Some things happen all at once. Some things happen in pieces. Is one better than the other? I don’t know, I suppose that it depends on the event.
The same can be true for outfits. Some come to me all at once. Some in pieces. Some look great all together, some look great in pieces. This outfit? It came to me in pieces. These knit pants (and all the knit pants) are all that I want to wear right now. (Thank you Gucci!) They’re comfy, like a structured sweatpant and in theory go with everything. The issue? I couldn’t figure out what to wear with them. I wanted to look put together, and knew that rocking a heel would be amazing, but I wasn’t sure.
—-This is where I share a secret of life my loves. A denim shirt,any style, can solve just about anything. Ok, maybe not world peace or your budget. BUT, if you are ever unsure what to wear with something, try a denim shirt. We make it sound like a thing, but I promise it’s the best neutral you have.
So, I tried a denim shirt. I love this old one as its details are just too good (and make it feel dressy. The cross v neck, so great to show off this metallic bra, the tail, the color. When I tried on these pieces together, the outfit clicked. The pieces came together as a whole. (And this is the part where I hold my breath and hope you like it).
Other things I’m thinking of wearing with my knit pants (and gird your loins, these aren’t the only pair you’ll see this season!): blouses, sweaters, jean jackets, leather jackets, t shirts, knit sweaters. What do you think I should pair with it??
Also, loves, if we’re talking about things in pieces, I would be remiss not to mention these Gucci loafers. I know the turquoise is stunning, but they really are a neutral. As in, they go with everything. And manage to make everything better! How’s that for in pieces?
I’ve linked shopping below, I hope this week was kinder than the last, and I hope that your pieces fit amazing!
Happy Friday!
XO RA
Last year, I scheduled a pink post every week during the month of October to raise awareness for breast cancer. Our editorial calendar this year didn’t match up, but breast cancer awareness, support, cure, and fighting is something that we still care deeply about. So, instead of a post a week this year we have a different plan! This #tbt post: a look back at last year’s looks with updated shopping options! Special OOTD looks on our Instagram and stories! And any shopping/events/ways to support the early detection of breast cancer and the women we love that are fighting the disease we will pass along!
Let’s Pink Out with these #tbt Pink for Breast Cancer looks!
I’ve updated the shopping options for these looks here:
And I’ve linked some products for Breast Cancer Awareness, or that give back to Breast Cancer Charities here:
I hope that you join me in fighting Breast Cancer and supporting those who have (or have had) the disease!
The wind blows, the pumpkins are out, witches brew. And I’m over here thinking about our fall trends.
(No, they don’t have anything to do with witches)
I have a love/hate relationship with trends. (You can read about that here) I love that each season brings with it a new selection of goodies and a chance to show another side of ourselves. I hate the pressure to have the “it-item”, and the pressure to wear things I don’t like. My solution? I think we wear what we like! If you like the trend: do it! If you don’t: don’t! There’s nothing wrong with being on the cutting edge of the season. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to classics and things that look amazing on you. Jeans, great boots, and an amazing sweater will never go out of style. It can be fun to add leopard to that, but there’s no pressure here. Even I have trends I’m excited about, and those I will probably sit out. The mix is the exciting part!
And without further ado: let’s chat Fall Trends! I’m showcasing some of the major ones that you’ll see throughout the season, with links to shop. These are by no means the only ones, or the only thing you’ll see in stores.
Fringe
Fringe is a fall trend you will see many places this fall: skirts, pants, tops, blazers, dresses and shoes. And on bags! What I love about fringe is that it’s a “add as much as you like” trend. It adds movement and a tad bit of fun to just about anything, but can also be super classic!
My picks:
PJ Dressing
It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of PJ dressing for years. And it’s been around for years! You’ll see it this year in PJ “suit” sets in dark florals, more slip dresses, kimonos, and silks and satins. These are your college day pjs, think luxe and elegant.
My picks:
Sequins and Glitter
Glitter and sequins aren’t just for gowns anymore: skirts, dresses, suit sets, and especially boots! I love this fun take on basics, and think these items will do with anything!
My picks:
Gold
When fall trends are things I love, I can’t help but be happy. Loves, gold makes me happy! You’ll see this fall trend as shoes, bags, clothing, and of course, jewelry! I love the shine of it, and how you can make it as casual as you like! You’re gold baby, solid gold.
My Picks:
Plaids and Checks
This is come back dressed a fall trend. Do plaids and checks ever go out of style? No, but this season they’re everywhere. The secret to plaids and checks? Treat them as a neutral: mix them with graphic tees, tops, sweaters, or as a statement!
My Picks:
Other trends I love for fall? Fun Fur (think colors), Dark Florals, Leopard EVERYTHING (as seen in stores now), Pant Suits (for all occasions), Burgundy, Victorian Collars, Shearling Coats, Puffer Coats (even in gold), cozy sweaters (classics), and hints of sheer!
You’all be seeing this trends here and other places in the months to come. We’ll chat about how to style them to stand out, how to make them work appropriate, and what pieces to invest in, and what ones you can save on! Fall’s finally here–let’s trend!
I’d love to know: what fall trends are you excited about?
Midas had the golden touch.
Dorothy had the Ruby Red Slippers.
I have Elephants.
Luckiest of them all? You bet.
Elephants are not only lovable, grey, and equipped with great memories, allegedly; they’re good luck! (If saving elephants and fighting ivory poaching is something you care about, check out Save the Elephants) So when you walk on good luck, what does that make you? The Luckiest of them all.
I can’t promise that these mules will change anything over night. However, I love the elephant carving, I love the classic shape, and I love the little jolt of luck I feel. They go great with this classic sweater and jean combo, but go great with shirts, skirts, little black dresses, anything that you can think of. Or at any time that you might need a little bit of luck.
These jeans are from AYR, and you’ve seen them a lot lately. They fit just perfect, have just the right amount of stretch, and just the right amount of distress. (See them here, here, and you’ll see them more in the future. Sorry, not sorry) I also have a thing for grey-sweaters, t-shirts, dresses, pants, shoes, anything. So this cashmere number, with the V neck and seams showing, is one of my go-to’s!
Let’s chat about this necklace (you’ve also seen it here. Sydney made it, it’s black diamond and onyx, and I love it. Wearing it across my body (with the choker wrap) somehow feels edgy, yet the classic lariat lends itself to every sort of styling. You can find Syd on Instagram @aireheartbysydney or her pieces are for sale at Elaine Kim. This necklace, and the love I get from Syd and Elaine are also pretty lucky, I hope that they are the same for you!
Though I love elephants, consider them lucky, and love these shoes, let’s chat luck. Is luck something that happens? A result of being prepared? Anything you can control? I do think that the harder you work, the luckier you are. I also think that luck is something that maybe you can’t control. Luck in the form of elephant shoes also can’t hurt. What do you think about luck?
Sometimes things can be too much, right? I shared a little bit about my conflicting feelings about posting during weeks like this one on Thursday (You can read it here and those sales are still going strong!). It can also be hard to write during weeks like this one. We had every intention of bringing you a great editorial opinion piece today. This week was hard. My heart was a little battered, and I had travel to deal with. (If you follow me on Instagram I need people to be impressed with how light I packed for a 24hr trip). So, instead of presenting you a subpar piece, I went internet surfing. Isn’t that valid? I’m presenting you with the best of what I found-from deep thoughts to fashion inspiration. I hope that you enjoy what sparked me!
I loved this piece, 10 Regrets Too Many People Will Have in 10 Years Written before? Yes. A new take, with actionable steps? Yes. A favorite quote, “The key is to gradually practice letting go of these ideals and fantasies, and focus instead on making the best of reality. The truth must be embraced…”
Now that I’m a pro at light packing, I want to keep it going! I have 2 more trips this month, I know I can make one fit in a carry on. The other is a road trip with a photo shoot, so no judgement when I overpack. But this take on packing in a carry on (they used the Birdy Carryon, I want one), is giving me hope for my packing future!
I shop for a living, so this guide to sizing up/down is amazing!
Meanwhile, this guide to caring for your clothes is a must for those of us who like to keep our money in our closets.
Paris Fashion Week Style, I’m also taking notes on this for all my fashion inspiration. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?
I used to tutor as my day job. One of the brilliant, young women that I worked with is now is college (yes, somehow I’m still young, too). She’s fierce and intelligent and gives me hope for the future. The Kleanis an online magazine she started with peers, and it is well worth your time. I’m so proud of her!
And because this week was what it was:
If you want to make your voice heard on gun control, Everytown is a great place to start. You can also text ACT to 64433 to join.
And if this week, and all the things, are taking its toll this guide to self care in the 24 hr news cycle is a must. Hint? Just because the news is on 24/7 doesn’t mean we have to watch it.
I hope that you loves this Internet round up, and that it balanced the light and the dark for you!
Wishing us all a week of peace, love, and amazing shoes! XO RA
It’s totally modern to love retro vibes and want to be akin to a vintage pin-up, right? Right. It’s Friday, Let’s be modern and retro, it’s all the rage.
Another item with retro vibes? These platform shoes, yes you can find a pair at every price point and every color. I love the basic black, they lift and yet, because they aren’t a true heel, they’re so easy to walk in. ( These are HM, as we chatted about Wednesday, How to Fake It, I’m a fan of things that let us get on trend without breaking the bank or knocking off–and I love this satin). They look great with jeans, skirts, dresses, are a basic, and yet a conversation starter at the same time.
Off the Shoulder just for summer? Not a chance! This Jcrew number is a bit thicker than your average t-shirt, making it perfect for fall. And if you live somewhere where it actually gets chilly you can simply layer it over a turtleneck and remain super chic. Also? I love that off the shoulder manages the border between modern and retro vibes. It fits the theme and goes with everything in my closet. Win.
Modern Woman, retro vibes, perfect Friday. I think this is what it means to win?
I’d love to know: what’s your take on retro vibes? Do you love them? Do you agree with my take on them? Let me know!
XO
RA
Shop my picks below, including this exact pair of shoes and this top!
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out the new arrivals at Rent the Runway!
It has been a week, right? Here we often have a hard time knowing how to handle all the things that happen in the world: do we acknowledge them? Ignore them? Post away? Go Dark? We don’t know. We know that as dark as things can seem, we need each other and need to love each other more than ever. We love being a part of your day, and hope that while we might not have answers, we hope that we bring you respite, joy, and a little break. We don’t know how to handle things, so we’re going to do what we do: bring you amazing fashion, tell you stories, share things with you. And if nothing else: we offer retail therapy. Loves, that can work!
So, let’s get to it. We’ve rounded up this week’s sales, and we have a giveaway to chat about! I hope that you find something that makes this week a little less bleak!
YOOX Friends and Family
If you don’t shop YOOX you should be. They offer luxury at a steep discount; and with their Friends and Family Sale you can get pieces you love at up to 90% off!
Shop my picks:
Saks
Friends and Family sale and you can get up to 25% off! Shop my picks:
Vince
Stock up on the best essentials at Vince’s Friends and Family Sale, it’s 25% off site-wide.
Shop my picks:
ModCloth
Don’t forget to add shopping ModCloth’s Friends and Family sale to your to-do list! I love the vintage vibes to be found there!
And A GiveAway!
We know that I am just in love with the SkinPrint products (available for sale on the SkinPrint Tab in the menu). I keep talking about the EyeDeal as it truly is the first skin product that I’ve used and could tell a difference right away. I’m currently in a three week period of constant travel and fighting allergies; EyeDeal is keeping me looking like a human!
And because I want you to love SkinPrint as much as I do, I have some great news! We’re doing another giveaway (Congrats to the winner of the EyeDeal giveaway!) and you get to pick the product!
Simply check out SkinPRint and let me know what product you’re interested in! You can comment here, email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, or comment/DM me on Instagram (@racheladelicia). You have 2 Weeks (or till Oct 19th). I will tally the votes and then do a post and giveaway on that Product! Can’t wait to shop? You can get 30% off SkinPrint till the 8th!
I hope that you’re out there loving hard and that retail therapy works for you!
Top ten things to happen during your day? Someone compliments your outfit.
Top five things to happen during your day? Someone asks where you got it.
(And Ladies, let’s play for the same team here, if someone asks where you got something–or even if they just compliment you–be a sport and tell them. It’s a compliment! And when we’re all stylish, we all win!)
These things mean so much, especially when you love what you’re wearing, and I have a big policy here that you should love what you’re wearing. Another policy? I believe in investing in quality pieces that not only look amazing on you (gaining compliments) but last for years. (Isn’t the name Investment Piece amazing?!?1) (And yes, those are Gucci loafers). But wanna know yet another policy? I believe in faking it (in moderation, never in the bedroom, and only when it comes to amazing fashion).
Loves, let’s get real, we can’t buy all luxury all the time (or if you can and would like to adopt me in any way, I am available). And wearing head to toe designer can be a little stale. I love the mixing of high and low fashion, I think it’s fresh and modern. Another policy? (I promise, I’m not in Congress). I hate knock offs. I really have an issue with directly copying someone else’s design, the artist in me can’t handle it. but I understand that desire to have something specific, and I get wanting that asthetic. My solution/compromise? A “cheaper” item with that designer feel. Not a knock off, but a “in the spirit of”, if you will.
This jacket? HM. (Seriously, they have some amazing stuff right now!). I love that it’s bold and just Gucci-esque. I love that it goes great with my Gucci. (And my new fave AYR jeans). I love that it makes me feel polished and that it feels like pjs. I love that it’s a fake, but not a fake.
So, how do we fake it? We find something that we love. We pair it with things we love. We rock it proudly, even if it’s a “fake”. And we share our secrets.
This is not the first time that you’ve seen this post, and I hope that each time you’ve shopped it. I don’t mean to beat you over the head with hurricane (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) relief, but I truly feel like it’s important. I know, you’ve given. I know, there is so much devastation that it feels overwhelming. I know, you don’t know where to start. I made the choice to repost this as I know that as time passes and things return to normal (for us, not for those affected by these incredible storms) we forget that people need us. Especially now, with 3.5 Million Americans in Puerto Rico who don’t have food, water, and electricity, I felt that anything we can do to give back, and here we do that by shopping, is a necessity. One note: as I did my research for this post, I couldn’t find any product whose proceeds helped Puerto Rico (I, too, was disappointed). So, I’ve listed and linked places where you can give to those who need us.
Happy Shopping!
XO RA
One of the updates I wanted to make to this post was the addition of my friend Kelly’s fundraiser for Harvey Victims, Love is Thicker. Kelly is an amazing friend, and someone who saw a need and couldn’t sit still–I admire people like that. With watercolor in hand, she designed this logo, now in both wearables and notecards, to raise money for Harvey victims. I love it. I love the message. I have a shirt and I hope that you want one too!
Loves, if you’re like me this week has been a little topsy-turvy. It’s not that I haven’t had things to do, and aren’t excited about numerous things; but I can’t get Houston out of my mind. It’s where I was born, my dad still lives there (and rode out the storm), I have other family there, and a ton of friends and special memories. I have spent my week worried, feeling helpless, and yet feeling inspired by the love and outpouring of humanity that people are showing each other. If you’re a little OCD, or pay close attention (I’m guilty), you know that Fashion Gives Back is normally on a Tuesday, and this Thursday should be “Fashion in the Wild”. You’re right. Here’s the thing, as I began to research products we could buy whose proceeds help the victims of Harvey, I noticed that some of the products are only available through the weekend, and as I wanted to feel like I could give back (and wanted to give you the chance to as well), I switched the schedule. Being the boss has it’s perks.
So below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products whose proceeds go to help people in Texas. (We keep saying Houston, but really the whole South East part of Texas is affected, the devastation is breathtaking and the rebuild will take years). This list is by no means the definite list, there are so many ways to give. Of course there’s Red Cross, yesterday I shared this Texas Montly article about how to help Harvery victims, this piece is also full of great ways to help those in Harvey’s wake. I know we can all choose how we give, but I know people need us right now, so let’s love each other super hard right now.
Without further ado, I present: Fashion Gives Back Shopping for Harvey
Gold Sheep Leggings
I love Gold Sheep Leggings and their amazing prints. This special Texas pair gives 25% of the profits to Harvey victims. And the waist band reads “#helphouston”. These are perfect for working out or running errands. You can get yours at Gold Sheep Clothing
Southern Socks
I love bold socks, you love bold socks. Right now, 100% of the proceeds from the Y’ALL and Texas socks go to Harvey victims. You can get yours at here
May Designs
This is the time of year for new planners and journals, and now May Designs has designed us some with Texas on them! 100% of the proceeds from the Texas collection go to Harvey Victims. Let’s get to writing. Get yours at May Designs
God Bless Texas Tee
We Texans love our state, and it’s a generally wide held belief that God likes us (a lot). This tee shares that out loud, and gives 100% of the profits to Harvey victims. Don’t let God be the only one blessing Harvey victims. Get yours here
Texas Forever
Friday Night Lights was an amazing show (and true to life). Celebrate that show and give 100% of the proceeds to Harvey Victims. Another reason to love football? Get yours here
Help for Puerto Rico:
By no means the only Wishlist out there, but this NY Mayor is making sure items from this Amazon Wish List Get to the island.
This charity was set up by PR. This consumer report has vetted and lists the top charities to give to, as well as how your donation will be used.
I know many communities are having drives and working together to get supplies to Puerto Rico. I urge you to look into drives in your area. This is also a great time to call your representatives and demand that they pass a comprehensive relief package’ Puerto Rico is dying and the people there need our help.
Thanks for indulging me. I hope that you’re safe, your family is safe, and I hope you join me in using fashion to give back to those affected by the Hurricanes!
You made the plan: the lists, the time, the place. You got excited, you have the dress, you invite people to your after party. Best laid plans are the best because you’ve thought of everything!
Then, it happens. And by it, I don’t mean your best laid plans. It rains. Or someone cancels. The dress rips, you have a headache, Mercury is in Retrograde. It happens–that thing that puts your best laid plans to rest.
That was my story this past weekend. Here’s the thing loves, I’m a planner and a procrastinator, I have firm plans and I play it by ear, I’m really regemented and yet I can bend all the rules–there’s a reason I have a thing for juxtatipositions. But this weekend? I had best laid plans. I was going to shoot this dress with a hotel background (though I have to admit, I’m a fan of the early Autumn, backlit look), I was going to clean out my closet (my next opprotunity to do so is in November), and I was going to work ahead (as I have a lot going on in the next few weeks).
Wanna know what I did? I got some shooting in (and while it was not to my best laid plan, I’m happy with them), I watched football (a lot of football), and I got some work done (but I’m by no means ahead). My best laid plans? They were laid to rest. Quickly, quietly, and without a quarrel. And while I had in my head these “perfect” plans for my weekend, I have to say I’m aok with my non-best plans working out. I got to rest. I got enough done. I made plans for the future. That’s all ok with me. Isn’t that the beauty of best laid plans? When they get laid to rest, our second (or third or fourth) plans get their chance to shine.
Now that we’re up to speed on my plans that didn’t happen, let’s chat about this dress! Vintage Laura Ashley, and it makes all my little girl princess dreams come true. (When I was 4 I had this amazing pink Laura Ashley that I wore around, for days at a time, sometimes with a crown. I still feel like that’s a valid look) This dress has all the great requirements for a floral dress-the skirt flares, it still shows your waist, it’s both a stand out and a staple. It would be great at a wedding, cocktail party, or maybe just a Monday. And while I thought that perhaps I had outgrown the famed Laura Ashley florals and gowns, there’s something sweet and a little edgy here that I just felt drawn to–I’m not sorry.
Of Note: This dress is vintage, I found it on Etsy if you care to search for your own Laura Ashley. I did link similar dresses below, if you like your florals modern. Sea of Shoes stoked my love of Vintage Laura Ashley, and her collection is something to check out.
I realized in writing this post that last year about the same time, I wrote about this amazing floral dress as a good bye to fall. I don’t know if great minds (yep, still my mind) think alike, if this is repetition or tradition, or if this is just another example of best laid plans–but with dresses like these, I may not overthink it!
Shop my picks below, and I’m wishing all your best laid plans work out!
XO RA
