Category: shopping

LadyLike Edge

a woman in a blue wool skirt with black sweater and heels
a woman in a blue wool skirt with a black sweater and heels q
a woman in a blue wool skirt and a black sweater and heels
a woman in a blue wool skirt and a black sweater and heels

My momma raised me to be a lady- which may sometimes be a surprise as I know that I don’t always have the most traditional ladylike qualities. I sometimes spew profanities (actually I enunciate them clearly, like a lady! Also my family gave me a coffee mug with that saying for a recent holiday and it makes me laugh every time I use it!) Yes, the thing is that as lady like as I can be, for all the classics I love, sometimes I can’t help but need an edge. Sometimes it’s leather. Or statement shoes.

However, there are times when ladylike and edge marry themselves into one outfit. For example, a classic wool skirt with label or pleated accents (from the front to the back). Perfect for any work or post work activities. A bit ladylike, a bit edge, a lot of style with both.

a woman in a wool skirt with a black sweater and shoes

The thing about edge is that we always think that it means big. Or leather or spikes, etc. However, sometimes edge just means unpredictable. Unexpected. For example, a classic navy pencil skirt with a pleated logo wrap. A classic sweater with a wrap effect. Shoes that feel just a bit like Barbie. The effect is ladylike but the details? A bit edgy. A bit unexpected. A bit much. Perhaps that’s the best kind of edge?

Especially at this time of year I can’t help but love surprises, and twists. So any outfit that borders the line between classic and bit edgy? Maybe it’s not for all the Holiday events. But it can take you through all your events in the New Year. (And not to mention a great gift to yourself!). I hate being cliche but this outfit made me feel special (even when I wore it to the grocery store after this shoot). Special is both ladylike and edgy, and something I’ll take any day. Maybe the secret is to find any and all pieces that make you feel that way!

a woman in blue wool skirt and black sweater and heels

This skirt is on loan from a friend (and based on this fit I recommend either TTS or a sizing a waist size up when it comes to Fendi). I’ve linked similar and other options below. To duplicate this look I recommend a classic with a twist silhouette.
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 wool skintand black sweater and heels

Classics are Falling

a woman in front of fall trees in black leather skirt and top with a camel coat
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall tress
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees
close up of black loafers and a black leather skirt
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees

It’s such an interesting time of year- heading into winter and the holiday season, which means I want snow, but it’s just the end of fall and the trees (at least here) are finally turning colors- and falling. December, with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, is really a month of transitions. From the true end of fall to the official beginning of winter. The holiday season. Ending one year and welcoming another one. Reassessing goals and making new ones.
With all the endings and beginnings maybe it’s on point that both leaves and snow have a chance of falling.
And maybe it’s not what falls, or ends or begins, but what we do with it that matters. At this time of year, in particular, classics are what serve me. From traditions to outfits (note party dresses and sequins are included in classics! Or for me they are!), classics are my comfort, my go-to, and all I need. These classics? Black leather (or faux!) separates (midi and tube top) paired with a camel coat and loafers. For work. For play. For all that falls.

a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall tress

While there are so many traditions and party looks to come, I’m enjoying these classics now (and will be leaning on them halfway into December when I’m not sure what to wear). I’ve also linked similar classics 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 black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees

Into the Fire

A woman in plaid shirt and black pants standing by a Christmas Tree

This year my (USA) Thanksgiving plans got derailed. I was planning to go to my Dad’s with my sister, but we all got a bit sick, and out of safety canceled (we’re all fine and none of us have C19!).Rearranging it all felt a bit like putting out fires. While we had big plans, I have to admit that laying low, being on the couch, treating my down time like a vacation without responsibilities, has been completely invigorating. In fact, getting myself geared up for the new week (aka today) and the season (which is always so big and filled) has proven much more difficult than anticipated.

Which is a nice way of saying that a part of me wanted to stay on the couch forever. (And yet, because of who I am as a person, also wanted to get all the party dresses) I know that this means that I need to learn how to add rest into my regular schedule, but I’ve also taken it to mean that I need to ensure that this holiday season, a season which is typically busy and overwhelming, has things that bring me maximum joy (I do think joy can be a choice). So, what am I choosing?

a blonde woman with a black skirt and coat by a red candy cane

To maximize joy and make sure I’m not just getting into the fire- you know the crazy at this time of year-I’ve been actively choosing to schedule things that not only feel like the holidays, but are special to me. I’m also working on making sure that content and looks and holiday I’m putting out there are “real” to me- aka I love a great holiday dress, but are we wearing them all the time? What can we do to be special and comfy? How do we get into the fire (do all the things and be all the merry) and keep our sanity? I’m working out all of that (and ironically going between sweats and party dresses) and in the meantime making sure the following are in my calendar:

-looking at Christmas lights, and planning my own. It’s my one Suburban treat- I love putting up lights and looking at others. Making plans to go look at multiple lights, go to festivals of lights, and trying to make our house this year look as festive as possible

-buying and gifting things I truly love. This is a yearly goal, but knowing I need some rest and yet love party dresses I’m attempting to marry the comfort and high end looks. Also, attempting to make sure that my calendar is full of both parties and rest to get the most of all the things I’m buying!

-time with my loves. I know this is very typical this time of year. And yet, time with my chosen family has been super difficult since the pandemic. So, I’m making dates for FaceTime, friend dates, and me dates. I want to enjoy all the minutes and look fabulous doing so- and am actively working on making room for both!

a blonde woman in a black velvet dress in front of a dresser with a small Christmas tree on top of it

This list sounds a bit trite, a bit common, and a bit what you’re expecting. I know that it’s my job to make sure that all of those things on my list are me- from party dresses to the joy that lights bring me to my time. I can’t wait to share all of my takes on these things with you. I can’t wait to shop and celebrate with you. These things are what’s getting me off the couch and into the fire.

How was your holiday? What are you looking forward to this holiday season? And how are you planning on balancing it all? I would love to know!

It is a big shopping week so below I’ve listed some of my current sale finds!
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 plaid pants and a grey sweater sits on stairs next to a nutcracker

Flawed

it’s the official kick off to the holidays in the States (or is that Halloween? According to the stores, we’re at NYE so I have no clue any more!) and it’s a season of joy and hope, acceptance for our neighbors. But it’s also one where I deeply feel any and all of my shortcomings. I still have these marks on my back (I did just get a new serum and will update you about it!), and while I want to wear backless things this season I felt some fear about that come up. So I went back to this. No matter what, I hope that this holiday season you wear things that make you happy- no matter what they show, no matter what people think, no matter what you fear. You are gorgeous. Including all your flaws. We all are.

Reread this one with me and let’s wear what we love! XO RA

Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed

She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by-
And never knew.
-Shel Silverstein

Flawed. We all are, to some extent. And we live in a world that asks us to hide our flaws, especially in our fashion. How many articles have you read about dressing to hide your “problem areas”? There are whole theories of thought about how our arms as they age are “flawed” and should never be shown. Magazines, though not the only culprit, will let us know that if our parts aren’t “perfect”, we should do all we can to detract from that and showcase other body parts.
But, what if?
And hear me out on this,
What if we saw those “flawed” pieces of ourselves as something not to hide, but to celebrate. What if we could view our flaws as art, and not be concerned if our fashion showed them off?
Investment Piece: Flawed

I have back problems. (A little nerve damage) And as part of my therapies to manage pain and spasms, I often use heat, cupping, stretching, and strengthening. (Thank you, Pilates!) However, some of this can leave marks on my back, they can vary in color and pattern, but they can be very noticeable, and I thought of them as flaws. I’m a huge fan of low back numbers, but would avoid them so that no one would see my flaws.

What changed? I’m not sure. At this point I wish I could tell you some great ephinay or sage advice that lead me to embrace my flaws. Honestly, one day I think I got tired of not wearing what I wanted to. So I stopped. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t days when I don’t get self conscious about showing off something I might have to explain. But. We all have flaws, and I try to remember what we can view as flawed in ourselves might be what someone else likes.
Most of all, our flaws shouldn’t stop us from wearing things we love. Flawed. Let’s show it off

I can’t tell you how much I recommend a low back dress, and these fringed boots make everything a little more fun. Similar pieces are linked below!

I’m really curious: what do you think are your flaws and do you “dress around” them?

Sidenote- our 2nd gift guide to newsletter subscribers goes out this Wednesday. It’s in honor of my Dad and Sis- aka you don’t want to miss it! Sign up for our newsletter and let’s also get to gift giving!
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!

For Me, It’s the Vibes

WOMAN in s strapless black top, black pants, kitten heels, camel coat, and bamboo handle Gucci purse
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat and bamboo Gucci bag
a woman in a strapless black top and pants, camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top, pants, kitten heels, camel coat on her shoulders, bamboo Gucci bag

This outfit read 1960s to me. And who doesn’t want to be a 60s goddess? From big hair (yes, on me it fell!) to a matching set (how could you not love this button down top with a cropped pant!) to accessories (yep, the kitten heel to the camel coat to the vintage Gucci bag, which they have made a newer version of!). We could chat eras. And modern meets vintage. Or how the accessories can make an outfit, or how a camel coat is the chicest thing you could add to any outfit. But for all of those very valid points, they don’t matter when comes to the total overview of what you’re wearing
It comes down to how your outfit makes you feel.
And for me, always, it’s the vibes.

a woman in a strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag and a camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, camel coat on her shoulders
black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

I love the vibes of this outfit. 1960s yet modern. Warm (please out on your coat if you’re chilled!) but chic. Yet, a bit luxe- do you need to pair with Gucci? Not at all. Camel, especially coats, makes everything look more expensive. A coat around the shoulders? So chic. Bamboo or any contrasting detail? Luxe. The vibes here are rich, luxe, the best or retro, and I’m obsessed with them all.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to outfits and fashion pieces that felt fun. Why not? It’s a time of year when we’re all focused on party looks, over the top looks, or any holiday look. In the meantime we still have work, events, etc that may not call for all out holiday regalia but we want to look chic for. This outfit? Hit the nail for me. Slightly 1960s (though you could pair with any shoe I love the kitten heel, and it adds to the 1960s vibe), very chic (you could also tease your hair, add a cat eye for more details), and yet work or cocktail appropriate. (I love the addition of the camel coat!)

a woman in strapless top and black pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,

This pant set is new and I’ve linked it for you (note I feel like the top runs a bit big. I LOVE the combo and the vibes, note the top does have a built in bra, but I would still err on the side of small especially if you run small on top!). It’s my new favorite as I love the 19060s vibes and how you could wear it from work to parties, and yet stay ever so chic. Bag, shoes and coat are from seasons past but I’ve linked you similar.

What kind of vibes are you recreating this year? What are you wearing to all of the life between holiday parties? I would love to hear 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!

a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

Thanksgiving Outfits

A woman n a floral dress setting a table

Every year I struggle with Thanksgiving outfits- both for myself and for you. Each Thanksgiving is so different- I’ve been to “dinners” that involved wearing sweats on the couch, gone to 5 star dinners in cocktail dresses, worn jeans, day dresses- and everything in between. I’ve spent the holiday alone (which was nice!) at big gatherings and more intimate family dinners. Beyond styling for a wide variety of holiday dinners, you also want your holiday outfit to be comfortable (and maybe not so tight!). All of these considerations can make finding the perfect outfit for Thanksgiving a bit daunting.

I don’t know what you’re planning for Thanksgiving (and if American Thanksgiving is not your holiday you can apply this to almost any big or small family dinner!), or how fancy you want to get. But, I’ve put together a few outfits ranging from fancy to casual (of course you can mix and match them all!) that I think would be stunning for any family or Friendsgiving. From jeans to dresses (and note- leggings and a sweater is always a great go-to!), these outfits will keep you chic, and comfy, while you’re being grateful and eating pie!

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

On The Fancy Side
collage of a blue dress, boots, bag and jewelry
The blue silk is so chic and the low heeled boots can keep you on your feet (for cocktail hour and seconds!) Shop this look here

collage of a floral maxi dress, velvet flats, black clutch, headband, gold earrings
Floral maxi, velvet flats, and easy accents makes this such a chic outfit (and also comfy enough to be in it all day!) Shop this look here

a woman in a sweater dress, boots and a hat
Sweater dresses are some of my faves because they can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair with boots for a classically chic outfit. Super comfy and super chic, meaning the best of Thanksgiving worlds. (Also neutral knits leave you so much room to accessorize in any way you love!). Shop my fave dresses and boots here.

On The Casual Side
collage of a suede skirts, clogs, white shirt and gold jewelry
A skirt, a chic take on a button down, and easy accessories. This look is perfect for any Friendsgiving you’re attending. Shop the look here

a collage of floral turtleneck, wide leg jean, gold sandal, black bag and gold hoop earrings
Pair a fitted turtleneck with wide leg jeans (very forgiving), gold shoes, and any bag- chic enough for dinner and comfy enough to take you from the table to the couch! Shop the look
Jeans. Sweater. And a super on trend quilted coat. Pair with sneakers and a tote (perfect for taking leftovers home!). I love the ease of this look, and it’s perfect for any flag football games! Shop the look

The Boots Have It

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, tights, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, hose, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

One of the best statement pieces I believe you can invest in are boots. (Yep, they even make my Top 10 Investment Pieces that you get when you sign up for our newsletter!) Boots are a staple, from weather boots (rain, snow, etc) to sport (riding, etc) to fashion (a la over the knee). There’s a reason we call it “boot season”- boots are that big a part of the fashion landscape (and our lives!). Not to mention that they keep you looking chic when the temps drop. So, if boots are a staple, how do you pick statements?

You could go by color, pattern, material- and all of those would be valid. Some colors are standouts, as are some patterns, and some materials. However, what I love and picks more often than not is height. Not heel height.But height as in over the knee. Yes, you could argue that other statement boots are not only possible but stunning, but is there anything more exciting than an over the knee boot? For me, that’s when the boots have it.

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

What is it, you ask? I think “it” is an ability to elevate an outfit. Even a simple one like a sweatshirt dress (and yes, black hose are a must this season. They are just so chic!)- though I’ve worn these boots over leggings to Pilates and I felt so pulled together and chic, when all I did that day was a workout and grocery shop!

This kind of statement can also be made with flat boots. (Or even boots that aren’t over the knee!) Truly, it’s about being enough to carry an outfit on their own, from jeans to leggings to dresses, to sweats. The boots don’t have to be patterned or wildly colored. Just somehow special.

Yes, sometimes it’s difficult to describe what it is certain boots have, but it’s always easy to tell when boots have it. I’m a fan of simple (and comfy) outfits, outfits that keep you warm as temps drop. Yet, I’m even more of a fan of statement items that elevate all of those outfits -like these boots. What about you?

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose and over the knee boots

What kind of boots do you think have it? What makes a boot a statement boot to you, and how do you wear them? I would love to know!
XO RA

I was lucky enough to find these (unworn!) statement boots on Vestiaire Collective, one of my favorite resell sites. I’ve found you similar below!

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 sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

You’re Golden

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

This has been one of my favorite outfits lately. I love that the skirt is slightly reminiscent of The Lady in Gold (a fave of mine, see here and if you love it like I do you must check out the shoe the painting inspired at Sarah Flint), but yet could also be just a simple skirt. And the outfit just felt good- you know one of those outfits that just feel like you on, and at the same time make you feel like your best self? This outfit was that. Yet. I had no idea what to write about it. Below is an attempt to tell you how much I love this skirt and why I think you should get yourself something similar (not to mention great basics), but I feel like it didn’t shine the way I felt like it could. Forgive that (and the bad puns)- but know that I think that if you get a chance to be golden you should take it!

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose, and a gold skirt

Is it the holiday season without some sort of gold? Well, yes, but it might not be as bright and merry. And as we head into the holiday season, gold is everywhere. From decorations to wishlists, gold is a standard this time of year- so why not wear it? Does that seem like a lot? I worried that telling us all to go drape ourselves in gold clothing would be akin to telling us to “dress like you’re the present”, which sounds a bit cringe (as the kids say). And yet, I can’t but help loving gold pieces (a la this skirt), that manage to be both neutral and a statement.

One of my favorite things about wearing gold is that it does all the heavy lifting. It’s a statement that lets you not think about it (a great help at this time of year). And a statement that lets your great basics shine- like here (and BTW I think that everyone should have a great black turtleneck and should invest in great black hose- these 2 pieces could be worn every day in a million different ways!). Also, wearing gold makes you shine just a bit, and at a time when things are both celebratory and a bit overwhelming, being golden is always the best choice.

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose, and a. gold skirt

This skirt is Dries Van Noten that I found on eBay, I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I’ve found you similar- and also linked some basics that I love!
I think you’re just golden!
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 turtleneck, hose and a gold skirt

Where to get custom pendants made

Trends I’m Loving

a woman in a black leather dress in a bathroom mirror

Every season we chat about trends, and I share my picks and what trends I’m excited about (see my trend report for 2022 here). Yet, sometimes it takes getting into a season, trying things on, seeing trends on others, and seeing what your life is like to see what trends you really love for the season. This fall I have loved playing in pink and reacquainting myself with platforms. I’ve never met a suit I didn’t like, and I love the deep textures such as velvets that are in stores.

Yet, there a few trends that I’ve been seeing on IG that I just love and a few that I have been experimenting with that I just love. This list isn’t so much an update on trends as a refining of ones that I’m finding fit into my day to day life. I’m hoping that they provide some inspiration for you!

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 sheer tights, a black wrap dress and gold heels
Black Hose

While I’ve been getting into hose(tights, whatever you call them, see here), this seasons I’m finding myself reaching for black hose (sheer and opaque) more and more. They are perfect with minis, maxis, and midi skirts and dresses. They keep you warm as the temps drop. And look incredibly chic. Perhaps women of the past had it right when they wore hose (and we’re lucky that garter belts are now optional!)

OverSized Blazers
A take on the suit, an oversized blazer goes great over a mini (maybe I’m really loving minis too!), over jeans, and as a coat. Pair with sweater dresses, boots, and perhaps even a brooch! I’m partial to plaids, and the following are some of my faves!

Faux Leather
Yes, this was in the trend report I did at the beginning of fall. And While I knew that I love leather (and faux leather), seeing the dresses, tops, blazers, trenches, skirts, and pants that this season is offering, have me falling deeper in love. Faux leather is both edgy and classic, able to dress up and dress down. On trend cutouts, lace mixed with classics like blazers and leggings- and leather is completely seasonal! These are some of the leather pieces I’m currently loving:

1960s Vibes
Anne Hathaway in leopard print pants and a top, with leopard shoes

I don’t know if we call this a trend but I’m loving the 60s vibes (from big hair to cat eyes). Side Note- I’m also loving everything that Anne Hathaway has been wearing from appearances to photoshoots, from big hair to prints, I want to recreate all of her looks. Lately, I’ve been using hot rollers in my hair for volume, adding on the eyeliner, and have been attracted to shift sets, go-go boots, and more.

What trends have you been loving as you have been seeing them out and about this season? I would love to hear about them and how you’re styling them!
XO RA

Winter Scarf as a Top

a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pantsa woman in scarf as atop and black pants leans against a wall
a woman in a winter scarf as a top and black pants
woman in a winter scarf and black pants

It feels as if turning a silk scarf into a summer top is a tradition, see here and here, though I’m a huge fan of scarves in general. Recently I saw an editorial shoot where a model wore a knit top (very similar to a scarf) that had a tail like a scarf. And I couldn’t help but think: if I wear silk scarves as a top during the summer, why can’t I use my wool scarves as a top during the colder months?

Turns out, I can!
back of a woman tying her scarf as a top with black pants
This a simple wool scarf that I folded, put as a top and tied. I talk more about it:

Again, this style hack is so easy to adapt (from the scarf you’re using to what you’re pairing it with) and yet so chic!This scarf would look great with a tonal piece (such as a camel skirt or hot pink pants, shoes, etc) or as a pop of color, such as tied over a black dress. And of course, any differently colored or printed scarf could be paired with an array of options- from jeans on up!

a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pants
woman in a winter scarf as a top and black pants
a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pants

While silk (or spring) scarves as tops, it always feels light and fun (and I do love that option!). Yet, this winter scarf as a top feels so much more editorial, a bit elevated, a bit more styled. And I can’t help but love it. How are you wearing your winter scarves? Would you wear them as a top? And with what?

Both this scarf and these go-to high waisted black pants are from seasons ago, but I’ve linked similar options for you below.
Happy Scarf-ing and shopping!
XO RA

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

a woman in winter scarf as a top and black pants