After the holiday season- the gift gifting and the sale shopping comes a season of returns. None of us give with the intention that our gifts won’t hit the mark (and few of us shopping thinking it won’t work out), but sometimes, returning a gift (or purchase) is the best thing. I know this. I’ll be the first to tell you that if something doesn’t fit or hit the mark, that you should return it- and of course then I will tell you to get things that do hit the mark and fit! If I feel this way, if I can acknowledge that returns are a part of shopping, why do I sometimes have a hard time with returns?
(And I’m really hoping I’m not the only one!)
When we talk about returns, a lot that is difficult to deal with is the actual process. Going to the store, or mailing it in, waiting for a refund or a replacement item. At times returns are annoying at best, and a major inconvenience at worst. This article by Amanda Mull in The Atlantic breaks down the return process, history, etc much better than I could. And I have to say, unfortunately, I have no advice or tips for dealing with that side of returns.
However, I do have thoughts about the feeling side of returns, because I do refuse to believe I’m not the only one who sometimes over-thinks or feels the simple return. There are times when I can make the choice to return, not think about it, and get it done. Then there are times when I find myself trying way too hard to make purchases work, feeling as if I have to over explain my return reasoning to the store clerk (and anyone who asks), or worse- keeping something I know is not right for me.
Sometimes it’s the embarrassment of ordering the wrong size. Which I know is dumb- especially as there is no standard sizing, that no one cares, that a number on a tag doesn’t define me. Like many women, I’m a ton of different sizes and most of the time I’m ok with it. But. There are times when the wrong size is a reason I delay returns. This is very similar, but times when a piece doesn’t work for me I can also get a bit dejected (I’m not 100% sure that this is the word I’m looking for, but we’ll go with it!) and put off returning it. I can get very in my head about being a “fashion blogger” and how that must mean that I could make any outfit work- and the reality is, that’s just not possible. From style to body type to sometimes outfits just don’t work. And as much as I can tell you that, when things don’t work for me, there are times I can take it personal.
And sometimes, the feelings and hesitation to return something is a bit more complicated. Maybe it’s something you really wanted to love, or something that meant something to someone you love. There are things that we return that can rub our loved ones the wrong way, as they take it as a comment on them or their gift giving. Returning, with all of its frustrations, leaves you without something, and sometimes that’s more difficult than we expect it to be.
Reasons returns are hard can be varied, and I know most of the time the answer is simply to just do the return. The store or clerk isn’t judging you, and if something isn’t for you, it just means that something better is out there. But when I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around those ideas these tips are how I get myself to suck it up and make the return:
-I bribe myself. Be it what other thing I’ll buy with the return funds, a coffee out, or making a day of fun errands after the return. I’m not debating if you should bribe yourself, just letting you know it works for me.
-I wear an outfit that makes me feel good. If you’re making a return of an item that didn’t make you feel great about yourself, there’s no better balm than an outfit that makes you look amazing. Fantastic lipstick (under a mask even!) can also help!
-I ask a friend to go with me. It makes the process a bit less painful and it can lead to a really fun day.
How do you feel about returns? I know we all have things we just return, but the things that are difficult to return- how do you do it? What are your tips in general for returns? I would love to hear about them all!
And it is currently Mercury Retrograde so if you have things returning to you (people, etc), I recommend discernment, and I would love to hear about all of those returns too! 😉
Wishing us all a week of good returns and amazing shoes! XO RA
It’s been a week of the new year- how are you doing? Remeber when I said that I love January (here)? It’s not that I don’t, it’s that after a week, after really thinking about what I want and setting the goals, we’re at the difficult part. We have to do the work, go from rest to back at it.
Back at it is fun- getting to put our goals in motion, seeing what this year brings, making things happen. But back at it is also overwhelming. Confession? I’m a big picture thinker. I can come up with huge, wonderful plans, but the minutia, the small action steps are often hard for me. Getting back to it can be a little frustrating when you know where you want to go, but aren’t 100% sure how to get there. Add on trying to adjust your habits, maybe work in new systems, and waves hands at all the things.
So. If we’re back at it, and yet sometimes back at it is hard or overwhelming or any of those things, what do we do? How do we make sure that we keep moving towards our goals?
AKA How do you stick to your resolutions when reality sets in?
The following list is by no means an expert one, but these are what I’m trying:
-Getting enough rest. Counter-intuitive? But I find that when I’m over tired I can’t get back at it. I miss things, I make mistakes, I make things harder on myself. Rest can come in many forms- sleep, downtime, time to pursue hobbies. When I’m well rested I not only work better, all those small steps that are more difficult for me? I can somehow see them better and plan them out.
-Lists. Journaling. When I list out and write out my plans and see them on paper, it helps me not only see the small steps I need to complete, it helps me come up with creative ways to get things done.
-I get friends and family to hold me accountable. This is not to say you need to share everything with everyone, but telling a few trusted friends always helps me get back at it. They keep going, and often help me with plans and more!
-Treats. Yes. I bribe myself with rewards- from new shoes to special glasses of bubbles. I know there’s a lot to be said about bribing yourself, but it works!
What do you do to get yourself back at it? I would love to hear any and all tips!
Wishing us all a week of getting back out there and amazing shoes!
XO RA
Yes, this was originally a Sunday Chronicles article. Yes, I posted this before. But this week, as I’m trying to set my goals for the year, and really thinking about who I want to be (and what I want to wear this year), I’ve been thinking about some of the themes below. How can I put myself out there (in an outfit at the grocery store or opening up to you) and be comfortable with some people not liking it? How do I get better at moving through things? How do I forgive myself for missing the mark? The article below doesn’t solve all of those problems, but it does remind me of where the magic happens, and that’s a start.
If I had to add anything to this, it would be along the lines of don’t be afraid to revisit and rework ideas, help the people behind you, share your knowledge, and trust that what’s for you is for you. Maybe that’s the next article!
In the meantime, I’ll be thinking about these again, and trusting that everyone is rooting for me- because I’m rooting for you!
Or : “What Facing Constant Rejection Has Taught Me About Living”. Acting is an interesting beast–to be great you have to be raw, honest, and vulnerable. However, the process by which you get jobs–auditioning–is about constant rejection, making the whole “be vulnerable” thing a bit hard at times. Ask any actor and we will all tell you that we have a love/hate relationship with audition. At their best, auditions are great; you own the part for at least a moment and you feel so empowered. At their worst, auditions can be a flawed way to match a character with an actor, akin to choosing your starting QB in football based on who scored best on a physics test. Auditioning is in itself a skill-set, one which I like to think I’ve become fairly good at, and the older I get, the more I’ve realized that what’s true in the audition room is true in real life. The best moments come from open, raw, vulnerable things–and facing rejection can be scary. However, if you can work at being great at auditioning some of those lessons have to apply to real life, right? That’s my theory, and the following is what I’ve learned.
Some notes: This list is by no means definitive, there’s a ton more–some of it is so specific to acting that I left it off, some just seemed redundant. If you’re interested in specific acting techniques there are amazing classes and coaches out there–and I would be happy to recommend some! These lessons do bleed into each other, and I tried to be as concise as possible (some of these snippets could probably fill their own book)–but these are things I remind myself of everyday and wanted to share. Also, know that there are times when I have walked into rooms and blown it, was just awful. We all have–to fail is human. I don’t address that case in the following because really the only solution there is to go back on work on your craft and try again. As the saying goes–it doesn’t matter that you fall down, what counts is that you get back up.
But what you should know is:
Everyone in the Room is Rooting For You
Walking into an audition can be completely intimidating. There may or may not be a ton of people in there–some of whom may never acknowledge your presence. You may be taped. You may have to do the sides more than once, you may have to take adjustments, you may be cut off. The good news? Everyone in that room wants you to get the job. They believe in you–or else they wouldn’t have called you in. Don’t believe me? It’s true. The casting director’s job is to find the best candidates to present to the director/producers and they are not going to risk their careers by bringing in people who can’t do the job. The casting director wants you to succeed, because it means they succeeded. The director/producer want you to be a fit so they can move on to the next role or get on set. You doing well means everyone does well. Everyone wants that –and is on your side.
It’s the same in life. Your boss wants your report to be great, your boyfriend/girlfriend wants you to be happy, your friends want you to succeed, even the people in the grocery store want your check out to go well (even if that’s only because it makes their check out go well). People may be out for themselves but the world is not against you; and people are on your side more than you think. Know when you walk into a room people are rooting for you, and if you’re constantly walking into rooms where they aren’t, you may want to reassess what kind of rooms you’re walking into.
Rejection is NOT About You
I know that is hard to hear. Rejection is hard because it FEELS personal. And it can hurt to want something, to work for something and not to get it. I’m not saying not to hurt, or grieve, or even go scream in the woods if you need to. We take rejection personally because we take it as a comment on our worth–what I’m saying is maybe it’s about changing your perception and seeing rejection as a combination of fit and timing, not comments on your worth. Loves, while it can be hard to hear, rejection is 99% fit and timing. In auditioning. In careers. In love. And there are times when that is hard, but often it’s what’s best for us.
A casting director had an analogy that changed my life, and how I take rejection. She explained that casting is like planning a meal. For example, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving you’re considering every aspect-the meat, the appetizer, the sides, the desert. You want it all to go together, to fit, and to use the best in season. So strawberry shortcake may be your favorite desert, and you may know the best strawberry shortcake. But you aren’t going to put in on your Thanksgiving table–it doesn’t fit the meal or the season, the timing isn’t right for it. So if you’re the strawberry shortcake should you be upset? No, it doesn’t mean that you’re “bad”, it means Thanksgiving is not your time. So what do you do? You be the best strawberry shortcake, put it out there, be so good that people can’t forget you, and trust that when the time is right people will put you on the table.
Don’t be Desperate
There is nothing wrong with being passionate, with working hard, with having focus–in fact to be successful you need all those qualities. However, nothing kills a moment faster than trying to hard. A contradiction? Yes, but we all know that look of white-knuckling, forcing things to happen, being so desperate that you’ll do anything–in audition rooms, on dates, in meetings. Loves, more often than not forcing things to happen doesn’t work. There is not a situation in life where being desperate is attractive, in any sense.
Many times we get desperate because we’re thinking ahead, or focusing on things we can’t control. In acting it’s called playing a result, in life we call it not being present. It can often sound like “I have to book this gig so I can be a working actor and pay my bills”. Or “I want to get married and this first date could be the one so I will bring up this/this/that”. “I’m broke and need this to happen so I have to get the promotion or job”. We all can get caught up in this–and I’m not saying to not have goals or look ahead, but a football team can’t win the championship on the first game on the season; they can only win one down at a time.
When I audition my goal is never to book the job–that’s completely out of my control, and as we know comes down to fit and timing. When I audition my job is to show my work–to be good, make a fan and let it go. I cannot control anything else. On a date the goal is to have fun and get to know someone–not to book a wedding venue. Have a job interview? You’re goal is to show how great you are and showcase your skillset–you can’t control getting the job. It is my experience that if I focus on my goal in the moment–be it do a great scene, win a down, or have a good time–it keeps me from being so desperate. And some of the magic is that the more you focus on what you can do in the moment the future takes care of itself.
Be Yourself
I know. That is the most cliched advice in the history of mankind. But it’s true. An actor’s job is to breath life into a character, and that doesn’t come from thin air, but is informed from the actor’s own experiences. We are each unique with our own world views, and when we allow that to bleed into our work magic can happen. It’s true not just in acting: you’re an accountant who happens to be really empathetic? That will inform your work and make you great with clients. A football coach who loves to surf? Balance and timing are needed on the field too. We get caught up in how things should look, or should be (in acting it’s called playing the idea) and we can forget that there is no formula, no way things have to look. So bringing yourself–all of yourself–to your work can only make it better. It’s what people really want. Anyone could just enter numbers or repeat lines. There is something about you that’s special, that can make a job extraordinary; and if you are brave enough to offer up those special parts of yourself you will find that more often that not you get rewarded for it.
Live a Big, Full, Juicy Life
This is part be yourself, part don’t be desperate, part don’t put your worth on one aspect of yourself–or your paycheck. You know the actors that book the most? They’re the ones that have a ton going on, a ton of interests, and a ton of places they could be. That’s not to say that they don’t take acting seriously and work on their craft–but they’d also love to tell you about their family, or charity work, or great book they just read. Acting is not the only thing that defines them, or their worth is tied to, they tend to have a lot that interests them and they pursue all of it. I think this works on multiple levels. As humans we find interested people interesting. As we know, every aspect of yourself can inform your work–and make it deeper. (Music can even make you better at math, it’s proven). And if you have a lot going on, you tend not to be so desperate.
The casting director who preaches this advice makes it specific to actors. Acting is a beast and like all creative fields requires you to put so much of yourself out there and allow yourself to be judged. And there are good years and years where you may not book at all. You can control your acting but there is so much you have no control over–what scripts are optioned, etc. We’ve talked about timing and fit, and it’s true, however, rejection can still be tough. A few years ago I had a week with two big auditions–I lost one as I was “too old and not blonde enough”, I lost the other because I was “too young and too blonde”. Other than hair dye there’s not a lot I can control there. There are tons of Hollywood stories like this (I had a friend cut from a pilot as she reminded the producer of his ex wive whom he hated, it happens); again rejection can be constant and the casting director was making a point that if you’re tying your worth to situations that you don’t have control over, and where rejection is likely, you are setting yourself up for disaster. This is akin to the “be your own soulmate and then your partner gets to be the cherry on top” advice, but I think it holds true. And not just for acting.
Be interested. Pursue whatever makes you happy, even if you don’t earn a paycheck from it. Read what you love, have great friends, travel, anything that makes your heart sing. It will make you a better whatever you are. And those things can sustain you. No matter what, Loves, there are going to be jobs you don’t get, relationships that fail, and things that don’t go your way. And when that happens all these things that you love can still fulfill you.
Let the Ball Fly
No matter how much you prepare, there comes a time when you have to just go for it. In audition rooms things don’t always go the way you plan–and the choice is to white knuckle your choices or take in what’s going on and use it. The latter, in my experience, is always your best bet. This is what your training comes down to–the ability to have grace under pressure, to take what is happening and use it to your best advantage. When things don’t go your way you can either get stuck and freak out about what is going wrong, or you can adjust. Loves, adjust. Just like a QB–no matter how great his coaches are and what play they’ve called, the ball is snapped and he has to read the defense and make a call. He can either freak out about the defense moving, and usually then get sacked or throw an interception. Or he can read the field, find an open man, and let the ball fly. I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of the touchdowns (except when my team is playing defense).
There’s so much more advice: don’t apologize for your work or who you are. Be prepared. Be on time. Treat everyone with respect. Know your function in the script and serve it. There are whole classes devoted to how you hold your sides. I could go on forever. But for me, I think it comes down to “do good work and love your life”. Nothing else is within our control.
Wishing us all a week of big, full lives and amazing shoes! XO RA
It’s about the time in the holiday season you’re one of two things: prepared/done shopping/on top of it/relaxed and enjoying time with your loved ones OR stressed/overwhelmed/behind/not done at all.
If there’s an inbetween (and I’m sure that there is), I’m not sure what to name it, as I tend to vacillate between those two extremes. Also, I know that the news and the state of the world can affect even the most prepared of us. It’s a season for joy, but it’s also a season for overwhelm. Perhaps these are all generalizations, but the specifics have rung true to me!
When you’re prepared, whatever that means for you, the season seems easy. But when you’re behind? Finding the joy that this season is supposed to bring is hard to come by. I’m aware that I could tell you to let things go (always a great time for that), or give tips on how I manage holiday magic last minute (but I feel like there are a ton of articles about that, most of which have better advice than I give), but instead what I’m focusing on is finding joy.
No matter how prepared you are, no matter how behind you are, no matter how the world is stressing you there is always room for joy. And while the following may not solve everything (or get your shopping done for you), these are the things that make my joyful during the season.
-Movies
Is there anything better than curling up and watching your favorite holiday movie? From Miracle on 34th St To White Christmas to Die Hard (Yes, it’s a Christmas movie) and everything in between, taking time out to see stories that are joyful brings me joy.
-Christmas Lights
My paternal Grandpa (my PaPa) LOVED Christmas and went all out with lights every year. Getting in the car and driving around looking at all the lights and decorations makes me happy. Christmas PJs and hot chocolate optional.
-Music
Sometimes putting on my favorite carols or music helps calm me down and they bring me joy. A current fave? This rendition of O Holy Night By Irma Thomas:
Of course my usual go-to stress relievers work: workouts, baths, walks, shopping. But when I’m looking for joy, I always try to go beyond those. Tis the season after all.
What do you do to find joy during this season?
Wishing us all a week of joy and amazing shoes! Xo RA
By date, we still have over half of December left, there are still 14 days until Christmas. So, why does it feel as if anything we’re doing right now is last minute?
Maybe it’s that this year we were all encouraged to shop early due to the supply chain. Maybe it’s that every year the holiday season seems to go faster and faster. I’m not sure. All I know is that while (hopefully at this writing) all the decorations are planned, the meals are set, the shopping is done- so why do I feel like I’m behind?
There’s always more that we can all do (even on the holidays), and the weeks before the holidays intensify those feelings. Right now I’m not only thinking about all I should be doing for the holiday, but for the new year, the first few weeks of the new year- stressing about what I haven’t gotten done and all the things that I should do. It’s beginning to feel all last minute, and a bit stressful.
When I begin to feel that way, these are the steps I take to make sure that I don’t let the last minute stresses get to me (have tips? I’m all ears! The comments are open!)
-Make lists. To do lists. Done lists. What I’m ok with putting off lists. Sometimes seeing the big picture and the steps helps me put into perspective where I should really be putting my energy. Each day I make a must do list, and each night I compare it to my overall to-do list. Time consuming? Maybe? But it keeps me on top of my last minute holiday doings.
-I make peace. Each year I keep thinking that this is the year I’ll have it all together and the holidays will be perfect. And while each year is amazing, there’s always something that is different from my “plans” (for better or for worse). So, I make an effort to not get too attached to my plans, and to make peace with what won’t get done- or what will get done but differently than I thought. Does it help with last minute stress? Yes. Absolutely, as it lets me let go of things.
-I tell people I’m stressed. I know this isn’t what we’re “supposed” to do. Many people consider it uncouth- but truly telling the people that I love that I’m feeling stress from the last minute things I (think) I have to do or feel pressure on helps me. More often than not, my people let me know what I can let go of, what really matters to them, and then we can all adjust. It’s a part of being honest about what I can deliver, but also lets my people be honest about what they need.
These little methods aren’t full proof, there are still times when I feel last minute stress and worry about all the things that happen (good and bad) last minute. However, these things do help me with last minute stress – and getting things done last minute. I would love to know what works for you!
Wishing us all a week of no last minute stress and amazing shoes
Xo RA
It’s the time of year when we hold tight to our traditions. Which is silly in some aspects, as traditions are present throughout the year- how we take our tea, our routines in all areas of life, but at this time of year, it feels like traditions are the forefront and the story. At this time of year, traditions seem to be what we focus on- from the family member who insists that we have to do holidays the way we’ve always done, to the traditions we’re making new with new people in our lives.
My family traditions have changed over the past few years, and are still changing. I’m lucky that both of my parents are still active, and we still do Christmas at my mom’s. But as my sister and I change our lives (and neither of us has kids), our traditions are slowly changing.
I have to say- I don’t hate that.
As a kid, I loved nothing more than running down early on Christmas to see our Santa gifts, and open all the presents. Now that I’m an adult, I love sleeping a tad bit later, still seeing what Santa brought, but then drinking champagne and eating with my parents and sister. It’s different, but our new tradition. And who’s to say that new is worse than old? Isn’t it just different?
This is not to say that I don’t think it’s sometimes hard to change our traditions, change is never easy when it comes to long standing views. But sometimes it’s necessary. And don’t tell my stubborn nature, but sometimes different, or new, can be just as good as the old (sometimes better). When we evolve (or change) our traditions, there’s always an adjustment. A worry about what we’re giving up. But what about what we gain?
There are years when I really miss how the holidays were when I was a kid. But. There are times when I love how the holidays are now- and wouldn’t change that for the world. As we change, it only makes sense that our traditions, how we celebrate, what we celebrate changes. If we come a long way, shouldn’t our traditions?
Lately, I’ve been attempting not to hold too tightly to “how things were done” or “traditions” from my childhood. Not because I didn’t love them, but because I am making room for what I love now. The 5yo me would not love what I do now on Chrismas- but yet grown up on my doesn’t want I wanted at 5. Maybe evolving our traditions is a good thing?
What traditions have you changed? How do you feel about that?
Wishing us all a week of happy traditions and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
We know that I love Halloween. Or as I call it, Fashion Halloween. Getting together a costume, making it a bit high fashion, shooting it- I love every minute of it.
This year, I had grand plans- but what’s that saying? The best laid plans….or the way to make God laugh is tell him your plans. Either way, my best fashion Halloween plans have been more like a Halloween costume fail.
My big plan this year? Get the kitten in on my costume (there may be some truth to the warning that animals and small children will always upstage you). I was going to get my little kitten in a dinosaur head gear, and I was going to be a Dinsoaur hunter (aka sarfari chic).
However, someone said “hard pass” to their costume.
Cartier, my cat, wouldn’t put on the costume at all. She’d play with it (till she ignored it), but try to put it on and she would bite and scratch.
So, I scrapped that plan (though you could argue that she was just getting into character). Instead, I thought that both Cartier and I could be princesses (I have a whole closet section of party dresses and some of them could be very Princess!)
And yet…
The dinosaur went over better. Cartier wouldn’t even come near her crown. (Until after I stopped trying to shoot anything when she decided to play with the cord).
Part of this has been my fault, this year I waited till the last minute to do our costumes, I was so excited about them, I didn’t even stop to think that they might not work! With Cartier deciding she was out, I had to choose- scrape it all or go it alone. And mind you, I had less than a day.
When you’re on deadline,you do what you can with what you have. My Halloween costume plans had failed- but luckily I always have a backup. This “bad witch” shirt is one of my faves. Paired with a devil’s horn headband? Last minute costume. Cartier? She can be one of my little imps (no headdress required).
Next year, will not be a fail (I’m already planning and ordering!). In the meantime, this bad witch is excited about welcoming trick-or-treaters tonight, and watching Hocus Pocus. However, you’re celebrating and no matter your costume, Happy Halloween!
Wishing us all a week of success and amazing shoes! XO RA
As I mentioned here, this year holiday shopping is starting early due to supply chain issues. I don’t know that I’ve perfected how to handle gifts guides here on the blog. Gifts, I think, are best when they’re personal, when they mean something, when they’re a way to let the reciever know that they’re seen and love. Generic lists have just never done it for me.
So, my big idea is that I would profile me and people in my life in the hope that something on one of our wish lists would inspire you, help you think of things that may be perfect for people with similar intesrests, or give you great things to buy. I wanted to start with me, but it’s been so much more difficult than I thought it would be!
It’s not that I don’t want things (I want things ALL the time). And it’s not that I don’t know who I am or what I like (I manage to find things I like all the time and can spot things that are “me” from anywhere. I have a running list of bookmarked items on my phone that serves as part of my wishlist). However, the process of making a list (that constantly changes) with all of my interests (that can often be contradictory) to give to others has been a bit overwhelming, and I’m not sure that I have “it” yet. In fact, every year I struggle with telling my family and friends what I want (I am the reason I advocate for gift cards).
But, if you’re here, you either like what I like or know someone who does-so I thought I would tell you a bit about my current wishlist, what I’m shopping for, and what I’m loving right now (and yes, if you shop for you, that’s a gift too!)
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!
I love fashion (obviously) and while I can be a bit all over the place I love Classic pieces and a bit of sass. We all know that I can’t say no to any party dress or standout pieces. I’m thinking of this gold set for NYE and love the cutouts in a dress!
Speaking of classics, I also am loving the new revamp of Banana Republic- chic work and safari inspired looks. Here are some of my favorites:
Lately, I have been loving workout jumpsuits (unitards? bodysuits?). And I currently love all of these:
I also LOVE Mother jeans (they have a high rise cut that flatters me!) Mother released 2 new fits this week and I’m already in love with them!
Another item I keep looking at? A sweater dress (I just love how comfy and classic they are!) These are some I’m currently loving:
As we know, I love vintage. But vintage can be difficult to shop for other people (if you’re shopping for a vintage lover make sure you have their wishlist, measurements, and know return policies). That’s why I often just let people know about the vintage bags I love (and ask for gift cards for any other vintage!). This Coach bag is just so yummy!
Of course, there are books I want, and very randomly I want the Schitt’s Creek Monopoly game (I’m usually not a fan of board games). It’s the time of year to began thinking about what you want, and what you want to get others; I hope that this glimpse into what I’m currently wanting helped you find something for someone you love (or you!)
What’s on your wishlist this year?
Wishing us all a week of getting our wants and amazing shoes!
xo RA
It’s October, and at least in the States that means that one of the things we’re “celebrating” is Breast Cancer Awareness. (I know, celebrating isn’t the right word. Honoring? Acknowledging? Giving towards?) Maybe, like my family, you’ve been personally affected by breast cancer. Maybe it’s something you’re scared of, or maybe you just like the idea of part of your shopping dollars going to a good cause.
No matter the reason, I have great news! There are so many brands and stores giving you the chance to use your shopping to give to breast cancer charities. (I call it shopping Pink because of the use of the color pink in all the breast cancer charities, but call it what you like!) I know that shopping may not be the best way to give, but I think this is a great way if you’re going to be buying something that you already wanted, or planned on, or want to give, or to do in someone’s name. Any giving back is a great way in my view.
There are so many places to use your shopping to shop Pink, but I’m profiling just a few (really one here). As more opprotunities and things I love come with a chance to shop pink I of course will keep you in the loop!
Sarah Flint
As you may know, I’m a Sarah Flint ambassador, and I could not be more proud to partner with a company. Besides being woman owned, besides design details that cater to what I really need in shoes (arch support, steel enforced heel, a bit more room in the toe boxes), I love the community that comes with this company. The founder, Sarah, listens, uplifts, and genuinely cares about the women who buy her shoes. And this month there are 3 (very chic) ways to shop pink!
The first way to shop pink at Sarah Flint is this chic pink pair of the infamous Natalie flats! Light pink snake-embossed nappa leather, a pointed toe with an asymmetrical bow, that’s handcrafted in Italy, these shoes are so feminine and chic (long after October!). This month 20% of all net proceeds of this shoe will be donated to Touch, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, which collaboratively works towards eradicating Black Breast Cancer. You can shop this special Natalie here
Another way to Shop Pink at Sarah Flint? This limited edition Chateaux Garden Scarf (which comes in 2 sizes!). It’s 100% silk with hand-rolled edges, made in Italy, and it’s the most gorgeous pattern, of course featuring the color pink. This month 20% of net proceeds of this scarf will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc, whose mission is to provide early detection, education, and support services. You can buy this scarf here.
The last way to shop pink this month at Sarah Flint? Use my code SARAHFLINT_BAINVESTMENTPIECE while shopping any full price shoe and $50 will be given to one of the Breast Cancer charities listed above. While I’m a heel lover, I can truly say that my Sarah Flints are some of the most comfortable shoes I have (it’s the arch support!)
Another one of my favorite shops is donating to Breast Cancer this month: Cult Gaia. Cut outs. Interesting shapes. On trend shoes and bags. I’ve pulled some of my faves for you to shop-these are perfect for upcoming holiday parties (or gifts even to you! I’m considering the gold set for New Years!): Note: this is an affiliate link. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
I truly hope that breast cancer has not affected any one you love. And if your form of giving back involves shopping I cannot recommend the above products enough!
Wishing us all a week of ease and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
The holidays are coming. And I’m not usually the one to tell you that. I love savoring each season for what it is. This weekend? I’m putting up pumpkins, Halloween decorations, and watching scary movies- especially my favorite Hocus Pocus. Usually, I wouldn’t be thinking of Christmas,and would actively be laughing at all the stores, etc who have out Christmas and the winter holiday goods. I wouldn’t be talking about gift guides or anything truly holiday (minus Halloween) themed for a month or so.
However, this is not a normal year. All signs point to supply chain issues and the US mail delays making the winter holidays a priority now. Meaning if you’re in any way planning on doing some of your gift shopping online it’s best to do it now to ensure that you and your loved ones get the packages on time.
So. As much as it goes against my nature, we’re gonna start chatting about the “holidays”. Yes. That includes Halloween. And the fall. But I be talking about gift guides, etc. This is where I’ll be honest with you- gift guides are always something I’ve struggled with. It’s not that I don’t like gifts- both giving and getting, but I have weird feelings about gift guides. I think it’s mainly as I think the best gifts are a bit personal , a way to say “I Love You” in a tangible form. Therefore, you have to know a bit about the person you’re buying for- which is why I may not be the best at generic gift guides. (But I’m great at gifting to people I know or people I’ve been told about- so if you’re in need of one-on-one gift help please don’t hesitate to email me!). On site to help our gift guide issue, I’ll be featuring people in my life- a little bit about them, what’s on their wish list in the hopes that it can help you find gifts for the people in your life that may be similar. I was thinking about posting these during Sudnay Chronicles, but if you have a different need or thought or ideas about how to help you with gift guides I would love to hear them!
Here’s to the holidays. Even though we’re hoping we can enjoy each stage of them, may they come easily!
Wishing us all a happy fall and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
