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Traditional Dressing

Investment Piece: Traditional Dressing

Do you find that there’s a holiday outfit you wear year after year? Yes, when we chat about holiday dressing I usually mean holiday dresses, but there’s a whole section of traditional dressing that I find myself reaching for and restyling year after year. And the common theme among all this traditional dressing?

Plaid pants.

I forget about them for 11 months of the year, but the holidays come and all I can think about are plaid pants. Every year I think I’m being creative and fresh, but then I look back: I wear them every year. With sweaters, tshirts, sweatshirts, heels, sneakers, and more. We chat a lot about my party dresses, but plaid pants are my traditional holiday dressing.

Investment Piece: Traditional Dressing

This year I did switch it up and get new plaid pants. However, thus far I’ve kept my styling fairly traditional. (Though I’m crossing my fingers a certain top comes in today so this coming weekend I can take this tradition in a new direction!)

Investment Piece: Tradtional Dressing

Plaid pants this year are from JCrew. I’m usually a size 0 at JCrew but due to the pandemic and style (I wanted them a bit loose) I ordered a size 2. They are a bit bigger than I expected- the waist has some elastic and they are wider cut than I was expecting. I’m happy with the fit, but if I were to reorder I would probably stick with my “size”.

Investment Piece: Traditional Dressing

Traditions can bring us comfort, can help us mark time, and tie us to our past while moving us forward. My traditional dressing does all that for me. The holiday season doesn’t seem to start until I wear plaid pants. And while my styling is similar year after year, it always feels like home.

Will I switch up my plaid routine? Of course, as I tell new stories. Do I love telling the traditional dressing stories I love? Yes.

What’s a holiday outfit you find yourself reaching for or recreating year after year? Below I’ve linked some of my current favorite plaid pants if you want to join me in traditional dressing with plaid!
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!

Investment Piece: Traditional Dressing

Holiday Dresses

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, lady in red, vintage, gown, fashion blogger, CA, TX

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, dresses, spring cleaning, high fashion, CA TX

When I was little one of my favorite things about the holiday season was my holiday dress. My mom would spurlge and usually I would pick out the prettiest dress I could find. I loved showing it off at church or family holiday parties, or yes, even when I was little I would wear my party dresses everywhere (school, errands with my mom). Nothing about this story is shocking, and not much has changed.

I still love getting and wearing holiday dresses- the choosing of one, the wearing of one, the showing off of one. Even when we’ve been inside with the pandemic. Even when I have no parties or events to attend.

As you know, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about why I love party dresses so much (see here and here for starters), and when it specifically comes to HOLIDAY party dresses I think I can finally articulate what it is that I love so much. Yes, it’s the hope. But for me- the holiday dress is how I know it’s finally the season. I do love a great party dress, but if I’m honest, I can get away with wearing sweats or my workout clothes, or chic lounge wear (WFH is a blessing and curse). So, for me, I think part of the appeal of a party dress- especially a HOLIDAY dress- is that they mean something. They represent our hopes and joys, they make things EVENTS, they mark my days.

I’m still into getting holiday dresses. And showing them off. This year I have a few more to share with you, and I’m so excited about them. Then in the new year? New goals- and more party dresses. I am who I am.
In the meantime, I’ve linked my current favorite holiday dresses.

Again, I would love to know any and all takes you have about holiday dresses, party dresses and the like- what you’re wearing, what you’re buying, and what you’re loving!
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!

Hostess Dress

Investment Piece: Hostess Dress

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of vintage dressing: mixing it with my modern clothes, wearing it alone, bring it back, wearing it forward. And a vintage piece that I’m a firm believer we should bring back in fashion (especially during this time of year)? The hostess dress. Part robe. Part party dress. (So already you know I love it!) Made to be comfy for when you’re entertaining at home (if you’re doing that vintage style I believe chic cocktails and big pillows, perhaps even a conversation pit, are all involved), but chic enough to be entertained outside of your house, the hostess dress walks the line between lounge and outerwear- and is all the more fashionable for it.

What I love about a hostess dress? The balance. For being both party dress and lounge wear, the hostess dress lets you be as cozy or as daring as you feel comfy (look at the slits on this one! Depending on what you chose to wear under it could be VERY risqué); yet, always appropriate for planned or impromptu drinks or dinners with friends. For this time of year what could be better?

For the record, I’m very aware that impromptu parties or guests may be a vintage thing of the past. Maybe what I love about the balance in this dress, and hostess dresses in general, is that you’re basically letting the world know you can relax while being charming and entertaining. Is there anything more chic than outfits or people who feel at peace no matter what they’re doing or where they’re doing it? I know I keep saying that this is especially true during this season, but what better holiday dress than one that’s equally perfect for champagne or the couch or both?

Investment Piece: Hostess Dress

This hostess dress (1960ish via TakeMeBackBabyVintage) with its slits- again, the versatatily with the styling there!- its quilting, the belt and collar details is what I’ve been living in on weekends. It feels chic even when I’m lounging (the whole point?) and I’ve worn everything from bike shorts to pants to leggings underneath. Heels, mules,slippers, even chic sneakers complete the look. Even if someone were to surprise me at the door I would be prepared- and dressed!

While this hostesses dress is vintage, I’ve found you a combination of modern and vintage dresses that will have you dressed as the hostess with the mostess (even if it’s only you on the couch!)
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!

Investment Piece: Hostess Dress

Blue Christmas

Investment Piece: Blue Christmas

Tis the time of year for holiday dressing. And if we’re honest, that usually means reds, greens, plaids, maybe sequins for NYE. I’m guilty of that as well. At this time of year it’s easy to adorn ourselves in the usuals- and to be fair, we look great.

But.

What if there was more to holiday dressing than just the Reds and greens, etc? What if a blue Christmas was exactly the thing that we need? (And while I love the song, to be clear, I’m not talking about the heartbroken kind, but the look amazing in a blue dress kind of Christmas. Or any other winter holiday!)

Investment Piece: Blue Christmas

The good news about holiday dressing? Color is encouraged. And dressing in color is always fresh and exciting (this is the part where I openly admit that I stick to black a lot- but that’s a different story), but when it’s always the same colors it can get stale fast. What I love about blue at the holidays?

It’s a bit unexpected. One know that you might be in red, green, plaid, black or sequins- while blue is associated with some winter holidays (like Hannukah), we don’t often seen party dresses in blue. While being “traditional”, blue is the secret weapon of dress colors.

Because it’s unexpected, when you’re wearing blue during the holidays you get to write the most exciting stories in it. From shining light on what others might not see, to standing out in a see of red and green, when you’re in blue at Christmas, you get to call the shots.

Me? In this slightly metallic, pleated- and oh those buttons- blue, I feel refreshed. Ready to be seen. A bit glam and a bit subtle. It’s vintage (very up my alley) but feels modern and new. In this Blue Christmas dress, I’m excited for the holiday- and excited for everyone to see this dress.

Have you worn blue for the Christmas season? What kind of stories did you tell in it? How did it make you feel?
This number is vintage, but I’ve found you similar linked below for your blue Christmas pleasure.
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!

Investment Piece: Bue Christmas

NYE at Home

Investment Piece: NYE at Home

There are many people in your life (me included) who will promote sequins at NYE. And sequins fit- they’re shiny and perfect to say goodbye to one year and hello to a new one. Nights out, the big parties that we’re “supposed” to have on NYE? They’re nice. And fun.

But, if I’m honest? The best NYE I’ve ever had have been at home. Either with small dinner parties, or movie nights, or date nights at home. You can have the best food, the best time, and stay cozy inside. It’s my one pro-tip for NYE.

Well. Actually, it’s one of two. Because if you’re staying in to have a great night, the outfit you need isn’t sequins. The outfit you need for NYE at home is chic pjs.

Investment Piece: NYE at Home

Chic pjs and entertaining at home are nothing new- have you seen the hostess dresses and nightgown vintage sets? Yet, when we chat about NYE outfits we rarely mention them. Yes, people talk about lounging at home- but I feel like it’s rare to talk about the chic pjs, the ones that absolutely are statement outfits, the pjs that you should invest in.

Investment Piece: NYE at Home

I’ve always been a fan of wearing my pjs out in the world (when they’re cute there’s no reason not to show them off! See here for starters), and especially on a night when you may be entertaining chicly at home there are so many pjs to choose from. From feathers (the black set listed below might be my NYE outfit this year) to kimonos, slip dresses (which almost don’t count as pjs) to silk sets. All any of these need is a stylish heel and you’re set to entertain- or at the least, drink Champagne on the couch!

Chic pj sets are something that I truly love, just because of the versatilality. You can wear them as outfits, or in bed. Entertain or cozy up. Wear the sets separately or pair with heels/Blazers/etc to make a true “outfit”. And as much as I love sequins, and the parties, and events- at heart I can be a true homebody, so these chic pjs for a NYE at home are right up my alley.

Investment Piece: NYE at Home

I hope whatever you do on NYE you have a ball. But no matter the plan, might I interest you in some chic pjs? For NYE at home, or out on the town, I may have found you the perfect lounge set to wear!
Xo RA

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

1930s Style

Investment Piece: 1930s Style

As someone who LOVES vintage, who shops vintage, who mixes her vintage and her modern wares- I have to let you know that there are times that I fall in love with the styles of a certain decade. Right now? For me? It’s the 1930s. It all started when I watched The Awful Truth one afternoon with my mom on TMC.

It’s about a couple who aren’t *quite divorced* who sabatoge the other’s new relationships. The move is so funny and fun and a romp- but the fashion. OH the fashion!

When I saw Irene Dunne’s wardrobe I knew 2 things- I needed new palazzo pants, and tops with peplums. I’m still searching for the perfect palazzo pants, but I was lucky enough to find this 1930s top on Etsy. Silk-satin with the perfect peplum.
-I have to admit, the rest of this outfit is modern. The pants? Commando leggings with a chic front slit- not quite palazzo, but a great balance to any peplum. The shoes? Sling backs in a color I NEVER thought I would love, but it reads both modern and vintage- and I love the slight platform. I paired them with slip clips in a deco nod.
And all together? It feels like a vintage holiday (and I love that it’s unexpected and no red to be found). All the things and details I love about the 1930s (yes, I’m still over here adding to my 1930s collection. What decade are you living right now?) and yet, it’s very chic and modern. (And any time we can make leggings a chic part of look-especially a holiday look- I’m a fan. What couldn’t you do in these?)

Did my love of the 1930s lead me to the perfect holiday outfit? Or is it that the holidays call for a 1930s look? The more I fall in love with the fashion from this decade it’s hard to tell. Maybe it’s both?

I’ve linked both these details and my current fave 1930s finds for you below. If you’re a fellow vintage lover, I would love to know- do you love the 1930s? What about it? And how are you dressing 1930s for the holidays?
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!

Shop the modern details here

Shop 1930s picks:

Investment Piece: 1930s Style

To all the Parties…

Investment Piece: To all the Parties

It’s officially the “holiday” season, aka party dress season. I’m sure you’ve heard me say how much I love a great party dress (or look), and a whole season where you need an excuse to wear a party dress? How could that not be my favorite?

(I know that the holiday season is about so much more than party looks. The hope, the joy,the love, and the time with people you love- all of the is real meaning of the season. The parties (really, for me, the party dresses) are the star on the tree. But if you really enjoy party dresses, it’s a great time!)

Investment Piece: To all the parties

Wanna know a secret? I don’t even go to that many parties, especially in the past few years, but I can’t stop buying and wearing party dresses. I’ve been this way since I was a baby- always in a party dress, may not be at a party. What is it about party dresses that I love so much? I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. In a year where all of us could be in sweats all the time, I kept buying and wearing party dresses (some of the time. I also wore-and still wear-my fair share of sweats). And when you’re buying things that you might never need, and then you wear them (even just around the house or grocery store), those things have to have a special meaning to you.

So I’ve thought about it. Gone through my party dress collection. Worn sweats. Changed into party dresses. Changed back. Thought about things (and my outfits) some more. Finally, this is what I have on why I love a party dress (look) so much:

It’s the hope. To me, party dresses are a physical way to express and wear hope. That anything could happen. That your dreams could come true. That the life you want is here. I’m aware that all of that is ALOT to put on a party dress- but I don’t think I’m wrong. Yes, party dresses are fun, they may show off your best assets, or maybe they just make you feel joy. Isn’t that part of the season? The joy, the hope? And if a dress can bring that to you? Why not?

To all the parties (dresses), indeed!

Investment Piece: To all the parties

What do I love about this party dress? It has that classic, vintage feel but is modern (I got it at Anthropologie,it’s currently sold out but I did find similar items for you!). It’s fun – everyone loves to twirl in tiers. Also? I love the color! Yes, this pink, the gold- it’s winter holiday appropriate; but, they also work for any other time of the year. Because hope and joy aren’t limited to this time of year.

Why do you love party dresses? What do they make you feel?
This dress reminds me of vintage Missoni so I found you some, as well as some other similar dresses!
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!

Investment Piece: to all the parties

The Stress

Investment Piece: The Stress

Has it hit you yet?

If you’re in the States, there’s a great chance you’ve just survived Thanksgiving (with or without family), and the planning, shopping, eating, and people have left you exhausted. No matter where you are, the winter holidays are coming, full force. The sales have started. I woke up to an inbox full of invitations to sift through. And while none of this is bad, and I’m grateful for it all- it feels like a lot.

Maybe it’s that the lockdown took the social sense out of me? Maybe it’s that things are moving too fast? Maybe it’s that the holidays always feel a bit insane and I’d just forgotten it?

I have no clue. Truthfully, it’s probably a bit of it all. All I know is sometime on Friday, the stress hit. Not the average “I have a lot to do stress” (because yes, that), but the “I have a lot to do, and should give a lot, and places to be, and feel this pressure for it all to look and be perfect” stress.
Am I the only one who gets it?

Investment Piece: The Stress

Holidays can bring with them their own brand of stress, and their own pressure for perfection. (This is where I remind us-me- that perfection is not a thing, but this is one of the times of the year when PERFECTION feels like a requirement. Hence the stress) And while I thought I had mentally and emotionally prepped for the stress, and the outfits (see here), it turns out that there are times when the stress is unavoidable.

If you’re reading this there is a high chance I’m stressed about in no particular order:
-the work to be done
-the work completed
-the decorating for Chrismas
-the present shopping
-my shopping
-my pop-up weekend
-letting down people I care about
-letting done people I don’t care about
-finishing the library book I’m loving but don’t have enough time to read
-taking time to read the library book I’m loving but feeling like I should be working or decorating or something
-how Thanksgiving went
-how Christmas should go

Given the chance, I could go on about my stress all day. And the thing is- I know so much of this doesn’t matter, or has easy solutions. Yet. I can’t help but feel the stress.

Investment Piece: The Stress

What do you do to deal with stress? Currently, I’m working out and trying to read (but see above). I’m either wearing some sort of sweats or am dressed to the nines. To combat it all, I’m trying to come up with outfits that calm me down. Yes, I’m one of those whose coping habits is planning outfits. So, a cropped pant with a sweater (with it’s twists) and statement shoes? This outfit can’t shop and decorate and meet deadlines and make me feel like I can breathe easier. But. It does make me feel better about the day. And what to wear.

These shoes are vintage Prada. The other pieces are from seasons past. But, if you need some stress relief I found you similar items. And if I do say so myself, outfits like this make stressful days seem less stressful.

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!

Shop similar here

Cyber Week Sales

Is it me or do the sales start earlier and earlier each year? This year? I starting getting the sales emails last week- which in a way I love! Early and long sales give me a chance to budget, really think about what I want/need/need to gift. However, more and more sales also make me feel like I SHOULD be buying it all (which I’m not against! But isn’t always realistic).

So, I’ve developed a strategy to shop all these sales. As you may know, I keep a running Wishlist and “what I may need” list; when the sales start hitting the first thing I do is see if any of my lists and the sales overlap. If so- the shopping is easy. I also take a day or two to really “shop” the sales. See what I like. See what I still like after a day. Then, I buy- after all the thinking and scopping out I do.

What’s your cyber week sale strategy? Might I recommend following me in the @LTK and @shopstyle apps? I post sale picks (and outfits) daily, and there are several sales that have extra discount in the apps!

In the meantime, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite current sales picks. Take a look, take a think, and then happy Shoppping!

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

Madewell
Madewell has some of the best denim and bags. This week they’re all 30% off with code OHJOY. And in the LTK app you can get $15 off $75 with code LTKCYBER. Here are my picks:

OutDoor Voices
I absolutely love my exercise dress from Outdoor Voices, that and more were markdowned early and are now 50% off:

Elemis
Up your skin care routine with Elemis (high end ingredients and so luxe!). The entire site is 30% off and you get a 5 piece gift set with orders over $125 with code CELEBRATE:

FarmRio
I love the colorful patterns and whimsical designs of Farm Rio- and get an extra discount on sale with code SUPER25:

I’m starting with these sales, but will be updating my picks daily in the apps. I hope that you find what you wanted, what you needed and great gifts during these Cyber Week Sales!

Xo RA

Thanksgiving Outfits

Investment Piece: Happy Thanksgiving

I’m a football fan, and there’s a phenomenon called “playing ahead”, it’s where a team gets so focused on an upcoming opponent that they “forget” about the team they’re playing the current week. In football it can lead to losing games you “should have” won. While we might not chat about it, I think it happens in fashion too. Though, for outfits it’s not so much that you “lose” a game, it’s more that you get so focused on what to wear later that you forget about the outfits you could be wearing now.

Aka, I get so caught up and excited for all the party dresses that the holiday season brings, I forget to think about what to wear on Thanksgiving.
And I like Thanksgiving. It’s objectively one of my favorite holidays: the food, the merriment, the way you can make it what you need (from Friendsgiving to a big deal to low key eating pie!).
So, why can’t I remember to outfit plan for Thanksgiving?

Investment Piece, high fashion, blogger, gopurplefriday, Mary McFadden, CA, TX

And it’s not that I forget every year. There have been years when I have had plans that involved outfit planning. A few years ago, my family and I were doing a feast at hotel and I wore the above purple dress for Thanksgiving. I planned it out, got excited, and made my sister take 1000s of pics with me as my family and I were grateful someone else was cooking.

But, so many years I’m at home- or my parents home. We make plans but I forget to think about an outfit in advance. Or even an outfit as a statement. I get SO excited about all the party dresses to come, that often when it comes to Thanksgiving, I’m simply in leggings, or a simple skirt and shirt (which you can never go wrong in).

Investment Piece: Thanksgiving Outfits — Simple leggings with a button down

Investment Piece, fashion, style, Jcrew, how to, Ca, TX — Skirt and top

If I’m planning my outfit the morning of Thanksgiving (because if we do have big plans I do tend to think about what I’m wearing) I usually think about a few things while getting dressed:
-looking good but being comfy (especially as at some point at home we migrate to the couch for football and pie!)
-something I can cook in
-something I’m not embarrassed for pictures in (because I somehow always take a picture!)
– sometimes I add a statement item (because I’m always grateful for my closet)

What about you? What do you wear to Thanksgiving? Do you plan out your Thanksgiving outfits? Do you dress up or keep it casual? Please tell me all about it!

I’ve linked some pieces that I’m thinking about (or similar) for Thanksgiving below, from chic lounge sets to holiday dresses!
Xo RA

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