Category: shopping

Now and Then: Silk

a woman in a blue silk set in front of a brick house
a woman in a green silk wrap dress with pink roses stands on a stone staircase

So I know that the series of “Now and Then” is supposed to highlight current trends that you might be able to buy vintage- which to be fair is almost every trend as everything comes back around. I usually don’t have a dog in the fight. From new to vintage, there are styles I buy new, some I buy vintage- and that’s about it. From new styles to vintage styles, I shop all decades, I shop all styles, and I usually don’t tell you what to buy.

However. This is a Now and Then in which I actually have an opinion and am going to tell you what to buy. And the topic is silk.

It’s not that that new silk isn’t an option (one of my favorite “new” silk designers or sellers is /a>,where the following blue set is from!:

a woman in a blue silk set in front of a brick house

But here’s the thing. From shirts. To unmentionables. To dresses. If you have an option, if it’s on the table, I always recommend: buying vintage silk. It’s not only a bit cheaper. It’s usually a better quality, it’s usually a bit better.

And I know I’m not supposed to say that. I’m supposed to show you all of the most expensive silk that’s new and hot. Yet, I can’t help but tell you that if you want great silk, in classic cuts- from shirts to dresses, you’re best off shopping vintage first. (And if you can’t find what you’re looking for let me know and we’ll find it in a modern cut!). Some of my favorite silks are vintage, not only because of the quality (which is an issue), but because of the selection. The patterns. The choices.

One of my current favorite vintage silk designers is Flora Kung (more to come about her!) but vintage can be found in so many ways. I’ve linked some of my favorite vintage silk pieces- from Flora Kung to shirts to dresses to nightgowns. Truly, I think that whatever silk you’re searching for you can find it in a vintage from. If not- we can find it together! OR you can search Equipment!

I know this segment is Now and Then but what if then is the better choice?
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 shirt and short set with a scarf and a satchel bag in front of a brick house

You won’t Break my Soul

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in the park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

It’s been a rough (to put it lightly) couple of years, right? And I know that things aren’t over, and we’re still going through it. But. I’m ready for joy again. For fashion to be fun again. To dance all night again (ok, I’m not 18 so maybe not ALL night, but a good portion of the night!)

Perhaps it’s cliche, but I can’t stop listening to Beyonce’s You Won’t Break my Soul. A great dance song? Yes, of course. Also, a great little message- that no matter what happens that we can remain unbreakable, we can remain in our joy, we can wear a great dress and dance a little. Yes, I’ve been dancing in my living room. And yes, I’ve been thinking about the things I can wear that bring me joy- such as halter dresses (from the 70s and disco itself!) that twirl in ways that make me smile. I’ve also been thinking about how joy, true joy, is a radical act. One that we maybe don’t pay enough attention to.

Joy may be the way to keep us all sane. So, from joy in our clothes to joy in our actions- why is joy something we can be willing to deny ourselves?

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park
a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

I don’t know the answer to that. I know that some think of You won’t Break my Soul as just a fun song (and it is!!), but I also think of it as a call to guard our joy. To indulge in our joy (from dresses to shoes to dancing (even in your living room). Because our joy (And our souls) are something to celebrate. And if you do that in a fantastic dress? All the more joyful (and less likely to break your soul!)

Some fashion notes: This dress is a true disco era dress! From the 70s, you can tie it so many ways (but I love a dramatic bow on my back!). It’s jersey so hugs in all the right places without being too difficult to upkeep. Gold sandals that have become my party go-to (yes, you can dance in them all night-or part of the night long!)

a woman in a peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

Fun fact about this shoot: I was a bit behind, so it was just me in the camera and this stunner of a dress. I can’t help but dance in it. The weekend was a bit rainy (as in pouring one minute and then dry) and this shoot happened in a break in storms. It started raining right after I got the last shot, and then I danced for a bit in the rain (lucky for us all, jersey dries quickly!). A little bit of luck, a little bit of joy, and a whole lot of dress. Not bad for a shoot that was a bit last minute!

I’ve linked these exact shoes and similar dresses for your shopping pleasure below. Go out there and feed your soul a bit today!
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 peachy pink halter dress twirls in a park

Finding Beauty

a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers
a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers
a woman wearing a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with painted flowers

I can’t remember the whole quote, or who said it, but someone once said something like:
“Making things beautiful, that will be my life”.

And I get that beauty isn’t everything. But I have to admit that I seek it out, that I like it, that I love to find beauty in the everyday- from my garden to flowers painted on a wall. Beauty as a, value can seem a bit at odds when I’ve told you that my style is more “classics with an edge” (see here), but isn’t beauty classic? And isn’t finding beauty- even in the most ugly places- one of the most classic tales of all time?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about beauty. What it means to me, what it means to seek it, what it means to be beautiful and yet not completely conform to “standards”. Yes, those are big questions. Which I won’t make us get into! What I will say is that the more I’m open to finding beauty, the more I see it- everywhere.

a woman in a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it
a woman in a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it

This is a wall I’ve driven by at least a million times, yet, I never noticed the mural until recently. It’s not that I was stopped or going any slower. It’s just one day I looked over, and there was a mural of beautiful flowers. I’m sure it’s not new, in my car I’m often in my head, singing along to the radio, talking to myself (if you say you don’t I won’t believe you!), all the things that distract us. Then, occasionally, I make it a point to really take in what’s around me. It’s amazing all the beauty out there that we just pass by! Because I can’t resist a little beauty, I had to stop and take pics- because the beauty we find should be celebrated. And shared.

Isn’t that what beauty is for?

a woman with a white skirt and top in front of a yellow wall with flowers painted on it

On a fashion note- yep, I’m wearing all white. I know there’s a “rule” that we don’t wear white after Labor Day, but I don’t know that I’m really following that rule to a “t” anymore (sorry, Mom!). This skirt is linen, which eventually I will trade in for more fall clothes (because hopefully the temps turn much cooler!). But, I don’t know that I will rule out white bottoms. Turns out, that rule isn’t always the boss of me! I wrote about the “white after Labor Day rule” here (a great read if you didn’t grow up with that rule!). In the meantime, and these last few weeks of summer- let’s wear all the things that keep us cool and help us find the beauty!

This skirt and shirt are from past seasons- but I’ve found you similar- and these shoes were my summer splurge and I wear them all the time!
What are you wearing for the last few weeks of summer and how are you finding beauty?
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!

Crazy. Cat. Lady.

I came home from my Aunt’s funeral and have been under the weather since! My best nurses? The cats! Yep, besides my love Cartier I currently have a former stray I fed for years in the house- Rebel. He went from being skittish to being a cuddle monster. They give the best hugs and the best care! And look amazing on a dress. Here’s to us feeling better ASAP and getting all the love we need! XO RA

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady

One of the highest insults to a woman of a certain age? A fear for some women? A lazy way for men to demean women?
Crazy. Cat. Lady.

It can mean a lot of things- from perhaps someone who keeps too many pets (there is a limit) to a woman who’s single. I’ve had men use the phrase as something I should be scared of- and yet, much to my own surprise, a crazy cat lady is what I may be.
(As in I’m crazy about my cat.)
(And I’m unafraid to wear chic dresses like this one with cats on it)

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy cat lady

The ironic thing? Growing up I wasn’t a big cat person growing up. My sister was- she begged and pleaded for a cat until my mom gave in. And it wasn’t that I didn’t love the cats we had-but I was never as passionate about cats as my sister. In fact, there have been times when I’ve teased my sister about loving cats so much. And- here I am. I have a kitten named Cartier that’s become the light of my life -I spend a lot of my days singin to her, playing with her, and I miss her when I have to leave.

(If you’ve followed me for a while you may know that last year, we lost my beloved cat, Dreamer. We got her while I was in college. I loved Dreamer, but she and I got really close the past few years. She passed when 21 -ancient for a cat!-and it was devastating. I got Cartier last August, I wasn’t sure I was ready, and Cartier was my first kitten for me. Little did I know how much Cartier would mean to me. I’ve become someone that I used to tease my sister about- I take way too many pictures, call her my baby and treat her as such, and fill my days with her. I am the crazy cat lady they warned you about!)

fashion, blogger, high fashion , fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady

One of the misconceptions about crazy cat ladies, or at this this crazy cat lady, is that they dress poorly. Yet, this dress is one of my new favorites. It’s Dolce and Gabbana (I know) from a few seasons ago that I got second hand (one of the absolute best ways to shop). I love the classic cut with flares- the pleats, the sleeves, the slip that occasionally peeps out. And of course the print! Who could resist these sweet cats playing? (As someone who can’t resist her own cat it’s not me!)

It’s lady like and a bit cheeky and that’s one of my favorite combinations! We haven’t event chatted about the shoes- some of my favorite Guccis- the platform, the stripe, the lion on them. I love to think they’re a pop against the dress!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, crazy cat lady
fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy. cat. lady

Is wearing your pet on your sleeve the new thing? Maybe for crazy cat ladies!

While this dress is older, I’ve linked you similar below. I ALWAYS want to see pics of your pet and things you love to wear so please share 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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion fashion stories, crazy cat lady

Whimsy

a large planter with several green plants in . On the lip of the planter sits a wicker pink pig purse with white wings

We’re headed into a season change, from summer to fall. And usually, just based on our schedules, it’s also a time to go from a more unstructured schedule (and maybe wardrobe) to a more structured (and maybe wardrobe). Fall is a time for routines (see here), for rich colors, new trends, textures, and perhaps a more business like approach. I’ve been thinking a lot about my style- any posts- what works, what doesn’t, what I want to keep, what to cull out. The thing about structure (which I am a HUGE fan of – from suits to routines), is that to balance it, you need a bit of whimsy.

When I look back at all of the looks I’ve shot and talked about here, my faves are the ones where I’ve swung big. Because if you’re going to dress, let’s DRESS! Big chances, big editorials (it’s a style I like, see here), big outfits. And big doesn’t mean that you go wild, it just means that you tell your story in the boldest and best way you know how.

We’re heading into a season of new trends. You and I will chat about them. It’s also a season of sweaters and boots- I’ll wear them too. But as we move away from our swimsuits, I’m asking us to keep a sense of whimsy. Your wardrobe should be functional. It should also be fun. Maybe it’s just a bold color. Maybe it’s a flying pig purse. Either way- whatever whimsy suits you- don’t feel like a more buttoned up season needs you to leave all your personal choices at the door. It doesn’t!

Our whimsy, our fun, our creativity- it all serves our best fashion. I can’t imagine wearing something that didn’t make me smile, in small or big ways. As we put on our suits, let’s not leave the best of us behind.

I carried this purse (from this week as I need some good luck, and some fun. Pigs do fly- and so can our outfits, if we have the courage to let them.

Here’s to our whimsy and our fun with fashion this coming season. I can’t wait to see what we wear!

XO RA

Summer Faves

Investment Piece: I workout
Investment Piece: Hot Neutrals
Investment Piece: It's all Angles
Investment Piece: Valentino Resort

I know, fall is coming. And we should look forward to it! There’s nothing like football, sweaters, and coats to make us all happy! Right?

Loves, here’s the thing. I can’t think about fall yet. I just can’t. Maybe it’s the 100+ weather (STILL), the feeling that I didn’t wear ALL the swim suits I could, or just the urge to wring every last minute of fun from this summer; but I’m just not ready to think/shop/talk about fall. So, we’re talking about summer.

Summer Faves to be exact. Because what’s the point of being amazing all summer long if we don’t look back and enjoy it?

This summer I Worked Out, was inspired, played with Angles, and let my neutrals run hot.

These are all some of my Summer faves for different reasons: I love the contrast, the casualness, the party vibes, and the wrap dress that will transition to fall. I love that these summer looks felt more pulled together than my “running about” cut-offs. Yet, there were still a few appearances this summer of a swimsuit.

Investment Piece: They Call it Amore

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

Summer is one of my fave times of fashion because it feels like anything can go. Want to wear that? With the other thing? Go for it! Rules seem more easily bent, and as long as it helps you keep your cool, we all want you to wear it.

Like pairing a swim suit with a tailored skirt (I couldn’t help falling in love with the combo), or trying out a surprise ending with your suit. From summer uniforms to general summer moods, I feel like my summer has seen a little bit of everything.

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather

And yes, in the coming weeks we’ll chat all about fall and the things I’m looking forward to. But it’s the last moments of summer, so let’s take it in, take out our Summer faves one last time, and get to celebrating.

I’ve linked items I’m squeezing into my summer faves. Hope the last bit of summer is good to you!
XO RA

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

Sea of Lavender

Investment Piece: See of Lavender
Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender
Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender
Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender
Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender

Word on the street is that lavender is trending for fall. Yes, according to the trend reports, we’ll be swimming in a sea of lavender. What I love about this “incoming trend” is that I’m on it. (Yes, this is why cleaning out your closet can be difficult, everything always comes back.) The above dress was one of my favorite pieces from about 5 years ago. I loved the color (lavender), the POCKETS!, the lace details, and the simple elegance of it. I still do.

My theory on why lavender is a trend that we can’t stay away from?
*It’s a pastel, but it’s not overly soft. You can be tough in lavender.
*Lavender works in all seasons (for winter and fall, try colorblocking with wine accents (or red!), or wear the lavender in knits).
*It’s soothing. Maybe all the thoughts about color therapy aren’t true, but allegedly lavender helps boost our moods. I know I always feel better when I like my outfit. And I’m a huge purple (of all shades) fan.
*Lavender is also a statement and a neutral at the same time, making it easy to mix, match or pop in outfits

Another side note- this is not a warm weather dress but with the right shoes (boots) and blazer, it could be. How can you not love a piece like that?

Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender

Another theory about things that come back? Sometimes, they never left. Once I got this dress, I never stopped wearing it (not to get on a soap box here, but that’s the power of buying investment pieces). As you can see here, this lavender number is one of my constant go-to’s. So, is the sea of lavender something that’s coming, or something we’re already swimming in? Does it matter when it looks this good?

Yes, this dress is a Self Portrait number from years ago. However, I’ve linked similar styles and all the lavender you can handle for your shopping pleasure below. What sticks out for you in this sea of lavender?
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! XO RA

Investment Piece: Sea of Lavender

What Season Is It?

A woman in a kiss printed scarf and a purple maxi skirt sits on a stone wall

August might be my least favorite month. Yes, it’s the heat and the fact that the entire month feels like one long Sunday (even if your schedule is not tied to the school year). But because August -yep, still the summer- often feels as if we’re supposed to be knee deep in fall.

This is not supposed to be a knock against any Leos, August babies or even the last bits of vacation. And I realize that if you’re in certain parts of Europe, you’re on vacation this month and let me tell you, I’m so envious! Also- some of my favorite people were born in August. Perhaps it’s not the month but rather the mood of August that always leaves me feeling as if I have to ask: what season is it?

a woman with a open white shirt dress with red and white bikini bottoms and white sandals

Here are my issues with August: it’s hot. Like 104 (here) hot. And yes, it will be hot through October, but August heat feels so very oppressive. And it’s so very clearly summer. Yes, I know that school might be starting, and if you have kids or teach that’s a huge schedule change for you.

Let’s be honest, even if you don’t have kids-like me- our lives are usually said to be done around the school calendar, from holidays to retail sales. Every store you go into right now has signage about “back to school”, and so much fashion (even the fall fashion I’m excited about!) isn’t always weather orientated but school orientated.

So, is August, a summer month, summer or fall? Do we treat it as summer or fall? What season do we dress for?

FYI This is where I tell you, at least this year, it’s so hot (have I mentioned it’s like 104 every day) that I can’t really think about coats or sweaters, or even layering for transitional weather!

a woman sits on green grass in a Red Caftan

And yet, This is the time when I’m supposed to tell you about fall trends, style, home decor. At at time when the heat is so intense I can barely bother to get dressed for the day. (Seriously, there have been Augusts where I could get through the day only by wearing swimsuits. All Day.
Perhaps it’s just me that feels as if August, while a summer month, is also a month in flux because of schedules. Perhaps I’m the only one who feels weird pushing fall in the heat. Perhaps I’m the only one asking what season is it when August feels like it’s an in-between season between how it feels outside and what shops are pushing.

But maybe I’m not. I’m all for fall fashion – and there are trends and a few pieces I can’t wait to tell you about. But it’s also HOT. And summer. And if you can’t bear to think about anything that’s not a bathing suit I get it. I also understand if you’re looking forward to fall and shopping and in that mode. Here, we will try to accommodate both seasons (fall and summer) in the month of August. If you have strong preferences or needs- fell free to let us know!

What season do you consider August?
XO RA

Putting on the Fringe

a woman in a black strapless dress with a fringed shawl and a fringed purse stands on stone stairs
a woman in a black strapless dress with a fringed shawl and a fringed purse stands on stone stairs
a woman in a black strapless dress with a fringed shawl and a fringed purse stands on stone stairs

It’s an interesting time of year, right? It’s so hot and yet the styles we’re seeing are geared to fall (when it hopefully gets cooler). I don’t know about you, but there are times in these “dog days” of summer that it can feel very uninspiring. Everything I want to wear seems too s hot, and therefore when I look at my closet, it feels as if I have NOTHING to wear. To the last minute summer events from parties to weddings to dinners.

So, what do you do when it feels kinda blah and you aren’t sure what to wear? You put on the fringe.
AKA the most simple outfits can be special and keep you cool.

One of my friends recently hosted a birthday party at an outdoor facility. And I’ll be honest, I almost didn’t go- because of the heat and because I couldn’t think of anything to wear. And then, I realized that I could make my look be special and revamp my thinking with a little fringe.

That’s right.Perhaps the answer to anything we are facing is fringe. AKA putting on the fringe may save us all. In this case, I wore a simple strapless dress (a must have for me as they are so versatile, you’ve seen this one her) with a shawl that I got on a trip to Spain YEARS ago (though it does look akin to vintage piano shawls, of which I have a few thanks to my great-great grandmas, you can also find some wraps with fringe modern and all are linked below for you!) and a great purse (yep, your bag might need some fringe!) Add some special shoes (these are gold) and some details and what of you have- an outfit to beat the heat or whatever else comes your way!

a woman in a strapless black Dress with a shawl with fringe and a purse with fringe on stone steps
a woman in a strapless black dress and fringe shawl and fringe purse on stone steps
a woman in a strapless black dress with a shawl with fringe and a purse with fringe on stone steps

The thing about a classic base (be it dress or not) and accessories that have flare (be them fringe or not) that it’s a formula that works for heat (strapless and beyond) and cold (if we ever get there). Fringe is one of those touches that seems simple but is really a show stopper. A wrap or shawl? Show stopper. A purse with fringe? show stopper. Together? Show stoppers! And at a time of year when everything- from the weather on down- feels oppressive, why don’t opt for some show stoppers? AKA. Put on the fringe (or anything that makes you want to shake or uplifts a classic number and go from there!)

In all cases of uplifting classics I will reach for statements- aka the fringe or the shake that any outfit needs. This reads classy- a black dress, or LBD if you will, but glam it up with 2 accessories with fringe. And a vintage shawl always works. As for a bag, a statement is always more appropriate than not. AKA a classic with things that pop from heat on out, are always something to style.

And, to the surprise of no one, these fringe with a classic base made me feel alive or stylish in ways I hadn’t recently. I won’t lie- this summer has been kind of a funk for me- the heat (which makes styling awful), some personal stuff including some chronic pain (which makes me want to wear nothing cute), and all of the issues we’re all dealing with (waves hands in all the ways), but this outfit felt good to me and I felt good in it. Isn’t that what we’re after? A look we feel as if we LOOK in?

What looks have you been turning to in this time? What are your go-tos? Both tell our stories, and right now our stories matter so much!

This dress is vintage, the shoes are available, the shawl was bought as a souvenir from a vacation to Spain years ago (highly recommend buying fashion as souvenirs but that’s another post!) and the bag is from a few years ago. Options are linked below for your shopping pleasure!

XO RA

While this post does contain affiliate links, and I might earn commission from them, that does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a strapless black dress and shawl with fringe and purse with fringe stands on stone steps

It’s a Wrap

a woman in a blue halter dress in front of a stone wall
a woman in a blue wrap dress in front of a stone wall
a woman in a blue wrap halter dress stands in front of a stone wall

It’s that time of year- it’s so hot that I can’t stand to wear anything. Any and all thoughts of fashion are so far back in my brain that I keep wearing the same (cool) sundresses and leggings. And then. Something comes along and gives you some inspiration. AKA this is a skirt you’ve seen before. Yes. A skirt (seen here be kind- it was one of our first posts!) but now worn as a dress. Yes, a wrap skirt that I tied as a halter (and some strategic safety pins JIC) because as much as I loved it as a skirt, I wasn’t wearing it enough. Then one day, over the “lockdown”, I tried this skirt as a dress.

And I loved it. It eliminated all questions of what to wear with it- other than shoes, and I have worn it with flip flops, wedges, Keds, and heels- so far it’s worked with all of them!

a woman in a blue wrap dress in front of a stone fence
a woman in a blue halter dress in front of a stone fence
a woman in a blue halter dress in front of a stone wall

Maybe it’s that simple. We take something that we love, and we turn it into something we love more. Or, perhaps, it’s that sometimes we need to try a few things out before we find the one for us. And I think that goes for our clothes- and especially how we wear them.

Is there a tried and true method for figuring out how to wear something – or more specifically how to switch up how you’re wearing something? I don’t know (I know, not the answer you were expecting). My advice? A bit of trial and error. When I wear this as a skirt I tend towards white tees, perhaps tanks, but on the safe side. It’s a bit amazing to me how changing the skirt to a dress has opened me up-to all kinds of shoes, to all kinds of styles. And it’s not that the skirt wasn’t easy to style (or that I won’t wear this skirt as a skirt again), but there was something about wearing this skirt as a dress that clicked for me.

I may not have a lot of answers, but I don’t doubt a click. From then on out, it’s a wrap. Especially in the heat. AKA when you figure out a look or a styling that works for you, go with it. And I’m hoping it helps you beat the heat!

While this skirt (wrap dress) is years old, I’ve linked similar styles for you below. These shoes are my beloved Sarah Fints, use code SARAHFLITN-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 off your own pair!

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 halter dress in front of a stone fence