Category: shopping

Awkward Summer…

a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms
a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms
a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms

It’s high summer. I want to tell you how glamorous and chic it is- how I have been spending time by the water, how fantastic the fashion is, and how the sweat is so light and gives the healthiest glow.

Maybe it’s my combo of stress and day job burnout and high heat. But. Instead of a chic summer, this summer has been a bit more ….awkward….

a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms
a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms
a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms

Awkward summer in that…..I melt almost the minute I leave the house. The sweat isn’t glowy (it’s just sweaty) and I worry about what to wear. Even this chic (and new fave from Rodebjer – an eccentric but classic line that’s a mix of NYC and Europe) can be a bit hot (and not in the “this is gorgeous way”).

Awkward summer in that….I haven’t seemed to get into a rhythm. From sickness to family to work to not feeling a ton like myself, this summer has just been off. Yes, I am getting back to myself. But, when you don’t feel 100% yourself it can come through in oh so many ways. I mean- just look at some of those poses and face expressions. Cringe!

Awkward summer in that….due to a lot of reasons I haven’t been by the water at all. Fantastic clothes? Yes! Though I admit tahat I don’t wear them everyday (and see below for changing that!)

a woman in a blue and gold maxi dress with brown suede platforms

So, how do we get out of the awkwardness? Time. Acceptance. And personally? Leaning into clothes. As I briefly mentioned above, and before, clothes (stories, getting dressed, fantastic things) are some of the things that draw me back to myself. Though I hate to be cliche, I have to admit that getting dressed- I mean really getting dressed (not always in a party dress) but in an outfit that I love helps me be less awkward. Hopefully the more I dress and the more I get myself back (and the more I hang out in the ac), the less awkward I get. Awkward summer? Perhaps not for long!

**** I have to put a big caveat that I don’t think this dress is awkward. Rodebjer is a fave brand, and this dress is a new comfort. It makes me feel chic and glamorous – event when it’s sweaty outside. The gold is a bit outside my usual comfort zone, but I love the combo with the blue and the sheer! It was on super sale- and I found one for you.

How do you get over the awkward part of summer- whether due to heat or anything? And what do you wear?
XO RA

I have linked some similar feeling dresses and this exact one below to pull you out of awkward with me!

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!

Circle It..

a woman in a denim skirt made of circles with a white button down and nude heels
a woman in a denim skirt made of circle, a white button down and a nude heel
a woman in a denim skirt made of circle, a white button down and a nude heel

One of the best things about having a ton of elevated basics in your wardrobe? Even “throwing” on a top and denim skirt can result in a chic (and oh-so-fun) outfit.

***SideNote: I really believe in a white button down as a classic, a must, and an elevated basic. Though what would seem like a simple outfit staple there are so many variations on the button down, and oh so many ways to style it that it can feel fresh and exciting with everything. I have quite a few white button downs in various styles (a post perhaps!), but I recommend stocking up on ones you love and wearing them with EVERYTHING

Non side note: This denim skirt is so refreshing. It hits so many notes:
denim. Patterns. Sheer. Classics. Edgy.

And there are so many ways to denim: a la a classic white shirt. Denim on denim. With sandals. With boots. Yet- this skirt alone is enough to make anything feel special.

a woman in a denim skirt made of circle, a white button down and a nude heel
a woman in a denim skirt made of circle, a white button down and a nude heel
a woman in a denim skirt made of circle, a white button down and a nude heel

Part of what I love about this elevated circle denim skirt is that (beyond the patterns and the cheek) is that it’s a play on denim. Denim is: a classic in its own right, a go to, and thought of as casual but truly one of the most versatile fabrics.

Some brief history on denim can be found: here, from Levi’s, and here

This skirt is both a twist on a classic (and surprise! Denim skirts are back “in”) and a statement piece. Another thing I love is wearing a statement as an everyday item- though that may also be a whole other post. Another thing? This skirt is from one of my most favorite modern brands, . All of their pieces are simply works of art- and work on both a statement and an everyday level!

A denim skirt and a button down? Classic. Go to. Perfect for any season. A twist? A statement? A way to make this outfit formula your own? Circle it. Write it down and make it your go to!

Who knows? Thoughts on white button downs and all their variations, as well as thoughts on statement pieces as classic pieces to come. In the meantime, I will be wearing this circle denim skirt with most everything!

White button downs and this exact skirt linked for your own circling 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 denim skirt made of circles with a white button down and nude heels

Soon You’ll Feel Better..

I hate that it’s correct, but sometimes time is the best thing- no matter what you’re battling. As I have mentioned, recently I have been battling something. Not being 100%, not being truly ill, feeling bad in so many ways ( and a lot overtired). But. Time heals. And as they say- soon you will feel better. (Maybe the trick is giving yourself time to feel better!) However- I am here to tell you it’s possible…..within the past week I have gone from throwing a “jacket” over a night gown….

a woman in a black maxi dress with a pink bolero over and white and black clogs
a woman in a black maxi dress with a pink bolero and white and black clogs

To wearing my PJ top with pants and feeling better (and lighter with a hair cut!)…

a woman in a coral tank top and white pants and yellow wedges with a straw bag

To actually feeling the best I have in months. Maybe it’s the Barbie Brat theme?

a woman in black linen shorts and a button down with black and white sneakers and pink sunglasses
a woman in black linen shorts and button down with black and white sneakers

There’s a lot unsaid and in the air— but I am actually on the upswing and excited to get dressed and get back to me. There is a quote (I have seen it on social media recently) and (I am paraphrasing) but that “I’ve done nothing all summer but wait for myself to return to me”. That’s a bit what it’s been feeling like. But. I think I may be coming back. Is it the hair? The return of energy? I don’t know! Honestly, it’s probably a lot…..yet. I am feeling more and more like me. And getting more and more on top of things. Here’s to feeling better for us all (soon!) and the amazing stories (aka fashion) that will come from that.

And if you’re at a point where your fashion (or story) is where you are throwing something over a nightgown- solidarity!

Also- I am embracing the journey to feeling better I am linking all the outfits on this page for you below. When you need to get back to yourself what do you do? I am open for any and all stories and tips and community!
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 black maxi dress and a pink bolero and white and black clogs
Got you this exact nightgown/lounge dress!

pink and black all day

a woman in a coral tank top and white pants and yellow wedges with a straw bag
This top is part of a Midnight Bakery set and a new fave!

pjs as outerwear but make it chic

a woman in black linen shorts and a button down with black and white sneakers and pink sunglasses
I know this isn’t right- but Barbie Brat summer?

New Fave Barbie Shoes

here’s to us all feeling (even) better soon! XO

This Barbie’s Job is Shoes….

Hi my loves! I have managed to catch some sort of stomach bug and am in bed, in sweats, completely out of it. And yet? When I get up to move around the house, I can’t help but still wear amazing shoes! I am in love with these Barbie x Keds- the pink, the throwback to the original bathing suit. They are so chic and the little details (the B!) are just everything.

I will be resting up and hopefully back in more amazing things on Monday. In the meantime….this Barbie is clinging to her shoes!

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

You can be a Barbie with me here

Denim Sets

a woman in a denim shirt and skirt with platforms, a big belt and a straw bag
A woman in a denim shirt and skirt with a big belt and platforms and a straw bag
A woman in a denim shirt and skirt with a big belt and platforms and a straw bag
A woman in a denim shirt and skirt with a big belt and platforms and a straw bag

I am a fan of high style that’s easy. And by that I don’t always mean casual or simple– but easy. High reward for low effort in other words. For example- this denim set.

(Reminder- I am a FAN of denim, of sets, of fun details, and of a summer uniform. Somehow this set is all three while being a bit elevated)

This set is a bit oversized- off played by slits, an off the shoulder neckline, and with styling an oversized belt. Easy in that you just throw it on, even with styling (and we all know that the great thing about sets is that you can mix and match them as needed!) Denim is thought of as a casual fabric, but I would argue this set, and those like it, are high style. The matching, darker washes. The details from slits to pockets to necklines. Yes, you can wear it in your day to day from errands to lunches. But being a bit “more”, this set could also be perfect for dinners and some parties.

Yet- it stays easy. Even with more styling, making it a bit fancier. The ease of pulling on and going– and looking great- how can you beat that? Especially in the summer heat!

What are you wearing in these high summer days? What’s easy for you? And how are you styling it?

I am in love with this denim set- but it sold out! So I am linking similar sets and dresses — that I think would be so chic and easy!
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!

It’s Berries for Me..

a woman in strawberry print top and skirt holding a straw and leather tote with gold mule
a woman in strawberry print top and skit with gold mules and a straw and leather tote and a strawberry
a woman in strawberry print top and skirt with a leather and straw tote and gold mules
a woman in a strawberry print top and skirt with a straw and leather tote with gold mules

Strawberries? Have never been able to resist them. In fact, one of my very first words was “fresas” (strawberries in Spanish- another fun fact we lived in Spain from when I was 1mth-18mth and not only did I say strawberries in Spanish, I would steal them off my parent’s plates). My favorite desert? Strawberry shortcake or berries with whipped cream. It’s always and forever the berries for me.

So. Wearing berries on my outfit? Also can’t resist. This strawberry set is so so me, and so summer. It’s sweet and chic– but lends itself to so many combos. I have already paired the skirt with a sweater vest and a tee. The top? White pants, white skirt, jean shorts. (My mantra is that sets are the best as you can wear them together and oh-so-many-ways separately!) These berries are also so on trend (besides being up my alley) -aka grocery store core-aka wearing food on your clothes. Of course for me- if it’s food- it’s berries for me…

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store
a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store
a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store
a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store

The thing about loving something deeply and then wearing that something? It makes the entire outfit a bit more fun! No matter how I style this set- alone or together- wearing it is a symbol of what I love. And fun. Perhaps sometimes we (me!) can overthink the stories we are telling with our fashions (and as we know I am big believer that our fashion tells our stories) – but what if the prints we chose were a bit of whimsy? A bit of the season (or when I style these pieces for cooler temps the season we wish it were!)? What about dressing for fun? And berries?

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules
a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store
a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store

It’s high summer- heat and malaise and amazing food. I hope you’re wearing things that bring you joy. That make you smile and hopefully make others smile too. I also hope that you’re eating all the bounty of summer that makes you smile. For me? It’s the berries…

What foods are bringing you joy? And what foods are you loving to wear?

I believe this set from JCrew is sold out- but there are other options (and I am linking it JIC!)
Hope the berries you have are incredibly ripe and juicy this week! 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!

Other options:

strawberry print skirt and gold mules

Seasonal Sales: Prime Day and Anniversary Sales

Investment Piece: An Ode to Window Shopping

Does it feel as if everything is on sale right now? It feels as if everything is on sale right now.
So, so many seasonal sales (and I do my best to keep up- shop along with me on LTK, Collective Voice and ShopMy as RachelAdelicia!), but the biggest 2 currently are Amazon Prime Day(s) and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Both can be a bit overwhelming, both can have gems and both can have duds. As usual, when shopping, the odds are in your favor if you’re looking for something specific or are willing to look at endless items. Lucky you! I am willing to do both- and will continue to do both for the next few days (weeks?). Below are my initial wants and needs, things that are in my cart- or maybe should be.

Notes: My go-tos for both the Anniversary Sale and Prime Days are beauty items and big ticket items (bang for you your buck!). However, in the next few days I will absolutely be looking at denim, jackets, designer items, and more!

What are you shopping for in these seasonal sales? Have you found what you are looking for yet?

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!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

First and foremost, while still a bit pricy, this LED face mask and skin care set is one of the best deals to be had. It can replace all professional services, set you up for a year, and change the way you look. In that way it’s a bargain!

There are so many shoes I am interested in, but I am particularly considering the Hoka Running Shoes (a cult fave!). They are supposed to be amazing and these are about 50% off- a rarity!

Other shoes I love:

And these Dolce Vita shoes on sale.

Some Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives I’m interested in:

Amazon
I promise on all the apps I will have more Amazon picks from home to designer sales up tomorrow. Today? I have been laser focused on 2 categories: beauty tools (from red light therapy to hair tools) and sets (particularly knit set that are great from airport to errands!)

Even with these few perimeters there is so much to buy! My best advice is to have a list and then let yourself be surprised by anything AMAZING that you find. I can’t wait to share more picks with you, and then share what I got!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Brighter Days Ahead

a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms
a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms
a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms
a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms
a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms

Beloveds, I know I have been both honest (and perhaps a bit vague as this is a fashion blog) that I have been going through things recently. And all of a sudden it hit me- what helps me is fashion. Getting dressed. Yes, there is implementing change and getting a routine of healthy habits. But, for me, part of that is getting dressed. For some, I know that means just putting on clothes- and I know there are days that I will do that- but for me that means coming up with and wearing clothes and outfits that excite me and are perhaps a bit editorial.

I am aware that my schedule is a bit all over (something I am dealing with) and sometimes my outfits may come later in the day. Or days when getting dressed may be fun earrings and a fantastic red lip. But my goal this week (and the coming weeks) is to brighten my days with fashion.

If that fashion that brightens my day happens to be bright? Even more fun. Yellow, especially the neon kind, isn’t usually my go-to. However, this yellow and grey bring me joy (and it’s not the first time see here). So maybe it’s this combo of yellow and grey (though to be honest grey is one of my favorite colors) is my go -to. And on a dreary day (or in a dreary time?)? This combo does brighten my day .

What do you do when you try to brighten your day? What do you wear?

This dress is Loewe that I bought resale and I found a lucky someone the exact same dress. I also found very similar pieces! I hope that your Monday is bright and you’re wearing something that brings you joy!

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!

Business Casual

a woman in a combo pinstripes pant and denim waist with a white tank and green mules
woman in a combo pinstripes pant and denim waist with a white tank and green mules
woman in a combo pinstripes pant and denim waist with a white tank and green mules
woman in a combo pinstripes pant and denim waist with a white tank and green mules

There was an interview I read an interview with Nigella Lawson where in she mentions that she LOVES a great suit– but never wears one. And. Same. Just same. I love suits. I love dressing up. Yet. I realize that my life could be lived in lounge. I could work in bed-for the most part, other than my pics! And let’s be honest- this is reducing my life to pics and writing (and my day job which could absolutely be done in pjs and in bed!).

However. I do have a thing for suits. Not only do I think that they are sexy on a woman, I just love wearing them. Again, in my life, I have never HAD to wear them (yet I recognize that what we wear day to day from lounge to work is our suits and that is a completely different suit). SO. As someone who LOVES a great suit (even if it’s just a pinstripe pant) LOVES this mix of denim and suit.
Could it work if you needed a suit pant in the summer? Yep
For casual Friday? yep
For those of us who love a suit but also live a non suit lifestyle? yep!

And there are so many ways to style these perfect combo business casual pants? This tank(a cheap one!) A button down ( a go to!) A sweater. Or sweatshirt. A vest. Or Blazer. Heels. And more.
So-

When you love one style that doesn’t fit your day to day how do you incorporate it into your life?
My answer? You do. Like this combo. Perhaps it’s a blazer and shorts or a button down with everything. Pinstripes or suite pants.Denim with the pinstripes (how is up to you!) Or perhaps it’s just A balance of it all. I would love to see and read (leave me not only a comment but email me if needed!)

Linked are are these exact part denim part suit (and pinstripes) pants! How would you balance this perfect blend of suit and casual?!? 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 white tank ND WHTNE A COMB deimon andnpintstripe panta

Bubbles and More

a woman in a beige bubble skirt dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in beige bubble skirt hem dress with lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in a beige bubble hem dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch

On trend? So chic? Bubble hems. Not at all new. There’s a saying that you should always have bubbles in the fridge- just in case. While I am a believer in this for bubbles (the kind you drink), I also think that bubbles on hand in your closet might be a great plan!! I will be honest- the bubble hem originally sounded to me like a trend, something to enjoy like a treat and then forget. Then. I fell in love with this dress. Part tee. Part Tank. All bubbles.

Wears easy. Looks chic. Keeps me cool. Reminds me of both ballerinas and the silhouettes from the 1950s. All in all? A great piece that I know I will wear for years to come. And like bubbles in the fridge? It’s comforting knowing that I have a great and easy dress to pull out!

a red ket lock cone box
a red cone key lock jewelry box with a rhinestone t-rex and a mirro

This bag? Actually a jewelry box!! This is where I tell you that I long to be cool and mysterious but …..I LOVE Dinos. And red. And things that shine. And yes- this was meant to be a dresser item, I have found that it holds a few cards, keys and one lipstick perfectly. Your phone is attached to your hand (right, it’s not just me?!?!?); so while this Coach jewelry box was not meant for it- it makes the perfect clutch. And I love to think that sharing our quirks and loves and interests makes us more chic. Nothing we can say will sway me from that.

a woman in a beige bubble hem dress, lace up sandals and a red cone clutch
a woman in a beige hem bubble dress with lace up sandals and a red cone clutch

Together. A Bubble hem. Lace up sandals (yes, a must in your closet), and a pop of color-whether or not it’s a nbag that wasn’t meant to be or else- it’s a perfect summer outfit. I have found that bubbles–in drink or fashion forms- are classics. In a neutral? Even better. And a bit of showing you? Your quirk, your love, your pop? That my loves is a pop or a more indeed. How is that not the combo to a perfect outfit?

I have linked these exact pieces below. However, if you play with this formula or let this formula or advice lead you to pieces in your closet you love I would love to hear about it! Also-what is your fave bubbles? (JIC we need some!)

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!!

If you find yourself in need of a TRex jewelry case/ clutch it’s on sale and can be found :
here

a woman in a beige dress with a bubble hem and lace up sandals