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Panicked

Investment Piece: Panicked

What a wild, wild week. We started with snow and I felt like everything was gonna be ok. Then the week happened- and while it was not bad, it was a lot. I shoot some looks, but ended up not being happy with most of the pictures we got, or the outfits, or anything. Which left me panicked.

That suddenly, I wasn’t good at outfits or my job. A jolt when fashion is something I love and like to think I’m good at. But,you know when you get a little panicked it can lead to a big panicked? Yes. That was me. I know that my panicky feelings were an overreaction.
(At least that’s what I’m telling myself. It was one group of pictures! And there’s so much going on right now, I know that my panic could be about so many things.)
But, sometimes panic doesn’t listen to reason (or fashion).

So, what do we do when we’re panicked?

Investment Piece: Panicked

Some general panicked advice? Breathe (in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4). An acting coach once taught us to look around the room and name things by their color instead of their name (i.e. If you see a clock you don’t say clock you say silver -or whatever color it is. This makes your brain focus and work different patterns and it calms you. I use it in auditions or crazy presentations- it helps!). There’s a tapping method that’s supposed to calm your nervous system.
I’ve also been known to panic shop, and while no expert will tell you this, I think it can help in certain circumstances.

Panic is a funny thing. I was so upset–and then. I wasn’t. Yes, in the meantime I made some tea and shut everything off and watched a comfort show (Schitt’s Creek). Maybe the acts or the time, but when I looked back at the pictures (yes, these are some of them), while they aren’t my FAVES (and I can name you a million things that I wanted to be different), they aren’t the WORST either.
Isn’t it weird what panic can make you think?

There’s a lot going on. And not all panic is bad- in danger it can give you strength, etc. Maybe the trick is learning to use our panic, and knowing when it’s lying to us, and then knowing how to get rid of it.
I love this collared sweater- and while perhaps different bottoms would have been a better choice, this shoot taught me some things about my camera and me. And now that the panic is gone, I can snuggle down!

I hope that this week you were kind to yourself. And loving. And if/when you were panicked you were able to find calm.
Xo RA

I’ve linked similar pieces and these jeans 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!

Get What You Need

Investment Piece: Get What You Need

Some truths about me:
I over pack and think nothing of changing my outfit a million times a day.
I believe in magic. And not just the Disney kind, but the kind that puts you in the right place at the right time for the right thing.
I’m obessed with snow. Like 5yo obessed.

Outfits I can do. Magic comes.
But snow? I live in Texas and California, I don’t get a lot of snow.

Then. Yesterday, we got so much snow! (Ok, not for real winter-y places, but we got over an inch. It stuck! It actively snowed for a long time!) Magical is the only word I know to describe it. I couldn’t stop watching it, playing in it, taking pictures of it.

Investment Piece: Get What You Need

All during the holiday season, I wanted snow. This was not how I thought it would happen. But this snow was what I needed.

And getting what I needed made me face some more truths about myself.
First- I have no idea what to wear for snow. I ran around in everything from sweats to fur jackets to my rain boots. If you live where it snows reguarly and you wear outfits- I would LOVE to know what you wear! I feel like I’ve been missing out on snow outfits!
Second- getting what you need is magic. How else can you explain events that come out of no where and refuel you? Re-energize you? Let you know it’s gonna be ok. Maybe it’s not snow for everyone, but those moments when the world just seems better? I hope that this weekend has one for you.

Investment Piece: get what you need

And,yes. Because of who I am as a person, part of my snow day did involve vintage sweater tights. I don’t know that they’re the ultimate in snow dressing–but I tried!!

What fed your soul this weekend? How did you get what you need? And–what did you wear??

Xo RA

This fur coat is vintage! (It’s the only way to fur!) I’ve linked some similar vintage finds and some modern faux fur options!

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: Get What you Need

Looking for Light

Investment Piece: Looking for Light

We’re through the first week of the new year, and yet doesn’t it feel like it’s been much longer? If you’re in the States it’s a lot right now. The pandemic is raging, almost 4,000 people are dying a day, and there’s been no national strategy to deal with the grief. On Wednesday, there was a group of domestic terrorists who stormed the Capital in DC. And on top of that, I’ve been sick (not a group issue, but in the middle of all the other issues it’s felt much bigger than my little body aches normally would).

There have been a few times when I haven’t know what to say here on the site, or how to deal with big events. It’s not that I don’t think fashion matters or that fashion is disconnected from the stories we’re telling. I do. And it’s not that I don’t have opinions or view points, believe me I do.
However, there is still a part of me that doesn’t know what to say- acknowledge all the things, go all in on the things, or ignore all the things and keep this space as a pure respite.
I know that there is not a right answer, but the balance has been weighing on me.

Investment Piece: Looking for Light

Part of the promise and appeal of a new year (for me at least), is the light. Not a chance to completely redo ourselves, but evolve a bit, and reach for the light a little bit more. All of the things – the pandemic, the riot, the sick? In it all, I’ve been wanting more light. Not the little kid version where things are magically ok (though if you can do that, I’m all in!), but the light where we actively turn and choose the good. Sometimes the light takes work.

I got a light set and backdrop for Christmas (I’m really excited about it). What I’ve learned so far? I can’t just turn on the light- I have to angle towards it, set up more than one, adjust to it. A metaphor? Here’s hoping. I have no answers for all the things that we’re facing, but know that we’ll need to work together and to work towards the light.

Be kind. Wear your mask. Face the truth. Take your allergy meds. And here’s to us reaching for the light.
Thank you for your patience for me while I find our voice in these times, if there is anything you would like to see in this space, I’m all ears!
Xo RA

This is where I feel weird-but if you want to shop these outfits, I can help with that!
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: looking for light
This dress is vintage but I found you options here

And here are some similar knits and skirts:

Fashion Stories: Holiday Pjs

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs

My family has a tradition, matching pjs on Christmas Eve. It’s the one “present” we can open early, we change into them right away, and stay up drinking champagne, laughing and enjoying each other. I know that we had matching pjs at different times growing up-there’s pictures of my sister and I in them- but this tradition has grown stronger as we’ve gotten older.

It’s currently one of my favorite times and things of the holiday season.

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs

This year has been- all of those things. (Are you tired of hearing about it? I am) Lounge wear, fancy pjs, all those things have been staples all year, so I’ve been worried that one of my favorite things would also be a causality of 2020. This time of year, when so much shuts down and in a “normal” time it’s fun to stay in pjs are we going to want pjs? Celebrate being in them? Or will this tradition be tossed aside in the coming years as we (hopefully) don’t have to stay in?

Investment Piece: Holiday Pjs

My family ordered our pjs. And though there are days when putting on real pants is noteworthy, I’m excited about them. Holiday pjs aren’t just pjs, they’re part of a story, a tradition, something bigger than just comfort. Though comfort they do bring.
The minute we decided on a pattern, I started getting excited. Maybe I’ve been more casual this year, but holiday pjs are a part of my holidays as an adult, and I’m glad that we’re still doing them.

Note-holiday or fancy pjs are a great gift to yourself, and would even be festive on Zoom!

This year there are traditions that have to change, and while change can be hard it can also be good. However, knowing that I can match my mom and sister is something I’m glad we’re hanging onto!

I’d love to know- what are some of your fashion traditions at this time of year? Have they changed?
Xo RA

If you’re in need of some holiday pjs I love these from Target (and you can order online, pick up in store so you can get them in time!)

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: fashion stories,

Celebrating at Home

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

Wanna hear a secret? All the cool kids have been celebrating NYE at home for years.
I love a crowd and a party and most importantly a party dress, but NYE out has never been my favorite.
The crowds are overwhelming, the lines are long, the champagne is expensive. One of the worst NYE I ever had? Someone puked all over my new shoes (which I still miss!)! Not something I want to repeat.

So. NYE at home. You get to be with the people who really matter. You get to do what you want- fancy dinner, take-out, games, movies, stay up all night, go to bed early, anything you like.
My fave? Movies, champagne, close friends, and food to fit the mood- we’ve had everything from charcuterie boards to risotto to brisket. At home NYE becomes a choose your best adventure.

And that’s in an average year. In this year- with the pandemic- staying home is where it’s at!
You’re keeping you, your loved ones, and your community safe- and it’s fun!

But just because you’re at home doesn’t mean the fashion stops!

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

Even when I’m celebrating at home, I like to dress. I’ve been known to come down in anything from gowns to sweats.
Another perk of being at home? You get to wear whatever you want and change whoever you need! Go through 3 outfits and 4 shoes! Mix super high and super low! It’s another choose your own adventure!

This year I’ve been attracted to clothes that look high end but wear like lounge, so I feel in love with this vintage like set from Mia Vesper (not an affiliate link! But they make the clothes from vintage fabric- they’re unisex and are divine. Well worth it!). The set will look great broken up (I can’t wait to wear the top with a camel skirt or black jeans, and a white tee or jean jacket with the pants!) but I love them together.
Fancy. Comfortable.

You could get that going out, but it’s so luxourious staying in. Especially when you’re wearing slippers that read as shoes!

This year I plan on being in this, eating and drinking to my content, and waking up to a much better year. What about you? How are you celebrating at home? And what are you wearing?
Xo RA

I highly recommend all of Mia Vesper but I’ve also linked lame and floral metallics for you 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!

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

The Wants

Investment Piece: The Wants

Normally, when I think about the wants, I think about my Wishlist (always have one, it’s usually always long). This year I keep thinking about the things I want to wear. On Monday, I talked about the Shoulds and all the things we may be feeling pressured to wear. Then I spent the next few days in this sweatsuit (which is my new favorite), and workout clothes.

Now, all I want to wear are party dresses.

Investment Piece: How to Sparkle

Is it a case of wanting what you can’t have? Or wearing things that you have no reason to?
I know that I can put on anything I want any day- there’s no fashion police to come and tell me to change, but I feel like I’m having a hard issue with the Shoulds and the wants this year because no outfit feels earned.

Investment Piece: The Wants

Does that sound crazy? Changing into silk lounge clothes used to feel like a joy after being dressed all day. Getting all dolled up used to be a change, and getting to see people in your clothes felt like part of the fun. Now, we get to decide the Shoulds and do what we want with the wants–and it’s actually amazing, but it can also be overwhelming.

I’ve spent the week dreaming of dresses and party outfits, but wearing sweats and pjs. There was a day when my look went from pjs to yoga pants to pjs. While the wants would have me in a gown, I didn’t make a move to get into anything resembling a “real” outfit.

Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: Warby Parker

So. What do we do when our Shoulds and our wants are all up to us? What do we wear? Especially at a time of year when things are festive and looks can add to that? How do we celebrate if we’re not celebrating what we’re wearing?

As a lover of both the party dress and the sweatsuit I don’t know. There’s no right answer, and the beauty of this time is that whatever feels good is ABSOLUTELY what you should be wearing. For me? I’m still figuring it out. Going to extremes. Wearing party dresses with UGGs and sweats with false eyelashes.
As long as it’s what I want in the moment, it’s not a bad outfit, has been my motto. Next week is the big holiday week, so we’ll see how long that lasts!

What are you wearing? What you want? What you should?

Tell me all about!
Xo RA

I’ve rounded up some of my fave current party dresses and lounge wear- for whatever we want and should wear!

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: Gift Guide

The Shoulds

Investment Piece: The Shoulds

There are a lot of Shoulds this time of year. What we should be doing, feeling, celebrating. Shoulds about eating and gifting and activities.
My least favorite of all the Shoulds?

What we should be wearing. I love fashion. And dressing up. And holiday outfits. For no reason at all, I will dress to the nines and I love all the sparkle, etc, that comes at this time of year. However, I don’t like being told that I should. As much as I love the holiday looks? I also love my sweats and relaxing, wearing what I want instead of what I “should”.

Investment Piece: Essentials

I thought that this year might be different. But it’s not. Even when we’re staying in, we’re being encouraged to dress like we “should” for the holiday season. Plaids, reds, sequins- I love them all! But is it that we want to wear all those things, or are we simply feeling like we should?

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Holiday Dressing

Would the holidays still be jolly if we dressed how we wanted? If you wore neon or sweats or your swim suit?

With everything upside down this year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Shoulds. Comparing what I really want to wear on any given day with what I feel like I should. There are days when I’ve come to the living room in one of my party dresses, there have been days when I’ve worn the same leggings that I’ve worn for the previous few days. On both of those days, I’ve gotten things done- even the holiday type things.

Like the Grinch discovering that Christmas isn’t about all the stuff, I’m playing with the idea that holidays aren’t outfit dependant. Not that I’ve changed some of my core beliefs- I still truly believe that fashion tells a story and your outfit can affect your mood.

BUT. I’m thinking about how the holidays are still the holidays when your holiday outfit is a low-key comfy number and not something you should.

Investment Piece: Cinderella

What are you wearing for the holidays? What do you feel like you should be wearing for the holidays? I love a great party dress, so even staying home I’ll probably put one on (for at least a little bit!), but I’m also be jolly in sweats. Not because I should, but because this holiday is one of cozy nights in.
I’d love to know all about your outfits!

I’ve linked some lounge wear I’m loving right now!

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!

Mad for Plaid

Investment Piece: Mad for Plaid

I know there are plaids for all different seasons–and in comes in all sorts of colors. However, to me plaid is the season of Decemeber. Maybe it was all the matching Christmas outfits, maybe it’s all the Hallmark movies, maybe it’s the scarves? I’m not sure, but all I know is that during this month I reach for plaid over and over. I think every plaid that comes across my feed is amazing and I dream of plaid pants and dresses and more.

The rest of the year? I don’t shun plaid but I’m not mad for plaid like I am in December. So, this month, when we all need a little joy,I’m leaning into all of the things that make me happy. Yes, including plaid.

From plaid pants:
Investment Piece: Mad for Plaid

To plaid dresses:
Investment Piece: Mad for plaid

To everything in between:
Investment Piece: Mad for Plaid
Investment Piece: A Merry Little Christmas

I’m wearing my plaid pjs on repeat and adding all the plaid things to my cart. What pattern do you associate with December? Are you leaning into it?

I’ve linked some of favorite current plaid offerings from all over 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: A Merry Little Christmas

Classics

Investment Piece: Classics

About this time every year, I begin to run around. I think I need more. I think the outfits have to be big-sequins! Color! Plaids! It’s like it can’t be the holiday season without big! Statements!

And there’s a time and a place for statements. And sequins. And big!

But it doesn’t always have to be the time for all of that. For someone who will tell you that classics and investment pieces are a part of your closet to invest in (sorry, I couldn’t come up with another word!), it’s always amazing to me how this time of year that I flat out forget about classics.

The thing is: classics can be big. And a statement. The most important thing? While they always look good, they’re always easy. You don’t have to over think them. Just put them on and go–and wow!

Black and camel (especially coats) are always my go-to’s. No matter what, they look elevated, they match, and yet they will get you compliments.

Even just running to the grocery store, it’s an outfit you can feel good in!

This year has been a doozy, right? (I know, I keep saying that, but trying to write/think/wear outfits without recongnizing that this year is not what we’re used to feels like I’m trying to pull over on you. And it’s not to say that different can’t be great, it’s just that this year is different. And it’s also aok for the transitions and loses and grief that we’re all going through to be hard!) Part of what’s getting me through are outfits that make me feel good. Especially at this time of year.

And yes, even this year, I’ll go big. However, there will also be more than one day that I reach for my classics- the tried and true pieces that I know will make me look and feel good. Maybe there’s nothing wrong with being reminded that you don’t have to go big, you can wear classics.

I’m sure that you have similar (of not these exact) classics in your closet. But if you need a refresh, or new classics, I’ve linked pieces like the ones I’m wearing below.

Let’s go big. And let’s wear our classics!

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!

Cyber Monday Sales

Loves! If it was a holiday weekend, I hope you had a good one! If it was a regular weekend, I hope it was a good one! And of course, now we’re on to the sales. I’m sure, like me, you’ve gotten a ton of emails since last week from every brand that you’ve ever interacted with, letting you know about every sale. It’s overwhelming (or maybe that’s just me). It’s part of my job to let you know about great shopping opprotunities (the irony) so I did want to round up a few of my picks. Of course the best way to follow all my sales picks is to follow me over on LiketoKnowit or ShopStlye. I also have small business picks there and over on IG!

It’s a lot. And if you’re not looking for sales right now, I get it. Wednesday we’ll be out of our holiday slump and back to our regularly scheduled programming.

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: Cyber Monday
Not the time or the place for the “are leggings pants debate” but Spanx has the entire site 20% off