As you may know, it’s a holiday Week in the States. Normally I power through and work all week- but this year? I am so burned out and so in need of a holiday, I just can’t. I will be spending the week shopping (follow me below to shop with me), cleaning, catching up–and spending time in the water when I can! Also- I will be sleeping. Thank you for your patience with me during this, I am truly hoping a weekend “off” can offer me a reset and we can get back to a more regular schedule!
In the meantime the following platforms are great ways to follow me and keep up with my shopping:
Do you ever have those stories that you can’t wait to tell your people– and while it seems that the story should be short, you keep going and going and so the story gets long? Or you add too many details? Or perhaps it’s a long story and you don’t add enough context so it ends up being too short?
Sometimes outfits are like that. I hate being that person to tell you something is too –something. anything. — but often what we need is balance. In our outfits and our story telling.
And yes. Outfits and story telling are both arts. So. How do we balance the short and the long of it? Details.
A Mini? A Maxi? While I love both of these- a mini checked skirt and a shirt dress with all the ways to wear it- I love that combined that these 2 pieces that may be on the extremes are not only balanced. but the perfect mix. I don’t know that I will ever tell you or believe that any piece is too old or young– it’s just how you style it! However, I do know that there are stylings that make us the most comfortable –some of us love long stories and some love short. The Best? Perhaps a combination.
In other words, if you are a bit nervous about a mini skirt the best way to style is to balance it out. Long sleeves. Tights. Or a maxi shirt dress over it, and how you button it is up to you!
This is where we can all be honest and mention that there are looks and pieces, and angles that make us all a bit uncomfortable. (Insecure is such a hard word). Like. Even if you know that everyone has skin it still can kill me that occasionally mine doesn’t lay super flat all the time. Or that in angles I look worse or better. So. I get that a mini skirt may be out of the comfort zone. I won’t talk you into anything you hate.
Though. Sometimes playing with our comfort zones and shorts and longs can be fun– and we can find outfits that check all the boxes and look fantastic.
Perhaps that’s all a short and long way to say that lately I have loved playing with mini- skirts. Shorts. Etc. It’s so hot and they are so chic. And yet. I do get feeling that there are –insecurities or hesitations or all and any- with minis. But there are times that you don’t want a maxi. So. what if you had both? That’s what I keep coming back to. In general, I love a balance. A mini with long sleeves, a maxi with strapless, etc, etc. Yet. What if there were other ways?
A maxi shirt dress that floats and partially covers and yet reveals the mini skirt? A short and a long story at the same time. Perhaps that’s the best balance of all.
I highly recommend this combo- and this skirt. (It’s Versace found resale on Dora Maar but I have found you one and similar!). This shirt dress with buttons every which way is from seasons ago, but I (again) found you similar! How are you comfortable telling your short (aka mini skirt) stories??
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!
Summer is full of distractions. From the weather being so beautiful you want to be outside. To it being so hot you want to be in the water. Looking forward to vacation. Recovering from vacation. New clothes. Getting rid of old clothes.
Even outfits. For example : I have found that amazing shoes and red lips can distract from a lot. Like wet hair. That white jeans can distract from the rest of your outfit (not that a great summer knit needs a lot of distractions from it!) But a great summer outfit can distract you from all the things you’re not doing , or wish you were doing, or the heat.
In this case, it’s a bit of all of the above. It’s so unbelievably hot that white and light seems to be the only thing that’s appropriate. But you need to distraction from the sweat that happens the minute you step outside. And my hair? Here it is wet. Styling and overdoing seems way too much. BUT. Amazing shoes (take a look at these details!) and a red lip? Who notices?
Perhaps we are all distracting ourselves or others form something. From perceived flaws to the things were wish we were or aren’t. Summer is the season when all of that seems more prominent, and yet it’s the season to be a bit more creative with our distractions.
So. What are you using to distract yourself with? From wishing you were on vacation to a different outfit, what are you wearing to distract yourself? What are you wearing to distract us from all that you don’t want us to see?
Distraction is such an interesting topic. And way of dressing. I will be over here distracting myself from the fact I am not at the ocean and distracting you from my lack of hair styling and overdone makeup. How are we doing so far??
These exact jeans (I sized down, I think it truly depends on how loose you want a trouser jean. I also may have should have opted for a tall size- these hit a bit shorter than I LOVE but with sandals they are aok), and exact shoes (truly. The details! Bees. Fruit! Raffia!) and options for a sweater vest (honestly my faves always come from his closet– or his section of the store!) but distractions are linked for you 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!
Of all the things I am, I am a shoe lover. Shoes are magical and can transform any outfit– or day. From heels to sandals, boots and platforms- I have rarely met a shoe I didn’t love. I have been this way since I was a kid. From red shoes (I always had to have a pair in honor of Wizard of Oz and Dorothy) to Jellies- I have always had a thing for almost all shoes. As I have gotten older, my style has changed (somewhat!) Occasionally though, I find shoes that the present -day me and the inner child me LOVE. If you can find a shoe that thrills all parts of you– isn’t that a must have?
From ballet flats to jellies to sneakers that are Barbie approved, here are some of my favorite current summer shoes. Approved by me and my inner child!
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!
Barbie Kicks
I know, I know- Barbie was so last summer. But the great thing about Barbie? She’s a classic. And this collaboration with Keds (which I love! I have written about keds before here) is so so chic. While I don’t consider myself a “sneaker” gal, there is something so fun and a bit flirty about Keds. And this Barbie print! I want to wear them with shorts and jeans and all the shirt dresses!
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are a classic for all ages. Yet, I think I have a thing for them as one of my goals as a child was to be a ballerina. And I loved bling. So these mesh ballerinas? A bit of everything that little me would love- a tad bit of magic- and everything adult me loves. These are also super on trend and these are under $100! Anyone else want to point into them with me?
Jellies
Jellies may be the perfect combo of childhood and summer. Light, airy and a bit of whimsy. I love that these are a bit grown up- in the style of a classic summer flat, but still have just enough glitter in them that your inner child can smile. Balance them with linen separates! And they are perfect for the pool!
Summer shoes can often be fun! And, when you find shoes that not only are the perfect fit for summer, but also shoes that your inner child would love? What’s not to love about that? What summer shoes are you shopping for? And what is your inner child drawn to?
XO RA
Other people? When they can’t sleep they count sheep (which are so cute!) Me? When I can’t sleep I outfit plan (and perhaps worry about way too much!)
But! This is about the outfit planning! As it does happen. When I can’t sleep I mentally go through my closet (and stress when in my head I don’t know exactly where things are) and outfit plan. It’s how I unwind. And often leads to at least the most interesting combos!
For example? I was recently given this embroidered vintage skirt. It was a gift from my tailor (seamstress? friend?) who got it from a friend h grandma was cleaning out. And we know I love a vintage and a story- and this skirt has multitudes! (that slit! The pattern! and even though at first glance its’s not my color- this color! I LOVE all of it !) And so one night I couldn’t sleep (side note- there is more than one night I can’t sleep and yes, I am working on it!) and all I could think about was what to pair this skit with. What I couldn’t stop thinking about? This polka dot (one of my go to patterns that I consider a neutral) bathing suit (again, a great one piece as a bodysuit) with this skirt. I worried that it was too much. That it wouldn’t “go”. And yet
I love the play on the patterns. Yes this is a dot but not so over powering (and again. Polka dots- like leopard- are one of those that I consider a neutral. And when you begin to play with them I promise you will find that that they are!) and while I hesitate to call this balance -I love it with a vintage skirt that is HEAVY on the color and pattern. I truly don’t know that there are hard and fast rules to pattern mixing. I have played with it here, here, here, and more. No rules. But I do think of so many patterns – leopard, dots, strips, florals- as neutrals and if we think of them that way it absolutely opens up way to play, right?
And yes. I put this together whilst tossing and turning at night when I couldn’t sleep. The best things come when you can’t sleep?? Or in a fever dream? Here’s hoping.
Because that’s what an outfit, fashion, and it all is, right? Play and our outfits- even our vintage ones — should be fun. And playful.And perhaps have a bit of dots. Again. This is what I do. And plan out and style whenI can’t sleep. What do you do when you can’t sleep? What are your neutrals? I want to hear about them all!
Also. I know if you have been here a minute you got that last week was all reposts. I a going to be blunt- my day job (as Gucci doesn’t buy itself) has me burnt out. And I am working through that. And working on getting into all my fever dream outfits. Thank you for your patience!
While this skirt is vintage and this “bodysuit” is old, I have linked options for you below!
XO RA
Note: this post does have affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission form them. Thank you for your support!
I’m still recovering from severe exhaustion and a bit of burn out, so I’m on the couch online shopping. Almost everything I want is Gucci. Or Prada. Or Valentino. Or Celine. All the labels. So I can’t help but wonder: Are we label whores?
When I was little one of the things that I wanted most in the world was a “Coke” t-shirt. My mom said no, her reasoning being that I was not a billboard. (Don’t worry, I got a hand-me down Coke shirt from a friend, so my life wasn’t ruined.) My mom’s attitude towards labels hasn’t changed much, she doesn’t hate them, but thinks quality can be found without a label; and most importantly, that she shouldn’t provide a free billboard. And it’s not that I don’t get her point; after I moved to CA and found out what they pay for a billboard-I get not wanting to do it for free. However, my relationship with labels is a tad bit more complicated. I like labels. I talk all the time about how much I love Gucci, I think Chanel bags are a great investment, LV bags are fantastic, I love shopping vintage labels, and that’s just the tip of the shopping! I know some of you feel the same. We love labels, we wear them, but are we label whores?
According to Urban Dictionary, a label whore is someone who wears head to toe labels, especially if the logo or brand name is constantly visible. We all love labels, but let’s admit head to toe logos would be a lot. I love every single look Gucci sends down the run way, but also think it’s fresh and modern to mix high and low; which means I often wear my labels with Zara/Levis/etc. So, if we aren’t painting ourselves in logos, is it safe to say that we aren’t label whores? Or is there another layer? Does label whore include loving and/or buying something simply because it’s a label or certain brand?
I don’t ask these questions to make us feel bad, have I mentioned that I love Gucci so? And it’s not that I think that loving labels is a horrid thing; but as someone who shops, helps others shops, and is fashion I can’t help but look at our choices, whatever they may be. Labels are a layered issue, often symbols of status, and can have meaning beyond simply clothes or bags. High end labels are often synonymous with quality and luxury, as well as status; and let’s admit, those are great reasons to want something. We all want high quality clothes, and if said clothes communicate that they’re special and luxurious I don’t think any of us would complain. (If we’re really honest, let’s admit that sometimes labels make us feel special too). But the question remains, are we buying labels because we want the product or because we want the label? There are plenty of quality items out in the world that don’t have a label, and some of them are luxurious. Are we overlooking those in favor of a familiar logo? Is that hurting us–and our closets?
I am the last person in the world to tell you that you shouldn’t buy something you love, even if you only love it because it says Gucci on it. The labels we love are loved for a reason, and I’m not anti-logo by any stretch. I plan on keeping my labels, adding to my collections, and mixing my high and low. However, I am going to start asking myself why I want some things; because as much as I love labels, I don’t think that the label should be the only reason to buy something. I am a fan of quality, I am a fan of high fashion and fun, and I am fan of finding those items, with or without a logo. Can I love all my labels and non-labels at the same time? I think the only way to know is to try!
Am I the only one worried about being a label whore? What’s your take on the issue?
It’s summer and it’s the season of vacation. I know right know there are a ton of tips and tricks, and people who can tell you how to pack light. And show you all the cubbies and packing systems that they have. I am sure that those are all great tips. If you’re looking for that, this isn’t it. Of all people, I am not the one to tell you to pack light- I can’t even leave the house for the day without an extra set of shoes. Actually, I think adding an extra outfit- and pjs and underlings is always for the best! JIC! While I do have a system for me, I don’t know that it would translate to anything resembling advice.
What I can offer? Ideas for your bag that will make you feel chic- even on the days when you’re ready to come home!
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!
Vintage Luggage
Ok. A lot of vintage luggage doesn’t have wheels.But, so much of it is well made, and roomy. And a bit chic! I personally am partial to a great train case- they are perfect for your toiletries and small items (and count as a personal item on planes!). While these may be best for road trips, I have never regretted vintage luggage. And if they fit all my shoes I am sure that they can fit all of your things!
One and Done Outfits
I shared on Monday that I bought this jumpsuit for travel (and beyond). As with anything, when I plan what I wear to travel I want something chic that’s also comfortable- and this jumpsuit is it! It can be dressed up or down and could go from beach to dinner!
And speaking of one and done- I am also a fan of packing things that can be styled in oh-so-many ways.Not just talking about with different shoes or tops or whatnot- but outfits that can be completely new and different depending on how you wear them. For example? A smocked skirt! I got this one recently and have worn it as a dress- for poolside and beyond. But it also looks great as a skirt! With tees or button downs, crops or long sleeves! Change out the shoes and it’s new each time!
Stock Up on Travel Size
This seems like a given- but I can’t tell you how many people I know from family to friends that have a separate stash of travel toiletries and products that they use on trips. Most of the the things you love to use? They come in mini sizes. If not, the one “travel tip” I do while heartedly approve of is buying a set of mini bottles to fill with your go-to products!
What are some of your travel tips? How do you travel in style? I am open to anything other than leaving a pair of shoes at home! XO RA
In all the chaos that has been my life lately I have felt as if all these outfits I have planned and things I want to wear for the summer have fallen to the wayside. As I write this I am in bike shorts and an oversized shirt. I thought about throwing on a simple silk dress today, or a button down with cut offs, but getting dressed was too much. And when I don’t get dressed I kinda feel bad- so I went through my phone and as it turns out lately has been ALOT. But I have worn clothes- and learned a bit about dressing for chaos!
I bought this jumpsuit to travel in– I had this idea that it was perfect for a plane (ok maybe not perfect for the bathroom!) but as you could layer and pair with sneakers and then do a quick refresh, pair with heels and be ready to go? I loved! It didn’t come in time for my trip but I have worn it more than once to run errands and under a jacket for hospital visits. Moral? One and done leaves you so much room to play!
We will chat about linen. And belt bags. BUT, I can’t tell you how a fantastic white button down is becoming a go to. They. Go. With. Everything. Over a skirt? With pants? Jeans. Shorts. Over bike shorts even! Maybe button downs are the things we should be investing in more often! To be honest, I have a collection of button downs, but have never thought of them as THE piece. Yet, I can’t tell you how often I am reaching for one recently. Perhaps a deep dive into button downs is in our future?
Linen. It’s linen season. In this little round up 3/4 ths of the outfits are linen. And just perhaps- that’s a great thing! Linen is easy and chic- and lends itself to anything from an easy airport outfit to a classic that you can dress up any which way!
It calmed me a little bit to remind myself that lately I have been getting dressed- in things I love. My goal for the new week? To get dressed a bit more. Yet, there will probably be more linen and button downs and belt bags (this one that you see all the time is a vintage Gucci. I wanted one for forever and finally having one has been amazing. I am linking some for you but I found this one on eBay!).
What have you been wearing lately? And what do you want to wear in the weeks to come? I am linking a couple of these options below and I would love to hear about your choices! 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!
Each look listed:
Shop pink linen pants look: here
Shop the exact jumpsuit: here
Shop linen skirt look: “a href=”https://liketk.it/4Hecn”target=”_Blank”>here
Shop linen shirt dress look: “here
here’s to a new week of lately and fantastic outfits!
It feels like such a long time since we have been here. I had this huge work trip and I came home so run down. This week my mom has had emergency surgery and that’s taken up so much of my time. If you have stuck around I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that- and how glad I am that you’re here! Hopefully we are settling back into a routine here and there’s nothing but fantastic summer fashion and stories in our future.
That’s the short story. But as we all know, short stories are often long…..
And speaking of short- have you noticed that minis are back? (I know there is a quip about what a hemline says about the economy but from storefronts to runways, the minis are MINI and back. I personally just think it means fashion!) There can be big feelings about minis- like “is this too much?” “Am I too old for this?” “How do I balance it?”
Some of those questions are personal, and account for your own style- but my simple tips? Perhaps choose a mini that is a bit long. A la a train, or a hi-low hem, or while I am a FAN of a high waist on everything for minis I like a mid or low rise.
And for balance? Something classic. For example, a white button up. It is a bit of an offset, though of course how far you button is up to you! You could also call this wearing a statement and letting it shine. You could also focus on the balance of short and long. But really, I just love the juxtaposition and way that throwing on a button down is a chic way to not overthink your top.
I am the first to admit that I sometimes worry about wearing a mini skirt- and what to pair with. This outfit has been in my mind for a bit. Since I got this skirt. I love that it’s party perfect. Aok at dinner. Cocktails? Couldn’t be more appropriate. I love that the train offsets the mini. The button down that doesn’t feel business. And yes, these are my go-to shoes. This combo could be reimagined in any number of ways with any number of pieces. Even without a mini- aka a longer skirt and a shorter top. Short stories? As long as you want.
This is where I confess something. This skirt is H&M. And I have conflicted feelings about wearing fast fashion. Yet. I couldn’t resist this skirt. And while it was out months ago, I found a few on resale sites (which lessens the blow?). Skirts with trains have had their moments (and I am sure they will again). If you would love to dip your toe in the water for that I would love to help you find the perfect one.
Short stories. Long stories. Turns out as long as they are chic, I am a fan of them all!
Shopping options linked below- thank you so much for being here! 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 Monday. We are heading into a holiday weekend (in the States at least!). This week also finishes up graduation season and kicks off wedding season. And summer. It’s a lot. I mentioned yesterday that I have been one a work trip (for my day job, as yes, sadly, still Gucci doesn’t buy itself) and I am so wiped. Are our to-do lists so long? Yes. Am I stressed about it all? Yes.
But Maybe. Especially on a Monday. What if we indulged ourselves? What if we let ourselves rest?
This vintage peignoir set was a birthday gift from my mom– and it’s every thing I love. A bit extra- this rose and pearl appliqué (has me afraid to sleep in it as I toss and turn) but is stunning. The lace. The straps. The jacket!! It’s so pretty that I want to wear it in real life.
A chat about how chic they used to be when they slept is a post for another time but please know that every classic movie I watch I am in awe of the peignoir sets. And yearn for them! So this one? Completely up my alley.
While I am advocating for us sleeping in today- and this week. And this weekend. I will most likely be wearing this while you are reading this while I am drinking coffee. Pretending that life is a bit more sophisticated and more chic than maybe Monday is. On the other hand- maybe we should sleep in. Perhaps a treat at the beginning of the week will make the week all the more bearable. It may not be possible – but what if it is? And what if we dressed for it like this?
This set is vintage but I have found you similar. And I truly hope that this day can be exactly what you need!
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!
