In fashion we talk statement jewelry, statement pants, statement shoes–well, I have a new fave: the statement jacket. This is a vintage Christain La Croix jacket I was able to snag at Garment Modern in Austin, TX. (shop them online for more great finds!) I absolutely love the detail–the ball fringe, the sewn on pin, the color–it feels complete. I added black pants and heels but feel that this would be just as bold over jeans, a tshirt, skirt, dress–I can’t imagine a time when it wouldn’t look amazing. It’s pieces like this that just make me happy!
I was lucky enough to attend part of the Austin Fashion Week Festivities last week! The events are hosted by FashionxAustin and feature not only national trends but local designers and shops! The great thing: that’s a lot of fashion, some of which is able to purchase right away and the feel for the fashion in the city. And loves–it’s so fun to see the runway! Below are some of my favorite things and moments, these events also take place in Dallas and Houston. LA has a fashion week, which I will be attending next year (and I’m excited about that!) In short: Austin Fashion Week is an event worth going to and I can’t wait for next year!!
Red Carpet sponsored by Chloe Wines
Vendors and Pop-Up shops before the runway–everything from jewelry to facial creams, and this adorable shirt!
Ready for the show!
My favorite trends: the sheer tops (sorry Mom!) and these half-up, slightly undone buns!
Also love this suit!
I’d love to know–have you attended fashion week anywhere? What did you think??
I’ve admitted that I often shy away from shorts, and this was also true for cut-offs. I needed a pair that wasn’t too short, too tight, the perfect amount of distressed. And loves? I found them. This pair of Joe’s fits my bill–not too short, not too tight, able to be rolled up, and just the perfect amount of distressed. I love them with the contrast of a button up, but I’ve been wearing them non-stop-with tees, tanks, sweatshirts, everything. What cutoffs do you love?
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Shorts: Joe’s (note I sized up one size for fit)
Shirt: Front Row
Shoes: Tibi, also similar here
In many ways my life doesn’t need suits. I work for myself, mainly, from home and could wear yoga pants all day without anyone knowing any better. When I book acting work the costume designer dresses me. However, I clearly love clothes too much to only wear sweats (though don’t worry, I do) and one thing I have always loved is a great suit. There’s just something about it-clean lines, being pulled together, and the feeling they give you. This vintage suit fits my bill–the great fit, the slight flare, and the great feeling!
Loves, we’re not talking diet (the good news is that if you’re looking to get beach ready and you have a body you’re there!)! We’re talking closet. Your wardrobe. What you will wear as the temps go up and the days get longer. We’ve chatted closet clean out (refresher here) but this isn’t a clean out–I do my next big clean out in July– this is a “see what I have/what I need” moment. Because if we don’t know where we are it’s hard to get started, right? Right.
1. See What You Have
This is not a call for a major closet clean out (although if you have time to do a closet clean out and want to–by all means do!). What I tend to do is move my summer clothes to the front of my closet and do a quick run through–are there dingy t-shirts to be tossed out? Things I know I will never wear? I get rid of those (GoodWill usually). Then, I remind myself of what I have–great dresses, sandals, and outfits that will work perfectly for the upcoming season!
2. See What You Need
Make notes of what holes your closet has for the summer –for me this is always flips flops (I go through them fast) and swim suits. It could also be new tees or tanks, or a dress for that wedding in July; just having this information in the back of your mind makes summer shopping easier (and ensures you don’t end up with a ton of the same thing!)
3. Leave Room For Fun
Last week we chatted trends (like this one) and summer is full of them! So while making sure you know what you need, it’s ok to want a few fun things too! Even my accountant says so! So pick out a fun top or a new bathing suit–and have fun with it!
There’s no need for this all to get done today–certainly not the shopping portion (as far as I’m concerned that’s an all summer project)–but I love knowing what I need as I head into a new season. And it makes summer seem all the more closer!
Leather and Suede in Spring? I know that it sounds a little unexpected, but spring is a great season for leather! The trick–keep it light, not necessarily in color (although that works), this is not the time for sweaters and coats and leather. This is a season for your fave t-shirt and suede pants. A skirt with a button down. Unlined leather pants paired with everything. Crazy? No, it works; it’s just warm enough for spring winds but not overbearing. Throw your suede and leather pieces on like your favorite pair of jeans, it elevates you just a bit but it’s comfy!
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details: Suede Skirt, old, some of my picks: here, here, and here. Another great place to look for suede pieces in general is vintage shopping, including etsy
Striped shirt: old, similar here
Leather pants: Helmut Lang and on sale! Similar here
Suede Pants: old, similar here, here and here
One of the questions that I get asked the most often is :”How do you get so many great things so quickly?” And while some of it just comes down to getting lucky, some of my ability to get a “hot” item right away is to pre-order it. I’ve written about one of my favorite sites, Moda Operandi, which is built on the concept of pre-ordering (you can read that post here). However, many stores will allow you to pre-order an item–you just have to ask!
So how do you know what you should pre-order? While some would tell you that you can spot a trend, or if you read about an item a lot you should pre-order it. Often, if a store knows that an item will sell out they offer the pre-order automatically. But my advice? Pieces you love. Anything you see that you know you have to have. Not everything will sell out, but if it’s a special piece you do run that risk–and it’s always nice to know that you don’t have to worry!
dress I pre-ordered on Milly, they had the option open!
Now, the most important question: If a store doesn’t have a pre-order option, how can you pre-order? Loves, the answer is simply to ask. I can’t promise that the answer will always be yes–but often times it is. Most stores now have a personal shopping option, or at least a customer care hotline. I’ve found if I contact the store with the item I want, asking when I can order, or if I can pre-order, most people are happy to help. Stores I’ve had success with: JCrew, Nordstrom, and stores like Mohawk General and Fred Segal. If they are unable to help you with a pre-order the good news is that you will know when the item goes live–which helps!
Jcrew pants I was able to pre-order!
And if the item you love does sell out and you miss it? I suggest getting on a re-stock list!
Summer is fast approaching and I can’t help but be drawn to styles that remind me of the beach. So I’m loving this For Love and Lemons crop- it goes with jeans, high waisted skirts and pants, and bikini bottoms! The fringe detail elevates the top- meaning you can dress it up for more than just sand, and I love the color! This look worked for running errands and a quick trip to the river, but with a jacket over it could even be (somewhat) office appropriate!
The subtle 70s vibe that seems to be everywhere? I love it. Especially when it’s manifested like this amazing denim skirt–it goes with nice blouses, tank tops, flip flops, or heels. Or you can simply throw on an old leotard with it and call it a day. Still chic, still works. My kind of vibe.
You know me–I love a classic item with a twist! So, it’s no surprise that I’m absolutely in love with this Anna Quan shirt. It’s a good one–nice, thick, beautifully tailored, french cuffs–and here’s the twist, you can wear the sleeves undone for a modern take. The option for your initials is another fave of mine (because I like to mark my territory) and it looks great with jeans (I’m loving these JCrew that feel vintage), pants, skirts or over a dress. Now, please excuse me while I go raid my mom’s vintage cuff links!
Happy Wednesday!
Details:
Shirt: Anna Quan
Jeans: Jcrew
Shoes: Vintage Gucci, and yes, I’m all on board for the oxford trend
