It is absolutely no secret that I am seriously in love with the new Gucci collection (and if I say that enough perhaps it will appear magically in my closet). However, I also have a love affair with Vintage Gucci Bags. Just like any well-made vintage bag the quality and classic silhouette stand up; but there is just something about the signature Gucci style, be it the bamboo or the ggs, that manages to feel new–even when it’s old. And some of the best places to find great Vintage Gucci Bags? Etsy and eBay. I cannot tell you the number of high quality bags I’ve found on those sites–and at reasonable prices. They also have a great selection of Gucci luggage (which may be my next investment). I’ve found that there is such a great selection out there that you just have to look–and be specific about what you want. What are your thoughts on Vintage Gucci? Love? Indifferent? Where do you shop it?
It’s no secret that I love Vintage–but my favorite kind of vintage may be the kind that looks modern. I love mixing new and old pieces, and when the pieces are just simply well-made and look stunning it makes putting together an outfit so much easier. I also love how the shoes just slightly toughen the look!
Every season it seems as if there is a new trend to try, and this season it’s part throw back, part fresh alternative to the jean jacket, and in my humble opinion, part perfection. Yes, we are chatting Bomber Jackets. They’re every where–in the last few weeks I’ve worn three on the blog! Here’s why I love them: they’re stylish, offered at every price point and color, the embroidery to be found on some elevates this staple to a statement, and while the silhouette is by no means new, this season it feels so fresh. I love them with jeans, skirts, pants, over dresses, I’ve worn them to the gym over leggings–they’ve become my go-to. Do you have one? Do you love it? If not, willing to try?
I’d love to know! See below for some of my fave bomber jacket picks!
XO RA
Everything Gucci makes me swoon this season
Reformation
Zara
When saying that you needed a “little black dress”, no one ever said it had to be boring. I love this Milly take on the classic–off the shoulder, exciting sleeves–it’s easy to dress up, not too much for a more casual affair, and remains a classic. Even when you are just hanging out by the river.
Sometimes it’s just been a week and you have an attitude. Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to deal. Sometimes you let your shirt do the talking. For whatever reason you choose, I absolutely love this Reformation jacket (worn as a top) and its cheeky message. I can’t stop wearing it. And these jeans? Closest to vintage I’ve found in a new pair.
Whatever your attitude is today, I hope the fact that it’s Friday makes you smile! XO RA
I don’t think that there’s a single clothing item more sought after than the perfect jeans. Jeans have become the cornerstone of a many a wardrobe, replacing suits, and the styles and fits we are now offered can be completely overwhelming. And with any important relationship, finding the perfect jeans can involve trial and error, endless questions, and what can feel like a never-ending quest. To make it more difficult-we all have different bodies and needs. What looks good on one may not look good on another. So what’s a jean-loving lady to do? While it may be tempting to just throw in the towel–don’t give up! While the perfect jeans may not be found today I have a list of things to think and about ask yourself that I hope make the quest for the perfect jean a a little easier!
1. Consider Waist Height
I am a high waisted girl–so this is an area of special importance to me. Remember when the trend was to have jeans barely come up to your hips–those were dark days for me. So if you’re like me and love a high waist some brands to check out are Jcrew, Citizens of Humanity, Madewell. Rag and Bone make some of my fave mid-rise, and JBrand has a great low rise! Almost every brand has a selection of rises-so you may just have to try some. A way to get a sense of how high you might like your jeans is to measure yourself–take a tape measure and start at your belly button–go down just below your hips. This number will give you your own “rise”, and you can use it to gauge, especially if you’re shopping online!
2. How much Stretch?
Newer jeans tend to have some spandex in them, vintage jeans tend to be all cotton. This is more of a personal preference–I like a little stretch, it makes me feel a little sucked in and keeps the shape a bit longer. That being said if you can find a perfect vintage Levi–or I recently got a Madewell pair without stretch that I love, they can fit like a glove, though you may have a break-in period. Just be aware that without stretch you may have to play with your size!
3. Length
Crops are in. Does that mean you need some? No–I’m a fan of only buying trends that fit your body–but it does give an option. My go-to length is right at the ankle, but for flares prefer a longer inseam. To measure your own, place the tape measure on the inside of your leg (as high as it goes) and measure down–take note of where it hits your ankle, and think about heel height. Some brands offer a tall option in sizing (JCrew) if that is something that you need!
4. Leg Opening
Skinny, Super-Skinny, Straight, Wide,Boyfriend, Flared–I’m a fan of all of these, but if I’m blindly reaching I go for skinny, they seem to fit best. I do have (and love) variations of all of these cuts–my main advice is to think about your silhouette. Not every pair needs to be super tight, but even your Boyfriend jeans need to have some shape so they don’t swallow you!
5. Wash
I love a darker wash with some sanding down the leg–it’s slimming. Just like any other piece of clothing the color, and any fading, matter. So even in a lighter wash, watch for sanding or fading in the middle of the leg–it helps you look longer and leaner
6. Pockets
Let’s be honest–we care about how our butts look in jeans, and pockets deeply affect that. The best bet? Small pockets that are placed in the center (if they turn in a bit, great!). The general rule of thumb is that the bigger your pockets, the bigger your butt will look.
I’d love to know–what are your go-to brands? What do you look for in a pair of jeans? Some brands I’m dying to try are AYR and Diesel. I’m also curious about the sites that send you jeans to try on for free–has anyone tried them?
I started this blog not only because of my love for fashion, but because I truly believe that fashion can be a great investment and can help you express yourself. I’ve spent a good deal of my time saving and investing in pieces that I know will last–but the question can often be, now that I have this investment, how can I use it on a regular basis? The answer can depend of course on what your investment piece was–sometimes it’s simple, buy a great bag and use it! However, I think we all can be guilty of saving for something and then treating it as if its too precious, when the point of buying is to use it! This is not a call to treat great things poorly (I can write another time about the internal cringing I do when I see expensive bags being thrown on the floor), but rather a call to enjoy your life (that special day you’re waiting for is today) and to make the investment piece you worked for a basic!
Take for example this amazing Chanel dress. Chanel is known for being timeless and classic–and this dress is all of that, and while the temptation is there to save an expensive dress for a special day, I’ve made it a point to wear it as a basic–like any other black shift dress. The result? Even grocery runs feel special. And it looks great with everything from sneakers to heels. So what are you saving for a rainy day? Why not wear it today?
So the thing about tights–they make everything better! From dressing up clogs (which also go great with skirts and pants) to make short dresses seem a little bit longer to just making you feel special (because that’s what Mondays sometimes call for), they got your back. I love the retro-feel of this look, and also love that it didn’t feel costume-y. And every piece works great on its own-win, win, win.
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Dress, Zara, old, similar here
Tights: here
CLogs: Vintage Prada, similar here
We are ever so surely inching towards spring–but don’t worry, that’s no reason for us not to layer (it’s really the secret to life) and shy away from materials like suede. The secret? Keep it colorful like this pop of blue, use a shirt dress for a pop at the hem and wear comfortable mules. The good news? Everything is perfect on it’s own (you may recognize the Art dress, I’ve worn it many times with everything), the skirt looks great with just a t-shirt or a sweater, and the shoes go with everything. And together–perfect spring layering!
You may have read this week that it’s official–midi skirts are no longer a trend, they’re a staple. To those of us who knew how flattering they are and how they go with everything this is not news. I love midi-skirts and use them inter-changeably with my fave jeans. My current variation on repeat? Metallic pleats. Just enough pop, just enough neutral. I wore this exact outfit to two different events–so you’re seeing the different shoes–I love that it lends itself to anything you put on, and this bomber jacket is not only trendy–but super comfy and goes with everything!
Happy Wednesday lovers! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Asos
Skirt: Kate Spade, old, similar here also love this one and this one
Shoes: Wedges, Jeffery Campbell, old, similar here
sneakers Addias
