Fashion in the Wild: Vintage Trip

I am so incredibly lucky to have two cities that I love and live in, and so many people and vintage that I love. This site lets me share some of that with you, and of my joys is meeting people in real life. But let’s be a little honest: combining those lives can be a little difficult. Luckily, my tribe is amazing, welcoming, and open!

This past week I got to go with my Austin love Bloomers and Frocks to LA, where I showed her some of my LA loves. It was a vintage trip full of fabulous clothes, good wine, and great friends!

Rebekka, the owner of B&F, and I got to see Recess LA, The Kit Vintage, Timeless Vixen, Ragg Mopp Vintage (you can see my dress from them here). And more! We shopped, we bonded over a love of vintage, we found amazing things. It was marvelous to see my different worlds combine, and the result was great!

I knew that everyone would get along, but was pleasantly surprised at how quickly everyone “fell in love”. It felt great to see people I love love each other.

And loves, the vintage! All of the shops in LA are simply stunning and have such a great selection right now! Rebekka got so many stunners to take back to Austin. If you are in either of those cities, you are so lucky!

But, what if you aren’t in either of those cities? I bet there’s some amazing vintage where you are, and I would love to hear about it! Got a great vintage place I should be shopping? Let me hear about it. What if you need some recommendations on how to vintage shop, or help finding dealers in your area or online? Let’s chat about it. Maybe together we can have a vintage trip of our own!

You can reach out to me about shopping and vintage trips at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com!

Hope your Thursday is full of great clothes and great friends!
XO RA

Play Ball

Investment Piece: Play Ball
Investment Piece: Play Ball
Investment Piece: Play BAll
Investment Piece: Play Ball
Investment Piece: Play Ball
Investment Piece: Play Ball

Spring? It’s sprung. And it’s time for those traditional words that symbolize the season for so many:

PLAY BALL.

Am I a baseball gal? Not really, unless I’m at the game. I am a sports gal, and I have to say that going to a live game is one of the biggest joys! The crowds, the game, the despair, the hope, the coming together, and your team winning. Sports are amazing in so many ways.

Even baseball.
(This is probably not the time for my rant about how golf isn’t a sport. Maybe a plaid for that?)

(This may be a time for my rant on female “fashion” options when it comes to sports. I’m a woman. I love sports. I love fashion. However, that doesn’t mean that I need sequins to show my passion for my team. Not that I don’t love sequins. See Hillflint (Not an affiliate link, I just love them. Find great pieces to rep your college and professional teams!)

I have linked similar and new items below for your fresh start.

Here’s to play ball!
XO
RA

TheRealReal.com

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!

Investment Piece: Play Ball

Trend to Try: Short Shorts

Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Short Shorts

This “trend to try” is not:
*Something I’ve tried
*Something I’ve seen out yet (though I love these editorials)
*Something you could wear to work

BUT I love it.

These short shorts give off such a vintage vibe (they remind me of play suits), would be perfect for the summer, and I love how daring and fun they are.

Investment Piece: Trend to try: Short Shorts

To be clear, we aren’t talking about your mom’s short shorts. (Though if she has some that you love, rock those!) These shorts are almost hot pants: super short, designed to elongate your legs, and for some reason I’ve only seen them in stripes.

I’m sure that there are verisions of this short that are not stripes, I just haven’t seen them. These Khaite shorts and these MDS Stripes shorts have been all over my Instagram feed lately, and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by them. Shorts and I have a love/hate relationship (I’m not the only one who worries that shorts make my legs look weird, right?), but I’m wanting to try these–and yes, they are short.

You could make these work or outing appropriate, I love the above picture with the shorts under a dress. OR you could be daring, and wear them with a blouse or shirt and heels and sandals. And of course, they would look amazing pool or beach side.

Investment Piece: Trend to try: Short Shorts

Things I think we should keep in mind when we try short shorts:

*The biggest thing to wear with a piece like this is confidence. If you love it, people will love it. There is no hiding that the shorts are short. I think the trick is to embrace that. Also, maybe we broke our legs?

* Super short and super tight often don’t go well together. These aren’t the shorts to wear completely oversized but don’t be afraid to play with the fit here. I hate to try things on (but I love shopping, another one of my juxatipositons), but these short shorts are a piece to play with the fit.

I would love to know: would you dare to try these short shorts?

Below I’ve linked some other pairs I’ve found, but I have to say I’m loving these stripes!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Spring Sales

The days are longer, it’s beginning to warm up, and we have a new season to shop for–Happy Spring!!

We chatted last week about the spring trends that we’re being offered (refresh here). And yes, florals (in a sense) are on the list. Today? We’re offered our first spring sales. While it is a chance to stock up on winter items for next year, it’s also a chance to get ahead on this season.

And if you’re in a place where winter is throwing its last fit? Shop online. Drink wine. We’re with you in spirit. I’m also a firm believer in the “If you wear it, Spring will come” theory. You might as well test it out!

The best spring sales of the week!

ShopBop
Get an extra 25% certain sales styles. There are some cold weather options, but there is so much for Spring on Sale! Get my picks:

Net-a-Porter
THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Get 10% off sitewide with code STYLE10 . This means that EVERYTHING is on sale and you don’t want to miss out! From sale items to new items, you can get whatever your heart desires. Here are a few of my desires:

Loft
We’re on the last day of a 2 day Spring Sale here! Get an extra 40% Orr all sale styles! A great chance to get all the things on your spring list!
My picks:

and there are so many more sales out there!

Till 3/23 at My Theresa, MyTheresa, get an extra 30% off all sale, no code needed.
At Target (Target), get 20% off of the Kitchen Selection and 25% off of furniture till 3/24.
Bloomingdales?(Bloomingdales.com), Loyalists take $25 off when you spend $125-$249.99, $50 off when you spend $250-$499.99, $125 off when you spend $500-$999.99, $300 off when you spend $1000-$1999.99, and $600 off when you spend $2000 or more. Plus you can earn triple points!

I’d love to know: where are you Spring Sale shopping?

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Chanel Means Never Having to say “I’m Sorry”

Investment Piece: Chanel means never having to say "I'm Sorry"
Investment Piece: Chanel Means Never Having to say "I'm Sorry"
Investment Piece: Chanel Means Never Having to Say "I'm Sorry"

That’s the saying, right? “Chanel means never having to say “I’m sorry”.

Or is it: Flowers say I’m sorry, Chanel says I’ve learned my lesson?

Maybe the moral is just Chanel is always a good plan.

Let’s level with each other, Chanel is one of those iconic high end designers that says so much in the name. It’s often a goal or a standard for the fashion set, and Chanel is often used to convey high fashion and society all at the same time.

I’m not always one for cliches. But the thing about cliches? Sometimes they are true. And Chanel? There’s something special about it: the bags, the clothes, the shoes. I’ve even broken one of my “rules” for Chanel, I’ve worn an outfit that’s Chanel head to toe, and it still feels fresh and modern. That’s the beauty of Chanel, the vintage pieces (this skirt) feel timeless and while it’s high end classics, the pieces feel on trend (socks and heels)!

And I lied -the t-shirt isn’t from Chanel. It’s from Target. So it’s not head to toe Chanel. But, you get it.

Investment Piece: Chanel Means Never Having to say "I'm Sorry"
Investment Piece: Chanel Means Never Having to say I'm Sorry
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion,

Maybe the real meaning behind “Chanel means never having to say “I’m Sorry”, is that you shouldn’t say sorry for wanting Chanel.

Confession? I’ve only ever bought Chanel in vintage or resell shops. It’s still Chanel though, and it’s still magical. These boots? Runway that I lusted after, I’ve always loved the idea of socks with heels (see one of my first posts and an update here), and knew that I had to have these Chanel boots. Alas, when they were released, I couldn’t afford them. What they don’t tell you is that part of fashion is patience, and I stalked and found these sock boots on eBay. Good things sometimes come to those who seek them out.

This skirt? Vintage, and let’s not go into how magical vintage Chanel suits are; we’ll be here all day. But they are. And while they are some of the fashion that appreciates with age, you can find affordable Chanel (vintage and newer) on resell sites, this skirt is from Vestiaire Collective. I love that it’s classic, timeless, and still feels modern. I’ve worn it with Blazers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and button ups. There is no wrong way to wear Chanel.

But, is there a thing as too much Chanel? As I’ve said before, I usually avoid wearing head to toe designer. It can feel stale. I think it’s so modern to mix-low and high, old and new, etc. Here? I couldn’t resist. I love wearing these sock boots with skirts. I love this skirt. Is it too much? Could you argue that a little break up would be more fresh?

Sure. But, Chanel means never having to say “I”m sorry”. And I won’t say I’m sorry for this outfit.

What do you think?

I’ve linked so much vintage Chanel that may be in your price range. (Including these Chanel boots in black-under $500!) It’s well worth the investment and can make any day magical. I recommend it. And don’t say sorry!

XO RA

Another one of my favorite resale sites:

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect price for you. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Chanel means never having to say I'm sorry

Skin Print: LumaSilk Emulsion

Investment Piece: SKinPrint

I LOVE it when people love what I love. And when it comes to skincare, and it’s scientists who agree with me, I can’t help but feel super smart. You know that I love SkinPrint. This line has changed my skin, and upped my care game. What you may not know, is that SkinPrint reguarly wins Dermascope awards. Yes, that is a big deal. Our product of the month, LumaSilk Emulsion, is one of the recent products that has won such a prestigious award! And I love that people love LumaSilk like I do!

And the best news? You don’t just have to take my word for it!

So what is LumaSilk Emulsion?

Skintellect™ LumaSilk™ Emulsion is a feather-light emulsion that instantly softens your skin while lightening areas of discoloration often brought on by:
*The natural aging process
*Prolonged sun exposure
*Hormonal changes
*A genetic predisposition

And : What does LumaSilk Emulsion do?

LIGHTEN, BRIGHTEN & INSTANTLY SOFTEN YOUR SKIN!

Investment Piece: SkinPrint

LumaSilk Emulson works in the following ways:

RETINOL-LIKE ACTIVITY
Enhances cell turnover to reveal softer, smoother & more youthful skin
SNOW ALGAE EXTRACT
Rejuvenates the skin’s surface to ensure long-lasting, smooth, even skin tone & texture
HYALURONIC ACID
Replenishes the moisture needed for younger-looking, supple skin
PURE NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3) Get the right Body Lotions for yourself.
Lightens & brightens skin naturally, improving the appearance of aged & photodamaged skin
AVAILABLE IN 3 LIGHTENING LEVELS
Hydroquinone-free, 2% Hydroquinone & 4% Hydroquinone formulas

And LumaSilk Works Quickly!
LumaSilk’s BIOMIMETIC FORMULA
replicates the skin’s natural process of renewing itself, while LumaSilk’s
TRANS-EPIDERMAL PENETRATION SYSTEM
allows for faster, more efficient brightening – all without the irritation or oily feeling commonly found in skin lighteners

LumaSilk Process:

Simply apply morning and evening after cleansing to face and neck. Then wait for your results. You know that I cannot recommend a product that I don’t love. And I love this. My skin is so soft and has evened out with this product! And you can tell by the awards it’s won, that I’m not the only one that loves it!

Investment Piece: SkinPrint

FAQs:

Q:Can Skintellect LumaSilk Emulsion be used with no visible skin discoloration, but to only brighten one’s complexion?

A: Skintellect LumaSilk Emulsion is designed to improve clarity, evenness, and overall appearance of most skin tones and types.

Q: What results are expected from using Skintellect LumaSilk Emulsion?

A: Clinical studies have demonstrated the following results:
Improved appearance of evenness of skin tone
Improved overall appearance of the skin
Increased radiance and clarity of the skin
Lessened appearance of darker patches and discolorations

Q: Should I use Skintellect LumaSilk Emulsion only as a spot treatment?

A: In clinical studies, the formula was shown to be effective when applied to the entire face, and was not evaluated as a spot treatment.

I think the only question left is why are you using it?

You can get LumaSilk Emulsion and all SkinPrint Products at SkinPrint.

Happy SkinCare!
XO RA

A Little Sparkle

Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle
Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle
Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle

There’s a saying: “She leaves a little sparkle where ever she goes”. We tend to think about it around the holidays, when there’s a little bit of sparkle everywhere. Remember this past season when glitter shoes/boots were so “in”?

Well, who says that a little sparkle only applies to the holiday season? Who says that all black can’t shine? What if any old day, even a Monday, called for a little sparkle?

In my world, a little sparkle isn’t a “thing to save for a rainy day”, but something to embrace whenever you want. I think a little sparkle makes this outfit perfect (though those flares are pretty special too).

Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle
Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle
Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle

Glitter or rhinestone or whatever you care to call sparkle shoes can be a bit overwhelming. Do you make them the center of your outfit? Blend them in? I know there can be a concern that sparkle shoes are just a bit too much. My take? All of the above. I love making any statement shoe the cornerstone of an outfit, and sparkle will do. How to avoid going over the top? Pick a sparkle that’s right for you, not every glitter has to be big. These kitten heels? The perfect amount of sparkle that could go with anything; and yet, the kitten heel here gives the sparkle an air of subtlety. Win/Win?

We know I have a thing for all black. I don’t think that all black is boring, or has to be the same old same old. These crop flare jeans are quickly becoming my go-to for when I need a pick me up, or my outfit does. The black keeps them classic, but the flare is fun, and perfect for a party. Speaking of perfect, the jean’ so “name” is the Cha-Cha. It’s the little things that make me happy. Paired with a slightly sheer shirt, this look is spot on for date nights, or any night out. However, with a top that’s a little more solid, this look (sparkle shoes included) is perfect for work, or a night out.

Maybe the moral, even for a Monday, is: You can’t go wrong with all black. And every outfit can use a pair of sparkle shoes.

A little Sparkle might not solve all the problems of the world, but it helps. Right?

I’ve linked similar shoes and these jeans below!
Happy sparkles!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, this does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!
Investment Piece: A Little Sparkle

Sunday Chronicles: This and That and SXSW

Investment Piece: This and That and SXSW
A Glimpse at the Hermes Dip&Dye Pop-Up during SXSW

Loves, these little Sunday Chronicles are some of my favorite times with you. I love sharing the thoughts that plague me, the events in my life, and using you as my sounding board for many things. What’s going on now? This and That and SXSW. Yes, usually this means that I share personal snapshots from my life or some sales that you can’t miss! And, yes, if you need that let me know! However, what’s going for me right now is simply a little of this and that (mainly thoughts) and SXSW. So, I’m sharing!

SXSW
Confession? I’m not a festival gal. I love live music, but for some reason I can’t get all excited about the huge festivals that happen. That’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s generally true that I would rather see artists I love in concert without the festival hoopla. SXSW? A little bit different for me. As you know, I split time between Texas and Los Angeles. So, when I happen to be in Austin for SXSW, I go. I don’t get full badges and go for days (that’s too exhausting for me);but, I make sure to see some bands, some films, and some panel discussions. This year I’ve seen small bands I love in intimate settings, fallen more in love with Emily Blunt (see A Quite Place, and listened to some intriguing thoughts on the future of fashion/technology. It was just enough to keep me busy, and not enough to overwhelm me. The perfect combo?

This and That
As I’ve sat in panels this past week, listening to what “experts” think consumers want, I couldn’t help but wonder: “What do you want?” I don’t think it’s any secret that the fashion industry is changing, that the “influencer” market is a bit crowded, and that we’re all looking for a way to stand out. Where do these things intersect? What I love about fashion? That you can use it to stand out, to speak for you, to be whoever you want to be that day, and that your fashion doesn’t have to be like anyone else. However, we all like being able to easily buy what we like, we like being popular, and some “classics” are items everyone should have. How do we balance this and that? Where are we going to take this and that?

I’m not 100% sure of the answers. These thoughts have been keeping me up and while I’ve come up with some ideas, most of this is still just this and that. Investment Piece? We’ll keep using our fashion to stand out. And yet, we’ll keep suggesting classics we think you should own. We’ll try to balance this and that by suggesting ways to stand out and ways to use what we all have. If there’s something you want to see, or an idea you want addressed, let your voice be heard! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com

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

Kimono Week: #Golden

Investment Piece: #golden
Investment Piece: #golden
Investment Piece: #golden

Are you a little sad that kimono week is coming to a close? I am. Though I do have these amazing pictures of all the kimonos I was lucky enough to style to remind me of the fun we’ve had.

And ending kimono week? It’s on a #golden note. This was the kimono was most excited about! Not that I didn’t love cheetah, and we all know that the #nakedtux is one of the most stunning things I’ve styled. But this #golden kimono? I love it’s juxtapositions.

It’s a kimono, but structured. Technically, it’s a man’s jacket–it screams smoking jacket to me! But since when can’t we women play in men’s clothes? The #golden material is a standout, but the jacket is very subtle. You could dress the jacket up by wearing it over a silk skirt or dress. Or, you could dress it down with jeans and boots.

Me? Have I mentioned that I love the smoking jacket look? There’s just something sophisticated and relaxed about it. You could wear it to lounge, or to any business casual meeting. Here I couldn’t resist pairing this #golden number with stirrup pants and mules. I like to think it is the perfect combination of structure and ease; and hopefully, would look at home in any leather bound library. (Sometimes my visions are very specific)

Investment Piece: #golden
Investment Piece: Rita Ghanime, MAde with Love Kimonos
Investment Piece; #golden

And yes, in certain lights this #golden looks almost green. It even looks almost snakeskin like. All these juxatipositons, I love them!

The sleeves, the slits, the changing color, there’s not a lot that I don’t love about this #golden kimono. And most of all? I love that it’s feminine and masculine all at the same time. I think a piece like this would be great on any woman or man. Which means that maybe the most important question to consider about this #golden kimono is: do you have to share?

I’ve heard that the secret to happy marriages is your own bathroom and closet; should we add kimono to the list?

Again, check out RGKimono to get your own kimono (and there are so many to chose from!). Use code “Rachel” to take 10% off!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed kimono week as much as I have!!

I’ve linked more shopping for your pleasure below, if you’re lounging or working or out on the town I hope that you have a great weekend!

XO RA

Rent The Runway

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect price to you. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: #golden