Romping Around

Investment Piece: Romping Around
Investment Piece: Romping Around
Investment Piece: Romping Around

I cannot be the only adult woman who has issues with shorts. And then, there’s the short’s sister, the romper. I love rompers, and yet I hate them. Tell me I’m not the only one.

Here’s the thing about shorts and rompers–there are just so many chances for things to go wrong. Are they too short? Too structured? Too sloppy? Do you look like a kid in them? I worry about these things every time I put on shorts or a romper.

I’m also brave enough to tell you what no one else will: even when you’re over your fear of rompers and love them (be patient, we’ll get there), you do have to get completely naked to pee. Just keep that in mind, but don’t let it stop you.

So, how do you go from having issues with rompers to romping around? Let’s chat about it.

Investment Piece: Romping Around
Investment Piece: Romping Around

Romping around? I do love it. As nervous as they can make me, rompers are a great all-in-one option. Just like moods, there are different kinds of rompers. My fave? The more structured ones (though flowy ones are great for the pool), but there’s something about a tailored one that makes me feel grown up.

And somehow, when they’re tailored I worry less about the length. Weird, I know.

This little number? I love the satin/silk fabric. It feels like it would be right at home with heels and a night out. And yet, it goes with sandals (not just wedges) and a day romping around (sorry not sorry). Most importantly, this romper makes me feel like a 1940’s star. It’s the details- the pleats, the cap sleeves, the buttons. I feel like I’m on trend (shorts) but still me. My tip for finding a romper that you love?

-Experiment with cuts. I like structure, maybe you like them loose. Most rompers (just like jumpsuits) can be worn in so many ways, the most important thing is that you like it.
This number is not the first romper I tried, and in fact I’ve had it for years. The trick is that once you find something you love to romper around in, you keep it!

I’ve found a great selection of rompers below for your shopping pleasure! Happy Romping!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While this does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

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Investment Piece: Romping Around

The Duchess

Investment Piece: The Duchess
Investment Piece: The Duchess
Investment Piece: The Duchess
Investment Piece: The Duchess
Investment Piece: The Duchess

Loves, this post is a part of my partnership with AmberLeaf. While I may earn communion, this does not affect any price for you. My opinions are my own, I truly love not only these pieces, but am in love with Amberleaf and the two amazing women who run it. You’ll be hearing about them now and then, but rest assured that my take on any product is that–my take. Now, let’s get to shopping! XO RA

I think I would make a great Duchess. What do I have to back me up on that theory? My fashion sense, desire to help others, and how I look in this blazer. What? Like wearing a blazer called The Duchess isn’t prove that you shouldn’t be a duchess? Nonsense.

We all know that the 9 to 5 world is not one that I dwell in (though I do love me a good suit). However, I LOVE a great blazer. From the aforementioned suits, to jeans, to over a dress or with a skirt, there’s always a place for a blazer. They can instantly pull an outfit together, and are great for people like me who tend to get cold (even in the heat). My favorite kind of blazer? The kind that goes great with dress pants (see above), with flares and a graphic tee, with a skirt (see above), pants, or can be a jacket that doesn’t look like a jacket over a “going-out outfit”.

Did I just age myself with the use of the phrase “going-out outfit”? If so, let’s just pretend I said whatever the kids are saying. A fancy outfit?

The good news for me? The Duchess does all these things that I love, and more. The fabric has a subtle sheen, meaning it goes over my cocktail dresses and looks great with my jeans. I can belt it (see above, also side note-I love a great blazer as a top, don’t ever be afraid to belt them) or let it rest on your shoulders. I tried on the whole Duchess line and every single color is stunning, and versatile.

Now, here’s the great news for you. For a limited time the code DUCHESSS30 gets you $30 off the Duchess blazer at AmberLeaf. Don’t forget to put the code RACHELADELICIA in the seller notes for anything you buy (it keeps you up to date on all the things Amberleaf and I have planned for you, and let’s them know you’re one of mine!)!

I know in my heart of hearts that you will love the Duchess as much as I do. And, for fun, if we just started calling ourselves Duchesses when we had our Blazers on, that could be a thing. Right?

XO RA

Dark

Many of us have been affected by the deaths in the news this week. Beyond that, this week was choke full personally- events, changes, and work. I work hard to provide you with great content (and I’m excited about some things coming). However, every time I sat down to write a post for today I got stuck. There’s so much to say, but nothing to say. I really wanted to address depression and anxiety , but it felt so overwhelming. I wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Sex and the City”, but it felt done. There are drafts upon drafts saved. You deserve content that isn’t forced, I want to bring you content that lets you not only see my style, but let you see a little bit of me.

So, today I’m taking a break. We’ll be back tomorrow, and maybe this week I can make progress on all the things I wanted to say to you. Today? We rest. We work. We break.

It would be a great day to check in on a friend.

Wishing us all a little break and amazing shoes! Xo RA

red-y set

Loves, like many of you, I was rocked by the tragic death of Kate Spade this week. I’m still wrapping my head around it, and trying to figure out what to say. Isn’t it funny that sometimes an event involving someone we don’t personally know can rock us so deeply? I know her struggle with depression and anxiety, and her worry about her brand, hit close for some of us; making this topic both difficult to talk about, and yet, impossible to ignore. I was going to write about it today, but everything I put on paper felt wrong. Then I got so wrapped up in that struggle that letting it go seemed wrong as well. I’m working on that piece, in the meantime let’s flash back to a piece and outfit that made me smile. I hope you’re week has been smooth sailing. I hope that if you’re suffering, you know how cared you are, and you know that reaching for help means you’re strong, not weak. Thinking of us all xx RA

Investment Piece: red- set
Investment Piece: Red-y Set
Investment Piece: Red-y Set

It seems just fitting to end a week where I chatted about a vintage trip (missed that? check out #fashioninthewild here) with a vintage set. It’s no secret that I have a thing for vintage. By now you know I think it’s chic and modern to mix vintage and new. And this outfit combines all of those things.

It’s a red-y set.

Yes, in my mind the word match was said. Yes, it’s a bad joke. But if you didn’t at least think it, we may have to reevaluate some things.

Investment Piece: Red-y Set
Investment Piece: red- set
Investment Piece: Red-y Set

What I love about sets? Especially this red-y set? Within the set are endless possibilities. Wear the pieces together. Wear them apart. Add accersories to your heart’s content. Keep the look simple. So many options, so many looks, so many ways to be red-y set.

This vintage won me over this past holiday season, though I like to think that this knit could be worn year round. And this red color? When isn’t red in season?

I love the classic ease of this look, it made me feel very Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas during the holiday season. Now that spring is here, it makes me feel very chic. The knit is mid-weight, meaning it can hold its shape, but isn’t too hot. I love the addition of the bigger belt–the set is a little big on me, and while I’ll tell you I’m not a belt lady, I love great waist definition. The kitten heel is my new old favorite thing. They just scream chic to me. This look is perfect for work, or drinks, or whenever you want to feel a little put together.

I’ve also rocked this skirt with a band tee and this sweater with jeans. Red-y sets may be my new go-to!

This set is vintage, as is the belt, but I’ve linked similar items and these shoes below!

XO RA

Sequin Dress

Please note: this post does contain some affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, it does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Red-y Set

What I learned when I let MM LaFleur Style Me

Investment Piece: What I leaned when I let MM LaFleur style me

You may have heard of MM. LaFluer, the clothing and bento box subscription that focuses on work clothes. (You can read more about the company and process here.) Some things to know right off the bat:
*This isn’t a sponsored post. They didn’t even know I was coming. I got the notification on Facebook (yes, it’s scary that Facebook knows us that well) that MM. LaFleur was holding a pop up event in Texas while I was in town. I took adavantage.
*I’m always curious how another stylist will style me. Yes, just like you I can have hang ups about someone else styling me. I have set ideas about cuts and colors and like it when someone can break me out of my preconceived notions.
*The clothes were amazing. I was so impressed with the quality.
*While I loved my experience, I can’t see myself signing up for a bento box. However, MM. LaFleur will be added to my list of places to shop. For my life and career, I don’t need the amount of “traditional” 9-5 clothes a bento box would provide, but I LOVED what I tried on and the pieces are on my Wishlist.

That’s a lot I learned, and we haven’t even chatted about MM LaFleur styling me. Shall we get to it?

The Process
My appointment with MM LaFleur was in person, they had sessions in a local hotel suite where we were invited to go and try on styles and explore the line. Before my appointment, I filled out a questionnaire about my style, brands I wear, and what I was looking for, so that my stylist and I weren’t starting cold.
My stylist was amazing and had pulled a variety of options for me to try.

My understanding is that the online process for MM LaFleur is very similar!

So, what did I think about my choices?

Investment Piece: What I learned when I let MM LaFleur style me

Be Open or Try it On
We all have an idea of our “style” and what will fit and what goes together. All of us. The things about working with a stylist is that you’ve essentially asked them to work with your preconceived ideas, and push you a little on your boundaries. What does all that mean? It means that every style session should present you with some options that are distinctly “you”, and maybe some options that push you a little.

I went into my session with MM LaFleur knowing certain facts about my style. I’m a little edgy, I love classics, but don’t have a 9-5 job. Some of the picks for me were so Rachel that I fell in love automatically. Then, there were a few that didn’t strike me immediately. My stylist was amazing, and pushed me to go ahead and try some of the items I wasn’t sure about. So I did. And, loves? I loved them. Moral of the story? Even pro-shoppers can learn something and find new things, but you have to be open to it.

That thing you’re not sure if it’s “you” or not. Try it on. Test it out. See what happens.

Color and Print are Your Friends
Investment Piece: What I learned when I let MM La Fleur Style me
Investment Piece: What I learned when I let MM La Fleur Style Me
I talk about color and print often. I think you should wear them. Yet, loves there are still some hang ups I have in regards to color and print. Some are justified. There are certain shades of yellow that don’t look great on me. However, some of these issues are just in my head. Case in point?
My stylist pulled green for me, I mentioned that green and I have a tenuous relationship. But, I was open and tried it on, and this green dress was one of my favorite items.
Same with this rust dress. I normally shy away from anything that leans the slightest bit orange, but I loved it.
I tried on tons of black, and loved it. However, the colored pieces are the ones that stand out.
The lesson? Try new colors.

Don’t be Afraid of the Pants
Investment Piece: What I learned when I let MM LaFleur Style Me
It’s not that I don’t love pants. I do. And I wear them. But can we be honest with each other? Shopping for pants is the worst. Between fit, rise, stretch, and style there is no set sizing, and that is just the tip of the iceberg about the frustrating process. So, I was wary about trying the MM LaFleur pants on. But I did. And I was blown away. The fit was immpeccable, the rise was just high enough for me. I feel like a broken record, but try the things. Maybe all of the things. Maybe some of the things. But try.

Investment Piece: What I learned when I let MM La Fleur Style me

I went into my styling session with MM LaFleur with some preconceived notions. About colors, about fits, and about my need for more “traditional” pieces. What I learned? Even I need to be open to more colors, prints, and new things. That traditional pieces still have a place in my closet, and some are right up my alley. Isn’t it amazing when you let yourself be styled and seen in a new light?

I highly recommend MM LaFleur and would love to hear about your experiences with them!

Happy Shopping!
XO RA

Summer Prep

Investment Piece: Summer Prep
Investment Piece: Summer Prep
Investment Piece: Summer Prep
Investment Piece: Summer Prep
Investment Piece: Summer Prep
Investment Piece: Summer prep
Investment Piece: Summer Prep

Things I’ve been thinking about lately: Prep. Or preppy style.
How much I love boat shoes/loafers.
Outfit formulas that work in any season.
How it’s barely Summer and it’s already SO hot.
The fact that everyone needs a white button down (it’s science).

The result? Summer Prep.

As in, yes, I’m prepping for Summer. I have all the SPF and the swimsuits (see my guide here), and am wearing hats to protect my face. (No one wants wrinkles).

*Note: this hat is vintage Lanvin, a great etsy find. It’s cloth, so there are times when the brim won’t lay exactly how I would like, but I love the pattern and colors!

I’m also doing Summer Prep, meaning I’m leaning into my preppy side. Have I mentioned that a white button down is one the champions of your closet. They go with anything, can be dressed up or dressed down, and will never fail you. Boat shoes? Same thing. (You can call them loafers. I do.) I just love the preppiness that they can add to any outfit.

As for outfit formulas? This look is seasonless. Get cold? Wear jeans. Or trousers. You don’t have to wear cutoffs. (Though as we’re Summer prepping and it’s a million degrees outside, at this time, I would recommend a bottom that is cool. And not just in the preppy way). You could swap loafers for mules, heels, or sneakers. But you’ll always look pulled together and ready to go. And isn’t that what prep is all about?

I would love to know: how are you doing Summer prep? Please tell me it involves cooling down, and you’re willing to share your secrets!

These Summer prep pieces are some of my go-to’s. I’ve linked similar below for your shopping and Summer prep pleasure!
XO RA

And don’t forget your sunglasses!

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: Summer Prep

Fashion Gives Back: H&M

Loves, there are times when I do my research for this series when I’m so focused on new brands, and brands that are so clear in their mission to give back, that I feel like we sometimes over look the fashion that gives back that we know. For example, H&M. Their fashion gives back, but we don’t think of them that way.

Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: H&M

You may know about the Conscious Collection at H&M, a substainable fashion line. That is one way that H&M fashion gives back. However, I just learned about the Garment Collection Program at H&M, which is a fashion gives back game changer.

Not only does this initiative encourage all of us to make sure that the textiles that we use can be recycled, it rewards you for helping fashion give back. Curious? Ready to do it? Me too!

The Details:

Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: H&M
Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: H&M
Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: H&M

To recap: Bring in any worn clothes (even your socks!) and H&M will not only make sure that those textiles are re-used; but they will give you 15% off of your purchase for doing so! Bottom line? H&M gives back, you give back, and there’s fashion involved. Seems like a win-win to me.

What I love about this program? This fashion gives back may not mean that you’re learning about a new brand, but this known, loved brand (H&M) is doing its part to not only give back, but to make the world a better place. When we spend our money, we vote for the kind of world we want. I truly believe that we can get what we love, enjoy fashion, and give back (hence the series Fashion Gives Back).

H&M, besides giving back, is one of my favorite affordable go-to’s. They offer styles that are on trend, and I wear mine over and over again. Check out some of my favorite, current pieces below:

I hope that you’ll join me in supporting the Garment Collection Program at H&M. Let’s get our fashion on and give back at the same time!

XO RA

Shake your TailFeather

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather

We all have our first. Our first big purchase, our first favorite thing, our first time shaking your TailFeather.

*Sidenote: I am well aware that a pink feathered maxi skirt is not an everyday look. However, it was my first. Well, not my first. But one of them. What first, you may be asking? One of my first big purchases on eBay. Many moons ago, when I was teaching myself how to not only Shake my TailFeather in an authentic to me way, but also how to shop and find the things that I love, I found this gem on eBay. It’s Zara, back when Zara’s European offerings were different than the US ones. This pink feathered number filled me with visions of balls, romance, and shaking of tailfeathers.

This not only represents a great occasion look, but one of the first times that I was able to find and buy something special for myself.

Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake Your TailFeather
Investment Piece: Shake your TailFeather

One way that I’ve learned to embrace how I shake my TailFeather? I love a reason to dress up. Or, more aptly, I just love to dress up. If I can get away with a special look, I’m wearing it.

I’m also a fan of taking a random occasion and making it special. This whole “you don’t have to dress up” thing? Or the dressing down thing–we don’t have to do that. We can shake our (literal) TailFeathers in any special occasion dressing whenever we want.

Or, at least, that’s how I Shake my TailFeather.

**Another SideNote: this bodysuit is one of my faves (I also have it in black and cream). It’s from some no-name place on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles that I bought many moons ago. I wear them with everything, but especially love them with maxi skirts.

All of this begs the question, how do you Shake your TailFeather? How do you want to?

While both the bodysuit and this amazing pink feathered skirt are a few seasons old, I’ve found similar items and linked them below for your shopping pleasure! Shake your TailFeather!

XO RA

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

Sunday Chronicles: Embracing the Suck

image

I know. My image doesn’t really go with my title. The issue? I’ve had one of those weeks. Not a bad week- there was plenty of good- but one where I felt stuck, inspiration was non-existent, and nothing went according to plan and was 10x harder than it needed to be. Case in point? I ordered “The Year of Yes” (Shondra Rhimes) and “Big Magic” (Elizabeth Gilbert)- those books were supposed to be in the picture too, and I was going to tell you all I had learned or was exited to learn from them. They didn’t come in time. So- what do you do when a week like this happens? While this is an option:
image

(And can help), it’s not always a solution.

I did make it to see “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” this week (see it!) and was reminded of some advice an old acting coach was fond of:
“Embrace the suck, it’s the only way to move forward”.

The character in the film and my old coach are right- sometimes things suck. They don’t go our way, everything is off, and we don’t know what to do. And most of the time the answer lies in simply embracing where you are and moving forward from there. Does that sound easy? I know sometimes it’s not. But sometimes inspiration comes when we go looking for it, things begin to go our way when we continue to put one foot in front of the other; and it’s been my experience that weeks like this are always balanced out.

So my plan for this coming week? Read, write, paint- photograph fashion that I like, and hope you do too. Embrace the suck and move forward- trusting that it can’t suck forever.

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

Fashion in the Wild: Galas and Weddings

Loves, May is always one of the most fashionable months of the year. From the Met Gala to the Royal Wedding this year, there has been no shortage of outstanding fashion offerings.

If you’re wondering: my invitations to both events got lost in the mail. But I got to watch both in face masks and silk robes, so I might still have come out on top.

The Met Gala
My favorite looks from the Met Galas were the ones that were over the top in support of the theme. Because if there is ever a time for over the top in support of a theme, the Met Gala is it! Whether you loved Rhinna as the Pope, or Zendaya as Joan of Arc, the Met Gala offered a glimpse at Catholic symbolism that was just stunning.

Some of my favorite looks:
Investment Piece: Fashion in the Wild: Galas

And if you need more of a Met Gala Fashion breakdown:

The Royal Wedding

I know it’s cliche, but I loved the Royal wedding. Yes, I woke up WAY too early to watch it. Yes, I cried. Yes, I believed in fairy tales for a moment (ok, I believe in fairy tales all the time, especially when they involve shoes). What’s different about a Royal Wedding (besides that whole Prince thing) for me are the hats. I LOVE the hats. (And the fashion in general). But as someone who never seems to have an occasion to wear hats like they do in Europe, I’m endlessly fascinated by hat fashion.

Some favorite hat moments:

Beyond the hats, the fashion at the Royal wedding was nothing to sneeze at either! From the polka dot dress worn by Abigail Spencer (which I may be determined to find) to the Queen’s bright choice, here are some of the best fashion moments:

My one disappointment for this month’s Fashion in the Wild? I wasn’t in the wild with this fashion. Maybe I need to work on that for next year’s gala (and if one of you marries a prince I can work that into my schedule too!)

What were your favorite looks?

XO RA