Category: shopping

How are you feeling this Friday? This year has been a lot, right? And of course last year was too, I know. What I’m learning? Things are always going to be a lot; and within all of that, we all have our ups and downs of our own. Loves, I have to admit, between last year and some of this, I have been feeling pretty low. Not completely low, but but not 100% myself. And when part of what you do is put yourself and your stlyle out there, feeling not yourself isn’t great. I have no answers for that, I can tell you that what I did was solider on (I don’t know what else to do), reach out to the people I love, and really focus on how I want to feel and creating situations that let me feel that way. Can we control all the things? Nope, but we can control ourselves–and loves that’s a lot! I’m happy to report that I’m feeling good again, and I can’t wait to share all the good things coming with you!

Speaking of Feeling Good Again, it was the song playing during this shoot, and it seems to fit. (If you didn’t have the pleasure of going to college in TX, I cannot recommend Robert Earl Keen enough, and this song is a great start). This dress is one of those happy accidents, I got it on super sale at By George Warehouse Sale. ( Haider Ackermann!) It’s a little heavy for the season-wool over silk, but I love the layers (silk, the over lay, the silt, satin at the cuffs and hem). It’s simple, elegant, and able to be all on its own. I feel able to conquer the world, NY, or myself in it. I also kinda get an Olsen vibe from it, and if that doesn’t make you feel good, I don’t know what does!

Hope this Friday, and weekend, finds you feeling very good!

XO RA

Shop my picks below!

Shopping can be like a wild night out. You never quite know how things are going to go, what you’re going to find, or who you’re going home with. You might wake up the morning after with regret, or you migh wake up the morning after loving what you did. Yes, here we buy into the theory that the morning after can lead to a long and happy relationship– but we limit this theory to shopping. So my tips for having a great morning after? Stick to places you love that treat you right (this number is from RecessLA and we know that they are one of my favorites). Know your limit (not always fun, but your bank appreciates it). Choose wisely (dresses like this Prada number won’t steer you wrong).

If it’s another kind of morning after I recommend coconut water and low light. A great burger doesn’t hurt either!

Loves, let’s chat a minute about lingerie dressing. There are so many versions of it, there are so many ways to wear it, there is so much to love about it. This Prada dress is what I consider the best of high end lingerie dressing. It combines the classic “little black dress”, a little lace, and a hint of nude. Silky and Lacey, but perfect for a cocktail party, though I won’t judge you for wearing this around the house! The result? Not your average dress with just a hint of lingerie. Sophisticated, fun, and not a thing to regret in the morning.

When there are many, many things to not like about the morning, it’s always nice to have purchases like this to make the morning after easier (and give you something to look forward to in the evening!)

Last I checked, this dress was still available at Recess (love it? You can check their website or contact them via Instagram to inquire), or shop my picks below!

Hope this morning had no regrets!

XO RA

We know I love fashion. We know that I love Art. We know that I think fashion is Art. We know that a goal of mine is to be Art. Is it any surprise that I love this dress?

I love going to museums, and I also like dinosaurs (yes, like a kid!); so the tar pits in Los Angeles hold a special facisnation for me. I love the thought of walking on history! And though you can’t play in the tar (which would require a different outfit entirely) the scenery is beautiful! The tar pits are connected to LACMA, which makes this art inspired dress a perfect fit. I love the abstract faces, the color blocking, the cut out. It’s classic, but it’s edgy. This dress is silk, but a Topshop find-so it’s completely affordable!

This piece is perfect for gallery openings, museum days, cocktails, dinner, or 9-5. I like to think it brings me a bit closer to being Art, and that I will take every time!

Happy Friday! XO

This Topshop dress is sold out (Their Unique and Boutique lines are worth a look!) I love this one , this one, and this one. Shop my other picks below!

There’s been a few reports lately about Gucci doing collaborations with this or that designer, and I have to put it out there, Gucci- if you’re listening, and you need people to collab with- I volunteer as tribute. You can take me, I’m yours.

Loves, I often wax poetic about how much I love Gucci, I know many of your other factor it fashion bloggers do as well. It’s hard not to. To me, this resergnce of Gucci under Alessandro Michele is the perfect combination of fun, details, the classic shapes, and excess. There are pieces that simply belong in a museum, there are knit pants that I long to live my life in; and the frivolous way that the fashion is presented (skateboards) is just magical. I am an unapologetic fan girl and have already googled how to sell them my kidney for the shoes I want. (Only slightly kidding)

Pink is the color of the season, or one of them, and surprise I love this Gucci Pink. I love the simplicity of the cut, the details, the bow. It’s great for running around (it would go great with sneakers), dinner, work, events (these are Zara boots but it would also go great with heels or higher boots). This dress is available at Reccessla right now (loves, they have so much Gucci in) and it was a joy to play and shop in! I managed to leave it behind, which is the most shocking piece of information here, but yet I can’t think of a more perfect Spring dress.

How are you rocking pink?

XO RA

Shop my picks below:

This trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so how to wear a corset belt? With attitude. With jeans.

Over a dress, having fun.

Actually loves, there aren’t a lot of rules when it comes to corset belts. Part of the magic of wearing them is that they are part statement, part basic–and they go with everything. I love the Rock and Roll edge that the belt provides with this simple white tee and jeans, but you could easily make this more casual by wearing sneakers instead of heels. Over a dress with flats, with shorts and sandals, with super high heels. (Get my other corset look here). Corset belts are perfect when you want to define your waist, add a little something, be edgy, be soft, or just need a belt! They’re a nod to sexy, a way to hold yourself in, a little throw back, and are modern all in one; the point being that you can’t go wrong with them.

Loves, there’s also a very good chance that you don’t need me to tell you how to wear a corset belt, or any fashion for that matter. Though I have lots of ideas, and am always happy to help, the reality may be that you don’t need my help. Maybe you need inspiration, or loves maybe you just need permission. Before you take a deep breath and my comments get filled, I am not trying to imply that as a woman in charge of herself that you need permission to wear anything, any way you like. What I would argue is that sometimes we hold ourselves back, for reasons that would be another article, blog, another forum. So we’re focusing on the corset belt. And loves, however you rock it or don’t is perfect. The outfit you have in your head will be amazing (and if turns out you don’t like it, you change). You have permission to have fun, to try things out, to wear what makes you happy. Ironic that we’re talking about permission with a corset belt that holds you in? Maybe. Or maybe not!

This belt is from my love, Elaine Kim, and I love how soft it is–seriously loves, you need to feel this leather–and the zipper! It’s gone with everything from jeans to dresses (see above) and I’m still thinking up ways to wear it!

I’d love to know: how do you wear a corset belt?

XO RA

Shop my picks below:

I cannot explain to you how fun this shoot was, one of my faves! And yes, I say that all the time, and yes, I take it as a challenge to improve each time: but loves 7-11 Juxatipositon was simply fun. And isn’t that what fashion is supposed to be? A high end jumpsuit, by Katy Rodriguez found at Resurrection Vintage, fit for the red carpet in 7-11, Twizzlers in hand?!? I was inspired by the Rihanna looks in a drug store, and I have to say–she was on to something. There was so much to play with, not as many people stared as you would think, and this jumpsuit! I highly recommend playing with Juxatipositons and if that happens to be in 7-11, so be it!

And this fashion! This is not where I tell you that this jumpsuit could be made into something it’s not. It’s a special piece, rhinestones and slits, and all; and you can’t/shouldn’t hide that. It’s not something that you could repurpose as workwear or casual wear, but there are ways to soften it. The slits on both the legs and chest could be sewn up–either with thread, tape, or safety pins. You could wear a shirt under the jumpsuit, and this night I threw a sweater on top (so only the legs showed) for drinks. I think for an upscale pool party you could pair this stunner with flats, but I think, other than that, heels would be best! Resurrection Vintage (Resurrection Vintage, lastore@resurrectionvintage.com, or @resurrectionvintage on Instagram) has a pink jumpsuit exactly like this one available–if you get it, show me the Juxatipositons you wind up in!

Love bugs, most importantly, go have some fun out there!
XO RA

Shop my picks below and have an amazing weekend!

Oh Loves! This shirt has me snake bitten. In real life, snakes aren’t a favorite of mine, but Gucci and my new fave Velvet California have changed my mind! {Side Note: look for an upcoming post on Velvet California: the owner is amazing, I love the patches on vintage flannels and slips, and it’s all affordable (and chic!)} The snake is just a little bit edgy, and then these jeans! I borrowed these Dolce and Gabbana’s from a friend (yes, I was sad when I had to give them back!). The silhouette is simply stunning. And together! Just so cool and fun! I felt like a rock star, and my opinion on snakes may be changing!

Top: Goes with everything. Seriously. I’ve worn it with jeans, over slip dresses, with black pants, heels, flats: I’ve yet to find something it doesn’t go with. The snake makes it a statement, but the vintage flannel is so soft and comfy!

Jeans: I did have to give these back, but the good news is that this shape is everywhere! From Zara to Free People, you can get an extreme flare. And the good news? It’s a statement! Goes great with everything from tanks to sweaters, sheer tops to flannels!

And these Stuart Weitzman shoes: they are just perfect!

You too can get snake bitten at Velvet California, or on their Instagram (@VelvetCalifornia), the Dolce Jeans were resale from @Recessla, but you can shop some of my picks below!

XO RA