Bodysuit

Investment Piece, vintage, Levi's, bodysuit, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, bodysuit, vintage, Levi's, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, bodysuit, fashion blogger, vintage, Levi's, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, bodysuit, vintage Levi's, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, vintage, Levi's, bodysuit, Zara, high fashion CA, TX
Investment Piece, bodysuit, fashion blogger, vintage, Levi's, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX

We tend to think of “throw on and go” for our dresses, jumpsuits, etc, but what about our bodysuits? It’s the same idea, yes? A bodysuit is a no-think option, can be a staple and a statement, and makes outfit planning so easy! Growing up, I was a dancer (and still occasionally throw on a leotard with everything, example A, B, and C), so I love the idea of a great bodysuit. And this layered option from Zara I’d just perfect. I love the illusion of two shirts, I love the stripe, the color, and the detail. It goes amazing with vintage Levi’s, but just as great with skirts and pants. And these shoes! I love the elastic, the block heel, the grey (in my world grey is a neutral!)

While this look is semi-casual, it works for date night, the movies, dinner, lunch, errands. And the details of the bodysuit mean that not much else is needed! I was able to throw my hair up in a bun, put on red lipstick, and call it a day! That’s what I love about bodysuits, they don’t make you work for it. And these shoes! Great with jeans, skirts, dresses, just neutral enough, and just enough personality to stand out. And loves, let’s talk vintage Levi’s. I know that they can be a scary thing. I love them. Nothing can quite match what they do for your back side, and if you have a super high waist like me, nothing fits just as perfect. They aren’t as tight as modern jeans, which makes them a nice alternative. I got these from LotStockandBarrel but I also love The Rebel Stylist and AAVintedge for amazing vintage denim!

I’d love to know, what are your feelings on bodysuits? Do you consider them “throw on and go” staples? What do you wear them with?

This bodysuit and shoes are from Zara. Shop my picks for great bodysuits below!

Happy Friday!

XO RA

And Wedding Season is coming! Don’t worry: Rent the Runway has you covered!

Neiman Marcus

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Neiman Marcus, high fashion, CA, TX

Loves, as you may know Neiman Marcus (the luxury department store) is for sale. While the sale won’t change the quality, name, or brand of the store, it does signify a change in our shopping experience. Truth be told, this news hit me harder than it should have. My childhood was shaped by Neiman Marcus. My family is from Dallas, and Neimans was a place to mark milestones. My grandma used to take us for tea, it was a place to shop for special occasions, and Neiman Marcus may have a hand in my love for expensive shoes. My mother has strong memories about attending fortnights at the store, two week long affairs, in the theme of a country, where the Dallas Neiman Marcus Flagship would go all out–decorate the escalators like dragons (China), give away free Guinness (Ireland), have lederhosen clad dancers (Germany). Neimans would fly in celebrities: Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Sophia Loren, and taught Dallas Society how to party. Neiman Marcus for decades played a huge part in discovering new designers, hosting fashion shows, and being the authority in luxury.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Neiman Marcus, high fashion , TX, CA

Recently, I had the opprotunity to hear Tom Alexander speak-he was manager of all things Neiman Marcus at its height, and a noted historian. Just to hear him tell stories about the events, the celebs, the stories was simply amazing. He’s recently published a biography of Stanely Marcus (founder of the store), it is for sale at any Neimans and is worth a read. I was not only fascinated by the stories he had to tell, but Stanely’s son conducted the Q&A and we got a glimpse into Neiman Marcus’s plan for the future.

Neiman Marcus wrote the book on luxury; salespeople knew your name, size, taste, gave a personal touch, and the high end items! But loves, the way you and I shop is changing. Online shopping has not only changed how impersonal shopping has become, it has also changed our expectations in terms of availability, and delivery (and let’s be honest there’s not a person alive who doesn’t love coming home to a “present” on the doormat). So where does this leave luxury retailers? If we can get anything from anywhere delivered in 5-7 business days, is there still a place for Neiman Marcus and similar stores?

I was relieved to hear that Neimans believes the answer is yes. People love personalized service. I’m usually a woman who doesn’t need a ton of help to shop, but I do have to say that it is lovely to get a call or text from my girl at Neimans to let me know about promotions or things that just arrived that are my style –and many websites don’t offer that. Will this service have to become more “web friendly”? Sure. However, the belief that it’s still available, and the customer who still appreciates it, makes Neiman Marcus confident that they can provide the level of service that they are known for, and move into modern shopping.

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Neiman Marcus, high fashion, CA, TX

I love Neiman Marcus, unapologetically. In fact, I long for the day when the fortnights, celeb and designer fashion shows come back, and we return to an era when department stores mean luxury. What about you? Do you love Neimans like I do? Shop my picks from Neiman Marcus below, and I cannot recommend the books enough-history, celeb gossip, and shopping! And don’t forget the cookbooks, they remind me of meals with my grandma, and are great from everything from treats to dinner parties!

XO RA

Beauty and the Beast

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, beauty and the beast, shopping, CA, TX

Have you seen Disney’s new live-action “Beauty and the Beast”? I did on Sunday with my family, and I loved it! I’m a sucker for the Disney version of the classic story. I love how Belle, the Beauty, is a book warm, champions intelligence, cares deeply, and isn’t afraid to be different than the people she lives by. I love the singing furniture, the gruffness of the Beast, and that library! I love that we learn that not only should we look beyond the shallow appearances, that it is ok to go against your friends, that chauvinists don’t always win, and that love is magic. Fairy tales are some of the first stories we love as children, but I think they can be even more magical as we move into adult hood; not because we need to believe in Prince Charming, but I think we need reminders that magic is real and dragons can be slayed.

And as much as I love Fairy Tales, we know I love dressing to a theme! (It’s the Southern lady in me!) Above is the outfit I wore to the movies, and though I was mainly just comfy (it is a robe!), I was out shone by the young girls in their Belle dresses (which I was a-okay with!). But it got me thinking, should we dress like our fave fairy tales? Like Beauty and the Beast? Of course, we can always find merchandised and logo tees, but is there a way to elevate that?

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Beauty and the Beast, high fashion, CA, TX

As the popularity of this movie shows the answer is yes! There are all sorts of Beauty and the Beast offerings if we want to nod to a favorite fairy tale! From the elevated logo tee:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Beauty and the Beast, high fashion, CA, TX
To Jewerly:
Investment PIece, fashion blogger, Beauty and the Beast, high fashion, CA, TX
To Sneakers:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, beauty and the beast, high fashion, CA, TX
To Sparkle:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Beauty and the Beast, high fashion, CA, TX
The Subtle:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, beauty and the beast, high fashion, CA, TX
To Make Up:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Beauty and the Beast, high fashion, CA, TX

My take? I love the subtle nods: a golden dress, a rose pin (a la Emma Watson at the premiere), a jacket. However, there are some pieces that I like unexpectedly: the sneakers, some tees, the heels! I’d love to know: would you dress to theme “Beauty and the Beast”? What’s your fave?

XO RA

Shop my picks below:

PJ Jumpsuit

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, pj dressing, jumpsuit, PJ Jumpsuit, Zara, Beehive, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, pj dressing, jumpsuit, Zara, Beehive, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, pj dressing, jumpsuit, Zara, Beehive, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Zara, Beehive, pj dressing, jumpsuit, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, pj dressing, jumpsuit, Zara, Beehive, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, pj dressing, jumpsuit, Zara, Beehive, CA, TX

What’s the best of both worlds? PJ dressing (we know I love it! Need a refresh? Check here, here, and here) and combine it with a jumpsuit (another fave! More proof here, here, here, and here). This PJ Jumpsuit from a Texas fave, Beehive, is amazing. I love the piping detail, the cut out back, the high “waist”, wide leg, and deep v neck. Like most jumpsuits, it’s effortless and chic, but this has the added pop of being slightly PJ like, elevates it. The great thing about jumpsuits is that you simply dress it up and down with your accessories–there’s little to no effort on your part!

While I love this jumpsuit with everything from Adidas to heels, and even slippers; these “pop-of-color” sling backs (that embellishment!) felt sassy. These shoes would go great with jeans, pants, skirts, maxi dresses too (the color, sparkle, and silhouette do a lot of the heavy lifting for you with any pairing!). For me, this combo was simply perfect! Enough of a pop, just slightly casual, completely effortless. And the best part? It feels good! And you can’t beat that!

Need a referesher course on Beehive? Check them out here and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram, @beehiveboutique so you can be in the know for all the new arrivals!

The shoes are from Zara, and can be found here (and let’s not talk of how much I love the current shoe line there!)

Hope that this PJ Jumpsuit inspires you–I’d love to know: what’s your favorite current jumpsuit? Is it a PJ leaning one? How do you rock it?

Shop my picks below and Happy Monday!
XO RA

Golden Monocrhome

Investment Piece, golden monochrome, fashion blogger, Stephen Spillman, Sugar High Love Stoned, high fashion, golden, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, golden monochrome, high fashion, Sugar High Love Stoned, Stephen Spillman, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, golden monochrome, high fashion, Sugar High LoveStoned, Stephen Spillman, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, golden monochrome, Stephen Spillman, Sugarhigh LoveStoned, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, golden monochrome, Stephen Spilmman, Sugarhigh LoveStoned, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, golden monochrome, Stephen Spillman, Sugarhigh Love Stoned, CA, TX

Who says black is the only color available for monochrome dressing? Not me. I love this golden take on the trend–and I can tell you from experience that golden monochrome is something that we should all do. It’s classy and a pop all at the same time. I love this set from Sugar High Love Stoned. The skirt is so silky, and goes with shirts, button downs, and sweaters. The turtleneck is just fitted enough, and I haven’t found anything that it doesn’t go with, and I love the little sequin detail! But loves, together- this golden monochrome is just magical. I felt like a statue, but all in the good ways, it just me feel glowy (is that a great description or what!). A red lip was just about the only makeup I needed! And while I wore my fave A Detacher gold mules for the shot, I also love this outfit with nude or black shoes –and really love it with pops of color.

Gold is almost a neutral, so it will look great with everything; and yet, it does manage to stand out. It’s like the best of both worlds! And I’m in love with this brand, Sugarhigh LoveStoned. It has vintage vibes, cheeky tops, and is designed to be an inspired part of your well-curated waredrobe. Everything I have bought from them has had amazing personality, and been high quality. You can see one of my fave outfits, Cosmos, here.

Monochrome is a great way to look pulled together and high end. Beyond black and gold, I love camel Monocrhome, red monochrome, and white monochrome. Pants, skirt sets, suits–all of it looks amazing. And loves, don’t be afraid of the gold, it really can be magical!

I hope that your Friday and your weekend are both golden!

XO RA

Shop my picks below! All pictures taken by the amazing Stephen Spillman, make sure to follow him on Instagram @spillmanphoto

Festival Style

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, festival style, high fashion, CA, TX

Loves, it’s that time of year! It’s festival season, when there’s a good chance that you’re headed out to all day concerts. Of course you want to look amazing, all while staying comfortable. I have to admit, my big festival experience is SXSW (and some film festivals); and those are a bit different as you can often change for events. However, there’s still a need to look your best, be able to walk or be on your feet for long stretches, and stay warm or cool.

My keys for festival style:
– Stay causal, but not too casual. Jeans and a tank top are great, you just don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed!
-Nothing that needs to be dry cleaned! Weather, walking, and huge crowds aren’t always kind to clothes; make your life easier by chosing an outfit that can go in the wash!
-Don’t be afraid to wear sneakers!
-Don’t forget to bring a hat!

Some of my favorite combos:
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, festival style, high fashion, CA, TX

Shorts, a button up, sneakers, and a hat. This looks great with a tank underneath and a sweater over it!

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, festival style, CA, TX

Jeans, sweater, and boots. Again, use layering-shirt for the day, sweater at night!

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, festival style, CA, TX

Sundress or jumpsuit with wedges.

I’d love to know: what is your go to festival style??

XO RA

The above look is from my SXSW experience last year, shop my picks for festival style below!

PJs in Bed

Investment Piece, pjs, bed, pj dressing, high fashion, blogger, CA, TX

I am a fan of clothes that are so comfy that they feel like PJs. I am a fan of PJ dressing. I am a fan of wearing your real PJs in the real world. So PJ dressing in bed? Why not!

Investment Piece, pjs, bed, pj dressing, high fashion, Zara, Brother Vellies, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, pjs, bed, Zara, Brother Vellies, CA, TX

What I love about this set from Zara is that is completely versatile. I’ve worn the top with jeans and skirts (and I love that the off-the-shoulder silhouette keeps it from being too pj-like). The pants go with everything (and look great with heels, flats and sneakers). And let’s talk these shoes! They’re Brother Vellies, an ethical company who’s introducing African shoes to the fashion world. You can find more about the company and process here

Investment Piece, pjs, bed, pj dressing, Zara, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, pjs, bed, pj dressing, Zara, CA, TX

I love pj dressing, I’ve shown off my take on the “trend” here, here, and here. On Instagram and in real life, you may have noticed that I’m not above wearing vintage slips, actual pjs and robes! So as much as I love this PJ-like set, I wanted to do something different for the shoot. The solution? Shoot it in bed. While most magazines, ads and pics will show you that PJ dressing workings in every setting, I like taking it back to basics. Vintage bed, vintage bedspread, art in the back ground. If your PJ dressing can look great here, imagine how great it will look at lunch, dinner, running errands, the movies and shopping!

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, PJ dressing, pjs, bed, Ca, TX, Zara
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, pjs, bed, pj dressing, Zara, Brother Vellies, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, pjs, bed, pj dressing, Zara, Brother Vellies, Ca, TX

The next time I wear this outfit, I may not have the luxury of staying in bed, but thankfully I will be as comfortable! I’d love to know: how do you do PJ dressing? In bed or in real life? Would you wear your Pjs in the world or do you stick to the “PJ like” offerings?

XO RA

You can buy this set at Zara, and I picked some great sets for you below!

Black Tie Fringe

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, black tie, fringe, Megan Weaver, CA, TX

Oh Loves, this dress. If you follow me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) you know I was in Austin this past weekend and attended “Art on the Edge”–and wore this dress. The sheer. The Fringe. The layer. The sexiness. The long sleeves. The length. Seperate those all things that I love. Together? Perfect. Just perfect. I love the juxatipositons- the long sleeves and length to the sheer, it’s actually sheer quite low (but not too low). It shows off just enough abs, and the top fringe hides just enough.

I feel as if sometimes our black tie dresses are pigeoned holed–trotted out for this occasions and then put away. I am a fan of repurposing those black tie dresses, but loves, this one needs no such thing. It’s just special. Instead of thinking about how I could “casual” this dress, I’m looking for more events to wear it to!

This dress was found second hand on Vestaire Collective, but I’ve picked out some great dresses (fringed and non-fringed) for you! I hope you have magical places to go–because I know you deserve magical dresses! (A note-these shoes are Chanel mules, on Saturday I wore Stuart Weitzman Nudist, I’ve included both in the shopping links!)

XO RA

Up to 90% Off Luxury Consignment

Morgan Le Fay

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, Ca, TX Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, Morgan Le Fay, cream, magic, CA, TX

Loves, you know I love fashion that is fun and elegant, juxatipositons, and telling you about designers/companies. This dream of a dress fits all three. I love the cream that lends itself to formal events (yes, you could get married in this), but the edge of the tulle. I love that it is a stand out piece, yet you could change it’s personality with accersories (guess who wants to wear it with her lion belt (seen here) and socks with peep toes). Most of all, I love this designer. This dress is a Morgan Le Fay. I fell in love with her work a few years ago when I saw an editorial which featured a feathered maxi skirt by the house. As I started to research and follow the brand, I knew we were meant to be. The collections are a mix of fresh details and elegant pieces. And it’s named after something magical? Count me in!
More about the brand:
Named after the powerful sorceress in the tales of King Arthur, Morgane Le Fay has become a bride-to-be favorite thanks to its bewitchingly beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns. Founded in 1982, Morgane Le Fay operates out of a studio in Soho — drawing inspiration from the history and ambiance of Lower Manhattan in designing its bridal collections, perfume and ready-to-wear women’s clothing. The brand’s design philosophy is to craft clothing for fit, ease and elegance — not for age or background. The result is an airy, sophisticated style that has attracted the likes of Bjork, Juliette Binoche, Brooke Shields and the staff at Martha Stewart Weddings. (Sourced from Gilt)

You can shop the brand directly online here, or at their stores in Santa Monica or Soho. I was lucky enough to find this dream of a dress on Vestaire, and I know a good search can result in finding MLF pieces on various sites.

I hope you love it as much as I do–and might I recommend wearing it in a magical place?

Happy Friday! XO RA

Shop some of my picks below:

90% off luxury consignment

Spring Trends

Loves, winter is beginning to get on its way out, and spring is beginning to sneak it’s way in. This can mean many things, but for us: it means it’s shopping time! Below are my favorite Spring Trends, looks I love, can’t wait to try, or am already rocking. I would love to know: what Spring Trends are you looking forward to? What are you buying?

XO RA

Corset Belts
Investment Piece, fashion, style, blogger, nip slip, high fashion, humor, CA, TX

Corset belts are coming in all shapes, textures, and fastenings. Attached to tops, leather, knit, tie up, zip back. They all look great with dresses, pants, any top, over suits, and jackets–anything that needs a little pop.

Pictured: This vintage Fendi one I found on Vestaire Collective and featured here

Sheer
Investment Piece, spring trends, sheer, is sheer a thing we're doing, fashion blogger, high fashion, CA, TX

Dresses, Tops, Skirts–everything is springing sheer in this Spring Trend. And loves, as this pic from one of my very first posts shows, I’m in. On the runways there were a lot of nipples, and while I’m not shy about that, if too sheer isn’t for you, sheer is great over vintage lingerie, lingerie, tanks, shorts, etc. Either way it’s a great layering piece, piece on its own, and I love the colors and patterns!

TBT to my sheer post here

Pink and Purple
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, color block, Red//Pink, Jcrew, Zara, Gucci, CA, TX

We all know that I’m all in on the hot pink offerings. And I’m in love with the neon lilac and lilac hues that are popping up. It’s pastel, but with a kick. And the best thing? They’re almost neutral, which means they go with everything.

I have some lilac coming for you, relive my love of Pink here

Florals
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, high fashion, florals, trends, CA, TX
I don’t see a future where this gif won’t be funny. But, yes loves, spring trends means florals. Not a surprise, but your outfit can be. I love florals mixed with gingham (a trend and a neutral all at the same time), the bright florals, the dark florals. Don’t be afraid to mix with colors, and try new versions of it!

Where are you shopping these trends and how are you styling them?