outfits – Page 33 – Investment Piece

Kicking It

Investment Piece: Kicking It

Transitions can always be difficult, but the one from summer into fall? Brutal. It’s not that I don’t love summer- I do. I have never met a swimsuit I didn’t love (and wear with everything (see here for starters). Fall is one of my favorite seasons (maybe my most favorite). But the combination of them together?

I want to layer, to wear all the sweaters, stun you with how I can pull off a sundress and a turtleneck at the same time, and to rock all my fantastic boots. But it’s 102 in the afternoons. Getting into these jeans felt like a feat in and of itself. (Yes, all the shoots are done as early as possible because of all of that!)

With all of that said, I get that it may be a little odd that I’m in jeans and a (cropped) sweatshirt. Maybe I’m looking forward? Or maybe, I’m taking the best (cool mornings) and running with them. These jeans are some of the coolest jeans I think I’ve ever owned. Just rigid enough, you may have to work a bit to get them on, but they hold you in and make me feel as if my legs are super long. The bootcut isn’t as dramatic as it could be, but I like it that way- a bit subtle.

Investment Piece: Kicking It

And this sweatshirt! The crop, the short sleeve. THE INITIAL! I have always had a soft spot for tops with my initial (perhaps because Laverne and Shirely was one of my favorite shows when it was shown as repeats when I was a toddler?). It’s both chic and a tad nostalgic. I know it may not be for everyone, but if you’re in need of a sweatshirt, you can find this exact one here.

Investment Piece: Kicking It

I’m well aware that kicking it like this may mean that I’m changing half way through the day (sometimes, oftentimes, more than once during the day). And that perhaps I should ease into transitions with more layering. But there are times when I can’t resist dressing for what I wish were happening (be it party dresses or weather). Because if we don’t build it, how will it ever come?

I’ve linked these exact jeans and more sweatshirt options below. How are you kicking it during these transitions?
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: Kicking It

All the Drama

Investment Piece: All the Drama

I’ll be honest, I haven’t been to as many events this year, even with things opening up. A part of it is that I’m still not quite ready for big crowds (I’m hoping that I’m not the only one with a bit of anxiety about that!), and a part of it is that so many of the events that I am able and ready for all happen to fall on the same day.

It’s getting to be a little bit ironic actually, the more I have on my calendar the more likely it is that all the events will fall on that one day. If my day is completely clear- it tends to stay that way.
So, the few times that I am out and about I need outfits that can do it all- casual BBQs, more formal celebrations. It’s the one time in my life that I have needed all those “Day to Night” looks that were in all the magazines when I was growing up.

Investment Piece: all the drama
Investment Piece: all drama

One of my favorite things is when something is two things. Perhaps it’s because it makes me a bit better about being so complex myself, or maybe it’s because it just makes my life easier. Or even more honestly, it means that when I have days that are booked full, I don’t have to change my outfit quite as many times!

Take for instance, dresses like this one. At first glance, it’s a simple caftan; it’s comfy, it’s throw on and go, it’s perfect for errands or lounging. And yet, it brings all the drama. It’s one shoulder, there’s the draping, the leg slit, and it’s perfect for weddings or other events when you need to stand out a bit.

Able to bring all the drama while feeling like you’re in your pjs? That’s a two in one that I can appreciate (and wear everywhere).

Investment Piece: all the drama

This caftan was a custom made by one of my long time favorite small shops, AAvintedge. The first thing I ever bought from them was a caftan, and it’s always fun when I add to my collection. This drama-filled dress does do it all, obviously it goes amazing with heels, but I’ve also thrown on flip flops with it and also worn it to the grocery store with sneakers.

Maybe it’s not all the drama I love, but the versatility!

I would love to know- what do you wear when you have to do it all in a day?
You can follow @aavintedge on IG and get yourself a caftan, or I’ve linked similar styles for you 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 heels above are my perfect sandals from Sarah Flint! I love how they support me- with arch support and a steel stiletto no matter how full my day is. You can shop this link for $50 off your first perfect sandal, or any Sarah Flint you love!

Investment Piece: All the Drama

Short Formula

Investment Piece: Short Formula

Why do I have a thing for short suits? I’m not 100% sure. Perhaps it’s that they are perfect for the season- I know, summer is technically “coming to an end” but it will most likely be SUPER hot through October. Maybe it’s because they’re easy (shorts/blazer/shoes- the easier outfit formula ever). Or there’s a chance that why I love a good short suit is that they’re a bit unexpected, a lot chic, and while they have a certain allure are easy to recreate over and over with all the things you may already own.

I’ve written about short suits here and here.

The short formula is so simple (And yet, really powerful). You simply need shorts- I prefer Bermuda, but really any a bit one the formal side, a blazer- I love a fitted one, or a vintage one, or any one!, and shoes- may I suggest loafers (or heels!). I almost guarantee that you have all of these things in your closet now (and of course I have shopping recs!). The trick is putting them together. For this suit I went with a monochrome look, though feel free to mix and match. Denim, color, pattern- there’s nothing super serious about a short suit so there is no need to take the short formula super seriously.

Side note: the above velevet loafers are my go-to for the Halloween season (I can’t resist how subtle they are). Lucky for me, they go great with oh-so-many outfits. Loafers, even the specialty ones, are always a great investment.

So. What short formula are you working with? Confession? I can’t wait to recreate this look in leather! What about you? Would you wear as a short suit?

I’ve linked options for this exact look below!

Also- I know that the southern part of the US is being battered by Hurricane Ida. And there are so many Afghan refugees starting their new lives this week. It’s overwhelming, and that’s not even mentioning the enduring pandemic. Things are a lot right now. All week I’ll be listing resources to help (only if you can! It’s a lot to just exist right now!) all the above on my socials. Our survival depends on each other, be kind 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!

Daring

Investment Piece: Daring

Every time I wear all white I feel as if I’m daring. Will I spill on it? Will it bring things on? Will it immediately get dirty?

Often the answer is yes. But. Sometimes, the answer is no. It’s the time of year when it just feels right to wear all the white pants and dresses that you can (no matter how you feel about the wearing white after Labor Day issue! Though if you feel the pressure to get in wearing white pants now I completely get you!). It also feels a bit daring, which I love. Who knows what will happen in all an all white outfit?

Investment Piece: Daring

Sometimes what feels daring about wearing an all white outfit is that it can feel a bit bridal (which is not the look I’m going for, but I have been known to wear a wedding dress not for a wedding, see here). Sometimes it just feels daring to have attitude. And sometimes daring just feels like wearing what we want.

This has been a year. And the last year too. Wanna know a secret? I didn’t wear this outfit for any occasion or event. It was just what I put on a Monday. Shot it in my backyard. Like a lot of us, I’ve been staying in and what used to be my usual routine of out and about has been few and far between (still). So it felt daring to get DRESSED. Like for real dressed, not just for the couch dressed. To wear what I wanted. To wear what could make a mess. To wear what to me reads summer. Even as we head into fall.

Investment Piece: Daring

There will always be talk of daring fashion. But. Sometimes, the most daring fashion you can wear is what you really want to wear- from sweat pants to ball gowns to an all white outfit for no reason. How are you daring in your fashion? How would you like to be more daring?

For me? I’m thinking of wearing what comes to mind more often, a few more party dresses, and for the end of summer, a bit more all white outfits. I would love to hear about your daring outfits!
These pants are vintage but I found similar for you! These shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints and you can use code SARAHFLINT_BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your first pair. I’ve linked similar items for you 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!

Investment Piece: Daring

In Blue

Investment Piece: In Blue

There’s something about the color blue. I’ve always loved it, as it matches my eyes, but there’s something else about the shade. In art, blue was the most expensive shade, and could mean anything from holiness to royalty to mystery. And maybe that’s a part of the draw. There are a lot of us who love the shade, but that’s not the only reason why I love this dress.

This is in blue. And it comes in two parts:
In Blue. Part One:
I’ve always loved a great party dress. And the greatest things about that? Any dress is a party dress.

It’s true. Just depends on what kind of party. (This where someone could tell you that the most important people to have in your life are the kind that make going to the grocery store a party. You could also be that kind of person! :))

My favorite kind of dress to wear in the summertime? Sundresses. Especially halter maxi ones, like this one. They can be dressed up or down (just change your shoes accordingly), and show just enough skin to feel like the season. From the beach to a soriee, a dress like this one can get you through the summer (and it travels like a dream). I’m partial to the blue, and those details, but really, any great halter dress will do!

Investment Piece: In Blue

In Blue. Part Two

I have a thing for vintage. This dress is Radley London, vintage from the 1960s/70s. I also have a thing for Ossie Clark. See here, here, and here. Radley London? It has a connect to Ossie.

Radley was a British clothing manufacturing company of the 1960s through the 1980s and owned by Alfred Radley. The company is best known for its association with the Quorum Boutique, of which it acquired controlling interest in 1969.

The designers at Quorum, Ossie Clark, and Alice Pollock, also did garments under the Radley label and many Radley garments borrowed design elements from the popular Quorum designers. The garment would be sketched by Clark, then Radley’s in-house designer would use the ideas to produce a variety of designs for Radley.

Rose Bradford was the designer employed by the Radley firm in the late 1960s to adapt the original designs of Ossie Clark into affordable licensed pieces under the Radley label (once they had come to the financial rescue of Alice Pollock and Ossie’s boutique, Quorum). Bradford seems to have been an extremely talented designer in her own right, designing under her own name for both the Radley and Quorum labels in the 1970s, but was always overshadowed by the many other designers Radley employed over the years. She is also rumoured to have wholly designed some pieces which were sold as Ossie Clark garments, as an experiment to see if this could work without Clark’s involvement.

Do I know who actually designed this dress?
Nope.
And that doesn’t change how much I love it.
But a dress this great, with a connection like that, and with details that will make my entire summer a party? I’m sold.

I’ve linked similar dresses below for your shopping pleasure! And want to hear all about your parties!!
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 places to shop Radley London is eBay. I found
this one for you, and there are a ton more!!

Color Blocking in the Wild

#InvestmentPiece #coloroblocking #inthewild
#InvestmentPiece #colorblocking #inthewild

Do colors make you scared?

Don’t laugh! It’s a serious question. And I have serious answers. (Also a confession: I sometimes get scared of color, too. There’s a reason all black is a go-to outfit. ) I’m sure that I could bring up science, or a color wheel, to talk about what colors go together and why we shouldn’t be scared about mixing them. I could do that. But, I’m not going to-for both of our sakes. Color blocking can be scary, you can have the perfect outfit but you can worry about the colors going together. It is a serious question. And these are my serious answers:

When it comes to color blocking, or any sort of mixing colors, I think that there is only one thing you can do. Try it out . Put on your colors, or lay them next to each other on your bed. Do you like them together? Do they compliment each other? Awesome! You’re ready for step 2! If they don’t, you’re not behind, just try new colors! Once you have colors that you like together, step 2 is super simple. Take your color blocking in the wild . I don’t mean you have to run wild in nature (though I completely support it if you do), but take the outfit for a spin. Go to your event, through your day, to the grocery store. Do you feel comfortable? Do you get compliments? Yay! (I think this is the part where I say we’re ready for step 3; there is no step 3, unless you count putting that outfit into your rotation.) If you don’t, you just go back to your closet and try again! See! Serious answers and a serious plan for getting over our fears about colors!

Right about now you may be thinking that I made this sound a little too simple. I get that, it’s fair criticism. My defense? I think it is that simple. If it’s color, color blocking, or something a bit bigger, I think that we can sometimes over think a problem, when it is really easy. (I’m not the only one guilty of that, right?) Fashion is supposed to be fun. Color blocking is a little like coloring. Let’s keep it simple and let’s not be scared. If I can do it, you can do it. Deal? Deal.

Notes on the Outfit:
These boots are one of my fave things (and name something that doesn’t go with red). They’re dramatic and look great with everything from jeans to shorts to dresses and skirts. I think the key is to balance them with something a bit simple, unless you’re looking for drama!
This maxi shirt dress is a closet staple. It’s perfect for work, and yet can easily be made party ready. It goes great with almost any shoe’ you get to play with accessories depending on your event! (AKA I’m a fan of basics in not-so-basic colors!)

I’ve linked some similar styles below (yes, they are affiliate links, I get a small commission but that doesn’t affect price for you!)

And I would love to know: how do you deal with color blocking fear?

XO RA

#InvestmentPiece #colorblocking #inthewild

Is TennisCore a Thing We’re Doing?

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a thing we're doing?

I joke all the time that I only have 2 modes: completely over dressed (aka party dresses) or I’m in workout clothes (see more about my discomfort in the middle here Though I promise I do love jeans!). And the thing about jokes is that sometimes they’re true. Those are try my two natural modes. And yes, I can’t help but be completely drawn to the “new” trend: TennisCore.

Note: I don’t play tennis. At all. Although it’s one of those things that I would love to learn, would even love to get into (I watch the occasional match but it’s not something I follow reguarly). Once upon a time I signed up for lessons but couldn’t make them due to work. However, I’ve always loved the tennis skirts and dresses.

So. Now that TennisCore is a thing- aka more and more offerings of tennis skirts and dresses- I’m so into it. Yes, they are all perfect for a match, or a workout, but they double as “going out” outfits (whatever that means to you).

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're Doing?

This “new” trend of TennisCore has slowly been creeping up. A few summers ago, I got my first “exercise dress” and I couldn’t help but live in it (see here). And now? As there are more and more exercise dresses and tennis skirts that are oh-so-stunning on the market I find myself not being able to resist. Yes, I wear them to Pilates, sometimes to spin, and for hikes. But I also pair them with button-downs, going out shirts, and other cute tops. I vary between sneakers and heels with them. The fact that they can go from “Courts” to dinners is the day-to-night fashion I thought being an adult was all about as a kid!

And the kicker? All of the TennisCore dresses and skirts have shorts built in! So it doesn’t matter how short they are!

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're doing?

Is TennisCore a fast fading trend that will go away? Or is tennis core a long lasting fashion option now that our lives are more one the go/at home? I don’t know. What I do know is that I’ve always loved the idea of a cute tennis skirt- and now that I have more than one fashionable option to wear with EVERYTHING I’m in- for a long time.

I would love to know: do you wear TennisCore (aka exercise dresses)? How? And to where?

While there are so many, many options, below I’ve linked this exact outfit and some other TennisCore options I love! (Note: these heels are Sarah Flint- you can read about why I love them here and use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE to get $50 off a pair of your own at Sarah Flint).

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: IS TennisCore a Thing We're Doing?

Lady of the Lake

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake

Do you know the myths surrounding the Lady of the Lake? Every culture has them, but she’s especially featured in the King Arthur/Merlin legends. She appears as a fairy-like enchantress in various myths,she is said to have various powers, and rule over a magical diminision that can only be accessed through a lake. Some say that she was named Vivian, and endowed the sword of the stone with its power. Some say that she killed Merlin, others that she was his one true love. Some say that she raised Lancelot from the dead, some say that she transported the dying King Arthur to Avalon. In all of these myths, the Lady of the Lake deals with magic, beauty, power, love, and longing.

You can read a brief overview here and of course there are tons and tons of books out there about the Lady of the Lake.

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
I’ve been thinking a lot about the themes in the Lady of the Lake recently. About beauty and power, my own and others; how to use it and what it means. Magic, if it exists (I think so and I think a lot of magic is tied to kindness), and how and when it shows up for us. Love and longing and other worlds. And even though it’s late summer and we’re headed into the fall, I’ve been thinking about renewal. After the year that was 2020 (and to be fair 2021), it’s not that I’m looking to turn everything upside down, but I am looking to be more intentional, more sure in my actions, more secure in my own beauty and power. Maybe that’s why I’ve been thinking about the Lady of the Lake recently. You could argue her story is not so much a “how to” (there’s a lot and a lot of layers to her story). BUT

What would it look like to use our beauty and power and magic and love and kindness to make a different world? I know it’s the stuff of myths and Lady of the Lake, but do you think we could?

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake

This photo shoot happened almost on a lark. I’ve had this set- it’s a 1930s nightgown set but why would you hide it?- for a while, but knew that it needed a special setting. The lake is by a family member’s house and when I saw it, I knew I had to shoot here. By chance I had the set, and the rest is history. It was a humid morning, almost misty and it felt very Lady of the Lake to me.

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Another advantageous happenstance? This Art Deco necklace that matched perfect was available to be loaned to me. This turban is from Masha Osoianu Design. You’ll be hearing about Masaha a lot here- I just love her creations and I can’t wait to share all about her and them with you!

In the meantime, I’ve linked some similar vintage sets for you below. Where would you wear them? And what are you using your magic for?

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: Lake of the Lake

Star Point

If I had to choose, I would tell you that my favorite pattern is polka dots. However, my second favorite, and one I can never resist is stars. Maybe it’s because of my acting training (and movie star childhood dreams), maybe it’s the fact that my birth announcement was star themed, or maybe it’s because stars are just a bit magical.

The point is I can’t resist them. So. I wear them.

Sometimes my stars are very fancy (see here and here), sometimes they’re casual (see here and here) but my stars are always a go to. (I think I’m making the argument that stars are a neutral!)

This time, I found my stars on a jumpsuit, perfect for summer to fall transitions (I know, I can’t believe how fast summer is flying by!), errands, evenings out, and all the things that we do.

Here’s what I love about this star jumpsuit:
-The stars are big but not overwhelming. They’re not exactly subtle but I love how these stars are spaced out!
-This green color! I have something for it- anytime I need to reach for a more casual pant, this is the hue that I end up loving. Slightly fatigue-ish? The allusion to a flight suit? I’m not sure what it is, but like the stars, I can’t resist it
-The waist tabs. Yes, jumpsuits such as this one can be a bit more casual and the oversized look can be hard at times to pull off, so I love the option to make the waist a bit more fitted.
-The black stars go perfectly with my favorite black sandals, but would also go with heels, wedges. I’m a personal believer that there is no wrong shoe.
– One of my favorite patterns is just easy here. It’s simple but I feel special when I wear it. What else can you ask from an outfit?

While this jumpsuit is sold out, I went ahead and linked it (so you can sign up to be notified if it restocks in your size!) and I’ve also linked similar items!

What’s your star point?
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!

Not a Party Dress

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

I don’t know if you’ve caught on- but I have a thing for party dresses. It’s not even that I go to parties (or events) day in and day out, it’s that I love a good party dress. So much so that my (vast) closet is predominantly party dresses. Which isn’t bad- I’m never unprepared and I have things that truly make me happy. (I’m also never afraid to overdress so I usually don’t notice that not every one is in a party dress)

However, you can’t live in party dresses alone (though I tend to push the limits there). Particularly during this past year, I noticed that there are parts of my closet that need some attention. While I usually will joke that I’m either in a party dress or workout clothes, it turns out that I do need more balance; things like day dresses, casual, work, even lounge deserve to have the attention that my party dresses do. So. I’ve been working on this part of my closet.

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

One of my current faves that’s not a party dress? This shirt dress. Fresh. On trend. Yet classic (stripes!). It’s linen so it’s just light enough not to overheat you in the dog days of summer, and while it can look crisp, when it wrinkles it still manages to look sharp.

I’ve been wearing it non-stop for errands, lunch meetings, working at home, etc. It goes great with barefeet, sandals, even heels (I am who I am), over bathing suits, and more. Not a party dress, but maybe one of the greatest assets that I’ve purchased recently?

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

Emboldened by this day dress I’m looking at more and more things that are not party dresses but fantastic additions to my closet. What do you wear day to day? What parts of your closet need attention?

I would love to hear all about them! Below this exact dress and the exact shoes are linked 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!

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress