Tag: Sunday Chronicles

We’ve chatted about home before here, but while that was what home means, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the saying “You can’t go home”. I’ve spent the past year bouncing between LA (my adult home) and TX (my childhood home and where I went to college). As I’ve mentioned I’m so lucky that I feel at peace in both places, and that both still feel like home to me. I have friends and loves and life in both– but it is an odd thing to be a bit of a nomand. This past weekend I went back to my college’s (TCU) homecoming and got to see people from my past and present. I also got reminded this past week of the amount of love in both homes. So can you go home?

I’m not the 22 year old I was when I left campus–and to be frank, I wouldn’t want to be. I’ve changed; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. I loved the person that I was, but I love who I am now more. And I hope I continue to change (and get better). The people I know and love in both places have changed too; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. Some friendships I had have faded for all those reasons. Some, despite all that, have blossomed and are stronger than ever. And again, I have a life in both places you could argue are my home. I often am between these “two” homes, and each time I travel to one I think to myself, “I’m going home”. However, each of these homes mean different things to me. I have lives in each–but those lives are different. And loves, I don’t hate that. I like that I can get different needs met in different homes. No, that’s not for everyone, but it works for me.

So, can you go home? Yes. I think you can. I just think that we have to face a truth: home (no matter what definition you use) changes. It changes, like us, due to mistakes, wins, and losses; time takes a toll on us all. It is the same, and different, and I think that’s good. We’re not the same we were years ago–why should home be? I think the trick is to appreciate the things about home that stay the same; and appreciate the things about home that change. Is that easy? Not always, but if home can make room for our new parts, we can allow home the same. As I’ve thought about this quote, and my own homes, I think the issue here is not really can you go home, but can you go back to exactly how things were. And loves, I have moments I would love to relive–but we can’t. And maybe, just like home, the lesson is to make room for all the new parts.

I’d love to know–do you think you can go home?

Wishing us all a week of home-comings and amazing shoes! XO RA

Loves, you have probably seen me joke more than once about being a mermaid (although it’s not really a joke). I love the ocean- and love mermaids, and really want to be one. The good news? There’s a way to become one! More than one company specializes in mermaid photo shoots- complete with tail. And yes, I have every intention of booking mine. While there are several companies that do this, one of my fave from research is Project Mermaids. They not only shoot beautiful pics, part of their proceeds go to charities that help clean our waters and protect the ocean’s animals. So everyone wins. You can find (and book) at Project Mermaids<\a> or follow them on Instagram at @projectmermaids.

I’d love to know: what do you want to be (like a mermaid)? And what are some of the creative ways that you give back?

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

Loves, As you know this summer has been a bit tough for my family and me. However, I’m a big believer in being happy, even when you’re sad; and that happiness is something that we choose. I try to remind myself that no matter how bad things seem: I get to wake up, I get to chase my dreams, I have great friends and family, and in the bathroom 2 different types of clean water come from the faucet. I’m incredibly rich and blessed. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when things seem bleak, it means I try to focus on what I do have–and this week my cup has runneth over! Below see some moments that truly made me happy this week:

Water and Dino Popsicles (made from simply freezing my veggie juice!)

Summer snacks with mom over the sink

Good times and amazing support from friends I’ve had for years

Girls’ Night Out and a reminder that football is coming (also how much do I love TCU and TCU Football)

JK Rowling wrote us a new book! (This is what I”m doing today)

There’s fall fashion to be had and the rest of summer to enjoy! I also have amazing photos from great shoots I can’t wait to share with you. There have been opera dates with mom, dad is throwing a party this week, and then I get to go to the beach. I have it good!

I bet you have it good too–I’d love to know, what’s been making you happy?

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

In magazines and online articles you’re beginning to see “Fall Trends”, “What to Buy for Fall”, and “Transitioning Your Summer Wardrobe into Fall”. Looking forward is part of fashion, and having something to look forward to is part of our DNA. I have no problem with the fashion world pushing us fall-ward; I love having something to look forward to, we often need time to plan our budgets (and choose our investment pieces), as well as the middle of any season can begin to feel stale and we need something new. Right now, fall seems exciting.

However, the heat index everywhere I’ve been lately is 105 million degrees (only slightly exaggerated). The last thing I want to put anywhere near me is a sweater. Right now layering means dripping with sweat. And I want cooler weather but until that happens, my summer clothes need nothing more than great AC. Besides this, there’s a time when looking forward means missing what’s happening now. It’s July, we still have summer left. We have water time and peaches, time when a bathing suit and a cover up is all you need. Long days, nights, bbbqs, chilled rose, and flip flops. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss any of that.

So, how do we balance the looking forward with staying present? Is it possible? Loves, I think it is. I think it’s a fine line but we can really enjoy ourselves during the summer, and maybe think about what we want to buy for fall. We can think of transitioning and our vacation next week. We are lovely and complicated and able to hold more than one idea in our heads. And this isn’t just about fashion. I’m looking forward to the beach in a few weeks, and am equally as excited about football season. I’m thrilled about afternoons at the pool, and about holidays. We can do this.

So, yes, even here you will begin to see fall creeping in. But don’t worry, we still have lots of summer left to share with you!

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

In the past couple of weeks I’ve gone back to something that I love: I started painting again. Let me be clear, I don’t paint because I think I’m great at it. I have no intentions of showing, selling, or promoting my painting. I don’t do it because art is my highest calling. I do it for the creative outlet, I do it to simply make art. There’s something soothing to me about putting paint on a canvas. About being creative, without any expectation of the creation. Put even plainer: making art makes me happy, and I think it makes me better at all of the things (both creative and non-creative) that I do.

I’m a big fan of us all doing the things that make us happy; there’s something to be said for something that brings you joy and serves no other purpose. And I’m a fan of art for art’s sake. Being creative serves us in all ways, and not all art needs to be “art”. (More on this in more eloquent ways can be found in Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic”). I believe that we all need a release, and this happens to be mine–having a place I can just create makes me a better actress, it makes me better at fashion, it makes me nicer. Throughout the week I try to allow myself places where I can just let go: the gym, living room dance parties, and art. As much as I love to see art, museums and matinees, making art is good for me. So, without expectation, without fear, I let myself paint.

Like you, the past few weeks have been many things: scary, overwhelming, and simply a lot. Turkey, Nice, Dallas, Alton Sterling, Philando Castle. It can leave us all feeling helpless and yearning for peace. I have no answers. But am a firm believer that love, joy and faith are the ways to heal. That we need, more than ever, to come together. I believe that art and creation can fight destruction. Do I think my simple ocean painting does anything? By itself, no. However, I think that being peaceful and joyful makes me a better person, and by being my best self I help others do the same. And I think that is powerful. So my encouragement? Let’s get out there and make art, whatever that means to you. Let’s be our best selves and love each other. Let’s give ourselves permission to make art, just to make something.

I’d love to know: what’s your creative release?

Wishing us all a week of creative joy and amazing shoes! XO RA

As much as I’ve wanted this space on Sundays to be one of discussion, one that’s thought provoking, one a little bit deeper, I’ve stayed away from politics. Politics are so personal, and we’ve become so divisive that I had no desire to start an argument. Then this week happened. Loves, what a week. Like you, I’m sad, scared, overwhelmed and upset. I don’t know that I have big answers. But this is what I do know- America is a great country, and we need to come together, have some difficult conversations, and find a way to show our love for each other.

I am aware that by the nature of my coloring I am afforded the benefit of the doubt in many cases. I’m sure there’s privilege that comes through no doing of my own that I’m not aware of; I think I have a responsibility to stand up for the people who aren’t afforded that benefit. Much of the national conversation is a paradox. #AllLivesMatter. Yes, they do. Everyone needs to be treated with respect and kindness. #BlackLivesMatter. Yes, and by recognizing that we aren’t saying other lives aren’t important. The conversation is “black lives aren’t treated this way”. Their house is on fire and we need to help them out it out. #BlueLivesMatter. The majority of law enforcement personel are outstanding. They keep us safe, deserve our thanks, should be treated with respect. Their House is starting to burn and they need help. Violence is never the answer. I truly believe all these things are true at the same time. And yes, that means we may have to have some hard conversations. We need to really listen to what the other person is saying. And help put out fires.

I’ve also stayed away from religion here. No matter what your beliefs, one of the most radical things about Jesus was how he loved people. Not the “good” ones, and not in passing. He radically loved people- hugged them, touched them, washed their feet, got down in the dirt with them. I believe that’s what we’re called to do- radically love each other. Right now that means standing by our black neighbors, loving them, having their backs. It means loving our policemen, standing by them and having their backs. We can do both. Love is the only force strong enough to beat hate. So let’s love each other.

My challenge this week, for all of us, is to show love to a stranger- by holding doors or making eye contact or asking how someone is (and really listening to the answer). Let’s love.

Wishing us a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA

Loves, it’s been a hard week. As you know, we lost my grandmother last week, and this week was full of making arrangements and services. In fact, as you read this there is a really good chance that I’m at a memorial service. I’m a pretty positive person, but I’m also an artist, so I can be sensitive and really feel all the feels. However, I’m also a big believer that it’s our job to look for joy- that doesn’t mean that there isn’t pain, or sadness, or hurt; but nothing can exist without an opposite and it’s our job to focus on the good. This is more difficult some days. But the joy is there, even if it’s small. So during this hard week these are a few things that are bringing me joy:

Family
It would be great if it were a happy occasion bringing us together, but I will admit that it’s been lovely to be with so much family. To lean on them, and be leaned on. To have an excuse to hug my mom a bit tighter.

Friends
The old ones that show up, the new ones who show up, and the love I get from both. And you- seeing the community we’re growing here is such a blessing to me!

A Great Workout
I don’t take for granted that movement is a privilege, and I know that being in my body provides me with a way to get an emotional release. So this week I’ve been grateful for the people who kicked my booty.

The Process
Death is a great reminder that we don’t have long here; so any dream, love, or goal should be pursued- fully. There’s something about times like these that can make me a little bolder, a little more willing to say what I need to say. And there’s joy and freedom in that.

Great Outfits
Did you really think I was going to not mention shoes? Be it an old, comfy favorite; or a new outfit that fits perfectly, I believe that our clothes have power.

What brings you joy when times get hard?

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

Some seasons are full of loss. A little more than a month after my paternal grandma passed, my maternal grandma (My Mimi) passed away this weekend. Mimi helped raised me; she became my nanny after my parents divorced. She picked me up from school, went on vacation with us, was there for every holiday and milestone. Loss comes in waves and I know the coming weeks, months and years will be full of times of grief. But this weekend, I’m focusing on how lucky I was to have Mimi in my life. Following are just a few of the things she thought me:

Pattern Mixing
She was a master at this-blending colors, patterns, and fabrics.

Vaseline
Mimi’s skin was amazing and she swore by Vaseline- every night. She had a few wrinkles and her skin glowed. I’ve incorporated this into my routine- and am now sad I didn’t pay attention to her neck exercises.

Lipstick
A secret weapon- she believed that you really didn’t need much else

Hats
Mimi was a big believer in protecting your skin from the sun, for both preventing wrinkles and fashion. As a child I laughed, but now as an adult I know my Mimi was right- and wear hats myself.

I’m now left to do what I do: write about this, wear amazing clothes, read a great book, and maybe buy a new pair of shoes.

Wishing us all love and amazing shoes this week! Xo RA

We currently live in a world that’s driven by our online prescences. We document our lives, edit them, filter them, share them, and pray people like them.  People and companies worry about clicks, likes, shares; there are now studies about the effect of being on social media too much, but we as a society continue to post. At its best social media is a great way to stay in contact with friends, provide distraction, and engage everyone in a conversation. At its worst social media can be consuming, overwhelming, and can make you feel inadequate.

Social media is a big part of my daily life, much of our business is done via social media, and it’s a great way to grow the blog. It can be fun and I love keeping up with you and my friends online. It can also be draining. I worry about my brand online, I think about sharing, I want you to like my pictures.  If I’m honest I will also admit that there’s pressure about what to post, how often to post, and how honest to be about my private life. There’s been a lot of loss in my family lately, and everyone has bad days, but I don’t want my social feeds to be full of depressing thoughts. I genuinely enjoy sharing my fashion with you, and during this time it’s been a much needed distraction. But is it honest to pretend that everything is hunky dory online? Does it matter?

I’ve been thinking about these questions a lot lately; and unfortunately loves, I have no answers. I think our vulenrabilty is part of the journey (sometimes the best parts) and sharing that with others can strengthen us all. I think that we all get to choose our boundaries on posting, there is no right way to do this. But I think above all, we are all human behind these beautiful photos- with flaws, good days and bad days, and a need for connection. I think social media can help with bad days, and I also think there’s nothing wrong with sharing your struggles online. Perhaps the challenge for us all is to find the balance in the posts, and to figure out how to share the best bits of ourselves when we share, even if those parts are the vulnerable ones.

I’d love to get your input! How do you handle your social media? Do you share your struggles? What are your thoughts on people who do?

 

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