Shake your TailFeather

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather

We all have our first. Our first big purchase, our first favorite thing, our first time shaking your TailFeather.

*Sidenote: I am well aware that a pink feathered maxi skirt is not an everyday look. However, it was my first. Well, not my first. But one of them. What first, you may be asking? One of my first big purchases on eBay. Many moons ago, when I was teaching myself how to not only Shake my TailFeather in an authentic to me way, but also how to shop and find the things that I love, I found this gem on eBay. It’s Zara, back when Zara’s European offerings were different than the US ones. This pink feathered number filled me with visions of balls, romance, and shaking of tailfeathers.

This not only represents a great occasion look, but one of the first times that I was able to find and buy something special for myself.

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake your TailFeather

One way that I’ve learned to embrace how I shake my TailFeather? I love a reason to dress up. Or, more aptly, I just love to dress up. If I can get away with a special look, I’m wearing it.

I’m also a fan of taking a random occasion and making it special. This whole “you don’t have to dress up” thing? Or the dressing down thing–we don’t have to do that. We can shake our (literal) TailFeathers in any special occasion dressing whenever we want.

Or, at least, that’s how I Shake my TailFeather.

**Another SideNote: this bodysuit is one of my faves (I also have it in black and cream). It’s from some no-name place on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles that I bought many moons ago. I wear them with everything, but especially love them with maxi skirts.

All of this begs the question, how do you Shake your TailFeather? How do you want to?

While both the bodysuit and this amazing pink feathered skirt are a few seasons old, I’ve found similar items and linked them below for your shopping pleasure! Shake your TailFeather!

XO RA

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

Summer Swimsuit Guide

Investment Piece: Days in La

Loves, happy summer! This is one of my favorite seasons for so many reasons. The water, the long days, and I even can handle the heat (somewhat). The main reason I love summer?

I have a thing for swimsuits. In the water. But, and this is my biggest secret, out of the water too. I wear swimsuits as bodysuits, as tops, as the base for most of my summer outfits. So what does that mean?

We need new swimsuits.

Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round up

We all know how to pair a swimsuit with a cover up. Throwing on shorts or a t-shirt with your swimsuit is natural. I do that. What I also do? Plan outfits around my swimsuits. Pair them with higher end pieces. Use the swimsuits as anything but something that should go in the water. Or find the holy grail of swimsuits, one that works as well in the water as it does in life.

Investment Piece, leather swim, leather skirt, pleats, Norma Kamali, altazarra, high fashion, CA, TX

What am I loving this summer for swimsuits? One pieces in prints to wear with jeans, skirts, and shorts.
Highwaisted two-pieces that have a retro feel. And a selection of suits from some of my favorite brands! I’ve linked some each below!

Some of my current favorite One Pieces:

Two Pieces I’m crushing on:

As for brands? I can’t stop buying Jcrew suits. They’re always on trend, fit great, and are budget friendly!

JCrew Swim:

On the hunt for a standout suit that looks amazing with anything you can pair it with? One of my go-to brands is For Love and Lemons. Cutouts, Lace, and more for your swimsuit pleasure.
For Love and Lemons Swim:

One of my new obsessions? Onia swim. Their latest collaboration has the high waisted bikinis I love and the retro feel one pieces I love to pair with everything!

Onia Swim:

From the water to the runway, I feel like there’s a swimsuit for that. I would love to know your thoughts! What swimsuit styles are you looking forward to wearing this year? Do you wear your swimsuits as clothes like I do? Let me know!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Summer SwimSuit guide

Florals+Leopards+ Stripes

Investment Piece: Florals + Leopards + Stripes
Investment Piece: Florals+Leopards+Stripes
Investment Piece: Florals+Leopards+Stripes
Investment Piece: Florals+Leopards+stripes

Florals+Leopards+Stripes
I’ve been encouraging you mix these patterns. I’ve been telling you how to pair them, and that these patterns go together, even though their not the same. I made you a video about it (see it here) and I wrote about it here.

The thing about mixing patterns? It can be fun and it can be overwhelming. You’re taking pieces that look amazing on their own (how great is leopard with red or blue, how great are stripes with your jeans, why wouldn’t you want just a floral dress?) and you’re risking putting them together.
But loves, sometimes the reward that you get from a risk is worth it.

This floral skirt is one of my favorites (try a dark floral piece, somehow it pops) and I adore it with leopard heels (which somehow look like a neutral here). Another confession? This striped top with the leopard pants? I wore this outfit on Wednesday. I got nervous about it. On the drive to my meetings I couldn’t help but think :” This is too much. People will think I’ve lost my mind”.

But I got compliments. And I loved it.

Is mixing patterns (or at least florals+leopards+stripes) the way to conquer fears?
Maybe. Maybe not. I can promise that you’ll look amazing though.

Investment Piece: Florals+Leopards+Stripes
Investment Piece: florals+leopards+stripes
Investment Piece: Florals+leopards+stripes

There are so many ways you could go about mixing patterns. I go back to florals+leopards+stripes over and over again because I like these patterns seperately and I love the way that they go together. You can go subtle (like those pumps), a bit bolder (like the stripes and leopards) and the outfit can range from casual and fun to formal.

I get it. Mixing patterns can be scary. But it can also be fun. And well worth it. I’d love to know: you’ve come to the theme party, will you be mixing your patterns?

(I also couldn’t resist posting these examples of mixing florals+leopards+stripes)
Investment Piece: Redux
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, floral, Gucci, CA, TX

I’ve linked some similar items and florals+leopards+stripes that I love below. Know what I noticed this week? I don’t have a leopard top or blazer. Maybe I should change that!
XO RA

Note: prints and prices are mixed!

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

Investment Piece: Florals+leopards +stripes

How to Mix Patterns

Loves, we’ve been having our own little theme party all week! And today, we’re getting into the nitty gritty of mixing patterns. I know that many of you are a little scared to jump in and mix patterns. I’m hoping that this video answers some of your questions, relives some of your fears, and inspires you to get out there and mix it up (patterns that is!).

How to Mix Patterns

Now, loves, you know a bit about how I mix patterns. What I want to know: how can I help you? Got a mixing pattern question you’re dying to ask? Want some personal help putting an outfit together? Let’s chat! I’m all yours! racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com or slide into my DMs at @racheladelicia! You can also tag me in or send me your mixed pattern outfits, I would love to see them!!

Below I’ve linked some of my most favorite printed items! These pieces are great by themselves, and would look great mixed together (or with any piece in your closet). I hope that you find something you’re excited to mix!

XO RA

Leopard Picks!

Polka Dot Pieces!

Floral Picks!

Find something you love? Mixed up your patterns? Tag me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) I would love to see!

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

Mixed Patterns

Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns
Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns
Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns

Sometimes things don’t go to plan (see yesterday’s Sunday Chronicles).

Sometimes I get hung up on ideas and they don’t come to fruition. (It rained all morning when I was going to shoot)

And sometimes, I feel the need for a theme (because who doesn’t love a theme party?).

I get asked many questions. And one of the ones that keeps popping up, and one that I ponder is: how do you mix patterns?
Because the answer to this question is not cut and dried. It’s not easy. Mixing patterns is 90% experimentation, 5% courage, and 5% formula.

Investment Piece: Art of Dress

Yes, my loves. There are those of you who read that and thought: “Yay! Rachel is going to share the secret of mixed patterns.”
And then, those of you who read that and got “Um, did Rachel just say that there is no formula for mixed patterns?”

Loves, both of you are right.

Mixed patterns are hard and a scary and intimidating thing for most of us. Even if you’re a “fashion gal”. The thing is- there are no hard and fast rules about mixed patterns. I have my options and guidelines, I also talked about them here.

Investment Piece: Todd Oldham
Investment Piece: Wrap Dress

Mixed patterns. A theme I like, and a theme maybe we all need to explore. So, this week that’s what we’re going to do. What you can expect: outfits, videos and all the tips I can give and get us about mixing patterns. Maybe we can all conquer this whole mixing patterns issues together?

First up? The best advice I can give about mixed patterns. Make someone else do it for you.
What does that mean exactly? Buy a mixed pattern dress (or skirt or top). All you have to do is wear it. Simple? Cheating? Or brilliant? Either way, it’s a mixed pattern and you mastered it. So?

This week I’ll be sharing tips and really focusing on polka dots, florals, stripes, and leopard. Have another question? Another pattern that’s a must chat about? Let me know! Between videos and outfit posts and a Facebook Live (I’ll let you know the day and time) I’ll get it in!

Below I’ve linked some of my fave mixed patterns items. Can’t wait to conquer this theme with you!
XO RA

PS this weekend and the week leading up to it are some of the best sale shopping you can do! Yes, you and I are going to deal with mixed patterns, on site I’ll also be posting some of my fave sales picks (and the best sales!) Also make sure you’re on my email list, Instagram, and Facebook-I’ll be posting special sale items on those places too!

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: Mixed Patterns

Vintage Dots

Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots
Investment Piece: Vintage Dots

I’ve kinda lied. These dots aren’t vintage. But these jeans? They are. So half of one? Six dozen of the other?

And really, when the pieces are this amazing, does it matter what is vintage?

First: Nothing beats vintage Levis for the look from the back. I love the high waist, but my natural waist is super high. I keep hearing that low rise are coming back. That rumor sends chills down my back. If low rise comes back, please know that you will find me in my vintage Levis, rocking the high waist. And double bonus? Vintage Levis look amazing with just about ANYTHING.

Including dots. Polka dots are another one of those patterns that I think of as neutral. (At this point you may be wondering what I don’t consider a neutral, I’ll let you know when I find it.) The great thing about polka dots is that they can be fun and playful, and yet a bit sophisticated all at the same time. I love these big ones, and this top that can be worn on or off the shoulder. The sleeves pop a bit, and while it’s not vintage, I love that these dots feel a bit vintage. Goes great with jeans, pants, shorts, skirts, over a bikini. Why limit yourself?

You know me, I’m a sucker for details.

The shoes? Gucci. I have a thing for red shoes. I have a thing for bling, even when it’s hidden. Gucci has my heart. And the sling back and slight heel is perfect for any occasion. You can feel special, but not over the top. These are from a season or so ago, but there’s good news. When the style isn’t current the chance you can find them on a resale site. Covetable style for less? Yes, please!

This outfit has become my go to, it’s perfect for running errands, as well as happy hours. Vintage dots for the beginning of summer win?

I’ve linked similar styles below. I’d love to know- how do you rock dots?

XO RA

And you can score some amazing deals:

Rent The Runway

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: Vintage Dots

The One That Almost Didn’t Happen

Investment Piece: The One that almost didn't happen
Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen
Investment Piece: The One that Almost didn't happen

Have I mentioned that I like to tempt fate? Apparently I do. Last week was a bit crazy with all the family events (some of us had birthdays: Mom and me. And let’s not forget Mother’s Day!) So, I may have outlined everything, but left some work to the last minute.

You know. Like shooting the looks. And writing about the looks.
I pretend like I have things together at all times. Please know that is a lie.

This look? This look is the one that almost didn’t happen. Not because it’s all white, a risk at all times.
Not because the skirt is leather, a risk now that Mom’s house (TX) has decided it’s summer.

Seriously. It’s 95. Get it together spring!

Note: this skirt is almost the one that I replaced in this story about letting go.

This look almost didn’t happen as I couldn’t get the camera to charge. Then I did and got this look (which I love for any night out) shot.
This look almost didn’t happen as I couldn’t get my editing software to work. Then I did, and got them uploaded.

This look almost didn’t happen, but it did. (Thank you to all the champagne, cursing, and huffing that helped, or so I like to think.)

Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen
Investment Piece: The One that Almost didn't happen
Investment Piece: The One that Almost didn't happen
Investment Piece: The One that Almost didn't happen

This is the one that almost didn’t happen. But it did. So, let’s chat about it?

I like all white. It’s innocent and risky all at the same time (like an angel just waiting to spill on herself). Loves, you know me by now, as much as I like all white any outfit for me comes down to the details. In the one that didn’t happen? It’s the leather skirt (WITH POCKETS). The rose gold leather bra paired with a sheer white sweater (perfect for the summer, and you can wrap it any way that works). And these shoes. I have a thing for feathers. I have a thing for heels that are clear (they’re in this year). And I have a thing for things that pop.

The one that almost didn’t happen? Perfect for any special summer night. Or take a night and let this combo make it special. You know, make it happen.

My goal for the rest for the week is to not leave everything to the last minute. Wish me luck. Or stay along and see what exciting things happen?

The skirt is vintage and this sweater is a good 10 years old. Lucky you, I’ve found similar and these exact shoes (as well as some affordable options) are linked below). This did happen, and I have faith in you recreating it!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain some 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 one that almost didn't happen

Birthdays and Sales!

Investment Piece: Birthdays and Sales!
Investment Piece: Birthdays and Sales!
Investment Piece: Birthdays and Sales
Investment Piece; Birthdays and sales
Investment Piece: Birthdays and Sales
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece: Days in LA

It’s still my birthday (ok, maybe not really). But I’m still celebrating my birthday. And since when it’s your birthday you can do whatever you like, I’m doing just that. I’m looking back at some of my favorite looks from this past year, and sharing them with you. And because, everyone should have some new for my birthday, I’ve linked some of my favorite sales pieces from the week below!

I hope you get champagne, love and new this weekend!

I’m still celebrating and I think you should be, too!

XO RA

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

Going Green

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, water works, high fashion, kenzo,vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, kenzo, vintage, waterworks, CA, TX

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re just so tired that everything seems a little draining? I’ve had that kind of week. How cool is it that I was so wiped that I went to bed at 9p last night? Yes, the rumors are true, I’m a cool kid.

What do I do when I have weeks that just drain me? Go green. Get to the water. And since I can’t always get to ocean, I get to any water I can. These pictures were taken by one of my loves, Megan Weaver, in the water gardens in downtown Fort Worth. While not the ocean, the sound of the water soothes my soul and reenerginzes me.

As for going green? Let’s chat about this dress!

Investment Piece, waterworks, Fashionblogger, high fashion, kenzo, vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, kenzo, vintage, high fashion, waterworks, CA, TX

Pastels may show up every spring but when they look as good as this green dress, can you really be mad about that? This perfect sage green and the pink screams spring (and we know I love a great juxtaposition, hence the gladiator sandals).

I got this dress on Etsy- vintage Kenzo. I love the green color, but also the timeless cut- and the details. Those sleeves, that belt. They say that being outside, in the green, is good for you. Does that count for green dresses’ too? Asking for me.

Full confession? I’ve had this dress for a bit. Ok, over a year. And these pictures weren’t taken this week. But, when I need to feel as free as I did when we took them-running in waterfalls and all–I relive the memory. And, just maybe, go green in this dress.

How do you deal when you’re drained?

The dress is vintage and the shoes are from many years ago, but I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure.

Xo RA

Investment Piece: Going Green