Author: RachelAdelicia

Actress, avid shopper, and a lover of fashion. Hoping to make the world a better place one pair of shoes at a time.

In Defense of Gift Cards

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It’s the holiday season and besides eating turkey this weekend there’s above average chance that you went holiday shopping–for others and yourself! Every site has a list of gift suggestions, don’t worry-ours is coming–but among the knick-knacks, sweaters and clothing, there is often an item that goes ignored–the gift card. I know, gift cards have a bad reputation as a cop out–the gift that’s not personal or thought out. However, in defense of the gift card I have to tell you Internet friends, I love them!

I am a shopper–and I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that most of you are as well. Which means that more often than not, I have already bought myself what I want. The items on my Christmas list are usually the big ticket items, experiences (trips), and of course I do love the personal gifts that I didn’t even know I wanted (like my dino collection because if you know me well, you know that I love them!). However, what this means is that to me, a gift card is a personal, thoughtful gift. A gc to my fave store, or just one of those MC/Visa ones, is usually a way to contribute to the big ticket item I want. Movie Theater or Airline gift cards allow me to have great experiences that I love. And I’m grateful for that. I take gift cards as a way of the giver saying not only do they get me–that they support my love of shopping (big ticket items and all). So when they’re in my stocking or under the tree–I love it!

What’s your take? Do you like gift cards? Do you give them?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Printed

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Prints don’t need to be scary-in fact I love them at this time of year as they can add a festive pop to any situation. How loud, over the top is up to you–and I suggest you play! However, with low key top and muted accessories they can also be a subtle hint of color!

Welcome to the Holidays! Happy Monday! xo RA

Details:

Top: Vintage

Skirt: old, similar here

Black Friday

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I have a confession: I am a shopper and I am not a fan of Black Friday. The lines, the crowds, the give me–I find it all over whelming. Luckily, in the past few years the Internet shopping has stepped up the game and you can get great deals–while you’re on the couch! With wine!
Here are some sites to make sure you shop! Hope your Thanksgiving was great and happy shopping!

Jcrew
Shopbop
Net A Porter
And don’t forget, tomorrow is #ShopSmall Saturday! Some of my favorite local shops have an online store:
Recess LA
AAVintedge
Garment Modern

Football Chic

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This is a week of family and big meals, gratitude and turkey and pie–and for some of us it is also a weekend of Football! It should come as no surprise to you that I am a big football fan, I was raised on it, watch it every week, and am lucky enough to be able to attend both of my teams games this Thanksgiving week. However, I am a still a fashion lover and let’s be honest, sports gear isn’t always made with women in mind. The usual solution is to simply wear team colors–which I do and love. I also love a jersey or t-shirt with jeans (boots, heels, sneakers all go) but for the holiday I’ve decided to step up my game a little bit. I was lucky to find shoes in both my team colors (and the stars work as my Cowboy’s symbol). Then I had this shirt custom embroidered for my college team (I simply bought a shirt and had my dry cleaner do it!) I would love to know–how are you repping your team spirit this week?

XO RA

Details:
Shirt: Jcrew I had my dry cleaner embroider it, another option can be found at here
Purple Shoes: Prada, old
Star Shoes: JCrew, sold out, also love these

Classic

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Is there anything more Americana than Ralph Lauren? I can remember looking at their ads when I was little and wanting to live in that world. I still do! So when it finally gets cool enough for me to borrow my mom’s vintage Ralph Lauren fur-collar coat I grab it! It may not transport me to the Ralph Lauren world, but with riding boots, a pony tail, and red lips–it’s a for sure classic!

 

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:

Jacket and Turtleneck: Vintage

Jeans:Jcrew and on sale!
Boots: old, similar here

Sunday Chronicles: Gratitude

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Thanksgiving is Thursday and with it the start of the holiday season! Which of course means big meals,family, gifts, parties, traditions galore, and hopefully a bit of magic. For a lot of us it’s the “most wonderful time of the year”, and with good reason. But, can we be honest? This time of year can also bring some not-so-wonderful things. The pressure to be/to serve/ to give perfect, awkward family conversations and situations, some battle loneliness, and sometimes it’s hard when the perfect holiday in our head doesn’t get played out in reality. I have no answers for the hard things (shoes and wine?) but I do know how amazing the holidays can be- and conversely how overwhelming they can be.

Here’s the good news! People who love you don’t care if the table is “perfect” – they just love being with you. Awkward situations and conversations happen, the best thing to do is keep a sense of humor about it- at least it can make a good story, and if not, wine? And if you’re lonely and struggling there are people who care and want to help- you just have to ask(I’m not diminishing that the asking is easy). And while the perfect scenarios we come up with in our heads may not play out- often if we pay attention what really does happen is even more perfect.

This time of year can become so big- that I hope you have a chance to focus on the small- the love, the magic, and the gratitude that makes this time of year full of joy and wonder. Gratitude can get thrown around- but internet friends we are so lucky. We have family and friends who love us, tables full of food, and if nothing else: clean, running water that comes in both hot and cold. We’re rich! So amidst the pie and family I hope you take a moment to be thankful, to love those around you, and this week begins a season full of joy and magic.

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

Pastel for Fall

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Fall and winter clothing doesn’t always have to be heavy or bold colored. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a soft shade that’s just as season appropriate but manages to feel fresh–that’s why I love this skirt. Soft yellow, navy, black dots on a lilac background makes it a piece that will carry into spring, but for now paired with a soft turtleneck it’s completely fall!

Hope that your Friday and your weekend are amazing! XO RA

Details:

Sweater: old, similar here
Skirt: Jcrew
Shoes: Oscar de la Renta, old, similar here

Texture of the Season: Velvet

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Winter is coming.
Sorry, I don’t even watch the show, but that was too easy. And it’s true–winter is coming, and along with it party season. Which often means we all scramble for items to get us not only through the day, but into the night, to parties and events, and the whole time we want to look (and feel) festive. Often when you think of velvet (or when I do) the image of little girls’ dresses and ribbons can pop up–and while those are great, those aren’t always the look you’re going for. The good news, internet friends? This isn’t your little girl’s velvet. While this time of year usually has offerings of the texture this year I feel like there are so many options–blazers, pants, shoes, dresses–and it’s great. It’s an easy way to feel and look dressed up and festive, while remaining a tad traditional and if nothing else–you’re a joy to touch!
Shop some of my picks below!

Happy Thursday! XO RA

Pictured above: Vintage dress and cape, Valentino dress old.
My picks:
Dresses:
Love this one and this one
Blazers:
This one is on discount and love this cropped one
Pants:
Love these flares and these wide legs
Shoes:
Love these oxfords and am in love with these heels

High Drama

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I keep saying that layering is the secret of life–and internet friends, it’s true. While this silk skirt is just as great with a t-shirt, sweater, or button down–and this strapless tunic looks amazing over everything from a pencil skirt to jeans–layered together they created a perfect high impact outfit for a friend’s pre-holiday party. And the shoes–while old (and basic black pumps or sandals would also look great!) I love the drama that the petal in the back adds!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:

Skirt:Lee Matthews
Top:C/Meo Collective
Shoes: old, similar here