Holiday Expectations

Investment Piece: A Merry Little Christmas

We are officially in the holiday season. Are you tired of people telling you that this holiday season will be different? Between the pandemic, and shut downs, I think we all know that this year may not look like years past.

And that’s okay.

It’s also okay to miss things. I’ve been honest that I miss dressing up, parties, and other holiday traditions-like going to see the Nutcracker. I don’t see the harm in being sad about things.

But just because things are different,and we might miss things, doesn’t make this holiday season bad. Right? It all comes down to our holiday expectations.

Wasn’t it Shakespeare who said that “expectations are the roots of all heartache”? He might have been on to something. Even in a “normal” year, the holidays come with loads of expectations, traditions, and nostalgia that can be hard to compete with. My dad is one of those that wants every holiday to be “the best” and “perfect” and while that’s great, the older I get the more I know that what makes something “the best” can often be little things, and perfect isn’t a thing.
Also, getting caught up in trying to recreate how things were (even sometimes outfits!) doesn’t always work out.

So, what are your holiday expectations?
I’m trying to focus on small moments-watching my favorite films, wearing things I love (even just to the living room), looking at Christmas lights, etc.
I’m making new traditions- setting up virtual parties, baking for my neighbors of having them over, and indulging myself however is safe.
I’m also changing things around here. Normally this is a time where we would do a lot of holiday gift guides, and while you can still find those (and so much shopping inspiration) over at LiketoKnowit and Shopsyle, I’ll be doing one gift guide here (really focusing on shopping small!). I’ll be sharing outfits-with not an eye towards big parties but things that are luxe and that you can lounge in! And I’ll be sharing holiday traditions – from movies to what I’m baking to all the little things that will make this holiday for me.

This year will be different. And what if instead of tensing around that, we let our expectations be high? That we get excited about what could be the perfect and best holiday?

What are your holiday expectations? And plans? Even if it’s different, how are you handling this season, and what are you doing to get excited about it?

Tell me them all!
Xo RA

Happy Thanksgiving!

Investment Piece: Hostess Gifts

Happy Thanksgiving! I know that this year has been a doozy, and perhaps your usual holiday plans have been waylaid. It’s hard. I keep reminding myself that having a roof over our heads, clean water, and the health of myself and loved ones means that we are rich beyond measure. I’m also so grateful for you, and this little corner of the internet that we share. No matter how you’re celebrating this week (and there is no right way), I hope that you’re feeling loved–and that there’s plenty of your favorite food!

Some “programming” notes. I’ll be posting sales picks (if that’s your thing) on my LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle accounts all through the weekend- follow me there for all sorts of shopping info! There’s a special holiday “ex files” headed your way Sunday, and Monday I’ll be rounding up sales you absolutely can’t miss! Then we’re off and running into the holiday season- making merry at home.

I’m so grateful for you, and for us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Woman In Gold

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In another life I would have been an art thief– or an art investigator, insurance agent, etc.  I am simply fascinated by the value we place on art (it makes the living worthwhile) and the act of stealing art–and the act of recovering that stolen art. My interest began a few years ago when my mom and I began reading novels and non-fiction books about the subject–and I’m just hooked. The Gardner Museum Heist, Nazi theft of art, Monuments Men–all the stories are just spellbinding. So of course I fell in love with the story of Maria Altman who fought the Austrian government to reclaim the portrait of her aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, painted by Gustav Klimt and stolen by the Nazis.

The movie got lukewarm reviews–but I loved it. I think what happened during WWII was horrific,  but these are stories that we need to tell over and over again. The Holocaust was not only a mass murder of a people; it was a theft of people’s culture, homes, memories and was orchestrated by the Nazi government. I have jewelry, dishes, artwork in my home that are made special because those things belonged to my grandparents or were family heirlooms. I can’t imagine those items being stolen from off of my walls or off of my tables because of my religion. As much as the stories of the Nazis stealing from people can be down right upsetting, I found comfort in the justice that Marie Altman’s story contains. Art does make life bearable. While we can have debates about who owns what and museum’s roles in the care of art, in this particular case (and others like it) I don’t think that anyone can argue that the surviving families of the Holocaust, or those whose possessions were stolen by Nazis, should have their belongings returned.

So see the movie! Tell me what you think! I also read the book (pictured above)–it goes into way more detail, and also made me long to go to the opera in Vienna (I have shoes that would look great there). Also, because any excuse to shop, the Neue Galerie in New York (where Adele’s portrait now hangs) is selling this specialty lipstick set inspired by the painting. Of course I bought one and of course I love it!

Wishing you a week of amazing art, some history lessons, and of course fabulous fashion!

xo

RA

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Suffragettes

Investment Piece: Suffragettes

At this point I know you’re tired of hearing me (and everyone) talk about voting. And the election. And it all. I get it- I’m there with you. But I know it’s not a secret that this election has touched me (and so many others) and it feels super big and important. (And yes, why I do have a voting outfit!) Because of everything, we’re taking today off. We’re spending some time in our community. We’re working toward the future we think is best. We’re gathering stories to tell, and planning stunning outfits. We knew we’d be a little distracted today, so instead of being half here, we’re taking the day off.

Wednesday’s post is already scheduled and I’m so excited to show you outfits that are going up Friday and all Novemeber!

I’ll see you after the polls are closed!
Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Behind

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

I was raised by women who believe in being on time. In fact, not on time, early. 15 mins early is on time? More like 30. I was a straight A student in high school, and was also raised to be prepared.

Both lessons I’ve tried to take into my adult life as much as possible.

Loves, I am behind. Not a little behind. Not 5 mins late. Behind, as in there are days when I wonder at what point am I catching up and at what point am I starting over?

The reason I’m behind? More than one. Family issues came to the forefront. In the middle of cleaning out my closet, planning more than one shoot, keeping the editorial calendar current, collabs current, personal life up, back pain, etc, etc. The last few weeks have been filled with feelings of overwhelm. And the knowledge that I’m behind, and would rather be ahead.

I’m not sure how to get in front once we’re behind. Do you? The following is what I’ve been doing, and it does help, though I’m sure that there might be better techniques (and if you’ve got them I would love to hear them!)

I’ve been honest
With clients, friends, family, whoever has asked. It’s not an easy thing to admit. That I’m behind. That I don’t think I can make that event, or deadline. That I need to push somethings back. That there’s a lot on my plate and I need some help. But. When I don’t admit it, the behind gets worse. And I’ve found that most people get it. My clients understand and need the extra time themselves! My friends and family understand I can’t make it, or pitch in and help. In fact, it’s made some of my relationships better to admit that I need a little help. Being behind as a good thing? Maybe.

Prioritize
I’m so behind there’s no way I’m getting everything done in a day. Or two. So, each day I’ve tried to limit my to-do list to 2 or 3 things I KNOW I can get done. I’m still aware of allllll the things, but actually getting things crossed off helps. And when I have too much to do I tend to do nothing. Weird? Maybe. But, true, for me at least.

Be OK with it
This may be the hardest thing. There are things I’m not getting done (though maybe I will at some point) and I’m behind. If I don’t like admitting it, I sure don’t like it. But. It’s where I am. The things that HAVE to happen, are happening. And I’m finding they all happen “on time”. And the things that may not get done? Maybe they don’t have to? I’m slowly and surely learning to be ok with that. It’s not easy, but it’s helping.

I would love to hear any and all tips you have about getting ahead once you’re behind!!

Wishing us all a week of not being behind and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Summer’s Last

Investment Piece: Swim Suit Round Up

Labor Day, or the unofficial end of summer, is this weekend. While I know come next Tuesday, it will still be hot, officially summer, and there willl be plenty of time to wear all my summer faves, I can’t help but feel pressured to get all of summer in this weekend.

Investment Piece: Vintage swim

This summer has felt disjointed. With the US still being in various stages of a lock down, and my travel and schedule cut, my fashion has become both more deliberate and a little bit all over the place. Usually, I have a summer list of outfits that I can’t wait to wear, and days upon days where I wear white and swimsuits. This summer? Outfit planning has come in spurts, as have the wearing of white pants and swim. Even if I spend the next 6 days wearing nothing but swimsuits and white pants, I might not get my fill.

(Good news, I’ve personally decided that there are no fashion rules this year so even after Tuesday we can wear whatever we want. Everyone wins! Get on board ;))

Investment Piece: Summer Mood

But. Even if we don’t have to put certain clothes away on Tuesday, or rush into fall (though I do love fall), the season of summer (which I also love) is in its last. What do we do with it?

If I don’t let myself get overwhelmed by what I “should” be doing, or feeling like I have to cram all the things in, I’ve been thinking about what I love about summer and what I would like more of. Yes, swim suits, white pants, and the pool are a part of it. In summer, I also love putting on sundresses and reading in the afternoons while eating cherries or watermelons because it’s too hot to do anything else. I love watching movies, and getting so chilled that you have to put on a sweatshirt over your swim suit. I love the ease of both fashion and days that are long.

When I think about what I want for my summer lasts, I want outfits, food, company, and activities that make me feel good. What about you?

Xo RA

Investment Piece: Surprise Ending

More Sales

Loves!
Are you taking the 4 day weekend for the holiday? Or not celebrating? What are you up to?
No matter where you are and what you’re doing, I’m hoping that you’re staying safe, healthy, and enjoying the summer sales!

I’ve done another round up of sales that I’m shopping this weekend. My latest picks, as always, are over on the LiketoKnowit App (follow me @racheladelicia) and on the tab to the left that says “My Looks!”. From swim to summer clothes and shoes, I like to think I have everyone covered!

Happy shopping!
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!

Swim
Designer swim for under $100? These picks will have you looking chic and being cool all season long!

Summer Dresses
I have a thing for dresses! And these are all under $50! And perfect for the rest of summer!

Madewell
Madewell may be having the BEST sale with 30% off sale prices with code GIANT from
Dresses:


Jeans:

To Shoes and bags:

What are you shopping for?
Xo

Lunar New Year

Investment Piece: How to Copy
Investment Piece: How to Copy

Tomorrow is the Lunar (or Chinese) New Year. A new year so close after NYE? I’m down! I don’t know about you, but we’re reaching the point in the new year when resolutions and goals are a little bit harder to stick to, and the malaise of winter is setting in. In other words, I’m glad for day to reset and renew my enthusiasm for the new year!

(Also, I love wearing red, which is good luck!)

Investment Piece: Lunar New Year
Investment Piece: Lunar New Year

2020 is the year of the Metal Rat, and is supposed to be a lucky year for money and new beginnings. I’m no expert on Lunar New Year, which is also the Chinese Spring Festival based on their lunisolar calendar. I do know that years are represented by animals and elements, representing yin or yang energy. I’m an earth sheep, which is supposed to mean that I’m tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive,sensitive, and calm (I’ll take it). You can learn about the traditions and meanings of Lunar New Year here and here.

If you’re new to Chinese astrology, a firm believer, or just looking for an excuse to celebrate (again), we can use tomorrow as another blank slate to welcome in prosperous new beginnings! I’m all for any excuse to celebrate and start anew, so I’ll be wearing red and excited to welcome the Rat! What about you?

I’ve linked to some of my favorite Lunar New Year Offerings below–they’re mainly cosmetics, some great red lipsticks and incredibly indulgent powder from Givenchy (I have it and it’s well worth your time!)

Happy Chinese New Year!
Xo RA

Note: these are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Shop my picks here and here.

Investment Piece: Lunar New Year