits be anything but alive and daring like spring?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring in leather

Some very quick style notes:
-This skirt was on my wishlist forever, it’s A.W.A.K.E Mode, a British designer who is known for their modern takes on classics. I just LOVE them
-As this skirt needs to go over something, it’s seasonless. For cooler spring days I’m loving it over a lighter sweater dress, but it also goes over shirt dresses, sundresses, even bike shorts. It’s both a statement piece and incredibly versatile. I’ve even been tempted to wear it over my workout leggings when I’ve been leaving pilates class!
-I did need to size up- there’s no stretch and to get it to tie (those do loosen with wear a bit, as you can see in pictures), so you might want to as well. Also, if you’re planning on wearing this stunner over more bulky items you will need to!
-these shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints.The arch support alone makes them worth it, as does the fact they go with everything. Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your own pair of Sarah Flints (any style!)
-This is not the first year I’ve welcomed warmer temps with leathers and suedes. See here and here!

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring in leather

Maybe what I love about spring in leather is that it’s a bit unexpected. Not the pastels or florals we’ve been conditioned to associate with the turning of the season. Yet- is there anything better to transition from winter to spring in? Leather lets you layer (this leather skirt in particular), keeps you just warm enough (spring is not summer. Though sometimes the temps forget that!), and lets you master the in between spaces of seasons. Ironically enough, I think that there are years I wear more leather in spring than in winter.

What about you? Do you wear leather in spring? How do you feel about stand out leather? What would you ear this skirt over? I would love to hear about all of it! I’ve linked this exact skirt and dress for your styling 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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring in leather

Love Lace

Fashion Blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace

It’s the big day for romance! As much as I chat about not being the biggest fan of Valentine’s, I do love a good night out, I do love romance, and I love a good party dress. And a party dress that’s a bit romantic and somewhere to wear it? How could I not love that?

As you know, I believe that we use our fashion to tell our stories- and the thing about love is that there are so many stories, and so many things that are romantic. From nights in, wearing great lounge wear, to first or big date jitters, and the perfect dress. Little gestures – one of my boyfriends would pause the beginning of the show Ozarks for me so I could see all the symbols, to big gestures- flowers and jewelry, etc. What kind of story are you telling tonight/today? Is there a perfect outfit that you found first that you made plans around or did you make plans and find an outfit?

After finding this perfect dress, the lace and those details, I couldn’t help but plan my Valentine’s around it. And can you blame me with a dress this great?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace

This black lace dress is a vintage Oscar de la Renta (I want to say 1964 but I may be misremembering) and when I saw it I fell in love. There is no love like fashion love. The black lace, the high neck, the bow around the waist. The small details- the flare sleeve, the lace on the skirt, the slit on the black. When I put it on I not only felt beautiful, I felt powerful. There is something about a dress that commands attention, it makes me feel as if I’m worthy of the attention. Dresses like this one make me feel in control of the story, a feeling love. And when those feelings look like this, it’s just heaven!

(This is a vintage number and as we all know some of the magic of vintage is that there is only one, but I’ve found you similar dresses and linked them below).

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, love lace

Since I have the dress and I have the love, all I needed was a plan. I took my love to a magical restaurant where it feels like we’re stepping back in time. There’s a big fountain, all these stone walls, some trees. Surroundings like this make going out to dinner feel like an event. And as we all know, events need dresses. I’m so grateful that love and lace go together.

I hope that no matter what you do today you feel loved and that the outfit is one that tells an amazing story.
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!

Shark Love

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a Sense of Humor

Or how to dress for Valentine’s with a sense of humor.

Maybe you’ve read some of my Valentine’s posts and you’re worried that I hate Valentine’s Day. That may be a valid worry, but let me assure you that I love love. (I even have Shark Love. And totally get a pass on that bad dad joke because of love.) Things I also love? Dressing with a sense of humor, sequin skirts, and outfits that work for any sort of date night (even Valentine’s Day).

***About Sharks. I couldn’t resist this sweater as it’s just so cheeky. BUT. There’s no way I’m the only one who’s fascinated by and scared by sharks all at the same time. After seeing “Jaws” for the first time, I didn’t get in the ocean for years. And did you know the Ocean is the love of my life?

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humor

Right now, there are articles out there that will tell you how to dress sexy or romantic on Valentine’s Day. And I get it. It’s a night (or day) of romance, and there’s not a thing wrong with dressing to theme. (I’m a fan of dressing to theme.) There’s also everything right with dressing to show your personality, and a sense of humor is one of my most favorite things to showcase. Even through, and especially with, my fashion.

Yes, this is the part where I let you know (again) how much I love juxatipositons and cheekiness.
Loves, it’s aok to love love and love to laugh. (Side bar: if you don’t love to laugh, are you ok? If you’re with someone who you can’t laugh with is that really a love you love? Would Shark Love help you?)

So, my take on a “great Valentine’s look” is a little cheeky, a little funny. No, it’s not my only one. But, can you resist the sparkles and the shark? That this is look is perfect for the office (with a different skirt) and for date night (with a skirt like this). To me, this look says you’re ready for love and you’re good with a great laugh. What’s more attractive than that?

Investment Piece: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humorI

Some notes:
-If you’re scared of sharks, another animal would work just as well here as would any graphic sweater or shirt (I hear hearts are popular this time of year)
-Another great skirt (leather, maybe?) could replace the sequins
-Love. But let you shine through. I know you’re fab and you’re loved for the real you.

Even if the real you loves Shark Love sweaters.

I’ve linked similar items below. Again, this is not my only “Valentine’s look” ( I do have something more traditional to show you!), but I’d love to know. What do you wear for Valentine’s?

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: Shark Love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humor

#SUITUP (Or How to Rock a PJ Suit)

Investment Piece: how to rock a pj suit, #suitup
Continue reading #SUITUP (Or How to Rock a PJ Suit)

Classic, Not Boring

InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, CA, TX, easy, Chanel, Jcrew, high fashion

Many times I think we take our classics for granted, we call them boring. It happens with books, art, and for our purposes- outfits. A button down, a pair of jeans, and boots are a classic combination. It will never fail you. Simple, easy, and you don’t have to think too hard about it. Classic. But not boring.

The thing about classics is that within a no-fail formula is so much room to explore, to create, to be extra. Yes, here I’m in a classic combo- jeans/button down/boots. But. The jeans fit perfectly, the boots are anything but boring (over the knee! the cap toe! the design!), the details on the shirt! This outfit is far from boring, and feels like me, even if I’m technically following a formula.

So many of what makes an outfit exciting, or pop, comes down to our details. How do we express ourself within the confines of something that has been done before? What makes a classic feel new? This is about an outfit, but it also applies to our weeks, how we spend our days.

We’re at a time in the year, the winter blahs, and the pandemic, when things may be feeling a bit stale. To stay warm you may be wearing all the sweaters and all the coats. To stay safe you may feel like everything is a bit boring. I get it. Personally, I’ve felt like I’ve been in a rut, and have been cooped up at home lately so nothing feels new. Instead of giving into that, I’m attempting to look at my life (which outfits are a large part) and see what I can work with, what I make exciting. There are classics (routines) that I have and yet within them lay all sorts of possibilities.

Those are what I’ll be looking for all week.
What’s your favorite classic outfit combo and how do you make it your own? I would love to hear all about it!
XO RA

This outfit is made from older JCrew pieces, and the most fab Chanel boots I found resale, but I’ve linked similar pieces for your shopping pleasure below. I know what you choose won’t be boring!
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!

Tailoring

One of the ways to get amazing fitting clothes that make you look amazing? Tailoring. Buy things that fit your widest part, then have them altered to fit every where else. Tailoring has been on my mind lately- not just because it’s a great way to have clothes that fit, but because of the post-pandemic world. No one knows exactly what the world will look like- or what we’ll be wearing. One article I read floated the idea that what we may see are clothes that are sold in more general sizes, meant to be tailored to you after you purchase them. And I have to say, I love this idea! I’m reposting my orginal thoughts on tailoring and adding in some links for what you can have tailored- or tailor yourself!

Investment Piece: logo week: Fendi pants

I’m in the process of having some pants tailored. As in, almost remade. It’s been a long process, there are times when it’s felt too long. However, every time my tailor and I get closer to the finished product, I can’t help but get excited. I also have to remind myself that working with my tailor is a process and that a great tailor is a great investment! You are getting so much more about my “new” old pants, but first, let’s chat tailoring.

One of my very first posts was centered around “great investments”, one of which I thought was a tailor.
(See the original article here) And I still hang onto that thought. If you’re investing in your closet, a great tailor is a must have! Yes, for mends like buttons, zippers, holes, and hems you might be able to do the work yourself; however, I find that a professional often does it faster and better, and ensures that the item that needs mending doesn’t spend the rest of its life on my closet floor.

But a tailor is so much more. A great tailor can remake a garment for you–nip or let out the waist, or various parts, tighten or loosen, lengthen or shorten. You look best in clothes that fit you best and a tailor can help you get there!

Investment Piece, high fashion, tailoring, purple, Mary McFadden, pleats, CA, TX
This number needed to be slightly let out in the bust–and even with the pleating, no problem for a great tailor.

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, CA, TX, HM, floral, high fashion
This dress (seen here) was taken in at the waist, and the back slit was lengthened.

The great news about a great tailor is that they can really transform a garment into something special. Which is amazing for all those things that you try on that just need a little something done. However, tailors aren’t always miracle workers and much like any important relationship (I’m looking at you, hairdressers) communication is key. So how can you best work with your tailor? Glad you asked!

Be Realistic

If something is 2 sizes too small and has no extra fabric in it, your tailor cannot make it your size. However, there may be times when your tailor has to tell you “no”. Certain fabrics, certain cuts and drapes, they just don’t mix. What you envision may not be doable. So ask questions like “Can we do this?” “What will this look like?” “What are my options here?” A great tailor will be honest and lay out your options, and may even have some suggestions that you didn’t even think of!

Let them know YOUR Preferences
I like my waists high and nipped. I think, for my body type, it looks best. I also like my sleeves to come down to my wrists. My tailor knows me and works with me to get the looks I like. But, even when we try things on it’s on me to be vocal–I like this, I don’t like this. Your tailor can’t please you if they don’t know what you want.

Fittings. More than one Fitting

Ok, some things don’t need a fitting–much less two. But some really do. If you’re altering a garment in a major way I would suggest more than one fitting to make sure everything is perfect. And move in it–raise your arms, turn, sit down–all of it. Make sure that the fit and movement are what you want. And talk to your tailor about what you’re seeing, and ask what they’re seeing!

Most of this comes down to talking to your tailor–about likes, fit, etc. The more honest you are, and the more they are honest with you, the better fit you will get!

Here are a few articles about what things are easy to tailor (and even how to tailor some things yourself!):
Useful Links on Tailoring Your Clothes
The Power of Tailoring
Which Alterations are the Easiest
How to do Alterations
Taking Measurements for Fit
And Alerations 101

I hope these tips help! Happy Tailoring!

XO RA

Velvet and Florals

Investment Piece: fashion blogger, cold weather, vintage, YSL, Valentino, CA, TX, high fashion
investment Piece: Velvet and Florals
Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, Valentino, high fashion
InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, cold weather, vintage, high fashion, YSL, vintage, CA, TX

It is incredibly tempting when the the temps drop to abandon all style for warmth. As someone who hasn’t spent a lot of her time in true “winter” weather, it’s especially hard to not dress in only sweats (multiple) and big coats (because, yes I’m cold all the time). So, when I find pieces that let me retain some style and stay warm, I go back to them again and again.

Also, who can resist velvet and florals? Especially when they’re this chic?

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, vintage, cold weather, high fashion, YSL, Valentino, CA, TX

A trench is an investment I will always endorse, but trenches like this- with a bit of personality and texture? I love them. Velvet isn’t something I would think of for coats, mainly as I worry about it getting wet. BUT. This coat is so warm, and I love that the details, the slits, the buttons, the edging make it special enough to wear as a dress, but warm enough so I don’t regret not wearing sweats. And while florals may be more associated with spring, on boots they’re a bit of a statement. Obviously made for warmth, but made for fashion as well.

I’m always, always going to chose warmth over fashion (easy to say when we’re not going out much). Even with my shorter, not as warm outfits, I’m known to bring a big coat, or wear tights, or layer more than may be necessary. Sometimes winter dressing feels frumpy and big, and there are times when you may feel as if you have to choose between your style and not freezing. Maybe velvet and florals aren’t for you- there’s cords, stripes, faux fur, puffers, polka dots and more to choose from. What I recommend is finding pieces that let you keep warm and expressing your style. It’s been my joy to experience winter (now and again) and an even bigger joy to find warm clothes that look like me.

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, velvet and florals

I would love to hear about your winter staples from coats to boots. The pieces that keep you warm, the ones that keep you stylish, and the ones that do both!
XO RA

Note: This velvet trench is vintage YSL (from the 1970s) and Valentino Floral Boots from the 2015 season, but I have found you similar!
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!

In My Robe

Investment Piece: In my Robe

Some thoughts:
When it gets cold I’m always tempted to wear a blanket out. This robe (yes, it’s a robe) basically lets me. I’m a fan of Pj dressing (really, who isn’t? But see here, here, and here for starters). Every year, my family does the matching PJ thing for Christmas (we’re cute) and this was the pick a few years (we wore them over plaid pants). It’s essentially a sweatshirt with buttons, and it was my uniform over the holidays.
One day my mom mentioned that she thought it would look great with a belt and heels. A neighbor asked where we got them as she could wear it to get mail and run some errands, and no one would know that it’s a robe. I’m interested in how warm it keeps me, the slightly 80s vibes, and that the possibilities are endless.
This isn’t the only styling you’ll see of this robe.

In fact, it’s not the first time that I’ve worn it out- before this post or after. I can’t resist any outfit that makes me feel like I’m in PJs and presents as chic- or any chic pjs that let me present as being dressed. Especially around this time of year. And if you’re looking for a break into the vintage community may I recommend a vintage robe, the 1930s and 1940s robes are especially LOVELY and glam. Robes as outfits? Why not?

Headbands-thanks to Blair Waldrof, the Duchess(Es), or the simple fact that you can use them to hide dirty roots are back. I resisted for a while, but now I’m in love. Ones for working out, ones for fashion, I’m wearing them all.

Jumping into the new year hasn’t been pain free. Really, we had something like 2 weeks off, is it fair or logical to assume that jumping into anything would be seamless? (Not that I don’t love new starts, but I was getting used to be in vacation mode. Also, this isn’t to say I’m having a hard time, it’s to say that going from 0 to 60 has thrown me for a loop!) However, I’m just hanging out in my robe. So, winning!

I’ve linked similar robes (and other blanket-like outfit options for your shopping 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!