Category: outfits

We get told a lot of things: Let your light shine, all that glitters isn’t gold, smile, and (my fave) don’t let anyone dull your sparkle. There are times when these are true (this is not the part where I tell you not to shine, or to put up with people who can’t handle your shine). However, there are times when these things aren’t EXCATLY true. Sometimes all that glitters is gold–and sometimes, it adds to our shine!

You may remember this dress (vintage from Garment Modern) from my Instagram last summer; I loved wearing it with my fave Adidias out to outdoor events. It has just the right amount of sparkle (and sequin) to stand out, but the sweater dress quality allows you to dress it up or down. I love it with heels here– it’s special enough for any “fancy” occasion, but not so over the top that you will intimidate anyone (that’s what your personal shine is for). I love a great piece that lets me dress it up or down, wear it in a park, wear it at a 5 star restaurant!

How would you wear it? XO RA

I’ve linked some similar picks below for your shopping pleasure:

Loves, you’re not imagining things. You’ve seen this blazer before (here). And while I loved this blazer as a way to transition from summer to fall, I also adore it as a Summer suit! Because, yes, it’s Summer, but there are still times when a suit is needed!

I have to admit, though I am wary of some versions of this combo, I have a thing for Blazers and shorts. You read about it, and see my Summer suit of last summer, here, and also check my Etsy history: I’ve been searching for the perfect 80s short suit. I didn’t find one, so I made one! I love that this blazer is a true blazer (in the trust tree: a little hot to shoot in southern humidity) but the off the shoulder makes it interesting. I paired it with classic white shorts (oversized just a tad to balance the structure) and these stunning lace up sandals. Perfect for more casual Summer business, or a night out!

I’d love to know: What’s your Summer suit?

XO RA

This Blazer is old, the shorts are Zara, and the shoes are Miu Miu from a few seasons ago. I’ve selected some similar styles below for your shopping pleasure!

A brand that I can’t seem to quit? For Love and Lemons. I love their take on skivies and bathing suits, and their dresses and tops are amazing as well. I find the cuts to be flattering on every body type, and yet the cut outs and details are simply next level. The only thing that can make it better? This stunning vintage (Valentino) rain cape that I borrowed from my love, The Kit Vintage. And who says capes are only for rain or inclement weather? The idea of wearing one on the beach or in the pool is fun and unexpected, and isn’t that what summer is about??

This suit is for Love and Lemons-I’ve linked my picks below!

XO RA

I have a love for all things swim (both vintage and modern). We all know I wear swim suits around (and always have), and see no reason for this summer to be any different. This number is a vintage bikini from Mercy Vintage that I snagged up at A Current Affair! I love the color, and the way the bottoms puff! One of my favorite things about vintage bikinis? The patterns! They go great with any body of water, as well as with skirts, shorts and jeans. Do you love vintage bikini days?

Stay tuned all this week for more swim inspiration! XO RA

I’ve linked similar bikinis and this skirt below:

Loves, I do my fair share of time trying on clothes, shopping for clothes, and thinking about clothes. And while I have a big need for clothes (between the site and me), what I’ve looked for in an item has slowly changed. I want what most of us want- quality, on trend, something I’ll wear again, all around great pieces. But, most importantly, I want an item that feels good. Maybe I’ll sigh when I put it on, maybe I won’t want to take it off, maybe I start fantasizing about all the places I’ll wear it. I call it “being good”, and loves, this gown is so good. I put it on, and I just fell in love.

The colors, the fit, the feel (it’s silk velvet with satin upper). I put it on and knew–gown so good. * This vintage gem is a Leonard (known for his jersey creations), so a silk velvet number is a littler rare (but I love it–and it fits in any season!); it’s from The Kit Vintage (you can refresh on my love here and here). So far I’ve worn it to a summer kick off gala and the ballet, but I’m on the hunt for more places to wear it. That’s what happens when gown so good.

These pictures were taken by Megan Weaver, and I have to admit playing in the fountains in this dress was fun too!

I’d love to know: what in your closet is so good? XO RA

*Originially my friend Robyn was afraid to zip it up, it fit but it just was a hard zip. Since purchasing, I’ve been able to zip myself into it, without any help at all, 3 times. Another sign we’re meant to be?

While this dress is vintage, I’ve found some similar styles:

It’s the time of year for wedding/graduation/father’s day gifts. Something that always fits:

You may or may not be traveling this weekend for Memorial Day, maybe you’ll be getting in the water; either way, this time of year lends itself to the panic that calls itself “swimsuit season”. I have good news for you! If you have a body, you have a beach body–simply go to the beach. (I’m not arguing that point, we’re all beautiful and there is no rule about what you should feel comfortable in. I still want my mom to get in the water with me, so I have little patience for all the stories we tell ourselves about how swimsuit season should go. And yes, I say that as one who has to give herself pep talks for crop tops). That rant being over, let’s be real, the overwhelming options and the quest to find a suit that is both practical and makes us feel good can make it seem like finding a swim suit is an impossible quest.

Now, I have a weird confession: I love swim suits. I do! Not that I don’t have to give myself my own rant and pep talk, but I love that there are endless options-I wear them with jeans/skirt/shorts. I have a thing for vintage swim wear (see last year’s post on that here, and you can look forward to more vintage swim wear this summer!) or (promise not to laugh) we can look back on one of my very first posts about wearing swim wear with “street” clothes here. I recently read that every woman should have a great one piece and a great two piece as options, that’s something that I can get behind! Below I’ve curated some of my fave swim suits this season (and cover ups too!). I’d love to know–do you love swim suits (and the water) as much as I do? Do you mix them with your street clothes? What are you looking to add to your collection this year?

Happy Swim Suit Shopping!! It’s not scary when we do it together, right? XO RA

My current fave swimsuits:

Great cover up options:

And don’t forget the sunglasses:

Loves, I often have encouraged you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things in your fashion. Wanna know a secret? It’s hard for me, too. It can be hard to try a new thing, but the upside is that sometimes you find something new–and it fits right in. We know I’m a fan of jumpsuits, and I’m open to color. However, I never thought of myself as a “uniform” gal (blame it on commercial head shots, or old pics of a Boy Scout shirt that I used to wear “ironically” that I now realize was just-not good), but I kept away from vintage like this flight suit. Then, one night I was a friend’s pop up, and on a whim I tried it on–and loves I’m so glad I did. A bit out of my “range”? Maybe, but it fits!

I love the color, the zippers, the fact that it’s a flight suit, but not overt. It goes amazing with heels, and great with sneakers. It’s been out to a cocktail party, and worn with sneakers for a more casual day. I love it with these gold necklaces (vintage Monet-read about them here and Cassandra’s Collections, one of my faves!) but it also can stand alone. It’s not me, but it fit my style. I love it! The lesson? Trying new things is good for you!
Or at least, finding new clothes that fit you perfectly is not something to pass up.

What’s something that you didn’t think you’d love but you do?

XO RA

This jumpsuit is vintage from The Keep Vintage” and these heels are my fave Brian Atwoods! Shop my similar picks below!

Heart prints? They aren’t just for little girls and en masse Valentine cards. I have to admit, I’m not a sweet dresser. I like bows, hearts, pink, but like an edge; so when I pick bows, pinks, and hearts I like them edgy. This Rixio UK dress fits the bill. I love that the heart print is subtle, the off the shoulder, and bias cut. It’s a heart dress, with just enough edge for a heart like mine, and who can beat that?

I’ve worn with dress to a tea (Alice in Wonderland themed so it was a perfect fit!), and with sneakers for a casual happy hour. I originially bought this dress in the thought that it would be great for Valentine’s Day, a way to wear hearts without being saccrine; I didn’t wear it then, but have loved that this print has fit in at all other occasions. Here, I love the juxatipositon with the green shoes, and how perfect were these flowers we stumbled upon??

In case you didn’t know about Rixio UK- I love them! They’re a London based company, all products are done in silk–often with vintage patterns and fabrics! The designs are fun, edgy, and just a hint of sweet, and simply perfect. They fit true to size and there’s something for everyone. You can find Rixio on their site Rixio UK or at Net-a-Porter.

Hope your Friday is just sweet enough! I HEART THIS DRESS AND YOU! XO RA

Shop my picks below:

Check out the new arrivals at Mod Cloth and get 20% off:

Early last week I was told that this dress was a perfect solution for wearing black in Summer. Loves, this is where I confess: I didn’t know that we had to look for ways to wear black (call it my inner New Yorker, but I’m not a native New Yorker), even in Summer. Maybe you subscribe to the theory that even dark colors should be “Summer-ized”. Maybe you think black is a year round color. And we can all agree that no matter where you fall on that spectrum no one thinks heavy fabrics and heat are a great combo. Loves, no matter what you want to debate from those theories, this black dress (For Love & Lemons) is simply perfect for the summer months. Sheer, with Swiss dots, and a adjustable neckline, it would look great with heels at a Summer soirée, great with sandals, or over a bathing suit for a day at your favorite body of water. I personally believe that black is a seasonless color, but this may be the perfect Summer black. And with these espadrilles and hat? Let’s Summer–in black of course!

Austin Loves–I got this dress at Lively Collective (@livelycollective on Instagram and on South 1st), and that little shop is quickly becoming one of my fave places to shop when I’m in town! It’s full of boho, beachy, and local treasures–everything you need to get you through the summer (and yes, even some black!) Happy Shopping!

XO RA

Shop my picks below:

And if you prefer to rent your Summer looks: