#simple

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Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s nice to have simple stand-bys to fall back on. Yes, it’s all black–but the detail on the modern boot and the camel coat keep me feeling like I look pulled together. And the simple joy of being able to throw on jeans and a t-shirt? Priceless.

Happy Monday! XO

Details:
Coat: Zara
Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Shirt: Jcrew
Jeans: MiH, old, similar here

#blameitondisco

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Semi-sheer, gold-stripped, and yet somehow appropriate? Sign me up! I love the disco feel-the gold, the sheer, and yet the length, sleeves and full skirt keep this dress on the modest side. It’s perfect for cocktails, parties, and dinners-put a sweater over it, or wear a camisole underneath it and it would be great for work. Gives the question “What Has Disco Done for You?” a new meaning!

Hope your Friday is full of happiness (and a little gold!) XO RA

Details:
Shoes: Gucci, old
Dress: Jill Stuart

Are Leggings Pants?

As with any great debate I am aware by broaching this topic that there are passionate people on each side; and those opinions may not be able to be swayed. Ironically enough, for an issue that can divide many a fashion lover I am not staunchly on either side–but I do think leggings as pants have their place.
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I love to work out, and it’s a major part of my daily routine. So therefore I am no stranger to wearing yoga/workout leggings as pants–both to the gym and for errands afterwards. Honestly, I’ve never given any thought to the idea. However, just regular leggings as pants? I have to admit I’m a little cautious. In my mind, leggings are associated with lounge-wear, so while I may throw a pair on for errands or a matinee, I don’t think I’d ever consider them for a night out. And even for those leggings I’m particular about structure (I like to be held in) and of course want a fabric that’s thick enough to not ave to worry about see-through issues!
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Above are two pairs you might see me out and about in–but more often than not, I’ll be in jeans! What about you? Do you wear leggings as pants? What are your guidelines? Can we see pics?

Happy Thursday! XO RA

All of that being said, I do love David Lerner Leggings–shop them here

#Degenerate

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Sometimes the best thing about your fashion sense is your sense of humor. Take this Milly sweater–it’s super soft cashmere, yet I love the cheeky message. Paired with great jeans and amazing shoes–it’s a fun take on a classic combo!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

 

Details:

Sweater: Milly
Jeans: 3×1
Shoes: Reed Krakoff, old, similar here

#giftguide For Him

Tis the season for shopping and I’ve rounded up some of my fave gifts for the men in your life–although if I’m honest, I’d love anything of these things for myself!

Happy Shopping and Tuesday! XO RA

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Jcrew Pocket Dial Developed by Jimmy Fallon, for that dapper guy to dress up his phone. I just think this is cool–and also think it wouldn’t look bad in my jean pocket!

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Vintage Surf Prints for that surfer boy or man who loves to travel. Some of my faves can be found at Art.com, Etsy and Overstock

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Bourbon Marshmallows for the drinker/foodie in your life!

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A great read even if you’re not a sports’ fan–but you can get double points if you are. Mac Engel’s in depth look at the man behind the Cowboys’ Conditioning program is worth the read! Buy it image
I couldn’t resist. For the Star Wars Fan in your life. I love all the Jcrew goodies, shop

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You can never go wrong with shoes–and now Nike has released a line of his or yours fave schools. I’m partial to these TCU ones, but shop your guys’ here

Lady in Pearls

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There is something so delicate about this vintage pearl top–perfect for holiday parties with both skirts, pants or even jeans–but what I love so much is that it’s not precious. Meaning, that it goes just as well with messy hair and sunny day as it does with a party. It’s making my Monday a bit more bearable!

Hope yours is just as grand! XO RA

Details:

Top: Vintage, got mine at Garment Modern
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Valentino

#shoeofthemoment

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There’s the old saying: “There’s a shoe for every moment”. Well–maybe not, but there should be, because every where you look right now, there’s a snakeskin bootie. Who am I to complain about that? I picked this one–I love the mod shape and the gold heel. What about you? Are you partaking in this moment?

 

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Booties: Asos
Also love these, these Tory Burch and these SJP

La Vie Boheme

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Tis the party season. And everyone, including all of us, has gone the route of velvet, black, red and green, and plaid to parties. There’s nothing wrong with that. I love those clothes, that texture and print. But when I found this dress it felt like a breath of fresh air–the color means you can re-wear it in the spring, the lace and mesh make it holiday-worthy and the semi-sheer adds a hint of fun. The dress does come with an attached bodysuit–of course a slip underneath would work as well! Heels, or barefoot on a beach, and you’re good to go!

What are some of your favorite party outfits? XO RA

Details:
Dress: For Love and Lemons

In Defense of Gift Cards

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It’s the holiday season and besides eating turkey this weekend there’s above average chance that you went holiday shopping–for others and yourself! Every site has a list of gift suggestions, don’t worry-ours is coming–but among the knick-knacks, sweaters and clothing, there is often an item that goes ignored–the gift card. I know, gift cards have a bad reputation as a cop out–the gift that’s not personal or thought out. However, in defense of the gift card I have to tell you Internet friends, I love them!

I am a shopper–and I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that most of you are as well. Which means that more often than not, I have already bought myself what I want. The items on my Christmas list are usually the big ticket items, experiences (trips), and of course I do love the personal gifts that I didn’t even know I wanted (like my dino collection because if you know me well, you know that I love them!). However, what this means is that to me, a gift card is a personal, thoughtful gift. A gc to my fave store, or just one of those MC/Visa ones, is usually a way to contribute to the big ticket item I want. Movie Theater or Airline gift cards allow me to have great experiences that I love. And I’m grateful for that. I take gift cards as a way of the giver saying not only do they get me–that they support my love of shopping (big ticket items and all). So when they’re in my stocking or under the tree–I love it!

What’s your take? Do you like gift cards? Do you give them?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Printed

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Prints don’t need to be scary-in fact I love them at this time of year as they can add a festive pop to any situation. How loud, over the top is up to you–and I suggest you play! However, with low key top and muted accessories they can also be a subtle hint of color!

Welcome to the Holidays! Happy Monday! xo RA

Details:

Top: Vintage

Skirt: old, similar here