How do you make decisions? Not just the big ones, everyone has a method for those. I mean the kind of decisions that seem small but can be so overwhelming when you’re hot, tired, or just done with decisions.
Like what to wear.
Or what to eat.
Those kind of decisions.
And let’s be honest, even though these seem *unconsequential*, aren’t you a little nicer when you like your outfit, or got your favorite thing to eat. All decisions matter. And sometimes, not making those decisions is the way to make decisions.
Or maybe my decision is just to mix it all up?
Graphic tee? Check. Leopard? Check. Floral? Yep. Kicks with a skirt? Yes. High and low? Why not?
(You know that I have a thing for mixing patterns, gentle reminders here and here. )
It’s just too overwhelming to make decisions, so this little outfit formula is what I’m clinging to in these times of social isolation . Wrap skirts are a chic way to beat the heat, and this leopard is on trend!
(alledgedly versions of this skirt are the current “it” skirt. This one I got on etsy (last seen here, and this number from Asos is similar and on sale!)
I can’t stay away from a graphic tee, especially when it’s Wonder Woman. It’s part of the decision to let me clothes talk for me. And wearing these kicks instead of any sandal or heel (both of which I love and would look great here) is just easy. And right now, I’m all about my decisions being easy.
So, how are you making decisions like this? Are you going for comfort? Style? Both? I’m all about decisions that make us feel good.
And if the decisions involve chocolate I’m even more on board. (Dark Chocolate is a health food!)
This bag is perfect for throwing everything in, you can see my other picks for summer bags here.
If you’re at the point where you can’t make decisions (I feel ya), the good news is that I’ve linked similar items below. Happy shopping!
XO RA
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
During our time in isolation, some of what I’m thinking about is getting in the water– if nothing else I’m determined to get an inflatable pool for the back yard so I can be in a pool. This was one of my favorite posts- a vintage suit, an empty pool. Life is a lot right now, I keep wanting to chat about fashion essentials, however, I can’t seem to get the words right, or explain to you how I want to dress up and celebrate but end up in sweats without sounding depressing. And I’m not sure what we need right now- I bounce between fantasy and reality dressing (and books!). While I figure that out (and if you have anything you’d love to see on me or on the blog PLEASE LMK), in the meantime let’s enjoy this. Let’s think about what we want to wear and do this summer, and maybe the essentials will come.
Stay safe and healthy out there!
Xo RA
Besides being an ocean baby, I’m a sucker for a great swimming pool! Even when it’s empty! I loved shooting this (and this view–I can’t wait till the pool is finished!)– the idea of a vintage suit in a new pool, it’s all the juxtatiposition I love! Suits like this one are simply amazing, though high coverage, they suck in, push up, and make you look fantastic! I paired it with a jacket of my grandma’s and a vintage hat (and pearls). Who says the pool can’t be lady like?
Though every piece is vintage, this would be an easy look to recreate using modern pieces. A great one piece, a hat, and a jacket–Summer is calling! And it would be perfect pool side or ocean side!
I linked some of my shopping picks below!
I hope you’ve loved swim week as much as I have! XO RA
Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Loves, I’m not going to lie. This week was hard. Like I spent 3 days in the same workout gear hard. We’re all dealing and doing the best we can, I’m no exception. I find that I can have 2 great days, I’m cheerful and productive, super excited about all the online classes and friend chats, all those things. Then I will have 2 days when everything is overwhelming, my anxiety is high, I’m sad and depressed, and I tend to eat a lot of crackers and lay on the couch. We know that I believe in the power of fashion, and it’s power to change our feelings (see recent evidence here) but this week I couldn’t bring myself to use any of that power I know fashion has. Outfits, posts, a lot was put on the back burner while I just dealt with life. Late on Thursday, I finally brought myself to shower. And get dressed, and it did help. As I was thinking about what to share with you, I kept going back to that, and what makes me feel good to wear. I love a good party dress, but maybe what the world (and me!) needs right now is attitude. A good attitude, a can do attitude, an I’m going to be ok attitude. Reminding myself of that felt good. So, I hope that you forgive me for a repost, but I hope we can all take the tongue in cheek, feel good, express yourself fashion from this post, and wear things this weekend that make us feel great, like ourselves, and that make us smile.
XO RA
One of the things that I love the most about fashion is that it can speak for you. It can tell people who you are. Want to be a high end art student today? Great! Biker chic? Got it. Princess/spy/CEO? There’s an outfit for that. Me? I love that I can be all the things on any given day. And that on any given day, my fashion can let you know my attitude. Which begs the question:
Is my attitude a problem?
I’ve always had an attitude. My mother could write those articles you see on social media about “raising a strong willed child”. (Note: Strong Willed is the PC term for attitude) There’s the time when I was almost 3 and took my sister out of her crib to watch Sesame Street with me while my mom was in the shower. When my mom (understandably) freaked out, I told her to calm down.
Then there’s the “attitude problem” I have of not being able to keep my opinions quiet. (Even my facial expressions betray me.) I think you’re an asshole? You probably know. I am not happy with something? There’s a great chance you understand why. And here’s what I love about fashion: I can use it to have an attitude FOR me.
I’m not your baby.
Whatever
Asshole
Bad Bitch
Hands Off
I have shirt that say it all. One of my favorite looks is a graphic tee with anything (jeans/pants/skirts/amazing shoes); and when that graphic tee can express a bit of attitude, it’s just a bonus! Is my attitude a problem?
I don’t think so!
However, loves, graphic tees are not the only way to let someone know that you have an attitude. Anything you wear can be full of attitude. (I think this is the part where I tell you that you just have to feel it to share it). BUT, if fashion can let you be anything you want, it can convey any attitude you want. Sweet, sassy, hand off. And instead of worrying if our attitude is a problem, why don’t we revel in the freedom that having any attitude brings us?
I’d love to know: what attitude are you giving today? How are you using fashion to do it? Is my attitude a problem?
XO RA
I’ve linked some of my favorite graphic tees/jeans/etc below. Give ’em hell today!
I also use my glasses to let my attitude shine. Just saying.
There is no denying that these are weird times. I’m used to working from home, and I’m still at loss on some days about my schedule, etc. What I am good at? Business on top, lounging on bottom. It’s a skill learned from many a day with online meetings, but no need to go anywhere. And it’s a skill that’s come in more and more handy.
My favorite version of this look is a fancy top with leggings, though you can also wear a blazer with your leggings. Or a sweatshirt with a skirt, if you’re reversing the formula :). The off the shoulder look is simple, chic, and gets the job done. These types of shirts are fun and make me feel like I’m at an event.
I trust that no one has to sell you on leggings. Crop. Long. With pockets, without. I’m partial to black or leopard, but at the risk of making this a “leggings are pants” post, any leggings will do!
For zoom meetings, Netflix binges, or just the feeling that you’re getting dressed “for real”. Business on Top. I approve it!
I’ve linked similar shopping items below- believe it or not, these pics are from 3 years ago. Business on top has always been a WFH method for me!
I hope that you’re staying healthy and safe!
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!
This post is part FBF, part caftans are a must for this time we’re in, and part as I’m living in my caftans more and more I couldn’t help but reshare one of my favorites. Things are different, there’s no way are out that, and I have no information about how long it will last. I do know that caftans make all activities, even just staying on the couch, seem more glamorous. This post all stands true, but I’m linking HM’s new caftan collection here:
(Yes, these are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)
I love the colors and shapes!
Historical garment. Lady of leisure. Hostess dress. Swim cover up. Hippies.
All associated with a caftan, all true of a caftan, and just the beginning of a caftan. Chic yet comfy and cool, I love a great caftan. In fact, this has been a caftan summer. Over my swimsuit with flats. With heels for nights out. I always get compliments. Always stand out. Always feel great.
Caftans let you make an entrance, and let you relax. How many outfits you have that let you do that?
This caftan is handmade, ModMelrose via AAVintedge, and one of my favorites. It feels both modern and very 70s chic, all at the same time. This caftan? Perfect for the summer-I stay cool, it’s light. Yet, it’s red and paired with these suede platforms, perfect for fall, too!
Maybe I’m biased, but you may need to spend the last few weeks of summer in a caftan.
Note: This Post does affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
The question remains, how do you caftan summer? Casual? Formal? Modern? Vintage?
I, of course, have opinions and options for you!
Love the ModMelrose? AAVintedge has so many options for you! The best way is via Instagram (@aavintedge).
Something a little more modern, but with a vintage feel? Try These:
From the beach to drinks, there are more options:
And, naturally, I have shoe options. I’ve been going on and on about platforms for weeks. I love mine. You need some. I love these:
I would love to hear about your caftan summer! Whatcha doing? Where you going? What caftan are you summering in?
Xo RA
My loves, none of us can ignore the fact that things are different. And yes, you’ve heard me say more than once that I’m coping with fashion. I won’t bore you with that talk again 🙂 I also won’t speculate about how things will change, or when they will change, or what the timeline for change will be. None of us know.
What I do know? In the midst of this uncertainty and change, there are still celebrations. And love. And reasons for party dresses. Maybe it’s nothing like how we planned (I have great shoes for this look,but it turns out you don’t need heels for backyard parties. And it’s just as fun to be barefoot!) but we can still party. Even in our backyard.
I’ve never been one to turn down a party dress. It’s just not in my nature. And while this dress (a vintage Diane Freis, it’s so comfy and looks like a party by itself! Read more about Diane Freis here and see my other Diane Freis here) is going to look great in the outside world at parties, it goes great at a backyard party, too!
What do you need for a backyard party? Maybe some champagne (or a cocktail of your choice!), maybe a reason (though parties without a reason are just as fun!), and maybe a dress. I’m a fan of a party dress. But, if you must, you can always party in what you have on (no matter what it is). Al you really need for a backyard party is a good attitude, in fact that’s what most parties are made of, the champagne and dresses are just bonuses!
Things have changed, and we might be caught up in it all. But we’ve made it this far. Wanna have a backyard party with me? I’ll throw this on, you get ready, and though we’re apart we can all go in our backyards and toast ourselves. In my book, that’s worthy of a great party dress!
I’ve linked similar ones to this vintage number for your shopping pleasure 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!
Fashion as a way to cope? It’s what I’ve been trying. From making myself get dressed at least a few times a week, to choosing fashion that makes me happy, to colors-it’s amazing how my clothing choices have affected my moods. One thing that’s working? Pops of color! I may love the color black, it’s classic and a go-to, but lately I can’t help but be drawn to color. Pops of color in fact.
(Another thing that’s helping my mood. Getting outside. Also, all the spring green is a great backdrop for all of your color that you could be wearing!)
I love this shirt dress silhouette. Classic. Will last forever. Normally, I might opt for a number like this in a black, or a neutral. But. I couldn’t resist this red and pink dress. It’s still a classic, but the colors make it feel fresh, and cheery- something I could use right now. The pink and red are perfect for spring (and summer), and the cut allows me to lounge, I look great in all my zoom calls, and later they’ll look good when I’m out and about. Though, I have to admit, I love the way it looks against all this green. The only out and about I’ve been lately are my walks, and this dress lets me move for those, and let’s my color pops!
(Another plus for this dress? It was a shop small purchase! I got it at Beehive -they ship nationally! You can read about them here)
There’s no right way to feel right now. Or way to dress. I think it’s all ok. But, for me, pops of color and dresses like this one are making me smile. And happy. (Besides, in general pops of color are a great idea!) Are you willing to let your color pop?
I’ve linked similar items for you below! I highly recommend easy dresses and pops of color for this time!
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!
Did you like “know it all’s” in school? You know that kid that always had the answer and was a little “too much”? Not many people liked them. And that’s valid. This is not a post about know-it-all’s However, now that we’re older I’m a fan of a “do it all”. To me that means a piece in my closet that can do it all. Lounge. Work. Outings. Even if they’re too much, or just the right amount of enough, if something can take me from bed throughout my day, in every conceivable situation, I want it!
Especially at a time like this, I’m looking for pieces that are comfy from bed to online meetings to my virtual social times, and even to the grocery store.
This dress? This dress is a do it all. From sleeping (yes, naps count!) to errands to everything in between, this dress is perfect. It feels pulled together and yet comfy. At this time, my outtings in this dress have been limited to errands and hot spots in my house (let me recommend a virtual happy hour, they’re the best!), but when we are out and about again, I’m confident that this dress will go great with heels and all the events! The best part? It’s under $50!
I’ve linked this exact dress and look here:
(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 now that you know I’m a fan of do it all’s, and we know I’m a fan of PJ dressing, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about Sleeper. They make fantastic nightgowns, that double as dresses. In fact, they look a lot like the above dress! They’re perfect for lounging and look great on the town. I’ve linked some of my favorite for you:
Lounge. Do all the things in your house. All the things online. And later, you can do all the things outside your house. Do it all!
I planned this outfit before the “Stay at Home” order started. I was supposed to shoot it in a different local. We were going to chat about how much I love suiting, creative work wear, and styling yourself after editorial pictures.
A lot has changed.
I know most of us are no longer heading out to work, workwear is now whatever top looks best in Zoom, and most of editorial inspiration is lounge wear. I’m a fan of us staying in (let’s flatten the curve!) and we all know my soft spots for lounge wear of all kinds. I almost scraped this look and post.
But. I went ahead and put it on. And loves, I felt powerful. It was a little more than the feelings I shared last week about how getting dressed and using fashion made me feel. This was power. There is so much right now that feels big, and scary, and out of control. We can only do our part, yes, but this suit? It reminded me that I do have power. And it felt good.
Maybe you’re not putting on suits right now. I can tell you tying a scarf like this across your top is chic and will make a statement on all your online meetings. That now, or later, using your shoe buckles, ties, or the like over your pants made these basic black pants feel brand new. That even though these pieces were things I have had for years, I suddenly felt like I was a boss in some editorial picture. That anything you wear that reminds you of how amazingly powerful you are is a great choice.
This is not a post to convince you to forgo your lounge wear. Most of the time, I’m in mine too. However, if there are times when you are feeling overwhelmed or sad or angry or powerless, or any of the feelings that are coming up right now, remember that we are power. And don’t be afraid to dress like 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!
We’ve talked dressing gowns and pjs. And each time I’ve wondered: what are you wearing right now? As someone who normally works from home I can say this isn’t “business as usual”. And I can truthfully say that there have been days when I’ve just stayed in my pjs. But.
Last weekend I participated in two “challenges” with online friends. #formalfriday and #fashionbutmakeitdistance, both being an excuse to really get dressed, even for just a few minutes. And loves, it felt good. I’ve said that fashion is both a stress reliever and fun for me, and I meant it. When I’m sad I’m known to go put on amazing shoes, or plan outfits that I may never wear. It makes me happy. At the beginning of this week, I was a little down. It’s odd, I’m not worried about the blog (though let’s be honest, we’re all worried about work and money), but it felt so sad and I was worried about the people I love. What made me feel better? A walk where I planned outfits in my head. And I realized that there is a lot I can’t control right now, a lot that we all have to play by ear, a lot that’s wait and see. One of the things I can control? My fashion.
Yes, there are days when it feels good to stay in pjs. And there are days when it feels good to get dressed. I made a little promise to myself to get dressed this week, to play in my closet, to see where it takes me. Even if I only am dressed for a pic, even if it’s just a nice shirt with leggings, even if it’s just fancy pjs. Fashion makes me happy, and I can choose to be happy!
This is what I wore this week (you can catch today’s OOTD over on Instagram!)
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!
Monday
Jeans. Yes, putting on jeans felt like a big win. And yes, I spent more than a few minutes debating what shirt to wear (this is vintage Albert Nippon and I love the neck and the sleeves). Did I get a lot done? Yes. I also felt in charge, which was a nice change! These jeans are Madewell and I’m loving the fit!
Shop this look: here
Tuesday
Leggings. But many looks. I shot a few videos, putting on a fancy top for each. I did chores and writing in a tank top as a top. And sports bra for barre and dance class. But my fave? This JAWS shirt. It always makes me feel like summer, the shirt has pockets!
Shop this look here
Wednesday
I’ll be honest, loves, I almost didn’t participate in getting dressed today. Not that I didn’t get dressed, it was that I changed too much! We were getting our “stay at home” order on Wednesday night, so I needed to shoot a few places (more than one change), workouts (more than one change), and by the time I got home I wanted to put on sweats. But I had on makeup. And my hair was done. And we were having a “fancy” dinner. So I put on a dress. I’m glad I did, it made me feel good and made the day feel a bit brighter, rather than long!
Shop this look here
Thursday
Today was an all over the place day! Workouts, grocery store run for my family and a neighbor, then taking over what I bought, etc. Yes, this is an exercise skirt, but I think the top makes it fashion. It made an errand more fun!
Shop the look here
What I learned from getting dressed all week? What I wear affects my moods. Fashion brings me joy, and joy can be an act of resistance. I somehow don’t mind changing a few times a day (I always have been this way), and picking out even casual things that make me feel good helped to ground me. Does this mean I’ll get dressed every day? Probably not, there are days I’m sure I’ll stay in sweats or pjs or my workout clothes. But this was a nice reminder the power that fashion has, and what fun it can be! Times are a little crazy, I know there are days when I feel like we’re going to be ok, and then days when I’m so anxious/scared/sad. And many days when I’m all of the above. For me, these outfits were a way to ground myself, to have some joy, and to connect. As much as I can, I’ll be using fashion for that!
Curious about what I’m wearing today? Check out my Instagram (@racheladelicia)! I would love to know: what did you wear this week?
Xo RA
