Sunday Chronicles: Gift Giving

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It’s that time of year: we’re frantically shopping for others, hoping we’ve gotten the perfect gifts. Gift guides are abundant, as well as Facebook posts such as : the couple who give their kids too many presents (probably not for us to judge), the want/need/wear/read guideline (which I actually like), and ads for things no one you know wants. My mom has two grown, fashion loving daughters who shop year round and in the past few years she’s instutided this gift gifting “tradition” for our family: my sister and I get a donation to a big ticket item and then we all exchange a book (preferably one from your bookcase you want to pass around), a recipe you love (a great way to hand down family recipes), an item from your own closet, and one purchased gift. It’s made things simple- and as much as I love shopping I look forward to the personal touches I know I get on Christmas morning.

Let’s be honest- there’s always something we want (seriously if you’re shopping for me I have a list), but aren’t the holidays supposed to be about more than that? I do love presents- but more than that I love spending time with my family and friends. The gift exchange is lovely- what means more is the sitting and chatting with friends after. So this year I’m trying my best to focus on the presence, not the presents. Yes, my friends deserve the “perfect” gift- but more than that they deserve my focus, my listening, my making an effort to show up for them. I wish I could buy my sister all the shoes she wants- curling up on the couch with champagne might actually go further. Not only does it make my shopping so much more enjoyable- it gives me so much more to get.

This is not me saying you shouldn’t give gifts- we all love them! And really, my list of wants is long. This is me saying along with the presents is I hope you get all the presence you need this week, as it makes this season so much sweeter.

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

#favoritejean

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I know, I have new favorites all the time. It’s true, I do. But Internet friends–these are great jeans. High-waisted  (best for me), amazing detail (those buttons), and enough stretch to hold everything in place. I’ve worn them non-stop and this love affair is far from over! I cannot recommend them enough.

Happy Friday! XO RA
#favoritejean
Details:
Jean: JBrand
Shirt: Reformation, old, but their year-end sale in process. If you love Reformation(and you should) shop their sale here
Shoes: Elizabeth and James, old, similar here

Change with a Belt

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There’s a school of thought that says a “special occasion” dress is only good for one occasion. I disagree–for many reasons, and not just because I love me a good party dress. Some people completely disregard this train of thought and just wear what makes them feel great. No matter where you fall on this spectrum the good news is that there’s a solution, or way, to make any outfit different: your accessories, or more specifically a belt. I’m not a big belt person–but the right one, at the right time is life changing. The above dress is a treasured Zac Posen. I’d wear it all day any day–but the simple addition of a belt completely changes it. I’d love to know–what’s your take? Do you like the belted or non-belted? Do you re-wear “special occasion” outfits? What’s your belt POV?

Happy Thursday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Zac Posen, old, similar here and here
Belt: old, similar here

#snowqueen

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No, there’s no snow in this post (sadly), but this dress made me feel like a queen. Just modest (high neck, long sleeves, semi-train in the back) to be suitable for family, enough edge (semi-sheer sleeves) and enough of the vintage feel I love (cream and texture) to be perfect. I had visions of wearing this in snow-capped mountains–but it was just as perfect at the water park, and might also work at your next holiday party or night out!

 

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:
Dress: Free People

 

#giftguide For her

I hope your holiday shopping is going amazing! If you’re anything like me, you haven’t finished yet. Or started. Either way this list of things that are great for her hopefully helps–and if you see something you need for you that can be our little secret!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

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Because shoes are always a good place to start. I love these Tory Burch Sport slides. Perfect for running around.

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I love these Dino Yoga Pants It’s the perfect combo for someone like me–who loves her workout and dinos equally.

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A subscription to
I’m a sucker for graphic tees and Wildfox and love this HollywoodLand
sweatshirt

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I’m a book lover and think there is no better gift than a book that you have loved. Some of my favorites this year are: All the Light We Cannot See, Tiny Beautiful Things, Fates and Furies, and Yes, Please

#simple

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Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s nice to have simple stand-bys to fall back on. Yes, it’s all black–but the detail on the modern boot and the camel coat keep me feeling like I look pulled together. And the simple joy of being able to throw on jeans and a t-shirt? Priceless.

Happy Monday! XO

Details:
Coat: Zara
Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Shirt: Jcrew
Jeans: MiH, old, similar here

Sunday Chronciles: Getting in the Spirit

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Some years the holidays come and it’s so easy to get in the right frame of mind- festivities and gifts. Some years getting into the spirit of things takes more work- you have to search a bit more for that holiday feeling. I’m a fan of not forcing anything but it can be hard to have the holidays come and not be in the mood. My sure fire fix? Looking at Christmas lights and watching “Miracle on 34th St”. Those activities scream holidays to me- and somehow get me in the spirit. What about you? What are your holiday fixes? Are you in the holiday spirit yet?

 

wishing us all a week of holiday magic and amazing shoes! XO RA

#blameitondisco

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Semi-sheer, gold-stripped, and yet somehow appropriate? Sign me up! I love the disco feel-the gold, the sheer, and yet the length, sleeves and full skirt keep this dress on the modest side. It’s perfect for cocktails, parties, and dinners-put a sweater over it, or wear a camisole underneath it and it would be great for work. Gives the question “What Has Disco Done for You?” a new meaning!

Hope your Friday is full of happiness (and a little gold!) XO RA

Details:
Shoes: Gucci, old
Dress: Jill Stuart

Are Leggings Pants?

As with any great debate I am aware by broaching this topic that there are passionate people on each side; and those opinions may not be able to be swayed. Ironically enough, for an issue that can divide many a fashion lover I am not staunchly on either side–but I do think leggings as pants have their place.
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I love to work out, and it’s a major part of my daily routine. So therefore I am no stranger to wearing yoga/workout leggings as pants–both to the gym and for errands afterwards. Honestly, I’ve never given any thought to the idea. However, just regular leggings as pants? I have to admit I’m a little cautious. In my mind, leggings are associated with lounge-wear, so while I may throw a pair on for errands or a matinee, I don’t think I’d ever consider them for a night out. And even for those leggings I’m particular about structure (I like to be held in) and of course want a fabric that’s thick enough to not ave to worry about see-through issues!
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Above are two pairs you might see me out and about in–but more often than not, I’ll be in jeans! What about you? Do you wear leggings as pants? What are your guidelines? Can we see pics?

Happy Thursday! XO RA

All of that being said, I do love David Lerner Leggings–shop them here