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
We know that I’m a lover of all things vintage and all things party. So the perfect 1960s hostess outfit that’s perfect for a summer garden party? YES PLEASE! I don’t think these pictures do the colors justice–gold, pink, orange–it’s like a desert of summer. The set is by Amen Wardy and not only do I love the skirt and little jacket together, I love that I can wear them separately! It’s Friday! Let’s party!
XO RA
Details:
Skirt and Jacket: Vintage
Top: old, similar Alexander Wang
If you google “fall trends” to get a glimpse into what is coming, or what you should plan on buying, it can be compleletly overwhelming. There are lists on everything from nail colors to trends (big and small) and every list has more trends than the last. The good news? I’ve spent my last few days going through the lists and below present to you the big trends. Yes, there are minor trends, but these are the most prominent ones!
Here are my take-aways: This season there is an influx of color and texture. The words opulent and fun come to mind. It’s a chance to really have fun with dressing up, but there are plenty of classics thrown in as well. Many of these trends are carry-overs or building upon things already in our closet. What does this mean? You may already have some of these pieces; which really means that if you have your eye on a big investment piece this is a great season to save up and get it!
Another note: trends and what we’re offered on the runways are merely suggestions. Yes, over the next few months you may see me in these; and I will talk about transitioning your summer wardrobe. However, by no means are these the only things to wear. If a trend is not for you there is nothing wrong with that, simply don’t wear it. There are so many fantastic things to wear and points of view out there: this is just a another way to find things for you!
But without further ado: Fall Trends 2016
Metallics
From dresses to shirts to shoes, it’s a very metallic season. I love this: I think gold can be used as a neutral and metallics can brighten up classics.
What I’m thinking of buying: Gold Boots a la Stuart Weitzman and I may have to break down and get these Gucci stunners.
Statement Fur
Colors, stoles, coats–this is a fun version! Did I mention I inherited a mink this year? I’m excited to wear it!
What I may buy: a colored faux fur stole, because why not!
Velvet
Velvet usually pokes its head out during the fall and winter, but this season it’s everywhere. What I loved was not only the usual dresses and skirts, but the shirts and pants in the rich fabric. It’s a great way to elevate some basics. And I may have to find an occasion to wear this Valentino stunner again!
What I’m looking to buy: Velvet turtlenecks!
Ruffles and Volume
Ruffles, over sized sleeves, interesting shapes. I’m all in. We have seen some of this structure starting to creep in, but look for more of it this fall. I’m a fan of oversized sleeves, and think ruffles are fun and feminine. A great way to add movement and fun to an outfit.
What I may buy: dresses with extra long sleeves
Fall Florals
I called this last season, but this fall we’re all on board! And I still love the moody flowers.
Off the Shoulder
This silhouette is carried over from spring and summer, and why not? It’s flattering,fun, and wearing a turtleneck underneath can easily warm you up!
Speaking of turtlenecks:
Layering with Turtlenecks
Under dresses, shirts, jackets. You may have seen this begin to pop in ads (a big look right now is a t-shirt under a slip dress) and expect it to become more prominent. I love it–we have the pieces, it lets us update and transition our wardrobes seamlessly.
PantsSuits
Have I mentioned I love PantsSuits? That I think they’re classic. That they give you endless options? That this season we’re offered both classic and trendy versions? More work wear and some evening wear? That I can make a case for everyone having one? This is a big YES from me
What I’m looking to buy: More PantsSuits.
Colors
Look for Pinks, Yellows, Plaids, Greys
Minor Trends
While these didn’t make every list, they are out there and I’d be remiss to not mention them. Chokers, Patent Leather, Caplets, One Shoulder tops and Dresses, and David Bowie Boots will be presented to you as well!
And one I’m hoping for (and may have to bring back myself) Gloves
I’ve always loved a good glove. And how can you not love these??!?
I’d love to know: What are your thoughts? What are you buying?
As we inch towards fall, and I begin to shop for fall, I can’t help but start to wear my new things now. Yes, this cheeky jacket will look great over jeans,sweaters, dresses, skirts, and with boots in the fall. But it makes me smile now. So I can’t help but wear it as a dress! Great with heels for a more sophisticated look. Sneakers for a coffee run. Compliments both times! It would also be great over shorts–but if we’re going somewhere, let’s go all the way. It fit perfectly as a dress, and I love that the back message makes it stand out, while maintaining some classic vibes. It’s just Awesome! (Sorry, too easy!)
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Zara
Sneakers: Addias
Booties: Jerome Rousseau, old, similar here
We are in the midst of what I call the summer transition. It’s the middle of summer, the days seem never-ending, and it’s hot. However, fall is fast approaching. Most schools start in a month, give or take, and the kids need new clothes. You need new clothes. And to make room for new clothes? Sales! We’re going to see end of season sales everywhere–which is very good news for us!
First up: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which is a great one. Fall items are included in this sale, which makes it a great time to buy for now and buy for later. What should you concentrate on? Boots and cashmere. While there are amazing deals throughout the store, these two items will be a great investment for the fall and you’ll save so much money!
What to Look Forward to: Slowly most major department stores and boutiques will begin to have sales where things are anywhere from 20-70% off. The best way to stay in the loop? Sign up for there emails. Annoying, yes, but worth it. We will also begin posting the sales we know of on our Facebook Page (Investment Piece)
Look Out For: JCrew, Gap, Bananna Republic, and Madewell are beginning to have weekly deals on either summer wear or new arrivals.
Also Zara is on the last legs of its end of season sale!
There’s a belief that your outfit can influence your mood. I am a firm believer and don’t know how you can have a bad day when you’re wearing red-especially power red. I love the hemline of this dress, and while I normally wear it with heels and a bit more formally, I love that a belt and flats make it a bit more casual. And yes, it transitions to fall. There’s a lot of power in that, right?
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Dress: old, similar here
Shoes: old, similar here
Belt: old, similar here
In magazines and online articles you’re beginning to see “Fall Trends”, “What to Buy for Fall”, and “Transitioning Your Summer Wardrobe into Fall”. Looking forward is part of fashion, and having something to look forward to is part of our DNA. I have no problem with the fashion world pushing us fall-ward; I love having something to look forward to, we often need time to plan our budgets (and choose our investment pieces), as well as the middle of any season can begin to feel stale and we need something new. Right now, fall seems exciting.
However, the heat index everywhere I’ve been lately is 105 million degrees (only slightly exaggerated). The last thing I want to put anywhere near me is a sweater. Right now layering means dripping with sweat. And I want cooler weather but until that happens, my summer clothes need nothing more than great AC. Besides this, there’s a time when looking forward means missing what’s happening now. It’s July, we still have summer left. We have water time and peaches, time when a bathing suit and a cover up is all you need. Long days, nights, bbbqs, chilled rose, and flip flops. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss any of that.
So, how do we balance the looking forward with staying present? Is it possible? Loves, I think it is. I think it’s a fine line but we can really enjoy ourselves during the summer, and maybe think about what we want to buy for fall. We can think of transitioning and our vacation next week. We are lovely and complicated and able to hold more than one idea in our heads. And this isn’t just about fashion. I’m looking forward to the beach in a few weeks, and am equally as excited about football season. I’m thrilled about afternoons at the pool, and about holidays. We can do this.
So, yes, even here you will begin to see fall creeping in. But don’t worry, we still have lots of summer left to share with you!
Wishing us all a week of balance and amazing shoes! XO RA
One of my perhaps not-so-secret loves is ballet. So when I get to combine my love of fashion with that? Heaven! These pants make me happy, classic cut with personality. They look great with just about any top–and I’m looking forward to wearing them with a sweater in the fall! These shoes-my new fave. And this bag, sleek yet completely roomy for a clutch (as in all my things fit in it!)!
I spent this past weekend doing a little summer cleaning of my closet. This isn’t a new thing for me, I try to do clean outs about twice a year (for details and tips you can check out this post from January on my clean out process). Every time I do a big clean out I think that I do a great job of clearing out things that are no longer a fit for me, keeping things that bring me joy and are investments, and cultivating a great wardrobe. Then months past and I clean out again and I am amazed at what I hung onto. This time I made it a point to really clear out of the things I hung onto that no longer served me. Shoes that are stunning but never going to fit? Out. Low rise jeans when my natural waist is ridiculously high? Out. Items holding space for things I really want? Out. And I have to admit, it feels fantastic. And as I’ve cleared out, I’ve made a commitment to really try to be thoughtful in what I bring back in–again choosing pieces that bring me joy, fit well, and are good investments!
Now, what to do with the outs? As I talk about here I’m a big fan of selling your clothes. Consignment for your designer/more high end items. Places like Buffalo Exchange and CrossRoads for all the rest. And of course I’m a big fan of online consignment: TheRealReal, Tradesy, Poshmark and Vestaire Collective. In my research for selling I came upon some interesting tips about selling:
-Tory Burch is the third highest brand to retain value when selling (only preceded by Hermes and Chanel)
-Most items will not sell for what you paid for them, so while you can make some money, be open to price points lower than what you may have been expecting
-The better condition an item is in, the easier it is to sell
-If the item has tags on it, leave them on!
-Do some online/local research. See what similar items are going for and price accordingly
I hope this refresher helps you, and inspires you to clean out your closet! Fall is coming and we need the room for sweaters and boots!
I’m a fan of anything that can be worn in more than one way. And believe it or not, I promise that even your “fancy” dresses are multifaceted. Like this gorgeous Asian inspired dress. Alone? Stunning. Dressed up or down? Perfect. Worn as a duster over destroyed jeans? Yes, please. It’s a statement piece with more than one thing to say, and I love hearing it all!
So next time you want to switch things up I highly recommend a dress over jeans, or a sweater over the dress–I promise your clothes have so much to tell you.
Happy Wednesday!
XO RA
Details:
Dress: Vintage, RecessLA
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: heels, Brian Atwood, old, similar here, flats: Jcrew, old, similar style: here
