shopping – Investment Piece

Fashion Stories: TV Fashion: The Americans

Most of this is a repost. When I first started this blog, I knew that I wanted to talk (and show!) stunning fashion, outfits- and tell stories. As we know, for me stories and fashion are a part of the same thing. It’s taken me a while to really refine my vision and how I talk about our fashion stories, but the ideas have always been there. At first, I wanted to talk about fashion on TV and Movies (because, as an actress it made sense to me). This was one of my first attempts. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot (again) about costumes and costume designers. I talk a lot about how what we wear tells our stories, and one of the most visible ways (and ironically, one place where we learn how to dress for what we’re trying to express) of fashion story telling are costumes. They let us know so much about a character- who they are, what they like, what they’re dealing with, who they want to be. Costumes are such an important part of any show or movie you’re watching. I promise. So, I’m looking again at what I was thinking about the Americans- and how the story of being a spy is one I’m drawn to. I’ve added a link to an interview with the Costume Design Team from this show- and I’m also currently shopping items like these!
Xo RA

In case you haven’t been watching, “The Americans” is simply one of the best shows on TV right now (seriously, go binge). It follows two Russian spies, living in the US in the early 80s–and I love everything about it. So much goes into making a great, timeless, compelling show–the story, the actors, the production–but also, the fashion. When I completely fall for a show, like I have with “The Americans”, I find myself wanting to live in their world, and while that isn’t always possible, dressing like them can be.

THE AMERICANS -- (Premieres Early 2013) Pictured: Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings -- Photo CR: Jeff Neira/FX — THE AMERICANS — (Premieres Early 2013) Pictured: Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings — Photo CR: Jeff Neira/FX

Let’s be clear, I’m not calling for a return to all 80s fashion (let’s just say no to big shoulder pads), but when fashion is great, done well, and timeless, elements of any period can be added to your wardrobe. It’s a case of “classic fashion never goes out of style”. The fashion on “The Americans” is not only great and classic–a lot of it would look modern today!

A Great Coat and Boots

It’s on every “must have” or “invest” list–a great coat and a great trench. When it’s paired with boots it’s a classic outfit–and all over Instagram as we speak. Spring is a great time to buy a coat on sale, and trenches are always a good investment. I’m a fan of high boots, they never go out of style.
Some of my picks:
Trenches: Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Zara
Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Frye, and Steve Madden

Wrap Dresses

Subject: The Americans On 2013-04-08, at 3:50 PM, Yeo, Debra wrote: Kerri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings and Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings in The Americans on FX. CRAIG BLANKENHORN/FX The Americans.jpg

DVF made it ionic, the shape makes it completely flattering. A wrap dress is great in every decade and in every way–short, long, dress up, casual, there’s just something about this silhouette that looks great on everyone. It’s a classic you need and here are some of my picks:
Wrap Dresses: DVF (on sale!), DVF, and Ann Klein

Great Jeans and a Top

Ironically enough, high waisted jeans and tie blouses are back in style–but I think any jean rise that looks great on you and any simple blouse is a classic hit. There’s something both effortless and pulled together about the combo. Some of my faves:
Jeans:JCrew, , and MOTHER
Tops: Equipment, Anna Quan, and Zara

Read about the costume process here.

Would you wear any of these costumes? Be a spy?

I’m game!
Xo RA

It’s Berries for Me..

a woman in strawberry print top and skirt holding a straw and leather tote with gold mule

a woman in a strawberry print top and skirt with a straw and leather tote with gold mules

Strawberries? Have never been able to resist them. In fact, one of my very first words was “fresas” (strawberries in Spanish- another fun fact we lived in Spain from when I was 1mth-18mth and not only did I say strawberries in Spanish, I would steal them off my parent’s plates). My favorite desert? Strawberry shortcake or berries with whipped cream. It’s always and forever the berries for me.

So. Wearing berries on my outfit? Also can’t resist. This strawberry set is so so me, and so summer. It’s sweet and chic– but lends itself to so many combos. I have already paired the skirt with a sweater vest and a tee. The top? White pants, white skirt, jean shorts. (My mantra is that sets are the best as you can wear them together and oh-so-many-ways separately!) These berries are also so on trend (besides being up my alley) -aka grocery store core-aka wearing food on your clothes. Of course for me- if it’s food- it’s berries for me…

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules in a grocery store

The thing about loving something deeply and then wearing that something? It makes the entire outfit a bit more fun! No matter how I style this set- alone or together- wearing it is a symbol of what I love. And fun. Perhaps sometimes we (me!) can overthink the stories we are telling with our fashions (and as we know I am big believer that our fashion tells our stories) – but what if the prints we chose were a bit of whimsy? A bit of the season (or when I style these pieces for cooler temps the season we wish it were!)? What about dressing for fun? And berries?

a woman in a strawberry topi and skirt set with a straw and leather tote and gold mules

It’s high summer- heat and malaise and amazing food. I hope you’re wearing things that bring you joy. That make you smile and hopefully make others smile too. I also hope that you’re eating all the bounty of summer that makes you smile. For me? It’s the berries…

What foods are bringing you joy? And what foods are you loving to wear?

I believe this set from JCrew is sold out- but there are other options (and I am linking it JIC!)
Hope the berries you have are incredibly ripe and juicy this 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!

Other options:

Seasonal Sales: Prime Day and Anniversary Sales

Investment Piece: An Ode to Window Shopping

Does it feel as if everything is on sale right now? It feels as if everything is on sale right now.
So, so many seasonal sales (and I do my best to keep up- shop along with me on LTK, Collective Voice and ShopMy as RachelAdelicia!), but the biggest 2 currently are Amazon Prime Day(s) and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Both can be a bit overwhelming, both can have gems and both can have duds. As usual, when shopping, the odds are in your favor if you’re looking for something specific or are willing to look at endless items. Lucky you! I am willing to do both- and will continue to do both for the next few days (weeks?). Below are my initial wants and needs, things that are in my cart- or maybe should be.

Notes: My go-tos for both the Anniversary Sale and Prime Days are beauty items and big ticket items (bang for you your buck!). However, in the next few days I will absolutely be looking at denim, jackets, designer items, and more!

What are you shopping for in these seasonal sales? Have you found what you are looking for yet?

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!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

First and foremost, while still a bit pricy, this LED face mask and skin care set is one of the best deals to be had. It can replace all professional services, set you up for a year, and change the way you look. In that way it’s a bargain!

There are so many shoes I am interested in, but I am particularly considering the Hoka Running Shoes (a cult fave!). They are supposed to be amazing and these are about 50% off- a rarity!

Other shoes I love:

And these Dolce Vita shoes on sale.

Some Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives I’m interested in:

Amazon
I promise on all the apps I will have more Amazon picks from home to designer sales up tomorrow. Today? I have been laser focused on 2 categories: beauty tools (from red light therapy to hair tools) and sets (particularly knit set that are great from airport to errands!)

Even with these few perimeters there is so much to buy! My best advice is to have a list and then let yourself be surprised by anything AMAZING that you find. I can’t wait to share more picks with you, and then share what I got!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Brighter Days Ahead

a woman in yellow and grey dress with grey platforms

Beloveds, I know I have been both honest (and perhaps a bit vague as this is a fashion blog) that I have been going through things recently. And all of a sudden it hit me- what helps me is fashion. Getting dressed. Yes, there is implementing change and getting a routine of healthy habits. But, for me, part of that is getting dressed. For some, I know that means just putting on clothes- and I know there are days that I will do that- but for me that means coming up with and wearing clothes and outfits that excite me and are perhaps a bit editorial.

I am aware that my schedule is a bit all over (something I am dealing with) and sometimes my outfits may come later in the day. Or days when getting dressed may be fun earrings and a fantastic red lip. But my goal this week (and the coming weeks) is to brighten my days with fashion.

If that fashion that brightens my day happens to be bright? Even more fun. Yellow, especially the neon kind, isn’t usually my go-to. However, this yellow and grey bring me joy (and it’s not the first time see here). So maybe it’s this combo of yellow and grey (though to be honest grey is one of my favorite colors) is my go -to. And on a dreary day (or in a dreary time?)? This combo does brighten my day .

What do you do when you try to brighten your day? What do you wear?

This dress is Loewe that I bought resale and I found a lucky someone the exact same dress. I also found very similar pieces! I hope that your Monday is bright and you’re wearing something that brings you joy!

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!

Business Casual

a woman in a combo pinstripes pant and denim waist with a white tank and green mules

There was an interview I read an interview with Nigella Lawson where in she mentions that she LOVES a great suit– but never wears one. And. Same. Just same. I love suits. I love dressing up. Yet. I realize that my life could be lived in lounge. I could work in bed-for the most part, other than my pics! And let’s be honest- this is reducing my life to pics and writing (and my day job which could absolutely be done in pjs and in bed!).

However. I do have a thing for suits. Not only do I think that they are sexy on a woman, I just love wearing them. Again, in my life, I have never HAD to wear them (yet I recognize that what we wear day to day from lounge to work is our suits and that is a completely different suit). SO. As someone who LOVES a great suit (even if it’s just a pinstripe pant) LOVES this mix of denim and suit.
Could it work if you needed a suit pant in the summer? Yep
For casual Friday? yep
For those of us who love a suit but also live a non suit lifestyle? yep!

And there are so many ways to style these perfect combo business casual pants? This tank(a cheap one!) A button down ( a go to!) A sweater. Or sweatshirt. A vest. Or Blazer. Heels. And more.
So-

When you love one style that doesn’t fit your day to day how do you incorporate it into your life?
My answer? You do. Like this combo. Perhaps it’s a blazer and shorts or a button down with everything. Pinstripes or suite pants.Denim with the pinstripes (how is up to you!) Or perhaps it’s just A balance of it all. I would love to see and read (leave me not only a comment but email me if needed!)

Linked are are these exact part denim part suit (and pinstripes) pants! How would you balance this perfect blend of suit and casual?!? 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 white tank ND WHTNE A COMB deimon andnpintstripe panta

Bubbles and More

a woman in a beige bubble skirt dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in beige bubble skirt hem dress with lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in a beige bubble hem dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch

On trend? So chic? Bubble hems. Not at all new. There’s a saying that you should always have bubbles in the fridge- just in case. While I am a believer in this for bubbles (the kind you drink), I also think that bubbles on hand in your closet might be a great plan!! I will be honest- the bubble hem originally sounded to me like a trend, something to enjoy like a treat and then forget. Then. I fell in love with this dress. Part tee. Part Tank. All bubbles.

Wears easy. Looks chic. Keeps me cool. Reminds me of both ballerinas and the silhouettes from the 1950s. All in all? A great piece that I know I will wear for years to come. And like bubbles in the fridge? It’s comforting knowing that I have a great and easy dress to pull out!

a red ket lock cone box
a red cone key lock jewelry box with a rhinestone t-rex and a mirro

This bag? Actually a jewelry box!! This is where I tell you that I long to be cool and mysterious but …..I LOVE Dinos. And red. And things that shine. And yes- this was meant to be a dresser item, I have found that it holds a few cards, keys and one lipstick perfectly. Your phone is attached to your hand (right, it’s not just me?!?!?); so while this Coach jewelry box was not meant for it- it makes the perfect clutch. And I love to think that sharing our quirks and loves and interests makes us more chic. Nothing we can say will sway me from that.

a woman in a beige bubble hem dress, lace up sandals and a red cone clutch
a woman in a beige hem bubble dress with lace up sandals and a red cone clutch

Together. A Bubble hem. Lace up sandals (yes, a must in your closet), and a pop of color-whether or not it’s a nbag that wasn’t meant to be or else- it’s a perfect summer outfit. I have found that bubbles–in drink or fashion forms- are classics. In a neutral? Even better. And a bit of showing you? Your quirk, your love, your pop? That my loves is a pop or a more indeed. How is that not the combo to a perfect outfit?

I have linked these exact pieces below. However, if you play with this formula or let this formula or advice lead you to pieces in your closet you love I would love to hear about it! Also-what is your fave bubbles? (JIC we need some!)

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!!

If you find yourself in need of a TRex jewelry case/ clutch it’s on sale and can be found :
here

a woman in a beige dress with a bubble hem and lace up sandals

Holiday Week Off

A woman in a vintage blue bikini and blue hair cap running into the ocean

As you may know, it’s a holiday Week in the States. Normally I power through and work all week- but this year? I am so burned out and so in need of a holiday, I just can’t. I will be spending the week shopping (follow me below to shop with me), cleaning, catching up–and spending time in the water when I can! Also- I will be sleeping. Thank you for your patience with me during this, I am truly hoping a weekend “off” can offer me a reset and we can get back to a more regular schedule!

In the meantime the following platforms are great ways to follow me and keep up with my shopping:

Insta: @racheladelicia
My ShopStyle

My LTK

My ShopMy

Sales, outfits and more will be there!

If you’re celebrating- happy holiday week! If you’re not I am hoping this is a cool and chic week for you!

XO RA

Fashion Stories: Swim as Street Wear

I love the water, which means that I often am in need of an updated swimsuit. BUT more often than not, when I am shopping for swim I think about fashion. More often than not, when I am shopping for swim I am thinking not about the pool or the beach but about fashion. I have mentioned more than once that I wear many of my swim wear as fashion. From one pieces to bikinis tops, there are so many swim suits that I wear as either body suits or crop tops. Swim as fashion or street wear is nothing new to me- in fact my swim “close” is divided into swim I wear in the water and those I wear with fashion. As we head into not only holiday weeks but into the heat of summer I am looking to update not only swim for the water but swim for the fashion.

Below are the swim pieces that I am interested for this summer to wear as fashion pieces- including an exact top as above. From shorts to skirts to pants, I can’t stop, won’t wearing my swim as fashion wear. And at this time there so many fantastic suits that look so chic as bodysuits!

How do you wear your swim? What do think of wearing swim as fashion?

I am linking certain swim suits from one pieces to bikini swim tops that I love and want to wear with everything this summer- especially out of the water!

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

And here is my ultimate go to swim as a body suit:

If you style these I would love to see!
XO RA

Short Stories (but long!)

a woman in a white button button shirt dress undone to the waist and a blue and white check mini and black heels

Do you ever have those stories that you can’t wait to tell your people– and while it seems that the story should be short, you keep going and going and so the story gets long? Or you add too many details? Or perhaps it’s a long story and you don’t add enough context so it ends up being too short?

Sometimes outfits are like that. I hate being that person to tell you something is too –something. anything. — but often what we need is balance. In our outfits and our story telling.

And yes. Outfits and story telling are both arts. So. How do we balance the short and the long of it? Details.
a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

A Mini? A Maxi? While I love both of these- a mini checked skirt and a shirt dress with all the ways to wear it- I love that combined that these 2 pieces that may be on the extremes are not only balanced. but the perfect mix. I don’t know that I will ever tell you or believe that any piece is too old or young– it’s just how you style it! However, I do know that there are stylings that make us the most comfortable –some of us love long stories and some love short. The Best? Perhaps a combination.

In other words, if you are a bit nervous about a mini skirt the best way to style is to balance it out. Long sleeves. Tights. Or a maxi shirt dress over it, and how you button it is up to you!

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

This is where we can all be honest and mention that there are looks and pieces, and angles that make us all a bit uncomfortable. (Insecure is such a hard word). Like. Even if you know that everyone has skin it still can kill me that occasionally mine doesn’t lay super flat all the time. Or that in angles I look worse or better. So. I get that a mini skirt may be out of the comfort zone. I won’t talk you into anything you hate.

Though. Sometimes playing with our comfort zones and shorts and longs can be fun– and we can find outfits that check all the boxes and look fantastic.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

Perhaps that’s all a short and long way to say that lately I have loved playing with mini- skirts. Shorts. Etc. It’s so hot and they are so chic. And yet. I do get feeling that there are –insecurities or hesitations or all and any- with minis. But there are times that you don’t want a maxi. So. what if you had both? That’s what I keep coming back to. In general, I love a balance. A mini with long sleeves, a maxi with strapless, etc, etc. Yet. What if there were other ways?

A maxi shirt dress that floats and partially covers and yet reveals the mini skirt? A short and a long story at the same time. Perhaps that’s the best balance of all.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

I highly recommend this combo- and this skirt. (It’s Versace found resale on Dora Maar but I have found you one and similar!). This shirt dress with buttons every which way is from seasons ago, but I (again) found you similar! How are you comfortable telling your short (aka mini skirt) stories??

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!

Distractions

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas

close up of rafia sandals with citrus and bees

Summer is full of distractions. From the weather being so beautiful you want to be outside. To it being so hot you want to be in the water. Looking forward to vacation. Recovering from vacation. New clothes. Getting rid of old clothes.

Even outfits. For example : I have found that amazing shoes and red lips can distract from a lot. Like wet hair. That white jeans can distract from the rest of your outfit (not that a great summer knit needs a lot of distractions from it!) But a great summer outfit can distract you from all the things you’re not doing , or wish you were doing, or the heat.

In this case, it’s a bit of all of the above. It’s so unbelievably hot that white and light seems to be the only thing that’s appropriate. But you need to distraction from the sweat that happens the minute you step outside. And my hair? Here it is wet. Styling and overdoing seems way too much. BUT. Amazing shoes (take a look at these details!) and a red lip? Who notices?
Perhaps we are all distracting ourselves or others form something. From perceived flaws to the things were wish we were or aren’t. Summer is the season when all of that seems more prominent, and yet it’s the season to be a bit more creative with our distractions.

So. What are you using to distract yourself with? From wishing you were on vacation to a different outfit, what are you wearing to distract yourself? What are you wearing to distract us from all that you don’t want us to see?

Distraction is such an interesting topic. And way of dressing. I will be over here distracting myself from the fact I am not at the ocean and distracting you from my lack of hair styling and overdone makeup. How are we doing so far??

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandals

These exact jeans (I sized down, I think it truly depends on how loose you want a trouser jean. I also may have should have opted for a tall size- these hit a bit shorter than I LOVE but with sandals they are aok), and exact shoes (truly. The details! Bees. Fruit! Raffia!) and options for a sweater vest (honestly my faves always come from his closet– or his section of the store!) but distractions are linked for you 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!

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas