Green is the color of envy. The color of the holidays. And the color of the pants you didn’t know that you need. Continue reading Holiday Green
Category: shopping
Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts!
Or as We like to say here at Investment Piece: What to Bring for the Holidays! Continue reading Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts!
Sephora Rouge Sale
Loves! Thank you so much for your patience today! We’re back with brand new content tomorrow, but I wanted to express my gratitude for you bearing with me! As you may know, Sephora is having its annual “Rouge” sale, where you can get up to 20% with their codes. Code or not, I found some amazing picks that would make great gifts (you also need a gift, I promise). It’s also Monday Night! You deserve a treat!
Happy Shopping!
XO RA
How to Run with a Theme
Doing the same thing over and over again is a part of insanity. Right?
Or, and just hear me out, is doing the same thing over and over again running with a theme?
Continue reading How to Run with a Theme
3 Criteria for Thanksgiving Outfits
Pop of Leopard
Are you tired of hearing that leopard is a neutral yet?
I know, I get it, I hear you. It can be hard to hear the same thing over and over again. (Even if I am right when I say it). So, let’s switch it up. Maybe Leopard isn’t a neutral. Maybe it’s a big pop. Maybe it’s something that can turn an outfit into an OUTFIT. Sound better? More doable? Ok, then it’s decided. Let’s do a pop of leopard (at least for today).
I think what happens when we hear the same thing over and over again; or look at things through only one lens, we miss a lot of what’s possible. It’s human nature. I’ve admitted more than once that I’ve tuned my mother out, only to turn around and find that she was right (about a lot. It’s our secret). Our closets? The same thing. We label something as a neutral, or conversely as something special, and we refuse to see all the other ways that we could wear it. Yes, it’s a thing we all do. But by doing this, we miss out on so many amazing opprotunities. (We’re talking fashion, but I’m sure that there are other things that this applies to. Think hard). We made an arrangement; so today, instead of thinking of leopard as a neutral, we’re thinking of it as a pop. What does that change?
Of course the easiest way to make leopard a pop is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. I’m not afraid of a good Candian Tuxedo (Example here), and actually think one can add value to our wardrobes. Let’s level with each other, we all need a great pair of jeans (These Point Sur, old, are some of my faves as the wash, and rise are just classic. I’ve picked a similar pair for you here). They are the perfect thing to throw on in almost any situation. And what’s better than a great pair of jeans? A great chambray or jean top. Throw it on with almost anything. The trick? Don’t be afraid to pair them together. (Pro-Tip: You want them to go together but not match exactly). Once you have this basic combo down: add a pop. It works every time.
Because we agreed to, today it’s leopard. I just adore these mules, but any pump, or belt, or bag would do. The thing for a pop is that it has to be different than the rest of the outfit, and it’s great if it has a little sass.
This combo would be great for running errands, brunch, casual drinks, and a casual dinner.
What’s your fave pop? And how do you rock it?
Shop my picks (affiliate links, no affect to your price) below and let’s make leopard a pop!
XO RA
Flash Back Friday: Winter Florals
The saying goes that so much can change in a year. And that’s true right? People come and go, we change our minds, our clothes, our shoes, our states. I take pictures of myself for a living. (Ok, that’s not all of it, but in many ways, it boils down to that) So, I’ve developed this weird fascination of looking back at what I was wearing a year ago: do I still love it? do I still wear it? do I still have it? It makes FlashBack Friday’s and Throwback Thursday’s both morbid (like an autopsy) and fun. What I was I wearing a year ago? This winter floral dress. And I do still love it. And I do still have it. However, I don’t wear it often. Here’s the great thing about looking back: it can remind me what I have, and encourage me to wear it!
What I originially wrote:
We’ve had spring florals and fall florals–why not winter florals? I have to say, I love these moody florals, the darks and the pops of color–I like that it’s completely season appropriate but it feels fresh. Especially when you pair them with pop of color shoes. And the frills and the back? Amazing! (Loves, this is where I confess that I had this dress altered, we opened the back a bit and took in the waist some) The price is what really makes this dress stunning –it’s HM, yes, HM. Perfect for any thing this winter can throw at you!
(Side Note: let’s not sleep on HM ever! Some of my most recent finds there are showcased here, here, and here)
XO RA
I’ve updated my winter floral shopping picks (these are affiliate links, I do receive some commission on these, though there is no change to your price!) There are some great, and very similar HM winter floral dresses!
How to Gift
Loves, it’s that time of year. We’re giving, we’re getting, we’re buying gifts. And most of us think that we’re great shoppers, but does that make us great gift givers? In other words, do we know how to gift? And how to find the best gifts for those that we love? I’ve been beginning to work on my Holiday Gift Guides and these questions have been on my mind. What makes a great gift? Do we know how to give one?
Probably yes, and probably no. Gift Giving isn’t as straight forward as other shopping: there’s more pressure, more temptation, and this time of year can flat out be overwhelming, which means we may be shopping fast. So, how do you gift in a thoughtful way, and find things that your loved ones will love? I’m here to help! I like to think that besides being a professional shopper, I’m great at giving gifts. However, there has been some trial and error in my gifting. Below are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in how to gift; I hope that you find this helpful!
Stay Appropriate
I don’t just mean with gag gifts (which I think are difficult to pull off), but with price and big-ness. I think we’ve all been on both the giving or recieving side of a gift that was just too much. Either too expensive or too big for the relationship (think that one guy who you went out with twice and he gave you a ring for Christmas–that’s what I’m talking about). Here’s the thing- I get wanting to go big. I love to shop, I love finding things that I know people will love, I love giving gifts. So when I find something “perfect”, it can be easy to get caught up and forget that it may be “too much”. The solution? Have a conversation. Yes, it might be awkward, but will save you having a much more awkward conversation later on. Not sure if you’re exchanging gifts? Ask. And set a budget if needed, set expectations. That gives you a place to start, and makes it easier to control yourself!
Really Listen
People have a way of telling us things without being direct. The people in your life have probably told you what you want–even if they haven’t given you a wish list. The trick is to really respect it. Your mom doesn’t want anything over $40? Stay within $40. Your sister keeps saying how tired she is? Give her a spa day. Gifts don’t have to be big, the most meaningful gifts are ones where we let the other person know that we hear them. So don’t be afraid to really listen to what your loved ones want–and give it to them.
Events are great gifts
If you love a shopper like me, the risk you take is that we will buy ourselves what we want. An alternative? Give events–plan nights out, buy concert or ballet tickets, plan trips. All are not only great ideas, it gives the shopper in your life a place to wear her clothes. But this isn’t limited to shoppers. As we get older exchanging gifts with every friend can be too much, but a dinner/coffee/drink together is always a lovely treat! My suggestion? Plan it for the new year, when everyone has a bit more wiggle room in their schedule!
Gift Cards Aren’t Bad
You can get a gift card to just about anywhere now–the movies, dinner, coffee,as well as “cash” gift cards. I know that some look down on gift cards as they aren’t “thoughtful”, but I think they can be. Know someone who loves movies but doesn’t get to go? A movie gift card is perfect (and if you get a babysitter if they’re a parent, even better!). Know someone who is saving for a big purchase? A donation to that cause can be incredibly thoughtful. I think it goes back to the listening thing! In appropriate places, gift cards can give someone what they really want!
Other gift giving tips? I found these articles from LifeHack, HuffingtonPost, and Real Men Style to be a great help!
Our gift guides start in earnest in the coming weeks, although you can see our gift guides from last year on the side bar.
I’d love to know–what are your tips for gift giving? And what would you like to see in a gift guide?
XO RA
High School Fashion
Let’s go around the room and confess something.
I can go first.
It’s trite, but true.
I wasn’t popular in high school. I was chubby. And tried to hard. My friends were amazing and I had fun, but my high school experience is more the transforming swan rather than the High School Musical Variety.
(Random side note: I think everyone’s high school experience would be made better through more musical numbers).
One thing I did in high school? I tried to make the trends I saw in magazines work. I’m completely dating myself BUT, I wore knee high socks. And the little clips in my hair. Basically anything I saw in teen magazines or Vogue I tried to recreate in a way. (Isn’t it weird that we at some level always know what we’re supposed to do?) And while it didn’t work in high school (turns out small town high schools are not the place to try new trends), I’m glad that I got into the habit of trying trends and figuring out what I liked. If you read Monday’s post, you know that I admit when my mom was right. In high school she told me that you want to be the kind of person that blooms after high school–and loves, she was right.
I bring up high school, and high school fashion, not because I’m sitting around thinking about it, but because I think high school fashion is back. Case in point? Fanny Packs. Belt bags if you’re trying to make it high fashion, but let’s be honest: it’s a fanny pack. However, these are not the fanny packs we had in high school. those were black (or neon) and cheap and awful. Don’t tell my trying to be cool high school self, but I may like (really LIKE) these fanny packs. Leather. Adjustable. Able to go from your waist to over the shoulder. Not so stiff and triangle, but supple leather and shapes that we can identify. I think even the cool girls in high school would wear these! Perfect for nights out, concerts, festivals, or any time it’s just nice to have all your stuff and use your hands at the same time!
It did get mentioned to me that my kicks (sneakers, Mom) with a skirt is high school fashion as well. Is it? I thought that’s just how we wear them, but if that’s high school fashion I’m down (let’s just get amazing kicks and great skirts like this leather one). What do you think?
So, maybe the trends I tried to make happen in high school fell flat. Maybe that’s ok. This high school fashion trend is something I think wins now, and isn’t that what matters?
Tell me: how was high school? What did you wear? What are your current thoughts on fanny packs? And high school fashion?
I got some picks for you (affiliate links, which does not affect price for you). I’m excited to get your take on them!
XO RA
October Faves and Instagram Life!
Loves, I’m gonna let you in on a littl blogger secret: there are looks that are our favorites. And sometimes the ones that just live on Instagram and don’t make it on the blog are the best. I love coming up with outfits (for both me and you) and shooting them for us! Instagram is one of my favorite ways to let you know what I’m doing, what I’m wearing , and what I’m loving! And while I’m busy working on more posts and outfits for us all, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to share with you some of my October favorites and the things I’ve loved this month!
Yes, some of these looks you’ve seen before (it’s October Faves, and who doesn’t love a second chance to shop!) and some you haven’t. Some pieces you will most likely see again, and some looks are simply on my Wishlist! All are things I love, shots I couldn’t resist sharing, and a little behind the scenes action for you!
Below see all my October faves, linked with updated shopping options. What were your favorites this month?
XO RA
*Note these are affiliate links and while I get a small commission from them, it does not affect the price for you!
October Blues
A recent look? Yep, but I loved it and every shot was just amazing!
see the original post here and shop:
Monkey Business
I just love this print skirt, it’s just so cheeky!
See the originial post here and shop:
Cape
This cape just makes me happy. That makes it an October Fave!
Orginal post here and shop:
Instagram Life
Stars and Stripes
This outfit that I wore on Tuesday was thrown together at the last minute, I was determined to mix patterns, and this is what I came up with. I got so many compliments (which made me so happy!) and these shoes from last season are still some of my faves!
Shop the look:
Rosie Assoulin
If you follow me on Instagram (please do! @racheladelicia), you may know that I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and playing dress up with Rosie Assoulin. She was a complete dream-so unbelievably lovely. And the clothes–I’m currently looking up “how to sell your kidney” to afford this dress!
Shop my look of the tux (and I love the pairing of a concert tee):
Shop my Rosie Assoulin picks (and keep your eyes out for SS18):
Loves,thank you for indulging me and letting me review some of my October faves and my recent Instagram life! I hope that this weekend is amazing and full of love and laughter, come back on Sunday for a spooky Ex-files!
XO RA
And this sale is my kind of October fave:
