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Kimono Week: #NakedTux

Investment Piece: #NakedTux

Another day, another kimono. At least that’s the story here on kimono week! I know that I’m not supposed to play favorites, but this #nakedtux may be my favorite. Rita approached me about shooting this sequin number (yes, it changes color when you rub the sequins) and playing up the naked aspect. Usually the thought of a shoot like this would have me dieting for weeks and being a tad bit nervous. However, with a jacket this gorgeous (and it comes in other colors!) I couldn’t resist.

Also: just because it’s a #nakedtux doesn’t mean you have to be naked!

Investment Piece:#nakedtux
Investment Piece: #nakedtux

Another #nakedtux confession? This was one of those shoots where it as difficult to choose the pics, they were all that good!

Rita designed these sequined kimonos with luxury in mind. The sequins are reversible, the length is super chic, and they are perfect for both nights out or nights in! It’s lined in satin and gives an update to a
“traditional” tux jacket. What I love? The #nakedtux is sophisticated, yet subtle. It’s so easy with pieces like this one to let it be the center point of your outfit, and why wouldn’t you? Sequins would look great with a tank and jeans, over a dress, with pants, open, or pinned shut to wear as a top. It’s possible to take the #nakedtux and make it very clothed, this would even looks amazing over a turtleneck. I can’t think of a way to wear this number that wouldn’t look amazing.

But maybe you want to take the #nakedtux seriously and wear it naked? Or hint at being naked? #nakedtux has you covered. Over how you little you dare at home, the #nakedtux would make any proper lay in seem like a red carpet event. And, for sake of argument, let’s say you have a red carpet event. I love the #nakedtux over silk pants like these crops, and left open (double sided tape makes sure that you don’t share more than you intend to), finish the look with heels and a choker- and the look, while naked, is stunning.

You can get your own #nakedtux at RGKimono. And that’s not the best part! Use the code “Rachel” for 10% off of your purchase with Rita!

I’ve linked the rest of the outfit details below. How would you rock the #nakedtux?
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!
Investment Piece: #nakedtux

Spring 2018 Trends

Investment Piece: Gown so Good

Florals for Spring. Groundbreaking.

Just like that joke that never gets old, every Spring we get offered trends that we can opt to embrace (to any extent) or reject (to any extent). There are times when the spring trends can feel very recycled and very cliche-florals anyone? Yet sometimes, even if the trend is “done”, it can feel new and exciting. The following is by no means a final list of Spring 2018 Trends (notables I left off: Americana, High End Denim, Fringe, and Florals) but these are the spring trends that I’ve loved (and already seen in stores). I’d love to know: What Spring Trends do you love?

Sheer/Transparent/Tulle
From sheer clothes to transparent shoes to tulle layers, there’s something sheer in the spring air.
Investment Piece: Spring 2018 Trends

I’ve always loved a little sheer in my fashion (see here) but this season what I’m really falling for is not just the sheer silks and chiffons, but the transparent plastic that’s a spring trend.

For example these boots I’m lusting after:

You can also find PVC and plastic in parkas, bags, tops, and pants. Sheer for days for Spring 2018.

Saturated Colors and Pastels
Sometimes Spring trends run to different ends of the spectrum.
Investment Piece: Spring Trends 2018
Pink was big all last year, so it should come as no surprise that this season more colors are getting in on the trends. From lavender to soft blues and greens, there’s a pastel for every whim. My favorite part? These aren’t Easter Egg Pastels, but pastels that are so sophisticated you won’t care how soft the colors on.

But if you need more pop?
Investment Piece: Spring Trends 2018
Saturated Color is also on trend for Spring 2018. From deep hues to almost neon, there’s a bright color for you (again in the most sophisticated cuts and shapes).

On Trend: There’s a color for your mood?

Mixing Prints
On the Spring Runways this was especially true for plaids. But plaids and stripes. Stripes and Florals. Dots and Graphics. If it mixes, it’s chic to wear it. (My tip: simply match a background color or play with size of patterns if you’re a bit uncomfortable with this spring trend).

Turns out I was ahead of the curve:
Investment Piece: Polka Dots as a Neutral
And I love this look of mixed plaids:
Investment Piece: Spring Trends 2018

Shine
Investment Piece: Spring Trends 2018
As someone who loves to wear “day” sequins I love this spring trend. From sequins to satin to sateen, the runways were full of shine. Why can’t your spring be?

See anything you like? My favorite part about Spring Trends is that there’s always a way to wear what you have and still be on trend; and yet, trends are away an excuse to go shopping. Where do you fall this season?

I’ve linked some of my favorite items that are are trend for Spring 2018. And of course will update you about what I buy!

Happy Shopping!
XO RA

Sales Break

#InvestmentPiece #colorblocking #inthewild

Loves! The sun came out this week, which has breathed new life into my spirit, and into my fashion! There’s something a little more fun about putting together outfits when you aren’t freezing. (Next fall when I’m dying to style sweaters you are more than welcome to remind me of this statement.)

But we’re right on the cusp of a new season: winter is slowly starting to thaw and spring is slowly starting to bloom. What does that mean for our fashion? Sales! (Kids get spring break, we get sales breaks. Maybe it evens out?)

This is a great time of year to stock up for next winter (hard to think about, but smart shopping). And a great time of year to stock up for spring (with strategic sale shopping). What to buy? Where to shop? Lucky for you, I got you covered! Shop my picks below from some of the biggest sales/smartest picks from this sales break!

JCrew
The new spring collection at Jcrew is dreamy, and the winter sale is to die for; and there’s more! Take 30% off your order, meaning you can shop ahead and for now and you can’t beat that!

Nordstrom Rack
A Collection of basics that are perfect for transition weather! And all at sales break prices!

Saks Fifth Avenue
For “Sales Break” (yes, we’re just rolling with it), Saks has some basics, and some party dresses to carry you through your spring commitments (or to save for next season!).

A Little Bit of Everything
From here and there, a round up of great sweaters, dresses, skirts, etc that are perfect for spring, but you can pull out next fall!

What are you shopping for this sales break? I hope you find it, and that it’s just as fulfilling as a Spring Break!

XO RA

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

#InvestmentPiece #holidaygreen

The Fairest of Them All // Polka Dots are a Neutral

Investment Piece: Polka Dots as a Neutral

Once upon a time…

We all know how the story goes. And maybe we don’t love fairy tales (but I do), you can’t argue that they stick! Or as Albert Einstein said “fairy tales make us intelligent and let us know that dragons can be slayed”. I paraphrased. I also may have combined some quotes, but the meaning is the same. Fairy tales speak to us, and I know I (personally) can’t help but go back to them over and over again. Who doesn’t want to be the fairest of them all?

We know that I love a great graphic tee. And now, you know that I love fairy tales. So, I couldn’t resist the combination of the two. A graphic tee that tells a classic story? Maybe that’s the fairest of them all.

But wanna know a secret? Sleeping Beauty is my favorite.

Investment Piece: Polka Dots as a Neutral

I tell you that many things are a neutral. Including leopard, actual neutrals, and other patterns. Now, I’m about to tell you that polka dots are a neutral. Am I lying? OR (hear me out) am I bringing your awareness to the next level?

Personally, I think it’s the second option. Polka Dots are a neutral.

Don’t believe me? Think about it, most polka dots are in shades of neutral, and are a bit subtle. (This statement may not apply to sequin, neon polka dots, but every theory has an outlier.) So, why not pair them with anything? Here, they go great with this graphic tee (and yes, see above for a fairy tale). The secret? Just match some of the base colors. Or don’t, and see what happens.

But, let’s think about it–is there something that wouldn’t go with a great polka dot?

I couldn’t think of anything. Graphic tee, blouses, stripes–they all go with a polka dot. And I love the combination. After all, the more neutral we have, the more options we have, right?

I’ve linked similar items below. And for you- how do you feel about fairy tales? And being the fairest of them all? Polka dots as a neutral?

It’s lot, right? Or is it?
🙂

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Polka Dots as a Neutral

How to Make it Your Own

Investment Piece: How to Make it Your Own

One of the most often used phrases in fashion? Just make it your own!

But, how do you make it your own? What does that even mean?

Cause we’re all smart. We get that the “idea” is to take the fashion that we’re offered 4 or so times a year and make our own style out of that. But, again, how?

Does that simply mean wear what you like, what makes you feel good, what fits your life? What if there’s more to it than that?

What if in the “how to to make it your own” conversation, it was a little about choosing what looks great on you and makes you feel good, and we also have the freedom to change things into what we really want.

Investment Piece: how to make it your own

How to make it your own:

We know that I love kimonos (and all things PJ dressing and the like). But, who says I have to wear a kimono just like everyone else?

Step 1 to make it my own:
Wear it backwards. (Actually, this works with so many pieces). Here, I love how the collar comes up high and it looks like a mock turtleneck. And because it’s backwards, the back is now open! And how great is that?!? A little structured, a little sexy, a little making it my own.

Step 2 to make it my own:
I slit the sides. You know, because a bare back wasn’t enough. How? I simply cut along the seam on the side (on this kimono there was an extra wide inset, so I simply removed it. Depending on what you’re cutting (as I am a fan of making things your own) the seam will vary. Cut as you see fit). I just thought that this short little jacket would look great with a little movement on the sides. I think I’m right.

And I love it balanced with the flares.

And it still looks great forwards (and as a robe!)

The moral? Making something your own is something you should try. And if you have to alter something to make it your own, I’m a fan. There’s nothing wrong with that! The best news about making something your own? It will work in all the ways you want it to, and isn’t that the point?

This kimono is vintage (the jeans are not), and I’ve linked similar pieces below. Go out and make them your own!

XO RA

Investment Piece: How to make it your own — Make it your own

She Works Hard for Her Money

Investment Piece: She Works Hard for Her Money

She works hard for her money. So do you, so do I.

Being a CEO and running my own company has been one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. And one of the hardest. I am in love with the fact that I get to pursue and share my passions, be myself, set my own hours and boundaries, and get paid for it. There are times when it might be easier to work for someone else (Ask anyone who know who works for themselves about how they have to chase their checks); however, being the boss is something that I just love!

The other good news? The type of CEO I am doesn’t mean that I have to wear a suit to work. There are times when “work” is writing on the couch in sweats. Maybe there’s wine, but that’s not the point. Point: I don’t have a strict workwear dress code.

The bad news?

I love suits. And pencils skirts. And vintage suitcases. And heels that scream “CEO”. And there are times when I wish that I had a reason to dress up for work. I work hard for my money, so I should get to dress like it, right?

The best news? I do. I still rock suits, and I love pairing anything and everything with pencil skirts.
Here? I love a great graphic tee. I love art. This shirt, by Monogram Studios (my new favorite graphic tee company), combines not only both but is elevated to CEO status with this Balmain pencil skirt. (I got the skirt designer resale). It’s the perfect combo (with the heels!) for a day at work, or an evening out. Chilly? Grab a jacket. Have things to carry? I recommend a vintage briefcase (this one is Gucci and I got it on Etsy).

Could I dress like this all day every day? Probably not. Maybe that’s why I’m so attracted to suits? But, as the CEO who works hard for her money, I get to make the dress code rules. I’m thrilled that I get to wear things like this, and then change into sweats!

What do you wear to work? I’d love to talk all things workwear with you!
XO RA

I’ve linked similar items below!

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

Investment Piece: She Works Hard for Her Money — She Works Hard for Her Money

What if Sequins are the Answer?

Investment Piece: What if Sequins are the answers?

We get in the habit of saving for things. We save up for big purchases (nothing wrong with that). The saving I have an issue with is when we save things “for special occasions” and miss out on all the things we can be enjoying now. How many times have you done it? Bought something you loved, and then put it away for a special occasion? You may have thought “It’s too nice to wear on just any day”, “I’ll just wait to wear this”, or “Something like this needs a special occasion”.

Loves, what if that special occasion is just any day?
What if sequins are the answer?

Investment Piece: What if Sequins are the Answer?

Sequins are one of those things that we tend to think of as “dressy” or special occasion. You just don’t see a lot of sequins at the grocery store, you know? But, is that a reason not to wear them? Sequins can be special. They can also be just another pattern, embellishment, or way to cheer up a day. What if sequins are the answer?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I think one of the powers that fashion has is that it can change how you feel. Do you want to feel like sequins? If not, why? I’m all for dressing special on special occasions, but I also believe that any day can be special. There is no wrong day to wear something that makes you feel great. There is no reason to put off a great outfit. You like sequins and you have something you want to wear? What if sequins are the answer?

** Note, I’m such a big believer in wearing something special whenever you want that I love the look of sequins and bare feet. However, if you need a bit more structure in your sequins, dresses like this one would look great with black boots, strappy sandals, or Adidias. You could wear this to a dinner, drinks, meetings, etc. Feel more comfortable dressing down your sequins? Try wearing them with a jean jacket or a sweater. There’s still a great chance sequins are the answer.

Where wouldn’t you wear them?

I’ve linked similar and more sequins for all your questions.

XO RA

And you can also rent your sequins:

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: What if Sequins are the Answer?

Fashion in the Wild: Date Night Looks

This is the month of “date nights”. (Though I really hope this isn’t the only month you have a date night) But, with the focus of Valentine’s Day and love on date nights, we (or I) can’t help but think about what to wear on a date night.

Real talk? I don’t think there’s just one kind of date night, and I believe there’s no right or wrong thing to wear on a date night. Be it with your friends, yourself, or your honey, any event can be a date night. Movie by yourself? Drinks with friends? Dinner? Dancing? Why can’t anything you enjoy with people you enjoy be a date night? In my world, it is.

So, what do we wear on date nights? I’m a huge fan of wearing dresses, but they are by no means your only option. Jeans and a top, pants with a blazer, sweats on the couch. In my view the most important part of a date night outfit is that you feel amazing in it.

Below are some of my favorite combinations for date nights. I’d love to know: what do you rock for date night?

XO RA

I hope this month and in the months to come that every date night is a blast and one of the things you love is your outfit!

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

President’s Day Sales!

Loves! Real talk? It’s the part of winter that feels like it will never end. It’s grey outside. It’s cold. I’m searching for fashion inspiration anywhere I can find it (have you seen some of the looks from fashion week? And the street style?). So, maybe it’s good that we have a little break. A little holiday to ease us into a more colorful state of mind? I hope that this weekend has found you with some downtime. That you got to be with people you love. Maybe a Netflix binge or a long brunch? Whatever you’re up to, I hope that it’s let you rest a bit–because when we’re rested we can shop!

President’s Day Sales are some of the best part of this long weekend, and I’ve rounded up some of my fave picks! Shoes to bags to great looks to classics, there’s something on sale for you, and now that you’re rested you can get to shopping!

XO RA

President’s Day Sales for going out (gala anyone?) and the last bits (hopefully) of cold weather :

President’s Day Sales for Work and a little Play:

Whatever you’re shopping I hope that it’s a great deal and that you’re getting exactly what you need this President’s Day!
XO RA

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

Also a great place for President’s Day Shopping:

#Revisisted

Investment Piece: #Revisited

One of the questions I get asked the most is “Do you re-wear the outfits you shoot?” The answer is of course!

Ok, there are some exceptions, but those are very far and few between.

What I wear on site is 99% my closet. What I wear. What I love. These outfits are favorites that I love, or new ideas for us all to play with. Yes, I re-wear clothes. I also revisit outfit ideas.

Investment Piece: #revisited

We chat outfit formulas a lot. There are just some combinations that we can’t help but revisit.
For me? This outfit was one of them (and very randomly, I LOVE the first set of pictures. Why? They are just some that I keep going back to!) Here I love the combo of “dress pants” with a sweatshirt. It looks pulled together (the monochromatic helps), and yet I know I have a sweatshirt on (and isn’t that what counts?)

I have a thing for the color grey (or gray, as you will). I have a thing for wearing one color. And, believe it or not, I have a thing for going back to outfits that work for me. Including this one.

(I also have a thing for putting together new outfits but that’s another post. We’re revisiting today.)

Investment Piece: #revisited

The great thing about revisited outfits? You don’t have to follow them EXCATLY. This time I switched up my shoes–added some sequins (because who couldn’t use some sequins?). This outfit lends itself to more than one type of shoe (most do) and when you have a great base, it’s a bit fun to go back and tweak.

Side note: clear heels are in this season, and there’s a pair for everyone. Love the look of sequin socks? You can always get yourself a pair of sequin socks (yes, they sell those) and wear them with your favorite shoes.

The even better thing about revisiting? You don’t have to tweak. You can rock the original.

Investment Piece: #revisited

I’d love to know: what outfits do you keep revisiting?

I’ve linked similar items (and some of those shoes) below!
XO RA

Investment Piece: #revisited