outfits – Page 42 – Investment Piece

Vested

Investment Piece: Vested

Work has changed. Yet, I’m still obessed with suits.

(See here, here, here, here, here, here, and here to start. Search suit in the tool box, the pages of suits that come up is a testimony to how I feel about the style!)

A vest suit is something I have always been fascinated by. Part vintage. Part ladylike. All chic.

Yes, you can use the pieces seperately. I have all sorts of plans for this skirt, and this vest goes with everything from shorts to jeans to dress pants.
But, together?
Chic. It feels both powerful and work like. And yet, ready to go see art and wine and dine. All at the same time.
Yes, this would look great under a blazer. (And add to the work look) But, I love the vest alone. It’s both incredibly feminine and a tad sexy, and yet professional. Add a scarf. Add statement jewelry. Leave it alone. All work. All make me feel like I’m “doing something”.

You might not be going into an office right now (you might also be over zoom meetings). You might not need to wear a suit. This is the “suit” option that lets you lean into all the things that can make you feel professional and all the things that make you feel casual and a little rebellious and a little ready for after hours. (And if nothing else, you can throw on the vest for zoom and everyone will think you’re suited up and you can really be in pj pants!)

Can we have it all? Maybe with a vest we can.

(Yes, I’m actively ignoring the vest craze in the 90s- though if you want to wear a vest over your tshirt with jeans it can also be chic! I just love the suit version so much more!)

I’ve linked some options for you below (including a 1970s vest pant suit that is so chic!)

Do you love the vest suit like I do?
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!

#TrendtoTry Combat Boots

If the grunge trend is back, I have mixed feelings. There are elements of grunge that I love- soft flannels, ripped jeans, slip dresses. And very randomly-combat boots.

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

Combat boots seem like something I wouldn’t like, but in real life- I love them. These were an impluse purchase many, many years ago, but they’ve become one of my favorite pair of fall boots. And now that combat boots are in style again,I can’t help but recommend them to you!

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

The thing about combat boots is that they aren’t precious, so you don’t style them as such. Throw them on with anything- dresses or jeans. Don’t think about it. Throw them on and go. They are chic and easy and had a hint of toughness that I just love.

It’s best not to over think the combat boot. They probably do go with that–slip dresses, though I love them with variations of a shirt dress like this one. Any sort of jeans. With any sort of top. As a bonus- add a blazer or a trench coat to the outfit, it’s so chic.

(I also would wear these with a wrap coat as a dress!)

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

But, one of my favorite ways to wear these boots is with my leggings. They are the perfect boots to wear to the gym, to errands, to make leggings and a t-shirt feel like a statement. Since I don’t have to worry about them getting wet, or getting scuffed, I feel like I can just throw them on and let them be. Combat boots can be both the statement of my outfit and casual shoes.

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

There is nothing your combat boots won’t go with, and I’ve found you some new ones that are so chic! I love the shorter ones, even though mine are tall. Any way you chose to wear them-tough, sweet, with dresses or leggings- combat boots may be the boots of fall. Are you trying this trend?

Xo RA

Note: this post may 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: Combat Boots

What Might Have Been

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been

I didn’t get in a pool all summer (if we’re not counting my little toddler pool). I didn’t go to the beach. There are outfits I didn’t wear, people I didn’t get to hug.

It’s been that kind of summer for all of us. There are things that we didn’t get to do (or wear) and the allure and romanticism of “what might have been” can be hard to let go of.
The outfit that you didn’t get to wear? It was perfect.
That event you didn’t get to go to? The time of your life.
What might have been is always addicting. It’s always going to be perfect and I can find myself longing for it, even when what might have been is long passed.
What do we do with all those things we didn’t do and didn’t wear?
How do we move forward?

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been

Of course, you can wear whatever you like whenever you like (is there such a thing as time any more?). Re-schedule events. Create events and outfits that are so much better than what you had planned.
But.
When you’re in the middle of what might have been, those solutions can seem a little far away.
I don’t have answers for all the things that might have been (the only things worse are the things that got away), but how I’m dealing with what might have been is planning ahead. There are things I missed doing (and wearing this summer), I can’t do anything about that (other than wear what makes me happy, which I’m on!) So how I’m handling fall is planning. It looks different. There are things are I can’t do. But-the boots I want to wear, I’m wearing (even just on the couch). The pumpkin carving? I’m doing across the street with my neighbors. The friends I miss? I’m scheduling Facetimes and sending letters and texts.

Perfect?
Maybe not.
But I’m doing what I can, and avoiding the regret of what might have been.

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been
Style Notes: this dress is homemade vintage from Selvedge Fine Vintage. Isn’t amazing how many people were able to make such gorgeous homemade dresses? The color is divine, and the fit is perfect! Shoes? Gabriela Hearst-I couldn’t resist the split sole (and you can find these second hand at affordable prices! I’ve linked some for you!)

What is the one thing that you missed that you can’t help but think about? What are you doing 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: What Might Have Been

Add some Glam

Investment Piece: Add some Glam

Are you stuck in a rut lately? Between working from home and it being so hot, getting dressed hasn’t felt super exciting lately. I’m interested in being comfy and staying cool, nothing else has seemed really important.

And there are times that are like that. Sometimes, it can feel like life can narrow- in both good ways and bad-and when that happens, I try both just to focus on what’s happening and keep perspective. Life can be cyclic, ups and downs, and hopefully everything evens out in the end. Right? We all know I love a good outfit (and story), but there are times when getting dressed isn’t a priority. And forcing things never works. I’m learning, slowly, that the times when you can only do so much how you handle it is to do what you can, and when you can do more you add it on!

Maybe this is the time to focus on comfort and easy dressing. Nothing wrong with that at all! I’ve been living in this easy jumpsuit. It’s so comfy (and forgiving), and yet looks polished. From errands to Netflix binges and zoom calls, it’s been a go-to.

But.

If it’s a time to venture out of the comfy rut, my secret is to add a little glam. Nothing big. Nothing forced. Just small details, letting me stay comfy. Yet feel special.

Investment Piece: Add some Glam
One of the easiest ways to add some glam right now? Articulated brooches. They go right over your shoulder, and add some glam to anything. T-shirts. Jumpsuits. Dresses. Your pjs. It’s special enough to brighten any routine, but takes zero effort.

That’s all the glam I can extend this week, and I’m finding it’s enough. Next week, who knows? Maybe I’ll go all out! This week, though,I’ll still to comfy and little details.

(Side note: this jumpsuit is a very heavy linen, perfect for transitioning into fall. For extra glam and transitioning, I recommend velvet shoes!)

Xo RA

I’ve found you some articulated pins (most under $30!) and have linked this jumpsuit and some shoes 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: Add some glam

Fall Trends

It’s the time of year to be thinking about fall trends. This year is different, but there are still trends to be considered. Does this mean you have to?
Not at all. See here

But should you? Maybe? Maybe being at home gives you the freedom to really play with the trends. See what you like. See what fits into your closet.

According to sources these are the top trends of the fall:

here

And

here

We’ll be talking about these trends in the coming weeks. I’m excited to play. I’m excited to hear what you love.

Let’s chat about it!
Xox
RA

Running Late

Investment Piece: Running Late

Is anyone else having a weird relationship with time right now? I’m at home more than ever, I have both everything and nothing to do, all the time. In the before, I answered emails and messages promptly, even when it was lax, I kept a schedule.

Now?

It varies day to day. Sometimes I’m on top of it, maintain at least a semblance of routine, and I can get things done. Most importantly, I can be on time. However, sometimes I forget to answer messages for days at a time, get lost doing nothing, and run late.

Like very late. (Which is hard when there is no set schedule)

I’ve tried a lot to get me “in line” and “on time” and “on routine”, but for the most part, I’m trying to be graceful and kind to myself right now. There’s a lot and one late email won’t topple the world. (Right? Tell me I’m right. Also, if you have tips how to do any of this while in quarantine, I’m all ears)

Which brings me to wearing white. And white pants. Quintessential summer. Chic and fresh. And if you’re one of those people that are adamant that this is a style that we put away after Labor Day, an outfit staple whose time limit is drawing near (I wrote about wearing white after Labor Day here)

I haven’t worn these jeans all summer. So, do I have a week to make up for lost time? I’m running late.

Investment Piece: Running Late

Wearing all white is both hopeful and daring. And tempts fate. To me, it screams summer. But in a summer that has seen little need for jeans, these have sat untouched. At one point, I had all sorts of outfits planned, but I never put them on. I was running late. But now that time is running out(?), do I have to put them away?

(Sizing note: these exact jeans are linked below for you. I sized up. Which I normally do with white pants-just in case- there is little stretch in these, though they do loosen up as you wear them!)

Investment Piece: Running late

If I can find the grace for myself to muddle through days when it feels like I’m off schedule, and manage to get things done; could we find the grace to continue wearing white in a week? Should jeans this good pay the price for me running late?
While I do plan on wearing them (a lot?) this week, I’m now open to the idea of not acknowledging that Labor Day “deadline”. If I’m running late, why can’t my fashion?

(At least, that’s my current theory)

Jeans and tops linked 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!

Nap Dress: Summer Outtings

Investment Piece: Summer Outtings

If we can define a nap dress as the cross between a nightgown and a day dress (see here) and agree that there are nap dresses that lend themselves to sleep (see here), wouldn’t it make sense that there are nap dresses for summer Outtings?

I bought this dress on the same day that I bought the nap dress from Monday, and on the same day that I read this article about nap dresses. I loved the eyelet detail on the sleeves. The pockets! The tent like way it hung. Not quite a night gown (though I have a nightgown that is ALMOST AN EXACT MATCH. The main difference is the pockets) and not quite a dress. The irony?

While I feel the urge to sleep in the nap dress from Monday, with this nap dress, I feel the urge to go out. It’s become my “dressy” nap dress. (Yes, that’s where we are). For errands or socially distanced happy hours or what is now nights out (walks or zooms or anything I can now convince myself is an “event”), this is now my go-to.

And people love it.

Does it feel like a nightgown? Yes.

Does it wear like a dress? Yes.

Is it the perfect nap dress? Yes.

If nap dresses are both for bed and for Outtings, shouldn’t it stand that you have nice nap dresses? Ones that you only wear out? (The good news is that they would be just as chic at home and in bed. That’s the magic of the genre!)

This is my “nice” nap dress. The one I reserve for “special” things.
And if it feels and looks like a nightgown that’s between me and me. 😉

I’ve linked options for you below. What kind of nap dresses are you wearing?
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 summer Outtings

Nap Dress: Summer Sleep

Investment Piece: summer sleep

Can a dress help you sleep better? I’m game to find out!

Ironically enough, the morning that I read The Allure of the Nap Dress by Rachel Syme, I had already spent some time looking at Sleeper (the nightgown dress) dresses on sale. After reading the article, I was a little more obessed with finding my own nap dress. I can struggle with sleep, and if fashion is the answer I’m excited about it.

I found this number at Target and I had to have it. Yes, it reminded me of a Sleeper dress, and yes with nap dresses at the front of my mind, I was looking for something just like it.

And loves, it’s great- I love the off-the-shoulder and it hangs well, and has just enough personality (the color, the dots, the little flounce)!

It’s become my go-to (yes, you’ve seen it all over my IG feed. I throw it on, yes, sometimes every day, when I need to feel dressed, but not constrained. It’s comfy enough to lounge in, but looks polished for the few errands I run, or taking out the trash. (And yes, when we can all get together it will look great at all those parties!) It makes me feel good without any effort.

The one thing I haven’t done in it? Sleep.

So, is it a nap dress? Is it helping me sleep this summer?

If a nap dress is something in between a nightgown and a dress, this fits the bill. If a nap dress is something to lounge in, then this is it. I’ve slept well on days that I’ve worn it. And there are days when I can’t seem to sleep, no matter what I’m wearing. This dress does look chic- and maybe focusing on that is the way to a good night’s sleep? Or maybe I go all the way and sleep in this number.

I’m open to all ideas. As for now, how I’m “napping” is wearing this and relaxing in the afternoon. And it’s going chicly!

I’ve linked this exact outfit for you below!
What are you napping in?
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 the look here

Investment Piece: summer sleep

Time and Place

Investment Piece: Time and Place

There is a time and a place for everything.

I fell in love with this dress back in February (March?). The cut, the option to belt or not, it went with my boots, I knew it would go with sandals and heels. I spent a good 30 mins in the dressing room (and days after) imagining all the ways an all the places I could wear it and how it would wow.

And as much as I could picture all the places, the timing wasn’t right. It was just out of my budget. (Yes, I believe in getting everything you want and not blowing up your budget. It’s the only way!)

Then, about a month ago, I was randomly going through sales and lo and behold- this dress. The one I had dreamed of, that had been on my Wishlist for months. It was over half off. And I had to have it.

So I did.

But now that I have the time down, what about the place?

Investment Piece: time and place

Some real talk?
I could go on and on about all the ways and places that I want(ed) to wear this dress.
But.
Place right now is hard. I know, I’m supposed to tell you that I’m wearing this number around the house–and I am! Unbelted it’s a great caftan, I’ve cooked and run errands in it! It makes me feel so special when I put it on.
But.
There are days when I don’t. I’m currently writing this post on a late afternoon in bike shorts that I can’t be bothered to change out of. I could be wearing the dress, making my own events, but I’m not. Because sometimes days are hard.

I’m , at heart, an optimist, so I believe in all the places I could wear this eventually, and that there will be days I wear it (again) around the house). I believe in all the events I can create at home for it.

The timing came together, and I trust that the place will.
Time and place. They don’t always work how we think they will, but they do always work out.

I’ve linked this dress and some shoe options for you below. Are you wearing your clothes? 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!

Investment piece: time and place

Easing into It

Investment Piece: Easing into It

Have Monday’s felt a bit more Monday-ish lately? Just me? How are you dealing with it?

I’ve tried taking Monday off, which works and doesn’t; there have been many Monday’s when I feel like I’m not getting anything done but taking the day off can feel like I’m setting my week up to fail.

(Side note: if you have control over your schedule, take Friday’s off. It’s the best! You can quote me!)

So, my solution? I’m easing into things. I’ve been taking Monday as an easing day. The tasks I assign myself are basic, like admin work, and I let myself take my time with everything.

Another way I ease into it? Outfits like this: silk camis (yes, this is technically pjs but it’s oh-so-pretty that I can’t help but wear it out!) and shorts.

*Note I originally feel in love with these MotherDenim shorts BUT found these chino shorts in the men’s department at Target and was able to create the look for less!! The shorts, which ever you like, are great- comfy, go with everything, and manage to be tailored and lived in at the same time.

This is the type of outfit that you can ease in. Drink your coffee (on the porch or on the couch). Do what tasks you need to get done. Run your errands. Then stop the day early. Relax. Get ready to face the week. All while staying comfy and looking chic.

How do you ease into it?

I’ve had this top for years (but found you similar ones!) and I can’t say enough things about the shorts (I will add though that I think they’ll also look great with sweaters in the fall!)
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: Easing into It