Sunday Chronicles – Investment Piece

Sunday Chronicles: Routines

I wrote this about a year ago. At the time I was in desperate need of some structure. I found a system that worked (mostly for me). Then. life. A new day (side) gig. Changes in home life and work life. And I find myself again needing some structure. Needing a way to get myself on a routine- as it turns out keeping me on a routine is part of my self care. Here are still my thoughts on it:

a woman in white shorts and a white blazer in front of a stone wall

What’s that saying? Danger can hurt you but routine can kill you? Something like that. And I get it- we don’t want our routines to be a rut. Ruts, more than routines, I think are what can kill us. But- what if instead of a routine, you’re in chaos (aka no routine and nothing to anchor you). Isn’t that the most dangerous of all?

And, for a while, it feels as if chaos is where I’ve been, so I’m yearning for routine.

It started in the middle of lockdown. I’m an introvert, and have always worked from home. Yet, with no schedule (like my gym classes) to really anchor me, I become a bit all over the place. There were nights when I would stay up so late (not doing anything but watching reruns), and then nights when I went to bed at 8pm. Days when I would get a ton of deadlines met and days when the most productive thing I would do is have coffee. I get it- we were all (and still are) going through things and dealing as we could.

But. What I’ve learned about myself? I need routine, a schedule, something to anchor me. I need to know what days I’m shooting and which I’m writing, when my workouts are, and (for sanity) to have a “regular” bedtime.

(of course with a routine it makes the days when you deviate from it SPECIAL. But you have to have the routine first!)

So, starting this week I’m getting myself back on a routine. I’m actually excited about it- as I feel as if a routine will help me thrive, and not just survive. Naturally, we all need different structure, but how I’m going about it is I’m giving myself some guidelines, with the understanding that sometimes they will be broken, but with the intent to stick to them 98% of the time. What am I doing? Bedtimes (by 10), workouts (booked and the ones at home given a time), scheduling days for all my activities: cleaning, laundry, shooting, admin, etc. It’s not to suck the fun out of anything, though it does feel a bit like the 2 weeks before school when my mom would make us get back on a school routine instead of a summer one, but to help me be my best self. Therefore, able to have more fun.

And I’m adult enough to know doing what’s best for me is fun! (And yet not adult enough that I think this decision warrants something new!)

What are your routines? Do you find that you need them? Or are you ok just playing it by ear all the time? I would love to know about it!

Wishing us all a week of what’s best for us and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Grandparents Day

Investment Piece: Grandparents Day — My parental (Grandma) and maternal (Mimi) grandmothers

I know that some of these “holidays” aren’t really big deals. See “red wine day” (not that I didn’t celebrate), “French fry day”, “pancake day”, etc, etc, etc. However, as someone who was lucky enough to be close to her grandparents, and miss them now that they’re gone, Grandparents Day for me is actually something I’m into this year.

My maternal grandmother, my Mimi, was a bit like my nanny growing up. She drove us to school and picked us up (making sure she was first in the pick-up line), made dinner, used to pay me $1 to eat a taco at dinner (instead of just queso. I also got paid $1 not to tell my mom we watched soap operas with her!). Mimi taught me about mixing patterns, red lipstick, the wonders of Vaseline as a night cream, and her infamous pecan pie recipe.

My paternal grandmother, my Grandma, taught me to quilt, make hand pies, made the best toast (I know, completely random. She also made so many amazing things- but I often miss her toast!). Grandma taught me to indulge my artistic side, laugh when you can, and indulge while keeping to your schedule.

My Papa (paternal grandfather, not pictured!) was a bear of a man (to others) but to me was the person who would tell me to give his neck some love. He worked/owned a construction company but my most vivid memories of him are watching sports (silently) on his lap/chest with his miniature poodle (Cheerie, who wore bows and had her nails painted). Papa taught me about juxatipositons, home repair, and boundaries with compromise.

I know that families are complex and relationships are hardly ever linear. No matter you’re feelings on holidays like Grandparents Day, I hope that you’ve been lucky enough to have the love of a great grandparent. And if not, that in your adult life you’ve made a chosen family that provides you with that kind of love. I adore you, and would even wait in line to pick you up.

Wishing us all a week of strong love and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

After Labor Day Do We Wear White?

Labor Day is this weekend, so I’m once again asking: after Moday (Labor Day) will you wear white? (Especially white pants?)

Loves, I still struggle with this question. It’s a yearly debate for me: Do we wear White After Labor Day? This was first written/posted years ago, but I don’t know that I have any new answers. One new thing: this year I may dare to wear white pants, or all white after tomorrow. We’ll see! I would love to get your take: After Labor Day, do we wear white?

I’m from the South and it’s a pretty hard and fast rule that you don’t wear white after Labor Day. It’s so ingrained in us that a few years ago at a football game a guy friend of mine–who is not into fashion–saw a woman wearing white pants and made a comment that she shouldn’t be doing that, as it was after Labor Day. In fact, starting Monday, my mom puts away all her linen items–citing the fact that it’s a summer fabric. And I get it–I’ve clearly been excited and ready for fall. There is something to be said for dressing for the season.

However, after living in California I came to realize that the white rule isn’t necessarily followed everywhere. You could argue that in CA it feels like summer longer, although it can be in the 100s till October in TX. Even the fashion elite –Vogue, etc– have relaxed their thinking and you can search for articles today like “How to Wear Your White Jeans Through Fall”. So who do we listen to–our Southern Moms or those who say we can wear white?

Honestly, I fall in the middle here. Don’t worry Mom–after Monday I won’t wear (a ton of) white pants (winter white is a whole other story though!) but I won’t be rushing to my fall/winter wardrobe. The fact of the matter is it will still be hot on Tuesday. And while I won’t be wearing white pants, white will still most likely pop into my outfits as an accent or piece–skirt, top, etc–but not the whole look. I no longer judge those who wear white after Monday–fashion is so diverse and if you like your outfit I’m a fan of you rocking it! (Also I love it when you’re daring) But I will say I’m looking forward to our gradual shift to fall clothing! Have I mentioned I have some amazing boots to show you??

I’d love to know–what’s your stance on white after Labor Day?

Hope you’re have a great holiday weekend! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: The Things We Didn’t Get To

a woman in a light blue and red strapless dress in the middle of the road

Each season I attempt to make a “bucket list” of things I want to do, as well as a wishlist of all the things I want to buy (and wear and shoot). Even with the best of intentions, I’ve never had a year where I’ve been able to do everything on my list(s). Maybe it’s me and I aim too high- or as I like to think, the time and the days just get away some times.

Especially this year, my lists have a lot left on them. Between my aunt’s death, then being sick, it feels as if the past month or so has been a time of regrouping/resting rather than making progress. And months like that happen. But as the seasons prepare to change (though I’m under no illusion that it will magically get cooler after Labor Day. You could count on one hand the number of days we’ve had this summer under 100 degrees!) how do we reconcile the things we didn’t get to?

Perhaps that sounds a bit dramatic. As I previously stated, it’s not like Labor Day is an official “switch”. There is still time to be in the water and buy amazing summer(ish) styles (maybe even on sale!). Yet, the fact is there are things I won’t get to, things to let go of- some of which are simply as my attention has moved onto other things. And some things I’m genuinely sad to have not gotten to or bought. Seasonal transitions can be a lot of things, but one of them is a bit melancholy. There is a bit of sadness in all the things we didn’t get to, or saying goodbye to great times.

(Fun fact: I can be a bit sentimental so maybe I do get a bit attached!)

The other thing about a new season coming? The things we didn’t get to give way to the things we want to do now. Often how I make peace with what I missed out on is getting excited about all the things I want to do in the coming season. Or all the things I want to wear, sometimes they’re the same thing. Another way I handle the thigns I didn’t get to? Shopping end of season sales (because so much can be worn in more than one season!) and starting my experience list for the next year. Many times it just means that I realize what I want to prioritize (aka next summer I am determined to spend more time in the water!) or what doesn’t really matter (maybe I don’t need every swimsuit). That combined with the excitement of new boots (or new ways to wear the boots I have!) and the things I didn’t get to don’t sting as much. There are always things I’m sad I missed out on, but these methods help me.

What do you do with all the things you didn’t get to this season? How do you deal with it?

Wishing us all a week of crossed off to-dos and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Sick Again

a postive Covid Test on a counter top

Well. This was not how I planned things to go. While I’ve been under the weather for about a week, I had been testing negative for C19; and had thought I was starting to feel better. Then. I ret
ested on Saturday (best practices for newer variants is to test on day 6/7 of symptoms/exposure as positive tests are lagging. Also FlowFlex at home tests are supposed to be the most sensitive. )

I’ll be vulnerable- this is my second dance with Ms. Rona. I had Omicron over a year ago. My case was mild, but I had been dealing with long lasting effects. I’m a bit scared to be sick again, especially when it felt like I was finally getting back to myself. Another vulnerable moment? Covid is on my Aunt’s death certificate. This is scary to me.

I am doing things a bit different this time with C19. Right away I got an RX for Paxlovid (not available before). Last time, I was so determined to “get back” that I perhaps did too much. I worked through it, I worked out, I pushed. This time? I’m going to take it a bit easy. Not rush to overdo or get back, but truly let myself rest and heal.

This treatment plan also affects us. Between my aunt’s death and my being sick, I’m a bit behind in shooting. And outfits. And getting dressed. I’ really hoping to rest u, feel better by next weekend and be able to shoot (and get dressed) by next weekend- giving us new content starting next week! This week? It’ll be a replay of some of my fave late summer outfits- from swimsuits to dresses. Shopping options will be updated, and new thoughts may appear. (of course both on the LTK and ShopStyle apps I’ll be posting my sale and fall shopping picks, so follow me there- @racheladelicia). I hope that it’s not too disappointing, and that you’ll check out some of past faves here!

In the meantime, I’ll be resting up, and making sure that I get you new and amazing content- and me well- ASAP.

I have no idea what the secret to life is- or if there is one. However, I think the most fervent question that life asks us is :”Am I my brother’s keeper?” And I think the answer is yes. We’re here to take care of each other and walk each other home. Take care of you and yours and your neighbors out there! And feel free to do it in amazing shoes!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Is dressing to theme back?

a woman in a black and white striped dress, pink coat, black heels and black purse in front of a stillife painting off flowers

There’s a saying that dressing well is a form of good manners. And I agree. I’ll admit that I have a tendency to overdress at times; but in general, being appropriately dressed for occasions is important. You wouldn’t wear your bikini to a funeral. Unless it was a pool funeral?

However, there’s a step beyond dressing well or appropriately. Dressing to theme. Lately, with certain events happening we’ve been seeing it a lot. I read an editorial about how some guy thought all the pink and black and special outfits around isn’t his thing. It is mine! Maybe it’s the sorority girl in me, or the actress, or the fashionista that loves curating outfits- but I think dressing to theme, dressing for events is FUN.

And I, for one, vote for dressing for events to be back! And I especially vote yes to dressing to theme!

Dressing to theme truly plays on everything I love about fashion. You get to curate a look, be creative with styling and interpretation, and when you dress to theme for an event- you get to be a part of a group. I’m not promoting anything (go strike!) but I will tell you going to the movies, seeing everyone dressed in their “take” on the theme was thrilling. It felt like we were all together, and a part of something.

I know that not every event or outing has a theme. And there are some themes that would just be ridiculous to dress to. In no way, shape or form am I suggesting that you dress as a pepperoni on pizza night or anything like that. But fun events? Like a movie. Or parties that truly have a theme? Why not dress to it? Enjoy it? Revel in being a part of something. Find camaraderie with people who love a thing that you love.

And perhaps the thing that you love might be dressing to theme?!

Did you dress up to see anything special this summer? From movies to concerts to parties- I want to hear about all of your theme dressing!

Wishing us all of week of being on theme and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Not Going to Plan

Investment Piece: Green Envy

I’ve had one of those weeks. Well, not one of THOSE weeks, but one of those weeks that did not go to plan. At all. In any way. Which can be incredibly frustrating, and leave you feeling behind or worse. But, there are times when things are not going to plan, when it can be a gift. Right? At least that’s the mindset I’m going with.

This past week I had plans, and ways that I thought things would go. As the saying goes, “Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans”. I’ve found it to be true over and over again. This week I had to deal with my own grief with my Aunt passing, as well as help plan for her service. I had to juggle a new day job while planning ahead here. I needed to adjust as new info came in on both personal and professional levels. I had to cancel my plans, I had to rearrange my schedule, I had to take time for me. And while there were times that having to put all my plans on hold was upsetting, there are times when things not going to plan was the best thing to happen.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I think about things (mindset) and how I roll with the punches. Being a planner, I can sometimes get a little (a lot) upset when things don’t go according to my plan. Trusting that I’m always in the right place at the right time, that things will always work out for the best, and that the unplanned can be gift doesn’t always come naturally. I work at it. I’m getting better at it.

Because, the thing is, not going to plan is a gift. Sometimes it means that we get something so much more amazing than what we had planned. I had to rearrange things this week. I missed some things that I was looking forward to. And, I felt behind as I didn’t do my plan. But you know what? I got to rest. I got to really look at some things and I got the chance to do some self care. Work worked out, and while there are things I’m playing catch up on, I’m full of new ideas and in a place where I’m rested enough to get more done.

There are times when our plans won’t get us where we want to be, and we have to trust that things not going to plan will. I’m working on it. How about you?

Wishing us all a week of great events (planned or not) and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: The Ones You Want Back

a woman in front of a checkered wall wearing a sleeves white dress, red dangle earrings and black glasses

If you’re into astrology, or you have a friend (me!) who is, you know that Venus (planet ruling beauty, love, and money) went retrograde yesterday. While I’m not one who thinks that all retrogrades are bad, or one who should give relationship advice (search ex-files in my posts) I do know that things returning is may be a theme in the next few weeks. Who comes back may be something you need to deal with; I’m more interested in the ones we want back.

And for our purposes, I’m talking about the clothes that we cleaned out from our closets that we regret. This isn’t anti-closet clean out. I wish I were better at it, I’m slowly doing some of mine, and I do think reselling or giving your clothes to new homes is one of the most fun ways to recycle. But. Admit it, there are things that you’re cleaned out that you ended up missing and wanting back.

Or maybe it’s just me?

Off the top of my head I can name at least 2 big things that I miss and regret cleaning out. The above dress- which I know you really can’t see- but it was a white with huge polka dot linen mini dress from Jcrew. And then there’s :
a blonde woman in a green flight suit, gold heels and necklaces in front of a concrete wall with graffiti
this flight suit which I cannot express how much I miss.

I don’t know that I have advice on how to deal with a lost love who comes back or win back any lost love you want to come back- but I do have advice about getting back the clothes you lost. Resale and vintage sites. All of them. (If this feels overwhelming please reach out and I’m happy to help!) From my locals to online I search by general description, labels, design name if I have them, let sellers know what I’m looking for, all of the things. Perhaps it’s Venus Retrograde or the firm belief that we always find what we’re meant to, I do believe that if you’re meant to be reunited with a fantastic piece of fashion that you perhaps parted with too soon it’s out there for you.

This is also my theory on searching vintage and for items from seasons past. If it’s meant to be yours, it’s out there. And loves, it’s usually out there.

I can’t say that this Venus Retrograde will bring our love/beauty/money lives happy endings, but I know that it’s only been one day and I’ve already found the JCrew dress I want back. Who couldn’t help but feel confident with that?

Is there anything you’re looking for out there? How do you handle it?

Wishing us all a week of the perfect reunions and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: On Strike

a stick drawing of a performer with their arm raised above the words SAG-AFTRA Strong

As many of you may know, I’m an actress (working!) and as of this past Thursday, I’m on strike. I know that there is a lot of preconceived notions about actors and Hollywood and why we’re on strike, so I thought I would let you into my thought process.

Firstly, most actors aren’t famous- or rich. SAGAFTRA has 160,000 members. To qualify for health insurance through the union, you need to make $26,000/yr on union projects. 87% of the union doesn’t qualify. (I don’t). I’m not great at math (unless it’s a shoe sale or an outfit) but I can tell you that the majority of the union members are average, working class, middle class people who’s work just happens to be art. Most actors don’t work regularly. I’m lucky that lately I’ve been booking commercials and print work, but in terms of acting gigs I’m out of work more than I’m in it. And we’re independent contractors- meaning that if you don’t work you don’t get paid. It’s a hustle and a struggle and a blessing. But the idea that actors (and writers) are all rich and working all the time and it’s super glamorous? It’s not true. I love acting, I’m good at acting but work isn’t consistent and often involves long days on set. It’s labor and art and love, and deserves to be fairly compensated.

So. Why are we striking? As streamers have taken over how most of us consume media, the pay structure that was in place (residuals, more pay for hits, etc) has gone out the window. We’re asking to be compensated for the hits we make. (Which weirdly- no streamer wants to give data on viewship, numbers, etc. They want us to subscribe and not unsubscribe. That’s it) We’re asking to be compensated for self tape auditions. You may think it’s easy to tape yourself – it’s not. And the last virtual callback I had was over 4 hrs. I’m lucky that my schedule is flexible, but that was 4 hrs of labor I wasn’t paid for. AI is a big issue. You may have heard that studios want to scan background workers and use their image forever. With no extra pay. I’ve recently turned down 2 commercials as the contract stated that I would be scanned and AI of me would be used going forward. I can’t work today and then never work again. And these issues are the tip of the iceberg.

If you grew up in a right-to-work state unions and striking might be something foreign to you. They were to me when I began pursing an acting career in earnest. But banding together and asking for fair treatment (note- what WAG and SAG are asking for are less than 2% of studio and streaming profits. Studio heads like Iger and Zaslav make MILLIONS a year and are not the actual makers of any product) is a way to take care of each other, to protect each other. Unions have given us weekends, health care and more. Supporting the labor is a great stance. I believe we’re on the right side of history.

And if nothing else the studios have given theater kids a chance to go perform everyday on the picket lines- they may find that’s a big mistake. I’m linking more resources as well as the SAG President’s talk on this. People have asked how to help- I would say support labor. Be understanding when your shows and movies are delayed. Know that we’re fighting for all of us. There are picket line funds you can donate to, and in general know that in this case, the artists are the good guys. Due to location I’m not on the picket lines currently, but I am supporting and participating and believing in a world where labor is valued.

And here is a great article that covers the strike and all sides. Want a fun fact? The last time WAG and SAG were on strike together Ronald Reagan (that Ronald Reagan) was SAG president.

I have no idea how or how long this strike will last. I do know that I believe in us- all of us- and there’s so much fashion to discuss while media is on a break!

Wishing us all a week of solidarity and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Let’s Go See The Movies

Please read the “Let’s Go See The Movies” in the song from the musical Annie!

I’m a working actress (and yes, if asked I have opinions on the strike? and the biz) but I’m also a fan of the movies. In the pre-pandemic life I regularly went to the movies sometimes 3x times a week. From story to fashion to adventure- I couldn’t get enough of the stories that I saw on the big screen. Then, the world shut down, and I’ll admit I’m still cautious and therefore have only gone to the movies once (I KNOW!!) since the pandemic (see here). And yet, with a possible strike/work stoppage looming, with the summer in full swing, there are a handful of movies I’m just dying to see- in the theater no less!

Below I’m listing my must sees and some details about them- I’ve also occasionally added in some affiliate links for fashion that is inspired by or I want to wear to said movies (yes, those would be affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!). It’s exciting to me that I’m finally thrilled to get into the theater again, and I’m currently planning seeing these movies into my schedule.

Are you back to the movies? What are you longing to see?

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
a Dial of Destiny Poster with Indiana Jones holding a whip and in the background various women and men

I loved the first 3 Indiana Jones Movies (Kingdom of the Krystal SkullI’m still on the fence about). History, punching Nazis, the archetype of “I’m this but no one believes me”. Beginning to end, I just got swept up in all of them. SO, to end what Harrison Ford thinks of as his best character, in a way that feels true to him? I’m in. Note- I know that critics are mixed but EVERY single friend I have who has seen this movie has LOVED it (apparently there are great big swings, a pay off and a tears and a good time to be had). I plan on seeing this movie this week!

Asteroid City
I am sort of ambivalent about Wes Anderson. But everyone I know has loved this movie- and the use of the unknown as a way to understand ourselves. It feels like a film that would be just as good at home as it would be on the big screen, but the idea of seeing a movie with other people who LOVE movies is a bit too tempting to me. It’s on my list to see this week as well!
And so many people love the tints, the clothes, the ambience. London brand LK Bennett did a capsule of fashion inspired by the film. These are my faves:

Oppenheimer
a movie poster of Oppenheimer with a man in a suit and hat walking in front of fire

Pitted against Barbie by the media, I have to let you know that I’m so excited about this one! A behind the scenes war movie (I have a thing for spies) and a real life ethics issue (should anyone have made a bomb like that?), I can’t wait to see it! My personal plan is to see Barbie one day and Oppenheimer the next- but if you’re up for a double feature my recommendation is black coffee, an early Oppenheimer screening, a ton of mimosas and a change into pink, then Barbie!

Barbie
a barbie movie poster with a huge pink and white B with Barbie (white blonde woman in a pink and white dress) sitting atop the B and Ken (a white blonde man in shorts and a open shirt) sitting on. the bottom with the phrase " She's Everything. He's just Ken"
Words cannot express how excited I am for this one! Barbie was my fave (I plan on being Peaches and Cream Barbie for Halloween and we’ll be talking a LOT more about her/the movie/the fashion) and I had it all- from the dream house to the Barbie Ferrari to all the outfits. I love that Barbie got to be it all (from Mermaid to vet to astronaut to dr to princess to ballerina) and Ken adored her for it, I love that the film is true to the roots (from no one walking Barbie down the stairs to parts of the film being based on the book Reviving Ophelia– which I’m tempted to read!). There is no end to my love and thoughts on this- and yes we will be chatting about them. I’m planning to go to more than one dress up party for the movie, but if that’s not your thing I’ve rounded up some my favorite “Barbie” shirts for you to wear to see Barbie

Mission Impossible
This is where I’m honest and say I haven’t watched any of the other “Mission Impossibles”all the way through. I’m not sure which one this is. Or who the characters are other than Tom Cruise (who I love/hate). Yet. Every single ad looks fun. And big. And if we’re getting out there to the movie theater again, why not see a movie? (If there’s something you think I absolutely need to know before committing please reach out!)

A hot summer movie in the theater being swept off into some adventure or fun or other world? What could be better? At perhaps an odd time, I’ve never been more ready to get back to seeing movies. What about you?

Wishing us all a week of happy endings and amazing shoes! XO RA