Category: shopping

Summer Shoes for my Inner Child

Of all the things I am, I am a shoe lover. Shoes are magical and can transform any outfit– or day. From heels to sandals, boots and platforms- I have rarely met a shoe I didn’t love. I have been this way since I was a kid. From red shoes (I always had to have a pair in honor of Wizard of Oz and Dorothy) to Jellies- I have always had a thing for almost all shoes. As I have gotten older, my style has changed (somewhat!) Occasionally though, I find shoes that the present -day me and the inner child me LOVE. If you can find a shoe that thrills all parts of you– isn’t that a must have?

From ballet flats to jellies to sneakers that are Barbie approved, here are some of my favorite current summer shoes. Approved by me and my inner child!

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!

Barbie Kicks
platform black and white chevron stripe keds

I know, I know- Barbie was so last summer. But the great thing about Barbie? She’s a classic. And this collaboration with Keds (which I love! I have written about keds before here) is so so chic. While I don’t consider myself a “sneaker” gal, there is something so fun and a bit flirty about Keds. And this Barbie print! I want to wear them with shorts and jeans and all the shirt dresses!

You can indulge your inner Barbie with me here

Ballet Flats
nude mesh ballet flats with rhinestones
Ballet flats are a classic for all ages. Yet, I think I have a thing for them as one of my goals as a child was to be a ballerina. And I loved bling. So these mesh ballerinas? A bit of everything that little me would love- a tad bit of magic- and everything adult me loves. These are also super on trend and these are under $100! Anyone else want to point into them with me?

Jellies
lilac jellies

Jellies may be the perfect combo of childhood and summer. Light, airy and a bit of whimsy. I love that these are a bit grown up- in the style of a classic summer flat, but still have just enough glitter in them that your inner child can smile. Balance them with linen separates! And they are perfect for the pool!

Summer shoes can often be fun! And, when you find shoes that not only are the perfect fit for summer, but also shoes that your inner child would love? What’s not to love about that? What summer shoes are you shopping for? And what is your inner child drawn to?
XO RA

Fever Dream Planning

a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules
a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules
a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules
a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules
Other people? When they can’t sleep they count sheep (which are so cute!) Me? When I can’t sleep I outfit plan (and perhaps worry about way too much!)
But! This is about the outfit planning! As it does happen. When I can’t sleep I mentally go through my closet (and stress when in my head I don’t know exactly where things are) and outfit plan. It’s how I unwind. And often leads to at least the most interesting combos!

For example? I was recently given this embroidered vintage skirt. It was a gift from my tailor (seamstress? friend?) who got it from a friend h grandma was cleaning out. And we know I love a vintage and a story- and this skirt has multitudes! (that slit! The pattern! and even though at first glance its’s not my color- this color! I LOVE all of it !) And so one night I couldn’t sleep (side note- there is more than one night I can’t sleep and yes, I am working on it!) and all I could think about was what to pair this skit with. What I couldn’t stop thinking about? This polka dot (one of my go to patterns that I consider a neutral) bathing suit (again, a great one piece as a bodysuit) with this skirt. I worried that it was too much. That it wouldn’t “go”. And yet

a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules

I love the play on the patterns. Yes this is a dot but not so over powering (and again. Polka dots- like leopard- are one of those that I consider a neutral. And when you begin to play with them I promise you will find that that they are!) and while I hesitate to call this balance -I love it with a vintage skirt that is HEAVY on the color and pattern. I truly don’t know that there are hard and fast rules to pattern mixing. I have played with it here, here, here, and more. No rules. But I do think of so many patterns – leopard, dots, strips, florals- as neutrals and if we think of them that way it absolutely opens up way to play, right?

And yes. I put this together whilst tossing and turning at night when I couldn’t sleep. The best things come when you can’t sleep?? Or in a fever dream? Here’s hoping.

Because that’s what an outfit, fashion, and it all is, right? Play and our outfits- even our vintage ones — should be fun. And playful.And perhaps have a bit of dots. Again. This is what I do. And plan out and style whenI can’t sleep. What do you do when you can’t sleep? What are your neutrals? I want to hear about them all!
a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules

Also. I know if you have been here a minute you got that last week was all reposts. I a going to be blunt- my day job (as Gucci doesn’t buy itself) has me burnt out. And I am working through that. And working on getting into all my fever dream outfits. Thank you for your patience!

While this skirt is vintage and this “bodysuit” is old, I have linked options for you below!
XO RA

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

Are we label whores?

I’m still recovering from severe exhaustion and a bit of burn out, so I’m on the couch online shopping. Almost everything I want is Gucci. Or Prada. Or Valentino. Or Celine. All the labels. So I can’t help but wonder: Are we label whores?

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, label whores, ca, TX

When I was little one of the things that I wanted most in the world was a “Coke” t-shirt. My mom said no, her reasoning being that I was not a billboard. (Don’t worry, I got a hand-me down Coke shirt from a friend, so my life wasn’t ruined.) My mom’s attitude towards labels hasn’t changed much, she doesn’t hate them, but thinks quality can be found without a label; and most importantly, that she shouldn’t provide a free billboard. And it’s not that I don’t get her point; after I moved to CA and found out what they pay for a billboard-I get not wanting to do it for free. However, my relationship with labels is a tad bit more complicated. I like labels. I talk all the time about how much I love Gucci, I think Chanel bags are a great investment, LV bags are fantastic, I love shopping vintage labels, and that’s just the tip of the shopping! I know some of you feel the same. We love labels, we wear them, but are we label whores?

According to Urban Dictionary, a label whore is someone who wears head to toe labels, especially if the logo or brand name is constantly visible. We all love labels, but let’s admit head to toe logos would be a lot. I love every single look Gucci sends down the run way, but also think it’s fresh and modern to mix high and low; which means I often wear my labels with Zara/Levis/etc. So, if we aren’t painting ourselves in logos, is it safe to say that we aren’t label whores? Or is there another layer? Does label whore include loving and/or buying something simply because it’s a label or certain brand?

I don’t ask these questions to make us feel bad, have I mentioned that I love Gucci so? And it’s not that I think that loving labels is a horrid thing; but as someone who shops, helps others shops, and is fashion I can’t help but look at our choices, whatever they may be. Labels are a layered issue, often symbols of status, and can have meaning beyond simply clothes or bags. High end labels are often synonymous with quality and luxury, as well as status; and let’s admit, those are great reasons to want something. We all want high quality clothes, and if said clothes communicate that they’re special and luxurious I don’t think any of us would complain. (If we’re really honest, let’s admit that sometimes labels make us feel special too). But the question remains, are we buying labels because we want the product or because we want the label? There are plenty of quality items out in the world that don’t have a label, and some of them are luxurious. Are we overlooking those in favor of a familiar logo? Is that hurting us–and our closets?

I am the last person in the world to tell you that you shouldn’t buy something you love, even if you only love it because it says Gucci on it. The labels we love are loved for a reason, and I’m not anti-logo by any stretch. I plan on keeping my labels, adding to my collections, and mixing my high and low. However, I am going to start asking myself why I want some things; because as much as I love labels, I don’t think that the label should be the only reason to buy something. I am a fan of quality, I am a fan of high fashion and fun, and I am fan of finding those items, with or without a logo. Can I love all my labels and non-labels at the same time? I think the only way to know is to try!

Am I the only one worried about being a label whore? What’s your take on the issue?

XO RA

Travel in Style

a woman in a white dress, a leather blazer, carrying a train case and a fur muff

It’s summer and it’s the season of vacation. I know right know there are a ton of tips and tricks, and people who can tell you how to pack light. And show you all the cubbies and packing systems that they have. I am sure that those are all great tips. If you’re looking for that, this isn’t it. Of all people, I am not the one to tell you to pack light- I can’t even leave the house for the day without an extra set of shoes. Actually, I think adding an extra outfit- and pjs and underlings is always for the best! JIC! While I do have a system for me, I don’t know that it would translate to anything resembling advice.

What I can offer? Ideas for your bag that will make you feel chic- even on the days when you’re ready to come home!

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!

Vintage Luggage
Ok. A lot of vintage luggage doesn’t have wheels.But, so much of it is well made, and roomy. And a bit chic! I personally am partial to a great train case- they are perfect for your toiletries and small items (and count as a personal item on planes!). While these may be best for road trips, I have never regretted vintage luggage. And if they fit all my shoes I am sure that they can fit all of your things!

One and Done Outfits
a woman in a black strapless jumpsuit

I shared on Monday that I bought this jumpsuit for travel (and beyond). As with anything, when I plan what I wear to travel I want something chic that’s also comfortable- and this jumpsuit is it! It can be dressed up or down and could go from beach to dinner!

Get your own here

And speaking of one and done- I am also a fan of packing things that can be styled in oh-so-many ways.Not just talking about with different shoes or tops or whatnot- but outfits that can be completely new and different depending on how you wear them. For example? A smocked skirt! I got this one recently and have worn it as a dress- for poolside and beyond. But it also looks great as a skirt! With tees or button downs, crops or long sleeves! Change out the shoes and it’s new each time!

a woman in a smocked skirt worn as a dress with flip flops
a woman in a smocked skirt with a long sleeve white tee and kitten heels
Shop some of my smocked options here

Stock Up on Travel Size
a close up of mini SuperGoop SPF and snake sandals
This seems like a given- but I can’t tell you how many people I know from family to friends that have a separate stash of travel toiletries and products that they use on trips. Most of the the things you love to use? They come in mini sizes. If not, the one “travel tip” I do while heartedly approve of is buying a set of mini bottles to fill with your go-to products!

What are some of your travel tips? How do you travel in style? I am open to anything other than leaving a pair of shoes at home! XO RA

Lately…

a woman in pink linen pants, snake sandals, a white button down and a blue linen jacket
In all the chaos that has been my life lately I have felt as if all these outfits I have planned and things I want to wear for the summer have fallen to the wayside. As I write this I am in bike shorts and an oversized shirt. I thought about throwing on a simple silk dress today, or a button down with cut offs, but getting dressed was too much. And when I don’t get dressed I kinda feel bad- so I went through my phone and as it turns out lately has been ALOT. But I have worn clothes- and learned a bit about dressing for chaos!
a woman in a black strapless jumpsuit
I bought this jumpsuit to travel in– I had this idea that it was perfect for a plane (ok maybe not perfect for the bathroom!) but as you could layer and pair with sneakers and then do a quick refresh, pair with heels and be ready to go? I loved! It didn’t come in time for my trip but I have worn it more than once to run errands and under a jacket for hospital visits. Moral? One and done leaves you so much room to play!
a woman in a white button down, a leopard print linen skirt, a Gucci belt bag and lace up sandals
We will chat about linen. And belt bags. BUT, I can’t tell you how a fantastic white button down is becoming a go to. They. Go. With. Everything. Over a skirt? With pants? Jeans. Shorts. Over bike shorts even! Maybe button downs are the things we should be investing in more often! To be honest, I have a collection of button downs, but have never thought of them as THE piece. Yet, I can’t tell you how often I am reaching for one recently. Perhaps a deep dive into button downs is in our future?
a woman in a black linen shirt dress, a Gucci belt bag and lace up asymmetrical shoes
Linen. It’s linen season. In this little round up 3/4 ths of the outfits are linen. And just perhaps- that’s a great thing! Linen is easy and chic- and lends itself to anything from an easy airport outfit to a classic that you can dress up any which way!

It calmed me a little bit to remind myself that lately I have been getting dressed- in things I love. My goal for the new week? To get dressed a bit more. Yet, there will probably be more linen and button downs and belt bags (this one that you see all the time is a vintage Gucci. I wanted one for forever and finally having one has been amazing. I am linking some for you but I found this one on eBay!).

What have you been wearing lately? And what do you want to wear in the weeks to come? I am linking a couple of these options below and I would love to hear about your choices! 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!

Each look listed:

Shop pink linen pants look: here
Shop the exact jumpsuit: here
Shop linen skirt look: “a href=”https://liketk.it/4Hecn”target=”_Blank”>here
Shop linen shirt dress look: “here

here’s to a new week of lately and fantastic outfits!

Short Story Long..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals
a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

It feels like such a long time since we have been here. I had this huge work trip and I came home so run down. This week my mom has had emergency surgery and that’s taken up so much of my time. If you have stuck around I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that- and how glad I am that you’re here! Hopefully we are settling back into a routine here and there’s nothing but fantastic summer fashion and stories in our future.

That’s the short story. But as we all know, short stories are often long…..

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals
a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals
a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

And speaking of short- have you noticed that minis are back? (I know there is a quip about what a hemline says about the economy but from storefronts to runways, the minis are MINI and back. I personally just think it means fashion!) There can be big feelings about minis- like “is this too much?” “Am I too old for this?” “How do I balance it?”

Some of those questions are personal, and account for your own style- but my simple tips? Perhaps choose a mini that is a bit long. A la a train, or a hi-low hem, or while I am a FAN of a high waist on everything for minis I like a mid or low rise.

And for balance? Something classic. For example, a white button up. It is a bit of an offset, though of course how far you button is up to you! You could also call this wearing a statement and letting it shine. You could also focus on the balance of short and long. But really, I just love the juxtaposition and way that throwing on a button down is a chic way to not overthink your top.

I am the first to admit that I sometimes worry about wearing a mini skirt- and what to pair with. This outfit has been in my mind for a bit. Since I got this skirt. I love that it’s party perfect. Aok at dinner. Cocktails? Couldn’t be more appropriate. I love that the train offsets the mini. The button down that doesn’t feel business. And yes, these are my go-to shoes. This combo could be reimagined in any number of ways with any number of pieces. Even without a mini- aka a longer skirt and a shorter top. Short stories? As long as you want.

a woman in a pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

This is where I confess something. This skirt is H&M. And I have conflicted feelings about wearing fast fashion. Yet. I couldn’t resist this skirt. And while it was out months ago, I found a few on resale sites (which lessens the blow?). Skirts with trains have had their moments (and I am sure they will again). If you would love to dip your toe in the water for that I would love to help you find the perfect one.

Short stories. Long stories. Turns out as long as they are chic, I am a fan of them all!
Shopping options linked below- thank you so much for being here! 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 pink mini skirt and a train on the side, a white button down and black heeled sandals

Sleeping In….

a woman on a bed with white sheets and a pink peignoir set
a pink peignoir set on a white bed
a woman in a pink peignoir set on white bed
a woman in a pink peignoir set on a white bed
a woman in a pink peignoir set on a white bed
a woman in a pink peignoir set by a wind with a white bed

It’s Monday. We are heading into a holiday weekend (in the States at least!). This week also finishes up graduation season and kicks off wedding season. And summer. It’s a lot. I mentioned yesterday that I have been one a work trip (for my day job, as yes, sadly, still Gucci doesn’t buy itself) and I am so wiped. Are our to-do lists so long? Yes. Am I stressed about it all? Yes.

But Maybe. Especially on a Monday. What if we indulged ourselves? What if we let ourselves rest?

This vintage peignoir set was a birthday gift from my mom– and it’s every thing I love. A bit extra- this rose and pearl appliqué (has me afraid to sleep in it as I toss and turn) but is stunning. The lace. The straps. The jacket!! It’s so pretty that I want to wear it in real life.

A chat about how chic they used to be when they slept is a post for another time but please know that every classic movie I watch I am in awe of the peignoir sets. And yearn for them! So this one? Completely up my alley.

While I am advocating for us sleeping in today- and this week. And this weekend. I will most likely be wearing this while you are reading this while I am drinking coffee. Pretending that life is a bit more sophisticated and more chic than maybe Monday is. On the other hand- maybe we should sleep in. Perhaps a treat at the beginning of the week will make the week all the more bearable. It may not be possible – but what if it is? And what if we dressed for it like this?

This set is vintage but I have found you similar. And I truly hope that this day can be exactly what you need!
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 pink peignoir set on a white bed

Easy. Set. Go.

a woman in a blue and white pattern linen long sleeve and pant set in front for green neon doors
a woman in a blue and white linen pant and Long sleeve set in front of green doors and concrete
a woman in a blue and white linen pant and white long sleeve pant set in front of green doors and concrete walls
a woman in a blue and white linen pant and white long sleeve pant set in front of green doors and concrete walls
a woman in a blue and white linen pant and white long sleeve pant set in front of green doors and concrete walls

We are heading into summer. And hopefully the living is easy. So how do we dress for that? For me? I am doing it in an easy set- a la this easy peasy linen pant set. We know how I feel about sets. I LOVE them. Wear them together. Apart. Mix and match in ALL the ways. And when the pieces are breezy linen –even with pattens- it’s so easy to feel as if it’s a bit summery. Perhaps also a way to ease into the season, give yourself a way to pant when its SO hot SO soon, and feel breezy when it’s a beginning of- all the graduations, parties, weddings, get a ways, etc and travels that just need an outfit that is oh so chic, oh so versatile, and oh so easy.

Even as a set pieces like this are easy peasy to switch up. From flats to heels. Sandals to wedges. Add a belt. A mule. Anything from a sweater over to a blazer to a scarf. So easy. And when easy is chic it’s the best.

This set is sold out but I am linking some of my current fave linen sets that have the same fell. Tell me- what are you wearing for the summer? How do you feel about sets and linen and easy?

XO RA

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

a woman in a white and blue line pant set

OOPS I Did It Again…

a woman in a net dress over a sheer skirt with raffia sandals and chained sunglasses and a head scarf
a woman in a black crochet dress with a blue and white stripe shirt dress over and black flip flops in front of a fence

The question I get asked most often? But do you re wear it? And how do you style it? And I know. There are so many blogs. So many IGs. So much out there- a lot of it ready made outfits. So thinking about rewearing and remixing and restyling pieces (which FYI is the hallmark of a great piece! That you can rewear and restyle and make it new again over and over again). And really? I LOVE remixing and restyling. And rewears. I always worry that it’s not engaging or exciting blog content (why do we always think that everything has to be new and now?) but most of my outfits are a rewear or a restyle.

The above? The base is a crochet dress. Over swim. Over sheer- which the sheer skirt you have seen! here. And this crochet dress was originally shown to you with a shirt dress and leggings here and I really want to mix the 2 up again! Sheer- yes over swim. Maybe over a shirt dress. For sure with a button down. A tee Mix! The crochet over swim (a theme!), over pants, over a skirt. Over another dress.

These are such little snapshots but the possibilities are endless.

a woman in a blue and white shirt dress with a red laminated skirt over and pink and red platforms
a woman in a red laminated skirt with a grey turtleneck and great tights and gold heels

This red laminated linen skirt is one of the pieces I was most excited for this summer. And Spring. I imagined it with cropped tees and heels. And yet- so far I have only ever worn it layered. With tights and turtlenecks and shirts dresses. I can’t wait to play with it as the temps rise!

And of course there’s my go to rewears that I have written about here and here and < ahref="https://www.investmentpiece.com/outfits/never-gets-old/"target="_Blank">here. There is so much that I reach for time and again. From classic < a href="https://rstyle.me/+mesSwKNP1YpoLZ0CXieM8w"taret="_Blank">Paul Andrew mules that I wear with everything to this strapless bathing suit that I wear as a body suit with EVERYTHING. Honestly too much to count at this point.

Even my party dresses? I rewear them. From various events to swapping out shoes and accessories that they feel new. I rewear and restyle. All.The. Time. It’s part of the fun of building a wardrobe you LOVE. And can style!

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

What do you LOVE to rewear and restyle? What things would you like to see restyled from jeans to party dresses? I would love to hear about them all!

XO RA

a woman in a slit jersey button dress and pink mules
a look at sweatshirt dress I’ve worn before with different shoes and styling

Cape it Off….

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

There is something about a bit of the dramatic and a bit of exquisite details that can make even a classic or a basic- a la the “little black dress”- into a statement. A celebration. Something that when you reach for it, wearing it makes you feel a little better about life.

As I mentioned, this past Friday was my birthday. And I always love wearing a special dress on my birthday. This dress? Beyond. I’ll be honest- this was Plan B. It’s a Simkhai dress that I have had for about a year (maybe more!) that I had never had a chance to wear. For my birthday I had bought a lovely embroidered dress, but it needed a bit of altering and it wasn’t done in time. (yes, you will see it when it is!) So, on a whim and a need to be dressed I pulled this out.

And it may have been the best decision ever.

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels
a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

We all know that I love a cape! (even when they’re swim, vintage, and one of my all time favorites. You can also search cape on this site and feast if you’re into capes!) But this cape dress is so much more. It’s a bubble (a bit, which is so on trend), it’s necklace (THAT COLLAR), a bit of a wrap. And it’s got that wow factor.

When people tell you that they felt like a princess in things I can’t help but think of BIG (whether it’s a puff factor or a full skirt) so I don’t know if princess is the right word here. Maybe modern princess? Or queen? All I know is that this dress made this day a ton more special- and the fun I had in the dress, the compliments I got, and the confidence it gave me? Fantastic present to myself- no notes.

I am a bit fan of everyone having (well, really more than one) a piece like this in your closet that makes you feel SPECIAL. SEEN. And for all of us it will be different. We know I love a party dress (and a detailed one). Part of why I can never resist them is that I feel like this in them. Whatever that is for you- party dress, great jeans, unforgettable set- my wish for us all is that we get a year filled with them!

As I mentioned, this dress is a season or so old- but I have found you similar. I’m also linking some of my current fave Simkhai dresses! Here is to us- in all the things that make us feel special! 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!

And my current fave Simkhais can be found here

a woman with a black cape dress with a tortoise collar and black heels

***Sidenote: My apologies for not having a post up yesterday! We were affected by bad storms (the shoes and I are fine!!) but it affected me posting. We are back and ready to go now. Thank you for your patience and presence!