outfits – Page 59 – Investment Piece

Holiday Red

Investment Piece: Holiday RED

I got to spend some time this week with one of my loves, Timeless Vixen, chatting all things Ossie Clark, this shade of red, and the things we keep in our closets. I can’t wait to share our conversation with you! In the meantime, I can’t stop thinking about this dress. Ever get the feeling that you may have to wear something? Yes, I do. Until I break this holiday red number out, let’s relieve this post. Updated shopping options below! Xo RA

Holiday Red: it’s the color of the season, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cliche. Your holiday red can be classic, modern, or come with a twist. In fact, let your holiday red be the red that they didn’t see coming; be it a dress, skirt, pantsuit, or top. Let your red celebrate the holiday and you. Holiday Red? Let’s do it!

Investment Piece: Holiday Red

My Holiday Red? Classic with some dramatic details. I love that it’s old Holiday glam look; I feel like a complete movie star in it. Yet, the details are a bit modern and shocking. The cut out in the back, the slit in the front, the apron wrap all make this vintage dress feel modern. We know that I love anything that combines vintage and modern, has juxatipositons, and feels amazing to be in. This holiday red? It does all three.

This holiday red is my first Ossie Clark, so it’s very special to me. (You can read about Ossie Clark here.) While I love all the “new” pieces in my closet, when I get the chance to add a piece that’s “new to me”, but carries with it such a history, I love it! I found this dress on etsy, and I couldn’t pass up a chance to own my own Ossie! The fact that this dress is holiday red and perfect for the season is just a bonus!

Investment Piece: Holdiay Red
Investment Piece: Holiday Red

Holiday Red, in all its forms, is perfect for any party, family event, or just when your mood needs a boost. Wear it simply with a great pair of heels (I love red with black and gold) or add statements (the right red dress and lots of sparkly jewelry), holiday red can be as much about you as it is about the holiday. In fact, holiday red doesn’t have to only come out at the holidays. Wear red all year long, and celebrate anything you want–even if it’s just a Monday!

I’ve linked similar dresses and reds that I love below. I’d love to know: How are you doing holiday red this season?

XO RA

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While I do receive commission off of these links, this does not affect the price for you.

Investment Piece: Holiday Red

Florals

Investment Piece: Florals

Florals.

That’s it. No waxing poetic. I don’t go on and on. This time I won’t even try to tie all sorts of things together. Just florals. Things you know: I love wearing swimsuits with everything. This is no exception. I love a great skirt, and pleats hardly ever steer you wrong. Finding rooms full of beauty are something that I wish for us all, and this shoot was one of my most favorites.

But you know all this. You don’t need me to keep telling you. So, today, we’re letting this be simple.
Florals.
Do what you will with them.

Investment Piece: Florals

I’ve linked similar pieces for your shopping pleasure 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!

Jump Around (This is a Post About a Jumpsuit)

Investment Piece: Jump Around

I know, I know.

This is a post about a jumpsuit. I’m supposed to tell you all about one-piece wonders are amazing. And they are–they are a huge secret to no-thought, high impact dressing. They’re chic and easy, but look sophisticated. The ONLY downside I can think of to wearing a jumpsuit is the whole using the restroom thing. And really, isn’t a great look worth that?

I’ve gone on and on about jumpsuits here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

That was just the first page of results for jumpsuit on the site. I think it’s safe to say: I love a good jumpsuit, there’s an argument that they are a fashion staple, and you probably know all my feelings about them.

So. If we have that all covered, and we’re all on the same page that a great jumpsuit (this one is vintage and the halter is amazing) is something you need, what are we gonna talk about?

Investment Piece: Jump Around

This is a post about jumpsuits. (And, yet another time when I jump around)

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what I really want my life to look like. How to make it easy, how to make it beautiful, and how to make it work for me. I’m working up to paring down till only the things that matter, that bring me joy, and that make me better remain. (No, I’m not getting rid of shoes or amazing fashion) But, I am evaluating things. Because loves, my goal is to have my be a little like this shoot-effortless, full of joy, and just beautiful. Yes. I just tied together jumpsuits, this floral room that was a dream to shoot in, and life. How’s that for a post about a jumpsuit?

Investment Piece: Jump Around

I am a fan of a great jumpsuit and I hope that you are, too. I’ve linked similar looks to this vintage number (starting at $50) and shoes (these exact ones and more affordable options) 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.

Don’t forget! You now have the option to get sales alerts on any item you love:

Note: This is another look I shot with Katie Reilly, her new website is up and running here

Everybody’s Doing It

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

There’s a saying from our childhood’s. Remember: If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you? This saying usually got dragged out in the “peer pressure” conversations.

And I guess that answer to that question depends. Are you leading the group? Is there a lake on the other side of the cliff? Is it hot outside? Are there situations where peer pressure is good? Is everybody’s doing it a reason NOT to do something?

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen some version of this outfit on some sort of social media. In case you haven’t, let me be the first to tell you: biker shorts are back. Yep. Everybody’s doing it. With heels, or Blazers, ankle booties, sweatshirts. As athletic wear, as going out wear.
So the question now becomes: if biker shorts are back, if everybody’s doing it, should you?

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

I have a space in my fashion heart full of love for athletic wear. Or wear that goes from the gym to events. Maybe it’s my love of working out, or maybe it’s my love of being fashionable, but I have a tendency to lean on the side of “everybody’s doing it” in this case.

You can see similar looks and document my love of work out leggings here and here.

Everybody doing it and workout leggings are a thing I do. The question remains, are biker shorts a thing you should do?

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

In all honesty? Everybody’s doing it, but if you’re thinking about outfits for your 9 to 5, this is probably not your new go-to. (Though you could try it with a blazer, for a casual Friday?) However, for weekend days, those days when you’re running from the gym to lunch, or when you can get away with a more casual look I love it. I love that these go from causal (Google Princess Dianna in biker shorts) to dressy (they look great with heels), from a casual top (this is a hoodie) to under a mini dress; biker shorts may be the fashion we didn’t know we needed.

If nothing else, they’ve come a long way from when I used to wear them with t-shirts in 3rd grade.

Everybody is doing it. Maybe you should too?

I’ve linked similar looks and pieces below. I’d love to know: are you rocking biker shorts?

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: Everybody's Doing It

New Beginnings

Investment Piece: New Beginnings

It’s after Labor Day. Which means there’s nothing but new beginnings, right?

I can’t be the only one who harbors the expectation that one day we’ll wake up and THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT. From birthdays (16, 21) to Christmas, to other live changing events, is it wrong to think that the new beginning will be so marked and different that it will be apparent to everyone? Just me?

Maybe new beginnings aren’t always loud and abrupt. Maybe, sometimes, the new beginnings take time, are gradual, and ease you into the new. Maybe, sometimes, they are both.

It’s about the time of year when I’m hungry for change, for new clothes (sweaters and coats), for movement on goals, and for things to generally be DIFFERNT. Here’s the thing about the new beginning after Labor Day: it takes it’s time. It will be hot (feel like summer) for at least another month or so. There’s a really good chance that when we wake up this week things are immediately new. So, if the new beginnings we seek are taking their sweet time, what can we do?

Dress for them.

Investment Piece: New Beginnings

This skirt is not new, but it is a new beginning that I’m excited about for fall! It’s reversible, which means it can always be new, I love the flare, and the big side pockets are perfect for all your storing needs. It’s from designer BreeLayne (you read about her on site here, seen some of her other pieces here, and can shop her here).

BreeLayne is one of my favorite designers, and her collections are sustainable, meaning that you can feel good about what you’re investing in.

If it’s my legacy to leave you with the confidence to wear your swimsuit with everything (yes, that’s a bikini top), my work here will be done. And let’s not forget how important it is to have a pop of color.

New beginnings? Maybe if we dress new –we try new things, or we dress for the things we want–I don’t think anything bad could happen in this skirt, the new beginnings will get here faster. I’m at least willing to try.

I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure below. I’d love to know: is your post Labor Day off to a new start?

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!

You can also now save items for later (and get notified when pieces go on sale!)

Investment Piece: New Beginnings

Last side note: these pics are from a series I did with Katie Reilly. There’s more to come, and this one was one my fave shoots!

Stress Relief

Investment Piece: FBF From then to now
Investment Piece: Stress Relief

As we’ve gotten to know each other, there are some things I’m sure you’ve heard before. I believe that fashion is a way to tell our stories, that fashion can let you be anyone you want for the day. Fashion is also something I use as a stress relief. This post details someone else’s journey with using fashion and beauty as a cure for anxiety, and I can whole heartedly relate.

Right now my closet is in transition. Ok, I’m in transition, but I worry more about my closet. I don’t know what that says about me. Anyhow, moving and dealing with family stuff my closet is currently in pieces over my mom’s house. For someone who’s prized possession is her closet, it’s a little bit stressful. What am I doing for stress relief? Planning outfits.

We know I’ve been thinking about this dress. The above jacket? When coming across it, I couldn’t help but fantasize about all the outfits this vintage YSL beauty could make for the end of summer. Over slip dresses. As a bathing suit cover up. With shorts and pants. The pink and the details make this jacket too good to stay in the closet.

Then I came across this fave bathing suit. And while I don’t wear it in the pool (I’m afraid the chlorine would hurt the colors), I dream of being ocean side, or wearing the top with a jean skirt.

Investment Piece: Stress Relief
I recently wore this skirt with a band tee for a first date, and it was a hit. Now I’m thinking of all the tees and crop tops and sweaters I can pair it with. Unconventional stress relief? Maybe. But it’s getting me through the day.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blazer, tie, Valenino, high fashion, CA, TX
I literally just stepped over this tie, and am now relaxing thinking about all the ways I can wear it.

Fashion as stress relief? Why not?

The only thing left to do is to shop for stress relief and have somewhere to wear all of these amazing outfits I’m planning.

I’ve linked some things I’m eyeing for stress relief 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!

Can’t Get You Out of My Head

Investment Piece: Can't get you out of my head

#InvestmentPiece #faves #aavintedge

Have you ever not been able to get an outfit out of your head? Even after you’ve worn it?

This vintage dress from AAVintedge is hardly new (even new to me). And it’s been posted before, see here. Yet…..

I had to move my closet recently. It’s in pieces. Yes, it gives me anxiety, yes, I’m working through it. But there are pieces that stand out to you. Like this floral dress. I had it in mind before the move. It called to me–and summer nights full of bbq, beaches, and good times.

We moved my closet and it is spread all over–and my eyes keep coming back to this dress. I dream of wearing it to lunches, drinks, and all sorts of summer good times.
Do I still love this neckline? Yes. And the flowers? Yes. The fact that’s it’s another Texas/California mix (just like me)? Double yes.

Can’t get you out of my head. I know that these are lyrics to a love song. But for me, they apply to fashion. What does that say about me? There are just pieces and fashion that I can’t help but think of, plan for, yearn to wear to any and every event. What does that say about me?

I’m sure that there are things that you can’t get out of your head: pieces you want, pieces you have. We all have favorite outfits for a reason.

There are just some things that you can’t get out of your head. For me, this dress is one of them. So, the big question is: where should I wear it?

I’ve linked similar dresses below for your “can’t get you out of my head” pleasure!

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!

Investment Piece: Can't Get You Out of my head

Beach Pajamas

Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas

Investment Piece; Beach Pajamas

Some of our favorite things: the beach and pajamas. The next best thing? Combining them! I won’t waste your time chatting about my love for the ocean and the beach: we all know that I’m a water baby, and have to see the love of my life (the ocean) every so often or I go a bit nutty. So, let’s chat Beach Pajamas!

True Beach Pajamas are a vintage treasure! They come from the 1930’s–women didn’t really wear pants yet, but, yet, at the beach it was “socially acceptable”, and jumpsuits with palazzo pants were popular! You can find silk ones, many have amazing embroidery. These, however, are not true beach pajamas. However, they made me think of beach pajamas, so I couldn’t help but fall in love!

This a is Dolce and Gabbana jumpsuit that I found on TheRealReal, and it’s just as dreamy as the vintage pieces! I love the raw silk, the fact that it’s a jumpsuit (WITH POCKETS!), the tie, and this print–no one does a great citrus print like Dolce and Gabbana! It would be perfect with sandals for a casual day, but these dreamy palazzo pants and heels would be great for a cocktail party.

I may be partial to this look on a beach though. California sunsets are their own brand of magic!

Hoping your outfit feels like pajamas and that you get a little bit of magic today!

XO RA

A great place to search for beach pajamas? Etsy, or your favorite vintage shop. I’ve linked some similar pieces, and some Dolce below!

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 get your own deal from TheRealReal:

Summer Mood

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

We’re into July. It’s Summer. Like Summer, Summer. And here are some truths:

*It’s hot. Like too hot. So hot LA lost power. Hot enough that even in the *early* morning this shoot quickly went from “don’t fall in the pool” to “what’s the worst thing that happens if I go in the pool?”
*I’m a fan of swimsuit fashion (as we know), but feel that, with the heat, it’s a PSA at this point to tell you to wear your swimsuit. (Yes, this a rash guard. And yes, maybe long sleeves are only good in the pool?)
*White is a go-to (lined. Even these are lined and a bit more see through than Mom would like)
*There has got to be a way for us to live our lives in some body of water or with the AC blaring

Is this enough of a Summer mood for you?

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

Aspects of my Summer mood:
*Combining things I love:swimsuits, a flare, and the water for a look
*Staying cool. My grandma would tell us all the importance of skin care and hats. Wrinkles are not the accessory we’re after, so protect yourself
*Keeping calm. Name one person who’s running around crazy in July. You can’t. It’s a month of peak summer, and hopefully peak relaxation. If that’s not a Summer mood, I don’t know what is

This summer my goal is to make things as easy as possible. And to look as effortless as possible. Yes, for me that involves swim and white –things that look complicated but are comfy and easy are a fave of mine. Being ready for the water at a moment’s notice is always a part of my Summer mood.

What does your Summer mood look like?

This rash guard is last season, as are these pants (seen here and here respectedly), but I’ve found similar items for you below! The hat was my grandma’s- I got you covered there, too!

I can’t wait to see your Summer mood!
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 mood

Hot Neutrals

Investment Piece: Hot Neutrals

There is this theory about neutrals. That they are just a base, something to build on, not something that pops.

My loves, I beg to differ. In fact, I think that this theory is easily dissproved. How?
Hot Neutrals.
Do you need a bold color or a wild palette? No (though I do love both of those things). All you need is neutrals- I love them color blocked. What makes them hot? The details. The curve of the heel, the slits on the dress, the rivets.

Hot neutrals. They’re a thing.

Investment Piece: Hot Neutrals

I love black. And patterns. And colors. What I love about neutrals? They don’t need anything to be hot. They just simply are. Classic. Chic. Hot. What’s not to love about neutrals?

Yes, this hot neutral look is more “party” than work, but it can be easy to recreate for any occasion.

My tips for hot neutrals:
-Keep it simple. Even when the details are stunning, your neutrals don’t need gimmicks to be hot.
-Neutrals are a time to invest. Great lines, material, shape all matter here.
-Rock them with confidence. Neutrals are hot.

I’ve linked similar neutral dresses and neutral pieces I love below.
I’d love to know: how do you feel about hot neutrals?

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: Hot Neutrals