shopping – Page 99 – Investment Piece

#Star

Throwing on a shirt and shorts is a summer staple. My favorite is when that ritual is elevated and shirts like this Vintage number help! I love the star detail-the buttons, the straps, the way it’s simple and classic all at the same time. It would go equally as great with a skirt or white pants, yet it was perfect with cutoffs. The shoes are quickly becoming a go-to, the peep toe makes them summer perfect and the color is, believe it or not, neutral enough to go with everything! What are some of your summer go-tos?

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:
Shirt: Vintage, found at Garment Modern
Shorts: Joe’s
Shoes: About Arianne, found at Garment Modern or their website here

Summer Black

I love pieces that are multi-seasonal–and this black jacket from Zara is a perfect example. I’ve pinned it and worn it over shorts, making it great for summer. I’ve also put it over jeans. It’s great open, it’s great closed. And while it’s light weight (and sheer on bottom), it’s great for fall (I’m picturing it over pants and even layering a sweater over it). And these shoes–I’m a fan of all things red!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Jacket: Zara
Shorts: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Gucci

#bareshoulders

I’m still obsessed with this season’s off the shoulder silhouette, but love this fresh take on it with split bell sleeves. It looks amazing with these perfectly torn Levis, but looked just as great tucked into black pants with heels. And speaking of these jeans- Levis married the perfect combination of their vintage fit and modern fit (read great butt with a hint of stretch) and the rips in the knees are just right!

Hope your Friday is going swimmingly!
Happy Weekend! XO RA

Details:
Jeans: Levis
Shirt: MVe
Shoes: Louboutin

Bomber Crazy

I keep having to tell myself that I don’t have to have all the bomber jackets. But I just couldn’t resist this Zara one! It feels so luxurious-from the silk to the design, and goes with everything from shorts to skirts. I’m also obsessed with these tulle socks, I have a thing for socks and heels, these elevate that! The jacket is light enough for cool summer mornings, but I know I will be wearing it through fall–so see, I had to have it!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Jacket: Zara
Skirt: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: LK Bennett, old, similar here
Socks:Pan&theDream Make sure to check out their other socks too!

Great Investments: Gucci Bag

My blog’s name came from my personal theory that great fashion is a great investment- beyond resell value (Birkins make that case), but I think fashion with lasting value that brings you joy is worth investing in. I’ve often spent months saving for a special piece, and the joy these pieces bring me is something I cherish! So in this new monthly segment I will showcase some of my favorite pieces- ones that I’ve saved for, stand apart, or have sentimental value; and first up: this divine Gucci bag.

We know I am a Gucci girl- their current lines are just perfection, and this bag is the epitome of that! The detail, color, iconic logo- when I found this, and it fit into my budget, I absolutely couldn’t resist!

From the snake to the bee and the flowers, every time I carry this bag it just makes me happy!

I’d love to know – what’s one of your favorite pieces?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

For more Gucci bags visit Gucci

Night Party

This skirt loves. It is just simply breath taking- the colors, the sequins, the length. I wore it dressed up, but am planning to throw on sandals and a t-shirt with it and let it make a statement. These pictures were taken one night after dinner, moments before a storm, but even with the coming rain I couldn’t resist the temptation to get this skirt under the lights! As the saying goes, fashion is worth the risk!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Skirt: Jcrew, sold out online, call 18005620258
Top: Alice&Olivia, old, similar here
Shoes: Nina Ricci, old, similar here

Oh Lanvin

There is something about a classic shirt dress–especially when it comes with details like a french cuff, is made of hammered silk, and its tag reads Lanvin. This is one of my finds at the Kit Vintage–and while it’s not a true “party dress”, it’s quickly become a staple in my wardrobe, and has made a party appearance. With flats it’s great for running errands and day wear. With heels it’s great for dinner and parties. I’ve worn it with and without the belt. In fact, I haven’t found a way that I haven’t loved it. And these shoes!!

Happy Friday!! XO RA

Details:
Dress: TheKitVintage
Shoes: Frances Valentine and on sale!
Bag: Vintage Louis Vuitton

The Kit Vintage

The places I love to shop come in all shapes and sizes, but we know I hold a special place in my heart for vintage; I also hold a special place in my heart for party dresses and the two meet happily at The Kit Vintage! The Kit Vintage is truly a woman named Robyn–who is lovely and kind and also has a special place in her heart for party dresses. This is not the place for jeans or casual wear, but if, like me, you can always find a reason for a party dress this is a magical place! (Side note: Robyn does carry some ready to wear, but truly specializes in party dresses–and what she has found is almost magical–and well worth snagging an invite somewhere!)

The Kit Vintage Boutique is located inside Platt Jewelry in LA; the jewelry itself is magical, the store is owned by Larry, Robyn’s husband and you can try on the estate and art deco gems (what he specializes in) when you try on clothes. I’m waiting to see what happens when I just don’t take the jewels off! Robyn has hand curated a great selection of, again, mainly more formal clothes–but one of the things that I love about shopping here is that Robyn knows the providence of it all. She loves it, and there is something just breath taking about knowing the dress is Valentino’s lawyer’s wife’s. Or Mike Tyson’s girlfriend’s from 1992. Or worn to a specific Hollywood party in 1956. Part of what I love about vintage is that the pieces have history–and Robyn knows hers.

If you’re shopping in store Robyn is there to not only tell you amazing stories, but to help you find the perfect piece for you. She has heels (and let’s not forget the jewelry!) to complete the look. And if you’re lucky to find something, it feels special–like it was meant for you! Again, Robyn is one of the sweetest shop owners I know–I have never felt pressure to buy anything, she ensures that anything you pick is a match for you–and did I mention the beautiful clothes??

You can shop The Kit Vintage in LA or online at Esty: TheKitVintage

Happy Shopping! XO RA

#Hello

We all know that I love me a good cheeky shirt (or pant, or jacket, or shoe)! So is it really any surprise that I completely fell for this knit Zara shirt that says Hello (as you’re walking away)? Nope. I love the vintage feel of it, the loose knit, the perfect pairing with a scarf and vintage shoes! I spent part of my weekend in the South–the dreamy quality you see here is the humidity-honestly. Yet, the top was light enough that I didn’t want to die (although my glasses did fog up more than one morning!).

I hope it is less humid and just as cheeky where you are!
XO RA

Details:
Top: Zara
Jeans: Madewell
Vintage Gucci Loafers
Vintage scarf

Texas Beauty Queen

On one of my recent trips in Texas I went to an opera with my mom about Lady Bird–and I couldn’t resist wearing this vintage gem. It was worn by a Miss Texas in the 60s–and it’s just so stunning. The silk is in perfect condition, the attached scarf details still feel modern, and it made me feel as if I should be wearing a crown–which is always a plus! I know it’s kinda cheesy–but the tie in made me smile all night–I do love my fashion, and I love not taking it seriously!

Hope your Friday is spectacular! XO RA

Details:
Dress: vintage, found on Etsy
Bag: vintage, found at RecessLA
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood