In the South there is a great debate about when to wear white. And yes, it mainly involves white pants and shoes–but can you look at this outfit and tell me this white is not made for winter? I love the crispness the white vest brings–and this vintage fur is to die for! Paired with classic black–it’s the perfect combo for errands, drinks, dinner. As for when you can wear white? Loves, wear what makes you happy!
Wishing you an amazing Friday! XO RA
Details:
Jeans: < ahref="http://www.lanecrawford.com/product/j-brand/-natasha-sky-high-high-waist-skinny-jeans/_/AQE644/product.lc?gclid=CK-ihZjgw8oCFZGMaQodHDAJ4w"target="_Blank">JBrand
Top: Shopbop
Vest: Zara, old, similar and on sale here
Shoes: Elizabeth and James, old, similar here
On every list of “basics to own” (or whatever they call it) a white button down comes at the top. There’s a reason: it goes with everything, it’s classic, and it can elevate any outfit. However, there comes a time when just wearing a classic button down isn’t what you want to do. The solution? Spice it up. Take your old shirt and wear it in a new way. It brings a freshness to whatever you’re wearing, and involves no shopping at all.
Try it Backwards
Super simple–just put your shirt on backwards–I love to leave it unbuttoned and tied at the waist, but button and tucked in also works. The result? Very fashion forward and yet not too wild. Great with jeans and skirts!
Wrap It
This does take a bit of work–I safety pined both buttons and holes down, then pinned the shirt where I wanted it to meet.
The result? What feels like a whole new shirt and it’s just a tad bit elevated. Again–amazing with jeans and skirts.
So how do you wear your white button down? Any tips?
Happy Thursday! XO RA
Details:
Button Down: Target
Jeans: DL1961
Shoes: Chanel, old
I know, I know–I say something is my new favorite all the time, but this dress. Y’all this dress. I’m in love. It makes me feel like a princess, it reminds me of the ocean, it’s simple and complicated–and it’s made of denim. (yes, those rows of ombre all denim with a sheer neck). It’s perfect. A friend asked where I was planning on wearing it–a more appropriate question is where won’t I wear it? Ask me to dinner and hang out–there’s a really great chance I will wear this and feel like a million bucks.
Hope your Wednesday is magical! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Coming soon to Moda Operandi link here
Shoes: Steve Madden
Mid heels, kitten heels, grandma heels–no matter what you call them, there’s a new shoe in town–and friends, they are worth a try. Mid-heels (really kitten) are back in vogue and this new crop are just as sexy as your heels. I’m loving mine with jeans, pants, skirts–really their limits are boundless.
What makes them great is their comfort for all day wear or walking –but my favorites have just enough sex appeal (be it toe cleavage, color, or design) that I don’t feel as if I’m giving up anything.
So are you wearing them? With what? How do you love them?
I’m a fan of anything that can span seasons–and this sweet sweater dress fits the bill. I love the classic stripes, the material is just thin enough for spring, yet has some heft, and the sheer sleeves and hem make it flirty. A win all around–even if I do say so myself!
Happy February Loves! XO RA
Details:
Dress: Ann Taylor
Bag: Vintage
Shoes: Schultz, old, similar here
Recently I had coffee with a friend, and as we were sitting there talking about our goals and wants he simply turned to me and (basically) asked, “why aren’t you going after what you want? Why don’t you just do it?”. A simple question, and yet I was taken back. Loves, I like to think that I’m fairly honest-I have no firm answers and am making this all up as I go along, much like you I think to think. But my friend has a point–why don’t we go after what we want?
There are a ton of reasons why we don’t always pursue our goals–time, money, skill. Sometimes what we really want would hurt people we care about, and we are afraid to do that. Sometimes we don’t really want what we think we do–and procrastination saves us. And then there are times when we truly go after what we want–and we fail. None of these situations are easy. And there’s no magic phrase or inspirational quote to make us begin to move forward or make us succeed. However, I think we all have things that we want–even if they aren’t big, grand things (the fact that not every goal or desire needs to be big and grand is a topic unto itself) and many of those things are within our grasp. So what stops us? Why aren’t we running towards our dreams as if everything were on fire?
I don’t have answers. But I can tell you what I’m doing. Since that conversation I’m sitting down with myself. I’m having hard and honest talks with me about what I really want and what I’m really willing to do for those goals. And I’m running, not always as fast as I’d like, but running like it matters in that direction. And those dreams that I find I can’t bring myself to run to? I’m doing my best to let them go. Another person I adore loves to remind me that nothing is promised–not tomorrow, not the rest of today. So it matters what we do. And if matters what we do, we owe to ourselves to go after what we want, what makes us happy–from snacks to dreams to people (especially ourselves). Maybe it is in the asking–in the demanding of ourselves that we go after what we want, that we can figure out what we really want and need. Here’s to hoping!
Wishing us all a week of dream chasing and amazing shoes! XO RA
While this denim dress is from Reformation’s S/S collection, I think it’s proof that a great hat, turtleneck and boots can make almost anything winter wear!
Not that there is anything at all wrong with buying Bottega Veneta new (I love their current line), but if you’re looking for a brand that stands up amazingly over time, buying vintage Bottega Veneta is a decision you will not regret. The classic lines and textures, the colors,the quality–I have several pieces from the 70s and 80s, and yet get asked where I bought them all the time. So what to look for? Classic colors, the trademark Bottega Veneta weave, and quality. These items were made to last so make sure that you’re buying from someone who has taken care of their treasures–these shoes are over 30 yrs old–yet you would never know it!
Some of my favorite places to score vintage Bottega Veneta: Etsy, eBay and your favorite consignment store!
It’s no secret that I love vintage, and you’ve probably caught on that I love Valentino–so when I find a treasure like this vintage Valentino skirt set–it’s like heaven. A bit “Dynasty” but simple and comfortable–I love that it pairs well together but has also given me endless options separately. (including when I just threw the skirt on over a leotard when a friend popped by unexpectedly, and I’ve worn the sweater on repeat with jeans). It manages to feel both fresh and new!
Happy Wednesday Loves! XO RA
Details:
Vintage Valentino Skirt Set
Shoes: Zara, old
Friends, I have something to confess: I am not a good packer. The ladies and lads who can pack for a month in a carry-on and still seem to have everything they need? Not me. I’m more the type to feel as if I need a fresh pair of pants for every day I’m away, not to mention the “just in case” outfits I pack for the things I imagine (to be fair, I could randomly be invited to a red carpet event). This from the lady who is perfectly comfortable wearing the same pjs for a week at home. However, this starts a month full of travel for me, and I am desperate to change my ways–as well as finally master the art of packing. So I went to masters (my well-packed and traveled friends) as well as the internet to get as many tips as I could! The best packing tips I have found are as follows:
Roll your clothes, don’t fold them. This makes more space in your suitcase
Limit yourself to one color palette. Out of this choose a pant, a jean, a dress, a flat and a heel. Build tops (the rule is 3 per bottom) around this.
If needed take one neutral coat
No more than three pairs of shoes (how with workouts I am going to do this is beyond me)
You need only one pair of pjs per week you’re away
When planning make a list of things you’re doing and what you’d like to wear to each activity. Then see what you can double up–wearing the same jeans (no one will know) or using yoga pants for sight seeing.
If you have to add color or a pop to your outfits chose accessories–scarves, jewelry are easier to pack and take up less room.
I plan on incorporating as many of these tips as I can! I’d love to know–are you a light packer? What are your tips? I will keep you updated on my progress!
