Tag: shopping

Freedom.

It’s a big concept. It means different things to different people. Maybe you think of freedom as the open road. Or as your right to vote. Or the way that people are able to be themselves and live the way that they choose. Freedom is important. We should celebrate it (and yes, I know we do every July 4). Those things that make you feel free? Those things that make you feel more like yourself? Those things that feel good? More of that.

This wig? A party favor from a dear friend’s birthday party. Was it expected? No. Do I love it? Yes. The color, the cut, that it’s not me–but shows my sassy side. Am I brave enough to wear it out? We’ll see.

The great thing about this outfit? It’s all athletic leisure. These are yoga pants from Carbon38. I’m just in love: they make my backside look amazing, are comfy enough to sleep with, and yet, polished enough to be dress pants. This is a Soul Cycle tank, it’s great with your workout pants or with a pencil skirt. I love the play on athleisure. I love that this is a workout outfits, but looks very polished. I love that it combines things that I love, and that it feels like Freedom.

I hope that this weekend finds you feeling free and looking amazing!
XO RA

Shop my picks:

And get yourself a treat:

Nights in LA can be just as magical as the mornings. There is always something going on: from premiere to event to just a great burger. You might have to watch yourself on a LA night, there’s the tempation to think you might be left out, that maybe you’re not at the right event or venue, but I really don’t buy that. My experience has been that any night, any place can be amazing, if you’re with the right people. And lucky for us all, I’ve been known to bring my own drama (the sleeves on this dress!); and I’ve found that if you’re looking for magic LA nights will give it to you. Look at that light!

We can talk about any event, but let’s talk about this dress. It’s all statement: the low back, the sleeves, the length. Part witchy, part goddess, all magic; just the way I like it! And the great thing, this dress is deceptive. It’s the softest jersey, so while it can turn heads, it’s a throw on and go type of dress. I promise. What I love about statement dresses (or statement anything) is that they don’t need a lot of help. Wear your hair natural. You can throw on flip flops if you need to, I did. You don’t have to try too hard, the dress does it for you. This dress is a Norma Kamali, I love that her style is drama with out the fuss. Her jersey is some of the softest that I have ever worn, the cut is always great, and there’s always an “it” factor: sleeves, a deep back, or both! (You’ve also seen some of her swimwear here)

This night in LA was indeed magical, but there was no special event. My photographer, Katy Shayne, and I simply were craving a great burger, and may be a martini or two. The light was perfect, and I was in the mood to wear this dress. And I was able to talk Katy into shooting me. That simple. Nights in LA are magic, but the best kind of magic is the kind you bring yourself: a great dress, a great friend, a great meal, a great laugh. Premieres can be fun. Events make me happy. But there are a ton of LA nights that have left me breathless, and all that was needed was a great dress!

I’d love to know: what’s your brand of magic, or statement dress for Nights in LA (or anywhere)?

Shop my picks below:

There are a ton of things to be scared of in the world. Retirement. Spiders. Color. Prints. What you want being sold out. Ok, maybe this list isn’t equal in terms of the scariness, but let’s be honest, these things are all scary. Continue reading Prints Charming

Green is the color of envy. The color of the holidays. And the color of the pants you didn’t know that you need. Continue reading Holiday Green

Doing the same thing over and over again is a part of insanity. Right?

Or, and just hear me out, is doing the same thing over and over again running with a theme?
Continue reading How to Run with a Theme

Are you tired of hearing that leopard is a neutral yet?

I know, I get it, I hear you. It can be hard to hear the same thing over and over again. (Even if I am right when I say it). So, let’s switch it up. Maybe Leopard isn’t a neutral. Maybe it’s a big pop. Maybe it’s something that can turn an outfit into an OUTFIT. Sound better? More doable? Ok, then it’s decided. Let’s do a pop of leopard (at least for today).

I think what happens when we hear the same thing over and over again; or look at things through only one lens, we miss a lot of what’s possible. It’s human nature. I’ve admitted more than once that I’ve tuned my mother out, only to turn around and find that she was right (about a lot. It’s our secret). Our closets? The same thing. We label something as a neutral, or conversely as something special, and we refuse to see all the other ways that we could wear it. Yes, it’s a thing we all do. But by doing this, we miss out on so many amazing opprotunities. (We’re talking fashion, but I’m sure that there are other things that this applies to. Think hard). We made an arrangement; so today, instead of thinking of leopard as a neutral, we’re thinking of it as a pop. What does that change?

Of course the easiest way to make leopard a pop is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. I’m not afraid of a good Candian Tuxedo (Example here), and actually think one can add value to our wardrobes. Let’s level with each other, we all need a great pair of jeans (These Point Sur, old, are some of my faves as the wash, and rise are just classic. I’ve picked a similar pair for you here). They are the perfect thing to throw on in almost any situation. And what’s better than a great pair of jeans? A great chambray or jean top. Throw it on with almost anything. The trick? Don’t be afraid to pair them together. (Pro-Tip: You want them to go together but not match exactly). Once you have this basic combo down: add a pop. It works every time.

Because we agreed to, today it’s leopard. I just adore these mules, but any pump, or belt, or bag would do. The thing for a pop is that it has to be different than the rest of the outfit, and it’s great if it has a little sass.

This combo would be great for running errands, brunch, casual drinks, and a casual dinner.

What’s your fave pop? And how do you rock it?

Shop my picks (affiliate links, no affect to your price) below and let’s make leopard a pop!

XO RA

The saying goes that so much can change in a year. And that’s true right? People come and go, we change our minds, our clothes, our shoes, our states. I take pictures of myself for a living. (Ok, that’s not all of it, but in many ways, it boils down to that) So, I’ve developed this weird fascination of looking back at what I was wearing a year ago: do I still love it? do I still wear it? do I still have it? It makes FlashBack Friday’s and Throwback Thursday’s both morbid (like an autopsy) and fun. What I was I wearing a year ago? This winter floral dress. And I do still love it. And I do still have it. However, I don’t wear it often. Here’s the great thing about looking back: it can remind me what I have, and encourage me to wear it!
What I originially wrote:

We’ve had spring florals and fall florals–why not winter florals? I have to say, I love these moody florals, the darks and the pops of color–I like that it’s completely season appropriate but it feels fresh. Especially when you pair them with pop of color shoes. And the frills and the back? Amazing! (Loves, this is where I confess that I had this dress altered, we opened the back a bit and took in the waist some) The price is what really makes this dress stunning –it’s HM, yes, HM. Perfect for any thing this winter can throw at you!

(Side Note: let’s not sleep on HM ever! Some of my most recent finds there are showcased here, here, and here)

XO RA

I’ve updated my winter floral shopping picks (these are affiliate links, I do receive some commission on these, though there is no change to your price!) There are some great, and very similar HM winter floral dresses!