I hope this long weekend finds you surrounded by friends and family and love. I hope there’s a beach or a pool or a river. I hope there’s sun and a grill and a lovely beverage. I hope your outfit is on point and your shoes are amazing.
We are off today and tomorrow- please join us Tuesday- we have a ton to share with you this summer!!
XO RA
On one of my recent trips in Texas I went to an opera with my mom about Lady Bird–and I couldn’t resist wearing this vintage gem. It was worn by a Miss Texas in the 60s–and it’s just so stunning. The silk is in perfect condition, the attached scarf details still feel modern, and it made me feel as if I should be wearing a crown–which is always a plus! I know it’s kinda cheesy–but the tie in made me smile all night–I do love my fashion, and I love not taking it seriously!
Hope your Friday is spectacular! XO RA
Details:
Dress: vintage, found on Etsy
Bag: vintage, found at RecessLA
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
If you’ve been following along you might have caught on that I am a firm believer that style is not just in how we dress, but in how we decorate, our art, our books- everything. If you’re really following along you also know that I’m a Gucci girl and completely obsessed with their current lines. The only surprise here is you may not know how much of a Florence and the Machine fan I am- but seriously she’s amazing and if you are the least bit a fan of live music you must see her live.
So combined it has to be a given that I love the way Gucci is dressing Florence for the current tour. (Side note: she’s been named the face for their fragrance campaign and I can’t wait!). When we chatted Met Gala we talked about fashion as art- and there are some artists that just fit together. And Florence and Gucci just fit. Both a little warrior princess, a little bohemian, a bit traditional, but all together dreamy. I look at these clothes and listen to the music- and I want to be them both!
I’m not partial at all, but fully believe that every bit of this collaboration is perfect. If nothing else it makes me want to buy everything- because that will make me this dreamy, right?
(side note: I would hang these sketches in my house, I’m that obsessed).
I’d love to know: what collaborations inspire you like this? Do you have artists that just click for you?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
One of the questions that I get asked most often is if I wear the clothes I showcase on the blog in real life. The answer, loves, is a resounding yes. I got this Self Portrait dress last year–and have worn it to brunches, showers, and events. It’s honestly one of my favorite pieces! I wore it last week to an Alumni event (I went to TCU and it fits the color scheme perfectly!) The only thing I think when I wear this dress now? I might get the shoulder straps shortened–but other than that, you can catch me wearing it on the regular!
Here’s a pic from the original post:
and you can read the details of the original post here
Happy Wednesday! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Self Portrait, old, similar here
You know I love a good suit—and that includes skirt suit sets, like this vintage stunner. I simply couldn’t pass up the ribbon fabric (do they even make that anymore?), the details, the belt. It makes me feel grown up and old-Hollywood glamorous all at the same time. I also love that the separates work–I’ve worn this top with jeans or pants, a button down with the skirt–it’s like it’s double the outfit!
Happy Monday! XO RA
Details:
Suit: vintage, found at AAVintedge
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, old, similar here
Recently, on a whirl wind trip I got to go to the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Loves, I love Harry Potter. The books, the characters, the lessons, the fight for good, the moral messages, the theme of love, and the fact that it shows a girl can be smart and a know-it-all, and still be liked. I could go on.
Going to “Hogwarts” made me as excited as a kid on Christmas morning! I loved the experience – yes I got a wand (my new fave stick) and recommend passing on the butterbeer (way too much sugar), but as I thought about sharing my experience with you all I kept coming back to was the thought of magic.
I think we’re all looking for a little magic- Whether we mean a way for things to work out or a spell to clean the house (I would take both). However, I think we often forget that we live in a magical world- and there’s magic in us. Our world has plants that bloom, oceans pulled by the moon, and all sorts of animals that sing. We all are capable of magic- of creativity, focus, determination, staying present. And much like my beloved books- we can love, which is the most magic of all. God’s biggest commandment to us was to love our neighbor as ourselves. That’s not always easy, but there is magic and power in that. So this week, down from my HP high, I’m focusing on the magic I can do- like love myself and all of you!
Wishing us all a week of magic and amazing shoes!! XO RA
I got this bag last year at the end of summer (original post <a href=”http://www.investmentpiece.com/shopping/the-bags-of-summer/”target=”_Blank”>here</a>) and I liked it–and loved the idea of a white bag for summer. But there was something missing! And while I thought about it, I slowly became obsessed with “guitar strap” bags–like this <a href=”http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/marc-jacobs-gotham-city-saddle-bag?ID=1630428&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Handbags-NA-_-Marc%20Jacobs-_-889732462856USA&catargetid=120156070000240884&cadevice=c”target=”_Blank”>Marc Jacobs</a> bag. And then, after a night of internet research I discovered that I could simply buy a guitar bag strap. Let’s just say the rest is history! I fell in love with and bought <a href=”http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/grommet-guitar-strap-spring16?src=catalogsearch”target=”_Blank”>Rebecca Minkoff</a> strap, switched out the strap on my <a href=”http://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-us/search?q=push%20lock”target=”_Blank”>Cambridge Satchel</a>. The result? What feels like a brand new bag with just a little edge! I can’t wait to carry it all summer!
Happy Tuesday! XO RA
As you may know last week I had a quick trip and was determined to pack light! So I chose a capsule wardrobe (Look at the pieces and get shopping details here )
I have to admit: as a woman who loves her closet and loves playing in it, I was completely apprehensive about only having ten pieces to play with. However, loves, I think I could have gotten by on less. Shocking, even to me. In fact I only wore the sweater as a workout cover up! What I learned is that a well thought out wardrobe can be simple and yet give you fresh looks every day.
I got the most use out of my jeans and wore the dress and jumpsuit a few times as well. By the end of my trip I was ready to have more options, but I’m trying to take the lesson of less is more into my shopping and closet – and be extra grateful for all I have to play with!
I did love the feeling of light packing but now that I’m back with my full closet I may enjoy playing in my closet this weekend!
Happy Friday! XO RA
As many have said and inferred your style is everything about you- from what you wear to how you decorate your house. And I would add- your art. I’ve always loved art and painting- I can lose myself in a museum for hours. As I shared when we chatted Met Gala I absolutely believe that fashion is art, but also love to surround myself with art that makes me happy.
Painting is in my blood (the above picture is mine), my great-grandma was an artist (when she wasn’t being a wife and mother). My childhood home was filled with her work- and one of my home bases is home to quite a few paintings as well!
I can’t tell you exactly what I think makes a great painting or artwork- but I know that I love finding things that speak to me and bring me joy! I also love supporting small artists and buying their work! It’s so personal- and gives you access to so many original works!
Here are two artists that I’ve recently just fallen in love with:
Cassie Bartley
Cassie paints in such a unique way- every painting I’ve seen I’ve just loved – mainly as they make me think! She takes commissions as well as her personal creations- and works in a variety of mediums and sizes! A few of my picks are: 
Follow her on Instagram @cbartley_artist and her website is CassieBartley.com<\a>
Mel Remmers
Another artist I love is Mel- she sells and shows through Instagram (@melremmers) and has a beautiful collection of fashion inspired paintings, as well as a ballet series, and other portraits. Her paintings are pretty- but also have so much depth (and her use of shadow is stunning)
Some of my faves:
Who are some of your favorite artists? What strikes you about art?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
One of the most amazing things about this job is all of the amazing people that I get to meet and work with- and loves, Mallory, aka the Rebel Stylist, is simply amazing. Her niche is vintage denim (although by no means is that all she’s great at!); and she is another guru- able to size you up and find you the perfect pair! She carries all sizes, and some great washes, and look forward to more options (sanding, stitching, etc) coming! Mallory has a small collection of denim at her home studio- which is just adorable!
She also has a small collection at Austin shop Garment Modern!
What Mallory loves is helping each woman feel beautiful – because as she puts it, ” We are all so unique and special”. And her love of her clients and the denim really shine through! She’s able to really find the perfect jeans (or #dreamjeans) for everyone!
Mallory has also begun doing pop-ups and fleas around TX so make sure that you keep up with her site for info!
And loves, Mallory doesn’t just do denim! She has a small collection of vintage pieces and is also an awesome stylist! She does local store work and photo shoots in TX- and is really able to create special looks suited to each client. Mallory also began to do one-on-one sessions (which can also include closet clean-outs!). Styling is in her blood- her mom was a stylist/personal shopper in the 80/90s and clearly passed on some major talent to her daughter!
I absolutely love shopping with Mallory- she has an eye for fit and is able to find treasures! Check out her website The Rebel Stylist<\a> and follow her on Instagram (@therebelstylist) to get great denim and see what she’s up to!
XO Ra
