Sunday Chronicles: Back on The Grind

Investment Piece: Back on the Grind

Confession: I don’t have kids, and no one in my inner circle works for a school (at any level). Though I did used to own a tutoring company, and my mom was a college professor/dean for a lot of my life. But now, I’m not tied to the school year schedule.

And yet, I can’t help but fell like my life is still ruled by it. And now that school has started, no matter where you live, it’s plain to see that we’re back on the grind.

Maybe it’s that there is such a delineation between summer and fall that happens around the school year. We go from a more lax schedule to a more rigorous one. Maybe we’re all just conditioned to be more disciplined once the bell rings, maybe it’s just an easy way to say “now I’m going to really focus”.

I only know that, even though I have no reason to be tied to the school system, I’m back on the grind. Did I work hard during the summer? Did I intentionally try to move towards what I want? Yes to both. But is there a renewed sense of purpose and movement now? Very much so, yes.

It’s almost a little bit like January, when we all instinctively tighten up after months of holidays. With the school year, fall, and more things starting, I’m back on the grind. What does that mean for me? I’m focusing on my work goals and being intentional about them. Each day I’m trying to have at least an hour that’s super intentional. (I also have an hour that’s given to my exercise, my soul, and an hour to just feeling good–whatever that means. Me? I’m also focused on my diet and my budget, neither super fun but I’m trying and in that, there’s some fun.)

Even if we aren’t in school, there are changes that come at this time of year. The traffic patterns (yep, tied to school). The length of the days. It gets cooler. We naturally turn from the fun of summer to the structure of fall. And maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s nature’s way of making sure that we stay balanced.

I would love to know: what grind are you back to? As the season turns where are you turning your attention? As I focus on work, diet, and exercise, what advice or tips do you have for me?

As always, I wish as a week of productivity and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Shoe

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Summer Shoe

You’re right. This is not a typical Sunday Chronicle. It’s hot outside, and all those deep thoughts we have? They’re harder to hold onto in the heat. Or, at least they are for me! So what are we to do?

Enjoy what we have going on. For me? That’s a great pair of shoes, a patio, and good company.

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles Summer Shoe

I have to admit: I’m not the BIGGEST fan of flip flops. Do I want shoes that I can just throw on? Of course. Do I want the sandals to look chic and do with everything? Yes, please!

That’s why I fell for these sandals. Not quite flip flops, but flat. A bit more chic, a bit more elevated, and a bit more versatile. Do they go with all my shorts and swimsuits? Yes. But, they also go with my “cocktail” summer dresses and more.

Loves, they even go in the water!
Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicle Summer Shoe

Yes, they’re plastic and have made going from water to land a breeze. (You know, as one does when it’s 107 outside).

Is this about how you might need a summer shoe like this? Sure.
But more than that, my wish for us in the last few moments of summer, when it’s too hot out, is that everything is this easy. That everything goes and we can just go about our day. That things look good no matter what happens. That we don’t have to think too hard and that we can just be.

If a summer shoe can give that to you, I’m all for it. No matter what the shoe is!

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles, Summer Shoe

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

If are interested in a summer shoe a la this one, I’ve found options here.
Note: that is an affiliate link, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Sunday Chronicles: The Rest of Summer

Has anyone else felt like July was kind of a bust? Not in a total way. There were great days and amazing things in July. However. I’m so grateful for a new start in August.

I got sick way more than expected in July. My schedule got much weirder than expected. There were things that I didn’t get to do, and things that I did. It was both overwhelming and perfect. So. What do we do with the rest of summer?
I revisited my summer bucket list, and I have some ideas.

-I want to get in the water as much as possible
-Travel. Both planning ahead and right now.
-Work. I have ideas and plans and want to start things that will carry over into the fall
-And yet, relax. This summer I keep thinking of the summer days of my childhood where all I did was swim, read, make art, and eat watermelon. Those days recharged me in ways that I can’t explain. I may need a few.

In more than one way, during the next few weeks we will all be looking ahead. To sweaters and fall. The school season and to-do lists. To the end of the year and all we want to do. My question and quest is: how do we enjoy where we are and set ourselves up for a great fall? Is it possible to get the last bit out of summer without feeling guilty about it? What do we really need to do? How do we really recharge?

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m thinking I might find them if I use the rest of the summer. There has to be a balance of working ahead and relaxing now. Or,let me say I’m determined to find one.

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

Sunday Chronicles: Back to Normal

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

But, what is normal?

I moved to LA when I was 22, convinced that I was on my way to stardom. In LA, they have a few seasons that the rest of the country doesn’t have, like Pilot Season. Pilot season runs late Dec-April, and is when all the new shows are pitched, bought, shot, and picked up by Networks. In other words, as an actress it’s a busy time of year, and a chance to get a JOB. Yet, the year I moved out to LA, people started bemoaning that “this year pilot season isn’t normal”. Between cabLe, online, then the upcoming of Netflix, etc, Pilot Season went from this BIG set thing, to a process that can be anytime, depending on network, etc.

In other words, there is no normal.

Last week, our schedule shifted a bit because of sales. And I hope that you found what you were looking for, what did you buy? Anything?

This week, we’re back to “normal”. Or normal for us. Outfits Monday and Friday. Showcases, brands, trends, etc on Wednesdays. Sunday Chronicles on Sunday’s. Of course, I’ll still be sharing sales picks here on and on socials. And if things come up, we’ll roll with the punches. But, for now, normal.

So, what do we do with the rest of our summer? I’m hoping for days that are filled with nothing and everything. Fancy dresses and flip flop. New clothes and comfortable cut offs. Rose and green juice.
Who said normal didn’t mean we couldn’t have it all?

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

Sunday Chronicles: Sales Prep

Investment Piece: Swimming Pools

Loves!

If you’re stateside, I hope this holiday weekend has been fulfilling. If you’re international, I hope you stayed cool (or warm!), and had a great one! I did a lot- and a lot of nothing. There were times when I was transported to summer days of my youth, days of reading library books, watermelon for dinner, days at the pool, and treats like sno-cones.

Now that we’re grown, my sno-cones are more like Rose, but same! It feels like it’s finally summer, and we’re right in the throws of it. Summer is a great time for relaxation and reassessment, and it’s also a great time for sales. And loves, the sales are coming.

In fact, in the heat of the summer we’re headed right towards some of the biggest sales, and I wanted us to be prepared. Here, onsite, we’re used to outfit posts MF, but the next two weeks will be a little different, because of sales. For the next two weeks my outfits will be on Wednesdays; though I will attempt to do an OOTD every day on Instagram (@racheladelicia), and keep as up-to-date on all sales and shopping both there, here, and Pintrest!

So, what will be onsite you ask? This week we’re getting ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, one of my favorite sales events of the year. Why? It’s a chance to get what you need for the rest of the summer, things for fall, and the prices are simply unbelievable. This sale starts its preview Friday. To be able to shop the preview you must have a Nordstrom card. Though if you don’t want to make that commitment, don’t sweat it! The sale truly begins next week, and the way they stock it you won’t miss out! Here, I’ll have picks for this sale starting Friday!

Then next week, besides the Nordstrom Sale, we have Amazon Prime Day! Deals, deals, deals, and I’ll be sharing my picks with you! Want to get prepped? Right now if you spend $10 at Whole Foods with your Prime Account, you’ll get $10 to spend on Prime day! Also, watch your Amazon app and emails–they’re letting you know all sorts of ways to stay on top of this sale!

Even though we’ll be sale crazy, we’re also determined to give you what you need, so if there is content you’re desperate for, or an item you’re searching for, please reach out at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com.

Ready for sales? I am!

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

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Bucket List

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

The older I get the more I think of bucket lists like my travel itinerary. Yes, I want to plan things, there are things that I must do. And yet, I need to make sure that I have enough free time left to make magic happen.

Also, if I plan too much I’ll get stressed and nothing will get done. It’s the way I work!

So this summer, when making my summer bucket list, I tried to have broad things (1.spend as much time by water as possible) and specific things (2.go tubbing on the river by my mom’s house). The following are my loose goals for the summer, both to stretch me and keep me having fun!

(Yes, those were 1 and 2, so without further ado)

3. Wineries. In Texas. In California. Let’s just go and drink some wine.
4. Be more involved in my community. Both local and bigger. This means commit to the book club I’ve been asked to join, volunteer work, and make sure I have time for friends.
5. Plan a trip to Paris. I did have a big birthday after all!
6. Have a day off each week. Even if I do something, I need a day where I don’t work
7. Go to the CA beach. And maybe the East Coast. I take my number one bucket list item VERY seriously.
8. Paint. I do this privately, but love the release it gives me. It’s been a while since I’ve taken it up. This summer is time.
9. Expand my work network. There is so much I want to do and so many stories I want to tell you. Why not work it in the summer?
10. As much fun as I can fit. So broad, I know. When I think about summer, I think about fun. And the older we get, the more we seem to forget that. This summer I’m a little determined to bring joy back in-from BBQs to pool days to trips to art to it all, I’m looking to have a good time.

What are you hoping to do this summer? Do you make bucket lists?

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

Sunday Chronicles: Packing

More than once, I’ve been accused of packing (let’s say) generously. And yes. Maybe I do.
But is there anything wrong with that? What if there is method to my madness? What if packing isn’t something we should shame each other for, but something to commend each other for?

I had thoughts about packing and I walked us through them here:

And if you loved the outfits I made out of all that I packed, you’re in luck!
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: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
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Investment Piece: Packing
And here

Let’s not be ashamed of how we pack and what we make of what we pack! I’m getting so comfortable with that situation, and as I travel often, I feel like maybe I can speak for all us when I say: pack what you want. Let the fashion fall where it may!

Wiahing us all a week of generosity and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: The Busiest Month of the Year

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Blog Birthday

People will tell you that the holiday season, aka Novemeber-January, is the busiest time of year. These people are wrong. The busiest month of the year? May. For me at least.

May is full of birthdays. My birthday, my mom’s birthday, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends. I can go through this month day by day and list someone who has a birthday. Some days have 2-3 people I know who have birthdays.

And then there’s graduations.

And Mother’s Day.

End of the school year, beginning of wedding season, and that’s just the top of the list.

May feels like one of those months that keeps going and going and going and going.
The question isn’t “will we be busy”? The question is “What are we going to do about being so busy?”

These commitments aren’t things I can back out of, or most of them aren’t. So, I’ve learned to be very intentional with my time during May. Yes, there are a ton of things I HAVE to do in May. But there are things I don’t. I say no to the events that will push me over the edge, and I don’t let myself feel guilty about it.

Each week, I make sure that one of my “plans” is a night home for me. I’ve learned that I’m an introvert, and I can’t go all the time. I need time alone, doing nothing to recharge. That is a gift I give to me, and you, so that I can keep doing all the things that I do.

I try not to stack events. Yes, it happens sometimes, but being booked from early in the morning till late at night isn’t the best for anyone. So, I spread my busy out. I try to say yes to the events that are the most fun for me, and with the people that I really care about seeing. Does this strategy always work? Nope. But it helps.

Most importantly, when I’m this busy, I try to keep the big picture in mind. These events are happening because I’m lucky enough to have people in my life that are worth celebrating. A month of crazy is a small price to pay for all of them.

What do you do when your schedule is overwhelming? I’d love to hear all the tips you got!

Here’s to a week of schedules and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Do-Overs

Lately, I’ve been thinking about do-overs. I have so many pictures and outfits from when I first started Investment Piece and it was just me and my iPhone and a remote. Occasionally, I revisit them and think about sharing some of them. Or reshooting some of them. But, what would necessitate a do-over of something?

Both in fashion and in life, sometimes we need second chances. Or maybe there are times when the story isn’t finished. We all have favorite pieces or outfits, I know I re-wear things. Is that a kind of do-over?

I don’t think that do-overs are bad. And I don’t think that rebelling a story, or using favorites to tell a new story is bad either. But I am fascinated by the do-overs we do, the ones we pass on, and the process of making that decision. I don’t know that I have any answers, or even hard and fast rules about what I do-over. Do you?

In the meantime, what should I do with all these pictures? Do you want to see them?

And if you love what I’m wearing in the video (it’s a denim trench worn as a dress), I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure!

Wishing us all a week of as many do-overs as we need and amazing shoes!
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!

Sunday Chronicles: Blog Birthday!

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Blog Birthday

I started this little piece of the Internet about 3 years ago. Honestly, I had no clue what I was doing. My mom actually came up with the idea, having read about blogging in Texas Monthly. Since I was 2 and began to have opinions about what I wore (and learned the word “no”), I’ve loved all things fashion and had something to say about it. So, I took a course on WordPress and began shooting my looks. We’ve grown, I’ve found my niche (Fashion Stories), and I still love all things fashion and talking about it. I couldn’t be more grateful for you joining me! There are so many exciting things to come; however, today we’re taking a minute to celebrate our blog birthday! So, let’s sit back, pop some champagne and look back at some of our favorite posts!

Investment Piece: Cinderella Shoes

The post that started it all: Cinderella Shoes

Investment Piece: FBF: Gucci Top
I still love this Vintage Gucci top.

Investment Piece: Pop of Yellow
From my first shoot with Katy Shayne, Pop of Yellow

Investment Piece: Feature in Influential Magazine
To my first shoot with Megan Weaver YSL

Investment Piece: American Girl
KYN Photo American Girl

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories
To my first Fashion Stories

Everything in between and everything to come.

Thank you for being a part of Investment Piece!

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