shopping – Page 111 – Investment Piece

#itbag

The first week of the New Year: holidays are done, decorations done, resolutions started (maybe), and the perfect time to dream about the beach and spring fashion. Right? Right.

One thing I’m dreaming of-this Mansur Gavriel Circle Bag, which just may be the #itbag of the season. I absolutely love the vintage feel, the unique shape, and the colors (several are not pictured here, I have my eye on a tobacco one!). You may know Mansur Gavriel from their “it” bag of last season,the bucket, which sold out many places, but for being an “it” favorite these aren’t outrageously priced, and the quality is superb! While not expected in stores till late Feb/March you can preorder one at Moda Operandi

So,what are your thoughts? Do you love it like I do? Are we ordering together?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

New Year Sparkles

It’s the first week of the new year–you’re probably back at work or your routine, the holidays put away, and starting in on your resolutions. However, that doesn’t mean that your outfits have to be any less sparkle-ly. That’s why I love this Jcrew blazer–the sequins are subtle, meaning that it’s work appropriate but can also be used for a night out (with any sort of pants/skirt/jeans). And it’s just a little way to hang onto the holidays!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Jacket: Jcrew and on sale! Also love these matching pants
Pants: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Louboutin

#NewYearSparkles

#Sequined

This skirt. It makes me believe in love. And if there is ever a time to wear a skirt like this–it’s tomorrow night. (Although I completely plan on wearing it with a white tshirt all through the spring). It needs nothing else (I think you could wear it barefoot and still have it look amazing)–I just did grey to match the tone. While it’s sold out, a Jcrew specialist may be able to find one for you–and I will cross my fingers for you! Everyone deserves one!

Hope you’re out shining! XO RA
Details:
Skirt: Jcrew, call a specialist!
Sweater: Equipment
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

#NYE Outfits

I’m going to be VERY honest –I’m assuming that if you have a very important event this Thursday night you might already have an outfit! If not, no worries–there’s still time! I have a few suggestions to help! For pops to a dress or jeans to ideas for an more intimate evening I have any ideas for all #NYE outfits!

Statement Heels–which quite frankly can be worn with anything. I love these Sophia Webster pumps, bootie version on sale here but any shoe that makes you feel amazing –I’m in! Jeans or dresses, skirts or pants-they can dress up anything. These are perfect for any kind of party!

A smaller, more intimate party? A Statement jean with a white top is my go -to! You’re relaxed yet look amazing! Pictured here: Jbrand: old, but I love these

For any party–hair embellishments. From a black dress with a veil a la Beyonce, to studded clips anything from a party dress to jeans and tshirt can be embellished. It’s also a simple way to add pop!
Especially love these star bobby pins

And let us not forget the power of jewelry! Got something for the holidays? Perfect time to show it off! The more simple the outfit the bigger the necklace/earrings/etc I think you can get away with–but if there were ever a night for going all out, this is it!
Especially love this necklace

No matter how you celebrate I hope you look fabulous and stay comfy! And I’d love to know–what are you wearing?
XO RA

#Vintage

It’s no secret that I love vintage–and pieces like this show why! I love pieces that feel modern, that can be worn more than one way, and that have details–and this coat/dress delivers on all 3 fronts! Worn alone or over jeans it felt fresh, and the stunning details keep it from being boring! I hope that your holiday was amazing–and that it included things that made you feel this special!

Happy Holiday Monday! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Vintage
Jeans: Frame
Shoes: Gucci, old

Holiday Dressing

Although they can be cliche there’s something about “traditional” holiday fashion that makes it really seem like Christmas. Wearing to church, family gatherings, parties, or out and about, any piece velvet, red, or plaid just puts me in the spirit! What about you? What do you wear on the holidays?

A big thanks to my mom–who styled and shot this piece–these are some of her favorite holiday looks on me and I was happy to wear them for her!

XO RA
Details:
Look One: Vintage Dress, similar here, shoes: Louboutin
Look Two: Coat (my mom’s!) similar here, boots: Hunter
Look Three: Pants: Jcrew, old, similar: here Sweater: Vintage, Shoes: Sophia Webster, old, but love these

Last Minute Gifts Dos and Don’ts

Raise your hand if you’re still running around like a chicken with its head cut off? (Slowly raises hand). This is just one of those years where I’m a tad bit behind on my gift giving–so I’m being tempted to just buy things to get it over with–ya know? And while this time of year is not about the gifts–no one wants to give or receive a bad gift! So I’ve rounded up some of the best gifting advise I know–hope it helps you as much as it’s helping me!

DO stick to quality–the old rule my mom used to say is “don’t gift something of a less quality than you would like to receive”. A gift for someone else doesn’t have to be your taste –but it needs to be a gift worth giving.

DON’T buy to just have something. In every store there are “last minute gifts”–nail polish and make-up sets come to mind. These are great if you have someone who would like them–but if you don’t they will go to waste in someone’s bathroom.

DO consider the giftcard. I’ve already let you know I love them–and I do! I think there is nothing wrong with a giftcard–they will love that you gave them an excuse to go shopping! And if they aren’t into shopping–movie theaters and restaurant gift cards are a great idea!

DON’T fret if the item won’t ship in time. You can always print a picture to wrap or give—and I know of no one who will be mad at more presents to open in January.

Here’s to us all finishing shopping with less stress! XO RA

Like a Rock Star

Not every holiday outfit has to be “traditional”. I love this combo of leather leggings and a tunic–and those amazing Sophia Webster shoes! Comfy, edgy, and good all year round–that’s a holiday outfit I can get behind!

Happy Monday! Happy Holiday Week! XO RA

Details:
Leather pants: Jcrew, old similar here
Top: C/MEO Collective
Shoes: Sophia Webster

#favoritejean

I know, I have new favorites all the time. It’s true, I do. But Internet friends–these are great jeans. High-waisted (best for me), amazing detail (those buttons), and enough stretch to hold everything in place. I’ve worn them non-stop and this love affair is far from over! I cannot recommend them enough.

Happy Friday! XO RA
#favoritejean
Details:
Jean: JBrand
Shirt: Reformation, old, but their year-end sale in process. If you love Reformation(and you should) shop their sale here
Shoes: Elizabeth and James, old, similar here

#snowqueen

No, there’s no snow in this post (sadly), but this dress made me feel like a queen. Just modest (high neck, long sleeves, semi-train in the back) to be suitable for family, enough edge (semi-sheer sleeves) and enough of the vintage feel I love (cream and texture) to be perfect. I had visions of wearing this in snow-capped mountains–but it was just as perfect at the water park, and might also work at your next holiday party or night out!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Free People