shoes – Page 11 – Investment Piece

Hard Pants

Investment Piece: Overthinking

I’ve had some fascinating conversations with friends lately. One about hard pants- the idea that after a year in “lock down” it’s been incredibly hard to imagine where you would willingly trade yoga pants- or lounge pants- or soft pants- for anything hard and high waisted that constrains you in any way. I’ve also had the “what kind of jeans are in” convo with friends with girlfriends who long for a low waist (not me) and those who want a high waist (me, I need it). The funny thing? I think both of these converstations are about the same thing (comfort and finding your style and what fits your body).

The good news? We are at a time when trends and being “in” is all subjective. Brands have at minimum 3-4 seasons backed up. Yes, we may be seeing things out and about, but really anything goes. The better news? We are hopefully at an age- over 18, a year into a pandemic that the best trend, the in thing is what looks good on your body. And that’s what you buy. And wear. And celebrate.

Investment Piece: hard pants

My friend who is worried about Jean styles? This is what I told her: I’m not a low waist gal. And yes. They (low waist jeans) may be coming back in style. My issue? If you measure from my crotch to my hips it’s 9 inches. From there to my natural waist? Another 10 inches. I’m super long waisted. Most “low” waisted styles don’t even cover all my things. I need at least a 9 inch rise. Really I need a 11-14 inch rise. But. I take what I can get. I know that low rise can look so amazing on so many people. And I want those people to get what looks best on them. But. For me- I need a high rise. So. I will always pick that, no matter what’s in style, no matter what else is offered.

I chose the hard pants that look good on me.

And maybe the hard pants that are for you aren’t jeans. That’s ok (true story, I didn’t wear jeans regularly till after college).
Maybe it’s leggings.
Or trousers.
Or skirts.
Or party dresses.

I won’t judge any of it. I think the hard part of hard pants should be figuring out what pants (or non pants) look best on you. The rest? Just choosing those. Admist the trends. And your friends. And what looks good on other people.

Investment Piece: #OOTD Roundup

We may have different definitions of hard pants- maybe they’re jeans or high waisted or tight. My wish is that the hardest part of any of your outfits is finding what you love. The rest? That’s the soft and easy part!

Are you nervous about hard pants? What does that mean to you? Are you a low or a high waist gal? Please tell me all about it!

Xo RA

Below I’ve linked some of my fave high waisted looks (I’m partial). If you want low waisted, yoga pants, etc- stay tuned- and please let me know! I can send curated looks to you!

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

Cut It Out

Investment Piece: Cut It Out

Lately I’ve been hopeful. Maybe it’s spring and all the budding (especially after the winter). Maybe it’s the change that’s in the air (especially after last year). Being hopeful is thrilling and intoxicating- it feels like so much can happen. Like anything.

But being hopeful is also scary. A part of me wants to tell me to cut it out.

It’s not that I’m superstitious (just a little stitous). But when you’re hopeful, while there is so much that can happen, there are also so many ways in which you can be let down. And being let down can hurt. Especially after a year that was incredibly painful and full of loss.
I want to be hopeful, but it sometimes feels safer to not be. And then, I want to tell me to cut that out too.
Because what is the point of all this- the flowers, the beginnings, the great dresses if we don’t believe in the possibilities they contain?
Maybe the balance is cutting it out just enough- being hopeful and being grounded. Hard to manage? I’m willing to try.

Investment Piece: cut It Out

Cut outs have been in and out of style since the 1960s. And like me- sometimes they are hopeful. Sometimes they are disappointing. And this year, like the buds on the trees, they are everywhere. My tips? Don’t go too tight (yoy don’t want to be squeezing out of the cutout). You can choose how daring the cutouts and what to show- some styles are nothing but cut outs, others, like this one, are cut out on the modest side. Fancy. Casual. Wear the cut out to a beach or to a wedding.

And we aren’t even touching on worrying about looking certain ways in cut-outs. That’s a whole other blog.

You can be as hopeful or as shy as you want in your cut out. Maybe that’s why in this time- when things are beginning to feel hopeful and yet is a bit scary- I’m wearing something that’s both hopeful and scary. And daring and modest.

I’m cutting it out- the bad attitudes and fear. I’m sticking to hope. And wearing cut outs.
Wanna cut it out with me?

Investment Piece: Cut it Out

This exact dress has sold out but I’ve linked similar and I’ve linked these exact shoes (chic and under $30!)
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: Cut It Out

Spring Shades

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

Isn’t it funny how when things start changing colors in spring, our clothes start changing colors too? Almost every year, about this time, there’s an influx of color- be it brights or pastels- that is a deviation from winter. And every year, about this time, I’m surprised by how much I’m drawn to the new spring shades.

It’s not that I spend my winters only wearing black. But. Spring can make me feel like I’m drab, and adding in spring shades makes me feel brand new. New colors, new cuts, new me. I’m like the flowers- I bloom.

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

The spring shade I’m loving this year? Lavender. Just a slightly sweet version of purple, but it doesn’t feel saccrine sweet to me. Skirts. Dresses. Tops. Shoes. You can get anything and everything in lavender. But one of my favorite things? This jumpsuit. I bought it on a whim-but it’s become a corner stone of my spring wardrobe. The shade? Perfect. And these shoes? White felt daring (and super spring like) and the slip on is one of my faves.

Both are linked for you below! The jumpsuit great deal because it’s under $30, but I’ve worn it at least 3 times a week-it’s so easy to throw on and look chic. A sizing note- I wanted it a little over sized so I got a size bigger than I normally would have- I think it’s perfect. I also have a long torso and have been so happy that it’s a great length for me!

What spring shades are you loving and wearing?
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: Spring Shades

The Short of It

Investment Piece: The Short of It

Do you think of shorts as winter fashion? I don’t usually. Not really. Even on the winter days that feel like summer, I tend to not think about shorts.

I also usually think about shorts as casual wear. Not dressy or formal in the slightest.

And yet. These leather shorts are making me reconsider all my short held beliefs. They’re not casual (though they do look great with a t-shirt). And ironically, they will be too hot when it’s over 100 this summer. I was reluctant to get them- while I loved them, I wasn’t sure that I would wear them.
Again, my believes were short-sided. I’ve worn them with everything. But I love this mix: leather, silk, and chic boots. All not completely expected, but they work. And it has been just enough to keep me warm!

What clothes do you have short sided beliefs on? Could it be that they would really look stunning?
The short of it may be that they just might. If you try anything out, let me know!

I’ve linked theses exact shorts- they’re on super sale and I would love to be twins 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!

Investment Piece: The Short of it

By the Belt

Investment Piece: By the Belt

When I was little, I truly thought that day-to-night dressing was a huge (problem isn’t the right word–issue?) thing. Cosmo (and other magazines I read at friend’s houses) made me believe that every woman worked a fab job (because all the jobs written about sounded so exciting) and at 5 got out their make-up bags, made adjustments to their outfits in the bathroom, or in the back of cabs, and went out to somewhere elegant and fun.

(In unrelated news, I have found certain parts of adulthood to be disappointing)

Now, most of us are not in an office, and we aren’t racing somewhere, but, I’m still thinking about day-to-night. Or more precisely, I’m fascinated by how one outfit can become a million different things, all by changing the details.

(It may be a nice break, as usually when I’m in a set I love to talk about all the ways I break it up. And I have broken up this set! The pants go great with sweaters. The top and black jeans are chic! Getting dressed makes me feel like things are happening!)

In this case, it all changes by the belt!

Investment Piece: By the Belt

The orginal belt came with the pants! Part of why I was attracted to this set was that I loved that it almost looked like a jumpsuit when tucked in. And the belt is great- pairing with with sneakers was my first instinct but anything from loafers to heels would look great here. The orginal belt pulls it all together, looks fantastic, would even look great with jeans.

So, why change the belt? You don’t have to. But adding a different one-this vintage gold one is one of my all time favorites-changes the outfit entirely.It’s such a statement. The gold belt elevated the look, even without heels, made me feel as if something elegant was about to happen.

For me, it’s the day to night difference.

Would other belts make completely different outfits and statements? Probably. Having an outfit that could be so many things with a simple change–how exciting is that? It makes me want to play with all the belts I have!

Investment Piece: By the Belt

Some fit notes: this set is from Target and I love it! I’m in the extra-small for a top, and a size 2 in the pants- I have plenty of room in both. The faux leather is high quality! The gold belt is vintage, and I truly think that vintage belts are the way to go- so many options, and often great prices!
I’ve linked similar belts and this set 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!

Investment Piece: By the Belt

Knit. Set. Fall

Investment Piece: Knit. Set. Fall

Investment Piece: Knit Set Fall

It’s a new day, a new week, a new start for us all. There’s a crisp in the air, the holidays are coming, and I’m feeling good. So. What are we wearing?

We all know I love a set-they are the perfect combination of formula and creativity. (See here, here, here, and here for starters. Once an aqquaintance was complimenting me on my style (or I took as a compliment) and she observed that I love to chose statement or standout pieces- and I do, but I also love a formula set. I also love Juxatipositons, but sets aren’t the Juxatipositon with statement pieces that you may think.

The thing about sets is that they’re both formula-comforting and easy, and standout- there are endless possibilities for statements with them-pieces. As the weather turns and we get into fall, it should be no surprise that my new favorite go-to’s for fall are knit sets. Knit. Set. Fall. Has a ring to it, don’t you think?

Investment Piece: Knit Set Fall

After a season where lounge sets and sweat pants were the “it” thing, knit skirts feel like a breath of fresh air. They’re just as comfy- but twice as chic. It’s tempting to always pair them with sweaters, but they are truly a great base for everything from graphic tees, button downs, tank tops, silk blouses, and just about anything you can put on the top half of your body.
Another way to make a statement? Sweaters. They don’t have to be boring, between colors and cuts, sleeves and textures. They do look great with knit skirts, even if they don’t match (sets can also be a make-it-your-own!) but also go with everything from jeans to trousers to your sweatpants.
Make them fancy with shoes (it’s boot season and I’m leaning into that), or wear them with slippers.

Whether you chose formula or you chose stand out, knits can be whatever you need. Fall staple, but so much more.

Are you into knit sets? How are you mixing them?
I would love to hear all about it?

Xo RA

I’ve linked knit sets and similar boots for you. These are affiliate links, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them! Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Knit Set Fall

#WFH

Investment Piece: #Wfh

#WFH (work from home) isn’t new to me. But, even I will tell you that things with the pandemic and lockdown(s) have made the experience incredibly different than what I (and us) were used to. Yes, I worked from home in the before. However, I also went to the gym, took meetings, met people, had events, wrote at coffee shops, and more. For working from home, there were days when I wasn’t home at all.

Then things changed. And then in the change, things changed.

Workouts (and if you read Sunday Chronicles this week you’ll be glad to know that yes, I did finally get the bike together, have taken my first at-home spin class, and yes, cried!) are at home, meetings are at zoom, and outfits are interesting.

I used to joke that for someone who loved fashion and fancy outfits like I do, I was technically able to get away with wearing pjs and sweats 90% of the time. Now, we all can. So, in this new world, what is business wear? What is appropriate?

Basically, what are you wearing while you #WFH?

Investment Piece: #WFH

I’ll admit I have days where I get dressed, like really dressed with jeans and fancy things and make-up. And days when I don’t get dressed at all. Days where I’m lounging in sweats.

But most days are a bit of a mix. Blazers over workout clothes, like above. (These leggings are super high waisted and I love them- wear them low to work out, pull them up so that your work calls are professional. I also love one pieces! Layer them with blouses and sweaters!) Sneakers. Red lips to distract from the fact that I don’t have any other makeup on. It’s #WFH in many ways- the workout and the work and the balance between the two.
(Yes, balance like my outfits, is a bit harder now, but I’m trying to make it work!)

I like to think this is a fashionable way to #WFH, but I will also take that it’s a way to get it all in and look good for it all.

What are you wearing to #WFH? Any tips to share?
Xo RA

I’ve linked you pieces and these exact shoes for your shopping pleasure!

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: #WFH

New Things

Investment Piece: New Things

I have an ex who always thought that I would love skateboarding. His reasoning? I love the ocean (true) and he thought it could replace surfing (while that may be true, and I have surfed- I wouldn’t say I’m in any way/shape/form good at it). So while I appreciated the skateboard (he tried), I’ve never really gotten into it.

However, the longer we’re inside the more I’m a bit intrigued. Could I skateboard? Is that who I am? Who’s to say we can’t take up new things?

(Or if nothing else, pose with them)

Investment Piece: New Things

Do I want to try new things? Maybe even skateboard?
Yes.
And my take on new things (currently) is trying new outfit combos. Usually, I love a good heel or boot with a dress (especially one that’s leather). It just feels elevated. And as much as I love my shoes, even I have to admit that there are days that don’t call for wearing heels around the house.
So, even though it wouldn’t be my first instinct, I loving wearing sneakers with everything. Dresses. Jeans. Pants. Shorts. For me, it’s new and feels a little rebellious.

I get that it’s not skateboarding down the street, but when I wear something new to me, it can’t help but feel a little like a step in the right direction. Like maybe one day I could be the woman who does wild things.
In the meantime, maybe I’ll just dress like it. Or, at the least, dress in ways that feel new to me.

Has being at home changed the way you dress? What are you willing to try now in your outfits that you wouldn’t before? I would love to hear about it!

(I know. Sneakers are this HUGE thing. But at a time when I need new things, switching up what I would normally wear feels BIG. And like a new thing. And maybe just like the surfing feeling my ex was trying to give me. Not the end, but at this moment, I’ll take it).

I’ve linked similar shopping items 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!

Investment Piece: New Things

#TrendtoTry Combat Boots

If the grunge trend is back, I have mixed feelings. There are elements of grunge that I love- soft flannels, ripped jeans, slip dresses. And very randomly-combat boots.

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

Combat boots seem like something I wouldn’t like, but in real life- I love them. These were an impluse purchase many, many years ago, but they’ve become one of my favorite pair of fall boots. And now that combat boots are in style again,I can’t help but recommend them to you!

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

The thing about combat boots is that they aren’t precious, so you don’t style them as such. Throw them on with anything- dresses or jeans. Don’t think about it. Throw them on and go. They are chic and easy and had a hint of toughness that I just love.

It’s best not to over think the combat boot. They probably do go with that–slip dresses, though I love them with variations of a shirt dress like this one. Any sort of jeans. With any sort of top. As a bonus- add a blazer or a trench coat to the outfit, it’s so chic.

(I also would wear these with a wrap coat as a dress!)

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

But, one of my favorite ways to wear these boots is with my leggings. They are the perfect boots to wear to the gym, to errands, to make leggings and a t-shirt feel like a statement. Since I don’t have to worry about them getting wet, or getting scuffed, I feel like I can just throw them on and let them be. Combat boots can be both the statement of my outfit and casual shoes.

Investment Piece: Combat Boots

There is nothing your combat boots won’t go with, and I’ve found you some new ones that are so chic! I love the shorter ones, even though mine are tall. Any way you chose to wear them-tough, sweet, with dresses or leggings- combat boots may be the boots of fall. Are you trying this trend?

Xo RA

Note: this post may 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: Combat Boots

What Might Have Been

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been

I didn’t get in a pool all summer (if we’re not counting my little toddler pool). I didn’t go to the beach. There are outfits I didn’t wear, people I didn’t get to hug.

It’s been that kind of summer for all of us. There are things that we didn’t get to do (or wear) and the allure and romanticism of “what might have been” can be hard to let go of.
The outfit that you didn’t get to wear? It was perfect.
That event you didn’t get to go to? The time of your life.
What might have been is always addicting. It’s always going to be perfect and I can find myself longing for it, even when what might have been is long passed.
What do we do with all those things we didn’t do and didn’t wear?
How do we move forward?

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been

Of course, you can wear whatever you like whenever you like (is there such a thing as time any more?). Re-schedule events. Create events and outfits that are so much better than what you had planned.
But.
When you’re in the middle of what might have been, those solutions can seem a little far away.
I don’t have answers for all the things that might have been (the only things worse are the things that got away), but how I’m dealing with what might have been is planning ahead. There are things I missed doing (and wearing this summer), I can’t do anything about that (other than wear what makes me happy, which I’m on!) So how I’m handling fall is planning. It looks different. There are things are I can’t do. But-the boots I want to wear, I’m wearing (even just on the couch). The pumpkin carving? I’m doing across the street with my neighbors. The friends I miss? I’m scheduling Facetimes and sending letters and texts.

Perfect?
Maybe not.
But I’m doing what I can, and avoiding the regret of what might have been.

Investment Piece: What Might Have Been
Style Notes: this dress is homemade vintage from Selvedge Fine Vintage. Isn’t amazing how many people were able to make such gorgeous homemade dresses? The color is divine, and the fit is perfect! Shoes? Gabriela Hearst-I couldn’t resist the split sole (and you can find these second hand at affordable prices! I’ve linked some for you!)

What is the one thing that you missed that you can’t help but think about? What are you doing about 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: What Might Have Been