outfits – Page 36 – Investment Piece

Spring Must

Investment Piece: Spring Must

There was a time when I made “bucket lists” for all the seasons. Things I wanted to do, my must haves, events to attend. Obviously, I haven’t had musts for any seasons lately. Without knowing what was open, what was safe, and what was comfortable for me and my loved ones- it was easier to celebrate seasons in the backyard. (Which is still a great place for a cocktail!)

This spring, as the world is opening up a bit- people are more comfortable (confession? I’m battling a bit of anxiety as the world changes again but that’s a subject for another post!) and I’m ready to have spring musts.

First up? Cut out dresses. I wrote about them before here. However, as much as I love that dress, it felt more winter like and not at all suitable for spring (or summer!) weather! So, I felt like I needed a spring version. A spring must. I love that this version is open back, and the cut at the waist is a bit more subtle. It’s offset by the full, maxi skirt– and it has pockets! From cocktails not in the back yard to errands and outtings that aren’t just to the grocery store, this spring must will be able to go from casual to formal. Flats (like these sandals!) to heels!

Another spring must on my list? Taking this dress out. To be worn all those ways. Anxiety aside, it’s a must to get out there, to show off my spring must dress to people, places, and things that I’ve been away from for so long that they feel new.

What are some of your spring musts? The things that you want to do, and more importantly, the things you want to wear?

I’ve linked this dress and these shoes, as well some other options 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!

Now and Then: Strapless Dress

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Everything comes back. Or is it that nothing ever leaves?
I’m endlessly fascinated by what comes back around, or what is en vogue- now and then. Take these strapless dresses. One is a vintage Laura Ashley from the 1980s:

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

And one is from last year (a Mara Hoffman, one of my favorite brands):
Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Even though these dresses were made about 40 years apart it is stunning how alike they are. Both strapless. Fitted through the hip and thigh, with a more full skirt. Yes, different colors and different fabrics. But almost basically the same dress.

(For styling purposes, I paired each with the same belt)

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Trends do come and go- but what about when they come back? Do you buy vintage or new? There is always excitement with the new. Maybe there’s a twist, different fabric, more exciting patterns, and new is always attractive. But. Vintage- sometimes there’s just a draw, times that you can’t beat the vintage seams, and often you can get deals on vintage dresses.

Personally, I like both. Often I can find on-trend items vintage that are a bit orginal. And often, the on-trend new items are a bit more modern. Both vintage and new have colors and patterns I love. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding between new and modern. Now and then.

Yes. Many times I get both modern and vintage. When I love something I really love it – in all its forms. And especially with dresses like these- how could you choose?

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

I highly recommend strapless dresses for spring/summer. They can move effortlessly from casual errands and lunches to cocktails. They’re the perfect amount of covered, and perfect for the hot weather. Now or then. Modern or vintage. How do you strapless dress?

I’ve linked some modern versions (and similar Mara Hoffman dresses) and some vintage Laura Ashley’s 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!

Finding Myself

Investment Piece: Finding Myself

It’s my birthday. And in the past I’ve been a BIG birthday person. Lately, not so much. It’s not that I don’t want to treat myself. Or have goals and plans for the next year. All of those things are very much true. I’ll be spending the day doing some of my favorite things.

But. This year, more than champagne and presents, I’m focusing on finding myself. The pandemic. Some changes. While I haven’t left myself, there were a lot of times this past year when I didn’t feel like myself. Maybe it’s that I’m starting a new chapter, but I’m my home and I want to feel like me. Finding myself, admist all the changes and chapters, is my gift to myself this year.

How does one find yourself?

Investment Piece: Finding Myself

I’m starting by wearing outfits that make me feel good. Like me. This pink set made me happy. The color. The cut. When I put it on, I felt like me. I went to the park and shooting felt good. For months, outfits have sometimes been hard for me (which is very NOT me). And shoots have been hit or miss. To feel great in an outfit and great shooting- it was a moment of finding myself. Which makes the outfit a new favorite, and completely worth it.

One outfit (even in linen and in this pop of color) isn’t going to be the end of finding myself. Or creating myself again. This process will happen over and over- one outfit at a time. But. I’m excited about this start. And this set.

Here’s to finding myself- and ourselves! And another trip around the sun!
Xo RA

This set is from Zara, but I’ve linked these exact shoes and similar items below for you!

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: finding myself

Heroes and Capes

Investment Piece: Heroes and Capes

Sometimes we have to be our own heroes. It’s not always fun, but there’s a chance you can wear a cape- so it can be worth it!

The past few weeks have been a bit wild. And I’ve had to adult- a lot. I know, it’s so cliche and sometimes gross when we complain about being adults- but it’s sometimes hard. Dealing with big, complicated emotions, keeping a house and businesses running, dealing with the mundane (laundry, etc) can at times be very overwhelming. I have no advice on that- there are days when keeping my head above water feels like a full time job. I can meltdown with the best of them, but then there are times when I amaze myself at how I can pull things off- and keep it together.

I bet there are times when you’re amazing too!

And when we’re amazing, when we’re our own heroes and save the day- I think we deserve capes. Personally, I have a thing for capes (here, here, here, here, and here to start). So when I saw this little caplet (collar) I couldn’t resist it. For dressing up tank tops and sundresses, or pairing with jeans, this number is one that I can’t wait to wear all summer.

Beyond the fashion, it reminds me that I can be my own hero. And that’s something that can never go out of style!

I hope that you have things that remind you of how amazing you are, and if you’re into capes, I’ve linked this exact one (and matching top!) 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!

These shoes are from my love Sarah Flint, you can get $50 off any Sarah Flint shoe you love by shopping this link!

Investment Piece: Heroes and Capes

Shorts with Heels

Investment Piece: Shorts with Heels
Investment Piece: Heels with Shorts

I put together this outfit thinking of this one question: Are Shorts with heels a thing we’re doing?

The thing is? Shorts with heels is a thing I do.
Repeatedly.
Without thinking about it.

Ok, I wear heels with everything (even one time with sweatpants, but that’s a different post), but shorts with heels? A thing I do.

Want the proof? See here, here, here, and here.

So, maybe the question isn’t are shorts with heels a thing we’re doing, but rather are shorts with heels a thing we SHOULD be doing?

Any guess to what my personal answer is?

Investment Piece: shorts with heels

And before we dive deep into this issue, I have to let you know:
Investment Piece: Shorts with Heels
This is not an affiliate link. This is one of my most favorite blouses- I love the print (yes, those are tanks and airplanes) with the silk. It’s from a company you might love Emerson Fry, where I’ve gotten some great pieces (including shoes!!). Check them out!

Investment Piece: Shorts with Heels
But, back to our question about shorts with heels. Clearly, I think they are a thing we’re doing. Do I recommend pairing heels with your favorite cutoffs? Maybe. I would need to see the outfit.

But in general? Yes. Again, I wear heels with most everything, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt, but I see nothing wrong with shorts with heels.

But, again, I believe in “dressy shorts”. Is that a term we’re using? Just like you can make almost anything casual, I am a firm believer you can dress almost anything up. What I think works best? Shorts that may be a little bit longer (long live the Bermuda short), and shorts that are of a crepe or silk blend. Pair with your favorite top. Or a blazer. A pair of heels. You’re good to go for any night on the town.

Though to be fair, I wore this to the grocery store. So, while I may believe in shorts with heels, I don’t believe in limiting your places to go.

There are people who have FEELINGS about not only shorts with heels but dressy shorts. Are you one of them? What’s your hang up with them?

A part of me gets it. I recently re-watched Pretty Woman, and the scene where she’s we wearing a short suit touched me–mainly as I still feel like it’s chic. Totally 80s. But chic. Do you feel the same way?

I’d love to know your thoughts, feelings, and outfits regarding shorts with heels.

In the meantime, I’ve linked similar items to this outfit below. Happy shopping!

Also-I forgive you if you just wear your shorts with sandals.

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!

Shop this look here

Investment Piece: Shorts with Heels

The #Blazer

Investment Piece: The #Blazer

Not a trend, because it’s a classic, but a must have for spring is the blazer. From suits to pairing it with everything from jeans to skirts to shorts to over dresses, blazers are an item that can pull you together and make an outfit.

Investment Piece: The Blazer

Formal outfits? Get cold at the drop of a hat (I do!)? A blazer is the perfect solution. (My tip: buy a white one or a tux inspired one and it makes the outfit even more special.)

Investment Piece: The #Blazer
Investment Piece: Inspired by Fosse/Verdon
Make your own suit by pairing a blazer with pants or skirts or over a dress.

Investment Piece: Crazy for Blazers
Investment Piece: The #Blazer
And Blazers look just as great with a more casual outfit.

All cuts, colors, fabrics, and fits: there’s a blazer that’s will perfectly meet your needs. I’m partial to an Amberleaf blazer, but I’ve also linked some Blazers that I love below. And some are up to 25% off at the ShopBop Spring Event!

I would love to know: how do you rock your Blazers?
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: The Blazer

Fit to be Tied

investment Piece: Fit to be Tied

There’s more than one way to think about an investment piece. Yes, it can be a piece that you save for, a big ticket item, a classic. OR, it can be something that you wear, all the time and in more than one way. This scarf? It’s an investment piece, it’s fit to be tied as a top, as a turban, I’ve used it as a purse handle; and believe it or not, this investment piece was an impulse purchase.

Investment Piece: Fit to be Tied
This Similar Johnny Was scarf was one of those pieces that caught my eye, but I didn’t think anything of it. I was telling myself that I didn’t wear scarves. Then, I had a friend in town and we made a trip to the Johnny Was store, I couldn’t resist it.
You can see me tie this scarf as a turban here.
So, with the heat and the tassels I had to know if this investment piece could be a top. Turns out it’s fit to be tied.

Investment Piece: Fit to be Tied

Real talk? This isn’t the first time I’ve worn a scarf (this scarf) as a top. However, it’s always been over bikinis (anything can be a cover up). Yet, I’ve always been thinking about it as a top. The pattern, the tassels, I knew that they could casually make a statement. (Is that a thing? Let’s make it a thing) Most importantly, I was hoping it would be cool.

Turns out? Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s the scarf, or maybe I’m just fit to be tied all the time– I love it!!

I love the way the scarf elevates my chinos. It feels pulled together and whimsical all at the same time. The scarf was perfect for the temps (I’m not sure I can handle weeks of 100+ heat)-though I do recommend having someone to make sure your bra strap stays covered. Of course, you could always go without a bra (that would leave my mom fit to be a lot of things). Either way, I like to think numbers like this are perfect for the beginning or and the end of summer, and if that doesn’t leave you fit to be tied, I don’t know what will!

I’ve linked all sorts of similar items. I’d love to know–what’s an unexpected investment piece in your closet? How are you beating the heat?
XO

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!

Ponte-d

Invesment Piece: Ponte-d

Full disclosure? I took these pictures after getting my second vaccine shot. Those 15 mins we’re supposed to hang out to make sure that we don’t have any bad reactions? I put mine to use-I was also too excited to sit still, so it made sense! When I got my vaccine I was so grateful and happy and I hope that comes through (also, the side of this health clinic is a great backdrop!) This dress is Staud (they’re quickly becoming one of my favorite brands) and I had my eye on it for quite a while before I bought it. I planned to wear it somewhere special- and while the pandemic changed my plans-it turns out I did. I love hearing vaccine stories so please tell me yours!

Investment Piece: Ponte-d

Audrey Hepburn but a little more daring. 60s but more beachy. Those are the feelings I get when I put this number on. Both incredibly sophisticated and a little bit risqué. Maybe it was the excitement of getting the Vaxx, or just the way this dress made me feel, but I felt like I was making a statement. And yet- was comfy enough to go home and lay on the couch.

Do you think that special clothes make events stand out or do you think events make clothes seem special? It’s most likely a combination of the two. Either way, this dress felt special and the day felt like an event. And, on a Tuesday afternoon, feeling like I was ready for some Mad-Men-like soriee? I’ll take it.

You may be wondering if I’ll feel that way the next time I wear the dress. I trust I will. Every time I’ve tried it on it’s felt special. I don’t think that wears off. And if nothing else, the ponte fabric holds everything in and the leg slits make moving easy-peasy, and you can’t not feel special that way.

Investment Piece: Ponte-d

You can find the dress here or shop similar items and these shoes here. Yes- 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!

What did you wear to get Vaxxed? Or are you planning to wear something special? I highly recommend it!

Xo RA

Cut It Out

Investment Piece: Cut It Out

Lately I’ve been hopeful. Maybe it’s spring and all the budding (especially after the winter). Maybe it’s the change that’s in the air (especially after last year). Being hopeful is thrilling and intoxicating- it feels like so much can happen. Like anything.

But being hopeful is also scary. A part of me wants to tell me to cut it out.

It’s not that I’m superstitious (just a little stitous). But when you’re hopeful, while there is so much that can happen, there are also so many ways in which you can be let down. And being let down can hurt. Especially after a year that was incredibly painful and full of loss.
I want to be hopeful, but it sometimes feels safer to not be. And then, I want to tell me to cut that out too.
Because what is the point of all this- the flowers, the beginnings, the great dresses if we don’t believe in the possibilities they contain?
Maybe the balance is cutting it out just enough- being hopeful and being grounded. Hard to manage? I’m willing to try.

Investment Piece: cut It Out

Cut outs have been in and out of style since the 1960s. And like me- sometimes they are hopeful. Sometimes they are disappointing. And this year, like the buds on the trees, they are everywhere. My tips? Don’t go too tight (yoy don’t want to be squeezing out of the cutout). You can choose how daring the cutouts and what to show- some styles are nothing but cut outs, others, like this one, are cut out on the modest side. Fancy. Casual. Wear the cut out to a beach or to a wedding.

And we aren’t even touching on worrying about looking certain ways in cut-outs. That’s a whole other blog.

You can be as hopeful or as shy as you want in your cut out. Maybe that’s why in this time- when things are beginning to feel hopeful and yet is a bit scary- I’m wearing something that’s both hopeful and scary. And daring and modest.

I’m cutting it out- the bad attitudes and fear. I’m sticking to hope. And wearing cut outs.
Wanna cut it out with me?

Investment Piece: Cut it Out

This exact dress has sold out but I’ve linked similar and I’ve linked these exact shoes (chic and under $30!)
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: Cut It Out

Spring Leather

Investment Piece: Spring Leather

Do you ever feel as if certain things belong to certain seasons? Costs in winter and swimsuits in summer- that sort of thing? And yes, there are things from each season that really only belong in certain seasons (or weather). You wouldn’t wear a bikini in snowstorm or a coat when it’s over 100 outside.

But. There are fashion things that fall in the grey areas-or more than one season. Yet, one of those appearing in a season you’re not expecting? Shocking. Wild. Edgy. But maybe, just a thing we should do.

Take for example- spring leather.

Investment Piece: Spring Leather

Spring leather (at least for me) has a brief window. Wait too long to wear it and it’s simply too hot outside (and there is nothing worse than sweating in leather). But in the few weeks when spring is really spring- warm but not too hot, and there’s just enough of a cool breeze now and again? Spring leather is my go to.

It’s just surprising enough to make a statement. It’s enough to make you feel like a bit edgy and rebellious. And when it’s refined (like this number. And it’s on sale! I’ve linked it for you below!), it’s the best of all worlds- even when the party is only in your backyard. I love the smocked waist and the puff sleeves. It would go great with flats. Or heels. And from fall to spring, you can be cool (without getting too hot).

I love being a little bit unexpected. Finding new seasons to wear my clothes in. And dresses like this one.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’re wearing this season? How are you wearing it? I would love to hear all about 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!

Investment Piece: Spring Leather