I can tell you how to style your style (no matter what boundaries are). But what is your style?
I have a feeling that question is harder to answer than we would like to admit! Even for me- if I had to give an elevator pitch for my own style I don’t know that I could.
So. How do we figure out our own style? Is is part look for inspiration? Is it part play in your own closet? Is it look at what fits your life and part what you want your life to look like?
And with those questions I have a challenge for you: meet me here in a moth ( July 13 or so!) and let me know or see what a perfect outfit is for you. AKA what is an outfit that let’s me know who you are and what the story is you’re try to tell. I’m cultivating an outfit to show you and I hope what you can show me here an outfit that is You. What do you think your style is? What do you think is your perfect outfit? I can’t wait to share with you!
Isn’t it funny that white pants are a summer staple (aka yes, we need some) but they always feel a bit daring? As in- what will I spill on white pants, what stains will I attract, and how can I go from looking pulled together to looking like a mess in the least amount of time?
Maybe it’s just me that has those thoughts (or fears) when I put on white pants.
And again, white pants are a summer staple. Perhaps it’s that they look so chic and cool that they make us feel chic and cool. Maybe it’s the essential summer feeling that makes white pants such a staple. Or perhaps it’s that (even if it’s only temporary), in white pants you can’t help but feel as if you’re pulled together, a “lady”, a bit elevated (whatever that means to you- to me it means the kind of person who can manage not to spill on themselves!).
I’m not the first, nor I will be the last, to let you know that white pants (and dresses and skirts and shoes, etc), it’s not even the first time we’ve chatted about all white outfits this season (see White Dress Season) here. So, if white pants summer is a thing we’re doing, how do we do it?
White pants can be really casual (currently I’m loving white distressed jeans or shorts with a tank) or a bit more formal. For example, paring a pair of white pants (a bit structured) with a wrap top, fun earrings, and kitten heels- perfect for work and play. Of course you could go VERY formal in white pants, but that’s another outfit! I’m the first to admit that wearing white pants can make me a bit nervous (I am a klutz which can lead to spills), but I’m also the first to admit that nothing makes it feel like summer like white pants.
What kind of white pant outfits do you love? Dressed down? Dressed up? A mix with a bit of fun? I don’t think that there is any right or wrong way to wear white pants, but I do know that it always feels like summer when I wear them. Even when it’s not the first time in an outfit-You can see some different thoughts on this outfit here. Yes, this outfit was a pairing I made years ago, and it’s one I still wear today! I have found similar pieces for you to shop below- and I can’t wait to see and hear about your white pants summer!
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!
It’s barely June, and yet it’s been over 100 every day this week (and this is expected through next week as well). Is it too early to be this hot? Maybe, most likely that’s a questions for someone else. What I can debate is what do we wear in heat like this? Intense, unrelenting heat is so hard to dress for, partially because there are so few things that are completely sweat proof, partially because how do you stay chic in the midst of that.
There may be many answers for how to dress for riding out heat- from linen to swimsuits- but my most consistent fashion answer to dressing for heat is to keep it simple. And what is more simple than shorts and a tee shirt?
Here’s the thing about keeping things simple- there’s no rule that simple means boring. Or not a statement. In all honesty, I saw this combo on someone in a store- a simple one shoulder tank, denim shorts, lace up sandals- and she looked so great, so chic, so cool, that I knew that I had to recreate the look.
And the thing is, the gal I saw with this outfit (whoever you are you’re a genius!) wasn’t wrong. A simple but impactful tank (who doesn’t love a one shoulder moment?) and a great pair of denim shorts (I like mine a bit longer but if you love them they work!) along with great sandals (you can never go wrong with statement flat sandals) are my new favorite way to beat the heat (ironically even though this tank is black it is surprisingly cool). Who says riding out the heat has to be basic, boring, or bland? Not me- I’m all for simple statements in the heat. It’s the only way to ride out the heat in style (or what’s left of style when you’re done sweating!)
While this outfit was created with pieces I had, I’ve linked new pieces for you below. Maybe riding out the heat means we do it together?
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 fear this may be another trend to try that’s not really a trend. Because summer bags? We know them, we love them.
There is no way I will be the first to tell you that a basket bag is something you should get. Not only is it perfect for every summer occasion (beach, bbq, rose) as you can hold all the things, it gives an air of casual-ness that I love. And yet, it’s pulled together. Basket bags are just a classic.
Is there any one brand of basket bags? Nope. Not at all. Bag in the middle. Open. Latched, unlatched. Your options are endless, and another thing I love about a basket bag.
Another summer bag trend to try?
White.
Because as we know, I think that white accessories (and dresses, and jeans) are great for the summer. So why not a summer bag? They’re classic, but give off a little bit of an edge. Also, with white there is always the chance of spills, so there’s an air of danger.
*Side note, you can also use white bags in the fall. I won’t judge you. In fact, make white not only your summer bag, but your go-to color. Do you.
My favorite summer bag, though? The net. Yes, this style gained popularity last year (that’s when I got this number). Yes, there are all sorts of verisions: from the plain net (I throw a clutch or wallet in mine), the net over a bag, the net in a bag. What I love about this summer bag? It gives off the casual vibe of summer, yet manages to not be just basic. Oh, and you can use it for your groceries!
When it comes to trends and summer bags, you have options. Beach bags, tote bags, and of course, my picks! I would love to know: what kind of summer bag are you carrying?
I’ve linked bags I love below, let’s get to summering!
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!
There’s a rush in getting new clothes- the deciding what you love, picking it out, and then getting to take it home (or have it delivered). It’s part of why I personally love online shopping (you come home to presents to you from you!), there’s a rush in packages, there’s a high in finding novel things to wear, and we live in a culture that makes us think that we NEED the newest thing. And while it may be gauche to admit it, I (we?) all love new.
Which can be at odds with fashion advice about building a wardrobe that fits your life, that feels good, that can be worn over and over- a wardrobe that is full of good investments.
It begs the question, does it have to be new to be a great part of your go-to wardrobe?
For me, “does it have to be new?” is a completely different question from “do you re-wear your clothes?”. (And for the record, the answer is yes. You have seen this dress before, on the blog here)
Asking if you re-wear your clothes is a great start- because yes, I hope that everything in your closet (some very special exceptions aside) is a piece you’ll wear more than once. However, asking if something is new is asking if you have pieces in your closet that you can rewear again and again, restyle again and again, and those pieces still feel fresh and like you. New is great (and don’t get me wrong- I buy new), but nothing stays new forever.
Which of course, leads to more questions.
If a piece you love is only great new, is it something you need in your wardrobe? Should you seek out new or pieces that will make all your pieces feel new? And if you’re chasing new- are you making room by cleaning out your closet regularly? Is there an ethical way to always have new?
Some of those answers are incredibly personal. Some of them I feel as if we’re all discovering together. I love new, I shop (both new and vintage), and I like to think that I choose pieces that only ever add to my wardrobe, even when they’re not new. (I do attempt to clean out quarterly, but that’s much more difficult to do!). There’s a balance to this kind of shopping, and wearing, and I’m still trying to master it. New is such a rush- but putting on something that you’ve had for ages that still makes you feel good? That’s a rush too.
I didn’t change the styling too much on this dress. It’s never felt needed- it’s a great dress that makes me feel special, no matter what shoes, no matter what belt. Even with jackets and sweaters over it- this dress is a great piece. It hasn’t been new (to me) for over a year, and is still a go-to.
So. No. It doesn’t have to be new. Maybe it just has to bring out a side of you that you love. There’s a rush there, too.
This dress isn’t new but I’ve found similar ones and I’ve linked them below. I would love to hear about how you balance new and old in your closet, what you’re buying, and the rush certain clothes give 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!
tis the season to wear all white. Which can mean a ton of things- glamorous, classy, a spill trap. I’ve always been one to dare it all (coffee spills) and wear all white during the summer, it feels very crisp to me. But, because of who I am as a person, I also love doing it (summer whites) with a twist.
Which sometimes means accessories like these above- great shoes, a great bag (especially when you’re wearing all white feel free to go bold with both of these pieces- I’m a fan of animal prints but color, pattern! Go crazy!). Or even your jewelry and sunnies. Another way to punch up all white? I love big, gold necklaces or earrings, or even an arm stack!
And sometimes your summer whites can be the statement. Off the shoulder. These pants are actually sequins (but work as a basic!). Of course there are so many statement whites- cutouts, minis, maxis, tanks, etc. While white may be considered a blank canvas, that really just means that it’s exciting-and you can make a summer white outfit what you like.
Yes, you can do all white in any season (even this retired southern belle will tell you so!), but there’s just something about summer that screams for white outfits. Pants, dresses, even shoes.
I would love to know- how do you do summer white? How daring do you get with it?
While this outfit is a few years old, I’ve linked similar pieces for you to play with below! Happy Shopping!
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!
Every year I do a round up of swim suits that I’m loving. And it’s not that there is not a ton of vintage swim out there that I’m loving, but I’ve been thinking a lot about vintage swimsuits, and how much I love them- from pin-up one pieces to swim sets.
There’s just something about a vintage swimsuit – the cut is impeccable, it can fit perfectly, and it makes water seem like an occasion. I love both of these above vintage suits for different reasons: the bikini as it’s perfectly fun, the one piece as it’s almost Bond like. The cut is so good in each I have dreams of wearing them on land!
It can feel intimidating to dive into vintage swim (pun intended), and that’s not just finding vintage suits at your favorite vintage dealer/shop. So, I’ve put down my top tips for buying and wearing vintage swimsuits!
Some tips on vintage swim wear:
-there are several sites that sell swim suits made from vintage patterns. They’re not vintage, but look and have the vintage feel. IF you want “true” vintage make sure you’re paying attention to tags, etc. If you only want the vintage look, these sites and stores are great!
-Shop by measurement, not size- vintage sizes aren’t modern!
-The cuts are different, don’t be afraid to try various cuts and sizes
-Play with color! Patterns! One of my current favorite vintage swimsuit gold lame, just because it’s vintage don’t be afraid to be bold!
-Have them tailored,most vintage suits are cloth without spandex which means they can be altered (and you can have the lining replaced)
-Accessorize! How great is this swim cap?
While these suits are a part of my personal collection (from Recess and AAVintedge respectively), I managed to round up some of my current favorite vintage swimsuits. Will I shop some modern swim this summer? Of course, but it never hurts to feel like a bombshell in a vintage suit.
What about you? Are you heading into vintage this summer? Do you love a good vintage suit? I would love to hear all about your swim preferences- both vintage and modern!
Hoping that your swimsuit makes you feel like a million bucks 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!
Loves! It’s a holiday weekend in America, which means it’s a sales weekend in America. All weekend all long I’ll be updating my sales picks in both the LTK and the ShopStyle apps (links to follow in the menu!). I’ll also be taking the weekend to regroup (this week has been a doozy) and plan for the summer- we’ll be back on next Wednesday with all the swim and summer style. In the meantime- these are the sales and things I’m buying this weekend. Come shop with me all weekend – and I hope you get the relaxation and summer prep you need!
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!
Target Swim
Get 30% off swim suits- from chic one pieces to bikinis at Target through 5/30. These are some of my current faves
JCrew
Get up to 50% off summer must haves at Jcrew with code SUMMER. These are what I’m currently shopping!
Madewell
Get 25% off everything at Madewell with code LONGWEEKEND. Sets. Dresses. Summer Denim. These are some of my faves:
ShopBop Designer Sale
Shop all the sandals, bags and summer style must haves at the designer sale!
Good American
Sign up for texts and emails on the Good American site and get up to 40% off on must have denim and more!
I hope that you come shop with me on apps this weekend, and I hope that you get all the rest and relaxation you need on this holiday weekend!
xo RA
Do you know that meme that states “have you ever looked around for an adult to handle the issue? The you realize you’re the adult? And you realize you need a more adult adult?”
That’s how I feel A LOT of the time.
Not that I’m not an adult. I work. I pay bills. I run errands- so many errands. Cook, clean, be kind to my neighbors, handle the trash and recycling, doctors, etc, etc. I adult (even when I hate that term and perhaps even hate the details of adulting).
Maybe it’s that as a creative (which is also a bit of a cringy term to any one in your life who may be pursuing a career in the arts- mainly as it opens you up to oh so many “tips” or “advice” that may or may not be welcome), it’s that any job that doesn’t fulfill your purpose fills hollow. Or maybe it’s that you may to have so many jobs to support your calling that none of them feel real.
I don’t know all the reasons- but I know that even at my over 30 age, I’ve never truly felt as if I’m real adult. I’ve never had a job where suits are required but I have a thing for suits. I’ve always had a pull to the creative side- but have had many day jobs. And even though I can handle a crisis, a baby, an aging parent, when things have happened, I’ve always wondered when the adults would show up.
And at every event I’m always surprised that I’m a real adult. One that could be in charge.
Sometimes a real adult that is in charge- with all of the issues that come with all of that.
Even though I’ve considered myself a “real adult”, I suppose I am. And even though you could argue that I’ve never had to dress “professional” at work, I’ve always be drawn to a suit or a set that would pass for any adult.
AKA Perhaps I’ve been dressing like a “real” adult, and have been one all along- even when I don’t feel like one.
Which begs the question- what is a real adult to you?
I’m not 100% sure what my definition of a “real adult” is, but I know that for years, it hasn’t been me. And- as I’ve realized that everything- my creative pursuits, my yoga pants, my suit replacements, etc- I’m slowly recognizing that I am an adult (a real one!) and stepping into my power. I’m still deciding what that looks like for me (because part of this journey is the realization that maybe there is no “Real” adult and we’re all just doing our best).
Yet, I still can’t help but love more “professional” separates. For example, this silk set would look great together, apart, with a blazer- and with any sort of briefcase. This set will allow you to go to after work drinks or dinner- be as creative as you like- but also lets you act and look like a real adult. Perhaps it’s the bets of both worlds. And maybe that’s what being a “real” adult is!
I’ve linked similar sets and bags for you below. These shoes are my beloved Perfect Sandals via Sarah Flint’s and you can get $50 off your own pair with code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESMENTPIECE!
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 know, I know, we all thinking that throwing in the towel is not a great thing. Because it means quitting. And we’re told that quitting is never great. But what if it was great to quit, to throw in the towel was a great thing?
Note- this is not me throwing in the towel on the blog. You’re still stuck with me! And my hope that things only get better from here. The only thing we may be throwing the towel in on here are bad outfits and things that make us feel bad. (at least fashion wise).
And while that may be a bad pun, or turn of phrase, that attitude is really what (or where) I’m interested in throwing in the towel. The world is different, we’re different, fashion is different- what if we just stopped doing and wearing things that weren’t for us? Not in a refusal to try new styles way, but in a when things aren’t right for us way, we don’t try to force them. Maybe it’s a throw in the towel on wearing things to please others, and we commit to our own style (the one that’s completely ours) and the things that make us look and feel good (because they are different on everyone). Wouldn’t those type of throwing in the towels be fantastic?
On a fashion note: this robe (dress) is made from towels. Vintage Milikan towels to be exact. This exact piece is from one of my favorite vintage sellers, Take Me Back Baby- you can find her on Etsy, Shop Thrilling and IG- all @takemebackbabyvintage! (feel free to reach out for direct links!) It’s the perfect thing for getting out of the water, and chic enough for any patio party. This dress is all that I want to live in for the summer- from the texture to the color, to the cut. You can find sellers making a ton of options out of vintage towels, Milikan and other vintage towels, and if you’re into more modern options Terry cloth is big this season. From tops to bottoms to dresses, Terry wears well, is comfy, and is so incredibly chic for the season. Maybe instead of throwing in the towel, we just clothe ourselves in them? That’s an option I’m open to!
What would be better if we threw in the towel on it? As the seasons change, I know it’s tempting to make our wishlists, bucket lists, plan trips- and I plan to do all of those- but this year I’m also thinking about what I could quit for the season. What things would make the summer better by leaving them behind? I can think of a few, and I’m sure you could to. So, as I’m making my lists of all the things to do, I’m going to be specific on the things I’m not going to do. And if I happen to throw in the towel while wearing a chic one, I completely call it a win!
Below I’m linking both vintage and modern Terry cloth options for your chicest summer! If you want help sourcing a towel item for yourself please reach out!
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!
