Stylish Bloggers: RA from Definitely RA

By Janet

This week's stylish blogger is the wonderful RA of Definitely RA, one of my longtime blog friends! In May, RA coordinates Mission: Put Together, a month-long fashion challenge to be PT everyday. She also contributes at Style All Over. RA loves used bookstores, puns, and rollercoasters. If we lived in the same town, I would make her take me shopping on a regular basis--the girl is pro at finding stellar bargains. Welcome RA!

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is mostly preppy but with a twist. I wear a lot of classic clothing (A-line skirts, shirt dresses, cardigans, jeans), but I like throwing in something interesting to punch it up, like patterned flats, a statement necklace, or a fun scarf. Also, I have realized recently that I tend to put together outfits with high contrast, usually with one piece as the focus. I have to exercise great restraint to put together a quiet, neutral look, but I really admire others who do it naturally.

What trend are you loving this season?

This fall, my hair is the longest it's ever been, so I've been hunting down textured, braided styles to try. Well, I should admit that I can't actually braid, so twisting is as far as I've gotten. This style is my go-to on days when I don't have to wash my hair. I also love this wine/burgundy color that's around now, and to that end, I am tearing my hair out trying to find the perfect pair of cranberry skinny jeans. Everything I've found is too brown, too red, too bright, or too expensive. Help a girl out!

Where do you find your style inspiration?

Hm. This is a tough one. I used to watch What Not to Wear all the time, and I always (still!) repeat Stacy and Clinton's 4 style elements when I get dressed: color, pattern, texture, shine. I try to hit all 4 with every outfit. I used to be really afraid of patterns, but now I feel a lot more confident in wearing and mixing patterns.

I think my style inspiration comes down to being honest with myself about what I enjoy wearing. When I read blogs or magazines, I try to glean overall concepts ("I could try putting stripes and leopard together..."), instead of trying to replicate a whole outfit. Above all, I want to love whatever I'm wearing and feel like myself in it, so if I spend the day tugging or adjusting or twitching, that piece goes in the donation pile. It doesn't matter how cute it is or cheap it was if it's not right for me.

What beauty product do you always splurge on? What is your top drugstore beauty buy?

I don't know if it counts as a splurge ($30ish, depending on where I buy it), but I'd say Bare Minerals make-up. I got it done for me over 7 years ago, and I've never stopped buying those same products. My favorite drugstore product is ELF eyelid primer from Target, which I thought was a total scam at first --- I mean, who needs to prime their eyelids, for the love? But for $1, this stuff works. And it's $1.

What five items should every woman have in her closet?

1. Dark rinse jeans: I don't think the fit of the jeans is as important (skinny, flare, straight, whatever is best for you), but I do think it's essential that the rinse is dark and even. Take those whiskered jeans back to the juniors section, ladies.

2. Striped top: Stripes are the gateway pattern, so if you're nervous about patterns like I once was, get yourself a striped top (like navy/white, black/white, gray/white) and try it in lieu of a solid tee every so often. There are so many different styles of neckline, width of stripe, and length that I'm sure you can find one you like.

3. Black blazer: Throw it on with jeans for everyday life or over a dress for a pretend suit. The best part is that it doesn't even have to be made of suiting material. Find a knit one and fool everybody!

4. Red flats: I was going to soften this and say "bright flats," but no. One must take a stand in some things. Red, I say! RED!

5. White scarf: It works for every season and lights up your face with no effort. When you're not using it, loop it around the straps of your bag and feel very jaunty, indeed.

I just realized that these 5 items are basically the quintessential RA outfit. Oops.