Summer Suit

Investment Piece: Summer Suit
Investment Piece: Summer Suit
Investment Piece: Summer Suit
Investment Piece: Summer Suit
Investment Piece: Summer Suit
Investment Piece: Summer Suit

Loves, you’re not imagining things. You’ve seen this blazer before (here). And while I loved this blazer as a way to transition from summer to fall, I also adore it as a Summer suit! Because, yes, it’s Summer, but there are still times when a suit is needed!

I have to admit, though I am wary of some versions of this combo, I have a thing for Blazers and shorts. You read about it, and see my Summer suit of last summer, here, and also check my Etsy history: I’ve been searching for the perfect 80s short suit. I didn’t find one, so I made one! I love that this blazer is a true blazer (in the trust tree: a little hot to shoot in southern humidity) but the off the shoulder makes it interesting. I paired it with classic white shorts (oversized just a tad to balance the structure) and these stunning lace up sandals. Perfect for more casual Summer business, or a night out!

I’d love to know: What’s your Summer suit?

XO RA

This Blazer is old, the shorts are Zara, and the shoes are Miu Miu from a few seasons ago. I’ve selected some similar styles below for your shopping pleasure!

Investment Piece: Summer Suit

Swim Round Up

Investment Piece: Swim Round Up

Loves, as you may have caught on, it’s swim week here on Investment Piece! And, if you follow me you get that swim suits are kinda my thing! I’ve worn them around the house since I was little:

Investment Piece: Swim Round Up

And have been known to wear swim suits as fashion statements:

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

Clearly, my love of all things swim suits runs deep and I’m a little thrilled to share some of my favorites with you! (And buying myself a new one hasn’t been ruled out!)

But first–I want to get a little honest and a little vulnerable with you (as we’re in the trust tree and all). I think we can all agree that this time of year can be overwhelming in terms of how body image is talked about/perceived/pressured. My advice for a beach body? Stated above: Simply take your body to the beach. However, I know in our minds it’s not always that easy. I don’t talk a lot about my body issues/struggles- I’m an actress/ex-dancer/take pictures of myself for a living. I’m a perfectionist and hard on myself. I can pick myself apart like a pro, and have spent some time beating my body into being “perfect”. These things aren’t easy for me to talk about, or even to admit sometimes. I workout because it makes me feel strong and empowered, and it helps me mentally. I think all women’s bodies are beautiful. I still want my mom to go in the water with me–and think my friend’s who have had babies are beautiful in what their bodies were able to do (stretch marks and rolls–I like it all). Yes, I know that’s a lot of juxatipositons, even for someone who loves juxatipositons. That I can think you’re beautiful no matter what, but don’t always love my own body that same way is something I work on EVERY DAY. So, if this season, this week, this post about swimsuits gives you anxiety know you’re not alone. Know I’m with you, that I feel you, but I believe we’re both beautiful–in and out of our bathing suits.

You aren’t going to find a list of do/don’t-s here. Much like “street” clothes, I think that swim suits should come down to what makes you happy and what you like! However, I do have some very loose guide lines for swimwear

1. Have a go-to Bikini and One Piece
Much like the French, I think you need both (and both can be flattering). Where I deviate is I don’t believe in hard and fast rules. For every high waisted bikini I love, there’s a string bikini. High cut pieces can lengthen your legs–boxy cuts can be precious. I love vintage pieces, and love the modern. I think you need one of each–so find one that makes you happy!

2. Lining
It matters. Trust me. Don’t settle for a suit without it

3. Have fun!
This is completely the time to experiment with colors and patterns (though there’s nothing so chic as a black one piece).

Some ones I love recently:

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Target Swim Section right now. The styles are perfectly on trend, and they are all under $50! I have to control myself as I want them all. My Target Picks:

Hope that you find what you love! See you on the beach! XO RA

Swim Cape

Investment Piece: Swim Cape
Investment Piece: Swim Cape
Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round up
Investment Piece: Swim Cape
Investment Piece: Swim Cape
Investment Piece: Swim Cape
Investment Piece: Swim Cape

A brand that I can’t seem to quit? For Love and Lemons. I love their take on skivies and bathing suits, and their dresses and tops are amazing as well. I find the cuts to be flattering on every body type, and yet the cut outs and details are simply next level. The only thing that can make it better? This stunning vintage (Valentino) rain cape that I borrowed from my love, The Kit Vintage. And who says capes are only for rain or inclement weather? The idea of wearing one on the beach or in the pool is fun and unexpected, and isn’t that what summer is about??

This suit is for Love and Lemons-I’ve linked my picks below!

XO RA

Bikini Days

Investment Piece: Bikini Days
Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round Up
Investment Piece: Bikini days
Investment Piece: Bikini Days
Investment Piece: Bikini Days
Investment Piece: Bikini Days

I have a love for all things swim (both vintage and modern). We all know I wear swim suits around (and always have), and see no reason for this summer to be any different. This number is a vintage bikini from Mercy Vintage that I snagged up at A Current Affair! I love the color, and the way the bottoms puff! One of my favorite things about vintage bikinis? The patterns! They go great with any body of water, as well as with skirts, shorts and jeans. Do you love vintage bikini days?

Stay tuned all this week for more swim inspiration! XO RA

I’ve linked similar bikinis and this skirt below:

Where to Shop: Lively Collective

Investment Piece: Where to Shop: Lively Collective

Loves! Remember on Wednesday when I said I wanted all of the boho maxi dresses for summer? (Refresh your memory here) Austin, I have the perfect place for you to find them: Lively Collective, one of my new favorite places to shop! (Not in Austin? No prob! Get your fix online: Lively Collective or on Instagram @livelycollective)

Lively Collective has the perfect combination of beach and boho pieces (maxi dresses, midi dresses, tops, swimwear, and an amazing selection of For Love and Lemons), local Jewerly, art, and gifts. I absolutely adore the easy going vibe of the store and the knowledge of the staff–and the selection is spot on!
Investment Piece: Where to Shop: Lively Collective

This season Lively Collective has all the colorful and floral dresses you want, the cut out trends you need, and dresses perfect for the beach or cocktails. What I love: everything is so versatile. While the aesthetic is boho, every piece in store could be styled a multitude of ways: add heels to a maxi for a night out, put floral jacket with jeans, layer the various bikini tops with shorts and a mini dress, the options are endless!
Investment Piece: Where to Shop: Lively CollectiveInvestment Piece: where to shop: lively Collective

Another thing I love about Lively Collective? They are a big supporter of local artists and companies. The walls are adorned with amazing paintings (all for sale) by a local artists, all Jewerly in store is made locally, and even some of the lingerie carried is made locally. Shopping at Lively Collective not only supports the store, but a whole community of artists!
Investment Piece: Where to Shop: Lively Collective

Supporting local artists and getting amazing clothes? Count me in!

You can visit Livley Collective at 1628 S 1st in Austin (they share a house with another great shopping destination, Bloomers and Frocks, you can read all about them here). Lively Collective really is the best place for all your summer Wishlist needs–see you there shopping!

XO RA

Gown So Good

Investment Piece: Gown so Good
Investment Piece: Gown so Good
Investment Piece: Gown So Good
Investment Piece: Gown so Good
Investment Piece: Gown So Good

Loves, I do my fair share of time trying on clothes, shopping for clothes, and thinking about clothes. And while I have a big need for clothes (between the site and me), what I’ve looked for in an item has slowly changed. I want what most of us want- quality, on trend, something I’ll wear again, all around great pieces. But, most importantly, I want an item that feels good. Maybe I’ll sigh when I put it on, maybe I won’t want to take it off, maybe I start fantasizing about all the places I’ll wear it. I call it “being good”, and loves, this gown is so good. I put it on, and I just fell in love.

The colors, the fit, the feel (it’s silk velvet with satin upper). I put it on and knew–gown so good. * This vintage gem is a Leonard (known for his jersey creations), so a silk velvet number is a littler rare (but I love it–and it fits in any season!); it’s from The Kit Vintage (you can refresh on my love here and here). So far I’ve worn it to a summer kick off gala and the ballet, but I’m on the hunt for more places to wear it. That’s what happens when gown so good.

These pictures were taken by Megan Weaver, and I have to admit playing in the fountains in this dress was fun too!
Investment Piece: Gown So Good

I’d love to know: what in your closet is so good? XO RA

*Originially my friend Robyn was afraid to zip it up, it fit but it just was a hard zip. Since purchasing, I’ve been able to zip myself into it, without any help at all, 3 times. Another sign we’re meant to be?

While this dress is vintage, I’ve found some similar styles:

It’s the time of year for wedding/graduation/father’s day gifts. Something that always fits:

Investment Piece: Gown so Good

Amazon Shopping

Investment Piece: Amazon Shopping

Loves! I have some great news! Starting today you can shop my Amazon picks, and related items, in my Amazon Store. Over on the Menu, you can now see “Amazon Picks” where I’ve put my fave items (including this face oil: and this face toning device: ) I’ll be updating it weekly, and there will always be new things to shop. There’s no added cost to you, just a chance to shop what I shop!

XO RA

Summer Wishlist

Loves!! Did you have a great holiday weekend? Mine was lovely, low key, and relaxing. One of the things I did? Clean out my closet! I know, not the most thrilling activity, but I secretly love it. When it’s done, I have a better idea of what I have, and what I need for the next season. And now that I know what I have, let’s talk about what’s on my Summer Wishlist!

White Shorts

Sometimes, I just get ideas in my head and I can’t get them out. One I have right now? Summer short suit-sets. Shorts, tops, heels. And one thing I need to see if I like it? White Shorts!

Some of the ones I like (and some are only $25!)

Boho Maxi Dresses

I find that each season I’m attracted to something new. This summer? I keep putting boho maxi dresses in my cart! I love that they can go from pool-side to cocktail hour, some are even great for weddings. And the best thing? There are so many different styles to choose from, there’s one for every type of boho.

Some that I’m loving:

Wedges and Espadrilles

Every season I need new ones (mainly as I find a pair I love and I wear them out!)! And this year I feel as if every retailer has a great pair!

My picks:

I’d love to know: What’s on your Summer Wishlist?? Happy Shopping! XO RA

This/That/Shopping

Investment Piece: This/That/Shopping

Loves! I hope that today you’re off work and relaxing. That no matter how you celebrat that it involves great food, great drinks, and great company. Even with all that, I am a big fan of having things to scroll, just in case. Below find some of my fave photos from recent posts (or the pics that didn’t get posted) and more of my Memorial Day Sale Picks!

Happy Memorial Day! XO RA

Investment Piece: This/That/Shopping
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, pink, floral, Gucci, CA, TX, breast cancer awareness
Investment Piece, fashion, style, blogger, high fashion, lounging, vintage, Gucci, CA, TX

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, blue jean baby, jeans, Stephen Spillman, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, shoulder Ruffles, stripes, stirrups, Stephen Spillman, CA, TX


What are you shopping this weekend? More of my picks:

Also, it’s come to my attention that Modcloth now has a TRex bikini. I’m getting one! You?

Checked

Investment Piece: Checked
Investment Piece: Checked
Investment Piece: Checked
Investment Piece: Checked
Investment Piece: Checked

There’s something comforting about wearing things you love all the time, about finding things that check all your juxatipositon boxes, about adding things to your closet that are so completely wearable that you reach for them over and over again. This silk checked dress fits all of those requirements! I love the checked pattern, the color, the hint of sheer. I love that it goes with heels, and with sneakers. I love that I’ve thrown on this dress and have always felt at home in it. It’s just me (and I love that).

This dress is a silk vintage 1920s day dress that I got from Ragg Mopp Vintage in Silverlake. You can shop them online and via Instagram (@raggmoppvintage) and they’ve beomce one of my new faves! If you’re in LA they are a must visit (yes, they are in Silverlake, and yes, it is worth the drive!), they have a great selection of older and new vintage and collectibles. For this outing I paired the blue with a red/rose combos I felt lady like and wild all at the same time. It may just be that checked is for me!

Loves, I know we are headed into a holiday weekend! This is what you can expect from us: NEW CONTENT! Yes, I might be laying by the ocean, but I worked ahead and you have things to scroll through:
Sunday: New Edition of Ex-Files, where we visit the one (s) who came on too strong. Get your popcorn!
Monday: This/That, a collection of some outfits, some sales, and some inspiration to get the most out of your holiday.
We return to regularly schedule on Tuesday! I hope you have a safe and fun holiday!!

XO RA

Shop my similar picks below:

Investment Piece: Checked