Fall means pumpkin everything, the return of cool weather, sweaters, boots and scarves. However, to me, fall also means the return of movies. Not that movies go anywhere, but like the seasons change we move from a period of Blockbuster, fun, summer movies to more serious, “award” worthy, in depth movies. (Side note, we could go off on what an “award” film is loves, and how I feel like it’s criminal that comedies don’t receive more awards, but that’s a topic for another time.) As an actress and someone who loves movies, this is one of the best parts of fall. I simply love movies; I love the stories, the visuals, the way that they touch me. I love going to the movies, especially matinees (it feels like you’re playing hooky!) So this onslaught of fall movies is a little like heaven to me. What about you? Do you love fall movies like I do? Below is a small list of movies I’m looking forward to seeing (this is by no means all of them!) What are you excited to see?
For more information about fall movies and their plots check here, here and here
My picks:
Fences (pictured above)
American Pastoral
Passengers
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Edge of Seventeen
The Dressmaker
Loving
Arrival
The Accountant
Miss Sloane
Nocturnal Animals
A Monster Calls
Allied
Max Rose
The Girl on the Train
The Handmaiden
Manchester by the Sea
And La La Land
I can’t wait to share my faves with you through the season!
Wishing us all a week of stories and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, as we all know the past few days have been a lot for those in the South East and Carribean. Hurricane Matthew has devestated Haiti, wrecked havoc on Florida, and as this is being typed making landfall on the Carolinas. My heart aches when I read about the lives lost (oh Haiti), and the loss (homes, etc) that so many are facing. At times like these, it can feel simply overwhelming. With so much devastation it can be hard to know how to start and where to help. But loves, I like to think that times like these are opportunities for us to be our best selves, to put humanity ahead of agenda and help each other. So where to start? The Red Cross has a donation hotline that you can donate to via text (90999), and is always in need of supplies and blood donations. If the Red Cross isn’t your speed there are several organizations to help, including SOIL, Doctors Without Borders, Border of Lights, etc. While there can be lists online make sure that you do a little bit of research on any organization you give to! And here at home, let’s love each other a little hard in these times: say hi to your neighbors, hold the door for others, smile. We’re in this together, so let’s help each other through this!
Wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, the thing is if you know me well, you know I’m not anti-list. I love lists! I make to-do lists, shopping lists, wish lists, shooting lists, lists about my schedule, wants, needs, gratitude. I use lists in all sorts of ways (and yes, get a strange satisfaction from crossing things off my list). So anti-list? Yes, loves, I am. Let me clarify. The list that I’m anti? The ones on Facebook, online, magazines that let you know what you MUST wear, what you HAVE to have, what you CAN’T wear (especially at a certain age), what your relationship MUST do/be/look like. Those lists I’m very anti.
Which may strike you as a little odd, after all I am a fashion blogger. I present ideas to you about what to wear and how to wear it. I have opinions about fashion. However, loves, my goal is never to come across as the fashion police. You don’t have to take my advice (or my two cents). I hope you do-I hope you like what we got going on here. But lists of what you CAN’T or HAVE to wear or do: that’s not my style. Here’s why: I think style is personal, and that there’s absolutely no age limit or have to with it. That’s part of the fun! Style is a way to express yourself, and I don’t believe in placing limits on expressing yourself.
Yes, your style is going to change over time. Yes, you may not like every trend (which I wrote about here), you may not feel comfortable in everything presented to you. That’s ok. Don’t wear what isn’t for you. However, don’t avoid any piece of style simply because a list tells you to–you are beautiful and strong and we get to wear whatever makes us feel great. No matter our age, no matter our size, no matter what a list says.
And lastly the one list that I like: here
Wishing us all a week of self expression and amazing shoes! XO RA
We’ve chatted about home before here, but while that was what home means, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the saying “You can’t go home”. I’ve spent the past year bouncing between LA (my adult home) and TX (my childhood home and where I went to college). As I’ve mentioned I’m so lucky that I feel at peace in both places, and that both still feel like home to me. I have friends and loves and life in both– but it is an odd thing to be a bit of a nomand. This past weekend I went back to my college’s (TCU) homecoming and got to see people from my past and present. I also got reminded this past week of the amount of love in both homes. So can you go home?
I’m not the 22 year old I was when I left campus–and to be frank, I wouldn’t want to be. I’ve changed; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. I loved the person that I was, but I love who I am now more. And I hope I continue to change (and get better). The people I know and love in both places have changed too; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. Some friendships I had have faded for all those reasons. Some, despite all that, have blossomed and are stronger than ever. And again, I have a life in both places you could argue are my home. I often am between these “two” homes, and each time I travel to one I think to myself, “I’m going home”. However, each of these homes mean different things to me. I have lives in each–but those lives are different. And loves, I don’t hate that. I like that I can get different needs met in different homes. No, that’s not for everyone, but it works for me.
So, can you go home? Yes. I think you can. I just think that we have to face a truth: home (no matter what definition you use) changes. It changes, like us, due to mistakes, wins, and losses; time takes a toll on us all. It is the same, and different, and I think that’s good. We’re not the same we were years ago–why should home be? I think the trick is to appreciate the things about home that stay the same; and appreciate the things about home that change. Is that easy? Not always, but if home can make room for our new parts, we can allow home the same. As I’ve thought about this quote, and my own homes, I think the issue here is not really can you go home, but can you go back to exactly how things were. And loves, I have moments I would love to relive–but we can’t. And maybe, just like home, the lesson is to make room for all the new parts.
I’d love to know–do you think you can go home?
Wishing us all a week of home-comings and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, I’m super excited to announce that I’m hosting my first pop-up in Fort Worth this week! I will be styling and profiling with the lovely ladies of Beehive and AAVintedge (and ModMelrose) on Thursday, Sept 15 from 4-7pm
We will have snacks, drinks, and amazing style! I hope that you can join us! And tell your friends!
Concrete Details:
Investment Piece Pop-Up at
Beehive Ft Worth
5122 Camp Bowie Blvd
4-7pm
Wishing us a week of styling and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, I am a bit of a work out junkie. It’s how I process and “work out” a bunch, how I like to start my day, and makes me feel good to see what my body can do (amongst many other reasons). And as I’ve gotten wiser, not only do I enjoy a physically changellening workout, I want one that speaks to the world beyond the gym as well. I like hearing the messages of “yes, I can”, “be brave”, ones of positivity and working towards my dreams and letting things go. I work out not just for my body, but to remind myself that all things are possible. So, it seemed to be a natural fit that I would try “The Class” by Taryn Toomey. I first read about her on The Coveteur, and loved what I saw. Her class seemmed the perfect balance of a barre type class (which as an old dancer I’m addicted to) and the spiritual message I love. And when I had the chance to take a class with Taryn in LA, I jumped on it!
I have to be honest, while driving to the class I was a tad bit worried that it would be a little “too” meditative for me; I even wondered if I had time to fit in a run if I needed it. Loves, I didn’t need it. I got all the spiritual talking to I needed–I also got my ass kicked. Yes, you’ll shake your body out and work on breathing, there’s also 5 straight minutes of jump squats, a full song of a side lunge/squat combo, a song of leg raises (PS both of those are per side), and you warm up your abs with 5 mins of mountain climbers (with Taryn letting you know you can all the way through). It was fantastic.
It’s the type of class that really stayed with me, and not just because I was sore for days after. Some of the messages that Taryn said throughout class hit home for me. The top ones:
“You can do this, simply because You CAN do this”
We all know we can do things. We know the power of thoughts, we believe in ourselves, we visualize our dreams. However, I know I can be guilty of using the word “but” when I do all of those things. And I bet you are too. “But” is easy, it feels real, and it seems valid. The great thing about this statement? It cuts through the BS. You can do this because you can do this. Period. So you do it. Or if it’s something that you don’t want to do, don’t do it. Simple.
“Forgive yourself, forgive others, forgive yourself again. That’s the cycle”.
I’m a self admitted perfectionist. And when things work out the way I plan, I can get caught up in blaming myself-for not seeing it coming, for not doing more. What hit me about this is that when we’re told to forgive, we often forget that we (ourselves) are also in need of our own forgiveness. I don’t know many happy people who are not compassionate to themselves. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Forgive yourself again, for good measure.
I’ve been following “The Class” on Instagram (she has videos of single exercises!) and great little blurbs like the one above. I find them to be energizing–and true. I had such a great time at the Class, I love how much it stayed with me, and I can’t wait to get back!
What have you been loving this week?
Wishing us all a week of balance and amazing shoes! XO RA
Follow the Class on Instagram @theclassbytt and find them online at Taryn Toomey
Loves, you have probably seen me joke more than once about being a mermaid (although it’s not really a joke). I love the ocean- and love mermaids, and really want to be one. The good news? There’s a way to become one! More than one company specializes in mermaid photo shoots- complete with tail. And yes, I have every intention of booking mine. While there are several companies that do this, one of my fave from research is Project Mermaids. They not only shoot beautiful pics, part of their proceeds go to charities that help clean our waters and protect the ocean’s animals. So everyone wins. You can find (and book) at Project Mermaids<\a> or follow them on Instagram at @projectmermaids.
I’d love to know: what do you want to be (like a mermaid)? And what are some of the creative ways that you give back?
Wishing us all a week of fins and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, I’ve been thinking a lot about home this week. As you may know, I split my time between LA (where I lived for 15ish years) and TX (where I’m from). I’m aware that I am completely blessed to be able to make a crazy, nomadic life work–and blessed to be able to feel at home in different places. It’s not always easy: there’s travel, there are times when either place doesn’t seem to fit, and times when I miss wherever I happen not to be. But overall? I love it. So what exactly does home mean? And what are we building when we talk about home?
I think we can all agree that home is more than a house. For me, home can be a person, a place, or just the feeling of acceptance and support. Where my mom is, that’s home. Cities I love. Friends that love me. Certain classes, certain teachers (yes, both acting and Soul Cycle–I am a cliche). Even this site, as we get to know each other and you support me! Houses are a part of that (I’m getting to watch some dear friends put together their dream house, and it’s thrilling how much it feels like home to all of us), but the feeling is so much more important than the physical. Throughout our lives, I think that we are all looking for home, that place of respite that feeds you. Home can bring you comfort. Support you. Inspire you. Be a place where you’re comfortable stating your needs, and a place where they’re met. It’s a place where people miss you, where you’re wanted, where people care. And loves, that’s so much more than four walls.
So as I’ve been in various places I call home this week, and talked to people who are home to me, I can’t help but think about how lucky I am to have so much home–and what we can do to be home to each other. If home is simply a place where we’re good to each, could we make everyone feel at home? And what would it look like if we did? Is it possible for us to make a home for all of us?
I’d love to know your thoughts on home, on how it makes you feel, on what you think about making each other feel at home!
Wishing us all a week of home and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, it’s the Olympics! Which you know, unless you’ve been living under a rock. And yes, there are a ton of issues with the location, the safety, the danger–I actually have strong opinions on these, but as the games have started they have faded away. Athletes who train for their whole lives are now chasing medals. Their dedication, strength, and passion are something to which most of us can only aspire to. And while I have issues with the location, and some of the broadcast, I can’t help but be riveted. Seeing people so fearlessly pursue their dreams and greatness is rare–and the Olympics are nothing but that. It makes you think–about your dreams, about your pursuit.
So, I ask: are you watching? Do the games inspire you? What are you chasing fearlessly?
Wishing us all a week of greatness and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, As you know this summer has been a bit tough for my family and me. However, I’m a big believer in being happy, even when you’re sad; and that happiness is something that we choose. I try to remind myself that no matter how bad things seem: I get to wake up, I get to chase my dreams, I have great friends and family, and in the bathroom 2 different types of clean water come from the faucet. I’m incredibly rich and blessed. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when things seem bleak, it means I try to focus on what I do have–and this week my cup has runneth over! Below see some moments that truly made me happy this week:
Water and Dino Popsicles (made from simply freezing my veggie juice!)
Summer snacks with mom over the sink
Good times and amazing support from friends I’ve had for years
Girls’ Night Out and a reminder that football is coming (also how much do I love TCU and TCU Football)
JK Rowling wrote us a new book! (This is what I”m doing today)
There’s fall fashion to be had and the rest of summer to enjoy! I also have amazing photos from great shoots I can’t wait to share with you. There have been opera dates with mom, dad is throwing a party this week, and then I get to go to the beach. I have it good!
I bet you have it good too–I’d love to know, what’s been making you happy?
Wishing us all a week of happy and amazing shoes! XO RA
