shopping – Page 66 – Investment Piece

Memorial Day Sales!

I know, I know. Memorial Day isn’t till Monday. However? Sales start now.

(Really they should give us the week off to shop. And funding for our shopping. It seems like the right thing to do.)

All week I’ll be interrupting your regularly scheduled day and sharing some of my Memorial Day Sales picks with you. Trust me, you don’t want to wait till Monday to shop these goodies!

Net-a-Porter
That collective sigh you heard? Everything everyone wants from Net-A-Porter is on sale with their Memorial Day Sale. And you need to be shopping! Below are my favorite picks for today. I reserve the right to update these as the week goes on, and I shop more.

Net-A-Porter Memorial Day Sales:

ShopBop
That Memorial Day sales are starting the Tuesday before is great news. Even better news? The ShopBop sale is just getting started. What this means for you? You can bet that I’ll have even more picks for you as the week goes on!
ShopBop Memorial Day Sales:

Loves, I can only promise that this week is going to get better (in terms of sales at least!). Each day you’ll be getting more Memorial Day Sales picks; and make sure you’re connected to us on Facebook and Instagram (and Pintrest!), as I’ll be posting items and picks on those mediums as well!

Stay cool out there and happy shopping!

XO RA

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!

Mixed Patterns

Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns

Sometimes things don’t go to plan (see yesterday’s Sunday Chronicles).

Sometimes I get hung up on ideas and they don’t come to fruition. (It rained all morning when I was going to shoot)

And sometimes, I feel the need for a theme (because who doesn’t love a theme party?).

I get asked many questions. And one of the ones that keeps popping up, and one that I ponder is: how do you mix patterns?
Because the answer to this question is not cut and dried. It’s not easy. Mixing patterns is 90% experimentation, 5% courage, and 5% formula.

Investment Piece: Art of Dress

Yes, my loves. There are those of you who read that and thought: “Yay! Rachel is going to share the secret of mixed patterns.”
And then, those of you who read that and got “Um, did Rachel just say that there is no formula for mixed patterns?”

Loves, both of you are right.

Mixed patterns are hard and a scary and intimidating thing for most of us. Even if you’re a “fashion gal”. The thing is- there are no hard and fast rules about mixed patterns. I have my options and guidelines, I also talked about them here.

Investment Piece: Todd Oldham
Investment Piece: Wrap Dress

Mixed patterns. A theme I like, and a theme maybe we all need to explore. So, this week that’s what we’re going to do. What you can expect: outfits, videos and all the tips I can give and get us about mixing patterns. Maybe we can all conquer this whole mixing patterns issues together?

First up? The best advice I can give about mixed patterns. Make someone else do it for you.
What does that mean exactly? Buy a mixed pattern dress (or skirt or top). All you have to do is wear it. Simple? Cheating? Or brilliant? Either way, it’s a mixed pattern and you mastered it. So?

This week I’ll be sharing tips and really focusing on polka dots, florals, stripes, and leopard. Have another question? Another pattern that’s a must chat about? Let me know! Between videos and outfit posts and a Facebook Live (I’ll let you know the day and time) I’ll get it in!

Below I’ve linked some of my fave mixed patterns items. Can’t wait to conquer this theme with you!
XO RA

PS this weekend and the week leading up to it are some of the best sale shopping you can do! Yes, you and I are going to deal with mixed patterns, on site I’ll also be posting some of my fave sales picks (and the best sales!) Also make sure you’re on my email list, Instagram, and Facebook-I’ll be posting special sale items on those places too!

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: Mixed Patterns

Vintage Dots

Investment Piece: Vintage Dots

I’ve kinda lied. These dots aren’t vintage. But these jeans? They are. So half of one? Six dozen of the other?

And really, when the pieces are this amazing, does it matter what is vintage?

First: Nothing beats vintage Levis for the look from the back. I love the high waist, but my natural waist is super high. I keep hearing that low rise are coming back. That rumor sends chills down my back. If low rise comes back, please know that you will find me in my vintage Levis, rocking the high waist. And double bonus? Vintage Levis look amazing with just about ANYTHING.

Including dots. Polka dots are another one of those patterns that I think of as neutral. (At this point you may be wondering what I don’t consider a neutral, I’ll let you know when I find it.) The great thing about polka dots is that they can be fun and playful, and yet a bit sophisticated all at the same time. I love these big ones, and this top that can be worn on or off the shoulder. The sleeves pop a bit, and while it’s not vintage, I love that these dots feel a bit vintage. Goes great with jeans, pants, shorts, skirts, over a bikini. Why limit yourself?

You know me, I’m a sucker for details.

The shoes? Gucci. I have a thing for red shoes. I have a thing for bling, even when it’s hidden. Gucci has my heart. And the sling back and slight heel is perfect for any occasion. You can feel special, but not over the top. These are from a season or so ago, but there’s good news. When the style isn’t current the chance you can find them on a resale site. Covetable style for less? Yes, please!

This outfit has become my go to, it’s perfect for running errands, as well as happy hours. Vintage dots for the beginning of summer win?

I’ve linked similar styles below. I’d love to know- how do you rock dots?

XO RA

And you can score some amazing deals:

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: Vintage Dots

Sales and Such!

The one good thing about being forced to rest a bit more than planned this week? I got to really focus on my online shopping, and this means great things for all of us. Yes, you get my sales picks often, as I love passing on good deals, but this week, you get sales picks that I not only fully endorse (per usual), but these are sales that I’ve POURED over. (Being sick makes you focus on the important things). These sales picks may be my best of the season. So, let’s get to shopping!

Moda Operandi
I love Moda Operandi for so many wonderful, designer reasons. And when they have a sale? It’s game on! Get up to 50% on of-the-moment designer picks! I’ve got some suggestions for you:

And there is much more shopping on their site!

Bloomingdales
Right now you get to take an extra 40-50% off already on-sale items, plus take 20-50% off reguarly priced items. Basically everything is on sale! I did some shopping for you:

I’m trying to control myself with this sale, how about you?

Barney’s
Right now at Barney’s take 40% off of select designers. And stay tuned for more to go on sale in the coming weeks! These picks will get you off to a great start!

Something else to look forward to: The Nordstorm Yearly Sale is coming. I hope that these sales picks help you get prepared!

Happy Shopping!
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!

How to Star Gaze

My star filled plans for both you and I this week? They’re on hold. I’ve been in bed with what can only be described as the worst summer cold. Chills, fever, dizziness- I got you. I had plans to write, which is hard to do when you can barely string thoughts together. So instead? Let’s star gaze!
Continue reading How to Star Gaze

The One That Almost Didn’t Happen

Investment Piece: The One that almost didn't happen

Have I mentioned that I like to tempt fate? Apparently I do. Last week was a bit crazy with all the family events (some of us had birthdays: Mom and me. And let’s not forget Mother’s Day!) So, I may have outlined everything, but left some work to the last minute.

You know. Like shooting the looks. And writing about the looks.
I pretend like I have things together at all times. Please know that is a lie.

This look? This look is the one that almost didn’t happen. Not because it’s all white, a risk at all times.
Not because the skirt is leather, a risk now that Mom’s house (TX) has decided it’s summer.

Seriously. It’s 95. Get it together spring!

Note: this skirt is almost the one that I replaced in this story about letting go.

This look almost didn’t happen as I couldn’t get the camera to charge. Then I did and got this look (which I love for any night out) shot.
This look almost didn’t happen as I couldn’t get my editing software to work. Then I did, and got them uploaded.

This look almost didn’t happen, but it did. (Thank you to all the champagne, cursing, and huffing that helped, or so I like to think.)

Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen

This is the one that almost didn’t happen. But it did. So, let’s chat about it?

I like all white. It’s innocent and risky all at the same time (like an angel just waiting to spill on herself). Loves, you know me by now, as much as I like all white any outfit for me comes down to the details. In the one that didn’t happen? It’s the leather skirt (WITH POCKETS). The rose gold leather bra paired with a sheer white sweater (perfect for the summer, and you can wrap it any way that works). And these shoes. I have a thing for feathers. I have a thing for heels that are clear (they’re in this year). And I have a thing for things that pop.

The one that almost didn’t happen? Perfect for any special summer night. Or take a night and let this combo make it special. You know, make it happen.

My goal for the rest for the week is to not leave everything to the last minute. Wish me luck. Or stay along and see what exciting things happen?

The skirt is vintage and this sweater is a good 10 years old. Lucky you, I’ve found similar and these exact shoes (as well as some affordable options) are linked below). This did happen, and I have faith in you recreating it!

XO RA

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: The one that almost didn't happen

Birthdays and Sales!

Investment Piece: Birthdays and Sales!

Investment Piece; Birthdays and sales

Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Eclisped by Gold
Investment Piece: Days in LA

It’s still my birthday (ok, maybe not really). But I’m still celebrating my birthday. And since when it’s your birthday you can do whatever you like, I’m doing just that. I’m looking back at some of my favorite looks from this past year, and sharing them with you. And because, everyone should have some new for my birthday, I’ve linked some of my favorite sales pieces from the week below!

I hope you get champagne, love and new this weekend!

I’m still celebrating and I think you should be, too!

XO RA

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.

Going Green

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, water works, high fashion, kenzo,vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re just so tired that everything seems a little draining? I’ve had that kind of week. How cool is it that I was so wiped that I went to bed at 9p last night? Yes, the rumors are true, I’m a cool kid.

What do I do when I have weeks that just drain me? Go green. Get to the water. And since I can’t always get to ocean, I get to any water I can. These pictures were taken by one of my loves, Megan Weaver, in the water gardens in downtown Fort Worth. While not the ocean, the sound of the water soothes my soul and reenerginzes me.

As for going green? Let’s chat about this dress!

Investment Piece, waterworks, Fashionblogger, high fashion, kenzo, vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, kenzo, vintage, high fashion, waterworks, CA, TX

Pastels may show up every spring but when they look as good as this green dress, can you really be mad about that? This perfect sage green and the pink screams spring (and we know I love a great juxtaposition, hence the gladiator sandals).

I got this dress on Etsy- vintage Kenzo. I love the green color, but also the timeless cut- and the details. Those sleeves, that belt. They say that being outside, in the green, is good for you. Does that count for green dresses’ too? Asking for me.

Full confession? I’ve had this dress for a bit. Ok, over a year. And these pictures weren’t taken this week. But, when I need to feel as free as I did when we took them-running in waterfalls and all–I relive the memory. And, just maybe, go green in this dress.

How do you deal when you’re drained?

The dress is vintage and the shoes are from many years ago, but I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure.

Xo RA

Investment Piece: Going Green

Pop of Yellow

Investment Piece: Pop of Yellow

I’m blonde. Which is great. I’m not saying I don’t have fun. However, being blonde (or any color really) means that there are colors that can be hard to wear. It’s a coloring thing. And yellow is one of those colors that is just hard to pull off as a blonde. So, every season where “yellow is THE color”, I get a little anxious. Not that I follow every trend. BUT.

This is not to say that I don’t like yellow. It’s just that not all shades of yellow look amazing near my face and it can be overwhelming to think of finding the perfect shade of yellow to wear. And, I get it, this is a VERY first world problem. There are so many fashion problems that are bigger. And I wish that I had the answers to all of those,I don’t. However, if you’re like me and have the issues with yellow, I do have the answer for that problem.

Pop of yellow.

You take something you like, but doesn’t always work for you (or maybe you’re just too lazy to find the right shade) and you use it as an accent. I get it, this solution is not going to bring about world peace. BUT. It takes one problem off your plate.

Because yellow is fun. And sunny. And I do like. Having it as an accent, like these amazing shoes, is just so much easier than finding the right shade of yellow to wear. Take something you might not want a WHOLE lot of (full outfit) and make it a pop.

I’m not going to lie, great vintage jeans, and a classic off the shoulder top never hurts either. Just in case you need something to pair your pop with.

Did I just save the day?

Maybe.

These jeans are from one of my old faves The Rebel Stylist and I can’t quit off the shoulder. I don’t apologize.

I’ve linked similar styles for your shopping pleasure. Add a pop. See what happens.

XO RA

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: Pop of Yellow

Places to Shop: Moda Operandi

Of all the weapons in my online shopping arsenal Moda Operandi may be the most unique and powerful. Just like any other site MO’ has a boutique with clothes, shoes, and accessories that are in season and ready to ship. Unlike most other sites, MO’ lets you order directly from the runway–so if you see something you love during Fashion Week you can preorder items you love for a 50% deposit. When the item comes in you pay the balance and get your item. It’s a great way to shop ahead–and another look at trends that were on the runway. I can’t tell you all of the great things that I’ve gotten from Mo–but trust me, you love them.

Another perk–their customer service is beyond stellar. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been super helpful, and every customer is assigned a personal shopper, who often goes above and beyond to help find you what you want.

Things to know:
MO’ does cater to high end brands (though there are deals to be had, and the breaking of payments can help)
Not all items are ready to ship–so look at the item’s ship date!
Trunkshows (as the site calls them) last more than one day (often about a week)
All items in Boutique are ready to ship
Their sale is not to be missed

A little bit more on how the TrunkShows Work:

and my current favorite from the site:

I hope you check it out and love Moda Operandi
as much as I do!

Happy Thursday! XO RA