Category: outfits

This Is Me Trying

a woman in grey sweatpants, a denim safari jacket and grey sweatpants and black heels
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants
a woman in grey sweatpants

There is a saying “you put gave up and put on a pair of sweat pants”. I know it was meant as a dig. And
I know that there are times that we give up. I also think that there are times when sweats can be oh so chic (just one example is here). But what if putting on sweats was an act of trying? AS you know my life- from house (with all the mold and repairs and etc) has been less than great. And there is so much I want to wear and write and talk about. Yet. There are days when it’s almost too much to just get dressed.

I used to take the phrase” you gave up and put on sweatpants” as a funny thing. Or something to at least somewhat pity someone over. And that’s even with knowing and wearing outfits where I think that sweats are so chic. With heels even! Then this season of my life hit. And I can tell you- even when I’m wearing sweats this is me trying.

I am trying to get it together – and get dressed for you and me. This is me trying- to not just rot. This is me trying- to dress up even when my days are only so casual and have no need of trying.

In not joke way, I will tell you that I know (for me) that getting dressed helps me. Trying helps me. And there are days when sweats are it- and yet. I want to try. I am proud of the sweat pants outfits I have. And wear. And long to wear so much more- I want to promise that I will get dressed each day this week but I can’t. So. What if I just promise that I will try?

Isn’t that all we can do? And what if trying- from sweats to “real outfits” to anything and everything in between is what our lives and our real fashion is made of? What are those stories like? I would like to try those!

These exact options for trying this way are linked below. As I try to try I will keep you updated!
XO RA

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

here

a woman in grey sweatpants and a denim safari jacket with black heels

StateMent Skirt

a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes

I know. A skirt can be oh so many things. But in this case? I love it as a statement!

Also this statement is absolutely a bit like Carolina Herrera- aka add a white button down to anything and love that it can be both a foil and a statement to a piece that’s a statement in itself. AKA I love that this skirt- an absolute statement- is eased and complimented with this button down. Ok. And may be the unbuttoned down of it. And these shoes? As always and forever my first instinct is to wear heels with everything and anything. And yet. I LOVE the play against what may be a party piece- and we know I love a party anything- but that flats make a bit everyday.

And who doesn’t want every day to be a party? Or dress like every day is an occasion? Or proof that an investment (this one is actually my Grandma’s!) like a button down is a must from jeans to party?

a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes
a woman in a white button down and a blueish/purple dot with red and red cage shoes

The thing about a skirt? It can be just a piece. Like. Something you wear with great: shoes (from heels to boots), tights to bare, any sort of shirt you love- including a button down. (Or a jacket or a crop or anything else – all which might be a great fit here!) AKA, perhaps a skirt which is often seen as a piece of clothing is something that can be SOMETHING.

Here? A statement. Such a statement. The colors? The folds and form? The actual structure? All Statements. And when you let a piece be a statement- A la this skirt being the focal point of the outfit (even with the red shoes that are not only a pop of color) but a bit of a statement themselves- that then alone would be a statement but in the mix are a compliment.

I guess the lesson this is that we should lean into any combination that allows a pattern or a piece or a color to pop (and we pair those with a button down that is also both a statement and a basic), and if this means a skirt. Then we statement skirt. Here I do love the colors (fun fact! In my family of 4 we can’t decide what color these dots- yes my fave pattern are- a shade of purple? Royal Blue? A bit of both? Let me know what you see!)

Linked below is this amazing skirt- both structured and formed with an amazing color- from the JCrew x Christopher John Rogers collar, these shoes, and some options for a top(I think everyone should have more than one GREAT button down and if you need help shopping for one please let me know!)

Why be shy? Let’s all make a statement this week- and going forward! 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 the support!

these exact pieces can be shopped

a woman in a bold polka dot skirt and white button down and red flats

Uninspired

a woman in a black knit sleeveless dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

The thought pieces, blog posts, social media posts, etc that tell you to get a capsule wardrobe or to invest in investment pieces (yes, I see what I did there!)- they are merely trying to prepare you. I am all for statement pieces. Fun. Impulse. Yet- I know that time after time, investing classic (that can be fun!) pieces- a capsule if you like, investments if you’d rather- let you get dressed even when you’re uninspired. It doesn’t matter why- we all have times from personal to societal grieve that getting dressed seems hard. And days when we are too tired or stressed or uninspired to pick out “big and bold” outfits. And times when in general we just don’t have the energy. So what to do when you’re uninspired?

Rely on your closet. Your basics- elevated or not. Your investment pieces- from classic to designer. This means that even when you don’t want to, even when it feels overwhelming- you can get dressed. And look chic. Or at least put together. I get it- I have been there this week. So when I had to get out and actually be dressed- a great black knit and a pop (aka snakeskin boots) were an easy reach- but oh so chic! And most importantly, when I was uninspired low effort.

a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots
a woman in black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

How do you build a closet or wardrobe that lets you get away with being uninspired? IMO a ton of classics- from dresses to trousers, blazers, blouses, and a bit of black. But. A but of fun-from graphic tees to pops of color in accessories and a bit of leopard. Simply great pieces that lend themselves to being paired together. Vintage. New. All a bit of the tailored, a bit of your personality, a lot of what you can throw on and feel dressed in. There is so much to say about this- but as always I think that any piece you can buy that you can wear in oh-so-many-ways and in oh-so-many-circomstances- and oh-so-classic with just a touch oof personality. Those are the clothes to get- so those days or months or years when you are just uninspired- you can still get dressed.

The best part of building a closet like this is that you can just get dressed. No overthinking. No worrying. Just get dressed. Uninspired? What if that lead you to still being oh so chic and on trend and classic? What if that’s what we strife to be? Uninspired but still able. Still chic. Still going on.

Linking all sorts of options for you belong- uninspired or not! 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 my options here

a woman in a black sleeveless knit dress with snakeskin boots

Magic in a Dress

a woman in a teal and gold lame midi dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake

As much as I believe in fashion, and our stories, and how the the two are connected- there are times when all of the things (our stories and our fashion) are just magic. Like this vintage Hanea Mori (more on her below!) that I got from Pickled Vintage (check my IG stories today for my current picks from her!) that I recently wore to my cousin’s wedding (more on that next week on Fashion Stories!). Maybe it’s the teal or the gold, or the subtle pattern- or the fitted waist and button back- but this dress made me feel magical. It was magic. And if the people who came up to me and complimented me on the dress had anything to say- it was a hit!

Another way to say that this was magic in dress- on a magical night!

So what makes a dress magic? For me, it’s part how it makes you feel (aka the fit, the color, the details) and part where you wear it to (I am one to always overdress but it helps when your outfit fits the occasion!). Also, magic is a bit elusive, some times you have a great dress and a great event- and while you look great you lack that magic. While we can’t plan or demand magic my secret for this is doing just a little bit more.
AKA:
– going to a cocktail event? Wear a dress with a bit of metallic, glam, or glitz. Just righton the edge of formal
-Wear amazing shoes (a way of life) but especially at any sort of event
-Statement Pieces. From Jewelry to the dress or shoes, there should be one piece on you that subtly stands out.

You can’t always do magic on demand, but you can create the right environment for magic to flourish!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights

About Hanea Mori:

Hanae Mori (Japanese: 森 英恵, Hepburn: Mori Hanae, /həˌnɑːeɪ ˈmɔːri/, 8 January 1926 – 11 August 2022) was a Japanese fashion designer. She was one of only two Japanese women to have presented her collections on the runways of Paris and New York, and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official haute couture design house by the Fédération française de la couture in France.[1][2] Her fashion house, opened in Japan in 1951, grew to become a $500 million international business by the 1990s. She’s a designer to know and this isn’t the first time you’ll read about her here!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights
a woman in a gold and teal lame dress on rocks by a lake

There are times when magic just strikes. And of course, there are moments when we make the magic. In my experience the easiest way to do that is to wear things that make you feel magical (aka look amazing on you and have details that just pop! A great place to wear them doesn’t hurt either!)

So, how do you make magic in a dress? What makes a magical outfit to you?
Below I’ve linked some lame choices, some Hanea Mori choices, and these exact shoes for you!

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!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress

Cowl-ly Classic

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels
a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

My life has been insane lately. On top of everything? I have been a bit sick and extremely fatigued (as it turns out I am allergic to mold, which is incredibly unfortunate with what is happening in my house!). So? What I keep reaching for when I am getting dressed? Classics that feel anything but boring. Pieces that can go all day (and right now that also means from temps in the 60s to temps in the 90s). Outfits that feel modern and yet I haven’t had to buy anything “outrageous”.

In short- these black pedal pushers and stunning cowl jacket are perfect. I love it with heels and hose- but this exact combo goes great with sneakers or sandals. Or higher heels! The jacket? It’s called the “forever” jacket and part of what I love (and makes it forever to me) is that the collar goes oh-so many ways! Even more than closed, open, draped. This would look amazing standing up a big. OR completely open.

And of course- these pieces go with oh so many other things. But when they look so good together? Why not pair classics (especially when they are cowl-ly!)

Because I never lie to you- this jacket was gifted by Ruti (shop some of my Ruti favorites here). Yet, I would never recommend something that I don’t love- so let me say I have been living in this jacket. It’s chic, it’s soft and it’s versatile. I can’t recommend it enough.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

What are the classics you reach for (perhaps especially when everything else is out of control?) I am linking mine here! Please note that 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!
XO RA

a woman in black pedal pushers with a black cowl jacket, hose and kitten heels

Fashion Halloween: T-Rex

a woman in a cocktail dress with a tree mask on
a woman in a cocktail dresss and a T-Rex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a T-Rex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

You may have caught on that I love dinosaurs. Like, little kid love dinosaurs. So, it should come as no surprise that I would want to be one for Halloween. In the past few years, as the inflatable costumes have become popular, I’ve thought about getting one and living out my T-Rex fantasies. The issue? How do I make that fashion (because,yes, it’s me and I would want to wear heels with it!)? How do you get around in such a big costume? And would the inflatable T-Rex let me move about?

I’ve always passed on that sort of T-Rex costume because I couldn’t figure out the answer to those questions. But, I did want to be a dinosaur for Halloween. And, because of who I am as a person thought the idea of juxtaposing my love of Dinos and my love of fashion would be fun. It was the perfect fit when I then found this T-Rex mask (though it does have the tail and little arms!). It makes the most fashionable T-Rex paired with a cocktail dress and heels, though of course would make a great T-rex paired with anything from sweats to leggings to jeans and a t-shirt (I love that it being a mask lets you have so much freedom!). And if Dinos aren’t your thing, the same idea could work with any mask you love!

Part of why I love Halloween is that it lets us be all that we want- let our imaginations go wild. And I’m so so so excited this year to be able to be a T-Rex- and a fashionable one at that!

Below I’ve linked similar T-Rex costumes, as well as some inflatables (if you go that route I would love to hear about it!). I got this exact mask at Target, but can’t seem to find it online for you! If I happen upon it, I will update shopping options asap- because a good T-Rex is hard to find!

What are you dying to be for Halloween? And how are you making it your own? This T-Rex in heels wants to know!
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!

a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

Falling for Proportions

a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels

Barrel jeans. The re-emergence of shoulder pads. What if our clothes had shape, instead of just shaping us? This is a HUGE conversation, and I will flat out admit that I not always the best to lead these- I take a lot of my cues, and get so much insight from a stylist named Lakyn (here’s her website and a men’s style commentator (who’s on Twitter- yep still calling it that- as @dieworkwear but you can also find Derek at dieworkwear). Both of these fashion experts have launched fascinating conversations about “what is flattering”, “the shape of our clothes” , and how perhaps our clothes should have a shape apart from us.

I will be frank- without making this a whole thing about my body issues and how I have spent so much of my life only wanting to look and be smaller- the proportions this fall are fun. What if our jeans. Or jackets. Were big and took up space and had their own space. What if shoulder pads and hip (not pads but for sure a flare) was something that we let lead our outfits? And what if (me, I am talking to me!) we let our clothes have a shape outside of oh-so-tight (and what if also that made us look oh so slim?!?!) and it was fantastic?!

Barrel jeans are in- and I love the way that they curve and lend a bit of something to every outfit. And these jeans? A bit of a flare. A Lot of a look. And even though they feel as if it’s a statement- also are amazing with just a t-shirt.

a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels
a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels

What if we let the proportions of our outfits were able to lead the way. What if our clothes had a shape of their own. What if I was able to choose between statements and questions. (and yet- what if both statements and questions are valid?) Fall is about a lot of things- a change of seasons, and with it a change of our perspective. Which can mean a change in our proportions. The big legs, the big shoulders? I love them. And it also means a change is coming (if you, like me, are in a place where it’s so so hot still!), but a change in form? It’s something. And it’s amazing. And leading with clothes that set the proportion is a bit of fun that’s too much fun to let go.

I will be honest that I don’t know if I would have been comfortable with big clothes in other parts of my life- but these pieces that are a bit big or give a bit bigger silhouette? I LOVE them. What if fat is about exploring the parts of ourselves that may be a bit big? Or just a new shape?

What are your proportions for fall?

And how are you managing them?

These exact jeans are linked below. This amazing leather bomber? It’s vintage () and these shoes are classics. Perhaps proportions are something we over think but are oh-so-fantastic and can move us forward.

What are your thoughts?? 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!

And these jeans can be found:

a woman in a leather bomber jacket and wide leg barrel jeans and camel heels

Trying it On- Camo

a woman in half camo half black jeans, a black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels

I am not a camo gal. At all. Ever. And I grew up in a place with hunting, love people who hunt, and yet will not bore you with my own opinions- on everything from guns to camo to hunting. But, safe to say, it was never something I thought of as “me”. Even when camo has been “in”, and everything from pants to dresses to hoodies and everything- I have avoided camo like the plague.

Yet. Lately, things, circumstances, people I love- have my trying camo on. The thing is- I do encourage you to try things on. Yes, I am a firm believer that if you don’t love a trend you don’t have to try it, but I also believe that you can try things on. We are all full of contradictions. SO. Recently I made a choice to try camo on. To see if I liked it. With the full understanding that if it wasn’t for me, I would take them off and never think of it again.

I will be honest- I really thought that any camo would not be for me. My style (though I hate defining it) was too refined and classic and not camo for it. Story time? Camo is so not me when my mom first saw these pants she asked if they were my Halloween costume.
Perhaps this is also where I say that perhaps, incorrectly, I sometimes judged people who were SO into camo (because of my own associations with it). Well. Turns out I have been wrong- maybe about a lot of things. These half denim, half camo pants look and feel so chic to me (and who knew! I am also not a cargo person but it turns out extra pockets can be helpful on occasion!). I actually liked wearing them. I liked how they look! Trying it on? A good thing?

(Also, maybe some of my judgement of all the things and people camo is not 100% right. Maybe we all have a bit more in common!)

However. I do have some tips for trying it (whatever it is to you!) on:
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels

-stick to your own style. A full camo look for me is not (most likely) in the cards. My signature red lip and heels helped this look FEEL like me. And look like me. Camo, my way we could call it. But I do think that even when trying new things on staying true to what you love matters
-Keeping it simple or classic. Yes. At the end of the day these are jeans and I could wear them with anything- from a tee to a blazer. For me, keeping the rest of the outfit a bit “basic” (aka matching black with black) let me play with the new-to-me camo while not feeling intimidated by the rest of the outfit. Or worrying about matching. Next time I wear these? I may branch out. But the first time? It was nice to keep the rest of the outfit simple.

What have you recently tried on that you didn’t think you would like? What might you like to try on?
Honestly, I would love to hear all about it!

These pants were bought second hand (another tip for anything you might not like!) but I did find some options you might love below! XO RA

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

a woman in camo and black pants with a mock neck and black heels

Tis the Damn Season

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Yes. Tis the damn season. And while I know that often means holidays or festivals, etc, etc — the season I am referring to is “Iconic Princess Diana Outfit Season”. Usually this refers to bike shorts (check!) and a sweatshirt. Here, I trade the sweatshirt for an iconic denim jacket. And trainers for the MOST STUNNING shoes. (Because even the most iconic outfit deserves -I won’t call this an update- I will call it a twist!) But no matter what you call the outfit- it is the season for it. As in, it’s fall but not quite. It’s not summer, but is still a little. The mullet of seasons? Sounds awful. Transitional? A fashionable way to put it, and a better way to plan your outfits.

As we all wear the outfit of the season (a la bike shorts and) I find the most interesting takes on it are the details:
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
like pockets..
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
And belts. It’s an all in one with a safari jacket (and I am loving this one in denim that feels a bit upscale!)
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
Embellished heels- though I love the curved kitten heel on these! In the iconic Diana outfit she wears high top Reeboks(a must have from my childhood and a part of me still yearns after them!), so I feel as if this elevated take on a basic mule adds to the outfit of the season.

From gym. To errands. To just a Tuesday. This outfit formula (again, the outfit of the season according to Princess Di, and it’s the one time I won’t argue with royalty) is not only the outfit of the season (and yes, it is absolutely the sweet weather spot to wear it in all varieties – tis the damn season), but oh-so-adaptable. You can make this outfit in so many ways your own. Take the base of bike shorts and add:
-your choice of long sleeve top
-your choice of stylish shoe

Tis the damn season? Tis the damn outfit. In oh so many ways!

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Are you a fan of this iconic Princess Diana outfit (Ala bike shorts and)? How have you made this formula your own? How are you inspired by a simple formula that lets you play with so much?

I am linking this exact jacket (on sale!) and these shoes (not on sale but worth it!) below. I am linking bike shorts but as they are oh so versatile I think any and all are a must! If you have a great take on this outfit I would love to hear 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!

a woman in bike shorts and a safari jacket and embellished shoes
my take on an iconic outfit

The Thing About A Classic…

a woman in a white silk cape dress with the sun behind her

There are oh-so-many-ways that we describe a “classic”: Timeless, must-have, basic, corner stone, and the horrid- boring. All of us have our own style (which is incredibly thrilling and I am endlessly fascinated by how each of us style anything from button downs to jeans to silk dresses) and all of our lives and wardrobes have their own “classics”. As someone who loves vintage and modern style and yearns to be a la “Old Hollywood” style my definition of a classic is something that I can reach for over and over again, that never goes “out”, that every variation of adds to my classic.

And truly, the great thing, and one of my definitions of a classic is that it can be anything you need it to be. Take this AMAZING silk blend, cape dress.

a woman in a white cape dress with sandals
You can stun in a classic with minimal effort- aka even just some sandals!
a woman in a white cape dress and black heels
Of course it goes with heels!
a woman in a white cape dress with black heels and tulle gloves
A classic allows you to play with accessories (like tulle gloves)
a woman in a white cape dress with black leather sleeves and black leather boots
And of course a classic can transcend seasons- aka take a simple white dress from summer into fall and winter with a simple addition of leather sleeves and boots!

A Few of my favorite ways this classic looked anything but boring:

What is your definition of a classic? Does it allow for room to play- to express yourself? Does it go through the seasons with you? This cape dress isn’t my only classic (and yes, there are seasonal classics – there is always room for nuance here!), but it’s a great one for this transitional time to go from summer to winter. All in the same classic.

I did get this dress a bit ago- and I will admit that capes are classics that I simply can’t get enough of- in any form. BUT, I have found a special someone one of the last ones out there (and it’s 10000% worth it!)

All your thoughts about classics and how you style them? I am all ears! 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!

a woman in a white cape dress