Investment Piece – Page 162 – Everyday Editorial

The ClareV Bag I Can’t Live Without

They say that if you find the perfect pair of shoes you should buy them in every color. Which is amazing advice. I’ve taken it to heart with this ClareV Simple Tote–I simply can’t live without it! So I have it in 3 colors–because I take good advice. Here’s what I love, the Simple Tote is big enough to hold anything I need (laptop, books, camera or gym clothes, or groceries), yet stylish enough to not feel like a heavy briefcase. I use mine for meetings, errands, gym bags, carry-on bags. I’ve given them as a baby shower gift for diaper bags. I’ve given them as gifts for my professional friends. I just love this bag! And the colors!

Yes, it’s the same tote-but each one feel completely different. Soft leather and a front pocket-perfect for more casual outings.

Suede? Perfect for fall!

Structured leather? Great for when I have professional meetings –or want to feel dressed up!

I’d love to know-do you have a Simple Tote? Do you love it?

XO RA

Get yours here

//stripes

Loves, as any good Southern/California woman I love stripes. I especially love them when they have my initials on them. Add in that this little number is super comfy and perfect for errands, post gym, and casual dinners? Let me tell you what I’ve been living in–this! So technically, it’s labeled a swim suit cover-up. And yes, I’ve used it for that. It’s also a great robe, and a great dress. The zipper front and drawstring waist make this completely adjustable for any occasion. The constrasting stripes make it modern–and I love the hood!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Lands’ End
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Dior-PolkaDot Nails

I like to think that I’ve been clear about the fact that crafts that are very involved are not for me. I mean, they seem great, I have great intentions–but I don’t seem to do well with them. The same can be said for nail art, or any at home manicures for that matter. I can do the basics. And I so admire all the nail art I see on Instagram and Pintrest. But loves, the fact of the matter is that I don’t do it well myself. I can act, paint, write, style like nobody’s business–but my talents end where straight lines begin. Sad, but true. However, this Dior nail kit? It may be a game changer. I was skeptical–it is me after all, but the step-by-step guide, and tool, make this nail art completely accessible.

You simply do a regular pedicure/polish change. I choose the lighter shade, so two coats later I was ready! When your nails are dry, you place a little of the other color on a piece of paper and using the tool, make dots of your liking on your nail! It’s truly that simple!

Some notes: the more polish on the tool, the better. You can make the dots bigger or smaller by the way you press the tool, and I found it easier to press from the side of the tool!

I may no longer need to pay a professional for my nail art. In fact, this was so easy I got to thinking that I bet you could do other designs–lines, squiggles, etc. Dior may have created a monster.

I’d love to know–do you do your own nail art? How? Have you tried this?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Dior Polka Dot Nail Kit here

Sunday Chronicles: Happy 4th of July!

I hope your long weekend is full of all the best: bbbqs, friends, champagne and fun. I hope you have rest and relaxation, and adventure to fill your soul. I hope there’s watermelon and strawberries, and red, white, and blue! Most of all I wish you fireworks–in all the best ways!

We’re taking tomorrow off to celebrate, but let’s meet back here Tuesday to catch up and talk fashion. Deal? Deal!

Wishing us all a week of celebration and amazing shoes! XO RA

Are Wrinkles In?

Loves, before each photo shoot I spend time steaming, ironing, pressing each outfit. And here we are: it’s summer, it’s the season of linen. And loves, linen wrinkles. Even if you spend 45 mins trying to make it perfect. Even if you just sit down for 5 seconds or it’s a little humid outside. Linen wrinkles. I know I have stressed over getting outfits perfectly stressed. Like this one:

And even these pants:

Here’s the thing: no matter how tightly woven the linen is, it’s going to wrinkle. It’s part of the weave. Now that weave makes it a perfect summer staple (and keeps you cool), but it’s not for the ones who love things un-wrinkled.

So what do we do? It seems to me that accepting some wrinkling is our only option, unless you carry a portable steamer with you! And as this Wall Street Journal article suggests, there are be something appealing about a slight wrinkle- a casual, carefree summer “je ne sais quoi”, if you will.

I’d love to know your thoughts! Do you embrace your linen wrinkle? Or do you fight it? And if so, how?

Xo RA

Not Your Mamma’s White Pants

There is nothing basic about these white pants-but they work as a basic, making them a winner in my book! Yes, they are sequined, but if there is such a thing as a subtle sequin- this is it. I’ve worn them with t-shirts, blouses, heels, flats. They are as fancy as you need them to be. But as it’s the heat of summer, I love the look of an all white look! A little shoulder, a little wedge- that’s how you Wednesday.

Xo RA

Details
Pants: Vinatge, found at Garment Modern
Shirt: Tibi
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bag:Zara, old

Long Weekend Esstentials

As it stands we are counting down to a long weekend! Are you going somewhere? I’m headed to the beach with my mom and sister, and as u pack I can’t help but thinking,”What are some of my essentials that I have to have?” Following is my list, what’s on yours?

A Hat

To guard against sun, wrinkles, and hide my dirty hair
Shop options at Jcrew

A Summery Scent

It’s hot and there’s nothing worse than a heavy, overwhelming scent. What I’ve been loving lately? Perfume powder- completely build able, and the powder helps keep you dry!

Outfits that go from Water to Land

We all love a good cover up, and there are a ton out there. Besides tunics, I love love button-ups and maxi skirts. Lately what I’ve been loving is a sheer skirt (or dress) to throw on over my suit. It keeps the beachy theme, but feels like a vacation.
This skirt can be found here and on sale!

A Great Read

Vacation is not time for heavy reading. I just finished this gem- I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking for a read this weekend- any suggestions?

Happy Tuesday!! XO RA

Roaring 20s

There are two schools of thought when it comes to vintage dressing. One says wear it almost like a costume- exactly like it was worn. The other tends to incorporate vintage into your modern look. Me? I say, why not a little of both? I love to wear my vintage pieces in a modern way, but there are times when the pieces can stand alone- and don’t need help. Case in point? This stunning 1920s dress-found in mint condition. I can wear over a pencil skirt for a classic look, or over jeans for a modern twist. The best of both worlds? I like to think so!

Happy Monday! Xo RA

Details:
Dress:Vinatge
Shoes: Gucci. Old
Pencil skirt: here

Sunday Chronicles: Finding Joy

Loves, it’s been a hard week. As you know, we lost my grandmother last week, and this week was full of making arrangements and services. In fact, as you read this there is a really good chance that I’m at a memorial service. I’m a pretty positive person, but I’m also an artist, so I can be sensitive and really feel all the feels. However, I’m also a big believer that it’s our job to look for joy- that doesn’t mean that there isn’t pain, or sadness, or hurt; but nothing can exist without an opposite and it’s our job to focus on the good. This is more difficult some days. But the joy is there, even if it’s small. So during this hard week these are a few things that are bringing me joy:

Family
It would be great if it were a happy occasion bringing us together, but I will admit that it’s been lovely to be with so much family. To lean on them, and be leaned on. To have an excuse to hug my mom a bit tighter.

Friends
The old ones that show up, the new ones who show up, and the love I get from both. And you- seeing the community we’re growing here is such a blessing to me!

A Great Workout
I don’t take for granted that movement is a privilege, and I know that being in my body provides me with a way to get an emotional release. So this week I’ve been grateful for the people who kicked my booty.

The Process
Death is a great reminder that we don’t have long here; so any dream, love, or goal should be pursued- fully. There’s something about times like these that can make me a little bolder, a little more willing to say what I need to say. And there’s joy and freedom in that.

Great Outfits
Did you really think I was going to not mention shoes? Be it an old, comfy favorite; or a new outfit that fits perfectly, I believe that our clothes have power.

What brings you joy when times get hard?

Wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA

#BluePants

There is something about a simple outfit that packs a punch. I’m such a fan of these pieces- cropped tank and linen pants (both go with everything, this blue is almost a neutral) paired with fringe heels and a to-die for vintage bag (that’s almost reversible), and you have some summer magic!

Happy Friday! Xo RA

Details:
Pants: Zara and on sale!
Shirt: Garment Modern
Shoes: Steve Madden
Purse: Vintage