A trend that I’m loving for fall? Kitten heel boots. Not flat, not heeled. Perfectly in the middle.
And perfect with jeans, skirts, dresses, and all of our fall fashions. The kitten heel is just so chic, and on a boot a little bit of a juxtaposition, and we all know how much I love those!
I may or may not have ordered a pair of kitten heel boots this weekend, and I can’t wait to style them. Below, I’ve linked boots that I love. Are you trying out kitten heel boots this fall? Tell me all about it!
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!
I get the appeal of uniform dressing. How comforting it must be to put on things that you know work together, fit well, and make an impression on busy mornings, or on those days when nothing seems to be working. My schedule allows for both uniform dressing days, and days when I can experiment, and I’m grateful for both. However, I like to think that the duality of my dressing allows me to see the good and bad of each.
And there are some really, really AMAZING things about uniform dressing. But. The thing is, your uniform is only as good as it’s weakest link. (That’s how the saying goes, right?) So, if we want to uniform dress, we have to have stunning pieces to uniform with.
For fall uniforms these are the items I love to have:
-A Great Coat
-Perfect Jeans
-Statement Flats
-Sweaters with attitude
-Non- basic layering pieces
These pieces can be mixed and matched. Can anchor an outfit on their own. And together, they make an uniform anything but boring. I like to think this fall uniform is the best of all of these : camel coat (classic), jeans, sweater with an attitude (my pronouns are Her Majesty), and statement flats (spikes make statements). This outfit makes me feel confident and comfortable all at the same time, and that’s my kind of uniform.
Other fall uniforms I love?
Great jeans, sweatshirt, and boots
Plaid skirts, silk shirts, and boots
Any take on a suit
All the jackets. All of them.
Of course, the fact that the weather is finally feeling like fall helps, no one likes to wear sweaters and jackets when it’s hot. And while the idea of “uniform” can mean the same, I love finding uniforms that feel like standouts. What’s your idea of a fall uniform? Is uniform dressing something you do often? I’m so curious about how we get dressed, and what we wear, tell me all about it!
I’ve linked similar items to this outfit for your shopping pleasure 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!
It’s football season and fall, the weather has finally turned, and I’m cooking. Being in the kitchen is one of those things that I didn’t start enjoying until my 30s-not that I didn’t feed myself before that, but with diet restrictions, and just the need to connect with myself/my family/food, I began to really enjoy cooking. I’ve been known to experiment with family recipes, recipes I need to make more diet friendly, and anything that sounds amazing. Also, there’s no better time than a Sunday to spend some time whipping up a meal, then eating it while vegging in front of the TV.
Today’s adventure? Making these enchiladas I did a few years ago.
I feel hesitant to call this a recipe – it was so easy and made on the fly. But Internet friends : it’s worth it. I’d love to know: what are you cooking?
Chicken Mushroom Enchiladas:
full disclosure- the mushrooms were added as they were on sale in one of those prepackaged deals (mushroom, onion, garlic, parsley). Feel free to use something else!
1package chicken breast tenders
1 package Mushrooms and onion (approximately 1.5 cup mushrooms sliced, 1 red onion, 3 tbs chopped garlic, chopped parsley)
1 package almond flour tortillas ( or if you don’t do Paleo, whatever you prefer)
1 .5 cups Califlower
5-8 Roasted Hatch chiles
1 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese
Method:
Heat oven to 400. On two separate cookie trays roast the chicken and then the mushroom mixture – both with Extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. (Ps I LOVE the smoked pepper from Williams Sonoma). Depending on your oven, slice size this can take anywhere from 35-55 minutes
Meanwhile: make the sauce. Steam the cauliflower (I use the microwave but however you like) then add that to a blender. I use kitchen shears to roughly chop the chiles ( you can buy them roasted or if needed roast them off yourself- either the same method or use a gas burner on high, turn the chile over till blackened). I started by using 4 chiles but added more. Blend together, adding salt and pepper to taste. If needed add 1/4 c water to the blender to make it smoother- and of course add as many chiles as you like!
When end the chicken and mushrooms are done put both into a mixer, add 1/2 of the goat cheese and let the mixer blend everything together for you (if needed this can be done by hand)
Grabbing a sheet cake pan and the tortillas you’re ready to fill! My tortillas were small so I made about 10- this of course will vary. Fill each tortilla with a couple of spoonfuls of filling (optional- a small amount of sauce), roll to close and set in pan. When all tortillas are completed and in the pan pour desired amount of sauce on top. Put rest of cheese on top. Heat in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes till warm through and cheese is melty. Enjoy!
Wishing us all a week of good eats and amazing shoes! XO RA
Fringe.
What do we really say about it? Fringe isn’t a trend per se, though there are seasons that offer us a bit more fringe than others. It’s not quite a classic, there are not numerous articles why you must own fringe, and often stylists will call fringe a “statement” not a “must”. So, what do we do with it? Avoid it? Put it in a box, and only wear it for certain things or costumes? Or, do we live on the fringe?
From boots to pants to jackets, I’m a fan of anything with a little personality, and fringe is personality. It shakes and shimmyies with you, and adds a bit of fun to anything you have going on. I think pops of fringe can be the wake up any outfit needs, and there’s fringe that can be chic and timeless. Fringe can be big or small, long or short, a lot or a little. Maybe the thing that scares us about fringe is that it can be anything we need it to be. That’s also the thing that makes fringe amazing.
I’m living on the fringe. What about you?
What I love about fringed pieces like this one is that they are so fun and full of life, but so chic. This jacket is by no means the only fringe I love, in my closet are fringed boots and fringed skirts, and I may or may not be looking for suede fringe pants. I like to think that the fringe lets the fun parts of my personality shine, and fits right in with the more classic pieces in my closet.
Also, fringe is just really fun to twirl in. Maybe not the strongest argument for living on the fringe, but one you’ll enjoy.
So, are you in? Ready to fringe with me?
I’ve linked similar pieces below, including these wide leg pants (that’s a whole other post, but believe me, you need wide legged pants!)
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!
Loves, we know that I have this thing about all the fashion that we keep in our closets. I think it’s a part of how we tell our stories. (Fashion Story, get it?) Sometimes we hang onto the things that we wear all the time, and that’s a story. But sometimes, we hang on to things that we don’t always wear. Maybe it’s something that represents something we hope for, or aspire to be. Sometimes, maybe it’s a thing we are dealing with, and learning to let go.
Today, let’s chat costumes. Yes, Halloween. But also things like dance costumes. Yes, I was a dancer growing up, and there are a ton of recital costumes that I just can’t seem to get rid of! Let’s chat about it!
I’d love to know: what are the things you can’t get rid of? Are you holding onto any costumes? I want to hear about everything!!
There are things that make you wonder, things that inspire Wonder, and things that are wonderful.
Some Monday Thoughts:
*I’m such a fan of Wonder Woman, and I love wearing this shirt. The camaraderie from women who love Wonder Woman is a thing I can’t help but love. Does this shirt give me super powers? I’m not sure, but I like to think so, and it is something I wonder about.
*Layering isn’t just for sweaters and turtlenecks. This is a cocktail dress that looks stunning on it’s own, though a tad bit more low-cut. For weeks I’ve been thinking about how to make this looks a little more casual, and finally decided it was about layering. I didn’t want to take away from the “wow” factor, I wanted the layer to be as wonderful as the dress. My solution? A fun graphic tee, in this case, Wonder Woman. Both standouts on their own, and together it’s fun. Makes me wonder, what else can I put together? What pairs are inspiring?
*I’m a heels woman. Heels can be worn anywhere and with anything, or so my theory goes. Yet, lately, I’ve been having fun exploring flats. This look would still be perfect for a cocktail party, and that’s new for me. Where are areas that we can explore in fashion? What looks and items have I been avoiding that might actually be perfect for me? I’m wondering about them.
*I can’t get enough of this headband. The elementary school kid in me is ecstatic. This is just one of those things that’s wonderful.
What sorts of things are you wondering about today? And what are you wearing to wonder in?
I’ve linked similar items to this look below for your shopping pleasure, I hope it’s inspired wonder!
Xxo 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!
Yet another season has started, and I completed another closet clean out. Every single one feels like the first. There are things I can part with, things I can’t, and things I’m slowly moving towards letting go of–a lot like the rest of my life. Each time I clean out, I think back to things like this. So, I’m re-sharing for all of us who may need it!
I clean out my closet. A lot. I feel like we talk about it. A lot.
And I’m not sure what that says about me. I’m fascinated by what we have in our closets. Closets are such a personal thing. The stories that they hold, the things that we keep–part of why I started my series about fashion stories (see here, here, and here). It’s no secret that my closet is vast, I collect vintage (and other things), view fashion as art, and am a firm believer that we should hang on to the things that bring us joy (even if they aren’t every-day wear).
However, every time I clean out my closet I have this fantasy of going minimalist. I’m convinced I’m going to get rid of SO MUCH. There are clean out theories I subscribe to, that I’ve given you, and I agree that things not being used don’t really have a place in our homes.
Then, I go through my clothes. My babies. And there are things I just can’t part with.
I came across this on Instagram recently:
(I would love to get credit for this. It clearly isn’t me. Yet–I loved it scrolling in the wee hours when I hadn’t quite woken up yet, but was somehow online. Yes. All of that. I haven’t been able to locate it in my likes or my feed–if you know this genius, please let me know and I will credit them!)
I love this take on the practice of cleaning our closets. There are some things that I WHOLE heartedly agree with: don’t settle for OK, hold out for the best, get rid of things that don’t showcase your best self, etc.
But. There are things that I’m not fully committed to. I think holding onto anything that brings you joy is valid. I think we do have items that are not wholly our every day lives in our closets, but I think that lets us explore things.
This little message really stuck with me. So I made us a video about it:
(Also, YouTube and I may be in a fight for that image being the saved one)
I’d love to know your thoughts on all this. If we want to clean out our closets, why can’t we get rid of stuff?
Wishing us all a week of only the best and amazing shoes! Xo RA
In some ways I may have been wanting to prove that great things last. I love wearing pieces of my Grandma, she was such an influence on me, and wearing her things makes me feel close to her still, even though she’s passed on. Though, I have to admit, this is not the way she wore this sweater.
(In other news, wearing our cardigans backwards is a thing we’re doing this year. I promise. And as you can see, it’s chic. But if you need another voice on that, you can check out The Cut.)
This sweater is perfect for wearing backwards, with the ties. Add jeans and classic mules?
Not your grandma’s sweater, or your grandma’s sweater, make the perfect fall outfit.
I’m a fan of “uniform” outfits that are anything but uniform. Call it with a twist, call it making things my own, but things like my Grandma’s Sweater? I love to make them look like they are not my Grandma’s sweater. It’s not that I go out of my way to make things feel “out there”, but I want things to look like me. And why can’t I be both classic and out there?
This look is one that I hope feels fresh, but comfortable for the season. It’s easy to put together with things you most likely have in your own closet; but I’ve also linked similar items for your shopping pleasure!
Wear your Grandma’s sweater. Or not!
Xo RA
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While this does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Here’s my current fantasy. It’s cold outside. Not cool, not in the 80s, but cold. Like in the 60s (I’m completely aware that I’m betraying my southern and California roots). But that kind of cold, I’d even take the 50s. And it’s raining. All day rain, not short showers or a brief afternoon shower. The kind of rain that is steady all day, and just strong enough to make everyone want to cancel any and all plans.
So. It’s cold and rainy. And we’re staying in. There’s stew, like butternut squash, on the stove. And wine. (Even more than one bottle if it’s warranted) And we have no where to go. What do we do?
We stay cozy in our sweaters (in this case a dress), and be chicly comfy. How’s that for a sweater weather fantasy?
Some fashion notes:
This sweater dress is from the 90s. I rescued it from a bag for Good Will that my mom had set out. (I also rescued some custom suits my grandma had and I’m so grateful I did!) I usually like things fitted (not always tight, but well fitting); however, I love that this dress is oversized. It feels comfy. And cozy. Great with heels for a bit of fall cocktails. Great with boots (any boots), for a bit of fall weather. Details, like a great vintage pin, can elevate the look, or pull it all together.
Hint: this pin is made to drape over your shoulder and you may need help fastening one like it!
Also, someone asked me if this was my take on VSCO girl style?? I’m not sure what that means. But yes, I can say the speed with which the 90s fashion is back on trend is shocking. And that not all of that is bad, like anything, I think you can make anything your own. So??
I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure. In the meantime, if fall weather is a “if you build it, it will come” thing, I’m trying to do my part. What about you?
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!
Some things that I’ve been thinking about since the calendar flipped over to October:
-we’re down to the last 90 days of 2019. Which just seems crazy! What is it that I want to accomplish in the last quarter? What will put me in the best position for 2020?
– Is basic or non-basic to say that I’m not really a PSL gal? Pumpkin? Yes, if we’re talking breads or muffins, or the real things. I’m just not one for flavoring my coffee with it. Or my popcorn. Or every thing else in my life. Why can’t we embrace fall flavors without going nutty about it?
The first question I’m still contemplating. The second I’m over, and will let every one else get PSL while I drink wine. (Imagine the winky face emoji right here)
But it is the time that I start thinking about my fall bucket list. I make one for every season, and while some are specific and some are rather general, I love going into a season with a sense of what I want to do. I’ve found time and time again that if I don’t make time in my life, I don’t have the time, so I’m a big fan of scheduling big things, and then trying to be spontaneous with little things.
And with that, these are things that I’m dying to experience this season:
– A Girls’ trip. Well, more than one. There are a few amazing women who are like family to me, and it’s been way too long since I’ve had some quality time with them.
-A seasonal outing. These seem so cliche, but apple picking or pumpkin patching are calling my name. I think it’s due to the fact that I don’t live in places where there is a ton of traditional fall weather and these activities feel like fall.
– A bonfire. Romantic and seasonal, all at the same time.
– Closet Cleanout and a deep clean (this is already mostly done!)
– A review of my career goals with strategies. So often I feel like we let the year wind down, I want to go out strong, and ring in the new year ahead.
-Gratitude. Every season, in its way, is a season of want. I really want to reconnect with my sense of gratitude, because really we are so so rich. Journaling, therapy, gratitude lists, bring it all on.
What am I missing? What else must I do this season? What are you doing this season?
Wishing us all a week of fall weather and amazing shoes! XO RA
