shopping – Page 38 – Investment Piece

Bike Short Season

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Do you remember when bike shorts became a THING? I remember Princess Diana wearing them (and looking chic per usual) when I was little, but it’s only been in the past few years that bike shorts have become a staple and must have piece of my wardrobe. What about you?

Yes, this is another set. I’m not even addressing it because at this point, sets are just who I am.

Bike shorts? They are also quickly becoming a part of who I am. The only thing I want to wear for workouts lately, and what I keep reaching for after workouts- bike shorts are my new go to’s. From all sorts of colors to rises, to lengths. From wearing them with sports bras and sneakers to blouses and heels, maybe summer is now bike short season.

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

I’ll admit, I had some reservations about this set, as chic as it is. It’s white. And white (and tight) are a difficult thing to pull off. For anyone (don’t ever let any picture tell you differently). However, this set was just patterned enough (that metallic snake provides a bit of color and a bit of pattern and a bit of coverage- perfect combo) and the fit (high rise and oh-so flattering, they also hold you in!) that I couldn’t resist. I do feel like these make me run faster and my abs work harder in Pilates, but my fave way to wear them? With denim and cute sandals. (It’s a different kind of workout) This set was made for looks that don’t include sweat.

Maybe that’s why I keep going back to bike shorts. Yes, they are perfect for workouts in this heat, but they’re more perfect for errands, meeting up with friends, and summer outings in the heat.

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Do you keep reaching for bike shorts? How do you style them? I’ve linked this exact set (as well as what I love to wear them with) for your shopping pleasure 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!

Investment Piece: Bike Short Season

Here We Go Again: Sets

Investment Piece: Here we Go Again

If our patterns help tell our stories, what does it reveal about me that I keep going back to sets? There was one here on Friday- I can’t stay away. Part of it is that I love that you can wear each part of a set seperately. Part of it is that I love the look of matching. And part of it is simply that I love the ease of not having to worry about what to put on in the morning. Or afternoon.

Either which way, I’m wearing another set- here we go again.

Investment Piece: here we go again

When I first saw this set it made me think of the beach. Just thick enough, just soft enough to be everything I want to slip into after a day at the shore. The same is true for the pool. While I haven’t made it to the water yet, I have worn it on a car trip and for summer errands, and I can highly recommend it for both! You can dress it down with flip flops, dress it up with wedges, or wear it to lounge on the couch. The perfect summer set!

Investment Piece: here we go again

Perhaps my most fave thing about sets? They make me feel at ease. Like somehow they get me together. If you know me well, when you say “here we go again” about me, it usually means I’m getting passionate about something. Or in my feelings. I really want to be cool and mysterious, I’m usually not. But. Sets make me feel like I can be that cool, and together, and at ease.

Maybe what this set pattern lets you know about me is that I sometimes dress how I want to be, the most together or me. That’s a “here we go again” I’m happy to show off.

I’ve linked the exact short set (I’m in a size small here) and similar shoes below! If you’re a set lover like me I know you’ll love it- and if you get it I want to see how you style 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!

Investment Piece: here we go again

Perfectly Set

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

When I was little I couldn’t stand it if things didn’t match perfectly. My outfit, my shoes, my hair bow. They all had to go together. I didn’t believe in blending or “things going together”. I wouldn’t dream of mixing patterns like I do now (see here and here). And while I’ve grown a lot, there are still things I want to match exactly. Like sets.

You may have seen sets like this one (a crop top with a skirt) in a ton of spring editorials, stores, and IG pictures. I wanted one. And I found one that I loved! The color was a bit of a stretch for me (I don’t usually yellow) but it felt soft and spring! The cut would let me show off, and yet hide what I wanted to! I felt like I could dress it up, or down, and that for all my spring soirées it would be perfect.

I got the top. Turns out productions on the skirt was stopped due to the pandemic.

Investment Piece: Perfectly Set

Knowing that I can get tunnel vision when it comes to my outfits, and now knowing that I like things to match perfectly, you can imagine the pickle I found myself in. (Yes, I know this is such a minor problem, but have you been noticing that little problems are seeming really big lately? Me too) The thing is, I wanted this look more than I was worried about matching perfectly, so I took a risk. I’m a believer in vintage, and went to some of my vintage go-to’s to see if I could find a skirt that would match this top. This yellow number was one of the first I found. I risked it. Got it. And it matches, perfectly.

In fact, it’s a perfectly set match. Like I had planned it.

I’m sure that there are lessons here. Maybe to let go. To trust blending. That things don’t have to be perfect. I’m open to all of those. Maybe the lesson is just to go after what you want? Maybe the lesson is all of that.

Whatever you get out of it, I hope you find a perfect set in your future.
(I’ve even linked you some below!)

Me, I’m over here letting things not be perfect (or trying to) and matching things as best I can!
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: Perfectly Set

Now and Then: Denim Jacket

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket

A closet staple no matter the season? A denim jacket. I have at least 6. From more “formal” (if formal denim jackets are a thing) to personalized to short sleeved:

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, trend to try, embroidery, high fashion, CA, TX

Various sleeves, various shades, various types. I wear them with everything from dresses to my workout leggings. My denim jackets are the pieces I reach for time and time again. Recently I got an ad for a “new” denim jacket- oversized, short sleeved, just a tad destroyed. And all I could think of was all the different ways that I could wear it. The second thing I thought of? Whether or not I could find a similar jacket vintage.

One of the things I love about trends, fads, fashion in general is that things come back around. Styles that were popular when I was young are all of a sudden on trend again. (Yes, this is an excuse to hang on to all the things that you truly love) So, when there’s a basic (or a trend) I always debate to buy new or vintage. There are pros and cons to both- and in this case, fantastic denim jackets (with all the sleeves and embroideries and styles) you can find both new and vintage. Both now and then.

The only question is: what you find and what you want! Below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite denim jackets. Some are new. Some are vintage. All are chic and all are on trend. It’s just what you like- now or then!

I would love to know: how do you wear your denim jackets? Do you prefer to shop new or vintage?
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!

Uniform

Investment Piece: Uniform

My grandma (we called her Mimi) used to have a uniform. Not the school kind, and nothing that matched anyone else- but outfits that she would put on day after day. (The uniform was for running errands and being in the house, when she had events or places to be she would dress accordingly!) As a kid, I always kind of thought that the uniform was silly. I so enjoyed wearing new outfits day after day. But as an adult? I appreciate outfits that I can throw on for anything- the grocery store, post office, other errands, after a shower, to sit on the couch, and as a basic that lets me not think but look good.

My current uniform? A linen dress. Simple. Easy. But chic. And ready for anything. Errands? With sandals or sneakers. Dinner? A party? Heels. On the couch? Barefoot. I don’t have to over think this dress. And so I reach for it time and time again. Please don’t ask me how many days I’ve worn it in a row– but the answer is many!

Investment Piece: Uniform

The older I get, the more I see my mom and my Mimi in me. I can’t tell you how shocking that sometimes is to me. It’s by no means bad- I love the women who came before me. However, I was very much a young woman who thought that I knew everything and was going to be nothing like my elders. So, when it turns out that they had the right ideas all along? It’s both surprising, comforting, and a way to keep them with me.

Uniform dressing is truly something that has saved me over and over. When I’ve been tired or upset or in a rush or any of the multitude of things that I can be- having something to put on that feels like good has been priceless. I’m grateful that my Mimi showed that to me. I’m glad I’ve found this dress that I’ve already worn too many times to count- and that still feels fresh and exciting each time I wear it.

What are you wearing this Monday? Is it a uniform? And are you excited by it?

I’ve linked this exact dress and shoes below if you want to be uniform buddies!
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: Uniform

Silk and Shorts

Investment Piece: Silk and Shorts

Are you a shorts person? Like a real shorts person? I feel like at this time of the year (summer), shorts are everywhere. And it’s hot- they feel good. But sometimes I can hear my grandmother’s voice in head saying that women of a certain age shouldn’t show their knees.

Which is laughable. But when things are in your head?

It’s not that I don’t wear shorts- because I do. And I love them. From cutoffs to “nicer” pairs (like these crepe Bermuda ones).
I wear heels with shorts. I wear shorts formally. I’ll tell you that I don’t know about wearing shorts, but then I wear them in all the ways. I over-think wearing shorts, and throw on any shirt/sweater/swimsuit with shorts. It’s both a contridiction and a stable choice.
During short season there is one combo I love- pairing shorts with a silk (or silky) shirts. It’s a bit of elevation, sophistication, and makes me feel both classic and edgy, all at the same time. Pair with heels and a chic clutch? Perfect for any sort of summer soiree.

Investment Piece: Silk and Shorts

The trick with silk and shorts? Not over heating (sweat and silk are not a chic combo!). Not being afraid of color, mixing silk with silk (not pictures here), or even a patterned silk. This combo was a bit more stated (the shoes and the clutch- both bought vintage- do the talking) but it felt right at home at the outdoor cocktail party on this summer evening.

Though to be fair, an outfit like this would be just as at home on an early fall evening. Or day. Let’s not limit ourselves.

What I love about the silk and short combo is that while it works, it’s still a bit surprising! We (I) think of silk as a more dressy option, and shorts as more of a casual one. And yet- they go together.
How do you wear your silk during the hotter months? And what do you wear with shorts? I would love to know-especially if you wear silk and shorts together!
Xo RA

I’ve linked some similar options to this outfit 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!

Investment Piece: SIlk and Shorts

#swimseason

Investment Piece: SwimSeason

Every year I write about swim suits, swim season, and all the ways to swim. Maybe it’s because I’m a mermaid looking for her ocean (a joke I make to my family at least once a week), that I use swim suits as all sorts of fashion basics (see here And here, and that’s just for starters!), or maybe just because swim suits are such a big part of summer that I’m a firm believer that you should have a swim collection that makes you feel fantastic. Swim trends come and go- from one-pieces to bikinis. For me, the goal is never to worry about trends but to pick swim suits that I love and that go with multiple locations and outfits!

Investment Piece: Swim Season

A new swim I’m trying this summer? A swim dress. It’s not that I’m stopping with the bikinis or putting away all my one pieces- it’s that I’m open to new swim and this year it’s the swim dress. I’ll be honest, I always thought of any sort of swim dress as something for someone much,much, much older than I am. But. Maybe. I was wrong.

I stumbled upon this swim dress in target. It was chic. Versatile. Able to be worn to a party or in the water. And when I couldn’t stop thinking about it- especially when I realized that a swim dress was perfect for river floating (a big thing where my mom lives), and would let me be swim chic without a cover up at certain outside summer events- I was sold. Turns out swim dresses can be an incredible addition to your swim rotation!

Investment Piece: Swim Season

From the water to events, from one pieces to bikinis and now swim dresses- I’m such a fan of swim wear. You can find me in various suits all season long (alone or with pants/skirts/shorts/etc). I hope that you can find suits that you love, that you feel confident in, that make your outfits pop. I’m linking this swim dress and all sorts of swim suits I’m loving this season below. You’ll be seeing me in so many of them- in so many ways!

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: Swim Season

On the Fringe

Investment Piece: On the Fringe

It’s the weekend that “traditionally” signifies the beginning of summer. Usually one full of BBQs, pool side looks, and sales- it has also traditionally been one of my favorites. The end of school, the feeling of new beginnings, and a reason to be in a bathing suit! This year? I can’t resist going a bit glam. I’ve had a thing for caftans this past year, and this one- the fringe! That color!- makes me feel like a movie star. Maybe I’m just having cocktails by my baby pool in the back yard, but I feel as if I’m ready for my close up on the French Riveria.

That’s the power of fringe and a great caftan.

It’s perfect for covering up, parties, and shaking yourself into the new season. It’s also incredibly comfy and incredibly flattering, and incredibly fun. I can’t think of anything else I would rather be wearing this “traditional” weekend.

(A note: this turban is from Muaves, and that’s not a commission able link! This is my second turban from them- they come in both silk and microfiber. I wear them after showers, by the water, any time I don’t feel like doing my hair. They’re incredibly chic and make my hair incredibly easy to deal with-10 of 10 stars!)

Investment Piece: On the Fringe
Need me this weekend? You can find me by the pool wearing this fringe caftan and hoping I come off as chic as it is! If you’re in the mood to shop sales, I’ll be doing that as well! I’ll be posting my picks and the things I find on my LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle profiles, the best way to shop along with me is to follow me in those apps!

I hope that this weekend is the start of “new” season for all of us full of success and fringe outfits that make us feel fresh. What are you wearing?
Xo

Shop this exact caftan and shoes 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!

Summer Set-ting

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

Summer sets are some of my favorite things. Sets, in general, are some of my favorite things. They can be worn together, seperately- the possibilities are endless. And in Summer? One of the best things about sets is that they can provide instant fashion- get up, put them on, no thinking required. Sets are a form of self care in that they take care of your outfit while you take care of you.

This set? Knit. A bit preppy, just a hint of vintage (but it’s not), and it holds a bunch of Summer goals (or sets). Wear it for errands, or parties, or to the pool. Dress it up or dress it down. At a time when I’m Summer goal set-ting, this set feels like all the things I want to be and do.

Want more set inspo? See here, here, here, here, and here.

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

One of the reasons this set was so appealing to me? I’ve spent part of the past year watching a ton of old movies, especially Doris Day movies.
(Doris Day has always been one of my mom’s faves and I was raised on her movies. They’re light, fun, and full of the most stunning fashion. I highly recommend! And if you need a few titles to get you started, feel free to reach out!)
This set felt like something from one of the Doris Day movies I’ve been watching. A bit fun, a bit flirty, a bit functional. As I mentioned, the feel is very vintage, but it’s modern (I love it when that happens!). The fit makes me feel as if I’m starring in my own 60s movie!
Note: one of the last Doris Day movies we watched? The Glass Bottom Boat – details here– in it, Doris Day plays a woman who plays a mermaid to help her dad’s glass bottom boat company. There’s also some spy things, NASA things, and stunning costumes. But. I shot this look at a little place where there are glass bottom boats and there used to be “mermaids” who would perform in shows. Art influencing art? Art influencing our goal set-ting?

Maybe it’s all of the same.

What are your goals for the summer? What do you want to set? To wear? To be? To do?

I want to hear all about it!
Xo RA

I’ve linked some Summer sets for you below! Note- these are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Summer Set-ting

Swim Fashion

Investment Piece: Swim Fashion

In the next few months, you’ll hear a LOT about swim suits- which to buy, which are on trend, which go with the beach or the pool. I love swimwear, I know a bold statement as swimsuits are such a hard thing to shop for (the good news is that if you have a body, you have a beach body! Congrats!)

But. One of my most favorite and time honored fashion tips? Wear your swim wear as fashion wear. As in, more often than not, I wear my one -pieces as body suits. We’ve chatted about it and you’ve seen it:

Investment Piece: Summer SwimSuit guide
Investment Piece: Swim Fashion
Investment Piece: Bikini Days
Investment Piece: Design in the Wild
Investment Piece: Gucci
Investment Piece: Florals

Just for starters! You can also see here.

It’s not that I don’t wear one-pieces in the water, but I find that the one pieces that are special- patterns, cuts, etc- or the fantastic kind of basic- tube, etc- just make such great bases for outfits. They can make anything pop, from shorts to formal skirts.
My tips when picking a swim suit to wear as fashion?
-don’t be afraid to go big. From patterns to colors, this can be the statement pieces. It’s not a time to be shy!

-pair away. I’ve worn statement swim with cutouts and silk skirts. It will always go with jeans, but don’t be afraid to mix and match or think outside the box when it comes to mix your swim!

-Be aware of fit. If you’re going to wear a swimsuit all day, it needs to be comfortable. Straps. Torso length. This is a time to be super picky! (Also for using the facilities, pull to the side- it works!)

Investment Piece: Jungle Heat

I would love to know: do you wear your swim as fashion? How do you style it?
I’ve linked some of my current favorite one pieces for your shopping 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!