shoes – Page 10 – Investment Piece

Modern Preppie

Investment Piece: Modern Preppie

What clique were you in while you were in high school?
I know it’s kinda a trick question because every high school was a tad bit different, but I think there are certain cliques we can all recognize: the jocks, the populars, theater kids, the nerds, the preppies, goth, and if you’re in the south, the kickers (like Cowboys).
While it sounds cliche, I was a bit of a floater- I was a theater kid but also was on dance team, and was a in the smart crowd. Rubbed elbows with the popular kids but wasn’t really one of them. And while I would have never told you that I was preppie- and in some ways I still don’t consider myself preppie- I can’t help but LOVE (like just adore) some preppie style.

To me, preppie style means certain things. Sweater Vests. Big Collars (though apparently those could also be bow girl?). I think of preppie as a clean cut, laced up, school-spirit like style.

I always associate Tory Burch and Kate Spade as preppy, but I know that they can have twists to them, which is maybe where the modern comes in?

What does preppie (or preppy? I realize I’m not sure how we spell it!) mean to you? And are you like me and when you hear “preppie” you always think of the Zach MORRIS character in Saved by the Bell?

Investment Piece: Modern Preppie

This was my take on modern preppy. I love, love, love a good sweater vest. Paired with tailored cropped pants and a block heel. There’s just enough sass- nothing under the vest, and the snakeskin on the shoes. But it’s clean cut. Almost school girl. But not. Maybe modern preppy is a bit like hot librarian?

I would really love to know your thoughts on modern preppie- what it is, how you style it, if you love sweater vests like I do! Below I’ve linked the pieces to recreate this exact outfit AND some of my favorites from the fall collection at Tory Burch. 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!

This outfit:

Tory Burch Fall:

Investment Piece: Modern preppie

Fall Mornings

Investment Piece: Fall Mornings

Investment Piece: Fall Mornigs

Have I mentioned that I don’t do middles well? Party dress? Easy peasy. Leggings and a sweatshirt? Part of my daily life. But jeans and a tshirt? For some reason that’s hard for me. So. I try at it. Things that make it easier? Fall mornings. There’s something about it being cool for hours helps me put on jeans, a tank, mules- and my secret weapon, a little kimono jacket.

We know I love a multitasker- and this jacket does it all. I have worn it over leggings. And a night gown (which counts as a slip dress). Party dress? Not yet, but I could be talked into putting this over a black cocktail dress at the end of the night. But where I really love it? Fall mornings. It’s just light enough to not truly be a jacket (and it’s cool now, but not truly jacket weather, so it works out!), it’s neutral enough to go with anything (though I’m loving it with jeans and a tank because when I take it off the outfit works as is), and it has a slightly vintage feel (which we know I love!).

Investment Piece: Fall Mornings

The thing about middles? Fall mornings are one of them. Right now it’s so lovely in the ams- cool, crisp, promising. But by 12pm it’s hot again. Dressing for this kind of weather is difficult (aka I tend to change a lot or avoid the outdoors). I’m trying to get better at middles, at adjusting. And yes, as simple as it sounds – outfits like this one help me.

Maybe it’s me? Maybe I’m so one way or the other (though I’ll tell you I love layers) that I need outfits that work for middles. Perhaps I need things I can reach for that I know will work when it’s crisp and when temps rise. Or maybe I’ve just been needing something like this for years?

Hard to say. What I do know is that this little jacket has worked as a bed jacket, a morning jacket, taken off, then again put on as an evening jacket. It works for my middles.

Jacket. Jeans. Tank. Slides (which we will talk about – I had to buy them because of the LA but they’re such a fall staple!). Easy. For fall mornings. Or not. Maybe you’re middles need a formula too, and I can’t recommend this one enough.

I’ve linked these exact jeans and jacket below. I would love to know- what do you wear for the middles? Or fall mornings?
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: Fall Mornings

3 Heeled Outfits

Beloveds, I am a heel gal. I love them, I wear them with everything, will always choose them. But I know that, for some, heels always = dresses. Or skirts. Or something a bit fancy. So, I decided the best way to make my case that heels go with everything (EVERYTHING), I’ve come up with 3 outfits (or outfit formulas) to wear with heels. No dresses or skirts to be seen!

I am wearing my perfect sandals from Sarah Flint. I love that they go with everything, have arch support, and a steel enforced heel. Use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE to get $50 off your first pair!

What are your go-to outfits to wear with heels?
Xo RA

All the Drama

Investment Piece: All the Drama

I’ll be honest, I haven’t been to as many events this year, even with things opening up. A part of it is that I’m still not quite ready for big crowds (I’m hoping that I’m not the only one with a bit of anxiety about that!), and a part of it is that so many of the events that I am able and ready for all happen to fall on the same day.

It’s getting to be a little bit ironic actually, the more I have on my calendar the more likely it is that all the events will fall on that one day. If my day is completely clear- it tends to stay that way.
So, the few times that I am out and about I need outfits that can do it all- casual BBQs, more formal celebrations. It’s the one time in my life that I have needed all those “Day to Night” looks that were in all the magazines when I was growing up.

Investment Piece: all the drama
Investment Piece: all drama

One of my favorite things is when something is two things. Perhaps it’s because it makes me a bit better about being so complex myself, or maybe it’s because it just makes my life easier. Or even more honestly, it means that when I have days that are booked full, I don’t have to change my outfit quite as many times!

Take for instance, dresses like this one. At first glance, it’s a simple caftan; it’s comfy, it’s throw on and go, it’s perfect for errands or lounging. And yet, it brings all the drama. It’s one shoulder, there’s the draping, the leg slit, and it’s perfect for weddings or other events when you need to stand out a bit.

Able to bring all the drama while feeling like you’re in your pjs? That’s a two in one that I can appreciate (and wear everywhere).

Investment Piece: all the drama

This caftan was a custom made by one of my long time favorite small shops, AAvintedge. The first thing I ever bought from them was a caftan, and it’s always fun when I add to my collection. This drama-filled dress does do it all, obviously it goes amazing with heels, but I’ve also thrown on flip flops with it and also worn it to the grocery store with sneakers.

Maybe it’s not all the drama I love, but the versatility!

I would love to know- what do you wear when you have to do it all in a day?
You can follow @aavintedge on IG and get yourself a caftan, or I’ve linked similar styles 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!

The heels above are my perfect sandals from Sarah Flint! I love how they support me- with arch support and a steel stiletto no matter how full my day is. You can shop this link for $50 off your first perfect sandal, or any Sarah Flint you love!

Investment Piece: All the Drama

Short Formula

Investment Piece: Short Formula

Why do I have a thing for short suits? I’m not 100% sure. Perhaps it’s that they are perfect for the season- I know, summer is technically “coming to an end” but it will most likely be SUPER hot through October. Maybe it’s because they’re easy (shorts/blazer/shoes- the easier outfit formula ever). Or there’s a chance that why I love a good short suit is that they’re a bit unexpected, a lot chic, and while they have a certain allure are easy to recreate over and over with all the things you may already own.

I’ve written about short suits here and here.

The short formula is so simple (And yet, really powerful). You simply need shorts- I prefer Bermuda, but really any a bit one the formal side, a blazer- I love a fitted one, or a vintage one, or any one!, and shoes- may I suggest loafers (or heels!). I almost guarantee that you have all of these things in your closet now (and of course I have shopping recs!). The trick is putting them together. For this suit I went with a monochrome look, though feel free to mix and match. Denim, color, pattern- there’s nothing super serious about a short suit so there is no need to take the short formula super seriously.

Side note: the above velevet loafers are my go-to for the Halloween season (I can’t resist how subtle they are). Lucky for me, they go great with oh-so-many outfits. Loafers, even the specialty ones, are always a great investment.

So. What short formula are you working with? Confession? I can’t wait to recreate this look in leather! What about you? Would you wear as a short suit?

I’ve linked options for this exact look below!

Also- I know that the southern part of the US is being battered by Hurricane Ida. And there are so many Afghan refugees starting their new lives this week. It’s overwhelming, and that’s not even mentioning the enduring pandemic. Things are a lot right now. All week I’ll be listing resources to help (only if you can! It’s a lot to just exist right now!) all the above on my socials. Our survival depends on each other, be kind 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!

Now and Then: Keds

Investment Piece: Keds

As fascinating as I find it that you can find trends that are “on point” now in your vintage shopping, I’m equally fascinated by styles that never really went away.

Take Keds. Yes, Keds. Those white (traditionally) sneakers that we all wore and loved?

My mom brought them up the other day- she was remembering a pair that she got in elementary school, with flowers on them, and how much she loved them. Mom wore Keds all throughout her school years, and on her dance team in high school. I also wore Keds throughout school, and on my dance team in high school. (My favorite pair we had painted with firecrackers and replaced the laces with ribbon. I was in 5th grade and OBSESSED. I think we still have them in the attic somewhere!)

Now? The little girls I play with down the street love their glitter Keds that they wear as Princess shoes. Somethings don’t change.

Investment Piece: Keds

When something stands the test of time like that, what can we say about it? Being so fascinated by how so many generations love Keds, I couldn’t help but look up Keds now. Would they be the shoes that I loved as a kid? Different for the kids now?

Looking around Keds, I fell in love with these shoes all over again. Yes, so many are the same as I remember: simple, white tennis shoes, perfect for any outfit. And there were new shoes that were exiting- larger soles, colors, patterns, collabs. They are both now and then. Such a big part of my childhood, and shoes as an adult I want to wear with everything.

Investment Piece: Keds

Did you wear Keds growing up? Do you wear them as an adult? Tell me all about it!

I’ve linked new and chic Keds below (I’m thinking I’m getting the rainbow sole ones!)
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!

Secrets

Investment Piece: Secrets

Have you heard that one thing that I LOVE in outfits is Juxatipositon? Well. The only thing that I may love more than that is secrets.

Like when outfits surprise you. When outfits seem to be one thing but are really something else. Those kind of secrets? Those are my kind of outfits!

Investment Piece: Secrets

What looks like a strapless maxi dress (and is partially), opens to be a slit top. Worn over pants that have a secret (or not so secret) slit up the side? Depending on your angle you have an outfit full of secrets and style.

Investment Piece: Secrets

The thing about clothes with secrets is that they are so many ways to wear them. You could wear this top alone as a maxi dress. Or as a dress with a long sleeve top (button down or turtleneck) underneath. Wear it open over a pair of shorts. Or a skirt. Or jeans. Or pants like these, with secrets of their own. Whatever way you choose (and clearly the ways to wear secrets are endless), somehow it’s always chic.

I love wearing something that reveals itself to be another thing entirely. When I wore this, I had someone think I was in an evening gown. Another think I was in a skirt and top set. And each time, when I moved and the top and pant slit revealed themselves? The surprise and pleasure was worth all the secrets in the world.

(Note: I shot this in front of a theater. As you may now, I’m an actress by training and I’m never far from it. Maybe my love of secrets is really just a dramatic turn. Or maybe it’s just my way of staying true to my theater degree. Whatever it is- I recommend it!)

Investment Piece: Secrets

The other thing about clothes with secrets? They can hold all of yours. Everything you want to show, what you want to hide, and they help you reveal what you need to when the time is right. And they hold all the feelings and worries that goes with all of that!

I’ve linked this exact top (on sale) and similar pants for you below. Secrets- I recommend them!
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: Secrets

Here We Go Again: Sets

Investment Piece: Here we Go Again

If our patterns help tell our stories, what does it reveal about me that I keep going back to sets? There was one here on Friday- I can’t stay away. Part of it is that I love that you can wear each part of a set seperately. Part of it is that I love the look of matching. And part of it is simply that I love the ease of not having to worry about what to put on in the morning. Or afternoon.

Either which way, I’m wearing another set- here we go again.

Investment Piece: here we go again

When I first saw this set it made me think of the beach. Just thick enough, just soft enough to be everything I want to slip into after a day at the shore. The same is true for the pool. While I haven’t made it to the water yet, I have worn it on a car trip and for summer errands, and I can highly recommend it for both! You can dress it down with flip flops, dress it up with wedges, or wear it to lounge on the couch. The perfect summer set!

Investment Piece: here we go again

Perhaps my most fave thing about sets? They make me feel at ease. Like somehow they get me together. If you know me well, when you say “here we go again” about me, it usually means I’m getting passionate about something. Or in my feelings. I really want to be cool and mysterious, I’m usually not. But. Sets make me feel like I can be that cool, and together, and at ease.

Maybe what this set pattern lets you know about me is that I sometimes dress how I want to be, the most together or me. That’s a “here we go again” I’m happy to show off.

I’ve linked the exact short set (I’m in a size small here) and similar shoes below! If you’re a set lover like me I know you’ll love it- and if you get it I want to see how you style it!
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: here we go again

Heroes and Capes

Investment Piece: Heroes and Capes

Sometimes we have to be our own heroes. It’s not always fun, but there’s a chance you can wear a cape- so it can be worth it!

The past few weeks have been a bit wild. And I’ve had to adult- a lot. I know, it’s so cliche and sometimes gross when we complain about being adults- but it’s sometimes hard. Dealing with big, complicated emotions, keeping a house and businesses running, dealing with the mundane (laundry, etc) can at times be very overwhelming. I have no advice on that- there are days when keeping my head above water feels like a full time job. I can meltdown with the best of them, but then there are times when I amaze myself at how I can pull things off- and keep it together.

I bet there are times when you’re amazing too!

And when we’re amazing, when we’re our own heroes and save the day- I think we deserve capes. Personally, I have a thing for capes (here, here, here, here, and here to start). So when I saw this little caplet (collar) I couldn’t resist it. For dressing up tank tops and sundresses, or pairing with jeans, this number is one that I can’t wait to wear all summer.

Beyond the fashion, it reminds me that I can be my own hero. And that’s something that can never go out of style!

I hope that you have things that remind you of how amazing you are, and if you’re into capes, I’ve linked this exact one (and matching top!) 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!

These shoes are from my love Sarah Flint, you can get $50 off any Sarah Flint shoe you love by shopping this link!

Investment Piece: Heroes and Capes

Sandal Season- A Sarah Flint Shopping Guide

Investment Piece: Sandal Season

Investment Piece: Sarah Flint

It’s that time of year. We put away our slippers and our boots, and we get out our sandals. One of my favorite times of year! I love sandals, and this season I’m so excited to share Sarah Flint and all the sandals I love with you!

Full disclosure, I’ve recently become a Sarah Flint Ambassador. I don’t get commission from the brand, but I did get gifted a pair of sandals. Though the opinions presented here are my own. I’m horrifically picky about the brands I partner with- and Sarah Flint is one of the best. It’s a woman owned, woman run company. These shoes are luxury- made in the same factories as Louboutins and Hermes and by artisans, but about half the cost as Sarah Flint shoes are sold directly to you. There are so many things I love – from why the company began selling direct to consumer, to the arch support (which works for both high arches and low arches), the extra space in the toe box, the steel in the stilettos, and how all of those were things insisted upon by Sarah. (I love women who demand the best).

But this is about sandals. Because at this point, after this year, we all most likely need a new pair!

Investment Piece: Sarah Flint

From flats to block to heels, there is a Sarah Flint for you. In both the block and the perfect sandal, you can choose your heel height- from low to high. There are so many color options in all styles- metallics, nudes, and of course black! They all provide support, they all are roomy in the toes, and they all look chic.

Some of my current faves?

Investment Piece: Sarah Flint

The Grear- a lace up sandal. Especially in this mixed metallic. It will go with everything in your closet and the laces are both on trend and elevate the look!

Investment Piece: Sarah Flint
A new and exclusive sandal! The perfect block in navy croc! Slightly elevated and such a chic neutral- this sandal is one I want to build my summer around.

Investment Piece: Sarah Flint
My pick and what I’ve been wearing non-stop? The perfect sandal (the high one!) in a beige. If you’re wary (I know, I’m a heel gal), the arch support in these sandals are just to die for (as they’re so supportive). The heel comes in various heights, and it goes with all your summer and spring dresses!

What kind of sandals are you shopping for this spring? I have my eye on the navy ones and a Grear!
As I mentioned, I don’t get commission, but you get $50 off your pair of Sarah Flints by using code SarahFlint-BAInvestmentPiece or by shopping them at this link!

Happy shopping! Wanna all meet up for pedicures?
Xo RA