Trying it On- Camo

a woman in half camo half black jeans, a black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels

I am not a camo gal. At all. Ever. And I grew up in a place with hunting, love people who hunt, and yet will not bore you with my own opinions- on everything from guns to camo to hunting. But, safe to say, it was never something I thought of as “me”. Even when camo has been “in”, and everything from pants to dresses to hoodies and everything- I have avoided camo like the plague.

Yet. Lately, things, circumstances, people I love- have my trying camo on. The thing is- I do encourage you to try things on. Yes, I am a firm believer that if you don’t love a trend you don’t have to try it, but I also believe that you can try things on. We are all full of contradictions. SO. Recently I made a choice to try camo on. To see if I liked it. With the full understanding that if it wasn’t for me, I would take them off and never think of it again.

I will be honest- I really thought that any camo would not be for me. My style (though I hate defining it) was too refined and classic and not camo for it. Story time? Camo is so not me when my mom first saw these pants she asked if they were my Halloween costume.
Perhaps this is also where I say that perhaps, incorrectly, I sometimes judged people who were SO into camo (because of my own associations with it). Well. Turns out I have been wrong- maybe about a lot of things. These half denim, half camo pants look and feel so chic to me (and who knew! I am also not a cargo person but it turns out extra pockets can be helpful on occasion!). I actually liked wearing them. I liked how they look! Trying it on? A good thing?

(Also, maybe some of my judgement of all the things and people camo is not 100% right. Maybe we all have a bit more in common!)

However. I do have some tips for trying it (whatever it is to you!) on:
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels
a woman in half camo and half black jeans, black mock neck and black heels

-stick to your own style. A full camo look for me is not (most likely) in the cards. My signature red lip and heels helped this look FEEL like me. And look like me. Camo, my way we could call it. But I do think that even when trying new things on staying true to what you love matters
-Keeping it simple or classic. Yes. At the end of the day these are jeans and I could wear them with anything- from a tee to a blazer. For me, keeping the rest of the outfit a bit “basic” (aka matching black with black) let me play with the new-to-me camo while not feeling intimidated by the rest of the outfit. Or worrying about matching. Next time I wear these? I may branch out. But the first time? It was nice to keep the rest of the outfit simple.

What have you recently tried on that you didn’t think you would like? What might you like to try on?
Honestly, I would love to hear all about it!

These pants were bought second hand (another tip for anything you might not like!) but I did find some options you might love below! XO RA

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission off them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in camo and black pants with a mock neck and black heels

Time to Shine: Fashion Halloween

I have to be 1000% honest- Fashion Halloween is perhaps one of my most favorite series, planning, times I have all year. The combination of aging and fashion? The story telling? I get a kick of planning and putting together my costumes each year– and I can’t wait to share this year’s choices with you! Yet, in the meantime- here is a look back at some of my most favorite Fashion Halloween moments and costumes!

a woman in a gold caftan posing like Cleopatra
Cleopatra- Queen of De-Nile!

Investment Piece: Halloween
Catwoman- these gloves have the nails on them and they still may be one of my favorite things!

Investment Piece: Fashion Halloween Birds
Old Hollywood and me? The Birds!

Investment Piece: Halloween
A take on Betty Draper!

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Halloween Costume
Maleficent! I was her in college and couldn’t resist again!

a woman in a cocktail dresss and a T-Rex mask
T-Rex in a cocktail dress as the tales foretold!

a woman in a Marie Antoinette Wig, plaid gown and jewels with a velvet couch, macaroons, and champagne
Marie Antoinette- the wig and this gown!

a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk blouse, heels, envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches and a gold cig holder
Troop Beverly Hills!

a woman in a peach dress with a white corset and a long blonde wig
And of course! Barbie! Peaches and Cream- as all the cool kids know the best one!!

As you can tell- I LOVE this time of year- and these costumes. One of the ones I am planning (and the mask I bought) may be one of my best EVER! What are you being for Halloween? Have you thought about it? Do you love planning a costume and story like I do? I would love to hear any and all about it (and give ideas if needed!) From this Wednesday till the Wednesday before Halloween we will be celebrating Fashion Halloween- I truly and so excited and can’t wait! Happy Spooky Season! XO RA

Tis the Damn Season

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Yes. Tis the damn season. And while I know that often means holidays or festivals, etc, etc — the season I am referring to is “Iconic Princess Diana Outfit Season”. Usually this refers to bike shorts (check!) and a sweatshirt. Here, I trade the sweatshirt for an iconic denim jacket. And trainers for the MOST STUNNING shoes. (Because even the most iconic outfit deserves -I won’t call this an update- I will call it a twist!) But no matter what you call the outfit- it is the season for it. As in, it’s fall but not quite. It’s not summer, but is still a little. The mullet of seasons? Sounds awful. Transitional? A fashionable way to put it, and a better way to plan your outfits.

As we all wear the outfit of the season (a la bike shorts and) I find the most interesting takes on it are the details:
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
like pockets..
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
And belts. It’s an all in one with a safari jacket (and I am loving this one in denim that feels a bit upscale!)
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
Embellished heels- though I love the curved kitten heel on these! In the iconic Diana outfit she wears high top Reeboks(a must have from my childhood and a part of me still yearns after them!), so I feel as if this elevated take on a basic mule adds to the outfit of the season.

From gym. To errands. To just a Tuesday. This outfit formula (again, the outfit of the season according to Princess Di, and it’s the one time I won’t argue with royalty) is not only the outfit of the season (and yes, it is absolutely the sweet weather spot to wear it in all varieties – tis the damn season), but oh-so-adaptable. You can make this outfit in so many ways your own. Take the base of bike shorts and add:
-your choice of long sleeve top
-your choice of stylish shoe

Tis the damn season? Tis the damn outfit. In oh so many ways!

a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes
a woman in bike shorts, a denim safari jacket and embellished blue and velvet shoes

Are you a fan of this iconic Princess Diana outfit (Ala bike shorts and)? How have you made this formula your own? How are you inspired by a simple formula that lets you play with so much?

I am linking this exact jacket (on sale!) and these shoes (not on sale but worth it!) below. I am linking bike shorts but as they are oh so versatile I think any and all are a must! If you have a great take on this outfit I would love to hear 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!

a woman in bike shorts and a safari jacket and embellished shoes
my take on an iconic outfit

Ex Files: Awkward Dates

It’s that time of the month! I share my personal dating stories (and sometimes those of my friends)! Some are awful, some are funny, but I hope you enjoy them all. This month I’ve found myself being a little bit of a voyeur- several times on Twitter there have been threads of people sharing their bad date stories, and I’m captivated by them all. Maybe it’s commraderie or the part of me that just loves a good (bad) story, I can lose hours just by scrolling through these threads and reading about all the bad dates! So this month, I’ve rounded up some of my faves (they either reminded me of bad dates of my own, or made me cringe or laugh!) Some one prompted us: what was your most awkward date? These are my faves!

Investment Piece: Awkward Dates

I don’t think you can out awkward a Neo-Nazi. But people tried!

Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
I hope she chose her mom!

Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
Famous people have bad dates too? Always trust your gut?

Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
This has happened to me too. Are these men color blind? Surely you would notice that you have someone’s eye color wrong.

Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
Investment Piece: Awkward Dats
Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
My take away? He seems lovely. She seems……not.

These both made me cringe for various reasons:
Investment Piece: Awkward Dates
Investment Piece: awkward dates

And if I noticed this it would creep me out:
Investment Piece: Awkward Dates

Lastly, this is the best kind of awkward date and what I aspire to be:
Investment Piece: awkward dates

I would love to know: what is the most awkward date you’ve been on? How did you handle it?

Have a dating horror story you’d love to share? Email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and let’s chat about featuring you on ex-files!
Xo RA

The Thing About A Classic…

a woman in a white silk cape dress with the sun behind her

There are oh-so-many-ways that we describe a “classic”: Timeless, must-have, basic, corner stone, and the horrid- boring. All of us have our own style (which is incredibly thrilling and I am endlessly fascinated by how each of us style anything from button downs to jeans to silk dresses) and all of our lives and wardrobes have their own “classics”. As someone who loves vintage and modern style and yearns to be a la “Old Hollywood” style my definition of a classic is something that I can reach for over and over again, that never goes “out”, that every variation of adds to my classic.

And truly, the great thing, and one of my definitions of a classic is that it can be anything you need it to be. Take this AMAZING silk blend, cape dress.

a woman in a white cape dress with sandals
You can stun in a classic with minimal effort- aka even just some sandals!
a woman in a white cape dress and black heels
Of course it goes with heels!
a woman in a white cape dress with black heels and tulle gloves
A classic allows you to play with accessories (like tulle gloves)
a woman in a white cape dress with black leather sleeves and black leather boots
And of course a classic can transcend seasons- aka take a simple white dress from summer into fall and winter with a simple addition of leather sleeves and boots!

A Few of my favorite ways this classic looked anything but boring:

What is your definition of a classic? Does it allow for room to play- to express yourself? Does it go through the seasons with you? This cape dress isn’t my only classic (and yes, there are seasonal classics – there is always room for nuance here!), but it’s a great one for this transitional time to go from summer to winter. All in the same classic.

I did get this dress a bit ago- and I will admit that capes are classics that I simply can’t get enough of- in any form. BUT, I have found a special someone one of the last ones out there (and it’s 10000% worth it!)

All your thoughts about classics and how you style them? I am all ears! 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!

a woman in a white cape dress

Is it too Late?

3 sundresses- 2 blue and white and one white with green flowers hanging in a tree

This summer- was not my season. Burn out from my day job, leading to some depression and illness, and most recently what seemed to be a never ending migraine left me not getting to wear and do some of the things that I really wanted to this summer. I really wanted to chat about wearing tap shorts under mini dresses, and trains, and wear halters that are modern and classic at the same time. Sandals, backless, and strapless were all on my to-do list. And now, that it’s technically fall I can’t help but wonder- is it too late?

Of course, the horrible thing about asking yourself “is too late” for one thing, is that you ask that question about many things. I am ever the optimist- I believe that nothing really meant for us ever passes us by, that a door closing doesn’t mean it stays shut, that we never lose anything without it being replaced by something better, and that being too late for things is often a stroke of luck. And yet. As I get older- sometimes we are too late for things and it really just sucks. Contemplating it all can suck even more.

The good news with fashion is that even if you miss a season, you can still enjoy the fashion. I live in a place where cooler weather is months away- if that. So these pieces are still wearable, and you can style them for fall. Even come spring we may revisit some of the summer things I wanted to talk about. Yet-I can’t help but regret a little bit that some of these things were too late this year. That doesn’t take away from the fact that I am so excited for fall. Transitional styling from sweaters to fashion socks, and my beloved Fashion Halloween. Another thing about growing older? I am learning that you can look forward with joy and miss what’s behind you at the same time.

Perhaps being too late for anything is another lesson in balance. Or transitions. And again- in fashion maybe it’s never too late- it’s just that you wait a season or too. I am learning that some seasons are not our seasons (which by default means that some seasons have to be ours), and maybe in the waiting for our season the being too late is a blessing. I am crossing my fingers for that at least.

If you see me indulging in some late summer fashion -forgive me. And have I mentioned I can’t wait to fall with you? XO RA

Back at my Dots

a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals
a woman in a polka dot jacket and a sweater vest, pencil, wallet and red sandals
a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals
a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals

Lately, it’s been a lot. Went on a trip- that was 100% worth it. And then have been battling migraines out of the blue, where I have been spending days in bed almost unable to move (much less enjoy my beloved fashion). I can’t promise anything. I hate to get ahead of myself. And yet- I am finally -sorta- getting back to myself. Getting back to my dots, and my skirts and my shoes. Getting back to myself. Perhaps the start of a new season is a new start?

Here’s hoping at least!

a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals
a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals
a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals

This polka dot jacket is part of a vintage set- and we know I love a good set (skirt styled below). A sweater vest (worn as a shirt) is one of my go to’s. And a pencil skirt- classic must. Crossbody wallet. Statement Sandals. I technically wore this in “summer” but could this be a great fall fit? (and yes, we use quotes as where I am we won’t see cool temps for about another month- even though I would love to!)

I am not going to lie- the past month or so has been hard. There’s been some day job burn out. Some medical stuff- and these deliberating migraines. Not feeling like me. And going going going. So a chance, any way to get back to me- wearing polka dots and more- is a welcome change. If this is a time where you have advise on how to get back to you I am all ears. And if nothing else, I will be back in my dots and here!

XO RA

Though most of these pieces I have had forever/are vintage, I have found similar for you!
Note: While this post does contain affiliate links that does not affect the price for you, though I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a polka dot jacket, sweater vest, pencil skirt, wallet, and red sandals

Migraine

Investment Piece: Day Off

I am so sorry I have been MIA. I have been battling the worst migraine- we are talking blurry vision, unable to sit up, head pounding, so incredibly nauseated migraine. Essentially I have been non-functional since Tuesday- too sick to even get dressed much less work. As I type (squinting as it still hurts) I’m hoping it’s on the way out- my big plans are pain pills and bed asap. Starting Monday I hope to be back and myself again. In the meantime? My fashion story is dark rooms and satin eye masks!

Wishing us all a pain feee week and amazing shoes! XO RA

Designer to Know: Mary McFadden

Mary McFadden in a pleated one shoulder dress

Mary McFadden, infomous for her pleated creations- but also an Editor at Vogue, working in PR for Dior, art collector and writer, left us recently. It is always shocking when someone who shaped so much of our fashion world passes; I can’t help but going through their lives and their creations, and wonder how I can honor them through fashion. Mary McFadden (to me) is the 1980s glam, that still looks sophisticated (and fun).

a woman in a pleated purple Mary McFadden dress

Above, where I am wearing one of my favorite Mary McFadden- a purple pleated number that’s seen me from cocktails to holidays and everything in between.

Mary McFadden was a native New Yorker, who worked in PR for Dior in the early 1960s, until she married her first husband. They moved to South Africa- where he worked for De Beers and Mary became the editor for Vogue South Africa. She opened her label in 1976, creating distinctive apparel that was inspired by the art of China, Africa, Greece, and South America as well as cultures she encountered during her travels. She collected a distinguished array of objects in varied substances, particularly gold. Acclaimed for her use of African and Asian prints intricately quilted jackets, as well as for her pure, timeless designs using “Marii” pleating that was enhanced by beaded cuffs and collars, jewel encrusted trim and panels, as well as gold embroidery, “zardozi.” McFadden also designed bold sculptural jewelry.

McFadden’s clothes, though clean-lined, were conceived to combine, textures, graphic designs and art of many cultures. They referenced faraway (from New York) cultures and long-ago times. Her work was described as having the quality of “romantic abstraction” by Vogue journalist Jill Robinson in 1977. “I’m not a draping artist. My construction is simple, flat, one-dimensional. I’m interested in limiting bulk, in a total spareness of finishing,” said the designer at the time.

Vogue credits the designer with transforming the way women dressed for evening in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This was a time of soft dressing, and her longline dresses celebrated the natural body. Though not hippie-ish in the least, they tapped into the prevalent fantasy of other places and other times. Free of constraints, McFadden’s clothes were polished but comfortable, allowing for movement. And women’s lives were changing apace, both in boardrooms and in bedrooms. A McFadden dress was as sensual as it was timeless. As easy-on, easy-off for the evening as Diane von Furstenberg’s wraps were for the day.

a woman in a pleated Mary McFadden dress

Mary McFadden in various dresses

Mary McFadden the brand closed in 2002. People will tell you that it’s because the customer and style changed- and yes, the early ’00s were not as chic. However, these dresses, the pleating, the draping, the embellishments are all still favorites of mine. I am also of the opinion that if you don’t have a place to wear something fantastic you create it!

Mary McFadden’s many honors include the President’s Fellows Award of the Rhode Island School of Design. She was elected president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her collections have been shown on runways in New York, London, Russia, India, South and Central America, and Tokyo. Miss McFadden received a Coty Award in 1976; she entered the Coty Hall of Fame in 1979, the same year she received the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award. Her collections have also been exhibited at Allentown Museum, PA; The Dixon Museum, Memphis Tennessee; The Women’s Museum, Washington D.D. and More College of Art, Philadelphia, PA.

a woman in a pleated purple Mary McFadden Dress

You can read more about Mary McFadden here, here, and here. I have also linked some of my favorite Mary McFadden’s that are available for purchase below.

Here’s to pleats and art and the dresses that combine them all! XO RA

Please 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!

Mary McFadden in a caftan