Last Goodbye

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Loves, I’m hoping that this heat wave is our Last Goodbye to Summer. Yes, wearing stunning vintage floral dresses like this one makes up for it. But I’m DONE. (With the heat that is) I’m ready to wear sweaters, show you boots, get cozy. I love this dress, it’s simple and stunning all at the same time. It’s a tad sheer and sexier than you think, but innocent and sweet at the same time (and we know I love juxatipositon so). It works for dinner, it works for events, it works for hanging out in gardens. It makes me feel regal and yet is perfect with my bare feet. I love it. I want to wear it a lot. But I’m also ready for fall. And so, I can think of nothing better to wear to give summer one last goodbye (let’s hope!)

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: vintage, from my love AAVintedge, find something great from her on Instagram (@aavintedge) or online here

Cape

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Loves, I know I just overwhelmed you with pictures, but there are two truths here:Chosing shots from this shoot was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and to date, this is one of my most favorite looks and shoots. It’s from my Downtown Fort Worth shoot with Megan Weaver. The background (Bass Hall) was just stunning. The hair -made me feel old Hollywood. I can’t take full credit for the look; this is vintage Saks Fifth Avenue cape that I wore as a dress, and I got the idea from my dear friend Marie at RecessLa, though the piece is from Kit Vintage.
Capes are so in this season, and I love this take on it! Wear it as a dress, because why not! (On Monday, I wore my jacket as a dress, see that here) If you have a cape that fastens in the front (or that you can pin) why not try it! The cut outs on the side are sexy without being overstated, it’s a statement without trying, and I bet that it will look stunning. Don’t feel like being adventurous? I get it. Capes look great over jeans, pants, skirts, and master the line between keeping warm and not overheating! In short, get a cape, and wear it.

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Details:
Cape: Kit Vintage, shop her site here
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Shot by @meganmweaver

Coat Dress

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There are dresses made to look like coats. Then there are coats that we can wear as dresses. So why not? It’s not quite chilly enough for a jacket, but this weekend there were brief moments that felt like fall! So the perfect solution-a light coat, worn all by itself as a dress! (This coat does have closures down far enough to work, however I did pin the neckline) I love this coat–the soft grey color, the elegance of it. And I love the juxatipositon of that with sneakers. Yes, this coat would be great over a dress, or as a dress with heels, but it’s great with sneakers and flats too! It’s the perfect toe-dip into fall.

I’d love to know: Do you have dresses that could work as dresses? Do you?

Happy Monday!
XO RA

Details:
Coat: Keepsake If you don’t know Keepsake, they’re a great Australian label, they ship here and you can also shop the label at Shopbop, Revolve, and Nordstrom
Shoes: Addias

Waiting on Fall

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It’s official, it’s fall. The only we’re left to do? Wait on fall- weather that is. It’s still hot, but I can’t help but think of cooler weather: sweaters, boots, coats. I’m looking forward to velvets, jewel tones, mohair, and stunning boots. And while I’m waiting on fall? I’m loving tempting it-trenches over swimsuits, tulle socks with my shoes. It feels just fall enough, but I don’t melt! And yes, I’m aware this is not a look you could recreate for work. However, you can recreate the feel. A trench over a romper or a sundress. Wearing your swimsuit as a bodysuit. And these tulle socks? Always an option!

Happy Friday! Xo RA

Details:
Trench: Zara
Swimsuit: vintage from AAVintedge
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Socks: Pan&theDream
Scarf: Zara, old, similar here
Bag: Mansur Gavriel

New/Old

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There are so many things about my job I love; and one of the things I love most is getting to know new people, and finding great clothes! This is the story of how I did both! This gorgeous dress is vintage from Isreal, and I had the pleasure of finding it through a new friend – Miriti. She and I began following each other on Instagram and I got the chance to meet her, and shop her amazing collection! (Stay tuned for more info on her!)I fell in love with this number, I love the contrast of the high neck and v-neck. It’s completely innocent and completely sexy all at the same time! It’s the perfect juxatipositon, and I can’t wait to find more like this!

Xo RA

Details:
Shop Miriti on Instagram @m_i_r_i_t_i
Shoes: Miu Miu, old, you can find these on eBay and Tradesy and sites like that! Search “Miu Miu wedge sandal”

#red

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They say with the right one you won’t need much- they may be talking about love, but I think it applies to clothes too. Yes, each look is different – and some need the hair, makeup, accessories to make the look. But sometimes, the clothes are so perfect for you, nothing is needed. No makeup. No hair. Even barefoot and in glasses it just works. Case in point? This head turner. It just fit- and didn’t need a lot. And loves, let’s not weigh ourselves down with things we don’t need (apply that to what you will!)

Hope Monday doesn’t feel like one! Xo RA

Details:

I actually didn’t buy this one from RecessLa<\a> and that may haunt me. Make sure you check them out- in LA or shop their Insta @recessla

Know when to Leave

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Loves, I love big parties, and big dresses–but I also love knowing when to leave and the unexpected. This look was inspired by an Instgram pic I saw with a sheer dress worn over jeans and a corset. And I loved it, the feel of it. So when I found a vintage prom dress, I knew I could recreate that feeling. (I simply cut the lining out of the skirt to get sheer on the bottom and keep the corset on top).It’s just edgy enough and just sweet enough, the juxtaposition is divine. And this iconic background? I could run through these lights all day–the dress just makes it more fun!

And yes, I know you may not have a prom dress to wear over jeans but doesn’t this beg the question: what could you look at differently? Even to formal events, you don’t have to wear something expected. Let’s have fun with our fashion–it is Friday after all!

XO RA

Details:
Dress: From PolkaDots and Moonbeams
Jeans: Mother
Shoes: Gucci, old, similar here

Dolce

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Dolce & Gabbana’s recent collections have left me yearning for the Amalfi coast, an Italian feast, and boats (because why not). And this dress–it makes me feel the same way! I love that it’s not a true knock off, but very inspired by (I got it at Beehive) yet feels fresh and complete on its own. The shape is classic, I love the sheer that doesn’t seem sheer because of the vivid print. In fact this dress almost changes color in light–and that makes it magical. It’s great with a slip underneath, you could be daring and wear a body suit, and I even wore it once as a bathing suit cover up to a pool cocktail party (and yes, that’s a thing we should do more of). I also love that I can transition it into fall by adding boots!

Again, I host a pop-up at the Beehive in Fort Worth tomorrow and there will be plenty of finds like this one there! Hope to see you!

XO RA

Details:
Dress: BeeHive
Shoes: Nina Ricci, old, similar here

Reem Acra

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When I was watching the “Lemonade” film, I made a comment to a friend that every time I see a BeyoncĂ© video, I have the urge to wear a leotard everywhere. And when you put things into the universe, it can be amazing how quickly they come to you. The very next week this gorgeous Reem Acra jumpsuit came into my life–and I love it. I love the sleeves, the sheer sexiness (you could wear any bra or tank top under), the fact that it manages to be sweet and have an edge. I’ve worn this so many ways: with a long silk skirt for elegance, with jeans and flats at a concert, and like here-with pants and with more of an edge. Any way: I feel special when I wear it and it works. (Side note: when I wear things and don’t take an #ootd pic or pic in general I have this moment of feeling guilty, and then I’m torn between the fact that we’re supposed to be out living our lives–so the balance I will try to give you more glimpses of what I wear, and you’ll forgive me when I have such a good time that I forget!) Its ability to be dressed up or down, and change it’s personality may be my fave part of this Reem Acra–because isn’t it great to have something that fits whatever you want to be that day?

XO RA

Details:
Top: Vintage Reem Acra bought at Garment Modern
Pants: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Dress

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There’s something about a dress–or should I say the right dress. It can change your mood, stop a room, and I personally don’t think it’s going too far to say it can change your life. And in my vast experience, you know the dress when you put it on. Yes, there may be things you like, you need, but when you put on a special dress you know it. Now here’s where I deviate from most opinions–I don’t think dresses, special or not, need occasions (special or not). I tried on this vintage gem at The Kit Vintage and knew; the way it moved, the way it fit, the way it made me feel. And Robyn, the owner, knew it too! (That’s the magic of a great dress) She asked what occasion I could wear it to; and I just smiled and said “Oh, I would wear this to dinner”. Because loves, anything that makes you feel great, that brings you joy doesn’t need an event or an occasion. I’m a big fan of us letting ourselves be joyful–and if that means people look at your great dress, then let them look!

XO RA

Details:
Dress: Vintage, find one at The Kit Vintage
Shoes: LK Bennett, old, similar here
Shoes: Jcrew, old, similar here