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Modern Musing

a woman in a black mini Dress over black cropped pants with asymmetrical black and tan heels

Ever have an outfit that you’re just trying out but all of the sudden feels as if it’s a sign of good things to come? Or an outfit that makes you feel as if you’re moving forward? Perhaps became it’s a bit fashion forward- or at least out of your comfort zone- or perhaps because it’s layered in ways you wouldn’t have thought of?

I think of myself as fashionable and on top of trends and fashion movements, and willing to try new things. Ironically, I’ve layered this exact mini dress over these exact pants before (and I liked that outfit too) but there was something about this outfit- maybe that it is a mini dress over cropped pants. (A great way to wear a mini if you’re worried about minis or if you’re cold or if you’re into a bit of modern dressing!) Or perhaps the shoes- these are AWAKE Mode (you can buy them here – not an affiliate link!) and I just love the asymmetrical design! (Also, they are one of my fave UK/fashion forward brands!) Or perhaps all my modern musing is due to the fact that it feels as if it’s a time to move forward.

I know, I know. Fall is not thought of the time of forward movement. And fall leads to winter- and we think of winter as a time to go inward. Yet- someone I know recently said that fall/winter are times of growth and forward movement- it’s just that it’s the roots that are growing, it is inward growth but that’s still movement. As you know, I recently redid my closet- and am still in the process of a deep cleaning/redoing of the house. Which is movement. And while the past few years have felt heavy- both personally and collectively (and this is not me discarding all the awful that’s out there) it finally feels that maybe we are going forward together.

Or maybe that’s just hope. Or a fantastic outfit. But there’s a bit of hope lately. And I’m hoping it stays.

On a fashion note- I feel as if there is often a fear about fashion forward. That it might be too “out there” or too “much”. When to me- fashion forward is just anything thought of in a different way. Aka – wear a mini over something. Mismatched as matched. And when those things feel AMAZING maybe we wear them more?

Really, perhaps the best modern musing is thinking about what we want to be or do- now or in the future- and creating it for ourselves. What do we want to be, do, and wear? I believe in us enough to get there- and I might wear these shoes!

I’ve linked similar items below. Here’s to all of our futures- what are you musing about?
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 mini dress over cropped black pants and asymmetrical shoes

Too Much

a woman in a black v neck with black trousers and pink mules
a woman in a black v neck and black trousers and pink mules
a woman in a v neck with black trousers and pink mules
a woman in a v neck and black trousers with pink mules

Too much is often used as an insult. But the thing is? I know I’m too much. Fashion wise? I have never met a party dress that I didn’t love, statement pieces are my go-tos, I treat metallics and animal prints like neutrals. And in life? I feel deeply- which means I can be over the top loving and get over the top mad. Middles? I don’t do well. All of this I’m working on.

(I’ve also written about causal styling being a bit out of my comfort zone here.)

In life I’m working on being more steady and being a better communicator with my loved ones. Fashion? That’s where it gets tricky. The thing with my fashion is- I like being too much. Fashion forward, over dressed, party dresses, suits- I genuinely LOVE wearing them. And I wear them a lot (when I’m not in gym clothes). I don’t think of my fashion as too much- just as who I am. Yet. As I age. (The caveat I have to say for ego is- I’m not THAT old!) I’m beginning to appreciate simple outfits. The great pair of trousers, the fantastic top. Perhaps or perhaps not paired with shoes that could be statements. Things you can throw on without thought but would be fantastic.

And what I’m coming to believe is that perhaps (with the right pieces or right person) even simple might be too much- and maybe that’s perfect!

a woman in a v neck and black trousers and pink mules
a woman in a black v neck, black trousers, and pink mules
a woman in a black v neck with black trousers and pink mules

When people tell you that you’re too much, they usually want you to be less (and the opposite of that is one of my favorite sayings:”If I’m too much then go find less!”). Of course, there are times to temper our emotions, our reactions, and perhaps ball gowns aren’t called for on the treadmill or the grocery store- there are times when diluting yourself serves no one. Mainly you. I often and firmly state that part of why I think fashion is important is that it’s a way to tell our stories and our stories are important. There may be NOTHING that can move me from this point of view. Sometimes our stories (and outfits and feelings and etc) are BIG. But if they’re ours- who cares?

I think what I am trying to say is that being less of yourself isn’t a way to be – or to dress. The things that bring you big feelings or great outfits or anything that makes you feel alive- I don’t believe in dimming that. Especially when even simple can be big!

a woman in a black v neck with black trousers and pink mules

Being one to love the “too much”, how I loved this outfit surprised me. Trousers are IN- and you can find them at every price point, but I find the best ones are a bit wide, but fitted at the waist. (Fun fact I used to hate pleated pants, but I guess that a lot changes when you’re not 18!) This body suit is years, years, old- but I love the v neck and the strappy ties. Paired with a mule that’s both statement and work go-to? A lot of simple- it’s black, classic, on trend but NOT over the top. And it’s too much- unexpected details, fitted well, and could go from work to cocktails. I also felt great in it; and when you’re someone who feels at home in party dresses, a simple outfit feeling great is quite the compliment.

Can you be too much (or all that you are) in outfits that aren’t too much? Or- are simple outfits just as impactful as statement outfits? When I was younger, I thought that the answer to both of these questions was no. However, my opinion on these issues, as well as how to style simple but impactful outfits, is changing as I get not as young. What is your stance on being too much? Or how that connects to your outfits?

I’ve linked these exact trousers and similar bodysuits and shoes for your not too much but just enough outfits below!
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 v neck and black trousers with pink mules

Fashion Halloween: America’s Favorite Doll

a woman in a peach dress and white corset with long blonde hair
a woman in a peach dress with a white corset and a long blonde wig

a woman in a peach dress and a white corset and a long blonde wig

I know you know I know who I had to dress up for as the finale to my fashion Halloween. It’s not really a surprise- but I did chose the Peaches and Cream doll, as she was my favorite growing up! So, at the least I hope that this version of America’s Favorite Doll is a bit different from all the others you’ve seen at parties, or will see Trick-O-Treating this week.

One of the best things about America’s Favorite Doll is that she can be (and is!) everything. Astronaut. Doctor. Vet. Ballerina. Mermaid. Or just her. Perhaps that’s the magic, or the fun, of being her for Halloween. Yes, you could go the route of all of the dolls in the movie from this summer (and I’ve linked amazing options for that below, that will most likely get there in time if you order NOW!), but how fun is it- and a bit more personal to chose your favorite version of the doll, or the doll version of your favorite occupation.

This Peaches and Cream was one of my most favorite things to come out of 1984 (when I was clearly VERY, VERY young!); my sister and I each had more than one (from birthday parties, etc) but she was always a favorite. I tried to recreate the look with a vintage peach dress- complete with floral details- I put a white corset top over, nude heels, and a long blonde wig to make the look complete.

Yes, I’m now sad that I didn’t splurge for the better wigs. And yes, I keep referring to Barbie as America’s favorite doll because as a proud member of SAG-AFRTA I’m still on strike (the movie doesn’t need free promotion from me!). I know that there’s been a lot of chatter and misconceptions about the union’s stance on Halloween Costumes- and let me be clear- no one is coming after your kids costumes, or most people’s costumes- it’s just while we are asking for a fair contract for the labor that we do, the union asks us not to do work for the studios. Which includes promotions. Especially free promotions. I get that it’s all a fine line, and it hits on emotions. All I can relate it to is that when I was a kid and DESPERATELY wanted a Coke T-shirt (to be like a cool kid), my mom wouldn’t buy me one unless Coke was paying me to be a billboard. Kid me hated that- adult me- especially adult me in the industry gets it. And besides- we can still be America’s Favorite Doll without promoting for free, full of all the details we love!

a woman in a peach dress with a white corset and flower detail

Tomorrow night is one of my favorite nights of the year. I love seeing costumes, wearing costumes- even though usually I’m at home giving out candy and watching Hocus Pocus on repeat! It’s a night where maybe the best of us comes out: strangers come over and we welcome them with love. I hope that your Halloween is AMAZING and fashionable and I would love to hear what you’re dressing up as!

Again, options for America’s favorite doll are linked below. With or Without Prime, they should be able to get to you on time!
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 peach dress with a white corset and long blonde wig

Stripes and Sets

a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag

We know I love a good set for oh-so-many reasons (aka the possibilities and the outfits and the combos are ENDLESS). And I love a great stripe for oh-so-many-reasons (they’re a classic but always feel fresh!). The best combo? Stripes and a set.

This striped set is (I think) super special. I love the colors- it’s perfect for almost all seasons, feels bright, and yet somehow they all blend together. There are so many ways to style this- I’m loving it with these fringe shoes, but I know with boots, or even this skirt and a white tee, will be perfect. My sister and I recently went to a book signing and I wore this set with a green/jade necklace. The subtle green in the stripe was pulled out by the necklace and it was great! The leopard purse is my new go-to, I feel as if it goes with everything. Yet. This is just the tip of the iceberg (or closet so to say) in how to style, or what I want to wear this set with! That’s part of the magic of sets- but also the magic of stripes.

a tag reading deloreta

100% cotton and feels luxurious, this set is also special as it happens to be from a new-to-me-but-now-new-favorite brand. De Loreta. Another fashion friend turned me onto them (as she loved one of their floral sets and wore it for a birthday event). I checked them out and couldn’t help but fall in love! The set is fantastic, I get compliments every time I wear it, but I also love the brand statement and all of my interactions with the brand from packaging to messaging (yes. They will respond to you!)

a tag that reads: We want De Loreta to serve as a thread between the stories of our migrant ancestors and our own mixed cultural identities. Our designs explore our region and heritage as a way of strengthening our connection to the memories we hold dear -whether that's a particular dish or song, a ritual, or a traditional craft. We return to the things that make us feel grounded. — We want De Loreta to serve as a thread between the stories of our migrant ancestors and our own mixed cultural identities. Our designs explore our region and heritage as a way of strengthening our connection to the memories we hold dear -whether that’s a particular dish or song, a ritual, or a traditional craft.
We return to the things that make us feel grounded.

How can you not fall with that statement? The brand is female owned, designed, and sustainable. (And note- I get no commission from them. I pride myself on only recommending things I wear or would wear, but when there’s a brand that I LOVE, I can’t help but rave about them to you- and I hope you support them!) A timeless set that’s also a great brand to support? A stripes and sets for the ages!

a woman in a blue and red striped skirt and turtleneck set with red fringe shoes and a leopard bag

You can shop this exact set and more amazing finds from De Lorena and I’ve linked quite a few similar sets below. These shoes are from seasons ago, but on resale I did find lucky people the exact same. The bag? Vintage Fendi from Pickled Vintage but I have found a new bag that has the same feel! Any set you love is a set I love, and I can’t wait to hear all about the combos you come up with- and what you pair them with!

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!

You can also shop options here

Fashion Stories : Last Minute Halloween

a woman in skeleton pjs with pumpkins

Or perhaps a more accurate title would be Last Minute Halloween Costumes that aren’t just a witch hat or cat ears. Not that there is anything remotely wrong with witches hats and cat ears. Or even vampire teeth. BUT part of my love of Halloween costumes is the fashion, so here we think a little more fashion forward last minute costumes. The following last minute costume ideas may enough things you have in your closet, or at most you should be able to find them for under $25!

Without further ado, my recs for a fashionable (if last minute) costume!

Note: This post does have last minute Halloween costume shopping recommendations. It may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Got a Trench Coat?
a woman in a trench coat with leather sleeves, black hose and heels
A great trench is a fantastic investment to add to your wardrobe, but as the base to a Halloween costume it’s a must! A trench can make you: a spy, Sherlock Holmes, add a scarf and your Jessica Fletcher, add oversized sunglasses and your Jackie O. Wear with fishnets and just be sexy. The options and costumes are endless (ironically just like the ways to wear a trench!)
Some Trenches I’m currently loving (and are currently on sale right now!):

Got a Red Cape?
a woman in a red cape and black boots
A red cape (velvet or not) can let you be so so many things. Red Riding Hood, a vampire, a witch, medieval anything, a superhero, or maybe just a woman in a hood! This is something that you may have to buy. I love capes but these in particular feel costume to me (of course it’s a great time of year for a cape and you can be so many things in a classic cape too!) that I would say just get a cape at the costume store! I found this one for less than $20:

Got a Cocktail Dress?
a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

Obviously you could add any mask (from this Dino to a more elegant one!), but a cocktail dress can be so many things too! Add a HUGE red letter “A” to the front- your Hester Prynne from “A Scarlet Letter”. Add opera gloves, a tiny tiara and sunglasses- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. You could say you’re any movie star or princess with the right jewelry!

And these ideas are just off the top of my head! Leather Jacket? Anything from Sandy from “Grease” to a rockstar. Fur Coat? You’re Margot Tenebaum, or any number of celebs. Or perhaps it’s just a bit of makeup that will change your look- there are so many creative costumes you could come up with that are fun and fashionable. And doable last minute!

What are you being for Halloween? Do you have a plan or is it last minute?
I would love to hear all about it!
XO RA

Statement vs Neutral

a woman in a blue silk halter top and a grey felt circle skirt with light grey polka dots and houndstooth printed wedges

When we chat about statement pieces, there’s a tendency to think of them as these big, beautiful, unique pieces. And sometimes they are! Sometimes statement pieces are these one of a kind outfit makers that should be and are the focal point of your outfit. This skirt? Could absolutely be a statement. It could be the the center of so many great outfits- pair it with a grey sweater or a white button down, grey or black boots or heels- this skirt would be a star. (really, it is!) Pairing down every other aspect of the outfit would really make this skirt the statement.

Yet. The same things that make this skirt such a chic statement? The pattern, the tonal colors, the swing, the felt- all the aspects of the skirt that make it special and a statement? They also make this skirt a neutral.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

Clearly, nothing could make this skirt not amazing. BUT by switching up the styling just a bit, you can take it from a statement to a neutral. I loved the idea of pairing this skirt with a brightly colored silk halter top (it’s also a way to ease into sweater weather as it’s not QUITE cool enough to wear all sweaters and knits yet!);I felt that it complimented the skirt and also was eye catching on its own. The shoes were perhaps a risk, a bit of pattern mixing with the dots and the houndstooth. However, the blue from the top went with the blue in the shoes, and I love that the patterns (while not matching) flowed together. Truly, any part of this outfit could be made a statement piece. Pairing them together, ensuring that they complimented each other, meshed, etc- it turned the statements into more neutrals.

There are more ways to make a statement a neutral. You could mix patterns, pair with like colors, use a statement as the counter to another statement. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps it’s not about if a piece is a statement or a neutral- but how you’re styling it.

a woman in a blue silk halter top with a grey felt circle skirt with grey polka dots on it and houndstooth printed wedges

When I first saw this skirt, I knew that I had to have it. The colors and patterns are some of my fave. A great circle skirt is such a fantastic piece to have in your wardrobe (they’re flattering and go with so much!), and the felt made it feel a bit more special. I plan on making it both a statement and a neutral throughout the season- and I’ve linked the exact skirt 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 blue silk halter top and a grey polka dot skirt with houndstooth wedges

Not Your Summer Sheer

a woman in a black sheer skirt with a black turtleneck, kitten heels, black boy shorts, and a leopard print bad

You hear sheer and you think summer. Right? From summer coverups to light weight dressing, sheer makes sense in the summer. And I get that. Yet. (I feel bad that there’s always a yet with me-yet) Since I got this sheer skirt (in the summer) I have been dreaming of this fall outfit. Yes, I wore this skirt over swimsuits. And layered it under long tees. But for some season, fall is how I’ve always pictured me sheer, not summer!

a woman in a black sheer skirt, turtleneck, boy shorts, kitten heels and a leopard bag

Yes, I love the sheer skirt. But, I love it paired with a turtleneck (and obviously boy shorts under the skirt). You could layer sheer so many ways- over tights or yoga pants, slips or bike shorts. Here I loved the juxtaposition of the ladylike/vintage look with the French twist and turtleneck, kitten heels with the sheer skirt.

And of course all of the classic black with the leopard print bag! Point being- anything that you might at first glance think of as summer (or any one season) might be able to ease into another season. Summer Sheers? When I got this (and other) sheers all I could think about is fall. Not a fault or mistake on anyone’s part- but perhaps a hint at how one thing we have ideas about might be a whole completely new, 180 from what we thought, thing.

a woman in a black sheer skirt with black boy shorts, turtleneck, kitten heels, and a leopard bag

Some ways to wear your sheer in the summer:
over swimsuits, body suits, with sandals, tank tops, and more.

Your sheer in the fall?
Over leggings, tights, with sweaters, blazers, coats, with boots, heels and more.

Sheer doesn’t have to be your summer sheer. A trend can be both in style and a classic. And if you want to wait to style your trends I promise that the looks will still be chic and timely.

The one downfall to styling a trend a bit late? I can’t find this exact skirt (which ironically I got on sale during the summer as I suspect they were thinking sheer was for the spring?), but I have linked similar items (turtleneck and bag are vintage, shoes are from a few seasons ago. Boy shorts? Timeless- avail in so many cuts from Target and up!)

How do you sheer? And are there any trends that you see and think about in a different season?

I’ve linked shopping options for you below, and some detail shots- as they are too good not to!
XO RA

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

a close up of a leopard top handle purse and the bamboo heel of a kitten heel
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a black sheer shirt with boys shorts and a turtleneck and kitten heels with a leopard bag

Fashion Halloween: Phyllis Nefler

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder
a green vest with patches, various cookies and a glass of champagne
a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk blouse, heels, envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches and a gold cig holder

Please tell me that you have seen (and loved) the (Iconic) movie Troop Beverly Hills. It was a favorite of mine growing up (and now!). This film is a play on Girl Scouts, when Phyllis Nefler (typical Beverly Hills wife who’s going through a divorce) becomes the leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls’ Troupe. Troop Beverly Hills has the “scouts” you would think (rich, child actors, kids of actors, etc) but even though they play on some stereotypes (shopping badges for one), the girls and Phyllis show love and care, and the real meaning of coming together. Also? The film stars Shelley Long (a gift of a comedienne) and gives us (true) and classic lines such as : “Patches, we don’t need no stinking patches!” And when asked why they didn’t camp but thought a hotel suite counted as “roughing it”, Phyllis replied: “12 people and only 1 bathroom is roughing it”.

One of my favorite parts is when Phyllis takes the standard troop leader uniform (which is horrid) to her tailor, and he gives her a designer worthy ensemble. That’s what I wanted to recreate for this Fashion Halloween. A fab Troop Leader, and what I love most is that this costume is made of classic pieces that can serve you when you’re being Phyllis- and for your real life!

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder

A camel skirt? A go to- will go with everything, looks expensive no matter what, and comes in so many styles. A camel cape? I do have a thing for capes, but not only will this make your skirt a suit, it will look infinitely chic over everything from jeans to trousers to dresses. A silk shirt (green was the Troop Beverly Hills color – and I love that it’s both a statement and a neutral, but this goes for all silk shirts!) will really go from work to play and is truly a great investment. The same goes for camel/neutral heels. An addition to your wardrobe that will become a go-to! I added the envelope hat and cigarette holder (both from Amazon for under $20 combined- and could also be used for so many costumes!) Phyllis Nefler was so much of what I love- someone who got that shopping matters and wasn’t a fan of camping, but at her heart was giving and kind and generous.

Troop Beverly Hills, the movie, is worth your time- and being Phyllis Nefler for Fashion Halloween? Classy and chic and fun, and a way to use your own closet (as you may have these pieces) or an excuse to invest in some classics!

*** Note: The patches here are from my sister’s days as a Girl Scout. Scouting wasn’t really for me- though I think they’re a great organization!- so I really appreciate her letting me use her things!

Below I’ve linked options for this costume, as well as the DVD of the movie!
Here’s to Champagne Wishes and Cookie Dreams and Fashion Halloween! 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 camel skirt, cape, green silk shirt, heels and an envelope hat

Fashion Halloween: Marie Antoinette

a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown with a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne

Fashion Halloween is one of my favorite things. I know, I know- I can go overboard- but I truly LOVE the combination of fashion and acting, the planning and putting together of a costume (bought or put together from fashion pieces you have and love), and the putting together of a character via an outfit. Let’s be honest, a lot of what we wear is a costume (of one kind or another) and Halloween is just when we’re a bit more honest about it. This year for all of my Halloween costumes I got inspiration from shows I loved, characters I loved, and fashion I wanted to explore (or was easy to put together!).

First for Fashion Halloween? Marie Antoinette. She’s always fun but has gotten a ton more attention with the recent PBS show about her and Louis. (I loved it- took me an episode or 2 to truly get into it, but very well worth your time!) Also, being over the top is a fun part of Halloween- and who is more over the top than Marie Antoinette?

This costume was so easy- but so fun. While there are so many Marie Antoinette costumes for sale (and I’ve linked quite a few for you below), I used a ballgown I already had (and want to wear everywhere. You’ve seen it before