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into joy

Investment Piece: into joy

Joy is a revolutionary act. Joy is just as necessary as anything else you’re doing at the moment.
So. How are you diving into joy right now?
There are so many big ways to find joy, so many small ways.
These are some of the ways I’m diving into joy right now:

– yes. I got a little (toddler pool). We’re re-doing our back patio to have a nice seating area, and this little pool is one of my favorite things. I fill it up almost nightly. Sometimes I just put my feet in, sometimes I get in. It’s the best thing!

-Playtime. I’m friends with the little girls down the street (5 and 3 YOs). At least once a week we get together: we race, play tag, play pretend (including fashion show and parade), sing, and read. It’s balm. They also remind to me play. To do art that no one will see, be goofy. To be with my friends how I can. And throw myself dance parties occasionally.

– Summer rompers. I resisted this one, as I have to admit rompers and I aren’t usually friends. I’m super long waisted and tall- so they often don’t fit me well. This one? Was perfect. I sized up from my “regular/go-to” size and it fits excellently. It looks tailored, but not too tight. It’s pulled together, with room for fun. Isn’t that what summer is supposed to be about? Also, I can never resist great shoes and great hats–they are my forever joy.

As the days get longer, we can get lost and bogged down in the heat. Joy is important and it’s worth making time for, it’s worth making a priority. However big or small the joy is, I find it informs the work.

What are you doing to dive into joy?

I’ve linked this romper and shoes, as well as similar options!
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: into joy

Summer Sleeves

Investment Piece: Summer Sleeves

How are you currently making statements right now? What are you making statements about?

There’s a lot to be said, and many ways to say it. There’s a lot going on- the fight for social justice, the pandemic, the fears about the economy. You may find your voice is loud in the streets, on social media, or among your friends and family. All are valid. All are needed.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my voice, having to acknowledge that I have a lot of privilege, and that it’s my responsibility to use both of those things to ensure a better world for all of us. I’m still navigating how to best communicate all that, and what we all need to be consuming here during this time. (Suggestions? I’m open!)

Investment Piece: Summer Sleeves

I keep going back to fashion. Not because I think it “has the answers” or because I want to change the subject. Because fashion is how I tell my stories. When I get dressed, when I plan an outfit it’s as much about what I want to say as it is about what I wear. Sometimes I shape the outfit, sometimes it shapes me.

Take statement sleeves. On just a surface level-this is a perfect summer dress. It’s dressy enough for any (backyard?) soiree and comfy enough for naps. It makes statements and is detailed. The smocking. And those sleeves. In fact, if you look at our fashion offerings this year there are a lot of statement and puff sleeves, they’re summer sleeves. And while they are cute, on a deeper level maybe they are perfect for the moment.

Statement sleeves aren’t afraid of their message. Or standing on their own. They won’t argue their position with you, they just are.

This dress was perfect for a lovely summer evening. But it also reminded me that right now is a time for me to be like my sleeves: unafraid of a message, standing up for what I believe, and a bit bold.

Cheesy fashion analogy? Maybe. But as I work to find my voice, it worked for me. What works for you?

I’ve linked both dresses similar to this, and books I’m finding illuminating right now.

Let’s rock our summer sleeves 😉
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: Summer Sleeves

Easing into It (AKA Slippers with Everything)

Investment Piece: Slippers with Everythign

What are you wearing to get you through the day? Are you staying in pjs? Rocking yoga pants? A mix of “fancy on top/casual on bottom”? Going all out? Or, like me, are you easing back into things?

I’ve been in a rut lately. While at the beginning of lockdown I found it easy to get dressed, the longer we’re inside, the easier it’s been to not worry about what I’m wearing.
Which taught me a lot.
Mainly that I miss my clothes. And that I still think in terms of what I can wear things to, and how to style different things!
And, I do love my yoga pants, but as things have been feeling kinda stale over here, I decided to challenge myself today. My goal: get dressed, feel comfy, but look good. No need to go overboard (you won’t see me in a gown), but let’s get back to getting dressed. Ease into it.

Investment Piece: slippers with everything

I discovered that in all my worry about what to wear lately that I’ve been overlooking a very important truth. Slippers. They’re comfy, essentially a part of pjs, but can be incredibly chic.

Paired with what might be the perfect white pants (wide legged, just enough structure, but oh so comfy) and a summer sweater (this is technically “menswear” aka I bought it in the men’s section for me, but it’s also the perfect summer sweater. Just sexy enough, but also just a great sweater!), slippers here make me feel like some sort of vintage hostess (while sipping champagne) and remind me that I don’t have to rush to wear everything. And that I can easily mix my pjs and my “real” clothes.

There’s a lot happening right now, even though we’re at home. Easing sounds good, doesn’t it? Let’s start with our slippers 😉

I’ve linked similar items for your easing below.

Happy Friday!
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: Slippers with Everything

White Hot

Investment Piece: White Hot

What do you wear when the temps go up? Shorts? Bathing suits? White? Crop tops?

I have a confession: I think there are different kinds of heat. When I lived in Los Angeles full time there wea a dry heat: a heat that cooled off but still called for breathable fabrics. And yes, it’s a city you can wear white pants and shoes year round, but the summer gives you an excuse to!
Texas, where I’ve also lived, can have unbearable heat. Humid. Over 100. (There are good things about Texas I promise!) BUT it does have the kind of heat that makes you need to get away. The kind of heat that can be hard to dress for-the only thing that feels ok is swimsuits.

What do you wear for white heat?

I’ve gone back and forth between the two places for a while, though I’m quarantining in Texas. And it’s already hot here in Texas. As in I’m praying for rain and grateful for AC hot. I’ve been cooling off with a little pool in the backyard, but there are times when I have to “dress”. My solution for white hot temps? A white hot outfit. Linen tops (a crop/tie top works here but anything will do!) Shorts. (Anything that feels cool really). And then, the pop- white heels. These are a bit special and graphic-but a formula that works. (And it’s after Memorial Day-there’s no excuse to not wear any kind of white while all of our Southern grannies would approve)

So.

What I’m wearing for white hot temps: some sort of cool shorts. All the linen. All my white.

What about you?
X0 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: White Hot

Solo Samba

Investment Piece: From then to now
Investment Piece: Solo Samba

Remember going places? Remember getting dressed to go places?

Even for a food truck, there were times that I could make an event out of an outfit. I won’t say I don’t miss those times, and hope that one day we get back to them (safely).

However, there is something to be said for solo outings. Sambas, if you will.
(I can’t help it, this outfit combo has always made me thinking of sambas and shaking and all the things. Yes, even in a food truck park)

Investment Piece: Solo Samba

Maybe we all wish things were different, but it turns out there are HUGE perks for doing things solo. Or at home.

– you can be more free. In what you wear! (Really, wear the gown that you couldn’t if we were at a dive bar, wear sweats. Or nothing but a bikini!) In what you eat and drink! (You’re not driving. And we all have a food combination that grosses other people out. This is the time to indulge!)
-You can samba. Whenever you like. In my house I’m known to have mini little dance breaks, shake it while I’m doing the dishes, and in general do things that I would NEVER do in public. Yes, there has been more than one solo samba at home during these times. But I can! So why not? It’s not like many people can see you (and I’m all about grabbing joy where and how we can!)
-You can try new things. No one is there to judge or pressure. And if you don’t like it? You try something else. From shows to drinks to food to outfits, this is the time to experiment.

Do I miss samba-ing in public? Well, I don’t know that I ever have. But. A great outfit full of summer staples (white pants, wrap tops, and earrings and sandals to match) is my way of samba-ing. And yes, there are times when I miss the public part of showing off my outfits.

But. There are things I’m learning to love (and will miss) about getting dressed and samba-ing solo during quarantine.

What about you?

I’ve linked similar items so you can re-create this samba ready look wherever you are!
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: Solo Samba

For the Birds

Investment Piece: For the Birds

Loves, we know that I love me some swim suits, and have no problem wearing them as “regular” fashion. (Reminders: Leather Swim, Vintage Swim, Bikini Days, Swim Cape, and if you’re still looking for a great swim suit check out my Swim Round Up). Well, it seems like my problem has expanded to all things swim: now I’m wearing swim cover-ups as “regular” tops. And I’m not the least bit sorry about it!

This Mara Hoffman (one of my fave designers, she’s ethical, sustainable, and her pieces are chic and versatile!) swim cover up has quickly become a favorite for the summer. I’ve worn it to the pool, over shorts, over skirts–but love it with these side slit pants and lace up pumps. It’s the perfect combination of flowy and structured, cover-up and showing. It feels very elegant , but is perfect for the heat as it’s such a breathable outfit! We know I’m a big fan of juxatipositons, and this hits all the right notes!

Investment Piece: for the Birds

Most of us think of Investment Pieces as pieces that cost a lot, however, I would add to that definition: an investment piece is any piece that you can get a ton of use out of! I can think of no better expample than this stunning birds top: from pool side to date night, it’s got you covered (literally).

Note: It does come a little far down on the side so if you’re worried about your bra showing, make sure you adjust or use fashion tape to keep the top up!

XO RA

This swim cover up is from a few years ago, but I’ve linked you similar below, as well as some current Mara Hoffman I love!
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 my picks here!

Investment Piece: For the Birds

MDW Sales PT 2

Loves! I spent yesterday relaxing, watching classic movies, I went for a hike, and I perused sales for you! This is another round up of what I’m loving, as always the ‘My Looks” tab to the right is full of more!

This Memorial Day I hope you find some peace, some time to relax, and I appreciate you shopping with me!

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: MDW sales
Sandals for summer might not be groundbreaking, but these are all an extra 30% off with code MEMORIAL30 and I love that!
Shop my picks here

Investment Piece: MDW sales
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been living in my lounge/workout wear. These picks are chic and up to 80% off. Shop Here

Investment Piece: MDW sales
Get an extra 40% off sale at Kate Spade with code SUNNYDAYS. These are my picks!

Investment Piece: MDW Sales
I love a great summer dress, and love a great sale dress more! These are the perfect combination. Shop Here

I’ll be shopping today-if you want to join me I’ll be posting in the LiketoKnowIt and ShopStyle apps!

Stay safe and healthy out there! Xo RA

MDW Sales

My loves! Does it feel like a holiday weekend? It’s different this year, and that’s ok. Hopefully there are some good different bits- more rest, more peace, more health. One thing that’s staying the same? It’s a big sales weekend. While I am spending time this weekend resting and being offline, I couldn’t help but shop a few sales. I’ll be rounding some of my favorites up today and tomorrow here, but I’ll be updating so feel free to check the “My Looks” and “Shop my Site” tabs (or follow me on the LikeToKnowIt app for my “up-to-the-minute” picks.

In the meantime, I hope this weekend is peaceful and full of love! Thank you for shopping with me!

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

Investment Piece: MDW Sales
Swim and Sandals are an extra 60% off-let’s summer chicly (even if we’re only in the back yard!)
Shop my picks: here

Investment Piece: MDW Sales
It’s officially white Jean and shorts season. And these picks are 40% off with code SUMMER.
Shop here

Investment Piece: MDW Sales
Get an extra 40% off all sale at Intermix, no code needed!
These are my picks!

Investment Piece: MDW Sales
Get an extra 60% off sale at Current Elliot!
Shop my picks here

Happy shopping! There will be more sales posted tomorrow, as well as updated in app! In the meantime, I’m going to go pretend my backyard is the beach!
Xo RA

Essentials

Ever since we’ve entered the isolation part of the pandemic, I’ve been thinking a lot about essentials. What should we buying, what should we be wearing? Will we ever wear jeans again or go to big parties? The more I thought about it, the more I let my thoughts overwhelm me. Then I thought- one of my essentials is joy. And wearing things that make me happy. I’m known for wearing night gowns out and having too many party dresses. Is that something that should change?

Hopefully I’m eloquent about it here:

And if you’re interested in my Wishlist, here it is! I hope it sparks you joy!

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!

Xo RA

Posted on May 20, 2020May 19, 2020Categories care, shoppingTags essentials

Feathers and PJs and Stirrups, OH MY!

While this post was originally about mistakes that make great outfits, it’s also the perfect isolation/WFH outfit. The PJ top that’s fancy enough for any online meeting. The workout pants. Shoes that are almost slippers. If it was great for on-the-go, it’s even better at home. And I’ve worn this outfit formula more than once recently!

These are a few of my favorite things: feathers and pjs and stirrups (Oh MY!)

*Side note: This is not the part where I apologize for The Wizard of Oz being one of my most favorite movies.

** Doube Side Note: These stirrup pants were not the pants I had planned. I have these great high waisted pants I thought would be great with this feather top (yes, it really is pjs). The plan was the top, the pants, maybe some heels. A great piece on how PJs can be anything. The feathers could be a nod to fun or to Prada, or to both. I was super excited. And then.

I packed the wrong pants. It happens. I’m gonna go ahead and bet when you’re a fashion blogger and have a shoot it feels a bit bigger. But there I am, with the wrong pants. And an amazing look to shoot. What to do?

These stirrup pants (yes, workout, yes, I love them) to save the day. I tend to wear these to Pilates or Yoga and then under all the dresses and the skirts. It’s completely on trend and again, I love them. So, I needed some pants to go with a PJ top. These worked. And, if we’re honest, balance the feathers. Who says feathers can’t be casual?

I have a thing for feathers (we could probably blame Prada but that seems mean). I love the pink. I love that this is a PJ top. Yes, there are pants, they don’t have feathers, but they look great with heels and sweaters. My initials embroidered on the top are another thing I love. Again, this top leans itself to being dressed up. But, I kinda love it casual. It would also looks great in bed (even if no one was bringing you champagne).

Takeaways:
* Sometimes mistakes make for good outfits. There’s always more than one way to wear something, why not embrace that?
* Feathers go with everything
*Don’t count out your yoga pants
* Our middle school selves were right: stirrups are cool
*If you can’t tell they are PJs it doesn’t count
*Outfits don’t have to be one thing. This is perfect to WFH or lounge in, but also works when we’re back to being out and about!

Other times I’ve worn PJs: here, here, and here.

Feathers? I got them: here.

And I’ve worn stirrups here.

What are you learning this Monday?

I’ve linked similar clothing options below!

Hope your Monday includes everything you were supposed to pack!
XO RA

This post contains affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect price for you. Thank you for your support!

Posted on May 18, 2020May 14, 2020Categories outfits, shoppingTags Feathers and PJS and Stirrups, OH MY!

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