Category: care

Kitschy Valentine Gifts

a woman in a cream silk dress with a velvet cape

I have said before that I don’t like Valentine’s Day. Which is true. But not true in a “I hate love and celebrating it” way. More like in a “I hate that there’s pressure and you’re supposed to celebrate in a certain way” way. Both being in a relationship and being single (and also all the other types of love in your life!) should be celebrated– and while I say I don’t love Valentine’s there are certain things I do really love about the holiday.

Like Kitschy Gifts. (Obviously I like the bigger ones too, but those are always so personal!) I mean like cute seasonal socks (a fave of mine!), fun candy, candles in sweat heart patterns. The cheesy stuff that you might get from your mom or give to your BFF. I love it all. And while I want you to get the special thing you want too (even if it’s a gift from you to you), I’m rounding up some of my fave kitschy gifts that will hopefully make you smile too!

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

Socks
Truly I have a thing for funny socks. And from Valentines to Easter to just socks with cute animals I love them all. And these are the perfect “little” gifts as they are mostly under $5!!

Food
I know this is an odd choice but from specialty candy to chocolate covered strawberries- I love them all! Also- they way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach!

Scent Samples
Perfume is a traditional gift– but sometimes scents are personal. Something a friend got me onto within the past year are perfume samples (there are a ton of ways to get them, if you need help please let me know!). Samples are a way to try a new scent, give a bunch of scents, and make someone’s day. I’m linking scents I love which would make great samples!

Lips
I bet we all have opinions on heart shaped jewelry, etc at this time of year. (Mainly, it’s a no) BUT a shape (?) that I do love- from prints to jewelry to bags and more are red lips. Just this side of cheesy but a little fun! On theme but not obvious! I’m linking 2 cute lips bags below!

What I really used to love about Valentine’s Day? Those mass cards we would pass out to the entire class in elementary school. Perhaps that’s why I love a good kitsch gift- and I hope these ideas make you and your loved ones smile!

XO RA

Mob Wife Aesthetic

a woman in a mink coat and big hair bun lounges on a blue couch

If you haven’t heard there’s a new micro-trend- Mob Wife Aesthetic. For those who are confused by the term “micro trend” it refers to a “small and fleeting trend usually started on social media”. Clean girl. Tomato girl. Those are a few that have come and gone in the past year. And now we have Mob Wife. While, usually I don’t adhere to these micro trends fervently- if I like parts of the aesthetic I incorporate them, wear what I have, buy what I like- but never go full in; I have to admit I’m loving the idea (and the fashion) of Mob Wife.

(Though here is a random and sort of off topic thought: I read somewhere that all of these micro trends- especially Mob Wife- talk and dress women as an accessory to men, or what a man does. I can’t stop thinking about that- and that is a completely different conversation. I don’t know that I love that thought- and we are all way more than an accessory. But I am loving wearing a lot of (faux and vintage fur!)

So. What is Mob Wife Aesthetic? It’s a bit of a response to the recent minimalist trends- as it’s maximum! It’s excess! Furs, animal prints, gold jewelry (and a lot of it!), heels, prints, corset styling. Red lips and big hair. Quilted leather and low cut dresses. Anything big. Anything on a mob movie (minus the organized crime). And a part of me is really loving it– and having so much fun with it! (which is a big part of what fashion is supposed to be!)

a woman in a leopard skirt with an off the shoulder top and black platforms and big hair
a woman in black strapless top and pants and a leopard corset in front of a rock formation
the back of a woman's hard and her hair in a French twist with a black turtleneck
a woman in a leopard print midi dress walking from a green hedge

Part of why, out of all the micro trends, I’m attracted to this one is the bigness. IT’s the fun. January is a month that asks us to give up things. From eating and drinking “cleanses” or diets challenges to spend less/not buy anything challenges, etc (and this is not me judging these, this is me making an observation), this month is often a sparse month. The weather can also be dreary. After the holidays, Jan is always a contrast. And while it may be a needed contrast, as we get to the end of the month a bit of fun, a bit of a lot is refreshing!

Another reason why I’m loving this Mob Wife Aesthetic? I’m getting to play! Mixing patterns and textures. Having fun with hair. A ton of fur and metallics. It feels a bit like playing dress up (my absolute favorite game!). There is no right or wrong way to be a mob wife. You don’t have to go big, you can simply indulge in a lot of jewelry or big jewelry or a fur coat. Wear all animal print from head to toe. Big platforms with big hair. Anything you want, as big as you want- how can that not be fun??

If you see me, there’s a chance my hair will be big. I might be in leopard prints. With fur. More than one necklace. Or maybe even a corset. Most importantly, I will be having fun- which to me is the point of the micro trends, and especially Mob Wife.

Are you participating in Mob Wife Aesthetics? How are you dressing for it? I would love to hear all your thoughts!

Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces that currently fit this micro trend! 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!

Investment Piece: #cheetah

Another Year, Another Closet Clean Out

Fun fact- I wrote this last year, and while I had every intention of cleaning out my closet last year, it didn’t really happen. For a lot of the reasons I chat about here. Overwhelm. Still not sure what my life is going to look like. At the end of the year, I did begin to clean out- and it felt great. I’m still taking it slow, and while the world and I are more open than we were, I’m determined to let that uncertainty lead me to make amazing fashion choices- and not hold onto items I really don’t need anymore. Especially when there are so many great ways to recycle your clothing and get your great items to people who do need them! Below are my thoughts on cleaning out your closet even when it’s hard, my method to clean out my closet, and this year I am really going to do it! XO RA

fashion, blogger, closet clean out, clean closet, closet full of clothes, Austin, tx, Los Angeles, ca

About this time, you’ll be seeing, getting, reading all sorts of articles and tips on how to clean out your closet. It’s that time of year. And I get it- I’m a fan of cleaning out closets,I even have my own method which I’ve gone into detail about here, here, and here. Yes, when I clean out my own closet I do these EXACT things. I go through section by section and sort my yes, no, and maybe piles, trying on all my maybes and asking myself questions to see if they fit in my closet (life). Then I sort again, organize and make plans to get rid of my nos.

But. Wanna know a secret?

I haven’t cleaned out my closet in a couple of years. With the pandemic, and all the things, I just haven’t been up to it. Part of it is overwhelm- even though I have a system that works for me, I’m well versed in what I like and what I want my closet to look like, the stories I want to tell with my fashion- going through my clothes right now seems daunting. Some of that is that I know some things I know I need to sort out and replace (like a lot of my sports bras), and the idea of replacing a section seems too much right now. Part of it is that I’m at a loss for what’s happening in the world right now. Am I not wearing things because of the item or fit- or because I’ve been at home for over a year? How do you judge that and what are you doing about it?

Investment Piece: Luxury

If you’re managing to clean out in a way that’s working for you, I can’t tell you how much I admire you. A closet clean out is currently on my list of January goals, and I’m still not even sure how to start it. There are so many things in my closet that I love, some I need to part with, and many that I would love to add- and in this time that’s all a bit much.

SO.
I’m changing at how I’m looking at the closet clean out this year. Will I eventually go through my closet, using my processes and get rid of the things that no longer serve me? Yes. At some point will I replace all the things that I need to (for me, sports bras)? Of course. However, while all of that is still overwhelming, I’m choosing to focus on other aspects of a closet clean out- the organization. During the pandemic my closet space became more temporary than it had been in years. There was a time when you could ask about any item I own- ANY- and I would know EXACTLY where it was in my closet. Skirts, pants, tops, dresses, vintage, modern- my closet was sorted by type, color, function. It was pristine. Now? I don’t know where anything is (I do, but not in the ways I’m used to). Instead of making myself stress out about another closet clean out, I’m focusing on getting my closet back to being pristinely organized. Will that help in a clean out (as some clean will naturally happen along the way)? Yes. Or at least I’m hoping so!

But taking the pressure off myself is making this process easier on me. In my closet clean out process, I always say that you shouldn’t feel pressured to get rid of things just to get rid of things. If you love something, if it brings you joy (even if you aren’t wearing it every day), I say keep it. This relaxed attitude has always let me clean out my closet in a way that lets me keep things, while I really do get rid of the things that are no longer for me. I’m crossing my fingers that this same attitude will let me organize- and clean out- while avoiding the overwhelm.

How are you making room for new stories this year? How are you cleaning out your closet? I would love to hear any and all tips!
XO RA

Happy Holidays!

A woman in plaid dress and black heels by a Christmas Tree
a black Louboutin heel hung as an ornament in a Christmas tree
a cat under a Christmas tree
a cat under a Christmas tree
a woman in a plaid dress by a Christmas Tree

I can’t believe yet another year has come and gone.I am ever so grateful for you, for the community we have here, for all the fashion and stories we share. No matter what you’re celebrating or not this season, I hope that you’re surrounded by people and things that you love. That there is comfort and peace if you’re grieving. I wish you the happiest holiday season. Here at Investment Piece we will be dark- aka we will be off enjoying our family and loves- and dark here on site till January 3rd, 2024. In the meantime, I will be shopping (and you can shop with me via Instagram or @LTK or @CollectiveVoice Apps (I’m Rachel Adelicia on those!).

I can’t wait to see you in the new year- and until then I’m wishing you all the love!
Happy Holidays!

RA

Gifting Yourself!

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platfroms
a woman in black watch plaid dress, brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms

This is about the time where you think I’m about to link all the things I want/may be buying for myself (using the holidays as an excuse), right? It wouldn’t be out of left field. I mean, I am REALLY good at shopping for me (someone should pay me to do it!), and I do have a continuous wishlist going. (And please don’t worry- I am sure I will support the economy in the coming weeks with sales, etc). However, I want to chat about gifting ourselves in the ways that aren’t the things.

(This is not a knock on things. I clearly love the things!)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about not only the things that I want- but the woman I want to be, and the life I want. It’s so easy this time of year to just go with the flow, simply relax and lay on the couch starting on the 25th to the 2nd. And I’m a fan of rest- it’s an important part of productivity!- and if you need it, you need it! I’ll be honest, there will be a lot of time in the coming week or so where I’m doing nothing. And it will be a gift to me.

But. I’m also giving myself the gift of looking ahead, of thinking about habits I want to change, and goals I want to work on for the coming year. And giving myself the gift of starting now (in between relaxing). This feels very “self help” (and please be assured I am NO expert), but I can’t help but think that maybe the best gifts to ourselves is letting us enjoy the season and at the same time, building and planning for the season to come.

a woman in black watch plaid dress with a brown belt, black hose and brown suede platforms
a woman in black watch plaid dress with brown belt and black hose and brown suede platforms

I feel as if this is where I get specific – and yet I have to say I’m still thinking about what I want to change- from my fitness schedule to my time management (both need some tweaks!). What I will say is that between celebrations and down time I’m considering what I want to be in 2024, and the steps needed to get there. Yes, I want to get into a fitness routine that serves where I’m at and gets me back “in shape” (I miss my old one!). I want to work on my time management (I can procrastinate with the best of them and often find myself working till 11pm or doing things last min). I want to start “The Artist’s Way” (a fantastic book/system for any kind of creative) and want to pick a start date! There are other goals and changes, I’m using this time to decide and plan and implement. (and of course I will share!) My gift to myself is to do the best I can to set myself up for ourselves.

What are you gifting to yourself? And what are you gifting to yourselves?
I want to hear all about it! XO RA

Styling note: This dress is vintage and a friend of a friend. I took it and made it my own by adding one of my favorite belts, hose, and some of my favorite platform shoes. I’m linking options for the look below (just in case that’s also what you want to gift yourself!)

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!

Is It Chic to be Corny?

a woman in black tank top, pants with tie, shoes and a black cardigan with sequin candy canes on it

When I was younger, my mom and grandma wore elaborate and gorgeous holiday sweaters. Not in an “ironic” way, or to an Ugly Sweater Party, but just beautiful and embellished sweaters that just happened to be holiday themed. There was one I loved that had Santa going down the chimney, some with snowflakes, and of course, this stunner with sequined candy canes- just to name a few. I thought that they were so chic and not corny at all, just holiday glamorous.

Then- things changed. Holiday sweaters went out of style. Ugly Sweater Parties became a thing- and let’s be honest, holiday sweaters became uglier to fit the theme. Holiday dressing, or more specifically, holiday dressing that was THEMED became corny and faux pas and something I did NOT do. (Not even the sweet jewelry!)

a woman in a black cardigan with sequined candy canes, black tank, pants with a tie and shoes

And now? Things have changed again; or maybe it’s my fashion sense or holiday cheer, or maybe I just stopped caring about what other people think. I’ve come back around and have been wearing my Mom’s and Grandma’s vintage holiday sweaters. Not the corny ones, the chic ones. I’ve even been know to wear tasteful jewelry with holiday theme from lights to snowflakes to Rudolph’s and more. Again- not the ugly kind, but things that I actually love that just happened to be holiday themed. I’m finding I love it, it’s chic and festive and makes me feel closer to my loved ones.

I wore this outfit to a holiday gathering this weekend- beautiful cardigan with sequined candy canes, satin tank, black pants with a satin tie waist, and red and white enamel hoop earrings. I wasn’t thinking chic or corny- I just wanted an outfit that was holiday and I loved. Beloveds, I got so many compliments, from women and men of all ages. One comment that really stuck out to me was a woman who let me know she has a ton of designer holiday sweaters, but has been afraid to wear them as she thought she would be seen as a corny old woman.

How sad is it that we wouldn’t wear something we love for fear of what other’s think? (That’s not a knock on her, I’ve been guilty of it too!) Also, what if what we worry is corny is actually chic? Or what if it’s chic to be corny? At the heart, dressing to theme (holidays or not) is a way to show you care. Dressing well is absolutely a form of good manners, and dressing with joy and being festive? What is that if not spreading cheer? (Cheer and joy and love are chic in my book!)

a close up of red and white enamel hoop earrings and red lips

Fashion, trends, fads- they all change. While I have fallen victim to caring (perhaps too much) about what other people think, I’ve decided to choose chic. And during this season, chic to me means wearing gorgeous, tasteful and festive holiday sweaters, earrings and more. I’m going to revel in the things that I find beautiful and bring joy (to me and others). Maybe it is chic to be corny- and maybe we take back holiday dressing from ugly sweaters. Either way, I’m in!

This sweater is vintage, but I’m linking some vintage sweaters and some modern sweaters- as well as holiday jewelry – for your own celebrations below!
What about you- do you wear holiday sweaters? What are your thoughts about corny being chic?
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!

Vintage Sweaters:

Modern Sweaters and Earrings:

a woman in a black cardigan with sequined candy canes, black tank, pants with satin waist tie, shoes

Happy Thanksgiving!

a close up of Pecan Pie

IF you’re in the States, this week officially kicks off the winter holiday season- from Thanksgiving (and if you count sales as a holiday!) I’m taking some time to indulge in pies, stretchy pants and time with people I love! I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you- and our community here. Tune in for a special offer/ask on Sunday- and if you’re looking to shop with me please follow me on IG/ShopStyle and LTK apps! Then on Monday it’s your regularly scheduled outfits!

(My cart has so many things to show you at so many shops! And I’ll probably have a family moment or two! )

Wishing you love and all the pie/wine you need! XO RA

Holidays: Hostess Gifts

a woman in black leather pants and toy soldiers button down sits on stairs by a nutcracker stand

Tis the time if year. Not quite Christmas (or any of the other holidays that get celebrated at this time of year!), but if you’re in the USA it’s almost Thanksgiving. We mostly skip over the holiday now, our all loss, but the coming week is the first of family holidays, friend holidays, and the chance to impress any and all of these hosts.

And Thanksgiving is a great holiday just to celebrate. Alone. With family. With friends. Or a combo. And:

It may be the time where you’re visiting friends. Or meeting new family (from in-laws to extended to staying extended with said family for the first time!). Or simply staying with people instead of celebrating at home. And if so to any of the above, you need a hostess gift. Wine. Flowers. The dish you’re asked to bring (?). All of these are a must! However, I’m raised to always bring a small gift for the host, therefore making hostess gifts some of the most important gifts of the holiday season.

So, what makes a great hostess gift? Something thoughtful! Something useful! Something that can be used throughout the year! So following are some of my favorite hostess gifts (and ideas for them!)

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

a wooden wine holder lazy susan on a gold base
First and foremost, I love this wine holder. A Bit much, but it doubles as a center piece, can be used throughout the year, and if anyone is hosting a bigger party this wine holder is a great way to tie a table together (and ensure that every gets a pour!)

You can get the wine holder here:

Another idea I love to gift to the hostess? Cocktail napkins. Specifically embroidered cocktail napkins. Absolutely you can be on the holiday theme, but there are also novelty, sassy, and classic napkins, fit for any of your host (from new in laws to siblings to best friends!)

Here are some of my favorites:

Another great (although perhaps somewhat cliche) idea? Candles! There are so many scents, and holder designs- from trees and pines to peppermint to snow globe candle holders (a real thing!). Here are some of my faves that I think your hosts will love for years to come!

Another combo that I think might be a great hostess gift? Gift soaps (like the ones our moms and grandmas used to set out!) and dishtowels (akin to the cocktail napkins!) These can be little, big, personalized, or on a theme that means something to the host. They are easy to gift no matter how well you know the host. Here are some of my faves:

Some other ideas that might make a great impression for a hostess gift? Something for their pet (cat or dog or etc- remember pets are household members too!), wine glasses, coffee mugs, aprons, place settings, and anything that might have meaning to your host. Of course- if you’re simply going for a meal wine and flowers (and your contribution to the meal!) are easy. But, if you need more ideas, I hope that this list helps you find a hostess gift that fits that sweet spot between meaningful and useful gift that lets your host see you in the best light!

Need help shopping? Please reach out!
Happy gifting! XO RA

Systems

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

This is a Mrs. Emily skirt (lovingly made by hand and goes with it all. You can read more about how much I love Mrs. Emily, a small fashion designer here. And while this about how much I love this silk skirt (and you can customize the hem length!) and all the things you can wear with it (from party looks to work looks), it’s also about systems (like outfit formulas, but for our lives).

One of the many, many things I love about Mrs. Emily is her fashion philosophy. Her Instagram (@mrsemily) and her newsletter (highly recommend sign up here) are full of thoughts on waredrobe building, confidence building, and how we can make our lives work (through our clothes). Mrs. Emily will tell you that she’s a wife, momma, and fashion designer (and maker), she speaks honestly about all the different hats she’s wearing, and how she makes that work.

I love the honesty (because it’s not always easy) and I love how these musing make me think about my own fashions and my own systems. In fashion, we talk about systems as outfit formulas- things we know go together, that you can simply put on, and they make your life easier. What about the systems (or outfit formulas) for our lives, from work to social? Do they make our lives easier and make us feel good? Or do we need to update them?

Investment Piece: Systems
Investment Piece: Systems

Like all of us, I wear a bunch of hats. Fashionista. Blogger. Actress. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Caregiver. Cook. Dishwasher. Every day is a bit different, but there is never a lack of things to do. Sometimes I feel on top of it all, sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed. What I’m learning (and what Mrs. Emily will tell you) is that the more you can design your life to support all the things you do, the easier your life is on you. For me, that means schedules, time to write, time to be creative, planning ahead, and more.

Honestly? Lately, I’ve been feeling like I to update my systems. Find better ways to make space for all my things. I’m thinking of it like this skirt, I know no matter what when I put it on, it will look and feel good. It’s like that, but for my schedule. (Or you could think of it as a new outfit formula- like all of the sudden figuring out that there are a million ways to do jeans and a tee- and they all work!).

Is it a weird time of year to be adjusting my systems? With us heading full steam into the holiday season, most of us get through, then readjust in the new year. While I understand that mindset, I know that I need the support now, and I thought- I’ll be playing with holiday looks all season, why not play with my systems?

So. I’ll be adjusting, trying out, scheduling, rescheduling and seeing what works for me. Like putting everything from a tee to a blazer with my new fave Mrs. Emily skirt, I’m looking for things that let me work, no matter what the day calls for. And I’m a bit excited to see what systems I come up with.

What about you? How are your life systems? Are you feeling supported by them? If you have any great tips, I would love to hear about them!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: Systems

This Barbie Wears Pink

Every October I love doing (at least one) pink post.
1- because while I don’t really think of myself as a “pink” person- I am. I love (especially) hot pink, wearing pink in various ways (especially the unexpected), and after Barbie The Movie, really embracing the sides of me that love all things pink. Essentially, I think I love surprising myself and you with this color that I never think I like

2- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My family is one those affected by this disease, and we lost my aunt this year (making clear not to cancer, she survived that- but Breast Cancer is still so hard). I had my first mammogram this year (absolutely a fine experience- more awkward because I’m one of those that even when I get massages want to help. Yes, I tried to help too much in my mammogram. BUT I got it. And I’m fine. And I’m excited to hear about yours). Usually in these yearly posts I link to various companies who give a portion of profit to Breast Cancer Research, etc. There’s a lot happening right now (and most likely more than one cause who needs your attention and money) I honestly haven’t even thought about that. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t great ways to shop and give to Breast Cancer (or other services), but beyond that, beyond wearing pink, perhaps what the people you know affected by this cancer need most is you. Being with them, listening to them, helping them. There are big ways to give- but the small ways can be the most impactful.

3-Again, I’ll tell you that I don’t wear a lot of pink. These posts remind me that I do. And in this spooky time- when I love putting together my Halloween costumes, when the holiday season is rapidly approaching (aka Christmas is already all over the stores) that it feels as if life and seasonal choices take over everything. Think about it- it’s Fall- we’re all into neutrals and costumes and then red and black and green for the holidays. So many choices are holiday coded so that there are times when wearing pink at this time feels a bit rebellious and a bit of a statement. Maybe I just really like being a bit different and pink at this time of year lets me indulge that.

Whatever the reason, October to me wouldn’t be the same without pink. And yes- I really do wear pink in my real life- if you do I would love to hear about it.

Here’s to all the reasons to pink and all of the amazing outfits it creates! XO RA