outfits – Page 57 – Investment Piece

Formal Black

Investment Piece: Formal Black

Cliche: wearing all black, formal dresses only being black, and fashion girls wearing only black. The thing about cliches, though? They’re cliche for a reason. And how does something become a cliche? By being a staple go-to, something that works, and something that we all love. All black? It’s chic and it works. Formal black? Always a classic. Fashion girls wearing black? Why not?

But loves, here’s the thing about cliches: they don’t have to be cliche.

Sound crazy? It’s not. I promise.

Take this formal black dress. It hits all the cliches: black, long, formal, and worn by a fashion girl. But is it just another unoriginal formal black dress? I think not. Let’s discuss.

Investment Piece: Formal Black

So if black is cliche, and formal black is the utmost cliche; what is black that’s part sheer, part slip, part formal, and all chic?

Did I mention it has a train?

And that cowl back?

Cliche doesn’t have to be boring. And maybe cliche isn’t cliche. Is it the details that prevent something from completely cliche? If so, this dress has them in spades. I can’t resist a train. Or a cape. I just can’t. (And why would you want to?) So I have to admit that one of the first things that I loved about this dress was the train. Other things I love? The juxtaposition of the straight skirt and the lace and sheer top. All black, but giving a nod to lingerie dressing.

This number, cliche or not, is all formal but fun, a little sexy but perfect for all your classic needs. Does it matter if it’s cliche if it’s this good?

Investment Piece: Formal Black

And who doesn’t love formal black with a pop of leopard? That completely changes the cliche convo, right?

(Also, I still believe that leopard is a neutral)

If you loved this look and these thoughts, you’ll love: All Black Chic, Summer Black, Black Tie Fringe, Pop of Leopard, and Trend to Try: Leopard (EVERYTHING).

Yes, surprise! The above formal black dress is vintage. However, I’ve linked similar items below. Let’s not be afraid to wear all black, be cliche, and have our cliche not be cliche. Sound like a lot? I believe in us!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Formal Black

Logo Week: Fendi Pants

It’s still logo week. Yes, it may be a thing that I made up, but I like my creations so we’re sticking with it. And why wouldn’t we celebrate a week devoted to logo’s? As we chatted about Monday, the wearing of logos is undergoing a resurgerance. From runways to vintage, there”s a way to rock your logos. My way? All the ways.

I have to admit that the Fendi logo was not one that I had in spades before these pants. Gucci? Gucci I have a collection of all that. Fendi was a new logo to lust and collect. I fell in love when I saw a friend in vintage Fendi pants VERY similar to these new Fendi pants. Maybe I have a thing for vintage logos? Or maybe I don’t care about the logo when the cut is cute. Either way, and maybe it’s a little of both, I knew that I wanted to get my own vintage Fendi pants.

Mainly, as they are fun.
This is also the part where I tell you that I love the new ones, too. If you wanted to buy me a pair, or this Fendi logo dress I wouldn’t be mad. It is the blog’s birthday month, and my birthday is coming up. Just saying.

After falling in love with the Fendi logo, and yes, that includes the new offerings, I knew that I had to have my own. Sometimes the trick to getting what you want is looking for vintage (more on that tomorrow), so I started my search for Fendi pants in my usual places. Where I scored? eBay. And I couldn’t be happier!

I love the navy, the logos, the flare. There is this huge temptation to make the logo piece the center of the outfit. And I do–how great is this sweater? But I also think that you could use logos as a neutral. Hard? Yes. You do have to take into consideration the mixing of patterns, etc. However, I think that you could use the logo as a neutral, or at the very least a way to pop another color. Something new to try?

I’ve linked some of my favorite Fendi logo items, as well as similar sweaters and shoes below. Happy logo week!

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!

These pics were taken by @KYNPhoto (on Instagram) and it’s one of those times I had a hard time choosing!

Logo Week: Gucci Boots

Investment Piece: Logo Week: Gucci Boots

Logos. We all have an opinion. And dare I say–we all secretly love them?

Confession: there was a time when I thought that wearing logos was a bit tacky. Gauche even. I mean, head to toe logos? I didn’t think it was for me.

And yes, I love mixing low and high. It’s modern and feels fresh. But, maybe I’ve evolved. Maybe my sense of fashion has changed. Loves, it turns out I have a thing for logos. So much so that it’s logo week here at Investment Piece.
Now, there are some caveats to my new found love of logos. But before we get to those (as my logo tips are good) let’s enjoy these Gucci boots–because loves, they are good too.

Note: This shoot was spur of the moment while I was wearing this outfit and fell in love with flags in the air. Not the best pics I know, but this is how much I truly love this outfit. Points?

Investment Piece: logo week: Gucci boots

What really prompted logo week? Not only these amazing Gucci boots. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but logos are having a moment. From Gucci to Fendi to Dolce, there’s not only a resergance of vintage logo items seen everywhere; but, a selection of new logo items from all the designers for our wearing pleasure.

Again, I thought that logos were not for me. As logo week will prove, I was wrong.

We know that I have a thing for Gucci (and these Gucci Boots) and that I have a thing for vintage. Loves, when vintage and logos are combined it’s fantastic. And if you want to buy me some of the new logo pieces I won’t be mad at you. In the mean time these are my tips for wearing logos:

– Don’t wear logos head to toe. Yes, they do it on the runways. Yes, I live my life like it’s a runway. Maybe don’t do head to toe logos unless you’re on a real runway. It’s fresh to mix them up with low end/other pieces.
-Vintage logo pieces are super chic. New is fun. Vintage logo pieces are fantastic. And if you love the look of the new logo pieces, vintage gives you the chance to get the look for less!
-Wear logos different places. Shoes. Clothing. Accersories. If you like a logo there’s a piece for you.

What’s coming this week? More logos. More tips. More shopping. Let’s logo week?

OH! About these Gucci Boots! I found them vintage on Etsy. I was terrified that they wouldn’t fit, as vintage shoes hardly ever do. I love the kitten heel, the logo, and the way that they’re causal but feel special. I can’t stop wearing them with jeans and tees and sweaters. I’m trying to find a way to wear them with skirts and dresses-stay tuned!

I’ve linked some of my favorite logos and these fave jeans (AYR) and sweater. Happy Logo Week!
XO RA

If you’re looking for great vintage logos this is a great place to start:

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: Logo Week: Gucci Boots

FBF: Tied Up

Loves, as you know, we’re using the Friday’s in April to look back at some of my first posts, and the history of Investment Piece. Today? Tied Up. Why? I still wear this outfit (I legit just wore these shoes to get the mail and this top is a spring/summer go-to). But, more importantly, this was one of my first times shooting with a REAL photographer, you know, not just me and an iPhone or me and a camera. This tied up shoot marked the beginnings of my relationship with Katy Shayne–and that changed the blog. Learning how to work with an other professional, swap ideas, give over some control, and upping the quality were huge steps for me.

This is the part where I let you know I’m a control freak–so tied up for me also means letting other people take control. That’s a lot for a FBF .

So, without further ado: let’s get tied up. I’ve kept all the orginal wording, but have updated shopping options. Thank you for indulging my FBFs!

Xo RA

Loves, I have two confessions: I’m becoming obsessed with vintage denim, and these Dr Scholl’s slides are more comfortable than they have a right to be. I love the slight flare of the jean–it goes great with this shirt tied up, or with all of my closet. The slides are perfection–as is the clutch that Clare V makes (that truly holds everything). I have to give credit to my cousin for introducing me to the slides (I completely copied her!) and I have to let you know–there’s something so comforting about this outfit to me. Pulled together, comfy, and just slightly summer-y. Perfect for errands or whatever the day throws at you!
XO RA

Details:
Denim: AAVintedge
Shirt:JCrew
Shoes: Dr Scholls
Bag: Clare V

Updated shopping:

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

Green Envy

Investment Piece: Green Envy

Jealousy is not always cute. I mean, we all get jealous, but there’s a huge chance that jealousy doesn’t look good on any of us. Get close to me and I will admit that I can get possessive, as if that’s something not as green as jealousy (it is!). But, what if a little green looks good on you? What if you look so good in green that you give others green envy?

***Yes, I know that green and jealousy aren’t synonyms but they go together. And I couldn’t resist. My big hope? Not for you to be jealous, but you to look so great in green that you make other people jealous. Make green envy work for you!

Remember when I thought I couldn’t wear green? Refresh yourself here. There was a time when I really thought that green wasn’t for me. Turns out, I was wrong. And have been proven wrong over and over again. Who knew?

This green is another vintage number (new thought: does green envy work for me only when it’s vintage? Discuss) from my Vintage trips with Bloomers and Frocks. (You can read about the trip here and Bloomers and Frocks here.) Confession? I didn’t pick out this dress. And it’s not in my closet, that’s right, it’s still available (I think) at Bloomers and Frocks (if you love it you might want to get on that). However, it was another time when I was convinced that green wouldn’t look good on me, and it did. Yes, shades have something to do with it, as does design. I love that this number is essentially a shirt dress, and was so comfy! I like the pattern, and the way it could be dressed up or down. In short, you’re lucky I’m leaving it for you.

Maybe the lesson is there’s a green for all of us? Or maybe green envy is so real that it can change your thoughts on a color? I don’t know, but in the mean time let’s get some green to inspire envy in everyone. Sound like a plan?

I’ve linked similar items to this green number 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: Green Envy

FBF: First Neutrals

Investment Piece: FBF First Neutrals

Investment Piece:FBF first neutrals

As promised (or threatened) today marks part of our blog birthday celebration with FBF posts of some of my first shoots. Here: my first neutrals. This goes back to the days when I wasn’t 100% sure what I was doing (let’s not chat about if I do now), and it was just me and my iPhone and a tripod. I had one of those remote controls you can get for your phone, I had no experience with photos or spacing, or websites for that matter.

When I look back at some of these looks I can’t help but be struck by how far I’ve come–even in just the photography. There are shoots I love, and pics I adore from this time in the blog; and others that I can’t believe I posted. I can’t help but be so happy about where I am now; yet I can’t help but miss parts of my life (the building is my old apartment in LA), and we can all be surprised that I still wear some of these outfits.

As it turns out, first neutrals last. The faux leather skirt with a light sweater was one of my go-to’s about 3 years ago. The combo made me feel pulled together and lady like. And I still rock this look. What I love about head to toe neutrals? It reads classy, it can feel expensive (even when it’s not. the skirt is Zara). This look is perfect for work or cocktails. And lets me feel like an “adult”. (An underrated but sometimes important part of getting dressed in the morning).

These pics of my first neutral are some that I still love. Yes, I look at them now and think of how I could take them better. I sometimes think of reshooting all my first looks (but I have so much new fashion to share). But it’s nice that I can look back at my first neutrals, at this blog, and this community that we’re building and love them. Happy birthday to us all!

And yes, this FBF gave me the logo image that I still use:

Investment Piece: FBF First Neutrals

While this first neutrals look is 3 years old, I’ve linked similar items below. Stay tuned for more blog birthday celebration- FBF’s and giveaways! Have I told you lately that I’m grateful for you?

XO RA

Thank you for celebrating the blog birthday with me!

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!

I Let Another Blogger Dress Me

Investment Piece: I let another blogger dress me

It’s no secret that we all get various fashion inspiration from each other on the Internet and Instagram. I’m not immune to it (yes, I still outfit ideas too). And the “I let my Boyfriend/Dad/Grandma/Tinder Dates” dress me is a piece you may see on many a blog, written by many a blogger.

Today I’m flipping the script (?) and I’m letting another blogger dress me.

Let’s be clear- she doesn’t know that she’s dressing me, but she is. Confused?

Yesterday, whilst scrolling through my Facebook feed I came across this article from ManRepeller. While it is worth reading in it’s entirety, the main point is that pedal pushers are the new “thing” and Leandra gives a few outfits to showcase this fashion “necessity”.

As she says:
We spend a lot of time talking about the fact that trends are dead and how liberating such a notion can be. On the one hand, abiding by a sartorial template constructed by someone else is restricting. On the other, thanks to the pervasive and prolific popularity of style-as-broadcasted-by-social-media in all its millions of permutations, everyone’s opinions are on display — not just opinions that trickle off the runway. Still, there are overarching themes that overwhelm the cues we take each season. Within those themes, subcategories are born to foster the growth of various items, and for the upcoming spring (if it ever arrives!), pedal pushers (pants — or are they shorts? — that hit just below the knee) are the choice way to cover your hooha.

You probably remember all the time I spent extolling the genesis of knee-cap leggings as pants (particularly because I haven’t stopped), so this seems like a natural transition. One that calls for outfit ideas, tips, tricks and a little bit of breastmilk if you want some.

And Leandra goes onto give outfit ideas. Again, worth your time. I was inspired and confused by this ideal and left with questions.

Are pedal pushers chic?
Could I pull them off?
Should I let another blogger dress me?

Loves, as we know, the answer is often in the doing. So I’m doing. Tonight I have an event celebrating Fashion X in Austin, TX. I’m going to wear a version of this:
Investment Piece: I let another blogger dress me

Will it work? Will I look stupid? What will people say?

I don’t know. When I get dressed (yes, this was a spur of the moment decision and clearly a last minute post) I’ll be posting a ton of pics on my Instagram (@racheladelicia), including a live story getting dressed. I’d love your feedback!

And then I’ll report on how letting another blogger dress me went. I’ll either love Leandra or be wary of her outfit ideas when this is over.

Win/win?

Wish me luck!

Some questions for you:

Would you rock pedal pushers? Would you let a blogger dress you (PICK ME!)?

Don’t forget to look out this evening on Instagram! (@racheladelicia)

Xo RA

Jumpsuit + Feathers

Investment Piece: Jumpsuit + Feathers

Forget what anyone else has told you. The most ambitious crossover? Feather shoes. Or more specifically, for today, jumpsuits + feather shoes.

Here’s the thing: clear heels and feathers, you might think “lady of the night”. They’re so fun. BUT, can be tricky to style. (Though me being me, I say just wear them with what you love.) My solution? Pair them with a tux inspired jumpsuit. One could argue with a neckline like this, it’s not exactly conservative, but it balances the fun shoe.

I love that none of the colors “match” but they go together. I love that tuxes are thought of as buttoned up, feathers as fun, and jumpsuits as throw on and go; and together it’s a showstopper.

Because, if you’re going to have feathers, have Jumpsuit + Feathers!

Investment Piece: Jumpsuit + Feathers

Feather shoes may seem like a lot, but I love the sense of play that they bring to anything. You don’t have to dress them up (or pair them with a jumpsuit). I love these with little white dresses and skirts (they’re a thing) and jeans with a t-shirt.

And loves, these aren’t just any feather shoes. They’re Brother Vellies. That means that they’re ethically made, support women and kids, support trade in Africa, and you know–they’re gorgeous.

A little about Brother Vellies and these feather shoes:

Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James with the goal of introducing the rest of the world to her favorite traditional African footwear, while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs within Africa. Handmade in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco, Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts.

You can buy the feather numbers here and so many more amazing styles at Brother Vellies. I just love them!

Investment Piece: Jumpsuit + Feathers

I love tux jumpsuits. And jumpsuits. See here and here. What I love about this tux jumpsuit is that it’s a classic (and you could wear something under or over the top) and a bit sexy. It looks great with flats, sneakers, or heels.

I made a friend take these pics on this street in Beverly Hills because sometimes I can’t resist being a basic blogger. Wearing the feather shoes with a tux jumpsuit is because I can’t resist outfits that shake things up.

You know I love a great juxatipositon.

I’ve linked similar items below. Wishing you a day where you get to embrace all the things you can’t resist!
XO RA

A great place to rent jumpsuit and feathers:

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

Investment Piece: Jumpsuits + Feathers

#purple

Investment Piece: #purple

Loves, I honestly try to come up with great post titles, and show off my quirky sense of humor in the process. Sometimes, that’s just hard. This time? I got nothing. This is #purple. That’s it. Maybe simple is the new quirky? Let’s just go with that.

It’s no secret that I have a thing for purple. It’s a great color-regal, classy with a twist, and representative of my college team. I wear it often (including all Friday’s during football season). See here, here, here, here, and here. Yes, there are more purple outfits if you didn’t get enough. Just search “purple” on the menu. I guess the good news is that I’m consistent?

Point being, purple is a great color. You should wear it.

Another great thing to wear? A wrap dress. They are easy yet elegant, always in style, and can be dressed up or down. DVF made the case for the wrap dress to be a staple, and I’m one of those crazy people who believes we shouldn’t argue with DVF. You can see some of my other favorite wrap dresses here, here, and here. Yes, that last wrap dress was from when the blog was just a baby (and I didn’t really know what I was doing). Proof that things change, but great style lasts?

I love this purple wrap dress with these stirrup tights. Yes, I have stirrup yoga leggings that I wear with everything, but these are just hose. That look great with a variety of skirts, dresses, heels, and flats. This dress is just a tad bit sheer, so I love that the flats relax the look a little. This would look great at work or a night out, but I have to admit, I love throwing this dress on after Pilates, over my leggings. It makes me feel pulled together as I go about my day, and I always get compliments. Yes, my styling was inspired by my fitness class. Maybe that’s the quirky part?

I’ve linked some of my favorite wrap dresses and purple looks below!
Happy Shopping!
XO RA

If you love vintage DVF wrap dresses like I do, TheRealReal is a great place to find one!

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

Investment Piece: #purple

Play Ball

Investment Piece: Play Ball

Spring? It’s sprung. And it’s time for those traditional words that symbolize the season for so many:

PLAY BALL.

Am I a baseball gal? Not really, unless I’m at the game. I am a sports gal, and I have to say that going to a live game is one of the biggest joys! The crowds, the game, the despair, the hope, the coming together, and your team winning. Sports are amazing in so many ways.

Even baseball.
(This is probably not the time for my rant about how golf isn’t a sport. Maybe a plaid for that?)

(This may be a time for my rant on female “fashion” options when it comes to sports. I’m a woman. I love sports. I love fashion. However, that doesn’t mean that I need sequins to show my passion for my team. Not that I don’t love sequins. See Hillflint (Not an affiliate link, I just love them. Find great pieces to rep your college and professional teams!)

I have linked similar and new items below for your fresh start.

Here’s to play ball!
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: Play Ball