Category: Uncategorized

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

Merry Christmas!

Investment Piece: Happy Holidays

Whatever you celebrate this week, we here at Investment Piece are wishing you the happiest of holidays! We are so grateful that we are a part of your lives. We’re taking some time to be with our families and our shoes, but we will be back with sales picks on 12/27 (and on social media before then!). We wish you rest, peace, abundance, and amazing shoes this holiday season!

XO RA and team!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Investment Piece: Happy Thanksgiving

Loves, it’s coming. The holiday season. The gift guides. The sales. And no matter what our plans are, the stress. It’s ok for this to be the best time of the year, and the worst, all at the same time. It’s ok to love your friends and family and want to do all the things with them, and yet, be overwhelmed with plans and obligations and all of it.

This time of year is a lot.

So. This is my wish for us. That we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by love, and get moments and hours alone. That the holiday is restful. That the food is so good that we forget to take pictures. That being both on and offline is a gift we give to ourselves.

Yes, here we’ll be posting sales and gift guides and all the things that we help your holiday run smoothly (or that you’re treating yourself!) Those are always shoppable in our menu, or by following me (@investmentpiece/ @racheladelicia) in the @LiketoKnowit App. In the meantime, we’re taking our own advice.

My goal tomorrow is to lay low. Eat. Spin. Enjoy. Sales picks will be up Friday/Sunday/Monday.

I’m so grateful for you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Xo RA

Momma Said Stand Up Straight

Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up straight
Investment Piece : Momma Said Stand Up Straight
Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand up Straight

Momma said stand up straight. What she said when I left the house wearing this outfit. And, quite frankly, what she (and my Pilates teacher) tell me often- stand up straight.
Why?
Do we look better?
Yes
Feel better?
Yes
Does the reminder still annoy me occasionally?
Yes.

So what to do?
Stand up straight. And see where that takes us.

Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up STraight
Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up Straight
Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up Straight
This outfit wasn’t planned. In fact, I threw this outfit together on day that wasn’t going in any way, shape or form, good. None of the things I wanted to shoot seemed to be fitting or lining up. Time wasn’t on my side. I was cranky. And this is the only thing I could think that I wanted to wear. (I had a meeting and was hoping to shoot before it.) Yet, when I put this on– it felt right.
I saw my mom, she loved it. In fact, she asked, “Why aren’t you shooting this?” I didn’t have a great answer. Her only note: “Stand up straight”.
So, I did.
Both shoot the look, and stand up straight.
The thing is : when I stand up straight I do feel better, I look better, my “power” is better. And there are outfits that are better when I stand up straight.
Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up Straight
The thing about things not going right? It’s amazing how quickly they can change with the right outfit. Or the right posture. It’s a thing. Maybe the next time we have a day that seems awful, we could try it?

This top is custom via AAVintedge, and while the rest is from seasons past, I found you similar. What do you put on when you’re having a bad day?
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!

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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!

Dots in Ungaro

Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro
Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro

There are dots that are classic, that are modern, and dots that just speak to you. I’ve never met a polka dot that I don’t love, especially a vintage one, and especially dots done as well as Ungaro did them.*** This number, with the belt, rouching, drape, and sleeve detail is both a modern marvel, and makes me feel as if I’m in a great 80s show.

Usually, when I have great vintage, I can’t help but wonder about the owner before me. Who she was, what she did, where she wore the piece. And I’m not saying I don’t here. But. These dots also urge me to look forward. Teas, cocktail parties, summer events, I can’t help but think of all the places I can wear this piece to–and all the ways to wear it!

With shoes that emphasize shape.
(On my Wishlist are also minimilist white heels, and I would love to pair those with this dress as well!)
The belt with a white tee and jeans.
When I want to feel classy and yet show a little back.
On days when I need cheering up (this pink!).
Cocktail parties in the summer.
And spring teas.

The owner before me must have had so many stories. I can’t wait to write some of my own in this dress.

****(Vintage Ungaro is a must have in my humble opinion. The drape, the details, the shapes, and the feel of modern and timelessness make them pieces you can wear at any time. Ungaro started designing in the 1960s, dressed celebs such as Princess Di, then retired in 2005, selling the company. With new ownership, Ungaro still produces fashion that’s divine!)

I’ve linked some of my favorite vintage Ungaro finds for your shopping pleasure below!
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!

Investment Piece: Dots in Ungaro

How To: Lingerie Dressing

Investment Piece: How to Lingerie Dressing

In the next week or so, many people will come to you with ideas about date night dressing, or Valentine’s Day looks. I’m not against any look for any kind of date night that makes you feel absolutely amazing. However, among the red, and pink, and hearts that will be on display:
Investment Piece: I HEART YOU
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, color block, Red//Pink, Jcrew, Zara, Gucci, CA, TX
(See, I love those ideas, too!)
Might I suggest something new for date night or Valentine’s Day.
Lingerie dressing.

Investment Piece: slip into something more comfortable

It’s like PJ Dressing’s older sister, just as comfy, and adds an unexpected element to any outfit.

Investment Piece: how to lingerie dressing
So, new ideas in mind, the question becomes how do you lingerie dress?

I’m glad you asked!

Lingerie dressing can be as simple as letting your new lacy items be seen through your outfit, or it can be as involved as wearing lingerie as the main component of your attire. My favorite ways to lingerie dress:

1. Wear a vintage slip as a dress or shirt
2. Wear something sheer and let my black lingerie peek through
3. Wear a corset or teddy as a top (if you’re a little shy, a blazer or sweater over looks amazing!)
4. Wear a great bra as a top (again, partially covered if needed)

There is so much room of personalization and layers with lingerie dressing, it’s hard to go wrong. I personally love the vintage looks (and yes, often pair them with sweaters of jackets to give just a peep!). There are ways to show as little or much as you like! Do you lingerie dress? Would you?

I would love to hear about it!

I’ve linked some of my favorite lingerie items to wear out below! Happy lingerie dressing!
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!