Investment Piece – Page 157 – Everyday Editorial

Sunday Chronicles: Inspiration

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

Suited

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!

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details: Suit, vintage, found on etsy
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bag: Mansur Gavriel

Summer Prep

Loves, we’re not talking diet (the good news is that if you’re looking to get beach ready and you have a body you’re there!)! We’re talking closet. Your wardrobe. What you will wear as the temps go up and the days get longer. We’ve chatted closet clean out (refresher here) but this isn’t a clean out–I do my next big clean out in July– this is a “see what I have/what I need” moment. Because if we don’t know where we are it’s hard to get started, right? Right.

1. See What You Have

This is not a call for a major closet clean out (although if you have time to do a closet clean out and want to–by all means do!). What I tend to do is move my summer clothes to the front of my closet and do a quick run through–are there dingy t-shirts to be tossed out? Things I know I will never wear? I get rid of those (GoodWill usually). Then, I remind myself of what I have–great dresses, sandals, and outfits that will work perfectly for the upcoming season!

2. See What You Need
Make notes of what holes your closet has for the summer –for me this is always flips flops (I go through them fast) and swim suits. It could also be new tees or tanks, or a dress for that wedding in July; just having this information in the back of your mind makes summer shopping easier (and ensures you don’t end up with a ton of the same thing!)

3. Leave Room For Fun
Last week we chatted trends (like this one) and summer is full of them! So while making sure you know what you need, it’s ok to want a few fun things too! Even my accountant says so! So pick out a fun top or a new bathing suit–and have fun with it!

There’s no need for this all to get done today–certainly not the shopping portion (as far as I’m concerned that’s an all summer project)–but I love knowing what I need as I head into a new season. And it makes summer seem all the more closer!

Happy Thursday! XO RA

Spring Leathers

Leather and Suede in Spring? I know that it sounds a little unexpected, but spring is a great season for leather! The trick–keep it light, not necessarily in color (although that works), this is not the time for sweaters and coats and leather. This is a season for your fave t-shirt and suede pants. A skirt with a button down. Unlined leather pants paired with everything. Crazy? No, it works; it’s just warm enough for spring winds but not overbearing. Throw your suede and leather pieces on like your favorite pair of jeans, it elevates you just a bit but it’s comfy!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details: Suede Skirt, old, some of my picks:
here, here, and here. Another great place to look for suede pieces in general is vintage shopping, including etsy
Striped shirt: old, similar here
Leather pants: Helmut Lang and on sale! Similar here
Suede Pants: old, similar here, here and here

And wearing my fave Stuart Weitzman sandals

Shopping Tip: PreOrder

One of the questions that I get asked the most often is :”How do you get so many great things so quickly?” And while some of it just comes down to getting lucky, some of my ability to get a “hot” item right away is to pre-order it. I’ve written about one of my favorite sites, Moda Operandi, which is built on the concept of pre-ordering (you can read that post here). However, many stores will allow you to pre-order an item–you just have to ask!

So how do you know what you should pre-order? While some would tell you that you can spot a trend, or if you read about an item a lot you should pre-order it. Often, if a store knows that an item will sell out they offer the pre-order automatically. But my advice? Pieces you love. Anything you see that you know you have to have. Not everything will sell out, but if it’s a special piece you do run that risk–and it’s always nice to know that you don’t have to worry!

dress I pre-ordered on Milly, they had the option open!

Now, the most important question: If a store doesn’t have a pre-order option, how can you pre-order? Loves, the answer is simply to ask. I can’t promise that the answer will always be yes–but often times it is. Most stores now have a personal shopping option, or at least a customer care hotline. I’ve found if I contact the store with the item I want, asking when I can order, or if I can pre-order, most people are happy to help. Stores I’ve had success with: JCrew, Nordstrom, and stores like Mohawk General and Fred Segal. If they are unable to help you with a pre-order the good news is that you will know when the item goes live–which helps!

Jcrew pants I was able to pre-order!

And if the item you love does sell out and you miss it? I suggest getting on a re-stock list!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Cropped

Summer is fast approaching and I can’t help but be drawn to styles that remind me of the beach. So I’m loving this For Love and Lemons crop- it goes with jeans, high waisted skirts and pants, and bikini bottoms! The fringe detail elevates the top- meaning you can dress it up for more than just sand, and I love the color! This look worked for running errands and a quick trip to the river, but with a jacket over it could even be (somewhat) office appropriate!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Top: For Love and Lemons and matching skirt here

Skirt: Zara

Sunday Chronicles: Good Reads

Loves, the only place I do more damage than a shoe store is a book store. It’s a fact. Here’s what I’ve been reading and loving lately!

I’ve needed to hear what the amazing Ms. Rhimes had to say- it was realistically inspirational and have some clear advice. I also loved “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I’ve been struggling with my creativity lately and this was a great reminder of how to seduce it. I also have books by Brene Brown coming in the mail, which I’m super excited about!

I started this book of short stories a while ago and recently picked it back up- and I’m so grateful I did. This isn’t a “typical” pick for me- it’s a bit gritty and raw- but it’s simply beautiful.

I’m into this mystery, already have a theory, and love it. It’s fast, smooth, and just delicious.

This is the first Sunday I haven’t had to be anywhere and haven’t had to be up early in about a month. It’s raining and I’m looking forward to curling up, reading, and maybe indulging in a face mask and glass of wine. I’d love to know- have you read any of these? What have you loved recently?

Wishing us a week of great stories and amazing shoes! XO RA

Denim Skirt

The subtle 70s vibe that seems to be everywhere? I love it. Especially when it’s manifested like this amazing denim skirt–it goes with nice blouses, tank tops, flip flops, or heels. Or you can simply throw on an old leotard with it and call it a day. Still chic, still works. My kind of vibe.

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Skirt: Zara
Leotard: old, similar Danskin
Flip Flops: Target

Clothes as Biography

I inherited my grandma’s minks this week- which was incredibly bittersweet. I vividly remember playing in them when I was a little girl; and looking forward to the day when they would be mine. As much as I will miss my grandma, I know I will love wearing these- and will always feel her with me. Her name is still embroidered on the lining:

The funny thing? I can count on one hand the number of times I saw my grandma wear these coats. And yes, they are special occasion, and yes that’s what we tend to pass down- but when I picture my grandma I see her in her day to day outfits. Slacks. A blouse. Sensible shoes. So while I love this coat, and have memories of my grandma in it, her biography is really told in her grease stained apron, her favorite worn slacks, the blue dress she wore to church. The mink was something she was proud of, something she loved, but it’s not her whole story. And it got me thinking- if the things we leave behind tell who we are what would you know from my closet?

My closet is vast so there might be a lot. There’s my love of shoes

(And this isn’t even half). There are tons of jeans, jackets, bags. You might get that I love to dress up and am sarcastic
.
Of course the latest addition is this coat, and what I’m really hoping my closet tells you is how much I enjoyed it (life and my closet)- and how much those things love me back!

Happy Thursday!!! XO RA

Buttoned Up

You know me–I love a classic item with a twist! So, it’s no surprise that I’m absolutely in love with this Anna Quan shirt. It’s a good one–nice, thick, beautifully tailored, french cuffs–and here’s the twist, you can wear the sleeves undone for a modern take. The option for your initials is another fave of mine (because I like to mark my territory) and it looks great with jeans (I’m loving these JCrew that feel vintage), pants, skirts or over a dress. Now, please excuse me while I go raid my mom’s vintage cuff links!

Happy Wednesday!

Details:
Shirt: Anna Quan
Jeans: Jcrew
Shoes: Vintage Gucci, and yes, I’m all on board for the oxford trend