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The Duchess

Investment Piece: The Duchess

Loves, this post is a part of my partnership with AmberLeaf. While I may earn communion, this does not affect any price for you. My opinions are my own, I truly love not only these pieces, but am in love with Amberleaf and the two amazing women who run it. You’ll be hearing about them now and then, but rest assured that my take on any product is that–my take. Now, let’s get to shopping! XO RA

I think I would make a great Duchess. What do I have to back me up on that theory? My fashion sense, desire to help others, and how I look in this blazer. What? Like wearing a blazer called The Duchess isn’t prove that you shouldn’t be a duchess? Nonsense.

We all know that the 9 to 5 world is not one that I dwell in (though I do love me a good suit). However, I LOVE a great blazer. From the aforementioned suits, to jeans, to over a dress or with a skirt, there’s always a place for a blazer. They can instantly pull an outfit together, and are great for people like me who tend to get cold (even in the heat). My favorite kind of blazer? The kind that goes great with dress pants (see above), with flares and a graphic tee, with a skirt (see above), pants, or can be a jacket that doesn’t look like a jacket over a “going-out outfit”.

Did I just age myself with the use of the phrase “going-out outfit”? If so, let’s just pretend I said whatever the kids are saying. A fancy outfit?

The good news for me? The Duchess does all these things that I love, and more. The fabric has a subtle sheen, meaning it goes over my cocktail dresses and looks great with my jeans. I can belt it (see above, also side note-I love a great blazer as a top, don’t ever be afraid to belt them) or let it rest on your shoulders. I tried on the whole Duchess line and every single color is stunning, and versatile.

Now, here’s the great news for you. For a limited time the code DUCHESSS30 gets you $30 off the Duchess blazer at AmberLeaf. Don’t forget to put the code RACHELADELICIA in the seller notes for anything you buy (it keeps you up to date on all the things Amberleaf and I have planned for you, and let’s them know you’re one of mine!)!

I know in my heart of hearts that you will love the Duchess as much as I do. And, for fun, if we just started calling ourselves Duchesses when we had our Blazers on, that could be a thing. Right?

XO RA

red-y set

Loves, like many of you, I was rocked by the tragic death of Kate Spade this week. I’m still wrapping my head around it, and trying to figure out what to say. Isn’t it funny that sometimes an event involving someone we don’t personally know can rock us so deeply? I know her struggle with depression and anxiety, and her worry about her brand, hit close for some of us; making this topic both difficult to talk about, and yet, impossible to ignore. I was going to write about it today, but everything I put on paper felt wrong. Then I got so wrapped up in that struggle that letting it go seemed wrong as well. I’m working on that piece, in the meantime let’s flash back to a piece and outfit that made me smile. I hope you’re week has been smooth sailing. I hope that if you’re suffering, you know how cared you are, and you know that reaching for help means you’re strong, not weak. Thinking of us all xx RA

Investment Piece: red- set
Investment Piece: Red-y Set

It seems just fitting to end a week where I chatted about a vintage trip (missed that? check out #fashioninthewild here) with a vintage set. It’s no secret that I have a thing for vintage. By now you know I think it’s chic and modern to mix vintage and new. And this outfit combines all of those things.

It’s a red-y set.

Yes, in my mind the word match was said. Yes, it’s a bad joke. But if you didn’t at least think it, we may have to reevaluate some things.

Investment Piece: Red-y Set
Investment Piece: red- set

What I love about sets? Especially this red-y set? Within the set are endless possibilities. Wear the pieces together. Wear them apart. Add accersories to your heart’s content. Keep the look simple. So many options, so many looks, so many ways to be red-y set.

This vintage won me over this past holiday season, though I like to think that this knit could be worn year round. And this red color? When isn’t red in season?

I love the classic ease of this look, it made me feel very Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas during the holiday season. Now that spring is here, it makes me feel very chic. The knit is mid-weight, meaning it can hold its shape, but isn’t too hot. I love the addition of the bigger belt–the set is a little big on me, and while I’ll tell you I’m not a belt lady, I love great waist definition. The kitten heel is my new old favorite thing. They just scream chic to me. This look is perfect for work, or drinks, or whenever you want to feel a little put together.

I’ve also rocked this skirt with a band tee and this sweater with jeans. Red-y sets may be my new go-to!

This set is vintage, as is the belt, but I’ve linked similar items and these shoes below!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Red-y Set

What I learned when I let MM LaFleur Style Me

You may have heard of MM. LaFluer, the clothing and bento box subscription that focuses on work clothes. (You can read more about the company and process here.) Some things to know right off the bat:
*This isn’t a sponsored post. They didn’t even know I was coming. I got the notification on Facebook (yes, it’s scary that Facebook knows us that well) that MM. LaFleur was holding a pop up event in Texas while I was in town. I took adavantage.
*I’m always curious how another stylist will style me. Yes, just like you I can have hang ups about someone else styling me. I have set ideas about cuts and colors and like it when someone can break me out of my preconceived notions.
*The clothes were amazing. I was so impressed with the quality.
*While I loved my experience, I can’t see myself signing up for a bento box. However, MM. LaFleur will be added to my list of places to shop. For my life and career, I don’t need the amount of “traditional” 9-5 clothes a bento box would provide, but I LOVED what I tried on and the pieces are on my Wishlist.

That’s a lot I learned, and we haven’t even chatted about MM LaFleur styling me. Shall we get to it?

The Process
My appointment with MM LaFleur was in person, they had sessions in a local hotel suite where we were invited to go and try on styles and explore the line. Before my appointment, I filled out a questionnaire about my style, brands I wear, and what I was looking for, so that my stylist and I weren’t starting cold.
My stylist was amazing and had pulled a variety of options for me to try.

My understanding is that the online process for MM LaFleur is very similar!

So, what did I think about my choices?

Be Open or Try it On
We all have an idea of our “style” and what will fit and what goes together. All of us. The things about working with a stylist is that you’ve essentially asked them to work with your preconceived ideas, and push you a little on your boundaries. What does all that mean? It means that every style session should present you with some options that are distinctly “you”, and maybe some options that push you a little.

I went into my session with MM LaFleur knowing certain facts about my style. I’m a little edgy, I love classics, but don’t have a 9-5 job. Some of the picks for me were so Rachel that I fell in love automatically. Then, there were a few that didn’t strike me immediately. My stylist was amazing, and pushed me to go ahead and try some of the items I wasn’t sure about. So I did. And, loves? I loved them. Moral of the story? Even pro-shoppers can learn something and find new things, but you have to be open to it.

That thing you’re not sure if it’s “you” or not. Try it on. Test it out. See what happens.

Color and Print are Your Friends

I talk about color and print often. I think you should wear them. Yet, loves there are still some hang ups I have in regards to color and print. Some are justified. There are certain shades of yellow that don’t look great on me. However, some of these issues are just in my head. Case in point?
My stylist pulled green for me, I mentioned that green and I have a tenuous relationship. But, I was open and tried it on, and this green dress was one of my favorite items.
Same with this rust dress. I normally shy away from anything that leans the slightest bit orange, but I loved it.
I tried on tons of black, and loved it. However, the colored pieces are the ones that stand out.
The lesson? Try new colors.

Don’t be Afraid of the Pants

It’s not that I don’t love pants. I do. And I wear them. But can we be honest with each other? Shopping for pants is the worst. Between fit, rise, stretch, and style there is no set sizing, and that is just the tip of the iceberg about the frustrating process. So, I was wary about trying the MM LaFleur pants on. But I did. And I was blown away. The fit was immpeccable, the rise was just high enough for me. I feel like a broken record, but try the things. Maybe all of the things. Maybe some of the things. But try.

I went into my styling session with MM LaFleur with some preconceived notions. About colors, about fits, and about my need for more “traditional” pieces. What I learned? Even I need to be open to more colors, prints, and new things. That traditional pieces still have a place in my closet, and some are right up my alley. Isn’t it amazing when you let yourself be styled and seen in a new light?

I highly recommend MM LaFleur and would love to hear about your experiences with them!

Happy Shopping!
XO RA

Summer Prep

Investment Piece: Summer Prep

Things I’ve been thinking about lately: Prep. Or preppy style.
How much I love boat shoes/loafers.
Outfit formulas that work in any season.
How it’s barely Summer and it’s already SO hot.
The fact that everyone needs a white button down (it’s science).

The result? Summer Prep.

As in, yes, I’m prepping for Summer. I have all the SPF and the swimsuits (see my guide here), and am wearing hats to protect my face. (No one wants wrinkles).

*Note: this hat is vintage Lanvin, a great etsy find. It’s cloth, so there are times when the brim won’t lay exactly how I would like, but I love the pattern and colors!

I’m also doing Summer Prep, meaning I’m leaning into my preppy side. Have I mentioned that a white button down is one the champions of your closet. They go with anything, can be dressed up or dressed down, and will never fail you. Boat shoes? Same thing. (You can call them loafers. I do.) I just love the preppiness that they can add to any outfit.

As for outfit formulas? This look is seasonless. Get cold? Wear jeans. Or trousers. You don’t have to wear cutoffs. (Though as we’re Summer prepping and it’s a million degrees outside, at this time, I would recommend a bottom that is cool. And not just in the preppy way). You could swap loafers for mules, heels, or sneakers. But you’ll always look pulled together and ready to go. And isn’t that what prep is all about?

I would love to know: how are you doing Summer prep? Please tell me it involves cooling down, and you’re willing to share your secrets!

These Summer prep pieces are some of my go-to’s. I’ve linked similar below for your shopping and Summer prep pleasure!
XO RA

And don’t forget your sunglasses!

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: Summer Prep

Shake your TailFeather

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather

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

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

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

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather

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

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

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

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

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

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

XO RA

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

Summer Swimsuit Guide

Investment Piece: Days in La

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

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

We need new swimsuits.

Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round up

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

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

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

Some of my current favorite One Pieces:

Two Pieces I’m crushing on:

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

JCrew Swim:

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

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

Onia Swim:

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

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Summer SwimSuit guide

Memorial Day Sales

Loves!!

It’s officially summer!

I hope that this weekend has allowed you to spend some time with some people you love doing some fun things, and maybe getting new shoes. What isn’t on sale today? I’ve linked some of my favorite picks below to help the holiday go on.

And, of course, today isn’t really about shopping or BBQs, so I hope today you spend at least a small moment to think about those that sacrificed for our long weekend.

Xo RA

Florals+Leopards+ Stripes

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

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

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

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

But I got compliments. And I loved it.

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

Investment Piece: Florals+Leopards+Stripes

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

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

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

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

Note: prints and prices are mixed!

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

Investment Piece: Florals+leopards +stripes

Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale

You thought Memorial Day sales were a gift?

Oh, loves.

Beyond the gift that is Memorial Day Shopping, the shopping gods smiled on us this week. Today begins the Nordstorm Half Yearly Sale. It’s so good, one post may not do it justice. The deals, the shopping, the sale, the Nordstrom’s? It’s a holiday in and of itself. Again, I reserve the right to add more as the week progresses, but below find some of my early picks from the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale. Get to shopping.

Happy Wednesday!
XO RA

How to Mix Patterns

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

How to Mix Patterns

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

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

XO RA

Leopard Picks!

Polka Dot Pieces!

Floral Picks!

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

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