Have I ever met a party dress I didn’t like?
I honestly can’t recall.
Which probably says a lot more about me than it does about party dresses. And yet, I can tell you all the details, nuances, reasons why I love all the party dresses I have (and have missed out on).
This one? It’s every so slightly vintage inspired- that tent shape, that neck bow, that low back. It’s so comfy (I mean, it’s the perfect dress to eat or drink ANYTHING in) but oh-so-chic. With just-so-slight kitten heels, it lets me feel like it’s the 1960s while being completely modern. This combo has become my new go-to for fall parties (even the virtual ones),
Pro-tip- with dresses (or tops) that show off my back, I like to wear my hair up. I feel as if it shows off the statement of the dress!
This dress is Staud. Over the pandemic they’ve become one of my favorite brands, I love the vintage feel of these clothes, with modern touches. And every single piece I have from Staud has been so comfy and flattering.
No matter if you’re going to parties or staying in, they have never let me down. This exact dress is sold out, but below I’ve linked some of my current favorite Staud dresses, and these EXACT shoes (they’re Kate Spade and they’re on sale!)
A quick note about fall parties. I know so many of us (me included) are not yet comfortable with big crowds (a pandemic will do that to you). Has the fact that I’m not going to parties stopped me from buying party dresses? Not at all. But it has changed the way I’m wearing them (aka at home or with a mask). Please wear and go where you feel safe- and know that the right party dress will always feel great at home!
My shopping picks are linked below. What fall party are you headed to 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!
What clique were you in while you were in high school?
I know it’s kinda a trick question because every high school was a tad bit different, but I think there are certain cliques we can all recognize: the jocks, the populars, theater kids, the nerds, the preppies, goth, and if you’re in the south, the kickers (like Cowboys).
While it sounds cliche, I was a bit of a floater- I was a theater kid but also was on dance team, and was a in the smart crowd. Rubbed elbows with the popular kids but wasn’t really one of them. And while I would have never told you that I was preppie- and in some ways I still don’t consider myself preppie- I can’t help but LOVE (like just adore) some preppie style.
To me, preppie style means certain things. Sweater Vests. Big Collars (though apparently those could also be bow girl?). I think of preppie as a clean cut, laced up, school-spirit like style.
I always associate Tory Burch and Kate Spade as preppy, but I know that they can have twists to them, which is maybe where the modern comes in?
What does preppie (or preppy? I realize I’m not sure how we spell it!) mean to you? And are you like me and when you hear “preppie” you always think of the Zach MORRIS character in Saved by the Bell?
This was my take on modern preppy. I love, love, love a good sweater vest. Paired with tailored cropped pants and a block heel. There’s just enough sass- nothing under the vest, and the snakeskin on the shoes. But it’s clean cut. Almost school girl. But not. Maybe modern preppy is a bit like hot librarian?
I would really love to know your thoughts on modern preppie- what it is, how you style it, if you love sweater vests like I do! Below I’ve linked the pieces to recreate this exact outfit AND some of my favorites from the fall collection at Tory Burch. Happy Shopping!
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!
I will admit that I love the fancy details. The shoes. Bags. Details on basics. I have a tendency to fall in love with them, spurlge on them, and point them out again and again. Yet, as much as I love those details, I know that the foundations are where you should spend your money first.
Is it cliche if I let you know that the foundations are the true investment pieces of your wardrobe?
And yes, that includes Blazers and pants, shoes, a great day bag.
You could even include lingerie on that list.
As much as I love party dresses and special pops to any outfit, if pressed, I would have to tell you that the foundations are where to spurlge first. Recently, I fell into love with a new foundation- and while it’s a base that I’ve been building almost every single outfit on- it’s completely unexpected.
This piece is a bodysuit (or catsuit? Jumpsuit? I’m not sure what we’re supposed to call them!) via Ernest Leoty (not an affiliate link!) They call themselves the couture of activewear, and I have to agree. While I wear things like this all the time to work out (yes, I’m either in party dresses or workout leggings) and wear leotards with a LOT (I am who I am), I would have never thought that I would dare to wear a bodysuit like this as my outfit. But-it holds me in all the right places, I feel good in it, and the compliments were unending in this!
Of course, I’m not just wearing this bodysuit (though I totally would!). From capes (I have a thing for them and they go perfect with this time of year! I also did an IG Reel on capes @racheladelicia) to this amazing wrap coat. I love that it’s sleeveless, tailored, I want to wear it as a dress and over everything. But it especially goes great with this foundation.
And when it got hot, I felt comfy wearing the jacket open as the foundation was so good! My fave shoes and a great bag didn’t hurt either.
While I never thought this bodysuit would be my fall go-to foundation, I’ve made outfits over it almost everyday this week. What’s a foundation that surprised you? Would you wear a bodysuit (alone or with something)? I would love to hear about it! Below, I’ve linked this exact coat and similar bodysuits for your shopping pleasure- if you style them I would love to see 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!
Every season I get determined to find the perfect knit (sweater) dress. Fitted but not too fitted, warm-but because I don’t live in a super cold climate- not too cold. I’ve had several knit dresses (and have loved them all), but there’s something about this knit dress. And the kicker? It’s not modern.
This modern knit is really from the 60s (I got it from TakeMeBackBaby, you might remember the other stunner I have from there this polka dot dress!). Wearing it I feel not only modern, but sexy, in control, chic, and put together. It’s both sexy librarian and date night appropriate. A dress that can do all of that? A modern knit dress indeed.
I know, I know, a knit (Sweater) dress and boots are so cliche, but I love to think that anything that can shake that up is worth while. Maybe it’s a necklace? (This one I vintage Monet) Or maybe it’s the unexpected- kitten heels with snake skin boots, or a knit dress that’s a bit fitted or with pockets! Either way, there is something about taking a tried and true formula and making it new, or modern knit as it were.
What’s your go-to formula for knit dresses? And how do they make you feel? Knit dresses are such a basic for me, and yet I can’t resist making them new year after year. For you, what makes something modern? What are you looking for in a knit dress? There are so many modern takes on the sweater dress, and yet, clearly the knit dress is something you can also buy vintage- and have look modern!
What are your tips for knit looks? Tell me everything!
Xo RA
Note this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
You can shop similar items to this entire look here
Are there things that you don’t wear once the season changes? And I don’t mean obvious weather issues (aka you stop wearing short and switch to pants when it gets cold). I mean- are there non-obvious things in your closet that you somehow have labeled one “season” or another, and feel as if you can’t wear that thing when it’s not its “season”?
I have recently fallen in love with a (new to me) designer (more on that later), and I got this skirt. It does have a touch of linen in it (but not really), but in my head it was a summer work skirt (those pleats, like a perfect trouser, but a skirt). And of course, by the time I got to wearing it a lot (and shooting it for you), it was no longer summer. Though it was still hot. This got in barely under the wire.
And while there are definite deadlines in my life, this was most likely a self imposed one. Mainly as I thought this would look best with a tank top, and now that I’ve shot it I want a big sweater and boots with it. What can I say? I adapt quickly (there’s a winky face here). Yet- self imposed or not, getting this in under the wire (just barely) felt great. It felt like an accomplishment.
I have no idea what it says about me that outfits are accomplishments, but I met the deadline. Just under the wire.
This skirt is A.W.A.K.E Mode- a UK line with an edgy, modern take on not only work basics but shoes and dresses, and bags! I’ve loved everything I’ve seen of theirs- including this skirt. You can shop them here (though they have a ton of US based and global based stockists) and I’ve linked some of my current favorite pieces- including the fringe sandals I’m in love with!
Last note: I vividly remember one time in my freshman year of college I was required to wear pleated shorts for something. I HATED them. I thought they were so unflattering. My mom told me that there would come a time when I loved pleats. I guess that time is now? Is that just under the wire or just in time (another winky or laughing face is here- it just makes me laugh)?
I would love to know the last outfits you’re getting in under the wire. And how you might be wearing them for the new season! Linked bell are the A.W.A.K.E Mode pieces I can’t top thinking about!
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!
I’ve been thinking a lot about trends recently. And I know that often within fashion trends can be a loaded word, if we can think of trends as the fashion that’s being offered to us (and style is what we do with them), I think that trends can be something that we can get exited about- and use them (or not) to best tell our stories. This season I happen to love quite a few of the trends, and I’m looking forward to playing with them. Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorites. Of course these by no means are the only trends- as the season goes on more and more will emerge. Some of them don’t truly feel like trends, but more of an exploration of fashion we already know (see cutouts and prints, pleats and shackets). So many of these Fall 2021 trends you can buy vintage (even more to explore and play with!). There are so many ways to style all of these, and over the fall and winter seasons I can’t wait to play with these and I can’t wait to see how you play with them. I have linked some shopping options for you (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!) and of course the best ways to shop trends (and more) with me is to follow me in the ShopLTK and ShopStyle apps (or the links in the search bar!). Now- let’s get to exploring the Fall 2021 Trends!
Xo RA
1990s Revival
I’ll be honest, I have some reservations about this trend (and this picture may not be a great representation- I was going for slip dress with boots!) I remember the 1990s and feel that so many of the trends- slip dresses, plaid shirts, combat boots, straight leg jeans, have been in and out of popularity since then. I was never into the bigger shoes (I felt like they made my feet look big), but I have been playing with lug sole boots (see here), and I’ve always loved a great slip dress. Perhaps there are gems to play with in this trend? Maybe from maxi cardigans to Rachel Green inspo to chokers, there’s a way to tell our stories?
You can shop slip dresses here, lug sole boots here, and denim options here
Sweater Vests
This may be the trend I’m most excited about! I know- maybe I’m secretly preppy? I love a good sweater vest with nothing underneath- with pants/jeans/skirts. Sweater vest dresses. Sweater vests over chic dresses or tops. There is so much to play with and so many ways to wear a sweater vest, I’m truly looking forward to being in one all fall!
Shop sweater vests here
And because sweater vests lead to sweater dresses (another fave of mine!) -and those never go out of style, shop some of my current faves here
Suits
I LOVE suits. They are such a chic look – from wearing menswear to a women’s tailored suit. Them being “back” means there are so many suits to explore- leather, bright hues, fancy, Classic, and so many more. This is also a great trend to buy vintage. I will be in suits in all the ways!
Other trends I’m excited to explore :
-Saturated colors. I love black, but I also love playing with colors!
-Daytime sequins. We know I love to wear party dresses, what makes us think I won’t play with wearing sequins all day?
-Lavendar. One of my favorite colors and something I’m already wearing!
-Plaid. Such a standard. As are cords. I’m exited to see what new offerings we get, and how I can incorporate them into my rotation! (Again, this is a great trend to buy vintage!)
-Quilted
-Wraps
And so many more that I can’t wait to play with!
Then some trends that don’t scream me, but I’ve been known to play with:
Neon
If you ask, I would tell you that neon is not for me. But as you can see, there are times when I have played with neon- and I loved it!
Green
On certain trend lists you’ll seen great (especially lime green) named. I will tell you green isn’t my color. But I’ve been proven wrong at least once before. Is this something I should explore?
What Fall 2021 trends are you looking forward to? What trends do you hate? What trends do you maybe want to play with?
I can’t wait to explore it all with this season!
Xo RA
Have I mentioned that I don’t do middles well? Party dress? Easy peasy. Leggings and a sweatshirt? Part of my daily life. But jeans and a tshirt? For some reason that’s hard for me. So. I try at it. Things that make it easier? Fall mornings. There’s something about it being cool for hours helps me put on jeans, a tank, mules- and my secret weapon, a little kimono jacket.
We know I love a multitasker- and this jacket does it all. I have worn it over leggings. And a night gown (which counts as a slip dress). Party dress? Not yet, but I could be talked into putting this over a black cocktail dress at the end of the night. But where I really love it? Fall mornings. It’s just light enough to not truly be a jacket (and it’s cool now, but not truly jacket weather, so it works out!), it’s neutral enough to go with anything (though I’m loving it with jeans and a tank because when I take it off the outfit works as is), and it has a slightly vintage feel (which we know I love!).
The thing about middles? Fall mornings are one of them. Right now it’s so lovely in the ams- cool, crisp, promising. But by 12pm it’s hot again. Dressing for this kind of weather is difficult (aka I tend to change a lot or avoid the outdoors). I’m trying to get better at middles, at adjusting. And yes, as simple as it sounds – outfits like this one help me.
Maybe it’s me? Maybe I’m so one way or the other (though I’ll tell you I love layers) that I need outfits that work for middles. Perhaps I need things I can reach for that I know will work when it’s crisp and when temps rise. Or maybe I’ve just been needing something like this for years?
Hard to say. What I do know is that this little jacket has worked as a bed jacket, a morning jacket, taken off, then again put on as an evening jacket. It works for my middles.
Jacket. Jeans. Tank. Slides (which we will talk about – I had to buy them because of the LA but they’re such a fall staple!). Easy. For fall mornings. Or not. Maybe you’re middles need a formula too, and I can’t recommend this one enough.
I’ve linked these exact jeans and jacket below. I would love to know- what do you wear for the middles? Or fall mornings?
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 are times when you need new and excitement and to try all the trends. Then, there are times when you just need a Classic. Something that’s familiar (but not boring). Something that fits just right, that feels new and fresh, even if it’s not.
It was one of those weeks for me. Nothing was wrong, nothing bad happened. But I just wasn’t in the mood for expanding any of my fashion horizons. When I got dressed I felt like I needed a bit of security (aka I wanted something I knew would work) but I wanted to look fantastic. I needed a Classic.
For me, that classic is dots. This vintage dress with its slight sailor collar, nipped waist, and feel good silk didn’t hurt either. (Ironically it isn’t new, but it is new to me!)
Right now I’m probably supposed to tell you that polka dots and fall go together, but I reach for polka dots all year round. Though I will say, this week the mornings were cool and the air stayed crisp all day. Being in a classic dress (that sailor collar!) that also had dots on it was a joy. It wasn’t a big thing, but classic dots was something that made me happy.
Sometimes, that’s all we need. A little Classic, a little spark of joy. What has done that for you this week?
While this dress is vintage (I got it from TakeMeBackBaby Vintage on etsy. You can find her shop here. And if you’re so inclined you can join me on IG (@racheladelicia) this Sunday (9/26) at 1pm CST where I will go live with ERICA of TakeMeBackBaby. We’ll chat vintage and all the things!) I did find you some similar modern looks and have linked these exact shoes 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!
The eve of my 13th birthday I could barely sleep, I was so convinced that I would wake up and things would be different- because I would be a TEENAGER. Sadly, I was fated to be disappointed, because as we all know, change doesn’t happen over night, we rarely wake up different people, and seasons take seasons for a reason.
We’ll not chat about what it says about me that knowing all this I somehow thought things might be different on my 16, 18, 21, 30th birthdays. What can I say? I’m stubborn.
And, maybe, my hope springs eternal. It’s that time again, the change of seasons. The first day of fall is Wednesday, and while it’s in the 90s today, I’m dreaming of (much) lower temps, all sorts of sweaters, jackets, and boots. Will it happen all on Wednesay morning? I wish. But. One can dress for it, just in case.
Also, since change of season takes its own time, I thought that I would help it along.
What can spur the change of season along? I thought about sweaters, but didn’t want to die of heat stroke. Boots are slowly making their way into my rotation, as well as a few light jackets. Somehow, that hasn’t been enough for me.
So, I did what anyone wold be doing. I trimmed (yes, I really did cut branches dressed like this). I also began to clean out my closet, bring my fall wardrobe to the front, and shop to fill in the gaps. (Yes, I don’t think that one can have too many sweaters)
Also, while I’m spuring change, I’m changing how I look at things. I’ve never been one to go for chocolate (brown). I thought that perhaps it wasn’t my color. Then- I fell in love with this dress. The flower, the straps, the way it fits. And it’s brown. Which is ironically, perfect for fall. Maybe changing things changes things? One can hope.
And if by putting on a new dress color makes the temps drop, I will go through the rainbow.
What are you changing for fall? This dress is vintage, but I’ve found you similar and linked them 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!
Beloveds, I am a heel gal. I love them, I wear them with everything, will always choose them. But I know that, for some, heels always = dresses. Or skirts. Or something a bit fancy. So, I decided the best way to make my case that heels go with everything (EVERYTHING), I’ve come up with 3 outfits (or outfit formulas) to wear with heels. No dresses or skirts to be seen!
I am wearing my perfect sandals from Sarah Flint. I love that they go with everything, have arch support, and a steel enforced heel. Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE to get $50 off your first pair!
What are your go-to outfits to wear with heels?
Xo RA
