Sunday Chronicles: Seasons

a woman in a brown faux leather top and pants with a gold belt and black peep toe pumps by a fence and a white brick wall

To Everything: Turn, Turn, Turn
There is a season: Turn, Turn, Turn

My mom loved that song by the Byrds when I was a kid- and would sing it to us often. (And yes, it comes from a Bible verse!) As an adult I often sing this (or say it- singing isn’t in my list of talents) to myself to remind myself that seasons in life are normal. And needed. As another saying goes- nothing blooms all the time, so seasons of growth, of rest, and then of blooming are all a part of it. True of life, true of fashion (even as “reasonless” options get advertised to us).

A combination of life and fashion? I can often tell different seasons of my life by my go-to outfits. For example, there was a time in my life when a bunch of my schedule was going to the gym then changing into a form of lounge wear for errands. Then my location and schedule changed and the in-between outfits were cut as I would go from gym to home or gym to my day. Seasons where I have been in jeans a ton. Seasons where I would only wear dresses (true story as a young kid I would ONLY wear dresses, leotards or shorts. I don’t think I wore jeans will I was 10!)

We’ve been in a liminal season, with the pandemic and being at home more. And the changes that we all have been through- perhaps still going through- have changed not only our lives but a lot of how we’re dressing. Perhaps that (the pandemic, and honestly the recent actors strike) has me thinking about seasons. How we weather them, how they’re needed and not to be feared- and how to move from one season to the next.

I think it’s very easy (and tempting) to believe that seasons aren’t needed- or to rush them. Part of this (I believe) is that seasons take time. No matter what your “bloom” is- it takes time. And a part of it is the season of rest. Not creating. Then creating -blooming- takes its own time. We don’t live in a society that gives time. We want things instantly. Social media has led us to think we can only show highlights and finished products- or perhaps I should say that social media doesn’t reward any season that isn’t “blooming”. So most of us (me, it’s me!) feel like we should always be blooming (and maybe beat ourselves up when we don’t. Again -it’s me!)

As a creative and a human I know we need different seasons. I know that we need rest and inspiration and blooming-spring, summer, fall and winter. Yet-I can’t help but feel pressured to always be blooming. Perhaps these feelings have come to a head because I do feel like the past for years for me have been seasons of rest, of laying low- not of blooming. I have been painfully aware of that. And while I feel I might be ready to bloom again- there is a bit of fear and pressure around it.

Other seasons in my life have happened a bit naturally. This season I’m hyperaware, and yet also a bit unsure of what lays ahead. In the midst of that feeling that my body, my outfit, my pictures, my creativity must be 10000% perfect while changing, while coming out (still being in) an off season is –something I don’t know is comfortable and I don’t know how to spin as always blooming. Do you feel this way too? Is it really just me?

Knowing that seasons take their time, and change, and are all a part of it- singing the song to myself- helps. Being honest, even when it’s not social media shiny, helps. And having a bit of faith that all of our next seasons will get us where we need to be (because of course they will!) helps. What helps you when you’re feeling a season shift?

Any tips you have about seasons and how to navigate them are always appreciated!

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

Designer to Know: Diane Freis

Investment Piece: Diane Freis

My first memory of a Diane Freis dress involves my mother. I knew nothing of Diane Freis, and though I loved dresses you couldn’t yet call me a fashionista; I was little and knew that there was this patterned dress that my mommy looked pretty in- that was it. Somewhere I hope there’s a picture of my mom in that dress, as I can see her clearly in my mind, but I haven’t found one.

Now that I’m older I have a different appreciation of Diane Freis. As these dresses began popping up for me, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the pattern mixing, the smocked waists, the chic modernity. There are so many that I’ve fallen in love with researching this piece. And yes, now that I am a fashionista, when I see a pretty dress, I also see a story. I want to know where a piece comes from, what it says, who wears them, and if we should know about the designer. And loves, Diane Freis is a designer to know!

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Begin looking and there are fascinating stories to tell about Freis, an LA girl. Who made it in Hong Kong. From FashionDesignerEncyclopedia:

Diane Freis is one of the few Hong Kong-based designers to have gained an international reputation. Hers is a typical Hong Kong success story, based on hard work and determination. Since arriving in the territory in 1973, she built a commercially successful brand name that became a role model for Hong Kong manufacturing.

The Freis signature is represented by multicolored prints applied to one-size, easy-care dresses, primarily designed in polyester georgette. Noncrushable and easy-to-pack, they have presented a travel solution for higher income, more mature women in search of a glamorous and feminine look. The fashion philosophy is pragmatic: Freis stresses the importance “of making a one-size dress that allows the freedom of fit in our daily schedules of health programmes one day and over-indulgence the next.” With their hallmark elasticated waists and shirring, the dresses covered imperfections but would never be called dowdy. The prints were usually exotic, the designs included pretty florals, dramatic geometrics, bold stripes, and plaids, with embroidery and beading as particular features of the look. Besides her traditional georgette, Freis has used silk, cotton, and wool coordinates, hand-knits for casual daywear, and chiffon and taffeta for grand evening ensembles.

Freis’ eye for color and design can be attributed to her fine arts education at the University of California in her native Los Angeles. While a student, her sideline was to create elaborately beaded jackets, which she sold to celebrities such as Diana Ross. It was a search for new, exotic materials and skilled embroiderers that first attracted her to the Far East. In Hong Kong she found the fabrics and workmanship that contributed to her distinctive fashion identity.

Investment Piece: Diane Freis

In 1978 Freis opened her first fashion boutique in Hong Kong; by 1986 she had six more. But her influence did not remain in the local market. International buyers from Europe and the United States soon took her work overseas. In the U.S., her dresses came to adorn the bodies of society women who shopped at the likes of Neiman Marcus in Dallas or Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Suited more to the European figure than to the Asian, today the label can be found in over 20 countries. Her success has been based on locating a market niche, not by following international fashion trends. Falling somewhere between haute couture and prêt-á-porter, the designs have been produced in limited editions: no more than 10 of any one design are distributed around the world. Basic shapes remain consistent; the variety is provided by new fabric designs and combinations. To retain exclusivity, the company set up its own print design studio and manufacturing base in 1982. In recognition of her commercial achievement for Hong Kong, Freis was awarded the Governor’s award for Industry for Export in 1993.

Despite its established success, the company continued to develop new ranges and to target new markets. Freis’ easy-flowing garments have gradually gained some structure via shoulder pads, more tucking, and fitted pleat detail. In recognition of changing lifestyles, Freis Spirit was launched in spring 1994 as a diffusion line aimed mainly in the Southeast Asian market. Featuring a pared-down silhouette and more subdued designs, the collection offered mix-and-match coordinates in quality fabrics to a younger market.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Freis continues to focus on her trademark polyester georgette dresses in bright patterns and solids. She has expanded from a focus on dresses and skirts to a broader line comprising suits and eveningwear. She is now able to clothe a woman during her workday career, at night in formal attire, or in casual situations, although she remains best known for her flexible, easy-fit, all-over-printed dresses. The designer’s daywear business is divided into knitwear, classic polyester silk dresses and blouses, basic coordinates, and printed stretch tops, and her eveningwear line consists of beaded gowns, special occasion wear, beaded and embroidered jackets, camisoles, and scarves.

Investment Piece: Diane Freis

Freis has traditionally appealed to a more mature consumer but has extended her market into more youthful customers with her “young classics” line, consisting of tanks, chemise-and-jacket combinations and coverups, which Women’s Wear Daily described as “sleek” in August 1999. A line of all-black polyester and silk tanks, dresses, and pants coordinate with all the products in her daywear and eveningwear lines, from beaded jackets to printed skirts.

Freis has also expanded geographically from her roots in the Asian market. She maintains a distribution network not only in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Australia, but in the U.S., South Africa, and the Middle East. In 1999 Freis signed a licensing agreement with Guryich International, a Canadian company, for distribution in North America of a broad collection imported from Hong Kong. The line incorporates the one-size-fits-all polyester print dresses for which she is still best known but also includes 50 items from all facets of her line.

—HazelClark;

updated by KarenRaugust.

There are so many more articles out there, are you as fascinated as I am? All of a sudden I want to know what it was like to move to Hong Kong, and what drew her there. I’d even love to know how they mixed patterns. What kind of stories can we tell in these dresses? (Which by the way are easy to find on eBay, Etsy, etc. I’ve linked some of my faves for you below!)

Me, I’m off in my Diane Freis
XO RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Fashion Stories: Fashion As Rebellion

A woman in a tee that says Hands Off, a black blazer and jeans

I am a firm, FIRM, believer that fashion is just another way with which we tell our stories. Fashion as a story telling fabric is the basis of what we do here. SO. Fashion as a way to speak out- for anything that you believe in. OR in general show rebellion? Yes. I’m here for it.

I know the most obvious way to tell our rebellious or political or out there stories are graphic tees. And from tees to sweatshirts I have a ton of graphic shirts. Graphic shirts with anything are a go-to formula for me. From shirts that are simply “Wonder Woman” to the more forceful graphic like above (and yes, that’s tame in my collection!) a graphic is an easy way to let people know your stance. But fashion is so much more subtle and lets us tell our stories in so many ways!

Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It
(This may not be the best example!)
But often when I think of fashion as rebellion I think of mini skirts in the 1960s. And how then men went from suits to longer hair and flares. Burning Bras. Tye Dye. NOTE: I am not old enough to have lived through that. I was not in the 1960s. Though- I was a teenager when Elmo and Grunge (ya know, flannels and ripped jeans and dark eye make up and combat boots) were all popular. Perhaps every generation has its own fashion that is a form of rebellion.

To truly understand how to dress to rebel (and not just dressing in what people you know what like), let’s understand what rebellion is:
According to the dictionary rebellion is:
an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

There are times when what we wear absouletly is in service of actively over throwing the government. Then there are times that what we wear is simply to let our displeasure known. To make a fuss. To give support. And to let people know where we stand.

I have never actively worked to throw over the government. But I have worn shirts and ears in supports of causes I love. In thinking about our stories, and how rebellion could be one- I’ve thought a lot about what we wear. From hem lines to high heels to shirts that give to causes.

Some reading that I’ve found helpful on these thoughts:
The Clothes that Shook The World
Rebellion, Gender, Fashion
You Say You want a (Fashion) Revolution?
and from sheer to faux fur, mob wife to mesh flats, 2024 has its own trends already (and we all know more to come). Wearing things like faux fur and being BIG can be rebellion (or at least a pendulum swing). Or dressing well- instead of wearing pjs to the grocery store (I am guilty of both!). All Black. Pops of Color. Pink. Bows. Prints. Mixing Prints. Black Nails. Anklets. All of these have been told to me to be a bit rebellious. I don’t know that rebellion always has to go against the status quo- but it does have to be unexpected.

Investment Piece: Product of a Strong Female

Interestingly enough, too young to have been around when mini skirts were a STATEMENT, I never burned a bra (too young), and while I was here for Nirvana and some Elmo in high school — it feels as if I have sort of missed so many fashion rebellion moments. Even sheer is no longer new (though it might be a bit more daring at times). SO. How do we rebel with our fashion now?

Is it by being more daring?
By wearing graphic tees in support of our causes?
Wearing the unexpected?

I don’t know! But I’m open to it all and will be telling my own story in the above ways.

As there is no clear way to tell you how to rebel in your fashion below I’ve linked fashion that supports causes that are dear to me– no pressure to you! Below are shirts that give to Gun Control, Women Homelessness, Reproductive Rights. But I know there is more out there. And you could always go anti trend. Or let me know how you’re dressing in an anti establishment way!!

XO RA

Note: this Post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a white tee with black letters saying we should all be feminists and red pants and black heels

Simple Lines

 a woman's foot with red nails wand a red  cage Sandal and black jumpsuit on stairs

Do you remember that line from school? KISS? AKA: Keep It Simple Stupid. It was for papers and reports- like don’t get too carried away. But it also works for outfits.

And I say this as someone who gets carried away.

All the time. And for any reason.

BUT. An outfit that speaks for itself? Where every piece is a statement and yet goes together? That is incredibly comfy and yet feels forcesful. Well. Let me recommend a tux jumpsuit with cage sandals (both of these EXACT products linked for you below!) This outfit is so simple on a first glance- or read. IT’s JUST a jumpsuit and some flats. But on further look it’s the lines, it’s the cuts. it’s the fits that make this “simple” lined outfit stand out!

a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit and red cage sandals
a woman in a black tux jumpsuit with red cage sandals

Maybe it’s the lines of the junpsuit. Down the leg. Or the chest plunge. Maybe it’s the pockets. OR these cage sandals. The across lines. The up and down lines. Maybe it’s a combination of it all.
(And yes, there are so many MANY ways to style this outfit-lines or no lines– perhaps layer underneath the jumpsuit. Hose with the sandals. Or add accessories like a necklace or floral brooches. SO many options with these 2 offerings!)

But the lines? The lines are fantastic. From shadows. To sandals. To jumpsuits. All of it. And all of the lines and all of the options. It’s almost like a grid and to make a great outfit you can mix in your own personal loves!

Below are linked these 2 itemsQ I also think that that any way you want to do these lines!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, that does not alter the price for you. Thank you for your support!

EX Files: The Date That Wasn’t

Investment Piece: Ex Files: Valentine's

It’s ex-files, where we stop chatting fashion for just a minute and talk dating horror stories. An attempt to be like Carrie Bradshaw? Sure. But let’s be honest, dating horror stories are both horrifying and funny. Names may have been changed to protect identities, some details moved about. Hungry for more? Try: Tinder on an Airplane, Jumping to Conclusions, and The One Who Asked for his Money Back. There are quite a few more when you search “ex files” in the search tab!” Also if you want to be written warmly about- behave better! xo RA

This month’s ex files may take liberty with the word ex- as it’s not like we are exes. BUT. Let’s admit that dating is supposed to be the process of seeing who might be compatible with you for a long term relationship. Or at least at short term meet up. So when the person you’re supposed to me (or are writing about!) throw red flags as if they were confetti what do you do- other than not go??

And to be fair? This dude may not know that he was giving off red flags. And in my 20s I would have politely bit my lip, met up and hated him. Now that I’m not 22– I just said no. Here’s what happened:

Ryan and I met in an alumni club. What may be my fault: he is in real estate. My sister and I do notary on the side so when he messaged me in an alumni local group I assumed that was what he wanted to meet up about. He never mentioned drinks or dinner- it was always “meet up”. SO – I would give our availability and leave it. This went on for months.

Then. Messages got to the point where I got that he was asking me out (aka all of the sudden he mentioned he was interested in meeting me and wanted to get to know me)– and yet when I let Ryan know when I was free he was either busy or didn’t respond. After checking him out (yes- the internet works both ways thankfully!) I was pretty determined Ryan and I weren’t a match.

Then. He messaged me letting me know he was desperate to meet me. HE would do anything. I gave him some times. We made a plan. He canceled last min. As I was raised to be over accommodating I let him know that I was fee for coffee all the next morning. He texted me at 4p that day asking what my day looked like. I let him know that at this point I was in, I had given him times and hadn’t heard from him, had an early morning the next day and that it wasn’t good timing for me.

Ryan responded by throwing a fit over text. Letting me know that he wanted to me. That he didn’t understand the time frame. That he was going out (although in a different city) and I should meet up. Whining when I said no. Whining more when I mentioned that was not where I lived (think- Manhattan to Brooklyn), and whining MORE when I said I had a bed time as I had an early call time. Essentially crying and pushing back at all my boundaries.

And in my 20s- I probably would have relented. I would have said yes. And met him and have secretly been mad. Or when Ryan suggested a drink after my early call time I would have said yes and made sure I made it. Great news for me? I’m not in my 20s!! I no longer care about what random Ryan’s think- because truly- if they wanted to they would make a plan. Ask you out. Take all your notes into the plan.

Whining at me. Blaming me for “not meeting sooner”, acting like a 5 yo when someone said the slightest no? Not something I want in a partner. And perhaps the difference in my dating now is that I’m not looking for a date- I am super happy at home with my closet. To get past that, I need a partner. And if you let me know from the get go you’ll be a horrid one- why would I get past “hi”?

AKA. The older I am the less I let red flags fly. What are some of yours? What was a sign that someone was not for you?

XO RA

A Subtle Dot.

a women in a black body con dress with subtle polka dots on the sleeves and back. Pearl accent shoes and earrings

Fun fact- but old news if you know me well- polka dots are one of my MOST favorite patterns. And apparently Monday was National Polka Dot Day (I think there’s some calendar that I am just not on- as celebrating my fave would not be something I would neglect!) In fact! I made a little video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ESAiOggFImk

And then I got to thinking. I have NEVER. EVER. met a polka dot I didn’t love. In any color. In any shade. Truly in any way- to me, a dot is a dot I love. And then: I fell in love (and was lovingly gifted by my dad for the holidays) this dot that is incredibly subtle. In fact, I thought there would be more dots. BUT. I kinda love that the polka dots are a bit subtle. Only on the sleeves and the back. Best seen in certain lights. You can be subtle with it (or if you want go BIG and pair with all the dots from hose to shoes to accessories that you LOVE!)

a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes
a woman in a body con dress with polka dots on sleeves and back with pearl earrings and shoes

Ironically, while I appreciate this subtle dot, I often have a hard time with subtle. I can not pick up on clues- and while I am not by any means confrontational, I can blow by subtle hints. Likewise, my subtle hints are either way too subtle or way too over the top. But fashion? Fashion somehow I can be (and get) subtle! For example these dots:

-I love that it’s a take on the sheer trend
-Work approved but date night vibes
-You can put as many dot accessories with this as needed (pearls worked for me!)
-It can be subtle or non-subtle

The great thing about subtle: truly it can be whatever you need it to be. Take this dress. It could be full of dots. Or just a knit dress. Work ready. Or perfect for any night out. Show a lot-cover a lot.
In your face and bold has its place, but subtle? The possibilities there are endless!

How do you like your polka dots? How do you style them? And are you on this calendar with fashion days that I’m somehow missing?!?

I’ve linked this exact dress and similar shoes below!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you , I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a black knit body con dress with polka dots on the sleeves and bacj

Mob Wife Aesthetic

a woman in a mink coat and big hair bun lounges on a blue couch

If you haven’t heard there’s a new micro-trend- Mob Wife Aesthetic. For those who are confused by the term “micro trend” it refers to a “small and fleeting trend usually started on social media”. Clean girl. Tomato girl. Those are a few that have come and gone in the past year. And now we have Mob Wife. While, usually I don’t adhere to these micro trends fervently- if I like parts of the aesthetic I incorporate them, wear what I have, buy what I like- but never go full in; I have to admit I’m loving the idea (and the fashion) of Mob Wife.

(Though here is a random and sort of off topic thought: I read somewhere that all of these micro trends- especially Mob Wife- talk and dress women as an accessory to men, or what a man does. I can’t stop thinking about that- and that is a completely different conversation. I don’t know that I love that thought- and we are all way more than an accessory. But I am loving wearing a lot of (faux and vintage fur!)

So. What is Mob Wife Aesthetic? It’s a bit of a response to the recent minimalist trends- as it’s maximum! It’s excess! Furs, animal prints, gold jewelry (and a lot of it!), heels, prints, corset styling. Red lips and big hair. Quilted leather and low cut dresses. Anything big. Anything on a mob movie (minus the organized crime). And a part of me is really loving it– and having so much fun with it! (which is a big part of what fashion is supposed to be!)

a woman in a leopard skirt with an off the shoulder top and black platforms and big hair
a woman in black strapless top and pants and a leopard corset in front of a rock formation
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a leopard print midi dress walking from a green hedge

Part of why, out of all the micro trends, I’m attracted to this one is the bigness. IT’s the fun. January is a month that asks us to give up things. From eating and drinking “cleanses” or diets challenges to spend less/not buy anything challenges, etc (and this is not me judging these, this is me making an observation), this month is often a sparse month. The weather can also be dreary. After the holidays, Jan is always a contrast. And while it may be a needed contrast, as we get to the end of the month a bit of fun, a bit of a lot is refreshing!

Another reason why I’m loving this Mob Wife Aesthetic? I’m getting to play! Mixing patterns and textures. Having fun with hair. A ton of fur and metallics. It feels a bit like playing dress up (my absolute favorite game!). There is no right or wrong way to be a mob wife. You don’t have to go big, you can simply indulge in a lot of jewelry or big jewelry or a fur coat. Wear all animal print from head to toe. Big platforms with big hair. Anything you want, as big as you want- how can that not be fun??

If you see me, there’s a chance my hair will be big. I might be in leopard prints. With fur. More than one necklace. Or maybe even a corset. Most importantly, I will be having fun- which to me is the point of the micro trends, and especially Mob Wife.

Are you participating in Mob Wife Aesthetics? How are you dressing for it? I would love to hear all your thoughts!

Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces that currently fit this micro trend! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: #cheetah

The Only Faux is my Fur

Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The only Faux is my Fur
Investment Piece: The Only Faux is my Fur

We spout the phrase “fake it till you make it” as stellar advice, in both professional and personal matters. And I get it- faking it helps you get where you need to be. When I was in Los Angeles, auditioning a ton, a Casting Director told us to always dress nicely and carry an expensive purse, it would give the illusion (or faux appearance) that we were “busy and booked”. Thus making us more appealing (the wanting what we can’t have and wanting what other people want parts of psychology). If you’re feeling less than confident, people will tell you to fake it- act confident until you are. And it works! Acting like you’re happy, etc, is proven to make you more happy.
So, should we always be a faux version of ourselves?

I’m all for a dose of false confidence to help me become more confident, but I also want to be comfortable in my skin. I’ll give you the appearance of everything being perfect, but when I need to, I want to let people know what’s bugging me, or what’s wrong. And it’s not just me- most of us don’t like fake people (which I know can include a lot of behaviors), most of us don’t want a faux life. Do we fake it till we make it or do we be real?

And, I don’t have any answers. I think it comes down to discernment. Yes, faking it while making it is a great strategy, and yes you are amazing even when you’re not, and you can be real with people. Can both things be true? Why not?

The good news is that in fashion, fauxs are good- unless they’re knockoffs, which is a whole other conversation, so for the sake of this one? Let’s chat really, honest- the only faux is my fur.

investment piece: the only thing Faux is my fur

Do you have a strong opinion on fur? Or Faux fur? This is where I admit besides faux, I love vintage furs- especially my grandma’s! Vintage fur is a form of recycling, and while I don’t condone animal cruelty, the animals are long since dead. Real, modern fur? That makes me feel a bit more icky- or I should say my feelings are a bit more complicated. . So, I’m incredibly grateful that faux fur has come a long way. And I’m grateful that so many vintage furs are out there. This number? Faux! But it’s so soft and chic, and during the winter it keeps me warm and feeling like I’m making it, which is especially important when it feels dreary outside (and sometimes in!).

January, especially the tale end of the month, is really a fake it till you make it month- between the winter blahs, the feeling that maybe your resolutions were a bit much, the cold, and the yearning for spring. Is is possible that a faux could help us fake it? That by wearing something faux we could get to a real place? I only know we can try, and that a chic faux fur never hurt.

This faux fur is from years ago, but I found you some great faux and vintage fur pieces below (side note: these leather leggings are real, but faux leather can be amazing too! We can fake it in that as well!)
I would love to know what you’re working towards and how you’re faking it (or not!) right now!
xo RA

This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

investment Piece: The only thing Faux is my fur

Sunday Chronicles : It’s All in the Seams

This post is originally from a few years ago (there are times when it shocks me that I’ve been doing this for years!); but this is something that I’ve been thinking about recently. Not necessarily French seams, though yes, but the idea that things take time. The idea that something that is well made, and worth the time and effort, is better than something that is ready quickly, but made to fall apart. The idea that somethings, both French seams and ideas are meant to last.  Also, what fashion means to me, why I care about quality and what I can do to explain my views with you (more of all of that to come!).

And then, I remembered I wrote about this before: so I give you again, It’s all in the seams!
Enjoy!
XO RA

image

Yesterday my mom and I got to talking about couture, really the magic of couture is seaming, lining, and fit. French seams, where you essentially double sew the seam so it’s encased, are the trademark of couture- they’re difficult, time consuming , and look amazing. The seams are part of what make couture fit so well, last so long, and look stunning. So they’re worth it. In fact the trick to catching couture – and real designer bags and shoes- check the insides

It got me thinking about what is worth it. We live in a world that demands everything instaneously- relationships, careers, material goods. Everything is expected to come quickly, it can be considered failure for things to take time. But here’s the thing about rushing things – quickly made seams fall apart. I can do a quick seam- but it won’t last, and probably won’t look good. And when you want something to last- and look good- you have to take the time to do the little things, whether that’s French seams or letting a relationship or career take its time. It’s a process, but rush the process and the inside falls out.

I would rather have a closet full of French seams- bags and shoes that last- things that are beautifully made than a closet full of seams that fall apart. I understand that this means I will spend more, and things will take time to accumulate. I’m okay with it. In fact, I’d like to build a life full of relationships that last, a good career, and moments that matter- those things take time as well. But, when I look at the French seams – it’s worth it.

Happy Sunday! Wishing us all a week of great seams and amazing shoes! XO RA

Slip Into Something More Comfortable…..

a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, a tan coat and blue clutch
a woman in a blue slip dress,
a woman in ablue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat, and blue clutch
a woman in blue slip dress, snakeskin boots, tan coat and blue clutch

Slip dresses: a bit of 90s style, a bit of PJ style, a bit of spring style. I love them as they are so comfortable and suitable for lounging and nights out. But yes, they are often associated with warmer temps. Often paired with strappy sandals. We all know I live for a great juxtaposition- and love pairing the unexpected- so my big rebellion for this is to wear my slip dress in the winter. With boots. And a coat (it’s freezing!). The slip dress is still comfortable and just as chic- even if it’s unexpected.

Winter dressing, while I love the thought of it- and jackets, coats, etc – is always a bit difficult for me. As someone who’s lived mainly in warmer climates, my instinct in colder temps is to bundle up. And stay that way! A challenge I gave myself this winter was to get dressed during the cold- to be chic and comfortable and warm. Normally, in cold weather, the idea of slipping into something more comfortable has meant sweats- and how I am breaking that rut is by pairing items I love from different seasons with winter classics. Such as a slip dress with boots and a cashmere coat.

One of the best things about slipping into something more comfortable is that there are 1000s of ways to do it, and endless outfits to wear. Pairing this slip dress with these boots and coat made the winter seem a little less grey and it made me feel a bit more energetic. It also made my challenge a bit more fun! Styling my comfy (but chic) slip dress in a wintery way has made me look at all of my closet with a more thoughtful eye. What pieces could be used for more than one season? How I can be comfy and temperature appropriate while feeling stylish? What outfits feel as good on the couch as they do out?

I’m still playing with a lot of winter dressing– but I will say now when I need to slip into something comfortable I don’t just have to reach for sweats when I’m cold. And I love that! What do you wear when you need to feel comfortable? Are there pieces that you can style for more than one season?

I would love to hear all about it! And I’ve linked you similar pieces so you can slip into something more comfortable below! XO RA

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a woman with red nails, a blue cameo ring and a blue clutch