outfits – Page 8 – Investment Piece

Did I do It?

a woman in balloon jeans a black tee and an oversized belt with black suede mules
a woman in balloon jeans with a black tee and an oversized belt and black suede mules

I have never. EVER. been great at a just throwing on a jeans and a tee. See here, and here
I always feel that something is missing. I have the instinct to dress up. To throw on heels. Or something. Jeans and a tee? I have always felt that this sort of causal was not me at best, or at least, I always needed something to style them.

And then.

I got these balloon jeans (styled similar ones here) and all of a sudden event a tee feels like a statement. Is it that the jeans are a bit of a statement? A style? A bit of letting me feel as if just a tee was aok. There are so many people-from you to those in your lives to influencers who make it seem like jeans and a tee are just something you do. You might be one of those people!

Yet. As someone who has constantly overthought jeans- and all the outfits pertaining- I can tell you just throwing on jeans and a tee is so misleading. Fun fact about me? I don’t think that I wore jeans at all till I was at least 8yos. I was so much more interested in party dresses and leotards. Beloveds, we are who are are! And yet. Perhaps it’s the jeans, perhaps it’s me growing as a person-but somehow I was able to throw on jeans and a tee and be done with it.

Is this it? Did I do it?

Ok. So the slightly oversized belt helped! (vintage but I did find you similar!) And these mules! SO perhaps I felt as if the outfit was a bit elevated. Note: we haven’t chatted about the legs or waist or more!Not that any of that doesn’t matter. Or maybe it does? At the very least- did I do it? Did I manage to pull off jeans and a tee chicly and without a care and whiteout doing too much?

I certainly hope so! What do you think?

Same jeans and a similar tee and options for belts and shoes below. I will be honest and tell you that with jeans and a tee it can be great to accessorize, but having the confidence to just throw on a jeans and a tee will earn my admiration (like I hope my love of shoes and party dress and where I wear them does the same for you!)

How do you deal with just a jeans and a tee? How comfortable are you just throwing them on?
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them I may earn commissions from them. Thank you for your support!

Exact jeans here

a woman in balloon jeans, a black tee and a belt and black suede mules

Striped and Short

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

I have no idea if I read it or I made it up- but I had the idea that we were supposed to wear bright colors for the eclipse on Monday. ** Either way, I had the perfect outfit- this blue and white striped romper. Now I will admit a few things:
-I am beginning to get nervous about wearing shorts. And I hate that as it has nothing to do with anything other than my age. (I got into this a little bit here)
-Rompers. And jumpsuits. Are always a bit of a game of chance for me. Not due to traditional sizing (I sized up here!) but due to torso length. I have a LONG torso, so finding items long enough is half the battle- not to mention a romper/jumpsuit that’s cute and fits in every other way!

Lucky for us all- this blue and white striped and short romper was and is perfect. I don’t feel as if I’m trying too hard in it. And it looks great with “fancier” shoes as well as with flip flops. (Note: as mentioned I did slightly size up in this to ensure it wasn’t too tight and short and to give just a bit in torso length. Checking size guides and reviews does come in handy here!) This striped and short is great for running around in, or for events. I love that it’s a bit classic (color and pattern- and a great rule of thumb is to stay a bit on the classic side if you’re nervous) but the shorts and the details (a la buttons, etc) make it feel a bit edgy. And let’s be honest feeling as if our outfits are a bit fresh and unstuffy can help us feel more special. In this striped and short I didn’t even notice that it was short! Though I did love the stripes!

What did you wear for the eclipse? Did you also think that we needed to be in bright colors? And how do you feel about wearing shorts?

I’ve linked this exact romper (I’m usually an XS in this brand, this is a Small) and similar shoes for you below! XO

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!

**Side note: The eclipse was amazing. It was cloudy but we did get a break to see the ring and full totality. When the sun was completely covered it got dark- like DARK, street lights and lights on timers went on, it got colder, birds went a bit crazy- it was eerie and magical and moving all at the same time. I hope your eclipse experience was just as amazing.

a woman in a blue and white striped romper with lace up navy suede sandals

Proportion Play

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

In all of the trends and all of the things there are always things we are a bit skeptical of. I-even as someone who will tell you that I am in fashion- am immune to. This season? It’s barrel (or curve) jeans). Sometimes, let’s just be honest, it’s s bit intimidating to style an unknown- even if the unknown is just to you. For example, this season its barrel leg (or curve leg like these exact jeans!). It’s a take on wide leg that’s a bit exaggerated- and perhaps a bit intimidating. As in-how do we style a leg that is supposed to and is designed to bow out?

My take? To play with proportions!

(Note: There are so many takes on this curve.barrel trend you could take. On the pairs I’ve invested in? I’m getting my true size- as I feel as if you get too oversized they just look baggy and while a new thing for me I kinda like the curve leg! These exact jeans and other options are linked for you below!)

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

My take with any proportion that feels BIG or SMALL is to play with it. Or to balance it. AKA – how can you match or mismatch the proportions to find a sweet spot that not only makes you feel comfortable but makes your outfit feel even. Some basic examples may be a low cut top with a slightly longer skirt (or the inverse), or in this case a bit of wide or curved jeans that might be balanced in a tighter top.

In this case- curved (slight barrel jeans) with a corset top (and this in in particular felt like the corsets from couture week (and the tassels!) and the tight with the loose? (Obviously in generic terms) It’s so great. And chic. And made me feel so elevated.

Sometimes- and this is a me thing- I think we get scared of proportions. We want to be the stream lined or best lined version. Or just me? So s trend that goes against that – barrel leg, curve, wide leg- can be scary!! I’m with you! But what if the “new” silhouette was just an opportunity to play! Can we pair a tight top with flowing bottoms? Should we mix and match coverage on our fashion? Or should we play with our proportions from big to small to anteing in between?

In of that, I am a fan. Perhaps our proportions are just there for us to play and experiment and pair all sorts of big and small (fitted or non fitted) items together. Should we try to contrast? Should we match sizes (for lack of a better word)? I know that I have loved a bit of proportion play in that I love pairing a bit more form fitting top with a flared bottom. Or perhaps a loose top with tight pants Balance. Or a bit of proportion play.

I love this take on paring a tight with a loose- or however you want to interpret proportion play. How do you play with promotions? What would you like to see?

There is a future post about barrel leg jeans- so if that’s something you’re curious about I would say-PLAY! You could also size up and just let them be baggy! (IF you have specific questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!)

These exact jeans and similar tops and shoes are linked below. Let’s play with our proportions, shall we?! XO RA

a woman in curved black jeans with a cream corset top with tassels and red stripy rose sandals

Designer Spotlight: Ossie Clark

Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Ossie Clark

There are certain designers so infamous that they have their own cult following, on top of the fame that the brand demands. Ossie Clark is one of them; I have a girlfriend and we spend a good chunk of our weeks DMing Ossie Clark pictures to each other on Instagram. His designs are that iconic, swoon worthy, and shareable.

What should you know about Ossie Clark? That he designed for the rich and famous? That he’s considered responsible for “bohemian” dresses? The Swinging Sixties? That he’s the English answer to YSL? Yes, all of that, and more.
Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Ossie Clark

Ossie was born Raymond Clark in England, 1942. He began making clothes for dolls and the neighborhood girls before he was 10. Through the encouragement of the art teacher at this school, Ossie found fashion; and poured over the Vogue and Bazaar his teacher gave him. Ossie also studied architecture, and the fundamentals of proportion, height, and volume would become paramount to his career as a fashion designer. After his basic schooling, Ossie studied at the Regional College of Art in Manchester. (Note, Ossie’s commute to school was so long his mother gave him pills to stay awake, beginning Ossie’s life long struggle with drug use). During his college days at Manchester, he met and fell in love with Celia Birtwell, and became great friends with David Hockney. Both relationships would be profoundly important in Ossie’s life.

After completing school in Manchester, Ossie attended the Royal College of Art in London. Here, Ossie used the influences of pop art and Hollywood Glamour to design a line (first carried by Woodlands 21). Ossie’s career was then on the fast track, he got his first feature in Vogue in August of 65; and was asked by Alice Pollock to be the co-designer at Quorum. Ossie partnered with his muse, and future wife, Celia Birtwell, who did the prints/fabrics while Ossie did the designing/cutting/patterns. Ossie Clark became synonymous with free following, prints, muted colors, crepe fabrics, snakeskin jackets; as well as the celebrities he dressed: Bianca Jagger (her wedding dress), the Beatles, Marianne Faithful, Liza Minnelli, among others.

When you think of Sixities Fashion you may think mod-the miniskirts, the shifts, the go-go boots. Ossie changed that. He designed to flatter a woman’s body. As the Telegraph put it:
“The square cut, mini shift dresses that projected an adolescent, coltish figure, all knees and elbows, gave way to a sinuous shape lines that celebrated women’s curves. The typical Clark gown boasted the sensuousness of the female form: the arched small of the back, the rounded haunch, an impossibly long neck, a rangy thigh, all slip sliding against satin or matte jersey.”

What I think of when I think of an Ossie Clark piece are the details: buttons, sleeves that puff or flare, the illusion of floating but the impeccable tailoring, the feel that the piece could be from the 40s, 70s, or today. Ossie Clark designs are a true collectors item, and make the woman wearing it look exquisite.

Investment Piece: Designer Spotlight: Ossie Clark
Investemnt Piece: Designer Spotlight: Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark was a “true” artist and creative: obsessed with art and music, not great at business ends, and he was given to bouts of depression (made worse by his drug use). His clothes and line were groundbreaking in many ways: they changed the shape of fashion, his was the first line to feature black models in their runway shows (in the UK), and his love life was the source of great joy and sorrow. Ossie married Celia Birtwell (they would have 2 kids, which by all accounts were the loves of his life), and when they divorced it ruined Ossie in many ways. His line went in and out of bankruptcy; the 70s gave way to Punk Rock and Vivenne Westwood, making Ossie obsolete. He had love affairs with both men and women, and finally seemed to be pulling himself together cutting patterns for Ghost Label, when he was stabbed to death by an ex-lover in 1996.

While his life read like the Hollywoof movies he so loved, what we should take away from Ossie Clark is the love and joy that he put into his collections. You can find Ossie Clark on Etsy, 1stDibs and many high end vintage dealers. The price may be high, but if you get an Ossie, you’re getting a true work of art!

XO RA

Red and Black and Dots All Over

a woman in black and white polka dot long sleeved blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

You know, you know-I have a thing for dots. In fact, I have never met a polka dot I didn’t love. And this spring? Shorts are in (I know, they are always in but this year they are IN) so I couldn’t resit a dotted set. The black and white keep it a bit classic, even with the shorts (more thoughts on those below). What I can’t resist here? Pairing this very classic black and white with a pop of red. The red is a simple pop of color, but the combo of red and black and white is a classic set all on its own.

To me this was the classic set, a must have- and it also felt a bit daring. Here are the usual caveats: sets are great as you can wear them together or apart in every way under the sun. Dots are my favorite pattern and I can’t resist dots in a classic black and white combo. And I love, love love adding red to the mix! It’s a pop of color that is a classic as well!

a woman in a black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

This is where I get a little personal and let you know that I did worry that these shorts were too short. And that I was too old for them. I hate thinking that-I hate these thoughts that come across my mind now and again as we age. Ironically? I would tell you if you asked me that age is just a number and if it something that you love, you should wear it. That too old is not something to worry about when you get dressed. (I know hem length is a personal issue and won’t go down that hole with us!)

Yet. When it comes to me? Even in a red and black and white set that I find so chic and so me- and fits so well? I worried about the being old thing. (And being too short! And worst of all the combo that I was too old and they were too short and I was trying too hard!) Why can’t we by friends to ourselves and support ourselves like we would support our friends? I have no answers, this is something I clearly struggle with. What I do know is that this set was so me, I couldn’t let a little insecurity stop me from wearing it. Which is great- as this is what I want to wear all season!

This set is actually from Zara (Shirt and Shorts (you can always size up to your comfort level! I did in the shorts but love that they are so high waisted!). Yes, I have mixed feelings about ordering from Zara but the set does feel good! I’ve also linked some similar options for you below.

Have thoughts about dots or pops of red or how not to worry about your age? I am all ears!
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!

a woman in a black and white polka dot blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

Lavender Haze

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

A spring pastel that I can get behind? Lavender. Just spring enough. Just daring enough.
Here I love the cowl collar I love that this dress feels fresh but is just easy to throw on. I love the gold clash. The storm? Was a bit a luck.

And this back? I love it. It’s a bit more than I would usually do (yes. I know I have some marks from old injuries- we all have things we are hiding!)

Maybe the song is right, maybe we should all stay in the lavender haze.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

Some notes:
This dress is not new- I have been waiting till my back looked better to wear it- though I have to say acceptance is a lesson of its own. I kinda love it paired with boots (though any maxi dress especially in a lavender color would look amazing with any show from sandals to heels to wedges). A dress like this could absolutely be dressed down. Dressed up.

Perhaps this post is a bit less about their exact outfit and a bit more about how to dress in colors that make you feel great and bring you joy. You should. A bit about how to let go of what others think and your perceived or not flaws and find that you can love anything you put on- as long as you love it.

Note. Those are not easy lessons and things to deal with. I am constantly struggling – not only with these lessons but writing with them and how to deal with my own ego.

Maybe the lasting message is staying in our own lavender haze is fantastic- and whatever makes us feel great there is something we should take with us.

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

I have linked options including these amazing boots that I can’t stop pairing with everything.
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!

a woman in a lavender maxi dress and gold wedge boots

Wear it Again

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Yes, I often get asked if I rewear pieces from my closet (see here, here, and here for starters). And yes- the answer is yes. While I am such a fan of party dresses (and sometimes they are a one and down situation- or at least a more narrow styling field), I am also a big believer that any investment piece (wink, wink) is a piece you can not only style in so many ways, but one you reach for over and over again- through years and seasons.

Perhaps that is a long winded way to say that you have seen these pieces before! Some of them from years ago!

Gold Jeans that feel like a party: Here. Yes, they are “new” aka within the year- but they are (exactly linked below) but from winter. Metallics and holiday parties seem to go together. Yet, gold is also for spring. Gold can be a neutral– and yet I love the blue with it!
Blue Bustier: Here. From when we were a baby blog! As you can see! I have had this top for almost 10 years (which feels insane to say!). It still feels as fresh as it did then.
Shoes: I know I have worn them- again, about 10 years ago I wore these to my birthday party when I walked from my apartment to the venue and I have never had such horrid blisters! Luckily, they have been broken in since then!

Pieces from the past-recent or distant. And yet, each of these I have reached for over and over again. Absolutely what your closet needs? A wear again (and again) piece!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

There is not a premise formula for a wear again piece. All of our lives/jobs/taste are so different. A wear again may range from perfect fitting jeans to suits to day dresses to party dresses. For me, what I look for in a wear again piece is something I can not only style in a million ways, but style immediately with more than one piece in my closet.

Other things I look for in a wear again?
-Durability (aka can I wash it on repeat)
-Statements that can also be neutrals (perhaps a personal style thing)
-Classics that feel fresh (aka jeans that happen to be gold!)

What pieces do you wear over and over again? What piece are you looking to add to your closet that you hope and or plan to reach for over and over again?

I’ve linked these exact jeans (they do crease a bit but fit TTS) and similar options for bustier and heels 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!

a woman in gold pants with a blue floral bustier and blue mules

Dots and Dates

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Ever have a day where – even if your calendar is empty- you just have to get dressed? Know those days when you just have to get out of the house- even for a bit, even for an errand or a self date?

And then there are those times when the desperate need to get dressed and the urge to get out coincide. For me, this was one of those days (ok, not today today, but this is about that day!). My go to? A great maxi skirt with my favorite print (the polka dot!) I can’t help but feel good in them. Paired with a bit of a corset top and a belt and my new fave sandals- I have to tell you I felt fantastic. If you have to get dressed (for events or from your own feelings), there is nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel great. A favorite pattern. The shoes you love. Shapes that flatter you. Could you ask for more?

As for dates– do you love self dates? I do! One of my favorite things to do, when my schedule is free, is take myself to a matinee on a random weekday. But happy hours, lunches, shopping – when you can just be with yourself and enjoy your company? It’s a hard thing to get to, but oh so worth it. Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I take myself for a coffee. Or to stroll. Or just go sit somewhere and read. I love my friends and family and the people who make my life so rich- but there is occasionally something about spending some time alone that is just so needed and so sweet.

Doing a self date in an outfit that makes me happy and feel like me? Perhaps that’s where I should really say that we can’t ask for more!

What do you wear when you need to get dressed? Need to feel as if you put on something that mattered or felt like you? How do you spend your time when you need time alone or a date with yourself? I would love to hear all about both of these things!

This skirt is vintage and this top is years old- but I’ve linked similar options for you below– I wish you have the best outfit and best time along this week! 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!

And you can get these exact (and Current fave shoes) here

a woman in a color blocked and polka dot skirt with a black corset top and a belt with a R and red cage sandals

Everything Dress

a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers

With so much of fashion being “day to night” (or perhaps that was just Cosmo when I was growing up!) or a dress that “does it all”, feeling that you should have an outfit-or dress- that does everything can feel pressing. And yet. Can anything really do it all? There is so much out there and expecting one dress to meet every need- from errands to work to brunch to cocktails to galas to big events- seems like a big ask. However, I can’t help but look for an “everything” dress everywhere.

I don’t know that we will ever find a dress that can truly go from work to errands to dinner to galas–but I may have found a dress that will take you from work to errands to cocktails/dinner (with a quick change of shoes and maybe makeup- just like Cosmo foretold!). This jersey dress is absolutely a run around dress- errands, work, etc. With heels it absolutely works for cocktails and dinner. The slight cut out can be seen as an interesting detail or a sophisticated twist. The button skirt? A Bit casual. OR a bit dressy. The options here are anything and everything!

While I am aware that I may never find a dress that does it all, I love this one. It’s everything I need right now, and can do everything I need. Can you ask for more?

I am so in love with this dress, you can shop the exact one (yes, this is an affiliate link and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support!

Yet- I couldn’t end the post here! It’s International Women’s Day and I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you how much I love being a woman. How much I believe in us. How I’m glad you’re here and how much room I think is at the table. Yes, this day could be cliche and just passing, the strongest people I know have been women. The people I have known most willing to fight for others have been women. And for so much of the time, the women doing that have done it back wards and in high heels. I think women deserve the world and I can’t wait to see us get it. Thank you for celebrating just a bit with me!

Whether you’re doing everything or nothing today I hope you have a great dress for that– and that today makes you walk a little taller! XO RA

Are Pedal Pushers a Thing We’re Doing?

a woman in black capri pedal pushers and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels

There are some trends that come and go and then some trends that truly never leave us- but have recurrences in popularity. Case in point? Pedal Pushers. Or Capris. Really- both! (Note: Usually pedal pushers are just a bit more short, usually hitting right at the knee, while capris can hit anywhere on the calf!) If you listen to my mom, and countless other women, these types of pants (the pedal pushers and the capris) have been staples for decades. And yet- if you look around pedal pushers are everywhere this season- looking brand new.

So, are pedal pushers a thing we are doing? Or a thing we’re still doing?
Very clearly, my answer is yes.

a woman in black pedal pushers with a silk scarf top and black heels

Part of why I love the pedal pusher/capri look is that it is incredibly versatile!

(And very pro tip- if this length is new to you and you’re curious so many work out leggings come in these lengths. Buy those first. Play with them- these are actually work out “leggings” that I played with while having a great pair of pedal pushers in a cart!)

From Gym:
a woman in black workout capri leggings with leopard sneakers and a white tee

To cocktails. And everything in between. My mom has been doing pedal pushers for a while. Me? For years I put this length of pant in the “workout” file. Slowly, I’ve begun easing out of just workouts (though they look great with kicks and a tee), and have begun pairing my pedal pushers with everything from causal sweaters to cocktail tops (and heels!). I love that not only can a pedal pusher go from day to night but also from a work out to whatever your day brings!

a woman in black workout capris and a black v neck sweater vest with black kitten heels
While I love them, here are my tips for the best/chicest pedal pusher looks:
-Play Causal first. Tees. Sweaters. Though I do love a blazer with them (see here) See what you love. See what feels natural to you. And yet- because you can go from sports bra to cocktail look, try pairing all the things with your pedal pushers. Go to’s for me? Sweater Vests. Blazers. Tees. Button Downs. Silk Tops and Going Out Tops

-Shorter is better. For the capri/pedal pusher. A few years ago I would have told you that a capri closer to a legging was more comfortable to me, yet now- I’m loving a true pedal pusher (aka to my knee!) It’s chic. You can pair with anything. And makes your leg look a bit longer

-Heels may ne nest if you’re worried about the length. Even just a kitten heel will length your leg – or the appearance of your leg- which can help you feel confident! The great thing about a pedal pusher is that they are both modern and yet have a vintage feel. And that duality is so delicious- and lets you style as you love.

From the gym to drinks, pedal pushers (not new but something we are now doing) I can’t resist reaching for these over and over again! Are you going pedal pushers? How do you stay them? I would love to hear about it!

XO RA
Below I’m linking these looks as well as my current fave pedal pushers! I can wait to see how you wear them!

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 pedal pushers here

Shop cocktail look here

Shop sweater vest look here

a woman in black pedal pushers and a silk handkerchief blouse and black heels