Category: shopping

Simple Lines

a woman's foot with red nails wand a red cage Sandal and black jumpsuit on stairs

Do you remember that line from school? KISS? AKA: Keep It Simple Stupid. It was for papers and reports- like don’t get too carried away. But it also works for outfits.

And I say this as someone who gets carried away.

All the time. And for any reason.

BUT. An outfit that speaks for itself? Where every piece is a statement and yet goes together? That is incredibly comfy and yet feels forcesful. Well. Let me recommend a tux jumpsuit with cage sandals (both of these EXACT products linked for you below!) This outfit is so simple on a first glance- or read. IT’s JUST a jumpsuit and some flats. But on further look it’s the lines, it’s the cuts. it’s the fits that make this “simple” lined outfit stand out!

a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit with red cage sandals

Maybe it’s the lines of the junpsuit. Down the leg. Or the chest plunge. Maybe it’s the pockets. OR these cage sandals. The across lines. The up and down lines. Maybe it’s a combination of it all.
(And yes, there are so many MANY ways to style this outfit-lines or no lines– perhaps layer underneath the jumpsuit. Hose with the sandals. Or add accessories like a necklace or floral brooches. SO many options with these 2 offerings!)

But the lines? The lines are fantastic. From shadows. To sandals. To jumpsuits. All of it. And all of the lines and all of the options. It’s almost like a grid and to make a great outfit you can mix in your own personal loves!

Below are linked these 2 itemsQ I also think that that any way you want to do these lines!
XO RA

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

A Subtle Dot.

a women in a black body con dress with subtle polka dots on the sleeves and back. Pearl accent shoes and earrings

Fun fact- but old news if you know me well- polka dots are one of my MOST favorite patterns. And apparently Monday was National Polka Dot Day (I think there’s some calendar that I am just not on- as celebrating my fave would not be something I would neglect!) In fact! I made a little video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ESAiOggFImk

And then I got to thinking. I have NEVER. EVER. met a polka dot I didn’t love. In any color. In any shade. Truly in any way- to me, a dot is a dot I love. And then: I fell in love (and was lovingly gifted by my dad for the holidays) this dot that is incredibly subtle. In fact, I thought there would be more dots. BUT. I kinda love that the polka dots are a bit subtle. Only on the sleeves and the back. Best seen in certain lights. You can be subtle with it (or if you want go BIG and pair with all the dots from hose to shoes to accessories that you LOVE!)

a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes

Ironically, while I appreciate this subtle dot, I often have a hard time with subtle. I can not pick up on clues- and while I am not by any means confrontational, I can blow by subtle hints. Likewise, my subtle hints are either way too subtle or way too over the top. But fashion? Fashion somehow I can be (and get) subtle! For example these dots:

-I love that it’s a take on the sheer trend
-Work approved but date night vibes
-You can put as many dot accessories with this as needed (pearls worked for me!)
-It can be subtle or non-subtle

The great thing about subtle: truly it can be whatever you need it to be. Take this dress. It could be full of dots. Or just a knit dress. Work ready. Or perfect for any night out. Show a lot-cover a lot.
In your face and bold has its place, but subtle? The possibilities there are endless!

How do you like your polka dots? How do you style them? And are you on this calendar with fashion days that I’m somehow missing?!?

I’ve linked this exact dress and similar shoes below!
XO RA

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

a woman in a black knit body con dress with polka dots on the sleeves and bacj

Mob Wife Aesthetic

a woman in a mink coat and big hair bun lounges on a blue couch

If you haven’t heard there’s a new micro-trend- Mob Wife Aesthetic. For those who are confused by the term “micro trend” it refers to a “small and fleeting trend usually started on social media”. Clean girl. Tomato girl. Those are a few that have come and gone in the past year. And now we have Mob Wife. While, usually I don’t adhere to these micro trends fervently- if I like parts of the aesthetic I incorporate them, wear what I have, buy what I like- but never go full in; I have to admit I’m loving the idea (and the fashion) of Mob Wife.

(Though here is a random and sort of off topic thought: I read somewhere that all of these micro trends- especially Mob Wife- talk and dress women as an accessory to men, or what a man does. I can’t stop thinking about that- and that is a completely different conversation. I don’t know that I love that thought- and we are all way more than an accessory. But I am loving wearing a lot of (faux and vintage fur!)

So. What is Mob Wife Aesthetic? It’s a bit of a response to the recent minimalist trends- as it’s maximum! It’s excess! Furs, animal prints, gold jewelry (and a lot of it!), heels, prints, corset styling. Red lips and big hair. Quilted leather and low cut dresses. Anything big. Anything on a mob movie (minus the organized crime). And a part of me is really loving it– and having so much fun with it! (which is a big part of what fashion is supposed to be!)

a woman in a leopard skirt with an off the shoulder top and black platforms and big hair
a woman in black strapless top and pants and a leopard corset in front of a rock formation
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a leopard print midi dress walking from a green hedge

Part of why, out of all the micro trends, I’m attracted to this one is the bigness. IT’s the fun. January is a month that asks us to give up things. From eating and drinking “cleanses” or diets challenges to spend less/not buy anything challenges, etc (and this is not me judging these, this is me making an observation), this month is often a sparse month. The weather can also be dreary. After the holidays, Jan is always a contrast. And while it may be a needed contrast, as we get to the end of the month a bit of fun, a bit of a lot is refreshing!

Another reason why I’m loving this Mob Wife Aesthetic? I’m getting to play! Mixing patterns and textures. Having fun with hair. A ton of fur and metallics. It feels a bit like playing dress up (my absolute favorite game!). There is no right or wrong way to be a mob wife. You don’t have to go big, you can simply indulge in a lot of jewelry or big jewelry or a fur coat. Wear all animal print from head to toe. Big platforms with big hair. Anything you want, as big as you want- how can that not be fun??

If you see me, there’s a chance my hair will be big. I might be in leopard prints. With fur. More than one necklace. Or maybe even a corset. Most importantly, I will be having fun- which to me is the point of the micro trends, and especially Mob Wife.

Are you participating in Mob Wife Aesthetics? How are you dressing for it? I would love to hear all your thoughts!

Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces that currently fit this micro trend! 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: #cheetah

The Only Faux is my Fur

Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The Only Faux is my Fur

We spout the phrase “fake it till you make it” as stellar advice, in both professional and personal matters. And I get it- faking it helps you get where you need to be. When I was in Los Angeles, auditioning a ton, a Casting Director told us to always dress nicely and carry an expensive purse, it would give the illusion (or faux appearance) that we were “busy and booked”. Thus making us more appealing (the wanting what we can’t have and wanting what other people want parts of psychology). If you’re feeling less than confident, people will tell you to fake it- act confident until you are. And it works! Acting like you’re happy, etc, is proven to make you more happy.
So, should we always be a faux version of ourselves?

I’m all for a dose of false confidence to help me become more confident, but I also want to be comfortable in my skin. I’ll give you the appearance of everything being perfect, but when I need to, I want to let people know what’s bugging me, or what’s wrong. And it’s not just me- most of us don’t like fake people (which I know can include a lot of behaviors), most of us don’t want a faux life. Do we fake it till we make it or do we be real?

And, I don’t have any answers. I think it comes down to discernment. Yes, faking it while making it is a great strategy, and yes you are amazing even when you’re not, and you can be real with people. Can both things be true? Why not?

The good news is that in fashion, fauxs are good- unless they’re knockoffs, which is a whole other conversation, so for the sake of this one? Let’s chat really, honest- the only faux is my fur.

investment piece: the only thing Faux is my fur

Do you have a strong opinion on fur? Or Faux fur? This is where I admit besides faux, I love vintage furs- especially my grandma’s! Vintage fur is a form of recycling, and while I don’t condone animal cruelty, the animals are long since dead. Real, modern fur? That makes me feel a bit more icky- or I should say my feelings are a bit more complicated. . So, I’m incredibly grateful that faux fur has come a long way. And I’m grateful that so many vintage furs are out there. This number? Faux! But it’s so soft and chic, and during the winter it keeps me warm and feeling like I’m making it, which is especially important when it feels dreary outside (and sometimes in!).

January, especially the tale end of the month, is really a fake it till you make it month- between the winter blahs, the feeling that maybe your resolutions were a bit much, the cold, and the yearning for spring. Is is possible that a faux could help us fake it? That by wearing something faux we could get to a real place? I only know we can try, and that a chic faux fur never hurt.

This faux fur is from years ago, but I found you some great faux and vintage fur pieces below (side note: these leather leggings are real, but faux leather can be amazing too! We can fake it in that as well!)
I would love to know what you’re working towards and how you’re faking it (or not!) right now!
xo RA

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: The only thing Faux is my fur

Slip Into Something More Comfortable…..

a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, a tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress,
a woman in ablue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat, and blue clutch
a woman in blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch

Slip dresses: a bit of 90s style, a bit of PJ style, a bit of spring style. I love them as they are so comfortable and suitable for lounging and nights out. But yes, they are often associated with warmer temps. Often paired with strappy sandals. We all know I live for a great juxtaposition- and love pairing the unexpected- so my big rebellion for this is to wear my slip dress in the winter. With boots. And a coat (it’s freezing!). The slip dress is still comfortable and just as chic- even if it’s unexpected.

Winter dressing, while I love the thought of it- and jackets, coats, etc – is always a bit difficult for me. As someone who’s lived mainly in warmer climates, my instinct in colder temps is to bundle up. And stay that way! A challenge I gave myself this winter was to get dressed during the cold- to be chic and comfortable and warm. Normally, in cold weather, the idea of slipping into something more comfortable has meant sweats- and how I am breaking that rut is by pairing items I love from different seasons with winter classics. Such as a slip dress with boots and a cashmere coat.

One of the best things about slipping into something more comfortable is that there are 1000s of ways to do it, and endless outfits to wear. Pairing this slip dress with these boots and coat made the winter seem a little less grey and it made me feel a bit more energetic. It also made my challenge a bit more fun! Styling my comfy (but chic) slip dress in a wintery way has made me look at all of my closet with a more thoughtful eye. What pieces could be used for more than one season? How I can be comfy and temperature appropriate while feeling stylish? What outfits feel as good on the couch as they do out?

I’m still playing with a lot of winter dressing– but I will say now when I need to slip into something comfortable I don’t just have to reach for sweats when I’m cold. And I love that! What do you wear when you need to feel comfortable? Are there pieces that you can style for more than one season?

I would love to hear all about it! And I’ve linked you similar pieces so you can slip into something more comfortable below! XO RA

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

a woman with red nails, a blue cameo ring and a blue clutch

3 in 1

a woman in a silk snake print shirt, black leather skirt, hose, brown belt and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt with a wide brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a black turtleneck sweatshirt, snake print silk skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms

One of the (many, many) reasons I always say I love a set? All of the styling options it gives you. You can wear the set together, wear the pieces apart, come up with so many different feeling outfits that the looks can seem endless. But. What if you’re finding an outfit formula that works for you? Or you’re traveling and looking to pack light? Or really love the feel of a look but don’t want to wear the same thing every day? A set is your best friend here too- as it can give you 3 looks in 1.

All of these looks are the same formula-skirt and top with hose and platforms. (If you wanted to you could switch up shoes and belts, but I wanted to show the uniform here!) Yet- from a sweatshirt to leather to the silk set, they all look different, for being a 3 in 1. I’m all for exploring different looks- and I do wear these pieces in VASTLY different ways, both together and separately. Yet, when it’s cold or you just want an outfit you can count on, it’s lovely (and a bit comforting) to know that one set can give you the same go-to outfit in 3 different ways.

(Note: This silk set is vintage Flora Kung. If you’re not familiar, Flora Kung was a Korean designer in the 1980s known for her pops of color, patterns and exquisite silk. You can find her pieces everywhere from eBay to Postmark and all resale sites in between. The silk in these pieces are such high quality but I find the prices on Flora Kung are incredibly reasonable. I got this set for $20!)

a woman in a black turtleneck, silk snake print skirt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snake print blouse and skirt, brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in a silk snakeprint blouse a brown belt, black leather skirt , black hose and brown suede platforms

Any of these 3 outfits would be great for work, or cocktails, dinner plans, or even just errands. I’m such a fan of a great skirt (it’s one of my go-to’s) and these easy 1 outfit formula feels fresh in every version. I love the mix of textures- silk and leather, sweatshirt and silk– and I’m a fan of hose (or socks) with open toe heels. Of course, the options, even for this 1 outfit formula are endless. Mix and matching, creating outfits, is something that brings me great joy– but I also know that sometimes endless options are overwhelming. With every set I have I love giving myself a go-to outfit formula that will work with all parts of the set. Mornings when I’m running late, feel as if I have nothing to wear, or need to change quickly- a 3 in 1 set/outfit formula is such a great thing to have in your back pocket (or fave bag!).

What are some of your favorite ways to wear your sets? Do you find yourself having an outfit formula for some of them?

This set is vintage, but I’ve linked you some similar options for all 3 in 1 looks 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!

Sales to Shop!

It’s a holiday (for some) but a great sale day (for all!). I hope that whatever this day brings you, you’re warm and feeling great about the year– and excited to treat yourself. From sweaters to fitness to home, these sales are what I’m shopping (and more options in the LTK and Collective Voice apps!).

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!

Extra 40% off at Carbon38
I’m such a fan of Carbon38. Not only do they carry chic workout sets (that also work for errands!), they carry so many pieces that will let you spend your whole day from gym to cocktails, polished! Get an extra 40% off all of these picks with code EXTRA40

Sweater Sale
Equipment is one of my go-to’s for silk- but they also have an amazing sweater game! And this weekend all the sweaters are on sale! Here are some of my faves!

70% off at JCrew
I’m loving the lady like options this season at JCrew. From crepes to iconic trenches all the pieces feel fresh and yet are classics that will last you for seasons to come. Get up to 70% off with SHOPSALE

Extra 25% off Sale
From designer to must have classics, ShopBop is a must shop- and this weekend get an extra 25% off all sale with code EXTRA25. These are some of my faves!

MadeWell Sale
Cult favorite denim, must have blazers, knits and more. Get up to 70% off sale at Madewell with code NEWYEAR. Here are my top picks:

I hope that whatever you’re shopping for you find it! And that today is full of rest and whatever you need! XO RA

Denim Does Denim

a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap
a woman in a denim shirt and jeans with socks, peep toe heels and a grey wool wrap

Something no one ever told me about getting older? The things that you once made fun of you will eventually do. Ok- I knew that about going to bed earlier, being more tired, etc. But outfits like denim on denim? Didn’t see that coming. At all. In fact, I used to make fun of a full denim look (am I the only one who grew up calling looks like this a Canadian Tux?!?) Now? I kinda love a denim on denim look- and in fact, think if done well, denim on denim is incredibly chic.

What’s most surprising (to me) about my (newer) love of denim on denim is that denim- or a more casual look- is really not my forte. Party dresses? Yes. All the party looks! Work out clothes? Yep. Live in them. Sweats? Ironically have those down too. Casual, or middle ground, is something I’ve always struggled with – see here, here, and here.

https://www.investmentpiece.com/shopping/jeans-and-a-shirt/
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap
a woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with socks and peep toe heels with a grey wool wrap

It’s not that I never wore denim- just that I always felt that denim needed a little something to look “special” or “done”. Maybe that’s why I love the denim does denim look- it feels like a set. Like a suit. It can be dressed up. It can be dressed up. But denim on denim feels like something. Something is what I can do, so denim does denim feels in my wheelhouse.

That’s not to be said that denim on denim doesn’t take some risk- or some planning. While I don’t think that you need to match your denim (washes, etc) EXACTLY, I do think denim does denim flows a bit better when the washes at least blend, mesh, or flow together. I also think that denim does does looks more like a set when the fits are similar (slim, oversized, etc) or when the top flows into the jeans (Ie. a corset top with jeans or like this one where the shirt could look like the top of a jumpsuit!)

a close up of jeans, purple plaid socks, black peep toe heels and the shadow of a fringed wool wrap

And of course-like so many outfits- what makes the look are accessories. From belts to shoes, jackets, jewelry and more! For this look, I wanted my denim does denim to be a bit on the simple (yet chic) side. I left off a big belt. My jewelry is simple. I leaned into the season by making sure I had socks on (because I love a great sock with heel situation and because it’s cold!) with my heels (of course!) and added a great wrap- again because it’s cold! There are a million different ways to style your denim on denim- but this happens to be one of my favorites.

Are you into denim does denim? What are fashion things you hated as a kid that you love now? And how do you style them all?!?

As always- exact and similar options are linked for you below! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affilate 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 denim shirt, jeans, socks, heels and a wool wrap

#BeltBag

a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt
a woman in a black turtleneck, camel blazer, black skirt, over the knee combat boots and a Gucci belt bag as a belt

Something happens to my brain when it gets cold and it’s like all my fashion sense goes away and all I can think about is being warm. Yes, what that may mean is that as the temps drop I spend a lot of time in sweats. And there’s nothing wrong with sweats- even ways to wear them fashionably! However, as I am slowly learning, sweats aren’t the only option when it’s cold outside. A formula I’m loving recently? A turtleneck, bottom of sorts (love the skirt here), over sized blazer (camel is a classic and I can’t recommend one enough!), boots (yes, these are over the knee combat boots from years ago. They may not be what you think of as a ME item- but I love them!). And my secret weapon- a belt bag (worn as a belt!)

This isn’t the first time I’ve dipped my toe into belt bag fashion statements (see here and here) so it’s not as if I’m new to a belt bag. But. I’m loving the belt bag as a winter staple- it goes with everything, is a chic way to keep my blazers and coats closed, and lets me wear any sort of gloves I need to jeep my hands warm! Any and every belt bag will do; I happened to fall in love with this vintage Gucci one (very findable on eBay and other resell sites!). And every belt bag can go with almost any blazer or coat. It’s the chic way to accessorize in a practical way- yet also while making a statement!

What are your go-to outfit formulas in the winter? And what are your feelings on a belt bag? As a statement or a staple? I would love to hear all about it! XO RA

While there are so many ways to use my simple formula to make endless outfits, I’ve linked similar options to this one 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!

Trend to Try: Column Dressing

a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings
a woman in black maxi skirt, black turtleneck, black mules and statement earrings

According to Dictionary.Com a Column is :
noun
Architecture.
a rigid, relatively slender, upright support, composed of relatively few pieces.
a decorative pillar, most often composed of stone and typically having a cylindrical or polygonal shaft with a capital and usually a base.
any columnlike object, mass, or formation:
a column of smoke.

And according to multiple google searches Column Dressing is: dressing in a single color, or dressing in the silhouette of a column (straight- be it skirt, dress, pants).
According to almost every editorial I’ve read- column dressing is the first big trend of the new year.

The great news? Column dressing is incredibly chic- whether you choose to dress in one color, or in.a column silhouette (or both! Like I did above!). The better news? Column dressing is incredibly easy- and I bet that you have the base for an incredibly chic, on trend outfit in your closet. From all black (or any other color) to a dress, skirt or pants (with jacket or top) that fits the silhouette. Just like that! You’re on trend!

The trick? Finding out how to make column dressing your own.

a woman in black maxi skirt and black turtleneck, mules and statement earrings
a woman in a black maxi skirt and turtleneck with mules and statement earrings

While the “rules” of column dressing are simple, that leaves so much room for personality. There’s no rule about what color the base/your outfit has to be. There are obviously some restrictions in the column shape- but even pants with a bit of flare, or a skirt with a train (a la here) work as long as they are paired with same color tops! Column dressing is incredibly minimalist, but within that there is so much room to play.

Surprising to no one, one of my fave ways to personalize a trend, or a column outfit like this is are accessories. Like belts! Or in this case- shoes and statement earrings. I usually choose heels, but I loved how the mules carried the line of color and silhouette. And these earrings (made by my friend Marie! Not a commission link but you can get your own at Marie Monsod at RecessLA) not only make a statement, but they have a column silhouette!

a close up of gold nugget earrings that have rhinestone a black turtleneck and maxi skirt and mules

Very side note: Usually I’m more of a “think about a trend before committing” but this one is so chic- and such an elegant way to ease into the new year, I couldn’t resist. Also side note- though I don’t deny this is column dressing, looking back there are several outfits of mine that qualify as column dressing- so perhaps we don’t even have to call it a trend if we don’t want?

Are you into column dressing as a trend or have you found that you already incorporate it into your style? How do you make your columns your own?

I’ve linked similar items for this column 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!