shoes – Page 6 – Investment Piece

Statement vs Neutral

a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges

When we chat about statement pieces, there’s a tendency to think of them as these big, beautiful, unique pieces. And sometimes they are! Sometimes statement pieces are these one of a kind outfit makers that should be and are the focal point of your outfit. This skirt? Could absolutely be a statement. It could be the the center of so many great outfits- pair it with a grey sweater or a white button down, grey or black boots or heels- this skirt would be a star. (really, it is!) Pairing down every other aspect of the outfit would really make this skirt the statement.

Yet. The same things that make this skirt such a chic statement? The pattern, the tonal colors, the swing, the felt- all the aspects of the skirt that make it special and a statement? They also make this skirt a neutral.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

Clearly, nothing could make this skirt not amazing. BUT by switching up the styling just a bit, you can take it from a statement to a neutral. I loved the idea of pairing this skirt with a brightly colored silk halter top (it’s also a way to ease into sweater weather as it’s not QUITE cool enough to wear all sweaters and knits yet!);I felt that it complimented the skirt and also was eye catching on its own. The shoes were perhaps a risk, a bit of pattern mixing with the dots and the houndstooth. However, the blue from the top went with the blue in the shoes, and I love that the patterns (while not matching) flowed together. Truly, any part of this outfit could be made a statement piece. Pairing them together, ensuring that they complimented each other, meshed, etc- it turned the statements into more neutrals.

There are more ways to make a statement a neutral. You could mix patterns, pair with like colors, use a statement as the counter to another statement. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps it’s not about if a piece is a statement or a neutral- but how you’re styling it.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

When I first saw this skirt, I knew that I had to have it. The colors and patterns are some of my fave. A great circle skirt is such a fantastic piece to have in your wardrobe (they’re flattering and go with so much!), and the felt made it feel a bit more special. I plan on making it both a statement and a neutral throughout the season- and I’ve linked the exact skirt 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 blue silk halter top and a grey polka dot skirt with houndstooth wedges

Fashion Stories: Changing to Stay the Same

a woman in a maxi denim dress with a gold belt and gold glitter and black booties
a woman in a denim maxi dress and leopard sneakers

They say that everything comes back in style (which may also be a reason to never throw anything away!). And as someone who is slowly beginning to see styles that she remembers from her childhood back “on trend” I can only say- I didn’t think things would change so quickly to stay the same for me.
Perhaps another way to say that, is that as much as things change, they stay back. Or come back to themselves. Or whatever they say.

Take for example the denim, skirt and dress, trends this fall. Maxi. Slit. Just a hint of a shirt dress. They remind me of dresses from the 1990s. And earlier. These denim pieces also remind me of my grandma (Mimi). I’ve written a lot about her influence on my fashion sense, see here, but let me tell you- my Mimi also loved a denim dress. Or skirt. She would pair denim on denim, pair belts with her denim dresses- and wear both with everything from sneakers to sandals.

Denim dresses are a huge trend. Yet, they also bring me back to my Mimi. Sometimes we change just to stay the same.

a woman in a denim dress with leopard sneakers
a woman in a maxi denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties

This is where you may be thinking that I style these new but same denim dresses much differently than my Mimi would have- but really, I don’t think I do. Perhaps I’m a bit more flashy. But my Mimi loved a great accessory. A gold belt? She’d love it. The glitter booties might be exactly up her alley, but I have a feeling she would have loved them. And leopard sneakers? My Mimi would have worn these herself! We, my Mimi and I, were different- but we were really the same.

And we both love(d) a denim moment.

a woman in a denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties
a woman in a denim maxi dress and leopard sneakers

This denim dress, and all of the 1000s and 1000s ways you could style it (truly a bit dressed up and with sneakers are barely scratching the surface of what is possible here!) is a trend- but isn’t it also the same? What I mean is that, at least in my case, denim like this was a staple in my childhood- I’ve spent my adulthood changing and finding my own style, and am now in the same thing it started in. Maybe that’s what all those saying mean. Just perhaps- all roads do lead home, we change and yet find ourselves the same. I just think we should wear fabulous shoes with it!

I’ve linked this exact dress (under $50!) and similar ones, as well as some fantastic shoe options. What is something that you’ve changed and then found out it was simply the same? I want to hear all 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!

a woman in a denim dress with a gold belt and gold and black booties

Fall Wishlist

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms

One of my most favorite things about a new season is making a wishlist for it. Of course those wishlists are always dependent on what I need to refresh in my closet, the upcoming trends, and what I personally love. A juggling act, a bit of shifting at all times, and of course a bit of planning and wishing. This year: I’m still into suits, I want a bit of fun, I need to replace some leather pieces- and I’m excited for all the things to come!

I know that what I may want (now) and want later in the season may change; and I know that both of those things may be incredibly different from what I end up buying. For now, at the start of fall the below categories and lists are where I’m starting. I know that I may end up in different places, with a different closet- but this is where I’m starting. Over the next few weeks I’ll be refining this seasonal wishlist (and letting you know what I’ve bought!- those on my email list will be the first to know! Want in? Sign up!)

In the mean time here’s what I’m wishing about for fall- what are you looking for- new, or updates to your closet? I would love to hear about it all!

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!

Personality Pieces
We all have things that are just us- for me it can often me Dinosaurs, polka dots, statement pieces, and classics. My fall wishlist? Full of all of these things. I’m a fan of updates that look like me so I can’t help but fall in love with staples and statements that scream my name!

Leather Updates
I know faux leather is in- but all of mine have worn out. I’m looking to replace some of my faux leather pieces or perhaps replace them with vintage or new leather pieces. From skirts to blazers these are some pieces I’m loving!

Suting
Suits have been in (honestly I don’t know when they’ve ever been out!) but I just love them. Especially the trend of matching trousers, bustier and blazer! I have some that I love- but I keep seeing suits (and that combo!) everywhere. I may wait and see- but I’m upping my suit game this season!

Basics
This is the time of year when I go through my closet and see what I need to update. Sweaters. Layers. Coats. Bags. More. Yes, some of these I want in statements, but I also want some tried and true classics to come back to for YEARS!

Investment Piece: Color of the Season

On top of all of these- I’m looking to add some color. Add some laters. Buy some great trousers- and of course more! Again, I’ll be updating my list (sending it to my email subscribers in the next few weeks- I hope you’ll be one of them!) and of course letting you know here! If there is anything I can help you find for fall- or recommend -please don’t hesitate to reach out!

XO RA

Unexpected

a woman in tux pants, corset top, and leopard sneakers
a woman in tux pants corset top and leopard sneakers
a woman in tux pants and a corset top. Leopard sneakers.

a woman in tux pants a corset top and leopard sneakers

I often will tell you how I love a juxtaposition. They’re interesting. They make anything -from an outfit to a room – really anything (sorry I got 2 cats in my lap and try to find a ton of examples is not ideal! Having a cat in your lap-that may be another post!)

SO here’s the thing. tux pants (which these are. A fun fact about these ones that I bought second hand- I love that the cummerbund is adjustable) are a fun thing to to play with. Not matter the tux pants (or jacket) you can either dress them up (add heels, add a fancy top, no top with a blazer) or dress them down- like here I paired them with sneakers. Though I’m sure that with a leopard print these sneakers are super dressed down!

Ways I’ve also styled these tux pants: with graphic tees and heels, with vintage pj jackets and also with silk blouses and closed toe heels. Classic but with this cummerbund- it always feels like a statement.

Yes, these are second hand for years past- and yet any tux pants (some of my current faves are linked below), any kind of tux pants are such an easy way to style anything in your closest. A great tee? Dress it up with a tux pant. Need to dress formally? A blazer or a silk blouse, paired with heels could be the ticket.

(Yes, it feels odd to call any outfit combo the ticket as mainly as there are so many outfit combos for so many outfits and most of all I want. you to go with outfits that make you feel amazing!)

And there are so many outfits that I know or feel as if you can make (?) with a pair of tux pants!

Here’s what I love about the unexpected- with tux pants or with anything:

-It’s a way to let your style bleed into your real life. Where I wore this outfit? To Target. To errands. No where fancy, but I felt special everywhere I went.

-It’s a way to express yourself. Let’s be honest- from tux to suits to everything in between- we (as a people) have a way that we “think” things will be styled. For a tux? You expect black tie- and maybe that’s heels or blazer or vest or silk shirt or all of the above. So to see it (tux pants that is) with sneakers (and leopard which to me is a neutral but may not be) or a version of a corset top (here it’s just strapless, but really I may mean racy?)- this is not what one would expect.

Yet- As someone who loves to dress up but doesn’t always have a place to dress up at, as someone who loves playing with various pieces and seeing what fits for various days. For someone who truly believes that dressing for our days-no matter what they bring- is a way to bring joy to us- the unexpected is a great way to play with our fashion and also find a way to fit out style into our day to day style. (Said as someone who loves a great part look yet whose daily outings are more likely to include the grocery store rather than balls).

So- tux pant with sneakers? Or graphic tees? Or flats? Or anything that than the (chic) blazer and heels? A bit unexpected. But a lot bit of how to make your fashion your own (which is the point, no?)

I’ve linked similar unexpected pairs for you below- and of course, if your styling is a bit more expected I’m a fan of that as well!
XO RA

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

a woman in a black corset. black tux pants and leopard sneakers

Red -y Fall Transitions

a woman in a blue striped midi skirt, grey strappy top and red lace up heels

We could chat about a lot with this outfit. And here’s where I will admit there are shoots where I wear something simply for the outfit to be photographed- and shoots where I wear an outfit I wear and I shoot it. This is the latter. I love a great skirt. Always have, probably always will. Fun fact? I don’t think I wore jeans till I was 6 or 7 (and that’s only because I realized all the kids in 1st grade were wearing them and I was a-okay being a trendsetter but didn’t want to be left out!) as I always wanted to wear skirts or dresses. Point being a great skirt is such a fantastic piece to build outfit(S!) around- or even a closet.

Pair a great skirt with a tee, a blouse, a sweater, a going out top, a blazer- the options are endless! What I love about this particular skirt (minus the pockets) is that it’s perfect to transition from summer to fall. It’s a linen blend, but it reads wool. And the blue, black, grey and very light red stripe mean that it goes with so many things- and not just black- that could read both summer and fall. A bit nubbly, a bit weighted, it moves fantastically, but truly can stand alone. Here (because it’s still over 100!!) I had to pair it with an elevated tank; aka a “going out top” I’ve had for a good 10 years. Strappy, low cut, and really a bodysuit- but the pleats and folds make it feel expensive.

a woman in red lace up heels and a blue striped midi skirt
a woman in a blue striped midi skirt and grey strappy top with red lace up heels

Beyond outfit formulas and transitional pieces- red is on trend for fall. This is one of those trends that just makes me laugh. Mainly? I love red. One of my favorite colors. I’m also a HUGE fan of pops of red in outfits- and especially love a great red shoe (read about my early and faithful love for Dorothy or Red Date Shoes here). So red as a trend? Great! But, when was red ever “out”? Aka for me red not being a thing was never a thing- if you know what I mean. These fantastic red shoes? Years old, worn regularly, a favorite. (Though, yes, I will be using this “trend” to add to my red section in my closet. I mean- it’s in the name of fashion!)

What I could say about this – there is always a trend that’s not a trend but a staple to you. Use it to your advantage to transition seasons. Love red like me? Now is the time to get out your red, add it to your accents, say you’re ready for fall. Of if red- or any other fall trend- is something that you’ve always liked but never knew how to wear it? Might I suggest you start small? The term “pop of” may be overused, but anything that you’re a bit unsure of never looks wrong as a shoe, or bag, or belt, or scarf, or umbrella, coat, etc- start with an accessory and see how you feel. Then go all out in an outfit- or not. You always get to choose!

But I do love a great pop of color- especially when it’s red. I love a statement shoe. And when an outfit that is very much me on a Monday feels perfectly on trend and red-y to transition to the new season- it makes the outfit feel a little more special.

What are your thoughts on red? How do you wear it? What fall trends are you looking forward to and what are you wearing during these transitional weeks from summer to fall? I want to hear about it all!

This top (as mentioned) is old, as are the shoes from seasons and seasons ago. The skirt? Vintage and a gift from a lovely neighbor. However, I’ve linked similar pieces for you below – don’t be afraid to take what you love and mix and match and make your own for years to come (trends or not!)
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 blue striped midi skirt, grey strappy top, and red lace up heels

Liquid Gold

a woman in a black bandeau bikini beneath a sheer gold tunic and pants with black and gold sandals in front of a pool and cabana

Is there a way to make swim chic? And I don’t mean swim suits necessarily – as there are so many chic swim suits out there. I mean from in and out of the water to cover ups and towels, how do we make our swim looks (when we’re not in the water) look as fashion able as we are?

I found this set- gold knit tunic and pants- on a fast fashion site. Which I have to admit, I’m a little embarrassed about. I would love to tell you that fast fashion is never me and you should never buy it. And really- I do believe that’s possible. I think that there is a way to buy only sustainably and to cull your closet and to be ethical in our fashion (and stories). And absolute times when I don’t adhere to my higher callings.

What I will say is that I plan to wear this set for years (you can if you take care if it!) and in so many different ways. And also-even if it’s bad- I’m loving the gold and black for summer. Especially the gold. It blends with the water. It highlights the black from your swimsuit (who doesn’t love a great black swimsuit?). It screams glamour- even when you smell of chlorine and feel so over heated. Perhaps gold is the secret- and when it gets this hot it’s always melted to liquid?

a woman in a black bandeau bikini under gold sheer Tunis and pants with black and gold sandals by a pool and a cabana

The thing about a great cover up set- liquid gold or not- is that they make you feel like a $1000 bucks before and after you get out of the pool. Gold sets are great for making you feel expensive and chic and a little other worldly. Gold bleeds into liquid quickly, and perhaps that’s why we love it?

It’s the best way to cover up- while showing a bit – and remain cool while in the heat.

Below I’ve linked not only the exact shoes (chic whilst being a flip flop) and bikini (a classic bandeau will never go out of style) and options for not only this sheer gold look BUT gold swim look that I can’t get out of my head. Liquid gold? You’d be solid gold in these!
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 buy these exact shoes here: here

a woman in black bandeau bikini under a gold sheer tunic and pant in front of a pool and cabanan

Can’t beat the heat? Join it!

a woman in an off the shoulder red dress and white clogs with black stripes holds a blue watering can in front of green trees and plants a woman in a red off the shoulder dress and white clogs with black stripes in front of green plants

I HATE that we’re currently reduced to conversations about the weather. And it’s no one’s fault, and it’s not one conversation. BUT it’s so hot. SO HOT. And everyone knows it. No matter how or who I’m chatting with recently, the heat comes up. We ask each other how we’re handling the heat, we wish each other cooler temps, we worry about what to wear to beat the heat. It feels so cliche to chat and make convo about the weather- but when it’s this hot? What can you do as none of us are beaten the heat? You might as well join it!
.

Currently where I am it’s 90 by 10a and 109 by 6pm. Just unbearable. There are moments when it feels like it might be cool(er) and we could be outside – for a few minutes. And then my camera or phone lets me know that it’s overheating. I try and attempt to plan my days- but beating the heat is oh so rare that it just seems as if we have to ride this heat dome out till the fall (Or at least hopefully in the fall we’ll be able to beat the heat!)

And yet. With the heat, and the high temps, and the sweating through anything and everything you put on, and cameras and phones overheating- we still have to work. (apparently). So if you can’t beat the heat- why not join it?

I know that sounds extreme. To me what join the heat means is- go with the flow. Look, it’s so hot right now, there’s no way you could deny that you’re planning or dressing around it. So. If I can’t avoid being hot I might as well look hot. Or at least that’s my going theory. For example this red (hot) dress. The off the shoulder makes it flattering for everyone, and hides whatever you need hide. Also- these clogs? I thought I hated them (maybe I still do!) but these Adidas ones (linked below, size down), are all I’m wearing right now (most likely to be one with the heat or beat it!). And yes, I’m watering my outside plants more than once a day- though I worry it’s not enough!

What are you wearing to be the heat? Aka if we know we’re gonna be hot what are you wearing in spite of that? Because maybe what it really means to beat the heat is to accept it and dress around it!
This EXACT Dress (I’m in an XS) and shoes (size down- these are a men’s 7 – I’m a Women’s 9 and the rule is go 2 sizes down if you’re switching between men and women sizes ).

Also if you have any tips to beat the heat (or join it!). Please lmk me know!
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!

shop here

Thinking Pink

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

Isn’t ironic that if pressed, I would tell you that I’m not a pink kind of woman (and yet, with Barbie the Movie all I can think about is pink!- by which I would really mean that I think of myself as a feminine dresser but not overly girly or wearing big bows, etc- and yet, looking back (and through my closet) there’s a lot of pink. Is it that what I think pink means and what I like to wear are so far apart? Am I just needlessly defensive? Or is it when I think pink I’m thinking about things that no one has brought up?

When I separate the pink in my head that I know I’m not (big bows, super little girl, saccrine) and think pink (my kind of pink)- I have to let you know that I love it. I love the softer side of me and feeling safe enough to share it with people. Pink can be a bit shocking, and we know I love that. Thinking about pink, it can also have depth, from this month being about fighting cancer – you can shop pink here, to pink representing the various layers of womanhood (and there are so so many), pink isn’t just one thing.

Maybe that’s what I have to think about it so much.

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

I was drawn to this dress (via Pickled Vintage, I just adore everything about this store!) because the details (the high neck, the skirt) reminded me of Vera Ellen’s costumes in White Christmas (A family favorite,and if you’ve haven’t added it to your holiday watch list rotation you’re missing out!). It’s the kind of dress that you want to dance in (or at least sway so people can admire how it moves). This dress is dainty – but also daring (ever so slightly sheer).

For all my overthinking and worrying about pink, this dress may be the best of it: in it I feel special, a bit soft, but still strong and immensely confident. If I’m thinking about pink, I want it to look and feel like this. Could we want anything more?

Investment Piece: Thinking Pink

What comes to mind when you think pink? Do you wear pink? What does it mean to you?

This dress is vintage, but below I’ve linked modern pink dresses that I just love. These shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint” perfect sandals. This month when you use my code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE on any shoe you’re getting $60 off any full price shoe!
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: Thinking Pink — A look at this dress completely unedited and a bit more pink!

Too Late?

Classic and smart, shopping advice will tell you that you shop ahead (aka for the coming season not the one you’re in), shop sales (again, which may mean out of season), and always shop classics. I agree with this kind of advice. And yet, the issue with this kind of shopping (it’s not that only kind I do- insert winky face) is that sometimes you find pieces you LOVE that may be just out of season- it may be just too late to wear.

Take, for example, this stunning leather and mesh pleated dress I recently found (for a steal!) on eBay. It has cut outs, sleeveless and isn’t a true winter dress. Yet. The temps aren’t supposed to be below 100 this week, the event I wore this dress to was hot, even with tents and a breeze, and I’m not 100% sure that this dress is a summer dress. Though that didn’t stop me from wearing it. Too late for the dress? Or too early? Either way, when you find pieces you love that are just a bit off for the season you’re in how do we balance wearing something you love now?

At this day out I ran into some amazing women who complimented the dress, the neckline, etc- and when I mentioned that the leather was perhaps the wrong choice, one of them just shrugged and said: ” Eh. Those are the sacrifices we make for great outfits”. They were clearly my people.

Perhaps that’s the answer to the too late question. We sacrifice, we plan for the perfect times, and when we can’t wait to wear our prized pieces we pray for ac, breezes, and carry fans. While I can’t bear to go wear TOO far out of season- aka you will not catch me in a wool sweater right now- there are times I cannot be patient with great pieces. I have to wear them, even if it is a bit too late. So. we adjust. And plan on how we will re wear when the time is right!

This dress is Simkhai (quickly becoming one of my favorite modern designers, you can shop and read about him here) and I’ve linked similar dresses and some current favorite Simkhai pieces. I’ve also linked these exact (updated) shoes- they are some of my go-tos and beyond perfect. This bag is vintage Coach, and I’ve found you the modern version!

What have you bought lately that might be too late to wear and 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!

Vintage as Modern

a woman in a blue and white floral slip dress with pink feather shoes and a brown clutch bag

a woman in a blue and white slip dress with a brown clutch

I have a thing for vintage clothes. I have a thing for modern clothes. But perhaps my most favorite? Clothes that are so classic that they could be either. For example, this 1930s night gown (yes, a night gown!). A bias cut, meaning that it is a very traditional vintage, but as this is the ultimate flattering cut, it’s also incredibly modern. Add to the both timeless feel, bedroom drama, etc are feather shoes (who doesn’t love a feather?) and a vintage Bottega clutch.

I wore this look to a fashion party and was lucky enough to have my dear friend @pheobephillofan (follow her on IG!) shoot me. It was incredibly fun to get to play with a friend, and from feathers to a sheer like night gown that reads as a modern slip dress, it was fun to play with the mix of vintage and modern. What’s a recent outfit you wore that you just love? While this number is vintage (along with the bag), I’ve linked similar 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 black and white shot of a woman in a blue and white slip dress with feather shoes and a clutch