Category: shopping

Sheerly Vintage

a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes

I’ve said it a million times- there is nothing like a great juxtaposition. I simply can’t resist them! And one of my all time fave juxtapositions (if you can call it that) is a vintage look/piece in a completely modern way. No matter what, it just give me chills/feels/kills me in the best way.

Recently, the sheer trend has been a bit dominant. From skirts to shirts to dresses, there was noting (is nothing?) more on trend than a sheer piece- layered to your comfort level. SO. A vintage dress- in the most lovely burn out velvet (not to mention the bias cut or the split sleeves!) that lends itself to being sheer? The juxtaposition of dreams- sheerly vintage!

I love that this dress is so elegant. And Chic. And yet, when you only pair it with a bathing suit underneath, it’s a bit modern, a bit daring. The absolute best of all worlds. I have never been known to shy away from sheer–it was one of my first posts (see my sheer work here, here, and here).Just a hint of how much I love this sheerly vintage look? Sheer is nothing I’m shy of- and yet out of all the great sheer outfits I’ve worn- this may be my favorite!

a woman in a burn ou vintage velvet dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

LadyLike. Advant Guarde. Vintage Modern. If you could be all of these things at once- why wouldn’t you? One of the fantastic things about vintage is not only that you can make it your own- it’s that it can be anything you need it to be. With a slip? This same sheer dress could be modest and ladylike (and still chic!). I chose to wear wedges (they just felt right), but pairing this number with heels or a flat or any number of shoes would keep the look amazing but change the vibe.

SideNote: If sheer is something you’re wanting to play with, vintage burnout velvet is perfect as it gives coverage, illusions, and can be styled to your comfort level. Sheerly vintage is just a nice way of saying you can control your own sheer-how exciting is that?

Do you love the sheer trend– and how do you feel about doing it vintage? I’ve linked similar vintage burnout velvet dresses for you below and this exact swimsuit (which is a go to!)

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 vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

No Pants Dance

a leg in hose on stairs with boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman on stairs in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in a cardigan and hose and short shorts and boots with a pearl in the arch on stairs
a woman in hose, short shorts, boots with pearls on the arches, and a striped cardigan on stairsI

No pants (or short shorts) are making a comeback (perhaps they never went away? I grew up dancing and this look is VERY Mom picked up me from ballet and we are running errands. In fact, I wrote about this before because this could be “fashion” or a trend, but to me it’s just workout wear! Read here).

This no pants dance seemed natural to me- hose (pro-tip if this is a trend you’re intrigued by the more opaque your tights the more like pants they will feel!), boots (I can never resist a great detail) and a great sweater (a lady like touch a la this gold buttoned cardigan is a go-to!). The no pants trend for me is merely fun- another great pro-tip if this is something to experiment with give yourself a time limit activity (aka dinner or a timed party appearance, etc), and playing with the juxtaposition of lady like details (pearls and this gold button cardigan) with some risqué (no pants!!) has been so so fun!

a woman in hose with short shorts and boots with pearl accents on staris
a woman in hose and short shorts with a striped cardigan and a boots with pearls on stairs

What helps me in trying out new trends or fads or even this no pants dress?

I think of it like a costume. Or a character. Perhaps it’s my acting training. Or my love of a great story (and my firm believe our clothes tell them!)! However, thinking of myself as someone who WOULD wear an outfit like this–in this case no pants- and playing with all possibilities from juxtapositions to big blazers. Lady Like to more on trend. It’s fun. It gives us a chance to play (another great benefit of fashion!)

I’ve had friends play with the no pants for date night. For events. And in variations for day to day life a la errands! I do most associate this look with dance class — but it has given me so many ways to play and to explore. From short shorts to short skirts. Dresses. Blazers. I do think a great pair of hose will help (and of course there are now so many patterns to choose from!) and a pairing you love- like this sweater.

Are you playing the no pants dance? Experimenting? I would love to hear all about it!! Below I’ve linked similar options and some exact options for these boots (Nicolas Kirkwood sock boots with a pearl–in fact I bought mine resale YEARS ago so I love that there are still pairs 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!

a woman in hose and short shorts and a cropped gold button cardigan with boots with pearl accents

Kitschy Valentine Gifts

a woman in a cream silk dress with a velvet cape

I have said before that I don’t like Valentine’s Day. Which is true. But not true in a “I hate love and celebrating it” way. More like in a “I hate that there’s pressure and you’re supposed to celebrate in a certain way” way. Both being in a relationship and being single (and also all the other types of love in your life!) should be celebrated– and while I say I don’t love Valentine’s there are certain things I do really love about the holiday.

Like Kitschy Gifts. (Obviously I like the bigger ones too, but those are always so personal!) I mean like cute seasonal socks (a fave of mine!), fun candy, candles in sweat heart patterns. The cheesy stuff that you might get from your mom or give to your BFF. I love it all. And while I want you to get the special thing you want too (even if it’s a gift from you to you), I’m rounding up some of my fave kitschy gifts that will hopefully make you smile too!

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

Socks
Truly I have a thing for funny socks. And from Valentines to Easter to just socks with cute animals I love them all. And these are the perfect “little” gifts as they are mostly under $5!!

Food
I know this is an odd choice but from specialty candy to chocolate covered strawberries- I love them all! Also- they way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach!

Scent Samples
Perfume is a traditional gift– but sometimes scents are personal. Something a friend got me onto within the past year are perfume samples (there are a ton of ways to get them, if you need help please let me know!). Samples are a way to try a new scent, give a bunch of scents, and make someone’s day. I’m linking scents I love which would make great samples!

Lips
I bet we all have opinions on heart shaped jewelry, etc at this time of year. (Mainly, it’s a no) BUT a shape (?) that I do love- from prints to jewelry to bags and more are red lips. Just this side of cheesy but a little fun! On theme but not obvious! I’m linking 2 cute lips bags below!

What I really used to love about Valentine’s Day? Those mass cards we would pass out to the entire class in elementary school. Perhaps that’s why I love a good kitsch gift- and I hope these ideas make you and your loved ones smile!

XO RA

Foundations

a close up of pink velvet mules with beaded snakes on them and jean cuffs
a close up of a woman in sunglasses and a one shoulder grey sweater
a close up of a woman in jeans
a woman in trouser jeans, a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules in front of a brick wall
the back of a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules walking up stairs

A wise adage? Buy the best of what you can afford when it comes to your clothes. From jeans to tees, they will fit better, wear better and look better. AKA great foundations lead to a multitude of FANTASTIC outfits. (Not to mention that the better you buy the more it lasts, the less you have to buy- great for the environment and maybe your bank account!).

So- what are your foundations? Also known as what do you reach for time and time again? For some that may be a professional outfit- and for our purposes we count everything from suits to workout sets. For some that may be a leisure outfit- from jeans to again gym sets. And of course there’s everything in between. I won’t judge any foundations (even in your under things drawer– because those foundations matter too!) As someone who is a regular gym goer and also works from home my foundations vary. But I’ve found no matter what, each time I truly invest in a great foundation the outfit and my closet are better for it.

a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules

What foundations am I investing in recently? Well. I love a great pair of jeans that are both on trend and a bit classic. For me, this season, that’s a trouser jean. In a darker wash. A bit like a suit pant, a bit like a jean, and lot of chic. I love that these are just slightly oversized but not baggy. And comfy. (Ironically, these are LEE jeans. Yes, the brand from when we were kids. And yes affordable -not all the best foundations are over priced. Not to have a Bradshaw moment- but did we have it figured out in middle school?) Knits that are classic but edgy- a la one shoulder/part cape. And my go-to mules. These are Gucci and while they were an INVESTMENT I can’t tell you how often I reach for them. They are truly a foundation of my shoe wardrobe.

Within these 3 pieces? Endless options. The base or pop of almost any outfit. I almost shot this look with a silk blouse and these jeans/shoes and it would have worked. I wore this sweater with grey trousers this weekend and it was perfect. To list how many times I have worn these shoes in the past week alone is almost embarrassing. But proves that a great foundation is all you need!

What are the foundations you continually reach for? And what foundations are you investing in this season? I would love to hear about them all!

I’ve linked these exact jeans and similar shopping 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 woman in a grey one shoulder sweater and jeans and pink mules

Film Style: Hitchcock’s Heroines

Investment Piece: Film Style

As an actress, movie buff, and fashion lover I am endlessly fascinated by and inspired by the fashion we’re presented with in films. I would argue that fashion in films is incredibly important: fashion presented in films can influence how we think of an era, of an actress, influence what we buy, and what designers put on the runway. There may be no one more influencial than Alfred Hitchcock and his heroines. Hitchcock had a thing for blondes (if you haven’t read about that, it’s fascinating topic to research), and his blondes were always impeccably dressed.

Hitchchock, his films, and his heroines are full on iconic, and have been written about almost ad nauseam, but their influence stands. Several runway collections, outfits, and costumes have taken a page from the Hitchcock Heroine playbook; be in Grace Kelly in “To Catch a Thief”:
Investemnt Piece; Hitchcock's Heroines
To Janet Leigh in “Psycho”:
Investemnt Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

And full disclosure: I’ve dressed up as Tippi Hedren as her character in “The Birds” for Halloween (top pic) in years past, and it’s one of my favorite Fashion Halloweens!

From suits to gowns to pencil skirts, Hitchcock’s heroine’s were always dressed impeccably, and on trend. The outfits never took over the movie, but left a impact on the viewer. These designs were often done by Edith Head, infamous costume designer (loves, Edith designed or put together some of the most iconic and beautiful garments ever. She is a icon on her own, and if you don’t know about her I cannot more strongly urge you to at least Google her. I promise I will feature her on an upcoming Designer Spotlight–she’s that important), but the designs shown in Hitchcock’s films inspired everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Bottega Veneta. Some great reading on the subject can be found:
Hitchcock Fashion Moments and Hitchcock’s Heroines and their influence on fashion.

Investment Piece: Hitchcock's Heroines

The great thing about the fashion that Hitchcock heronines inspires? You don’t have to wait for a designer to present it to you! Have a pencil skirt? Add kitten heels and a blouse? Got a draped gown? Add a necklace! Have a skirt suit set? You’re good to go! Need some inspiration and/or examples of Hitchcock’s Heroines? TCM often shows Hitchcock movies and the inspiration they provide from Halloween costumes to day to day fashion inspiration is endless!

What movies do you go to for fashion inspiration? And what Hitchcock heroine do you want to dress like?

XO RA

90% off luxury consignment

Simple Lines

a woman's foot with red nails wand a red cage Sandal and black jumpsuit on stairs

Do you remember that line from school? KISS? AKA: Keep It Simple Stupid. It was for papers and reports- like don’t get too carried away. But it also works for outfits.

And I say this as someone who gets carried away.

All the time. And for any reason.

BUT. An outfit that speaks for itself? Where every piece is a statement and yet goes together? That is incredibly comfy and yet feels forcesful. Well. Let me recommend a tux jumpsuit with cage sandals (both of these EXACT products linked for you below!) This outfit is so simple on a first glance- or read. IT’s JUST a jumpsuit and some flats. But on further look it’s the lines, it’s the cuts. it’s the fits that make this “simple” lined outfit stand out!

a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit with red cage sandals

Maybe it’s the lines of the junpsuit. Down the leg. Or the chest plunge. Maybe it’s the pockets. OR these cage sandals. The across lines. The up and down lines. Maybe it’s a combination of it all.
(And yes, there are so many MANY ways to style this outfit-lines or no lines– perhaps layer underneath the jumpsuit. Hose with the sandals. Or add accessories like a necklace or floral brooches. SO many options with these 2 offerings!)

But the lines? The lines are fantastic. From shadows. To sandals. To jumpsuits. All of it. And all of the lines and all of the options. It’s almost like a grid and to make a great outfit you can mix in your own personal loves!

Below are linked these 2 itemsQ I also think that that any way you want to do these lines!
XO RA

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

A Subtle Dot.

a women in a black body con dress with subtle polka dots on the sleeves and back. Pearl accent shoes and earrings

Fun fact- but old news if you know me well- polka dots are one of my MOST favorite patterns. And apparently Monday was National Polka Dot Day (I think there’s some calendar that I am just not on- as celebrating my fave would not be something I would neglect!) In fact! I made a little video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ESAiOggFImk

And then I got to thinking. I have NEVER. EVER. met a polka dot I didn’t love. In any color. In any shade. Truly in any way- to me, a dot is a dot I love. And then: I fell in love (and was lovingly gifted by my dad for the holidays) this dot that is incredibly subtle. In fact, I thought there would be more dots. BUT. I kinda love that the polka dots are a bit subtle. Only on the sleeves and the back. Best seen in certain lights. You can be subtle with it (or if you want go BIG and pair with all the dots from hose to shoes to accessories that you LOVE!)

a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes

Ironically, while I appreciate this subtle dot, I often have a hard time with subtle. I can not pick up on clues- and while I am not by any means confrontational, I can blow by subtle hints. Likewise, my subtle hints are either way too subtle or way too over the top. But fashion? Fashion somehow I can be (and get) subtle! For example these dots:

-I love that it’s a take on the sheer trend
-Work approved but date night vibes
-You can put as many dot accessories with this as needed (pearls worked for me!)
-It can be subtle or non-subtle

The great thing about subtle: truly it can be whatever you need it to be. Take this dress. It could be full of dots. Or just a knit dress. Work ready. Or perfect for any night out. Show a lot-cover a lot.
In your face and bold has its place, but subtle? The possibilities there are endless!

How do you like your polka dots? How do you style them? And are you on this calendar with fashion days that I’m somehow missing?!?

I’ve linked this exact dress and similar shoes 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 black knit body con dress with polka dots on the sleeves and bacj

Mob Wife Aesthetic

a woman in a mink coat and big hair bun lounges on a blue couch

If you haven’t heard there’s a new micro-trend- Mob Wife Aesthetic. For those who are confused by the term “micro trend” it refers to a “small and fleeting trend usually started on social media”. Clean girl. Tomato girl. Those are a few that have come and gone in the past year. And now we have Mob Wife. While, usually I don’t adhere to these micro trends fervently- if I like parts of the aesthetic I incorporate them, wear what I have, buy what I like- but never go full in; I have to admit I’m loving the idea (and the fashion) of Mob Wife.

(Though here is a random and sort of off topic thought: I read somewhere that all of these micro trends- especially Mob Wife- talk and dress women as an accessory to men, or what a man does. I can’t stop thinking about that- and that is a completely different conversation. I don’t know that I love that thought- and we are all way more than an accessory. But I am loving wearing a lot of (faux and vintage fur!)

So. What is Mob Wife Aesthetic? It’s a bit of a response to the recent minimalist trends- as it’s maximum! It’s excess! Furs, animal prints, gold jewelry (and a lot of it!), heels, prints, corset styling. Red lips and big hair. Quilted leather and low cut dresses. Anything big. Anything on a mob movie (minus the organized crime). And a part of me is really loving it– and having so much fun with it! (which is a big part of what fashion is supposed to be!)

a woman in a leopard skirt with an off the shoulder top and black platforms and big hair
a woman in black strapless top and pants and a leopard corset in front of a rock formation
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a leopard print midi dress walking from a green hedge

Part of why, out of all the micro trends, I’m attracted to this one is the bigness. IT’s the fun. January is a month that asks us to give up things. From eating and drinking “cleanses” or diets challenges to spend less/not buy anything challenges, etc (and this is not me judging these, this is me making an observation), this month is often a sparse month. The weather can also be dreary. After the holidays, Jan is always a contrast. And while it may be a needed contrast, as we get to the end of the month a bit of fun, a bit of a lot is refreshing!

Another reason why I’m loving this Mob Wife Aesthetic? I’m getting to play! Mixing patterns and textures. Having fun with hair. A ton of fur and metallics. It feels a bit like playing dress up (my absolute favorite game!). There is no right or wrong way to be a mob wife. You don’t have to go big, you can simply indulge in a lot of jewelry or big jewelry or a fur coat. Wear all animal print from head to toe. Big platforms with big hair. Anything you want, as big as you want- how can that not be fun??

If you see me, there’s a chance my hair will be big. I might be in leopard prints. With fur. More than one necklace. Or maybe even a corset. Most importantly, I will be having fun- which to me is the point of the micro trends, and especially Mob Wife.

Are you participating in Mob Wife Aesthetics? How are you dressing for it? I would love to hear all your thoughts!

Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces that currently fit this micro trend! 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: #cheetah

The Only Faux is my Fur

Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The Only Faux is my Fur

We spout the phrase “fake it till you make it” as stellar advice, in both professional and personal matters. And I get it- faking it helps you get where you need to be. When I was in Los Angeles, auditioning a ton, a Casting Director told us to always dress nicely and carry an expensive purse, it would give the illusion (or faux appearance) that we were “busy and booked”. Thus making us more appealing (the wanting what we can’t have and wanting what other people want parts of psychology). If you’re feeling less than confident, people will tell you to fake it- act confident until you are. And it works! Acting like you’re happy, etc, is proven to make you more happy.
So, should we always be a faux version of ourselves?

I’m all for a dose of false confidence to help me become more confident, but I also want to be comfortable in my skin. I’ll give you the appearance of everything being perfect, but when I need to, I want to let people know what’s bugging me, or what’s wrong. And it’s not just me- most of us don’t like fake people (which I know can include a lot of behaviors), most of us don’t want a faux life. Do we fake it till we make it or do we be real?

And, I don’t have any answers. I think it comes down to discernment. Yes, faking it while making it is a great strategy, and yes you are amazing even when you’re not, and you can be real with people. Can both things be true? Why not?

The good news is that in fashion, fauxs are good- unless they’re knockoffs, which is a whole other conversation, so for the sake of this one? Let’s chat really, honest- the only faux is my fur.

investment piece: the only thing Faux is my fur

Do you have a strong opinion on fur? Or Faux fur? This is where I admit besides faux, I love vintage furs- especially my grandma’s! Vintage fur is a form of recycling, and while I don’t condone animal cruelty, the animals are long since dead. Real, modern fur? That makes me feel a bit more icky- or I should say my feelings are a bit more complicated. . So, I’m incredibly grateful that faux fur has come a long way. And I’m grateful that so many vintage furs are out there. This number? Faux! But it’s so soft and chic, and during the winter it keeps me warm and feeling like I’m making it, which is especially important when it feels dreary outside (and sometimes in!).

January, especially the tale end of the month, is really a fake it till you make it month- between the winter blahs, the feeling that maybe your resolutions were a bit much, the cold, and the yearning for spring. Is is possible that a faux could help us fake it? That by wearing something faux we could get to a real place? I only know we can try, and that a chic faux fur never hurt.

This faux fur is from years ago, but I found you some great faux and vintage fur pieces below (side note: these leather leggings are real, but faux leather can be amazing too! We can fake it in that as well!)
I would love to know what you’re working towards and how you’re faking it (or not!) right now!
xo RA

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 only thing Faux is my fur

Slip Into Something More Comfortable…..

a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, a tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress,
a woman in ablue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat, and blue clutch
a woman in blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch

Slip dresses: a bit of 90s style, a bit of PJ style, a bit of spring style. I love them as they are so comfortable and suitable for lounging and nights out. But yes, they are often associated with warmer temps. Often paired with strappy sandals. We all know I live for a great juxtaposition- and love pairing the unexpected- so my big rebellion for this is to wear my slip dress in the winter. With boots. And a coat (it’s freezing!). The slip dress is still comfortable and just as chic- even if it’s unexpected.

Winter dressing, while I love the thought of it- and jackets, coats, etc – is always a bit difficult for me. As someone who’s lived mainly in warmer climates, my instinct in colder temps is to bundle up. And stay that way! A challenge I gave myself this winter was to get dressed during the cold- to be chic and comfortable and warm. Normally, in cold weather, the idea of slipping into something more comfortable has meant sweats- and how I am breaking that rut is by pairing items I love from different seasons with winter classics. Such as a slip dress with boots and a cashmere coat.

One of the best things about slipping into something more comfortable is that there are 1000s of ways to do it, and endless outfits to wear. Pairing this slip dress with these boots and coat made the winter seem a little less grey and it made me feel a bit more energetic. It also made my challenge a bit more fun! Styling my comfy (but chic) slip dress in a wintery way has made me look at all of my closet with a more thoughtful eye. What pieces could be used for more than one season? How I can be comfy and temperature appropriate while feeling stylish? What outfits feel as good on the couch as they do out?

I’m still playing with a lot of winter dressing– but I will say now when I need to slip into something comfortable I don’t just have to reach for sweats when I’m cold. And I love that! What do you wear when you need to feel comfortable? Are there pieces that you can style for more than one season?

I would love to hear all about it! And I’ve linked you similar pieces so you can slip into something more comfortable 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 with red nails, a blue cameo ring and a blue clutch