Category: shopping

With a Twist…

a woman with a mini houndstooth tweed dress with tie and gold wedge knee high boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots

I don’t know that I would call my style classic- though I do love a great classic piece. There can be a sense that classic is boring, but I think that classics are fun- mainly as they give you do much room to play. Take an all black outfit, though we think of that as classic, all black can be anything you want from glam to causal to statement shoes, etc. Classic are a great base to build almost anything on.

For example a tweed dress in classic houndstooth. Perfect for this time of year, and with details such as gold buttons and a scarf tie that it feels fresh. Then make it mini, with a 60s mod vibe. Even then it would be a classic- chic with flats or heels. OR you could pair with hose and gold wedge boots. Classic…..with a twist…

Which may be the way I would describe my style!

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots
a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold metallic boots

There are times when I’m tempted to show or tell you ALL the ways I style (or want to style) a piece. I think there is value in that. On the other hand, that can often be overwhelming – sometimes it’s too much information at one time, and sometimes then the styling gets lost in the shuffle. I err on showing you the twist (aka how I love to style) because A. it’s really how I wear things B. I think it lets your imagination go wild. I love the classics. And I love classic styling. This dress with a great pair of black heels? Or boots? Or with flats? Perfection. Also, how most websites are going to style it to sell it to you. (and again, a great look!)

But isn’t a bit more fun to style it with a twist? Think a bit outside of the box? And it’s not just gold boots- I have red sparkly flats and leopard mules I want to wear with this dress! The twist is not to dismiss the classic, but to give us options for it. The more options we have (I think) with our styling, the more chances we get to wear our closet. It’s as simple as knowing that you can wear anything you have no matter what kind of mood you wake up in- the mood for classic or the mood for a twist.

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold metallic boots

Even as adventurous as I can be with my fashion, and all the twists, I thinks it’s taken me a long time to truly identify my style. And like many things in life, it’s still evolving and growing. It’s been fun to not only have my style grow but really be able to articulate what I love — even if it’s worth a twist!

a woman in a mini houndstooth tweed dress and gold wedge boots

Classic. With a twist. I can’t tell you how comfy this dress is and how there is a styling for all your holiday and new year events from work to parties. These boots? Both a statement and a neutral and some of my all time favorites. I’ve linked both for you below.

How would you describe your style? What are you enjoying about it lately? And, what are you longing to try or put a twist on?

I want to hear all about it! 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!

Sunday Chronicles: Gift Guide-Ing

I hope that the above inspires you in your gift buying this year! Below I’m linking these exact gifts AND some things that I love! If you need help with shopping- I would love to help you come up with personal gift ideas for that special someone!

Wishing us all a week of great gifts and amazing shoes!
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!

I’ll Be Home…

a woman in a brown dress and brown shoes in front of a train
a woman in a brown Dress, brown shoes in front of a train
a woman in a brown dress and shoes in front of a train

Tis the season for so many things. Family. Love. Traditions. Gifts! And also….travel. Which of all the holiday things, is my least favorite. It’s not that I don’t want to come home (or wherever!) for the holidays. It’s just that usually holiday travel is not for the faint of heart. There was a time of my life when for both Thanksgiving and Christmas I was flying in between LAX in Los Angeles and Texas (various airports). There was a Christmas flight (on December 22!!) for which I got to LAX 3 hrs early (too many years ago)- it took me all of the 3 hours to get through the outside line (which wrapped around buildings. Plural) and through security. I ran onto the plane with 2 mins to spare. It was stressful and while I loved being home for the holidays- I hate travel like that.

On the other hand- there is something special about being home for the holidays. Or where your loved ones are. One of my favorite holiday songs is “I’ll be Home For Christmas”, as for me it really hits that this season is supposed to be about being with the people with love (family or chosen family!). And even when travel was awful…there was nothing better (and is nothing better) than being home and with loved ones for the holidays.

(This isn’t part of this post, but this is a time of year when I think about train travel and how amazing a high speed train would be. Or even the glamour of old school train travel. One of my favorite holiday movies is White Christmas and I often think of how chic the train travel was in that film! Perhaps holiday travel on a train wouldn’t be hectic but would be oh so fantastic! )

a close up of a brown lace up heel and dress on a train wheel
a woman in a brown dress in front of a train
a woman in a brown dress and shoes in front of a train

Before this year, I had never really paid attention to brown. For shoes and bags? Sure. But as an outfit? I didn’t ever think so. Turns out browns, and all its shades, are the perfect chic neutral. I love that it’s simple but feels new and modern, and chic in a fresh way. Will I ever get over black? Not at all. But I’m loving a new shade/neutral/palette to play with.

Also, if you’re going home for Christmas you might as well look AMAZING and brown might just be the way to do it!

a woman in a brown dress in front of a train

There’s a chance that coming home for you means not traveling. Or being with family. I’ve been there and those are valid. I hope that means you’re still surrounded by love (from you to friends to your favorite things) and that you’re still wearing things that make you happy (this exact dress and similar accessories linked- inc are you need a place to start with browns!). Mostly this holiday season I hope we come home to ourselves… whatever that may mean!

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 brown dress in front of a train

Metallic Moments

a woman in a silver strapless dress and pink feather shoes in a garden
a woman in gold pants and a black sweater and black heels
a woman in gold pants and a black sweater
a woman in a silver dress with pink feathered shoes in a garden

The thing that I love about metallics?

They are simultaneously a statement and a neutral. Make them the focal point of your outfit (add classics a la a great black sweater and heels-I added hose for fun!) Or keep them as an accent- aka pair your silver dress as merely a backdrop to feathered shoes! There is no right, or wrong, way to wear metallics. And at this time of year I love that metallics feel festive (especially for NYE) and pair well with “holiday” colors (Think reds and greens and blues!). They’re not only statement and neutral, metallics are holiday and non-holiday. Perhaps, metallics are whatever you need them to be, and that’s just one of the reasons I like them so much.

Yep, it’s one of those you can buy now and wear forever situations.

a woman in Gold Pants and a black sweater
a woman in a silver dress and pink feathered shoes

There are so many, many metallics I love- from dresses to suits to shoes. And so many ways to wear metallics (as we’ve mentioned). My current faves? Gold pants. These are gold foil jeans that are just slightly cropped- and go with everything. Here with a black sweater. To the store? I’ve paired them with a denim shirt, a grey sweater, and a plain t-shirt with sneakers. To a party? Paired with a blazer and classic pumps and statement jewelry. And that’s just in the past few weeks! I can’t wait to wear it through the holiday season and into the new year.

Another current fave? Silver (strapless) dress. (Ironically also coated denim) I’ve paired it with velvet mules for drinks with friends. Feathers for a party. There’s a sheer vintage dress (also metallic) I have that I want to wear it under. Pair it with sweaters. So many shoes. And in the new year- it will pair well with everything from sneakers to denim jackets and more.

Moments like the holidays? Perfect for the holidays. They feel fancy and you can do any outfit, theme, or even decoration around them. And the outfits you can make with metallics-gold, silver, and even beyond- are truly amazing at this time of the year. Moments after the holidays? Can also be metallic. From casual to post-holiday dressy!

How do you wear your metallics? And do you wear them a lot at this time of year?
Below I’ve linked metallics I’m currently loving (including these exact pants and dress!). I would love to see how you style them! 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!

Mixing It Up

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck, high waisted black pants, and white sock boots
a woman in a tortoise shell turtleneck with black high waisted pants and white sock boots
a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck, high waisted black pants and white sock boots

It’s festive season- and while we know there has never been a party dress that I didn’t love– there are sometimes when I love an outfit that feels festive (but could be worn anytime) but is also a little unexpected. It’s called mixing it up!

Example: I love that this turtleneck is tortoiseshell. Really, it’s so classic (the black and brown) but feels unexpected- everyone wears leopard now- and a little fresh. Pants? High waisted, cropped but in a classic black. Boots? Chanel from a few seasons ago (I found these exact boots for a few lucky sizes-linked below!). Yet, they feel a bit vintage, a bit classic, a bit new and a bit old. All together? A great winter combo -that you can probably throw together from your own closet- but also a great way to incorporate a few different things into your rotation. Mixing it up can be fun, right?

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted pants and white sock boots
A Personal Note about Mixing It Up: I used to hate turtlenecks. Just hate them. I thought they were all too tight and itched and always felt claustrophobic in them. There was a time in my younger life when I joked that I couldn’t wear turtlenecks as I must have been strangled in a past life. VERY clearly a joke– but I was that serious about never wearing them. Then, I’m not sure what happened. Perhaps I outgrew my aversion, or found super soft and non-itchy turtlenecks, or just found it more satisfying to mix it up! Take this as a sign that all those things that you might think you may not like- maybe it’s worth it to try and mix it up. For me? Now, turtlenecks are a staple!

a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted cropped pants and white sock boots
a close up of white sock boots and black cropped pants
a woman in a tortoiseshell turtleneck with high waisted cropped black pants and white sock boots

I’m never going to stop liking party dresses. And the further we get into the holiday season, I will be in more “traditional” outfits. We will talk about plaids, metallics, velvets, lace. I have a great, VERY classic dress on its way to me that’s VERY traditional Holiday Card. Reds, greens, and even blues will be in rotation. But every now and then, it feels good to mix it up- to wear something completely unexpected that somehow still feels festive. Perhaps it’s a way to remind myself to explore and try all of our fashion options (aka beware of those ruts- even when we love them). Or, perhaps, it’s a way to feel fresh and new, no matter what the season.

How do you like to mix it up? What are some of your go-tos during this season that aren’t “traditional” but feel festive? I would love to hear about them!

Linked below are similar and inspired looks! 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 tortoiseshell turtleneck and black high waisted cropped pants and white sock boots

Holiday Lace

a woman in a black lace dress on a stone walk with a stone wall and trees
a woman in a black lace dress sitting on a stone wall with trees behind wall
close up of a black lace dress
a woman in a black lace dress sitting on a stone wall with trees behind wall
a woman in a black lace dress in

It’s fitting at the official start of festive (aka to me, Party Dress Season) I wear a party dress. And this party dress -or holiday lace dress- is a dress that will last. I’ve worn it not only during the holiday season but at Valentines, at Halloween, on birthdays. This black lace (or holiday lace) is a classic that will last for year and take you through all seasons. Perhaps instead of holiday lace we should call it reasonless lace!

So- here’s to the start of an amazing season of parties, dresses, love, magic, and outfits that make us feel amazing things! This number is vintage, but I’ve looked and linked some modern black lace dresses I love. I can’t wait to share all my holiday ideas, thoughts, gifts and outfits with you!

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 lace dress in front of a stone wall and trees

Fashion Stories: Party Dress Season

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/72ySvH4GlWg

tis the season. Yes, the sales. Yes, the family and the love and the magic! But also- the party dresses. It comes as no surprise that I LOVE a great party dress, and a season where you can find any excuse to wear one? I’m in- even if that if that excuse is drinking champagne with your cat! Part of why I love party dresses is that-to me- they are a symbol of caring, of hope, and of fun! So, at a time of year when it’s more than acceptable to go all out with your party dresses, I think we should.

I’m not saying that I will ONLY post/wear party dresses for the rest of the year- but know that I’m always thinking about them. And below I’ve linked quite of few of my current faves! Here’s to a season full of all the things that matter most- and a great party dress to wear!

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!

Post Holiday/Cyber Monday

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose and heels and a golden tile skirt

What do you do in the few days/weekend after Thanksgiving? I usually get to being productive (though fun fact: my sister’s birthday is Dec 1st so I’m trained not to truly go all out decorating for the next holiday until after my sister’s birthday- a tradition I’m so happy to keep!); however, this year I’ve taken the time to actually decompress (hopefully!). Which I hope will prepare me for the holidays to come, and of course to recoup from the holiday (and year) previous!

Yes. This means time in things completely not fashionable. Time off social media. Time just in a variation of sweats on the couch. Time thinking about what I want to wear in the coming season Something else I’ve been doing? Thinking about what I want to buy in all the Cyber Monday/Week (are we even calling it that anymore? Is it just sale month now? Is it overwhelming? Or are we giving into all the sales?)?

That certainly is a long way to say- I’ve been online shopping. Good. Bad. Or just taking advantage? I know that I should be planning my holiday season outfits. I know that these sales are not the end all and be all– AND. YET. These sales are full of deals and fashion that might serve all of us from now -through the new year.

Yes, my do-to list may be long but what if my to-shop list is better?

Below is an absolutely non-exhaustive list of not only sales but things I’m buying. What if we took another day to relax, and treat ourselves to any any all the things we might need? From new dresses to time on the couch?

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 Strong Suit
I LOVE a good suit- weird as I could work in yoga pants all day! But I do. And while I could tell you that you could buy vintage (and you can!) but I’m in love with this 3 piece grey wool that will be a hit at any holiday party and throughout the new year:

Anthropologie is 50% off
From faux leather to knits to must have party dresses, everything is 50% off at Anthropologie today and these are some of what I’m loving:

Kate Spade at 60% off
From shoes to bags to jewelry! Everything today is 60% off at Kate Spade and these are some of my most favorites:

a woman in leather skirt and plaid shirt and sandals

I have to admit that I’m relishing in all of the time that is a little bit down. I’m also excited about these deals and the more to come. This week: I’m working on decorations, my sister’s birthday and all the things I want to wear this season! Is it a lot? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a way to truly ring in the season!

I hope you got all of the rest and more you needed this weekend.And I hope that everything you love it on sale!

Xo RA

Spontaneous

a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer
a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer
a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer
a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer
a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer

Yes, there has never been a party dress that I didn’t love (and want to buy). And most of the time I plan shoots (down to every detail). Yet. While I love editorial fashion and shoots, fashion is part of my daily life. And a lot of that is finding pieces I love- and wearing them to and from the gym.

Take these boots (stunning! Make me feel like Wonder Woman! also, from season ago but I have found them for you!)- a bit much but I did wear them to the grocery store after Pilates. Paired, of course, with this over sized pinstripe blazer (note: I wanted to cross the blazer and tie it with a belt, but it’s so thick that the belt I Brough didn’t fit over it!). The leggings, etc? What I wore to Pilates (though I did pair them for a black tank top for that!).

Ironically? Weirdly? I didn’t plan this shoot. And while I did plan this outfit, it didn’t end up like I expected. Another outfit and shoot was planned- but I’ll be honest I had a day where I was freezing and not feeling 100% and just not up to changing my outfit a million times (which lets you know I was really out of sorts!). However, I needed to feel special (and warm!) so after my Pilates class I threw on this blazer, and because I can’t let any piece just be, I threw on these boots. This mural? I pass by it all the time- have even thought of shooting here- but on a whim stopped to take some pictures.

My hair is filthy here. Nothing was to plan.It was completely spontaneous. Yet, it’s a great look at how I actually dress day to day, my thought process- and the spontaneous shoot was as fun and I love the looks. Maybe spontaneous looks good?

a woman in black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer

Some spontaneous thoughts:
-I am so glad it’s finally cold enough to wear blazers like this! I still want to cross it and belt it- but now I know to get a bigger belt!
-Anything over leggings is great- and I’m such a fan of any outfit that feels great, even if the building blocks are “simple”
-Great shoes are truly a great investment. I got stopped by so many people at the grocery store who asked about these! That always makes my day!
-Even the best plans go awry, and while we can’t always plan on it- spontaneous sometimes being the winner.

What are some of your best spontaneous outfits or work events? I would love to hear about them! I’ve linked this exact blazer and I did find some of these exact shoes for you!
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 black leggings, gold wedge boots, and a grey pinstripe blazer

Holidays: Hostess Gifts

a woman in black leather pants and toy soldiers button down sits on stairs by a nutcracker stand

Tis the time if year. Not quite Christmas (or any of the other holidays that get celebrated at this time of year!), but if you’re in the USA it’s almost Thanksgiving. We mostly skip over the holiday now, our all loss, but the coming week is the first of family holidays, friend holidays, and the chance to impress any and all of these hosts.

And Thanksgiving is a great holiday just to celebrate. Alone. With family. With friends. Or a combo. And:

It may be the time where you’re visiting friends. Or meeting new family (from in-laws to extended to staying extended with said family for the first time!). Or simply staying with people instead of celebrating at home. And if so to any of the above, you need a hostess gift. Wine. Flowers. The dish you’re asked to bring (?). All of these are a must! However, I’m raised to always bring a small gift for the host, therefore making hostess gifts some of the most important gifts of the holiday season.

So, what makes a great hostess gift? Something thoughtful! Something useful! Something that can be used throughout the year! So following are some of my favorite hostess gifts (and ideas for them!)

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

a wooden wine holder lazy susan on a gold base
First and foremost, I love this wine holder. A Bit much, but it doubles as a center piece, can be used throughout the year, and if anyone is hosting a bigger party this wine holder is a great way to tie a table together (and ensure that every gets a pour!)

You can get the wine holder here:

Another idea I love to gift to the hostess? Cocktail napkins. Specifically embroidered cocktail napkins. Absolutely you can be on the holiday theme, but there are also novelty, sassy, and classic napkins, fit for any of your host (from new in laws to siblings to best friends!)

Here are some of my favorites:

Another great (although perhaps somewhat cliche) idea? Candles! There are so many scents, and holder designs- from trees and pines to peppermint to snow globe candle holders (a real thing!). Here are some of my faves that I think your hosts will love for years to come!

Another combo that I think might be a great hostess gift? Gift soaps (like the ones our moms and grandmas used to set out!) and dishtowels (akin to the cocktail napkins!) These can be little, big, personalized, or on a theme that means something to the host. They are easy to gift no matter how well you know the host. Here are some of my faves:

Some other ideas that might make a great impression for a hostess gift? Something for their pet (cat or dog or etc- remember pets are household members too!), wine glasses, coffee mugs, aprons, place settings, and anything that might have meaning to your host. Of course- if you’re simply going for a meal wine and flowers (and your contribution to the meal!) are easy. But, if you need more ideas, I hope that this list helps you find a hostess gift that fits that sweet spot between meaningful and useful gift that lets your host see you in the best light!

Need help shopping? Please reach out!
Happy gifting! XO RA