Loves, you’re not imagining things. You’ve seen this blazer before (here). And while I loved this blazer as a way to transition from summer to fall, I also adore it as a Summer suit! Because, yes, it’s Summer, but there are still times when a suit is needed!
I have to admit, though I am wary of some versions of this combo, I have a thing for Blazers and shorts. You read about it, and see my Summer suit of last summer, here, and also check my Etsy history: I’ve been searching for the perfect 80s short suit. I didn’t find one, so I made one! I love that this blazer is a true blazer (in the trust tree: a little hot to shoot in southern humidity) but the off the shoulder makes it interesting. I paired it with classic white shorts (oversized just a tad to balance the structure) and these stunning lace up sandals. Perfect for more casual Summer business, or a night out!
I’d love to know: What’s your Summer suit?
XO RA
This Blazer is old, the shorts are Zara, and the shoes are Miu Miu from a few seasons ago. I’ve selected some similar styles below for your shopping pleasure!
Maybe you’re familiar with a certain kind of hangover? The one that comes from indulging a bit too much the night before? We all have a story about those kind, and most of us have a remedy (coconut water, a great spin class, and a burger); but those (thankfully) don’t last too long (warning: as you age, they can). Lately, another kind of hangover has been on my mind, the emotional kind. You know, where something “big” (good or bad) happens, and that emotion takes a while to get over. I’ve been thinking about them, and wondering: what’s our remedy for those?
Side note: I’m a big fan of being honest with where you are, I’m a big fan of taking your time through things, and I’m a big fan of therapy. I think that some things just take time and that there is absolutely no shame in that. If you’re going through something I think you have to be honest with yourself and those in your life; and that if you need a professional (even if it’s just to talk to) that is amazing!
What I’m interested in, and what I don’t always know how to deal with is when a big emotion just seems to linger. For me, this can happen a lot with trips. If I have a great vacation, or time in between all my cities, letting go of that experience can take a while. I can spend the next few weeks feeling low. In those instances planning fun nights out with friends, my next vacation, or having a “treat” can help. With big life events -break-ups, engagements, job changes, loss, gains–the emotional hangovers can last, and sometimes aren’t “cured” with fun plans.
Much like a “regular” hangover, you can at times see an emotional hangover coming, so I wonder: are there preparations you can take? Is there a way to brace for them like you do a physical one? In general, I think drinking a lot of water can help, but as I get older I’m not sure that there’s a way to prevent, or shorten an emotional hangover. Or, if there is, I think it might involve not feeling so much; something I’m not great at, and something that might dampen your enjoyment the first time. So what do we do?
I don’t know that I have the answers. Yes, this is one of those uncomfortable Sunday Chronicles when I have no answers, just a thing I’ve been thinking about that I’ve brought into our community. I think the way out of an emotional hangover may just be to let yourself feel whatever it is that your feeling, that if you can lean into the suck of that, that you can find a way through. Coconut water seems like an easier way!
I’d love to know: how do you deal with emotional hangovers? Do you have a rememdy?
Wishing us all a week of free emotion and amazing shoes! XO RA
Loves, as you may have caught on, it’s swim week here on Investment Piece! And, if you follow me you get that swim suits are kinda my thing! I’ve worn them around the house since I was little:
And have been known to wear swim suits as fashion statements:
Clearly, my love of all things swim suits runs deep and I’m a little thrilled to share some of my favorites with you! (And buying myself a new one hasn’t been ruled out!)
But first–I want to get a little honest and a little vulnerable with you (as we’re in the trust tree and all). I think we can all agree that this time of year can be overwhelming in terms of how body image is talked about/perceived/pressured. My advice for a beach body? Stated above: Simply take your body to the beach. However, I know in our minds it’s not always that easy. I don’t talk a lot about my body issues/struggles- I’m an actress/ex-dancer/take pictures of myself for a living. I’m a perfectionist and hard on myself. I can pick myself apart like a pro, and have spent some time beating my body into being “perfect”. These things aren’t easy for me to talk about, or even to admit sometimes. I workout because it makes me feel strong and empowered, and it helps me mentally. I think all women’s bodies are beautiful. I still want my mom to go in the water with me–and think my friend’s who have had babies are beautiful in what their bodies were able to do (stretch marks and rolls–I like it all). Yes, I know that’s a lot of juxatipositons, even for someone who loves juxatipositons. That I can think you’re beautiful no matter what, but don’t always love my own body that same way is something I work on EVERY DAY. So, if this season, this week, this post about swimsuits gives you anxiety know you’re not alone. Know I’m with you, that I feel you, but I believe we’re both beautiful–in and out of our bathing suits.
You aren’t going to find a list of do/don’t-s here. Much like “street” clothes, I think that swim suits should come down to what makes you happy and what you like! However, I do have some very loose guide lines for swimwear
1. Have a go-to Bikini and One Piece
Much like the French, I think you need both (and both can be flattering). Where I deviate is I don’t believe in hard and fast rules. For every high waisted bikini I love, there’s a string bikini. High cut pieces can lengthen your legs–boxy cuts can be precious. I love vintage pieces, and love the modern. I think you need one of each–so find one that makes you happy!
2. Lining
It matters. Trust me. Don’t settle for a suit without it
3. Have fun!
This is completely the time to experiment with colors and patterns (though there’s nothing so chic as a black one piece).
Some ones I love recently:
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Target Swim Section right now. The styles are perfectly on trend, and they are all under $50! I have to control myself as I want them all. My Target Picks:
Hope that you find what you love! See you on the beach! XO RA
A brand that I can’t seem to quit? For Love and Lemons. I love their take on skivies and bathing suits, and their dresses and tops are amazing as well. I find the cuts to be flattering on every body type, and yet the cut outs and details are simply next level. The only thing that can make it better? This stunning vintage (Valentino) rain cape that I borrowed from my love, The Kit Vintage. And who says capes are only for rain or inclement weather? The idea of wearing one on the beach or in the pool is fun and unexpected, and isn’t that what summer is about??
This suit is for Love and Lemons-I’ve linked my picks below!
Loves! I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest series on site: Fashion Gives Back. As someone who loves clothes and shoes, but also wants to do her part to make the world a better place, it seemed like the natural thing to write about: companies who provide both amazing fashion and give back. Two things can be true at the same time: we can want to look great and we can do good. Being a fashion lover doesn’t mean you’re just shallow and care about material things; you can use your shopping capital to change the world. So once a month, I’ll be sharing with you one of my favorite companies that is working to change the world!
I hope you join me in looking fabulous and helping others!
XO RA
BunnyJack is a luxury resell site, based in NY. They carry high end and amazing designers and pieces; everything you need from a little black dress to standard basics can be found here. But that’s not the best part. When you buy from Bunny Jack, they give 20-50% of your purchase to a charity. They let you know what charity will be receiving your donation, the charity’s mission statement, and how your donation can be used. BunnyJack is based on the principle of karma–that what goes around comes around, and that what we give we get. I love all of this! Vintage and resale clothing are the ultimate recycling (great for the world) and when we can use that to give more, I’m on board.
And loves, the fact that this company was founded on the story of the “Velveteen Rabbit” (and the founder’s Jack, a 17yo Jack Russel Terrier, both of whom are REAL LOVE, and we can all agree that the world needs some of that right now) is simply perfect. The fact is that even if you love Prada, you have something to give (those things aren’t mutually exclusive). I found BunnyJack via Instagram and their feed is as inspiring as their mission. As much as I love high end clothes, I respect shopping that helps me give back. And somewhere I can be inspired, respect the mission, and get a great product is on the top of my list.
Interested in collaboration with BunnyJack? Have a charity that could use the support of a company like Bunny Jack? Reach out to them! Not only is the service, quality, and shipping of Bunny Jack amazing, their willingness to work with others is above anything I’ve ever seen. BunnyJack truly seems to understand that we’re all in this together, and working together is the only way we can make this world a better place.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting BunnyJack through shopping, Instagram (@bunnyjackgives , also the name of their foundation), and spreading the word. Let’s get amazing clothes and change the world!
I have a love for all things swim (both vintage and modern). We all know I wear swim suits around (and always have), and see no reason for this summer to be any different. This number is a vintage bikini from Mercy Vintage that I snagged up at A Current Affair! I love the color, and the way the bottoms puff! One of my favorite things about vintage bikinis? The patterns! They go great with any body of water, as well as with skirts, shorts and jeans. Do you love vintage bikini days?
Stay tuned all this week for more swim inspiration! XO RA
There are studies after studies that prove that one way that we get pleasure out of experiences is planning them and looking forward to them! So, as we stare down the beginning of another season, I can’t help but plan out what I want to do this summer. Many bloggers give you their Summer Bucket List (I Love Cupcakes and Cashmere and Joy the Baker) and I hope that their lists and mine inspire you to have a great summer–even if that only means relaxing by the pool!
Without further ado, my Summer Bucket List:
Travel
I travel a lot in general (spending time in my two cities) and while I plan on being in both CA and TX this summer, there are other places on my mind! I have an annual family trip (this year we may go to CO), I’m hoping to get to see some friends in the Midwest, I want a lone adventure on the beach, and am hoping a few girl trips fall together (wine tasting, we’re looking at you).
Try New WorkOuts
I love my SoulCycle and Pilates, and have no plans to quit them, but I’m looking to add a little variety! I’m excited to try boxing, barre, ModelFit and more! The great thing about Summer is that there’s an easy energy–which lends itself to trying new things without the pressure, and I love that! I’m excited to play with my workouts and schedule!
Read all the Books
I love books and reading and live among stacks of books and magazines I want to read (as well as shoes). This summer I hope to get caught up on my stacks–and I’ll be sharing what I read!
Eat
Summer is a time for gazpacho, Rose’, and Popsicles by the pool. I plan to get my fill of all of it!
Exploring
In all the cities I’m in, I always feel like there are so many things to do, and I tend not to make it to everything I want to try! So this summer, I’m going to make it a point to do one of those events each week! From movies and yoga in the park to new restaurants and museums, I want to try it all. Got a recommendation for me? I’d love to hear it!
I know, this seems general (and some of it is, Summer is a state of mind!) but I’m excited to get to the planning of each thing (all while leaving room for lazy afternoons)! I’d love to know: what are you planning this summer?
Wishing us all a week of summer plans and amazing shoes! XO RA
This week is swim week and I have so many exciting swimsuits to show you, as well as the roll out of a new passion project for me: Fashion Gives Back. I love my clothes and shoes, but also feel like as world citizens it’s our job to make the world a better place. I’m thrilled to be showcasing and working with brands that do both!
Loves! Remember on Wednesday when I said I wanted all of the boho maxi dresses for summer? (Refresh your memory here) Austin, I have the perfect place for you to find them: Lively Collective, one of my new favorite places to shop! (Not in Austin? No prob! Get your fix online: Lively Collective or on Instagram @livelycollective)
Lively Collective has the perfect combination of beach and boho pieces (maxi dresses, midi dresses, tops, swimwear, and an amazing selection of For Love and Lemons), local Jewerly, art, and gifts. I absolutely adore the easy going vibe of the store and the knowledge of the staff–and the selection is spot on!
This season Lively Collective has all the colorful and floral dresses you want, the cut out trends you need, and dresses perfect for the beach or cocktails. What I love: everything is so versatile. While the aesthetic is boho, every piece in store could be styled a multitude of ways: add heels to a maxi for a night out, put floral jacket with jeans, layer the various bikini tops with shorts and a mini dress, the options are endless!
Another thing I love about Lively Collective? They are a big supporter of local artists and companies. The walls are adorned with amazing paintings (all for sale) by a local artists, all Jewerly in store is made locally, and even some of the lingerie carried is made locally. Shopping at Lively Collective not only supports the store, but a whole community of artists!
Supporting local artists and getting amazing clothes? Count me in!
You can visit Livley Collective at 1628 S 1st in Austin (they share a house with another great shopping destination, Bloomers and Frocks, you can read all about them here). Lively Collective really is the best place for all your summer Wishlist needs–see you there shopping!
Loves, I do my fair share of time trying on clothes, shopping for clothes, and thinking about clothes. And while I have a big need for clothes (between the site and me), what I’ve looked for in an item has slowly changed. I want what most of us want- quality, on trend, something I’ll wear again, all around great pieces. But, most importantly, I want an item that feels good. Maybe I’ll sigh when I put it on, maybe I won’t want to take it off, maybe I start fantasizing about all the places I’ll wear it. I call it “being good”, and loves, this gown is so good. I put it on, and I just fell in love.
The colors, the fit, the feel (it’s silk velvet with satin upper). I put it on and knew–gown so good. * This vintage gem is a Leonard (known for his jersey creations), so a silk velvet number is a littler rare (but I love it–and it fits in any season!); it’s from The Kit Vintage (you can refresh on my love here and here). So far I’ve worn it to a summer kick off gala and the ballet, but I’m on the hunt for more places to wear it. That’s what happens when gown so good.
These pictures were taken by Megan Weaver, and I have to admit playing in the fountains in this dress was fun too!
I’d love to know: what in your closet is so good? XO RA
*Originially my friend Robyn was afraid to zip it up, it fit but it just was a hard zip. Since purchasing, I’ve been able to zip myself into it, without any help at all, 3 times. Another sign we’re meant to be?
While this dress is vintage, I’ve found some similar styles:
It’s the time of year for wedding/graduation/father’s day gifts. Something that always fits:
Loves! I have some great news! Starting today you can shop my Amazon picks, and related items, in my Amazon Store. Over on the Menu, you can now see “Amazon Picks” where I’ve put my fave items (including this face oil: and this face toning device: ) I’ll be updating it weekly, and there will always be new things to shop. There’s no added cost to you, just a chance to shop what I shop!
