outfits – Page 2 – Investment Piece

Lately…

a woman in pink linen pants, snake sandals, a white button down and a blue linen jacket
In all the chaos that has been my life lately I have felt as if all these outfits I have planned and things I want to wear for the summer have fallen to the wayside. As I write this I am in bike shorts and an oversized shirt. I thought about throwing on a simple silk dress today, or a button down with cut offs, but getting dressed was too much. And when I don’t get dressed I kinda feel bad- so I went through my phone and as it turns out lately has been ALOT. But I have worn clothes- and learned a bit about dressing for chaos!
a woman in a black strapless jumpsuit
I bought this jumpsuit to travel in– I had this idea that it was perfect for a plane (ok maybe not perfect for the bathroom!) but as you could layer and pair with sneakers and then do a quick refresh, pair with heels and be ready to go? I loved! It didn’t come in time for my trip but I have worn it more than once to run errands and under a jacket for hospital visits. Moral? One and done leaves you so much room to play!
a woman in a white button down, a leopard print linen skirt, a Gucci belt bag and lace up sandals
We will chat about linen. And belt bags. BUT, I can’t tell you how a fantastic white button down is becoming a go to. They. Go. With. Everything. Over a skirt? With pants? Jeans. Shorts. Over bike shorts even! Maybe button downs are the things we should be investing in more often! To be honest, I have a collection of button downs, but have never thought of them as THE piece. Yet, I can’t tell you how often I am reaching for one recently. Perhaps a deep dive into button downs is in our future?
a woman in a black linen shirt dress, a Gucci belt bag and lace up asymmetrical shoes
Linen. It’s linen season. In this little round up 3/4 ths of the outfits are linen. And just perhaps- that’s a great thing! Linen is easy and chic- and lends itself to anything from an easy airport outfit to a classic that you can dress up any which way!

It calmed me a little bit to remind myself that lately I have been getting dressed- in things I love. My goal for the new week? To get dressed a bit more. Yet, there will probably be more linen and button downs and belt bags (this one that you see all the time is a vintage Gucci. I wanted one for forever and finally having one has been amazing. I am linking some for you but I found this one on eBay!).

What have you been wearing lately? And what do you want to wear in the weeks to come? I am linking a couple of these options below and I would love to hear about your choices! 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!

Each look listed:

Shop pink linen pants look: here
Shop the exact jumpsuit: here
Shop linen skirt look: “a href=”https://liketk.it/4Hecn”target=”_Blank”>here
Shop linen shirt dress look: “here

here’s to a new week of lately and fantastic outfits!

Short Story Long..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

It feels like such a long time since we have been here. I had this huge work trip and I came home so run down. This week my mom has had emergency surgery and that’s taken up so much of my time. If you have stuck around I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that- and how glad I am that you’re here! Hopefully we are settling back into a routine here and there’s nothing but fantastic summer fashion and stories in our future.

That’s the short story. But as we all know, short stories are often long…..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

And speaking of short- have you noticed that minis are back? (I know there is a quip about what a hemline says about the economy but from storefronts to runways, the minis are MINI and back. I personally just think it means fashion!) There can be big feelings about minis- like “is this too much?” “Am I too old for this?” “How do I balance it?”

Some of those questions are personal, and account for your own style- but my simple tips? Perhaps choose a mini that is a bit long. A la a train, or a hi-low hem, or while I am a FAN of a high waist on everything for minis I like a mid or low rise.

And for balance? Something classic. For example, a white button up. It is a bit of an offset, though of course how far you button is up to you! You could also call this wearing a statement and letting it shine. You could also focus on the balance of short and long. But really, I just love the juxtaposition and way that throwing on a button down is a chic way to not overthink your top.

I am the first to admit that I sometimes worry about wearing a mini skirt- and what to pair with. This outfit has been in my mind for a bit. Since I got this skirt. I love that it’s party perfect. Aok at dinner. Cocktails? Couldn’t be more appropriate. I love that the train offsets the mini. The button down that doesn’t feel business. And yes, these are my go-to shoes. This combo could be reimagined in any number of ways with any number of pieces. Even without a mini- aka a longer skirt and a shorter top. Short stories? As long as you want.

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

This is where I confess something. This skirt is H&M. And I have conflicted feelings about wearing fast fashion. Yet. I couldn’t resist this skirt. And while it was out months ago, I found a few on resale sites (which lessens the blow?). Skirts with trains have had their moments (and I am sure they will again). If you would love to dip your toe in the water for that I would love to help you find the perfect one.

Short stories. Long stories. Turns out as long as they are chic, I am a fan of them all!
Shopping options linked below- thank you so much for being here! 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!

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

Easy. Set. Go.

a woman in a blue and white pattern linen long sleeve and pant set in front for green neon doors
a woman in a blue and white linen pant and Long sleeve set in front of green doors and concrete

We are heading into summer. And hopefully the living is easy. So how do we dress for that? For me? I am doing it in an easy set- a la this easy peasy linen pant set. We know how I feel about sets. I LOVE them. Wear them together. Apart. Mix and match in ALL the ways. And when the pieces are breezy linen –even with pattens- it’s so easy to feel as if it’s a bit summery. Perhaps also a way to ease into the season, give yourself a way to pant when its SO hot SO soon, and feel breezy when it’s a beginning of- all the graduations, parties, weddings, get a ways, etc and travels that just need an outfit that is oh so chic, oh so versatile, and oh so easy.

Even as a set pieces like this are easy peasy to switch up. From flats to heels. Sandals to wedges. Add a belt. A mule. Anything from a sweater over to a blazer to a scarf. So easy. And when easy is chic it’s the best.

This set is sold out but I am linking some of my current fave linen sets that have the same fell. Tell me- what are you wearing for the summer? How do you feel about sets and linen and easy?

XO RA

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

a woman in a white and blue line pant set

OOPS I Did It Again…

a woman in a net dress over a sheer skirt with raffia sandals and chained sunglasses and a head scarf
a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe shirt dress over and black flip flops in front of a fence

The question I get asked most often? But do you re wear it? And how do you style it? And I know. There are so many blogs. So many IGs. So much out there- a lot of it ready made outfits. So thinking about rewearing and remixing and restyling pieces (which FYI is the hallmark of a great piece! That you can rewear and restyle and make it new again over and over again). And really? I LOVE remixing and restyling. And rewears. I always worry that it’s not engaging or exciting blog content (why do we always think that everything has to be new and now?) but most of my outfits are a rewear or a restyle.

The above? The base is a crochet dress. Over swim. Over sheer- which the sheer skirt you have seen! here. And this crochet dress was originally shown to you with a shirt dress and leggings here and I really want to mix the 2 up again! Sheer- yes over swim. Maybe over a shirt dress. For sure with a button down. A tee Mix! The crochet over swim (a theme!), over pants, over a skirt. Over another dress.

These are such little snapshots but the possibilities are endless.

a woman in a blue and white shirt dress with a red laminated skirt over and pink and red platforms
a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

This red laminated linen skirt is one of the pieces I was most excited for this summer. And Spring. I imagined it with cropped tees and heels. And yet- so far I have only ever worn it layered. With tights and turtlenecks and shirts dresses. I can’t wait to play with it as the temps rise!

And of course there’s my go to rewears that I have written about here and here and < ahref="https://www.investmentpiece.com/outfits/never-gets-old/"target="_Blank">here. There is so much that I reach for time and again. From classic < a href="https://rstyle.me/+mesSwKNP1YpoLZ0CXieM8w"taret="_Blank">Paul Andrew mules that I wear with everything to this strapless bathing suit that I wear as a body suit with EVERYTHING. Honestly too much to count at this point.

Even my party dresses? I rewear them. From various events to swapping out shoes and accessories that they feel new. I rewear and restyle. All.The. Time. It’s part of the fun of building a wardrobe you LOVE. And can style!

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

What do you LOVE to rewear and restyle? What things would you like to see restyled from jeans to party dresses? I would love to hear about them all!

XO RA

a woman in a slit jersey button dress and pink mules — a look at sweatshirt dress I’ve worn before with different shoes and styling

Cape it Off….

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

There is something about a bit of the dramatic and a bit of exquisite details that can make even a classic or a basic- a la the “little black dress”- into a statement. A celebration. Something that when you reach for it, wearing it makes you feel a little better about life.

As I mentioned, this past Friday was my birthday. And I always love wearing a special dress on my birthday. This dress? Beyond. I’ll be honest- this was Plan B. It’s a Simkhai dress that I have had for about a year (maybe more!) that I had never had a chance to wear. For my birthday I had bought a lovely embroidered dress, but it needed a bit of altering and it wasn’t done in time. (yes, you will see it when it is!) So, on a whim and a need to be dressed I pulled this out.

And it may have been the best decision ever.

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

We all know that I love a cape! (even when they’re swim, vintage, and one of my all time favorites. You can also search cape on this site and feast if you’re into capes!) But this cape dress is so much more. It’s a bubble (a bit, which is so on trend), it’s necklace (THAT COLLAR), a bit of a wrap. And it’s got that wow factor.

When people tell you that they felt like a princess in things I can’t help but think of BIG (whether it’s a puff factor or a full skirt) so I don’t know if princess is the right word here. Maybe modern princess? Or queen? All I know is that this dress made this day a ton more special- and the fun I had in the dress, the compliments I got, and the confidence it gave me? Fantastic present to myself- no notes.

I am a bit fan of everyone having (well, really more than one) a piece like this in your closet that makes you feel SPECIAL. SEEN. And for all of us it will be different. We know I love a party dress (and a detailed one). Part of why I can never resist them is that I feel like this in them. Whatever that is for you- party dress, great jeans, unforgettable set- my wish for us all is that we get a year filled with them!

As I mentioned, this dress is a season or so old- but I have found you similar. I’m also linking some of my current fave Simkhai dresses! Here is to us- in all the things that make us feel special! 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!

And my current fave Simkhais can be found here

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

***Sidenote: My apologies for not having a post up yesterday! We were affected by bad storms (the shoes and I are fine!!) but it affected me posting. We are back and ready to go now. Thank you for your patience and presence!

Another Trip Around the Sun….

a woman in a blue maxi sundress in front of pink flowers
A woman in a white strapless dress with black polka dots and black heels
a woman in a white and brown flit and flare dress
a woman in a navy knit top with hello on it in and jeans
a woman in a cropped cardigan in BLUE AND WHITE stripe and white pants

Today is a start of another trip around the sun for me. This year I randomly do have BIG feelings about age and it all— but I am also so grateful for not only this community but all of the stories my closet has told- and will tell. I will be honest- this week is insane for me and my family. My mom’s birthday was yesterday. Today is mine. Cousin tomorrow. Mother’s Day. Crazy storms. A lot.

So this my little respite. And my story. Of what’s passed and what is to come. I truly hope you’ll stay for the next trip around the sun-I love our stories together.If it involves a great outfit- who are we to judge?

Here’s to yet another trip around the sun and more stories that we tell with our closets! Thank you for being here!
XO RA

a woman in a lavender dress with red flowers Investment Piece: Packing a woman with a black blazer belted with a gold lion belt, over jeans and wearing heels in a clothing store

Spring Knits

a woman in a yellow knit maxi skirt, a white with black lapel tux satin blazer, and black thong sandals
a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

Words that seem a bit odd when the Spring weather you experience is either extreme heat (and humidity) or storms- and not a lot in between? Knits that are great for spring. I know there are parts of the world where a lighter knit is great for spring. And I have light knits that I do wear for spring, though often I sweat in them. So, in general, the thought of a spring knit maxi skirt has me running for the hills. Usually, I couldn’t imagine getting into a “bigger” knit in spring. No matter what.

Yet. I couldn’t help falling in love with this knit skirt. It’s truly almost sheer so it feels incredibly on trend– and is incredibly light. Even in 85 degree, super humid temps I didn’t break a sweat (which is saying something!). Yellow is not a color I normally reach for- but I love it here. This is one of those pieces that would look fantastic with a simple white tee (and I do plan to wear that outfit often!), but also dressed up- a la a blazer (tux if you please).

Spring knits that I’ve been avoiding? Perhaps I have been wrong this entire time!

a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

A word about the blazer. I have a thing for blazers as tops (yes, even in this daring fashion). I know that it’s not always practical or best- and I think a simple tank or tee conveys the same feeling. I also have a thing for tuxes. Especially on women (think classy and edgy at the same time). And I think any time you can wear a blazer or a tux you should absolutely grab the chance. Even with a spring knit!

a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

Spring knits absolutely have a time limit. I know in a few weeks it will be over 100 and most knits or heavy pieces I have will be put in the back of the closet. However, I remain hopeful about this skirt. It’s so light, it’s airy, it feels like a bit of fresh air (note: they also make a top and a dress in this yellow knit- but you could also pull this skirt up and wear as a strapless dress- especially over swim!) Knits for summer as well? We may be pushing it, but in this fresh pick, I’m willing to risk it!

Below I’ve linked these outfit details as well as the other matching options!
How are you feeling about knits this spring?
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!

This outfit:

Related knits:

a woman in a yellow maxi knit skirt, a white with black lapel tux blazer and black thong sandals

Rock a Caftan

Investment Piece: Rock a Caftan

This week has been a little off. We were without power on and off for a few days. Then my neighbor had a gas link — and somehow it made me sick! On top of a very busy to-do list, it was a bit jarring. To say the least. But. it’s the weekend which really kicks off the season (as it were). The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. Even on the couch I will be rocking this caftan (and maybe drinking something minty or spicy). In the meantime, let’s revisit this pieces!
Investment Piece: Rock a Caftan

Caftans are the quintessntail summer chic. They’re elegant and yet they hide everything. (I’ve always had a thing for caftans including this one from my love AAVintedge). Caftans can be worn dressed up or down, at the pool or on a casual day, there’s no right or wrong way to Rock a Caftan (part of their appeal).

My fave way to Rock a Caftan? Find one you love that makes you feel special. This one from NewCropShop is simply to die for! Those sleeves! That embroidery (all done by hand!) It’s perfect for an event (even a wedding) or just a day that needs a pop.

You can order one at New Crop Shop, shop my picks below, and let me know all the ways you Rock a Caftan!

XO RA

All above pics taken by Kyn Photography

Loves, I have to admit this post was hard to write! Not because I don’t love this caftan, or love to Rock a Caftan, but because my heart is in TX. At times like these it can feel so overwhelming and we can feel so helpless that we do nothing. I understand that. I think the solution, and how we combat that is to do a little. As one of my fave people says “Do a little with great love”. There are so many organizations that you can choose to give to, I won’t tell you which is best. I’m linking Red Cross and this article from Texas Monthly that outlines where you can give. I know various stores are giving part of their proceeds this week to relief efforts, and I will link them as I get details. Let’s go out there, Rock our Caftans, love each other, and do some good.

And loves! Remember our great Skin Print EyeDeal giveaway? Due to the craziness of this week I’m extending the deadline! Go get you some amazing eye cream!

Fashion Stories: Shorts

a woman in pink linen shorts with a grey long sleeve sweater and leopard print mules

Does it age me that one of the ads that I most remember from my youth is a song that goes:
Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts!

It was for a shaving/Nair product- but I still have that song in my head. And I still think about it in short season. Are shorts in season every spring/summer? Yes. I mean- they have to be, right? But, for some reason this season, I feel as if shorts are everywhere. EVERYWHERE. As in- everyone you know is wearing shorts, shorts are in so many editorials, so many red carpets, so many EVERYTHING. From short shorts (like the song) to Bermudas, to even pedal pushers- all shorts are en vogue.

So. Shorts are a thing we’re doing?

a woman in a white suit short set with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat as well as a gold bandana

The thing about shorts? They do scream summer. I can’t think of anything other than swimsuits (and we know I love those both in and out of the water) that I wore more as a kid in the spring/summer.

My one issue (ok- not my only issue as out of no where I get worried that I am too old for shorts) with shorts is that I don’t want to look like a kid (and ironically too old) wearing them. So, how do we tell our stories (which I hope this season includes a ton of fun, a bit of nostalgia, and perhaps a smidge of sexiness) with shorts this season?

a woman in pink linen shorts, a grey sweater and leopard mules

These are my tips, and my tips alone for shorts. Note: Like you I am still feeling it out as I go along and experimenting with short length, etc!

-Figure out what you feel comfortable with! Is it a length? A color? A pattern? This season everything- from suits to patterns to to all fabrics and lengths. If you’re drawn to a certain pair of shorts- play with them! I promise you that all shorts, even and especially those pictures here can be styled in SO many various ways.

a woman in a blue and white striped short romper with blue lace up sandals

– Dress up or down as you love. I have been playing with pairing my shorts with heels. Flats. Sneakers. As a suit. Super casually (cut offs and a tee!). Shorts, any shorts, with your favorite tee or blazer or blouse might the outfit for your season. And there are so many shorts! From suiting shorts to tailored Bermudas to the beloved cutoffs. Even rompers.

a woman in black and white polka dot long sleeved blouse and short shorts with red cage sandals

Perhaps the biggest story for shorts? To play. For you to figure out how and what and where shorts make sense for you. How to style them to feel most like yourself. Shorts that make you feel your age- in all the best ways.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been both drawn to shorts lately and a bit scared of wearing shorts lately. Yet, for fashion, I’ve been pulling through. (Also, because I refuse to believe that we are too old to wear anything. If you think you look great, who does care? At least, this is what I am telling myself) Shorts can be: cheeky (in the attitude way. OR I guess the other way!), sophisticated, flirty, causal, dressy- and all the things in between. And if shorts can be ALL of that, what stories could we tell in our shorts?

I can’t wait to find out!

How do you feel about shorts? How do you wear them? And any tips for feelings on shorts? I am all legs!

I have linked some of the shorts above and shots I want to wear below! Happy shopping for shorts!

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!

a woman in pink linen shorts and a grey sweater and leopard mules

It’s Roberto Cavalli!

a woman in a Roberto Cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons, a white tee shirts and black sandal pumps

You may have heard by now, infamous designer Roberto Cavalli left us this week (see here, and for more insight here and here), and while I admit that I don’t have a ton of Cavalli pieces, the pieces I do own are simply amazing.

Like this skirt.

While I perhaps waited too long to shoot it (note to everyone: leather and 90 weather DO NOT mix!), this skirt is one of the dreamiest things I own. From the stitching. To the buttons. To the slight mermaid flare. And really, this is tame for Cavalli. It goes amazing with a simple white tee, or would be fantastic with any sort of sweater, sweatshirt, button down or blouse. Boots. Pumps. The thing about a great piece- like a Cavalli- is that it’s incredibly easy to style as it goest with oh so much. And elevates almost anything you pair it with.

a woman in a Roberto Cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons, a white tee shirts and black sandal pumps

Every time a great designer leaves us (and I feel as if it’s happening more often recently), I can’t help but search for their pieces- both for sale and on resale sites. It’s a bit of honoring the work, researching the work, viewing the work– and sometimes wanting to own a bit of the work. With Roberto Cavalli I couldn’t help but be attracted to his bold pattens, his mixing (I too feel as if leopard is a neutral and goes with florals!), and his iconic flowing sets. TBH I also fell in love with a bit of his snake details (which for this purpose came across in the shoes I found!). I am linking some of the skirts I found below for your own shopping/owning fashion history purposes!

Back to this leather skirt- I’ve had it for years, but each season I appreciate it more. It’s so well made, so thoughtful, so detailed.Even in the heat, it’s the perfect piece to wear with almost anything- even in the heat!

a two shot of Aiden and Carrie from SATC. Aiden : You're fighting with me over a stupid outfit? Carrie: Oh Shut up it's Roberto Cavalli

The following scene from Sex and the City got it right (say what you want about the show, but Carrie often did), Cavalli as a designer is not just some stupid outfit. His pieces aren’t just clothes. Our best designers gave us art. And perhaps the best way to honor them is to wear the art.

Did you love Cavalli? Do you own any?

As mentioned, I’ve linked similar skirts to this one for your pleasure below!
XO RA

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!

a woman in a white tee and a Roberto cavalli leather skirt with gold buttons and black pumps