There was something about this cropped, fringed jacket that I just loved–the rock and roll feel, the detail on the sleeve, the way it just screamed cool to me. I love the contrast of the jacket with dress pants, but also love it with ripped jeans. I may never be a rock star, but this jacket makes me feel like one (and if nothing else is fun to shimmy in) so in my eyes it’s a winner!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Jacket: Lion and Witch, shop them on Instagram @lionandwitch or call:(469) 914-5611
Pants: Alice and Olivia, old, similar here
Tank: JCrew and on sale!
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Warning this post is pure, indulgent flash back Friday of #farmersmarket. This was the outfit I chose to wear last night to a fashion show, and yes, sometimes choosing what to wear is my greatest joy and difficult. BUT, I couldn’t resist the gold tones, the shorts, the skirt, the pattern, the standout factor.
And let’s be honest-January lasted 3 years. Last night, it felt good to put something one that felt good. Isn’t that the joy of fashion? That what we wear can affect our moods, our outlook, and our month. Right now we have a short month in front of us: why not go all out everyday? So I’ll be over here, wearing things that make me happy (in case you’re asking yourself, yes, sometimes that means sweats) and things that make me stand out. Somehow, I think this beats dry January!
You can see the original post for this stunning vintage number here.
And a wrap up of my tips:
-Wear things that make you happy
-Wear things that make you standout
-Visit a Farmer’s Market, they’re good for more than just organic veggies
-Art Matters (and fashion is art)
-There is no wrong outfit for food shopping (goes without saying).
-Here’s to a better February
I’ve updated some of my picks on gold outfits. Yes, this is vintage, and if you need some vintage shopping in your life let me recommend: The Kit Vintage (where I got this number), Bloomers and Frocks (with whom I went fashion seeing with last night), RecessLA (to whom I owe much of my closet), and Miriti Vintage.
Happy Friday!
XO RA
And because it’s Friday, and you deserve all things flashback and treats!, I’ve picked some of my favorite “new to sale” items for you. Maybe you can’t make it to the Farmer’s market. But that doesn’t mean you can’t shop!
I danced throughout my childhood and high school – ballet, tap, jazz, was on my TX high school drill/dance team, took class every week. I loved it- the discipline, the grace, the beauty. The way it felt to control my body that way. Now don’t romanticize it- I wasn’t great, ballet was never my career goal, but I loved it in that pure way a child can love something. It brought me joy. I grew away from dance in college- just time and other commitments. However, I found my way back to ballet in my 20s- as an exercise, a hobby, something I loved. I found a ballet class I loved and genuinely loved the discipline, the grace- and something we called tutu Tuesday.
Again, I was never great – maybe good- but not great. But this hobby has fueled me- made me more creative, gave me an outlet, taught me things.
This year has been a journey- I’m traveling more, have more than one base camp, and my schedule is a little more all over the place. I still longed to dance but in one of my base cities the classes available are through a ballet company. With great dancers. And loves, I got scared. Told myself that ballet is not something I’m great at, so why risk taking a class?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of that little voice inside me that tells me I can’t do something. And that was vocalized to me by a friend of mine in Pilates who listened to me say I’m not great and responded, “Isn’t it sad, as women and adults, the things we keep ourselves from doing?” Loves, it is sad. My doing ballet was never about being great- it was creating for creating sake, and something that brought me joy.
So this week I told that little voice inside me to take a hike. I got out my ballet slippers. And I took a class- and I loved it. I was good- and didn’t care that I wasn’t great.
Today is International Dance Day so it seemed like a good fit to share. I hope that today you dance- just to dance. That it brings you joy. And that those things that you love in your life- don’t let any voice in your head keep you from them!
Wishing us all all a week of creative joy and amazing shoes! XO RA
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on an off the shoulder shirt–and this one is just perfect! It can be dressed up or down–and the color blocking! And these jeans–vintage perfection found by the Rebel Stylist-I’ve been wearing them nonstop. I also have to admit that this shoe color is a little out of my comfort zone, however, I love the shape–and as I’ve worn them I’ve simply fallen in love!! This combo has run errands, dinner, and a brunch–it’s my new go-to!
One of the best things about social media? That it’s social and brings people with similar interests together to make a community! I met Caitlyn from AAVintedge over Instagram when I first joined the site–turns out we have similar interests (fashion, vintage, red wine) and similar lives (TX to LA and back) and she was incredibly supportive in the launch of this site! I’ve bought from her multiple times online, but she recently hosted a pop-up at her brick and mortar store in Tyler, TX; my schedule lined up so I was able to go–and y’all, it was love!
Caitlyn curates and runs the shop with her mom Lori, better known as ModMelrose, and they sell great vintage finds, custom caftans (made by Lori), amazing vintage denim, and art/furniture! The pop-up featured local artists,vendors and musicians and was such a lovely day–I met and made so many friends!
If you’re not lucky enough to get to the shop in Tyler you can find AAVintedge online here and they have upcoming shows at the Houston Flea (May 7th) and Bulladora in Dallas in June! And of course on Instagram @aavintedge
Any way you can–find her, following are just a few reasons I love Cait and AAVintedge so much–and I think you will too!
Great Vintage, Great Prices
The shop offers a fab selection of vintage pieces (like this Valentino I scored!) but the prices aren’t going to break the bank–and she has every thing from clothes to shoes to bags and great sunglasses!
Denim
Caitlyn is truly a denim whisperer–she can tell what will look great on you and will have a pair that seem tailored. With vintage denim being so “in” you will be blown away by the selection of jeans and cutoffs the shop has!
Custom Caftans
Lori, or @ModMelrose, makes all of the caftans (and some jumpsuits) that the store sells. They are simply gorgeous (I currently have 3 and live in them)–some are made with vintage fabric, some have sleeves, but you have to have one!
But the best thing about AAVintedge? Caitlyn and Lori! They are truly special and kind–and great stylists as well! I hope you check them out and love them like I do!
In fashion we talk statement jewelry, statement pants, statement shoes–well, I have a new fave: the statement jacket. This is a vintage Christain La Croix jacket I was able to snag at Garment Modern in Austin, TX. (shop them online for more great finds!) I absolutely love the detail–the ball fringe, the sewn on pin, the color–it feels complete. I added black pants and heels but feel that this would be just as bold over jeans, a tshirt, skirt, dress–I can’t imagine a time when it wouldn’t look amazing. It’s pieces like this that just make me happy!
I was lucky enough to attend part of the Austin Fashion Week Festivities last week! The events are hosted by FashionxAustin and feature not only national trends but local designers and shops! The great thing: that’s a lot of fashion, some of which is able to purchase right away and the feel for the fashion in the city. And loves–it’s so fun to see the runway! Below are some of my favorite things and moments, these events also take place in Dallas and Houston. LA has a fashion week, which I will be attending next year (and I’m excited about that!) In short: Austin Fashion Week is an event worth going to and I can’t wait for next year!!
Red Carpet sponsored by Chloe Wines
Vendors and Pop-Up shops before the runway–everything from jewelry to facial creams, and this adorable shirt!
Ready for the show!
My favorite trends: the sheer tops (sorry Mom!) and these half-up, slightly undone buns!
Also love this suit!
I’d love to know–have you attended fashion week anywhere? What did you think??
I’ve admitted that I often shy away from shorts, and this was also true for cut-offs. I needed a pair that wasn’t too short, too tight, the perfect amount of distressed. And loves? I found them. This pair of Joe’s fits my bill–not too short, not too tight, able to be rolled up, and just the perfect amount of distressed. I love them with the contrast of a button up, but I’ve been wearing them non-stop-with tees, tanks, sweatshirts, everything. What cutoffs do you love?
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Shorts: Joe’s (note I sized up one size for fit)
Shirt: Front Row
Shoes: Tibi, also similar here
I travel a lot for work (this weekend I went to Tyler, TX for a vintage pop up) and I have more LA and TX trips throughout the end of the month and May. Being so busy there are times when my inspiration can vanish- just in the rush of all the things that have to get done. However, with these trips I’m actually gaining inspiration – new faces, friends, clothes and projects are fueling me, and I’m really excited about some of the things ahead. Below are a list of some of my current inspirations- I would love to know- what inspires you?
Magazines. I know- trite- but I love looking at the editorials! It gives me ideas (and clothes to drool over)
Nature. As busy as I’ve been I have made it a point to really focus on the outside world- whether that be a walk or simply allowing myself to take in the beauty around us. I find it very calming- and no one does a color palette like Mother Nature
Poetry. We know I love to read, but I’ve just recently gotten into poetry books. There’s something about a book you can savor a bit at a time- especially when that bit is pure beauty.
Collabs!! I’ve been blessed to meet a bunch of great people and am working with some amazing professionals. We have new photographers and stylists and artists that you’ll be seeing here soon- and being around creative people is a high for me!!
Wishing us all a week of inspiration and amazing shoes! XO RA
In many ways my life doesn’t need suits. I work for myself, mainly, from home and could wear yoga pants all day without anyone knowing any better. When I book acting work the costume designer dresses me. However, I clearly love clothes too much to only wear sweats (though don’t worry, I do) and one thing I have always loved is a great suit. There’s just something about it-clean lines, being pulled together, and the feeling they give you. This vintage suit fits my bill–the great fit, the slight flare, and the great feeling!
