Category: shoes

Party for Two

velvet dress with gloves on it, on a red couch, with black pumps on the floor
a woman in a velvet dress with a glove print on a red couch with her cat
a woman in a velvet dress with a glove print on a red couch

December has the reputation for being the “party” month- and with all the holidays in December, that could be true. However, I argue that February is a party month all it’s own that rivals December. Maybe it’s because we’re firmly in the new year, and spring is coming and we’re ready to get out of the house. Maybe because it’s a short month, with more than one holiday, that it feels as if our weekends book up (or at least mine are!). Maybe it’s because with Valentine’s there are more date nights, Galentine parties, and just nights out in general. So, there’s a chance that you pull out your party looks from the winter holidays (or you buy new! I’m routinely posting some of my February looks from date night to Valentine parties over on LTK and ShopStyle Apps!) and there’s a chance that those looks get a second life.

Full confession? This velvet number- I love the retro feel of it and the glove detail- was a dress that I wore (at home) for NYE. Ironic that I’m changing my styling of the same dress for Valentine’s (aka a party of two)? Yes, I’ll probably still be on the couch, but this time, I’m acknowledging that I probably won’t be in heels at all -I’ll embrace being barefoot. And I’ll be doing all my nails to match the nails on the dress! While I LOVE having my hair up, for a party of two, I’m thinking of wearing it down and just letting it fall. (And if it ends up in a bun at the end of the night, then so be it!) Simple makeup, but a great perfume.

Not a complete 180, but just enough of a difference to make a party dress feel brand new, for a different kind of party.

a woman in a velvet dress with gloves on it on a red couch

This is also where I tell you that I love parties at home- especially parties for two. You get to eat what you like, unlimited refills, no lines, no surcharges. And your party dress can also turn into party pjs if you like! I LOVE dressing up, breathing new life into party dresses I’ve worn before- and I love being able to change it on the fly at home. The coming weeks may have more than one party for two, or girls night, or self love night. I hope that you wear something that makes you feel like a celebration. And I’m hoping whoever you’re with appreciates it too!

I’ve linked this exact outfit for you below! If you style it, I would love to see! And again, follow me on apps for more February party looks!
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!

Cold Weather Chic

a woman in a black and white puffed skirt, black puffer coat and black Uggs
a woman in a black and white puffer skirt, black puffer jacket, and black Uggs
a woman in a black and white puffer skirt, black puffer jacket, and black Uggs
a woman in a white and black puffer skirt, black puffer jacket, and Black Uggs
a woman in a black and white puffer skirt, black puffer coat, and black Uggs

I have a complicated relationship with the cold. Mainly, I have no idea how to deal with it. Being raised in a warmer climate, and then living most of my adult life in a really mild climate hasn’t led me to have much winter weather experience. A few years ago, for the first time in my life, I experienced snow that didn’t melt right away. And I was floored. The thing is, maybe as I don’t get a lot of it, I’m fascinated by snow. I think it’s magical, and I ask for it every Christmas. Of course, I live in places where we completely shut down when it gets too cold, snow gets to be a special thing.

While I have a thing for snow- I have no idea what to wear for it. Every year I think ski clothes, big jackets, etc are so chic. I dream of cold weather outfits. And then, when the temps drop, I wear nothing but sweats, usually more than one at a time. As I’ve never had to, I’m not sure how to dress for both the cold (and I also get COLD in the cold) and chicly.

One of my goals this year, when the temps eventually dropped, was to somehow be both warm and chic. And loves- I think I’m getting the hang of it. Here I’m wearing long Johns (because you can’t be chic if you’re cold) under a puffer skirt (they’re a thing. This one is from an independent brand that sadly shut down, but besides being quilted, it’s lined and so warm!), with a puffer jacket, and my Uggs (they are a classic for a reason!). I was able to handle being outside (for a while! Then I ran back into a heating pad and hot tea!), and while I may be biased, I felt chic.

And being warm and chic once is making me rethink all my winter clothes, though I’m also looking forward to it warming up again!

How do you deal with the cold? And what do you wear? Do you feel any pressure to look chic while combatting the cold? If you’re looking to recreate this look, I’ve linked similar pieces for you below I do think it’s going to be my go-to for when it’s cold but I need to be a little fashionable!
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 black and white puffer skirt and a black puffer jacket with black uggs

Just Jeans

a woman in slightly flared jeans and a silky sheer top with platform shoes
a woman in slightly flared jeans and a silky sheer top with platform shoes
a woman in slightly flared jeans and a silky sheer top with platform shoes

I’m not great at in betweens (I may have mentioned that once or twice see here, here, and here for starters). But there are times when in-between- or just jeans (aka what I call not a party dress, because truly, a party dress of some sort is always my go-to) However, there are times when just jeans are such a treat, especially when the outfit straddles the line between casual and statement.

Just like these slight flares with this ever so sheer shirt and the most incredible flatform shoes (see details here, and while I bought these Gucci years ago, I know that this style is avail on eBay and Vestaire -and I’m sure other resell sites about!) Just the slightest bit of a statement, just this side of casual.

Maybe I am getting good at this whole just jeans thing or in betweens.

a woman in slight flares and a slightly sheer shirt with flatforms
a woman in slight flare jeans and a slightly sheer shirt with flateform shoes
a close up of pink and yellow flatform shoes and slight flare jeans

My secret to wearing just jeans? Dress them to the occasion. Aka when I had to go to a meeting (that yes, could have been an email) I needed to dress up just a tad so I would feel great about going (and of course if you don’t need to dress up to bribe yourself to go anywhere jeans look just as great with a t-shirt or sweatshirt, but I’m sure you knew that! Jeans are also easy to pair with everything from slippers to heels but I’m sure you knew that too!) I had to wear a shirt and shoes that made it feel like an occasion. (side note: with sheer or sheerish shirts you have options- play sheer up with black underthings or play sheer down with nude or slips underthings. Whatever you’re most comfortable with or whatever your occasion calls for!)

While there have been times when I didn’t know how to style or deal with just jeans, as I’m getting older-or more comfortable in my skin- the more comfortable I am in just jeans. And of course that also means that you need jeans that fit you insanely well. For me, that means a high waist (I am stupid high waisted), and a bit of stretch never hurt no body, a slight flare seems to be in right now- but any jean that feels good on you is good. Any top- from sheer to tee to sweatshirt- that you feel good is in good.

I don’t know that I believe in just jeans. Every outfit tells a story, and the jean outfit we wear to meetings to errands to brunch to occasions are different, special, and yours. For every just jeans outfit I hope that you find something that helps you tell a story that is anything but just (because none of our stories are just something!)
a woman in slight flare jeans and a silky sheer shirt with flatworm shoes

What do you wear with jeans? And do you ever think there’s a “just jeans”?
I’ve linked these exact jeans (on sale) and top (under $50!) for you below. These shoes are from seasons ago, and again you can find them resale (if you want help with that please reach out!) but I’ve also linked similar ones 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!

THE Holiday Dress

a woman in a purple plaid gown and shoes in from of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a plaid purple gown and shoes in front of stone wall and trees

Tis the season for a dress. Like THE holiday dress. From holiday parties to engagements to fantasy, and let’s be honest, this kind of dress is a bit of a fantasy.Or at least, wearing it has always felt like one. Yes, there are a ton of places to wear a gown this holiday season from the ballet to the holiday parties- but gowns are special and rare. The good news is that when you wear a gown you feel both special and rare- and a bit like a fantasy. (Full disclosure, this Carolina Herrera gown was a gift, but it’s made me feel so incredibly fancy and I’m so grateful this holiday season has given me more than one opportunity to wear it.)

a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes on a stone steps with an iron gate
a woman in a purple plaid Gown by an iron gate and stone steps
a close up of a purple plaid gown and purple and rhinestone mules with heels

This gown, and let’s call it what is is, a gown, has seen me through cocktail parties, Nutcracker performances, and quite frankly some holiday pictures that have made me feel amazing. At the holidays, fantasy or big dresses are the dream, right? Like, I’ve had fantasies about dresses that make me feel like some sort of princess (or queen), but this gown fulfills all of those! And from events to parties, this dress fits right in! The train, the fit, the details. It’s both fantasy and yet holiday greatness.

What do you look for in a holiday dress? Function can be a bit easy. Fantasy, THE dress? A bit more imagination is needed (but I believe in your imagination!) And, of course, THE dress, may be different for all of us. What does THE holiday dress look like for you?

a woman in a purple plaid dress in a stone walkway with a tree

*Note, an easy low cost hack for this exact look would be a maxi trench coat with heels* Also Note these shoes are seasons old but I’ve found you similar!
What are you wearing for your most special holiday look this year? I would love to know!

This gown was a gift, and I’m so grateful for it! Again, a hack is to get a long trench and wear it as a dress. This is a Carolina Herrera, and while I’ve linked some for you below, I’m also available to search for you a resale one (which is how I get most of my designer things! Resale is great, and after the holidays is the best time of year to shop! Need help navigating? I would love to help at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com)

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 purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees

For Me, It’s the Vibes

WOMAN in s strapless black top, black pants, kitten heels, camel coat, and bamboo handle Gucci purse
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat and bamboo Gucci bag
a woman in a strapless black top and pants, camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top, pants, kitten heels, camel coat on her shoulders, bamboo Gucci bag

This outfit read 1960s to me. And who doesn’t want to be a 60s goddess? From big hair (yes, on me it fell!) to a matching set (how could you not love this button down top with a cropped pant!) to accessories (yep, the kitten heel to the camel coat to the vintage Gucci bag, which they have made a newer version of!). We could chat eras. And modern meets vintage. Or how the accessories can make an outfit, or how a camel coat is the chicest thing you could add to any outfit. But for all of those very valid points, they don’t matter when comes to the total overview of what you’re wearing
It comes down to how your outfit makes you feel.
And for me, always, it’s the vibes.

a woman in a strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag and a camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, camel coat on her shoulders
black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

I love the vibes of this outfit. 1960s yet modern. Warm (please out on your coat if you’re chilled!) but chic. Yet, a bit luxe- do you need to pair with Gucci? Not at all. Camel, especially coats, makes everything look more expensive. A coat around the shoulders? So chic. Bamboo or any contrasting detail? Luxe. The vibes here are rich, luxe, the best or retro, and I’m obsessed with them all.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to outfits and fashion pieces that felt fun. Why not? It’s a time of year when we’re all focused on party looks, over the top looks, or any holiday look. In the meantime we still have work, events, etc that may not call for all out holiday regalia but we want to look chic for. This outfit? Hit the nail for me. Slightly 1960s (though you could pair with any shoe I love the kitten heel, and it adds to the 1960s vibe), very chic (you could also tease your hair, add a cat eye for more details), and yet work or cocktail appropriate. (I love the addition of the camel coat!)

a woman in strapless top and black pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,

This pant set is new and I’ve linked it for you (note I feel like the top runs a bit big. I LOVE the combo and the vibes, note the top does have a built in bra, but I would still err on the side of small especially if you run small on top!). It’s my new favorite as I love the 19060s vibes and how you could wear it from work to parties, and yet stay ever so chic. Bag, shoes and coat are from seasons past but I’ve linked you similar.

What kind of vibes are you recreating this year? What are you wearing to all of the life between holiday parties? I would love to hear about it!
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 strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

The Boots Have It

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, tights, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, hose, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

One of the best statement pieces I believe you can invest in are boots. (Yep, they even make my Top 10 Investment Pieces that you get when you sign up for our newsletter!) Boots are a staple, from weather boots (rain, snow, etc) to sport (riding, etc) to fashion (a la over the knee). There’s a reason we call it “boot season”- boots are that big a part of the fashion landscape (and our lives!). Not to mention that they keep you looking chic when the temps drop. So, if boots are a staple, how do you pick statements?

You could go by color, pattern, material- and all of those would be valid. Some colors are standouts, as are some patterns, and some materials. However, what I love and picks more often than not is height. Not heel height.But height as in over the knee. Yes, you could argue that other statement boots are not only possible but stunning, but is there anything more exciting than an over the knee boot? For me, that’s when the boots have it.

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

What is it, you ask? I think “it” is an ability to elevate an outfit. Even a simple one like a sweatshirt dress (and yes, black hose are a must this season. They are just so chic!)- though I’ve worn these boots over leggings to Pilates and I felt so pulled together and chic, when all I did that day was a workout and grocery shop!

This kind of statement can also be made with flat boots. (Or even boots that aren’t over the knee!) Truly, it’s about being enough to carry an outfit on their own, from jeans to leggings to dresses, to sweats. The boots don’t have to be patterned or wildly colored. Just somehow special.

Yes, sometimes it’s difficult to describe what it is certain boots have, but it’s always easy to tell when boots have it. I’m a fan of simple (and comfy) outfits, outfits that keep you warm as temps drop. Yet, I’m even more of a fan of statement items that elevate all of those outfits -like these boots. What about you?

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose and over the knee boots

What kind of boots do you think have it? What makes a boot a statement boot to you, and how do you wear them? I would love to know!
XO RA

I was lucky enough to find these (unworn!) statement boots on Vestiaire Collective, one of my favorite resell sites. I’ve found you similar below!

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 sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

Pink Power

a woman in a hot pink dress, hot pink tights and hot pink boots
woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights and boots

Every October I do at least one post in a pink outfit. It started as a way to chat about breast cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (please go get your mammogram. I’m also talking to myself- as that’s on my to-do list. And it’s easy to out off. But we can’t wear amazing things if we’re not here! Wanna be accountability buddies and make our appointments?) I’ve had so much fun each year coming up with pink outfits and “celebrating” (I know that’s not the word but I can’t really put my finger on what is) the month. Yet, ironically, if you were to ask me, I’d tell you that I’m not really a pink person.

But the thing about pink is- it can grow on you. And, like anything else, once I’ve found my shade of pink, it’s became one of my favorites. Hot pink is the pink for me- from gowns to suits, it has snuck throughout my closet so it’s almost a neutral. Perhaps, when I would say that I’m not a pink person I meant the stereotypical pink- over sweet, a bit timid, a bit young. The thing that I’m learning is that pink is power. Wearing it makes me feel powerful, the hot pink is a symbol of my power, and when you get to have fun like this how could you not want to indulge in your own pink power?

a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots, and gloves
And yes, this year’s pink outfit is a play on the Zendaya Valentino campaign and the hot pink looks that are everywhere. I’ve had this pink dress for years (it was one of my first hot pink purchases!). The boots were also from season’s past, every so often I think about culling them from my closet, but they bring me so much joy that I could never part with them. And it turns out my instinct was right (and maybe gives strength to the argument that everything comes back and you shouldn’t get rid of things!). The tights and gloves were simple purchases, and super easy to find! Putting my own take on the look of the moment was so incredibly fun- and once again the pink was powerful!

a woman in a hot pink dress and tights and boots and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress, tights, boots, and gloves
a woman in a hot pink dress with tights, boots, and gloves

One of the things that changed my stance about pink, and power, besides how great it looks, was that I realized that my power- the things that make me special from my sarcasm to how I cry easily to my ability to make leopard work with anything- is my own. My power can be soft, it can be chic, and can be pink. What do you wear when you need to feel powerful? What’s your stance on pink?
And when is your mammogram?

I’ve linked similar shoes and dresses for your shopping pleasure below! Both the tights and gloves were found on Amazon if you want those as well!
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!

Magic in a Dress

a woman in a teal and gold lame midi dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake
a woman in a teal and gold lame dress on rocks by a lake

As much as I believe in fashion, and our stories, and how the the two are connected- there are times when all of the things (our stories and our fashion) are just magic. Like this vintage Hanea Mori (more on her below!) that I got from Pickled Vintage (check my IG stories today for my current picks from her!) that I recently wore to my cousin’s wedding (more on that next week on Fashion Stories!). Maybe it’s the teal or the gold, or the subtle pattern- or the fitted waist and button back- but this dress made me feel magical. It was magic. And if the people who came up to me and complimented me on the dress had anything to say- it was a hit!

Another way to say that this was magic in dress- on a magical night!

So what makes a dress magic? For me, it’s part how it makes you feel (aka the fit, the color, the details) and part where you wear it to (I am one to always overdress but it helps when your outfit fits the occasion!). Also, magic is a bit elusive, some times you have a great dress and a great event- and while you look great you lack that magic. While we can’t plan or demand magic my secret for this is doing just a little bit more.
AKA:
– going to a cocktail event? Wear a dress with a bit of metallic, glam, or glitz. Just righton the edge of formal
-Wear amazing shoes (a way of life) but especially at any sort of event
-Statement Pieces. From Jewelry to the dress or shoes, there should be one piece on you that subtly stands out.

You can’t always do magic on demand, but you can create the right environment for magic to flourish!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights

About Hanea Mori:

Hanae Mori (Japanese: 森 英恵, Hepburn: Mori Hanae, /həˌnɑːeɪ ˈmɔːri/, 8 January 1926 – 11 August 2022) was a Japanese fashion designer. She was one of only two Japanese women to have presented her collections on the runways of Paris and New York, and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official haute couture design house by the Fédération française de la couture in France.[1][2] Her fashion house, opened in Japan in 1951, grew to become a $500 million international business by the 1990s. She’s a designer to know and this isn’t the first time you’ll read about her here!

a woman in a teal and gold lame dress under string lights
a woman in a gold and teal lame dress on rocks by a lake

There are times when magic just strikes. And of course, there are moments when we make the magic. In my experience the easiest way to do that is to wear things that make you feel magical (aka look amazing on you and have details that just pop! A great place to wear them doesn’t hurt either!)

So, how do you make magic in a dress? What makes a magical outfit to you?
Below I’ve linked some lame choices, some Hanea Mori choices, and these exact shoes for you!

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 teal and gold lame dress

Suit but make it Fashion

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms
a woman in a plaid suit
a woman in a plaid suit, grey corset, brown gloves, and bucket bag

Is it weird that I love a suit- even when I have never needed to wear a suit in any of my adult pursuits? As in, I’ve always loved a suit and every time that any of the “fashion” says suits are back I get excited. Because, besides being a work wear staple, a suit is a symbol of power, a suit is also a fashion staple. A suit can be so many things (and the pieces of a suit can be so many more!). And when you choose to make a suit fashion- like let’s say pairing it with a corset (fashion of course) and platforms (so in!), gloves (let’s bring them back, shall we?) and a great bag (this one is vintage but I’ve found you similar!).

Suits are one of the staples that I can routinely go back to, over and over again- no matter the style, that make me feel good. Suits make me feel adult, professional, and a bit more in control. And when I can put my own twist on them (see above), I can’t help but wonder why I don’t wear suits every day!

a woman in a plaid suit, grey corset and brown platformsI
a plaid blazer, navy bucket bag and brown gloves on a bench
a woman in a grey corset and plaid pants and brown platfroms

A corset top seems like a lot, right? Yet, it can elevate a lot of outfits- even a suit which I think is one of those outfits that doesn’t need elevating. Is there a limit to elevating? Perhaps not!

One of my favorite looks this fall is strapless tops with pants (and a blazer thrown in) so doing that with a suit makes my day. How I did it? Paired a much loved vintage corset top with a suit from last season (That feels oh so now) and platforms, vintage gloves, and a vintage Bottega that feels brand new.

I know that to me, suits are these fun and fascinating pieces, but if you have to wear them everyday they may not be. So. If you have to wear suits all the time how do you make them fashion? What tips might you need to make them more fun? If you don’t have to wear a suit, what’s stopping you and what would make you wear one? How can we make suits fashion?

I want to hear about it all!
XO RA

I’ve linked similar and exact pieces below!

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

a woman in a grey corset and plaid suit

How to OverDress Sneakily

a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platfroms
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platforms
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and brown platforms

I know that you’ve heard me say that party dresses are some of my favorites. There has never been one that I can say no to. And I tend to overdress. Not on purpose! But yes, I am that friend who will show up cocktail ready (in more ways than one!) no matter how many times you tell me that the event is casual.

And yet. Maybe my second favorite thing (fashion wise at least) is an outfit that seems FANCY yet feels like pjs. Wearing your pjs works. And vintage lingerie is more than adequate. But so many of my favorite outfits- when I’m told that I’m overdressing- are the ones that are easy. That feel good. That still let me overdress.

So is it possible to overdress (in a sneaky way) and get the high of high dressing and yet deep like you’re in your pjs?

Yes. They are called silk caftans. And when paired with platforms (though I’ve also worn this dress to the grocery store with sandals and gotten compliments on it!)
And while this one was gifted (from Silk Ranch It is not influenced by that! In fact, you can see how much I love their silk caftans and pants here.

And in fact, as much I wasn’t influenced, the first few times I wore this dress, I wore it backwards (on accident!)

a woman in a gold and purple caftan

Yep. I thought that this part, with the V and the tassel was the front. Then Sheryl sent me a message letting me know the caftan was supposed to go another away! A little insight into that sometimes being the best dressed means making it your own- and that great things can be worn more than one way!

a woman in a gold and purple caftan
a woman in a gold and purple caftan
a woman in a gold and purple caftan and platform shoes

So, here’s what’s great about a silk dress- be it caftan or slip or shirt. It reads overdress. As in, no matter what you’re going to, in a silk dress you’ll always be on point for your events. And in some cases, you’ll be the fanciest one there- but why risk underdressing? And what I love about a caftan? They are both casual (read drinks by the pool) and fancy (read fancy cocktail parties). And the best part of silk (esp caftans?) They feel like pjs. Meaning that no matter how many people love your dress, or how fancy it is- you’ll be comfy (like pjs comfy). And paired with platforms (did you know they’re in again?!?) or even your flip flops, the silk caftan will never steer you wrong.

How to overdress sneakily? Silk. Especially a caftan. Add some platforms. Or some sandals. OR clogs (also in!)! And then indulge in the compliments. Like that you look good while feeling comfy.

I can’t recommend Silk Ranch enough. And I’ve linked similar items below. How do you overdress in a sneaky way?

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 gold and purple caftan and brown platforms