There are certain fashion truths we get told: No White After Labor Day (some of my thoughts on that here), There are age limits on trends (my rebuttal of that here) and that you shouldn’t mix red and pink. I don’t have a link to tell you what I feel about it, but I have some pics. Loves, forget what you’ve heard: this is my new favorite combo. This color blocking scheme has slowly been popping up on dresses, in pant and shirt combos, shoes, skirts, all over your social media, and all over magazines. So, like any team player, I tried it out for you. And loves, please let me tell you this won’t be the only time (I really did just order red pants, I can bet you’ll see this color blocking combination again). Red and Pink are related, so it makes sense that they might go together, and while I love the bright pink from this Zara Sweater; this red//pink combo will best just as stunning with softer versions of the shades. I love the sweater and skirt, top and pant, color blocked dresses, shoes, etc. To add a pop of fun I paired my red//pink combo with color blocked Gucci socks (yes, we’re slowly making color blocking our thing), and gold shoes. Gold goes with everything, FYI.
I’d love to know: are you wearing red and pink together?
Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope that you are being treated! (We chatted self love here, and last week we talked vintage jewelry here)Today we keep with our theme, but we chat about one of my favorite jewelry stores, Platt Boutique Jewelry (make sure you check out their webstite Platt Boutique Jewelry, and follow them on Instagram @plattboutiquejewelry).
Platt specializes in vintage jewelry, and have some of the best Victorian and Art Deco pieces I’ve seen!
Platt Boutique was founded by a brother/sister combo and the staff is one of the kindest/most knowledgable I have ever met. They have a great selection of pieces, at all price points, and work with you to ensure that you get the perfect piece for you!
There’s a chance that you’ve seen Platt Boutique’s goodies on the red carpet, they are sought out by stylists and celebrities alike!
This is what I love about vintage jewelry: it’s classic, unique, and the quality is outstanding. The best part? The price is often incredibly reasonable. Platt has not only classic pieces, but “one of a kind” pieces that are show stoppers.
Platt also has all the classic pieces perfect for holidays, weddings, or Tuesday’s. If you’re being treated, or treating yourself, Platt has something for you!
Platt’s Instagram (again, @plattboutiquejewelry) is one of the best follows; and Larry does his best to respond to all DMs! He’s a great resource, even if you simply have basic jewelry questions. Make sure that you keep up with Platt, while always available online, their brick and mortar is moving to a bigger location later this month!
Notice someone familiar on that sign? Yes, Platt Boutique Jewelry is related to one of my favorite vintage shops, The Kit Vintage! Larry, from Platt, and Robyn, from The Kit Vintage, are married and one of the best couples I know. Their shared space is a shopper’s dream: stunning clothes, jewels, and friendly staff! If you need a refresher on The Kit Vintage you can read all about them here.
So: What do you have your eye on from Platt Boutique?
Loves, it’s officially the week that we celebrate love, which is fantastic! I’m a big fan of love, in all its forms: self love, romantic love, friendship love, family love. Love is amazing and deserves to be celebrated. I have some thoughts on Valentine’s Day though (you can read them here and please click on the link to my friend’s article in that piece, it’s still a great read about this holiday). However, I’m not here to not Valentine’s, I’m here to talk about the love of your life. And this is the plot twist. What if you were the love of your life? Humor me. What if you talked to yourself like you do to a loved one? Treated yourself like you do a loved one? Protected and pampered yourself like you do a loved one? What would that look like?
I’m all for love. I really am. But often, when talking about love I feel like we leave out the self-love celebration. Self care can be hard (I wrote about that here), and that is important; but what is self love beyond that? Yes, let’s care for ourselves, but how exactly do we love ourselves? I hope that you have great friends, family and love life; but the one person who you can always count on is you. So how do we make ourselves the loves of our lives? I’m not 100% sure. However, I have some ideas.
Spend Time With You
Self dates, dates, alone time-whatever you want to call it, you need it. And not in the big way, though I see nothing wrong with taking yourself to a nice dinner, show, or museum; in fact, I recommend it. I’m talking about spending time with yourself. Get to know you, figure out what you really love, and what you don’t. Enjoy your own company: make yourself laugh, be there when you cry, treat yourself. You’ll see a ton of articles in the coming days about date night and how to treat that someone special. I say, take some time and treat yourself to the same things.
Learn to Say No to What Doesn’t Serve You
We’ve all had the friend who was dating or doing something that we knew was wrong for her; and sometimes we had to do the hard thing and let her know. You’re your friend, act like it. If there’s a relationship or job or activity that isn’t right for you, leave it. This can be easier said than done, and may take some time; but you deserve what’s best for you. Pro tip: Even if someone tries to shame or rebuke you for this, follow your heart, we have instincts for a reason.
Put Yourself First
I’ve mentioned that I’m a “Sex and the City” fan, and I am (it was the first fashion blog, I have to be!). In the movie of the same name, Samantha (#selflovegoals) says to her boyfriend, “I love you, but I love me more”. And she admitted that “was not what she was supposed to say”. Loves, this isn’t a call to leave all your relationships, be selfish, or act like a brat. This is the combination of self care, learning to say no, and time with you; you are important and you matter. However, if you don’t think that, no one else will. So, find ways to put yourself first in your life. Yes, this may mean saying no to relationships and jobs that aren’t for you. This may mean saying no to people you love. This may mean following your dreams when people think you’re crazy; or placing boundaries that people don’t like. Do it. Do it all. You are the love of your life, treat yourself like it.
How do you practice self love? I have to admit, my self love involves some shoes, wine, chocolate, and fantastic fashion; but this week, as I celebrate all the love in my life, I am going to take some time for me. I am the love of my life, and I deserve to be treated as such!
Wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, we know I love cheeky fashion (recent examples include here and here), so you know that I would love a great (fake) nip slip! (They happen, let’s own it and celebrate them!) This shirt is cheeky, fun, and paired with the corset trend, it’s spot on! The best thing about this nip slip? Part of the shirt’s proceeds go to women/children’s charities. You’re having fun with fashion and helping others? That’s a great way to Friday!
(Side note: these Mother jeans are my fave and go with everything, I love the slides-classic and easy, and I can’t wait to style this Vintage Fendi corset in more than one way!)
I will say it again for the loves in the back, this is a great month to show love, most especially to yourself! And a great way to show love? Treats!! While I usually go for the shoe kind, I have a soft spot for gummies and chocolates. They aren’t a complete hit to your diet, and these upgrades are a fun (and delicious way) to share love!
I have to confess, I love Scotch (and yes, gentlemen, it’s super sexy when you order it). So I ADORE these dark chocolates with real scotch inside them! It’s like a double treat!
Another fave? Champagne and Rose’ gummies! Sophisticated without the guilt, and they are super fun! Superfina does have some gummies that have a little bit of champagne in them–or you can make your own!
It’s a fun and easy treat! Just take your favorite gummy, some champagne (I used the can as it was super easy!)
Pour the champagne over the gummies and let sit for at least 12 hours. The gummies will absorb the champagne.
Some of the gummies may lose a little bit of their structure, but they will be amazingly delicious and a tad bit boozy!
Wearing all black is such a fashion staple (or cliche) that it seems almost crazy to write about it. However, loves, know what sells all black? Attitude. Attitude is inherent in all black, so I know you have it, sometimes though–you have to kick it up a notch. Meaning? Leather, cutout shoes, and the wherewithal to flaunt it. Cliche? Not on our watch. The word you’re looking for is attitude!
Loves, it really is the month of love, and whether you’re showing love to yourself or to others there’s no better way to treat than jewelry. And loves, let me tell you, there’s no better jewelry than vintage. From quality to style to affordability (I promise), vintage jewelry lets you stand out and feel good about what you’re wearing. And one of my favorite vintage jewelry brands? Monet!
Monet jewelry is known for its high quality, gold plated pieces (my favorite are the necklaces like those above); however Monet started out as a monogramming company. In the 1920s they (Michael and Jason Chernow, the founders) sold monogrammed decals. During the Great Depression the company expanded into bags, and in the 1930s the brothers found their niche: jewelry. Monet began selling dangle pins, bracelets, and namechains.
During the 1930s Designer Edmond Mario joined the company, and the statement shapes usually associated with Monet came into being. Mario was influenced by Chanel and Schiaparelli, and the affordable chain jewelry was a hit. The necklaces really became popular in the 1950s and styles expanded to links, slides, textured, and engraved. The company started a line for girls called Monettes, which carried charm bracelets. In 1977 the Monet launched a fine jewelry line, and during the 80s was licensed to sell both YSL and La Croix costume jewelry.
Here’s what I love about Monet- it’s heavy without being too heavy, it’s classic and yet stands out, it’s quality and fun, and it’s vintage and modern–all at the same time. For the money you won’t find a better costume jewelry, and yet, Monet pieces are not impossible to find! My fave places to shop Monet are Recess LA and Bloomers and Frocks”, but you can find Monet on Etsy, eBay, and vintage stores around the country.
Do you love and wear Monet? Are you planning on treating yourself?
There’s a school of thought that separates fashion into “high” and “everyday” (or ready to wear). I don’t really apply to that school, our lives are spent in the everyday, so why not wear what makes you happy? And loves, fashion makes me happy! Especially dresses like this: fun details, go great with any shoe from heels to sneakers, and comfy enough for any errand. A great bag that’s big enough for your life, but not boring. And shoes that nod to both. I love that the prints don’t match but flow; and loves, the trick there is to stay within the same color family. High fashion at the grocery store? I say yes. I promise it makes Monday easier!
There’s something about this vintage Gucci top that just makes me want to lounge. It goes great with jeans, pants, skirts–but I love it in this slightly 70’s nod with a leather skirt and peep toes. The low v doesn’t need any help to stand out (you could layer it over a turtleneck or shirt if you needed to), but a little red lip never hurt no one. Lounging, parties, or a dinner out–this will do all the talking you need!
One of the questions that I get asked most often is “Do you re-wear outfits/clothes?” Loves, the answer is a resounding yes, and with today being Groundhog’s day, this seemed like a great day to talk about it!
Surprise, I’m a fashion lover! And I love shopping for pieces that make me happy, and that I can blend into my wardrobe. I shoot what I think would translate best, but there are outfits that I re-wear on repeat, pieces that I mix and match, outfits that I wear in different ways. I’ve written about re-wearing a piece here, I wrote about only having a few things to wear here and here, and that’s my real life. Like you, I go through phases, there are times when I fall in love with something or a combo and wear it out.
When I fall in love with a piece, even if it’s a stand out I’m not shy about wearing it again and again.
There are even pieces that I shot when I first started at the beginning of the blog, that I’m thinking about reshooting!
And loves, clearly I re-wear my shoes a lot! So in short, yes, I am a fan of re-wear, repeats-whatever we like to call them, as long as it’s amazing fashion I’m in!
