While this post is a flashback, it makes me think of my quarantine style. A little of this, a little of that. Very fancy and very casual mixed. I’ve been known to wear sweatshirts with fancy skirts, or nice tops with my yoga pants. But this? This is the ultimate high/low dressing. And I may just have to wear it again today!
When I saw this 1920s fringe skirt at Recess LA, I knew I had to have it. Can it be dressed up? The sequins, the detail, the way it would look over a gown–yes! But I love the idea of this fringe skirt over jeans. It’s just simple. Enough. It would look great with a tee and converse, but I love it with a leotard and heels. It’s a show stopper without you having to say a word. And the way this moves…loves. I’ve always loved the idea of a skirt over pants, but this is next level. And while you may not have a fringe skirt in your closet, I think this look could be recreated with any skirt with movement!
XO
Skirt: Vintage
And I’ve had this leotard since I was in high school (and wear it almost every week!)
BUT I did find you similar (and yes that means the 1920s skirt too!) Shop 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!
I have forever been a fan of swimwear as out wear. Paired with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc, swim wear can be worn as the best kind of bodysuit/crop top.
You can see how I have promoted swimwear in the wild here.
There is no getting around that the wild looks different right now. And vacations, and swimming for that matter, look different too.
As someone who loves the beach and the water and the pool, I’m sad. As someone who wants us all to be safe, I understand. I’m also someone who believes in finding the silver linings. And my solution? Swim (at home).
If our swim looks great out and about, it will also look good at home. Bonus? If you don’t want to cover up at home you don’t have to! It’s a win-win! (Of course it will still look amazing with all of your other spring and summer looks, from shorts on!)
Swim as the new lounge wear? Maybe it’s not so farfetched! When I was a kid, I remember endless summer days in my swimsuit. We would go to the pool, but before (and sometimes after) I would relax in my swimsuit, read in it, eat in in. In fact, I was more likely to be in my swimsuit than not. Bringing that back might be fun.
And if you are lucky enough to have a backyard, green space, wearing your swim at home means you’re always a step away from the water. Lately, I’ve been having a happy hour in my backyard every night. It makes the time break up, gets me some sun, and feels like a “special” place. This summer I’m hoping to add an inflatable pool to my space (see some I’m looking at here). I’ll let you know how that goes!
In the mean time, I’ll be breaking out my swim suits! And while I won’t be wearing them in the wild, I will be doing swim at home. What about you?
Xo RA
I’ve linked some of my current fave swim suits that would go great alone or paired here:
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!
How do you make decisions? Not just the big ones, everyone has a method for those. I mean the kind of decisions that seem small but can be so overwhelming when you’re hot, tired, or just done with decisions.
Like what to wear.
Or what to eat.
Those kind of decisions.
And let’s be honest, even though these seem *unconsequential*, aren’t you a little nicer when you like your outfit, or got your favorite thing to eat. All decisions matter. And sometimes, not making those decisions is the way to make decisions.
Or maybe my decision is just to mix it all up?
Graphic tee? Check. Leopard? Check. Floral? Yep. Kicks with a skirt? Yes. High and low? Why not?
(You know that I have a thing for mixing patterns, gentle reminders here and here. )
It’s just too overwhelming to make decisions, so this little outfit formula is what I’m clinging to in these times of social isolation . Wrap skirts are a chic way to beat the heat, and this leopard is on trend!
(alledgedly versions of this skirt are the current “it” skirt. This one I got on etsy (last seen here, and this number from Asos is similar and on sale!)
I can’t stay away from a graphic tee, especially when it’s Wonder Woman. It’s part of the decision to let me clothes talk for me. And wearing these kicks instead of any sandal or heel (both of which I love and would look great here) is just easy. And right now, I’m all about my decisions being easy.
So, how are you making decisions like this? Are you going for comfort? Style? Both? I’m all about decisions that make us feel good.
And if the decisions involve chocolate I’m even more on board. (Dark Chocolate is a health food!)
This bag is perfect for throwing everything in, you can see my other picks for summer bags here.
If you’re at the point where you can’t make decisions (I feel ya), the good news is that I’ve linked similar items below. 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!
During our time in isolation, some of what I’m thinking about is getting in the water– if nothing else I’m determined to get an inflatable pool for the back yard so I can be in a pool. This was one of my favorite posts- a vintage suit, an empty pool. Life is a lot right now, I keep wanting to chat about fashion essentials, however, I can’t seem to get the words right, or explain to you how I want to dress up and celebrate but end up in sweats without sounding depressing. And I’m not sure what we need right now- I bounce between fantasy and reality dressing (and books!). While I figure that out (and if you have anything you’d love to see on me or on the blog PLEASE LMK), in the meantime let’s enjoy this. Let’s think about what we want to wear and do this summer, and maybe the essentials will come.
Stay safe and healthy out there!
Xo RA
Besides being an ocean baby, I’m a sucker for a great swimming pool! Even when it’s empty! I loved shooting this (and this view–I can’t wait till the pool is finished!)– the idea of a vintage suit in a new pool, it’s all the juxtatiposition I love! Suits like this one are simply amazing, though high coverage, they suck in, push up, and make you look fantastic! I paired it with a jacket of my grandma’s and a vintage hat (and pearls). Who says the pool can’t be lady like?
Though every piece is vintage, this would be an easy look to recreate using modern pieces. A great one piece, a hat, and a jacket–Summer is calling! And it would be perfect pool side or ocean side!
I linked some of my shopping picks below!
I hope you’ve loved swim week as much as I have! XO RA
Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Loves, I’m not going to lie. This week was hard. Like I spent 3 days in the same workout gear hard. We’re all dealing and doing the best we can, I’m no exception. I find that I can have 2 great days, I’m cheerful and productive, super excited about all the online classes and friend chats, all those things. Then I will have 2 days when everything is overwhelming, my anxiety is high, I’m sad and depressed, and I tend to eat a lot of crackers and lay on the couch. We know that I believe in the power of fashion, and it’s power to change our feelings (see recent evidence here) but this week I couldn’t bring myself to use any of that power I know fashion has. Outfits, posts, a lot was put on the back burner while I just dealt with life. Late on Thursday, I finally brought myself to shower. And get dressed, and it did help. As I was thinking about what to share with you, I kept going back to that, and what makes me feel good to wear. I love a good party dress, but maybe what the world (and me!) needs right now is attitude. A good attitude, a can do attitude, an I’m going to be ok attitude. Reminding myself of that felt good. So, I hope that you forgive me for a repost, but I hope we can all take the tongue in cheek, feel good, express yourself fashion from this post, and wear things this weekend that make us feel great, like ourselves, and that make us smile.
XO RA
One of the things that I love the most about fashion is that it can speak for you. It can tell people who you are. Want to be a high end art student today? Great! Biker chic? Got it. Princess/spy/CEO? There’s an outfit for that. Me? I love that I can be all the things on any given day. And that on any given day, my fashion can let you know my attitude. Which begs the question:
Is my attitude a problem?
I’ve always had an attitude. My mother could write those articles you see on social media about “raising a strong willed child”. (Note: Strong Willed is the PC term for attitude) There’s the time when I was almost 3 and took my sister out of her crib to watch Sesame Street with me while my mom was in the shower. When my mom (understandably) freaked out, I told her to calm down.
Then there’s the “attitude problem” I have of not being able to keep my opinions quiet. (Even my facial expressions betray me.) I think you’re an asshole? You probably know. I am not happy with something? There’s a great chance you understand why. And here’s what I love about fashion: I can use it to have an attitude FOR me.
I’m not your baby.
Whatever
Asshole
Bad Bitch
Hands Off
I have shirt that say it all. One of my favorite looks is a graphic tee with anything (jeans/pants/skirts/amazing shoes); and when that graphic tee can express a bit of attitude, it’s just a bonus! Is my attitude a problem?
I don’t think so!
However, loves, graphic tees are not the only way to let someone know that you have an attitude. Anything you wear can be full of attitude. (I think this is the part where I tell you that you just have to feel it to share it). BUT, if fashion can let you be anything you want, it can convey any attitude you want. Sweet, sassy, hand off. And instead of worrying if our attitude is a problem, why don’t we revel in the freedom that having any attitude brings us?
I’d love to know: what attitude are you giving today? How are you using fashion to do it? Is my attitude a problem?
XO RA
I’ve linked some of my favorite graphic tees/jeans/etc below. Give ’em hell today!
I also use my glasses to let my attitude shine. Just saying.
There is no denying that these are weird times. I’m used to working from home, and I’m still at loss on some days about my schedule, etc. What I am good at? Business on top, lounging on bottom. It’s a skill learned from many a day with online meetings, but no need to go anywhere. And it’s a skill that’s come in more and more handy.
My favorite version of this look is a fancy top with leggings, though you can also wear a blazer with your leggings. Or a sweatshirt with a skirt, if you’re reversing the formula :). The off the shoulder look is simple, chic, and gets the job done. These types of shirts are fun and make me feel like I’m at an event.
I trust that no one has to sell you on leggings. Crop. Long. With pockets, without. I’m partial to black or leopard, but at the risk of making this a “leggings are pants” post, any leggings will do!
For zoom meetings, Netflix binges, or just the feeling that you’re getting dressed “for real”. Business on Top. I approve it!
I’ve linked similar shopping items below- believe it or not, these pics are from 3 years ago. Business on top has always been a WFH method for me!
I hope that you’re staying healthy and safe!
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!
This post is part FBF, part caftans are a must for this time we’re in, and part as I’m living in my caftans more and more I couldn’t help but reshare one of my favorites. Things are different, there’s no way are out that, and I have no information about how long it will last. I do know that caftans make all activities, even just staying on the couch, seem more glamorous. This post all stands true, but I’m linking HM’s new caftan collection here:
(Yes, these are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)
I love the colors and shapes!
Historical garment. Lady of leisure. Hostess dress. Swim cover up. Hippies.
All associated with a caftan, all true of a caftan, and just the beginning of a caftan. Chic yet comfy and cool, I love a great caftan. In fact, this has been a caftan summer. Over my swimsuit with flats. With heels for nights out. I always get compliments. Always stand out. Always feel great.
Caftans let you make an entrance, and let you relax. How many outfits you have that let you do that?
This caftan is handmade, ModMelrose via AAVintedge, and one of my favorites. It feels both modern and very 70s chic, all at the same time. This caftan? Perfect for the summer-I stay cool, it’s light. Yet, it’s red and paired with these suede platforms, perfect for fall, too!
Maybe I’m biased, but you may need to spend the last few weeks of summer in a caftan.
Note: This Post does affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
The question remains, how do you caftan summer? Casual? Formal? Modern? Vintage?
I, of course, have opinions and options for you!
Love the ModMelrose? AAVintedge has so many options for you! The best way is via Instagram (@aavintedge).
Something a little more modern, but with a vintage feel? Try These:
From the beach to drinks, there are more options:
And, naturally, I have shoe options. I’ve been going on and on about platforms for weeks. I love mine. You need some. I love these:
I would love to hear about your caftan summer! Whatcha doing? Where you going? What caftan are you summering in?
Xo RA
My loves, none of us can ignore the fact that things are different. And yes, you’ve heard me say more than once that I’m coping with fashion. I won’t bore you with that talk again 🙂 I also won’t speculate about how things will change, or when they will change, or what the timeline for change will be. None of us know.
What I do know? In the midst of this uncertainty and change, there are still celebrations. And love. And reasons for party dresses. Maybe it’s nothing like how we planned (I have great shoes for this look,but it turns out you don’t need heels for backyard parties. And it’s just as fun to be barefoot!) but we can still party. Even in our backyard.
I’ve never been one to turn down a party dress. It’s just not in my nature. And while this dress (a vintage Diane Freis, it’s so comfy and looks like a party by itself! Read more about Diane Freis here and see my other Diane Freis here) is going to look great in the outside world at parties, it goes great at a backyard party, too!
What do you need for a backyard party? Maybe some champagne (or a cocktail of your choice!), maybe a reason (though parties without a reason are just as fun!), and maybe a dress. I’m a fan of a party dress. But, if you must, you can always party in what you have on (no matter what it is). Al you really need for a backyard party is a good attitude, in fact that’s what most parties are made of, the champagne and dresses are just bonuses!
Things have changed, and we might be caught up in it all. But we’ve made it this far. Wanna have a backyard party with me? I’ll throw this on, you get ready, and though we’re apart we can all go in our backyards and toast ourselves. In my book, that’s worthy of a great party dress!
I’ve linked similar ones to this vintage number 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!
Fashion as a way to cope? It’s what I’ve been trying. From making myself get dressed at least a few times a week, to choosing fashion that makes me happy, to colors-it’s amazing how my clothing choices have affected my moods. One thing that’s working? Pops of color! I may love the color black, it’s classic and a go-to, but lately I can’t help but be drawn to color. Pops of color in fact.
(Another thing that’s helping my mood. Getting outside. Also, all the spring green is a great backdrop for all of your color that you could be wearing!)
I love this shirt dress silhouette. Classic. Will last forever. Normally, I might opt for a number like this in a black, or a neutral. But. I couldn’t resist this red and pink dress. It’s still a classic, but the colors make it feel fresh, and cheery- something I could use right now. The pink and red are perfect for spring (and summer), and the cut allows me to lounge, I look great in all my zoom calls, and later they’ll look good when I’m out and about. Though, I have to admit, I love the way it looks against all this green. The only out and about I’ve been lately are my walks, and this dress lets me move for those, and let’s my color pops!
(Another plus for this dress? It was a shop small purchase! I got it at Beehive -they ship nationally! You can read about them here)
There’s no right way to feel right now. Or way to dress. I think it’s all ok. But, for me, pops of color and dresses like this one are making me smile. And happy. (Besides, in general pops of color are a great idea!) Are you willing to let your color pop?
I’ve linked similar items for you below! I highly recommend easy dresses and pops of color for this time!
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!
Did you like “know it all’s” in school? You know that kid that always had the answer and was a little “too much”? Not many people liked them. And that’s valid. This is not a post about know-it-all’s However, now that we’re older I’m a fan of a “do it all”. To me that means a piece in my closet that can do it all. Lounge. Work. Outings. Even if they’re too much, or just the right amount of enough, if something can take me from bed throughout my day, in every conceivable situation, I want it!
Especially at a time like this, I’m looking for pieces that are comfy from bed to online meetings to my virtual social times, and even to the grocery store.
This dress? This dress is a do it all. From sleeping (yes, naps count!) to errands to everything in between, this dress is perfect. It feels pulled together and yet comfy. At this time, my outtings in this dress have been limited to errands and hot spots in my house (let me recommend a virtual happy hour, they’re the best!), but when we are out and about again, I’m confident that this dress will go great with heels and all the events! The best part? It’s under $50!
I’ve linked this exact dress and look here:
(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!
And now that you know I’m a fan of do it all’s, and we know I’m a fan of PJ dressing, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about Sleeper. They make fantastic nightgowns, that double as dresses. In fact, they look a lot like the above dress! They’re perfect for lounging and look great on the town. I’ve linked some of my favorite for you:
Lounge. Do all the things in your house. All the things online. And later, you can do all the things outside your house. Do it all!
