outfits – Page 9 – Investment Piece

Waiting On Spring

a woman in a white vest with a red flower brooch with denim and white chino mix pants and white heels
a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

It feels a bit early and yet not early enough (as the the temps are a risings). AKA we are waiting on spring. And yet- I can’t stop myself from dressing for it. Spring that is. This white vest is such a versatile piece – it can be styled in oh so many ways. But speaks to the seasons to come. This floral brooch? I know florals for spring are so boring. And typical. And expected. But would they be in this shade and in this pin (which can be placed anywhere -aka could be actually groundbreaking!) Jeans (which run TTS even though they say rigid ) that have a bit of white. Ivory? We have previously chatted if we should wear white pants before the holidays here and here. And we won’t even go into wearing white (from shoes to pants, et al) before Easter. Or Memorial Day. And the divisions that lay there within. This is simply an outfit that skirts all the “no’s” and yet feels on the precipice of change.

AKA a new season. And for our purposes that means weather, earth, and of course fashion!

a woman in a white vest with a red floral brooch and white and denim split pants and white heels

There are so many theories about change and choosing but one of my most faves is just to trust that your choice (no matter what that is) is the best and put all your energy into your new choice. A great way of saying to stop looking forward. A great way to say whilst waiting on spring you should dress like spring (aka see above).
Perhaps this is just a big way to say “if you build it, it will come”. And trust that goes for everything from fantastic seasons )or change that is needed) or fantastic outfits.

And for all of the above, perhaps we all just need a way to feel fanatic. And in season. And hopeful. (maybe white is a bit cliche here but when isn’t it? The floral brooch? Both a bit cliche and yet such a take on florals for spring- and who could ask for more?)

While we are waiting- or transitioning, because that’s what we’re really doing right? From seasons to various versions of ourselves? We are just dressing and hoping and waiting and working towards the best of us. And if it involves a great outfit in the meantime? Who are any of us to judge?

I’ve linked EXACT options for pants, vest, brooch for your below (and options on the shoes). What are you currently waiting on? And how are you passing the 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. The k you for your support!

Shop this look here

a woman in a white vest and a red floral borsch and denim and white chino mix pants and white heels

No Plans I Guess?1?

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

So: On Monday I had to think about a change of plans due to the weather: Change of Plan

And here we are again. We are tentatively stepping into spring. And yet: we have had another cold snap (as in we went from 80 degrees to 40 degrees in a day! I don’t know if we call this a snap or a weather whiplash! And if we believe my Great Grandma we have another snap before Easter!) I know that this skirt is part of a Spring collection. And there are so many stylings you can do with spring options!) So. How do we style a skirt from a spring collection for colder weather?

My take? When there are no plans for the weather (aka when it shifts like this how can you?) you plan ahead. Or shift ahead. Like pair what’s supposed to be a spring skirt with a sweater, tights and heels! No plans, for the weather, I guess? Make plans- or contingencies- for your outfits.

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

When there are no plans- for the weather or social or life- the good new is you can make your own. Sometimes this means that you get to stay in and watch whatever you like and eat whatever you like (the cocktail you love? you can have that too!) Sometimes that means you get to wear what you like! Aka the skirt you thought (and will) wear through spring – you can style it for the last (or perhaps not last) gasp of winter. In this case it means pairing a coated linen skirt (exact one linked for you below. For me it fit TTS, though the buttons were just slightly off!) with hose and a light knit sweater. When it is warm this skirt (that my mom had one similar with a matching vest in the 1960s!) will be paired with everything from a cropped button down to sandals. But now. With the weather having no plans? I’m having to make my own- which looks like this:

a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

You may be thinking that any look that can go between seasons is the one for you– and you may be right (good new for no plans on the weather is that a great top and a pair of great hose may be all you need to keep on hand!). What I am thinking is that any piece that goes from season to season (and yes, you will see this skirt styled again in warmer weather) is one to invest in. To tell stories with. A kind of piece I build my wardrobe around.

So. What are you styling with no (weather) plans? How do you take a piece from season to season to anything in between? This skirt is the top of my Spring looks- and yet I love with the weather throwing yet another curve ball this skirt could go with a no plans plan. What could you style in the same way? I would love to hear any and everything about it!

XO RA

Note: This exact skirt and similar options are linked below. While this post does have affiliate links that does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support.

a woman in a red coated skirt with a grey turtleneck, grey tights and gold heels

Change of Plans

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

There are outfits that I plan out, outfits that I throw on– and outfits that change due to a change in plans. Yes, sometimes that change in plans is an actual change in plans- ie dinner plans fell through and I stay home, we change restaurants or forgo a movie, etc. But, sometimes the change of plans is due to the weather. As in- this adorable, polka dot (my fave pattern!) top- with its turtleneck and sleeve buttons, and side slits- was meant to go with jeans. Or pants. Boots or tights for sure. As truly, this was meant to be a staple of my late winter wardrobe. I got it for Christmas (go Dad!) and was dreaming of all the ways I could (cold weather) wear it).

Then.

It got hot. Yes, in February, yes, in the 80s. Yes, it meant changing all my outfit plans. But. The great thing about great pieces? They can change with you (I get this is to an extent. But it extends here so let’s go with it and change the plans!)

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

What to do when plans change- or in this case, temps rise? Replan. Or redo your outfit. In case, this meant instead of pairing this fantastic, dotted top with jeans or pants or boots- I paired it with shorts. And my new favorite sandals. Half tucked- for style and to show off the slits. The shorts are just long enough (though be warned- short shorts are still IN ) to play for “winter” (even when it’s 80 in winter). The pop of color in the shoes brightens up the look –because if I haven’t mentioned it, it is getting warmer! Yet- for this being not what I had planned, not in the temps I thought- I love this!

I love the tuck, the shorts, the shoes (truly, my new faves!). Any piece that lets you change plans in it- or redo outfits- or change seasons- is a keeper in my book. Really? I bet that there are pieces in your closet that you’ve regulated to a certain season or a certain outfit– what would really happen if you changed the plan?

The plans changed so much that this shirt is no longer in stores, but I’ve linked similar tops– and these exact shoes and similar shorts! I was thrilled with my change of plans outfit–and hope you love any change of plan outfit that you may need in the coming weeks!
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!

Shop my new favorite sandals here

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

Winter’s Last Stand

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories,

One of my weird habits? I’m never more exited to dress for a season (like Spring) when it hasn’t quite arrived. Currently it’s winter’s last stand. As you may know, the groundhog that predicts the weather (see GroundHog’s Day) let us know that in America we should have 6 more weeks of weather. And where I am the temps are going up and down, we’ve had ice and sun. Today it’s supposed to be a high of 60 with high winds.

What I’m thinking about? New swimsuits, crochet cover ups, sandals, white shorts, and sundresses. I’m dreaming of updating my sunscreen and spring makeup, sunhats, and patiently waiting to get in the pool. The funny thing? It’s still way too cold for all of that, and I’m sure sometime in June I’ll start thinking about sweaters again. Maybe it’s that we always want what we can’t have. Or that temps seem better when you’re not in them. But right now, with winter still going on, I’m dreaming of spring (and all the outfits).

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Yet, with all of that yearning for spring, for this to be winter’s last stand, what a great time for outfits. It’s a great time for coat’s last hurrah- and one of the most chic things (I think) is an outfit where you were your coat as a dress. Normally when the coat as dress is suggested, I think we have a tendency to think more about fit and flares, sheaths, or wrap coats (see here, here, here, and here) but why not wear your (long) puffer coat as a dress? It can be just as elegant with a scarf (a la 1950’s starlet but with a more modern pattern) and boots (who could resist a glitter heel?!) as any coat dress.

Shooting this was a bit windy, a bit chilly, but I felt like a lady. Turns out, the right winter outfit is just as fun as any swimsuit or sundress. And as much as I may be ready for the next season, maybe winter’s last stand can be full of amazing outfits, from coats to boots, to scarfs. What will your winter last stand (aka outfit) be?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Pro-tip: winter’s last stand is also a great time to do some coat shopping. They’re on sale and yet you still have some time to wear them this year. I’ve linked some of my favorite sale coats and similar ones to this outfit 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!

Recreate the look:

Shop sale coats:

This is a Nightgown

a woman in a pleated red nightgown with a tie at the waist and a bit of a cape in gold wedges

This is a nightgown. Which may be surprising as it looks incredibly like a dress- like one of those cape dresses that are perfect for everything from weddings to dinners out. This is also a vintage nightgown (which is amazing as there is no way that I could do this before coffee). What may be the most amazing thing about this dress is that it combines some of my most favorite things:
PJ/Nightgown Dressing!
See here, here, here, and here
Capes!
See here, here, here and here.

In fact, this combination of nightgown and cape may be everything I always knew that I wanted. It’s chic. It has a cape! And for lounging, it elevates everything from the couch on! (note: for these pictures I played into the nightgown angle- this is how I wear my hair to sleep, and I’m not wearing makeup. Though I assure you, I had plenty of coffee!) The bonus is that this looks (and can easily be styled) like the formal dress it can appear to be. Add heels and makeup, jewelry- you could even switch out the belt. It’s the best of all worlds!

a woman in a red, pleated nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges — Caffeinated. But I did. Kinda. Wake up like this!

I will be the first to admit that I have a bit of a fascination with vintage peignoir dressing. Fascinated by how elegant and charming it is– and again, that they dressed this way before coffee. It’s simply fascinating to me that all these “night” clothes could be modern dresses. (Note: This dress does look more like a nightgown without the belt, yet another styling option!) While I leaned more into the “nightgown” part here-or perhaps more coffee in the garden–the next time I wear it (if it’s not on the couch) will most like be dressed up. It feels like a it could even be a designer dress of recent seasons. I love that a nightgown can give you so many options.

What are you feelings on all these vintage nightgowns that can be worn as modern dresses? And capes? I’ve linked you both vintage looks and modern dresses for your own take below! XO RA

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

a woman in a red nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges

Happy Valentine’s Day!

a woman in a low cut velvet dress and lace hose

I have a reputation for not liking Valentine’s Day- most likely as I keep saying that. And loves, I actually LOVE love. Sappy love, over the top love, displays of love. I love gifts and even the cards we used to give out to everyone in our elementary school classes. What I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is that there are times and conversations where it feels forced- as if it’s all for show and not for love. I think of Valentine’s Day as I do New Years Eve — fantastic but nothing I want to go out for (those reasons are numerous). My ideal Valentines? A stunning outfit (I went with a low cut vintage Calvin Klein here paired with lace hose), my loved ones (cats count!), perhaps some bubbles (or treats to your liking– that includes shoes or new clothes!) and a good time (there are so many options from a great bath to food to movies and more for this!). It’s not that I don’t celebrate- it’s just that I want my celebrations to be more personal!

However you celebrate, no matter what you think of the holiday I hope that today is a day where you’re surrounded by love- from pets to friends to lovers. I am so grateful for you and am glad you’re here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Note: I did link similar items to this outfit as a I couldn’t resist sharing my love of fashion with you!) 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 low cut velvet dress and lace tights with her cat

Sheerly Vintage

a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes

I’ve said it a million times- there is nothing like a great juxtaposition. I simply can’t resist them! And one of my all time fave juxtapositions (if you can call it that) is a vintage look/piece in a completely modern way. No matter what, it just give me chills/feels/kills me in the best way.

Recently, the sheer trend has been a bit dominant. From skirts to shirts to dresses, there was noting (is nothing?) more on trend than a sheer piece- layered to your comfort level. SO. A vintage dress- in the most lovely burn out velvet (not to mention the bias cut or the split sleeves!) that lends itself to being sheer? The juxtaposition of dreams- sheerly vintage!

I love that this dress is so elegant. And Chic. And yet, when you only pair it with a bathing suit underneath, it’s a bit modern, a bit daring. The absolute best of all worlds. I have never been known to shy away from sheer–it was one of my first posts (see my sheer work here, here, and here).Just a hint of how much I love this sheerly vintage look? Sheer is nothing I’m shy of- and yet out of all the great sheer outfits I’ve worn- this may be my favorite!

a woman in a burn ou vintage velvet dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

LadyLike. Advant Guarde. Vintage Modern. If you could be all of these things at once- why wouldn’t you? One of the fantastic things about vintage is not only that you can make it your own- it’s that it can be anything you need it to be. With a slip? This same sheer dress could be modest and ladylike (and still chic!). I chose to wear wedges (they just felt right), but pairing this number with heels or a flat or any number of shoes would keep the look amazing but change the vibe.

SideNote: If sheer is something you’re wanting to play with, vintage burnout velvet is perfect as it gives coverage, illusions, and can be styled to your comfort level. Sheerly vintage is just a nice way of saying you can control your own sheer-how exciting is that?

Do you love the sheer trend– and how do you feel about doing it vintage? I’ve linked similar vintage burnout velvet dresses for you below and this exact swimsuit (which is a go to!)

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 vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

No Pants Dance

a leg in hose on stairs with boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman on stairs in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in a cardigan and hose and short shorts and boots with a pearl in the arch on stairs

No pants (or short shorts) are making a comeback (perhaps they never went away? I grew up dancing and this look is VERY Mom picked up me from ballet and we are running errands. In fact, I wrote about this before because this could be “fashion” or a trend, but to me it’s just workout wear! Read here).

This no pants dance seemed natural to me- hose (pro-tip if this is a trend you’re intrigued by the more opaque your tights the more like pants they will feel!), boots (I can never resist a great detail) and a great sweater (a lady like touch a la this gold buttoned cardigan is a go-to!). The no pants trend for me is merely fun- another great pro-tip if this is something to experiment with give yourself a time limit activity (aka dinner or a timed party appearance, etc), and playing with the juxtaposition of lady like details (pearls and this gold button cardigan) with some risqué (no pants!!) has been so so fun!

a woman in hose with short shorts and boots with pearl accents on staris
a woman in hose and short shorts with a striped cardigan and a boots with pearls on stairs

What helps me in trying out new trends or fads or even this no pants dress?

I think of it like a costume. Or a character. Perhaps it’s my acting training. Or my love of a great story (and my firm believe our clothes tell them!)! However, thinking of myself as someone who WOULD wear an outfit like this–in this case no pants- and playing with all possibilities from juxtapositions to big blazers. Lady Like to more on trend. It’s fun. It gives us a chance to play (another great benefit of fashion!)

I’ve had friends play with the no pants for date night. For events. And in variations for day to day life a la errands! I do most associate this look with dance class — but it has given me so many ways to play and to explore. From short shorts to short skirts. Dresses. Blazers. I do think a great pair of hose will help (and of course there are now so many patterns to choose from!) and a pairing you love- like this sweater.

Are you playing the no pants dance? Experimenting? I would love to hear all about it!! Below I’ve linked similar options and some exact options for these boots (Nicolas Kirkwood sock boots with a pearl–in fact I bought mine resale YEARS ago so I love that there are still pairs out there!)
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 hose and short shorts and a cropped gold button cardigan with boots with pearl accents

Foundations

a close up of pink velvet mules with beaded snakes on them and jean cuffs
a close up of a woman in sunglasses and a one shoulder grey sweater
a close up of a woman in jeans
a woman in trouser jeans, a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules in front of a brick wall
the back of a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules walking up stairs

A wise adage? Buy the best of what you can afford when it comes to your clothes. From jeans to tees, they will fit better, wear better and look better. AKA great foundations lead to a multitude of FANTASTIC outfits. (Not to mention that the better you buy the more it lasts, the less you have to buy- great for the environment and maybe your bank account!).

So- what are your foundations? Also known as what do you reach for time and time again? For some that may be a professional outfit- and for our purposes we count everything from suits to workout sets. For some that may be a leisure outfit- from jeans to again gym sets. And of course there’s everything in between. I won’t judge any foundations (even in your under things drawer– because those foundations matter too!) As someone who is a regular gym goer and also works from home my foundations vary. But I’ve found no matter what, each time I truly invest in a great foundation the outfit and my closet are better for it.

a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules

What foundations am I investing in recently? Well. I love a great pair of jeans that are both on trend and a bit classic. For me, this season, that’s a trouser jean. In a darker wash. A bit like a suit pant, a bit like a jean, and lot of chic. I love that these are just slightly oversized but not baggy. And comfy. (Ironically, these are LEE jeans. Yes, the brand from when we were kids. And yes affordable -not all the best foundations are over priced. Not to have a Bradshaw moment- but did we have it figured out in middle school?) Knits that are classic but edgy- a la one shoulder/part cape. And my go-to mules. These are Gucci and while they were an INVESTMENT I can’t tell you how often I reach for them. They are truly a foundation of my shoe wardrobe.

Within these 3 pieces? Endless options. The base or pop of almost any outfit. I almost shot this look with a silk blouse and these jeans/shoes and it would have worked. I wore this sweater with grey trousers this weekend and it was perfect. To list how many times I have worn these shoes in the past week alone is almost embarrassing. But proves that a great foundation is all you need!

What are the foundations you continually reach for? And what foundations are you investing in this season? I would love to hear about them all!

I’ve linked these exact jeans and similar shopping options for you 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 a grey one shoulder sweater and jeans and pink mules

Film Style: Hitchcock’s Heroines

Investment Piece: Film Style

As an actress, movie buff, and fashion lover I am endlessly fascinated by and inspired by the fashion we’re presented with in films. I would argue that fashion in films is incredibly important: fashion presented in films can influence how we think of an era, of an actress, influence what we buy, and what designers put on the runway. There may be no one more influencial than Alfred Hitchcock and his heroines. Hitchcock had a thing for blondes (if you haven’t read about that, it’s fascinating topic to research), and his blondes were always impeccably dressed.

Hitchchock, his films, and his heroines are full on iconic, and have been written about almost ad nauseam, but their influence stands. Several runway collections, outfits, and costumes have taken a page from the Hitchcock Heroine playbook; be in Grace Kelly in “To Catch a Thief”:
Investemnt Piece; Hitchcock's Heroines
To Janet Leigh in “Psycho”:
Investemnt Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

And full disclosure: I’ve dressed up as Tippi Hedren as her character in “The Birds” for Halloween (top pic) in years past, and it’s one of my favorite Fashion Halloweens!

From suits to gowns to pencil skirts, Hitchcock’s heroine’s were always dressed impeccably, and on trend. The outfits never took over the movie, but left a impact on the viewer. These designs were often done by Edith Head, infamous costume designer (loves, Edith designed or put together some of the most iconic and beautiful garments ever. She is a icon on her own, and if you don’t know about her I cannot more strongly urge you to at least Google her. I promise I will feature her on an upcoming Designer Spotlight–she’s that important), but the designs shown in Hitchcock’s films inspired everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Bottega Veneta. Some great reading on the subject can be found:
Hitchcock Fashion Moments and Hitchcock’s Heroines and their influence on fashion.

Investment Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

The great thing about the fashion that Hitchcock heronines inspires? You don’t have to wait for a designer to present it to you! Have a pencil skirt? Add kitten heels and a blouse? Got a draped gown? Add a necklace! Have a skirt suit set? You’re good to go! Need some inspiration and/or examples of Hitchcock’s Heroines? TCM often shows Hitchcock movies and the inspiration they provide from Halloween costumes to day to day fashion inspiration is endless!

What movies do you go to for fashion inspiration? And what Hitchcock heroine do you want to dress like?

XO RA