When I bought this jumpsuit from The Kit Vintage I knew that it would be a staple. I’ve worn it to lunches, errands, even out of the shop. However, it feels just as great dressed up for the holidays –it is a tux, after all. What tux doesn’t deserve the holidays, a piano, a tree and great trimmings? I can’t say enough about this tux- it’s just perfect, a true classic. The setting was so fun! And this clutch–just dreamy. It’s perfect for the season, and a great way to kick off the celebration!
Besides your hustle and bustle, gift buying, and general Merry making, it’s the time of year of holiday dressing. I’m never one to tell you not to buy a new outfit for all the parties/meetings/events that you have to go to, but loves, you don’t have to–holiday accessories are here to save the day! The right accessory can brighten up even a sweatshirt, and make you feel in the spirit, with minimal effort. My faves this season?
Fur Poms
Remember when I wore fur clips on my shoes? (That was here) I’ve become obsessed. They make any shoe new, are super fun, and very holiday. I’m loving the silver and pink combo, but wear my grey and black too! It’s an easy way to elevate any outfit! (And it’s fun!) Pictured here with my tulle socks, which I love with heels, they are also fun–and get my take on socks with heels here
Statement Belt
From the popular Gucci belts to this vintage stunner, a belt for the season is a must have. It can pull your outfit together, add a pop, and is an easy fix!
Leather Sleeves
I hunted down these leather sleeves because of my obession with Chanel Runway
However, now that we’re into winter–I’m just obsessed with these! (For the record any fingerless gloves will do). It’s easy to layer with a short sleeve or no sleeve dress or top, you keep warm while being fashionable, it’s edgy and yet sophisticated. And I promise, goes with everything!
This isn’t the time of year for your standard jewelry. I’m loving big brooches–they look great on everything (even sweatshirts!) And I especially love this articulated vintage one. Earrings? The fringe, the length, the fun! Little (big) pieces such as these are big pops!
A classic tie and blazer? I love it! Menswear is so classic, and yet edgy. I also love it, with a twist–were you expecting anything else? When I first got this blazer, it had the stars pictured last. And I liked it, it fit like a dream. And I liked the stars. But after a few wearings the stars seemed like a statement, and this was a blazer I thought I could wear every day. The solution? Make them removable! My tailor was able to clip them, then make them hook able–meaning that I have more than one option (want to know my thoughts on how important a good tailor is? Here you go!)So, now that I have a great blazer, the next best thing is a tie! I love this vintage one I got from RecessLa. And I love this look on a woman–the juxatipositon of feminine and masculine. (Please don’t look too closely, tie tying is not my forte). I love the pop of color, I love the options with the tie-closed, open, and scarf. Together, a classic combo that’s just perfect for the office or the evening!
Winter doesn’t have to mean that your fashion game goes down, even when you’re staying warm! Secret weapons include chic flannel pants (I love the 70s vibe from this vintage pair) and a camel coat. Paired with a silk cami, it’s still sexy, but you get to stay warm! Heels would look great, but I loved the pairing of loafers! I’d love to know: how do you stay warm and look chic?
Xo RA
Pants are vintage from Garment Modern but shop similar options below!
Tis the time to get serious about our shopping, and I’m here to help! Below I’m sharing some of my picks for the perfect gift for the women in your life. By no means is this list comprehensive, but I hope it gives you some direction! What are your ideas for gifts for her?
Classic pieces that are on trend a la this Jcrew number.
Chic graphic sweater shirts and shirt. This gem from H4Humanity also gives back to charity, and I love the selection at Wildfox
High end beauty treats like this Dior nail polish and Louboutin lipstick! My tip: find something that she loves, that might be a little pricey- it will feel like a double treat!
I love the new Coach collection, and it includes several items that are smaller –but pack a punch! Get more at Coach
I also love the idea of a spa day, gift card to her favorite gym (I’m a Soul Cycle junkie and love it when people buy me classes), or a nice bag or pair of shoes! I also love more personal gifts–and right now at Madewell you can monogram anything!
I read a few months ago that a sequined skirt was a must have for this season, and while I normally don’t always believe in things that I “have” to do/have, this time they were right. I got this little number from Beehive Boutique and while it is sequined, it’s become a neutral in my closet. I love the flirting hem, but love that the color isn’t over the top. I love that it goes great with graphic tees, but feels festive. I love that the sleeves on this sweater mimic the slight mermaid hem. And I love the pop of blue. I may also need a thesaurus, but loves, outfits that make me happy, and that feel like the holidays are easy to fall in love with.
Do you have a sequin skirt? What are you wearing it with?
XO RA
Skirt and Top found in person at Beehive, shop them online and find locations here
Thus it begins. The holiday season is here and you may already be a guest–for a visit, or to dinner. So what do you bring for hostess gifts? Being a southern lady, I just can’t bring myself to show up empty handed, so while some will tell you that it’s not needed, I think it’s a lovely gesture (and my Mimi would tell you to send a hand-written thank you note afterwards as well!) So, what to bring? There’s always wine, flowers (a nice touch, put them in a vase a la Cupcakes and Cashmere), or a plant. But if you have the time, I love some of the following out of the box ideas!
Although, for the record, you can always bring me wine! XO RA
Match sets are a secret of any wardrobe. You can use the pieces alone (this skirt with any top from graphic to plain, this top with just about anything), but I love them as a set. They have a vintage feel, but look modern. Perfect for holidays (Thanksgiving dinners?) and yet don’t have to be fancy (would love this with Addias). And the best part? It’s an easy outfit, you don’t have to overthink, worry about matching; you can put on and go! And that’s a win in my book!
If you know me well, you will get that this dress is just perfect for me. It’s purple, which allows me to show my TCU purple pride (every Friday with #GoPurpleFriday, if you see me, I promise I got purple on!). It’s Vintage Mary McFadden and the pleats, the drape, the ionic-ness I can’t help but love. I had it altered, if you read yesterday you know that it was originally too tight in the bust, my tailor rebuilt the middle piece for a perfect fit. I love that it’s cocktail appropriate, but a bit fun. It’s just perfect.
Happy #GoPurpleFriday, whatever your color might be!
XO RA
One of the hottest trends for next season is supposed to be one-shoulder; but loves, I can’t resist starting to play with this look now! I love the way it’s slightly sexy, elegant, and here (when paired with wide leg chinos) is just slightly edgy. And these pants! The wide leg is super comfy, yet polished enough to pair with blouses, sweaters, heels. I love this pairing of wide and tight, but also love playing with proportions (these pants and a big shirt and belt would be amazing!) This top would also pair well with a pencil skirt, a ball skirt, and jeans. And while I can never resist thinking of different ways to wear all the pieces in an outfit, I have to say I love this one! Slightly sporty, sleek, and super comfy!
