Inspired By

Investment Piece: Inspired By
Investment Piece: Inspired By
Investment Piece: Inspired By
Investment Piece: Inspired By
Investment Piece: Inspired by
Investment piece: inspired by

I was lucky enough to recently make friends with a costume designer who inspired me. We met for happy hour the other week, and she told me story after story about one of her favorite outfits when she was younger: overalls, a silk shirt with great sleeves, heels, and her hair big. Inspired as I was, I couldn’t help but be inspired by that outfit. This is my take on it.

Overalls? Little girl? Maybe, but I think that when fitted properly, they can be chic. Heels? Always. And a great top with great sleeves? Done.
You’ve seen these pieces before: overalls and top. I loved them seperately. Together? I adore them. The sleeves make the overalls pop, and the way that necklace is obscured by the bib of the overall.

Most of all? I love my inspiration. The best part of style (I think) is that you can take inspiration from anywhere and really make it your own. My costume designer? I don’t think that her top was like this; but her stories made me remember how much I love overalls. It also made me think of how pairing things together can change the vibe of any outfit. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and our individual takes on outfits can make any combination special.

Who inspired your outfit today?
If the answer is no one, may I suggest this take on overalls? Pair them with any top you love and great heels, from teas to cocktails, you’ll inspire others!

I’ve linked similar items for your inspiration below!
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!

Armarium

Note: this post is part of my partnership with Armarium. All opinions are my own! By using code RADELICIA you get 10% off of all of your rentals from Armarium. I do not recieve compensation, but do get rewarded. I only partner with companies I love, truly adore these picks, and hope that you love Armarium as much as I do!

Investment Piece: Armarium

If you’re like me, and I bet you are, a struggle you may have is how to get all the fashion you want, store it, and yet support efforts for us all to cut down. When said all together like that, it can feel overwhelming. The great news? There is a solution! Armarium is my new go-to for renting designer looks for all my events.

Why rent? I can get a new piece for EVERYTHING I have to attend, I don’t have to worry about closet space, and it helps me spread my budget out. (Also, if you fall in love with something you have the option to buy it!) The process is seamless, and let’s me explore all the sides of my fashion personality, from suits to gowns to bags. This upcoming month I have a high tea for the Ballet, a cocktail engagement party, 2 birthday parties, and an investor meeting. Below are looks I love that are available for rent at Armarium. You can look though their collection here, and use code RADELICIA for 10% off!

Cocktail Parties
Investment Piece: Armarium
A classic dress for all my champagne needs!
Investment Piece: Armarium
I love how fun this fringe jumpsuit is!
Investment Piece: Armarium
Fun and Flirty and perfect for a night of dancing!

High Tea
Investment Piece: Armarium
Very British, perfect for tea.
Investment Piece: Armarium
You know I love juxatipositons, so when an event allows for it, I love playing with my accessories. This fringe bag is perfect for balancing out a tea!

Investor Meeting
Investment Piece: Armarium
Take me seriously, but let me look fabulous! Suit Up!
Investment Piece: Armarium
I adore this set! (And yes, you rent it together!!) No meeting could go poorly while wearing this!

Investment Piece: Armarium
I have no place to wear this gown. But I love it. So I may need to find a place!

Stay tuned to see what I wear (posts/Instagram/all over). Every month, I’ll be sharing things I love from Armarium and what I’m renting! Don’t forget: code RADELICIA gets you 10% all rentals!

Happy renting!
XO RA

The Smock

Investment Piece: The Smock
Investment Piece: The Smock
Investment Piece: The Smock

The Smock.

A smock can be a few different things, from something an artist puts on, to a lightweight garment that men and women used to wear to stay cool. The smock story I’m most familiar with? My mom used to smock all sorts of clothes for my sister and I growing up. Yes, shocking also means the small pleats and embroidery.

This smock story? I saw this smock(Ed) dress below on Instagram (@desertvintage) and fell in love:
Investment Piece: The Smock
I thought of wearing it with heels, boots, and loving all the vintage of it. So imagine my surprise when I showed my mom, and she said she had made something similar in the 1970s.
Investment Piece: The Smock

If I thought I could love a smock when it was just fashion, imagine how much I love it when it’s from my mom!

Investment Piece: The Smock
Investment Piece: The Smock

Cool and yet chic, modest but high end. I want to wear this with wedges (yes, I had to play to the 70s vibe), flats, strappy heels, and boots. Especially these boots. From cocktail parties to days running errands, it’s the perfect dress for spring!

(There is so many pieces I have that are smocked. Keep your eyes peeled for a fashion story on the topic soon!)

The best part about the smock for me? I got to wear a little bit of family fashion history.

What’s your first thought when you think of a smock? Do you have any of your family fashion history?
I’ve linked some similar pieces for you below! (Also, check out Desert Vintage, I clearly love their taste!)
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: The Smock
Shop this look here

Dino’s in the Wild

Investment Piece: Dino's in the Wild
Investment Piece: Dino's in the Wild
Investment Piece: Dino's in the Wild
Investment piece: Dino's in the wild
Investment Piece: Dino's in the Wild
Investment Piece: Dino's in the Wild

I love Dino’s. Like, get excited similar to a 5yo, love Dino’s. I’m always down for any sort of rewatching of any of the Jurassic Parks, and when I find Dino’s on my fashion? Heaven.

Fashion is supposed to be fun. And let your loves and personality shine. So letting your Dino’s in the wild? Right up my alley.

This sweater was a must have for me once I saw these buttons. (The shoulder pads and deep v are just extras, and amazing.) I knew that it would look great (keeping the rest of the outfit all black and simple, let’s my Dino’s shine. It also keeps me from veering into the “too much” category.) And because these buttons are ever-so-subtle, people can be delightedly caught off guard by them. Did I recently say I wasn’t a jeans-and-tee kind of gal? (See here). It turns out that I don’t overthink jeans and a tee when it’s part of expressing something I really love.

Maybe that’s the secret to all fashion? Find something you love, or a piece that expresses something you really love, and wear it. Can it be that simple?

I’d love to know: what’s something that you just love? Are you able to express it with your fashion?
I’ve linked similar items below, including this EXACT sweater!
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: Dino's in the Wild

Who Says You Can’t Go Home?

Investment Piece: Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Investment Piece: who says you can't go home?
Investment Piece: who says you can't go home?
Investment Piece: who says you can't go home?
Investment Piece: Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Investment Piece: Who Says You Can't go Home?

There’s a saying in vintage fashion circle. “What’s meant to be yours will always find you”. I’ve found it to be a very true statement. From the perfect vintage piece, to the one that seemed to stay around just so you could buy it, I find that we usually all get the right pieces. This doesn’t just apply to vintage.

In all shopping, I have a theory that what’s meant to be ours seems to find a way. With new arrivals this process can seem a bit easier, so while I will stand by it, I know it’s incredibly true for vintage and resale finds. What’s meant to be yours will find you; yes, with shopping you can go home.

And this is a story about going home.

It’s not that I don’t shop a lot (I do), but there are times when I save up and buy myself something special. Those shopping trips, and those items, are incredibly precious to me. The above shoes are such an item. Originally, I bought these shoes as a birthday present to myself, and I loved them. But then, tragedy struck and they were lost (fire). Knowing that they were important to me (and become very important to replace), I began searching for these shoes again.

(Some notes on resale shopping. This is one of my most favorite kinds of shopping as you can find AMAZING things; but it’s also the BEST way to get items you need to replace, or may have missed out on. If you do have something specific you’re looking for you can find it. Most things you want will pop up at some point, you just have to keep your eyes open. Local consignment shops are a great start-make sure the staff know what you’re looking for. I keep alerts on all the big sites: eBay, The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Tradesy, and Poshmar. Of course, there are a ton more sites! Just be consistent, use all keywords you can think of in your search, and of course, when you find something, buy it!

Investment Piece: Who Says You Can't Go Home?

I searched high and low to replace these beloved shoes. From onsite to in stores, I had my eyes peeled, and my sale alerts on. And then one day, out of the blue, these shoes appeared, and I was able to get them. Exactly the same, and just as beloved. You can go home, and what is meant to be yours can find you.

(Also, this dress is from one of those scary Instagram ads you get–but I love it!)

What fashion piece have you found that was special, or meant to be yours?
I’ve linked similar pieces to these above–hope some of those tickle your fancy!
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!

#OOTD Roundup

I have something to admit. There are days when I don’t get dressed. It’s not that I necessarily stay in my pjs all day (no judgement though); it’s just that sometimes my #ootd is a version of yoga pants and a tee. Simple. And I like to think, at times, still somewhat stylish. But all of the sudden, your view point on your daily outfits can change drastically when you start taking pictures of them for work.

I’m so grateful for my job, and I’m so grateful for fashion. There are times when making myself get a “real” #ootd on, and shoes I love, makes me more productive. (I think it’s the curse of working predominately from home that work can bleed into internet on the couch. The right outfit helps.) Also, there’s more than one day that I can get in my head and get a little anxious about things. (All the things) Call me crazy, but putting on an outfit that I love helps.

So, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite #ootds from recent weeks. You may have seen some of these on my Instagram (@racheladelicia), but some you may not have.

I’d love to know: what’s your go-to #ootd?
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!
Shop the look below via the link, or with your screenshot on the LiketoKnow.it App!

Investment Piece: #OOTD Roundup
Jean Jackets

Investment Piece: #OOTD RoundUp
Layering

Investment Piece: #ootd Roundup
Tough yet Sweet

Investment Piece: OOTD RoundUp
blue florals

Investment Piece: OOTD Roundup
Just adore this vintage coat/dress

Investment Piece: OOTd Round Up
This sheer dress was also one of my first posts: Is Sheer a Thing We’re Doing?. I’m still doing it!

Investment Piece: OOTD Roundup
I love fashion. And Dino’s. Shop here. (This is one of my fave shirts and these shoes I hunted down for years!!)

The best way to stay up to date with all the things I wear every day? Instagram (@racheladelicia). Will there be some yoga pants? Maybe. But maybe also great finds!

Xo RA

No Set. Match

Investment Piece: No Set. Match
Investment Piece: No Set. Match
Investment Piece: No Set. Match
Investment Piece: No set. Match

Sets are popular this season. And, beyond the fact that I love them, I get why. Having pieces that can go not only with each other but with other things in your wardrobe opens up endless outfit opprotunities.
But what about when you have no set?
Match.
Upside of having pieces that didn’t come as a set? You can make your own. The above skirt and top weren’t sold together. I didn’t buy them in the same season. Yet, even with no set, they match. Yes, my loves, it is worth it to stock your wardrobe with stunning pieces that can be worn in a mutlitude of ways. Then, when needed, you can pair some together and viola! You’ve got a set!

(We might also be able to make the case that having great black pieces in your closet is key–just make sure that your blacks match. Blue-based blacks and red-based blacks are different, and a glance in the sun will confirm that! Though I also love making sets with white, red, and other pieces that go together!)

Investment Piece: no set. Match
Investment Piece: No set. Match

My tips for making your own set:

Keep it somewhat simple
I’m all about a statement –those sleeves–but statement piece with a statement piece with a statement piece can be hard to pull off. It can also leave you with no tying factor. The play? Sets match, and when making your own I find it easiest to pick one color or pattern and match those together!

But have fun
So you’re putting together a skirt and top. Or pants with a jacket. Basic, right? Above I cautioned against loading your set with statement pieces. But having a bit of fun? That I whole heartedly support. Be it sleeves, shapes, shoes, or just the feel of the set in general, sets are meant to be boring. Even the ones you make yourself.

Side note: if you want to be a bit forward this summer, try making sets with a crop top. Technically this top is a crop, it’s just a bit longer and the skirt is high waisted!

What are your thoughts on sets? Especially the ones you put together yourself?

I linked pieces similar to the ones shown here! Happy shopping!
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: No Set. Match

Dots in Ungaro

Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro

There are dots that are classic, that are modern, and dots that just speak to you. I’ve never met a polka dot that I don’t love, especially a vintage one, and especially dots done as well as Ungaro did them.*** This number, with the belt, rouching, drape, and sleeve detail is both a modern marvel, and makes me feel as if I’m in a great 80s show.

Usually, when I have great vintage, I can’t help but wonder about the owner before me. Who she was, what she did, where she wore the piece. And I’m not saying I don’t here. But. These dots also urge me to look forward. Teas, cocktail parties, summer events, I can’t help but think of all the places I can wear this piece to–and all the ways to wear it!

With shoes that emphasize shape.
(On my Wishlist are also minimilist white heels, and I would love to pair those with this dress as well!)
The belt with a white tee and jeans.
When I want to feel classy and yet show a little back.
On days when I need cheering up (this pink!).
Cocktail parties in the summer.
And spring teas.

The owner before me must have had so many stories. I can’t wait to write some of my own in this dress.

****(Vintage Ungaro is a must have in my humble opinion. The drape, the details, the shapes, and the feel of modern and timelessness make them pieces you can wear at any time. Ungaro started designing in the 1960s, dressed celebs such as Princess Di, then retired in 2005, selling the company. With new ownership, Ungaro still produces fashion that’s divine!)

I’ve linked some of my favorite vintage Ungaro finds for your shopping pleasure below!
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: Dots in Ungaro

The Party’s Over

Investment Piece: The Party's Over
Investment Piece: The Party's Over
Investment Piece: The Party's Over

As you know, Karl Lagerfield recently passed away. No matter what your opinion of him, Karl, with his reign at Chloe and Chanel, influenced the way we dressed for years. And no doubt, that influence will continue for years. It’s the end of an era.

But what do you do when the party’s over? I’ve never been great at goodbyes, or change, and while the homebody part of me loves going home, some parties are hard to leave. There’s nothing wrong with lingering, right? Or wearing Karl’s creations for years, towing the line between revering the past and being excited about what’s to come.

Investment Piece: The Party's Over
Investment Piece: The Party's Over
Investment Piece: The Party's Over

Fashion tip of the party?
Don’t be afraid to wear the men’s pants. Literally.
Every item in this outfit, sans shoes, is from the men’s department. I love men’s button downs-the arm length, tailoring, and fit are perfect for me. Something that may be new to try? Men’s pants. They won’t be the exact same fit (they can be a bit on the roomier side, lower rise, and button on the opposite side), but there are times when men’s pants are the perfect thing. Often, the men’s section will have different colors, prints, and pockets than the women’s section. I don’t like to leave fashion unexplored. My favorite men’s pants? Tux. They can go slouchy yet still feel elegant, and are perfect for a party.

Below, I’ve linked various tux pants and bow ties (and amazing shoes!) for your shopping pleasure.
They may not all be Karl, but looks like this feel a bit like him. We could also shop CHANEL as a way to say goodbye?
😉
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!

Ready to Bloom

Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom
Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom
Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom

Has anyone else felt like this winter has lasted forever? I love sweaters and coats and boots and all of the great fashion that winter has to offer. Yet. There has been a hankering I’ve been having for florals, short skirts, and all of the great fashion that spring has to offer. And finally, after weeks of cold weather (though according to my great-grandma’s logic everyone is due one more cold snap before Easter), it is finally feeling warm. Like spring. Maybe, we’re all ready to bloom.

Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom
Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom
Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom

Since we’re all ready to bloom, I can promise that someone somewhere is going to make the :”Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking” joke. It’s coming. However, what if blooming applied to more than florals. A trend I’m letting bloom this spring? Bright colors, specifically neon. Is neon something you would think of when you think of me? No. Yet, I’m loving it.

Neon feels fresh and new. Blooming as a statement? I’ll make it. This neon yellow stands out, yet doesn’t feel like a highlighter. (I like to think the grey softens it.) And while yellow is usually not my go-to color, neon yellow has such a pop to it that I can’t help but feel like spring in it.

(There are also some neon pinks and greens and blues I love)

My tips for wearing neon?
– Don’t be afraid of it. Yes, neon pieces will look great with more subdued colors, take the risk of leaning into neon.
-color blocking neon is a great way to do the trend without feeling like it’s too much
-I love neon in short lengths, but there are some great maxi options as well
– HAVE fun

What makes you feel like blooming? Willing to give neon a try?

I’ve linked some pieces I love for you below. I hope they make you feel ready to bloom.
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!

Shop options: here

Investment Piece: Ready to Bloom