Loves! We’re still celebrating our birthday month (read all about it here), and our latest venture gives you another chance to shop, sip, and have some fun! If you’re in TX, specifically Central Texas, I invite you to come to a Kendra Scott/Investment Piece pop up!
My sister has been nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year in San Antonio, TX and this event will help her raise money for this worthy cause. You’ll get to shop special Kendra Scott pieces, with a portion of the proceeds going to leukemia and lymphoma research. A bonus? I’ll be there! We can chat fashion, blogging, and I’ll be offering a 10% discount on any personal shopping package purchased!
Loves, as you know, we’re using the Friday’s in April to look back at some of my first posts, and the history of Investment Piece. Today? Tied Up. Why? I still wear this outfit (I legit just wore these shoes to get the mail and this top is a spring/summer go-to). But, more importantly, this was one of my first times shooting with a REAL photographer, you know, not just me and an iPhone or me and a camera. This tied up shoot marked the beginnings of my relationship with Katy Shayne–and that changed the blog. Learning how to work with an other professional, swap ideas, give over some control, and upping the quality were huge steps for me.
This is the part where I let you know I’m a control freak–so tied up for me also means letting other people take control. That’s a lot for a FBF .
So, without further ado: let’s get tied up. I’ve kept all the orginal wording, but have updated shopping options. Thank you for indulging my FBFs!
Xo RA
Loves, I have two confessions: I’m becoming obsessed with vintage denim, and these Dr Scholl’s slides are more comfortable than they have a right to be. I love the slight flare of the jean–it goes great with this shirt tied up, or with all of my closet. The slides are perfection–as is the clutch that Clare V makes (that truly holds everything). I have to give credit to my cousin for introducing me to the slides (I completely copied her!) and I have to let you know–there’s something so comforting about this outfit to me. Pulled together, comfy, and just slightly summer-y. Perfect for errands or whatever the day throws at you!
XO RA
Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support.
Loves, it’s been a week, right? Just me? Either way, no matter what kind of week you’re having there’s always one kind of therapy that can make it better. Retail. Order amazing shoes and see how you feel when you get them–I’m not wrong. So, here are my round ups of sales and sales picks. Something for everyone.
Happy Shopping! And it’s therapy, so it doesn’t count!
XO RA
Neiman Marcus
Take 30% off 3 items, 25% off 2 items, or 20% off of 1 item in online clearance. Retail therapy at its best!
My picks:
ShopBop
Get up to 25% off with the code EVENT18 And get free shipping with your Amazon Prime account.
My picks:
Lord and Taylor
Take an extra 30% off almost everything and 15% beauty with the code FRIENDS
My picks:
I hope that you found something to satisfy your therapy needs (have I mentioned that retail therapy is the best therapy?). Wishing us a good rest of the week!
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 support!
Jealousy is not always cute. I mean, we all get jealous, but there’s a huge chance that jealousy doesn’t look good on any of us. Get close to me and I will admit that I can get possessive, as if that’s something not as green as jealousy (it is!). But, what if a little green looks good on you? What if you look so good in green that you give others green envy?
***Yes, I know that green and jealousy aren’t synonyms but they go together. And I couldn’t resist. My big hope? Not for you to be jealous, but you to look so great in green that you make other people jealous. Make green envy work for you!
Remember when I thought I couldn’t wear green? Refresh yourself here. There was a time when I really thought that green wasn’t for me. Turns out, I was wrong. And have been proven wrong over and over again. Who knew?
This green is another vintage number (new thought: does green envy work for me only when it’s vintage? Discuss) from my Vintage trips with Bloomers and Frocks. (You can read about the trip here and Bloomers and Frocks here.) Confession? I didn’t pick out this dress. And it’s not in my closet, that’s right, it’s still available (I think) at Bloomers and Frocks (if you love it you might want to get on that). However, it was another time when I was convinced that green wouldn’t look good on me, and it did. Yes, shades have something to do with it, as does design. I love that this number is essentially a shirt dress, and was so comfy! I like the pattern, and the way it could be dressed up or down. In short, you’re lucky I’m leaving it for you.
Maybe the lesson is there’s a green for all of us? Or maybe green envy is so real that it can change your thoughts on a color? I don’t know, but in the mean time let’s get some green to inspire envy in everyone. Sound like a plan?
I’ve linked similar items to this green number 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.
I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but, Investment Piece is turning 3!!!
This is one of those times when it feels like we’ve only just started, and yet, we have oh so far to go. The inspiration for this site is all due to my mother. I grew up loving fashion, and have always had a knack for putting together an outfit. I’m used to people asking me where I got things. So when my mom read an article in “Texas Monthly” about how blogging was an actual business, Investment Piece was born. To start, I took a class about doing your own site (tech isn’t and never will be my strong suit), got a tripod and a remote for my iPhone, and we were in business.
So much has changed! Can you believe at one time I thought we’d do fashion arts and crafts?
Yes, I painted my own jeans. You can read about it here.
I like to think the pics have gotten better:
And I’ve managed to find my voice (or at least, my voice right now).
I can’t say this enough: I am so grateful for you. I known that there are so many bloggers and feeds and advice you can be following. I appreciate you following me.
So, what are we doing for the blog’s birthday?
Celebrating you!
This month (yes, I gave my blog a month to celebrate its birthday. I’m the coolest blog mom ever), our content is full of Giveways, flashbacks to some of our first content, and events!
You can still enter the first giveaway here, and our first flashback was Friday!
There will be more of both, so stay tuned!
And after the blog birthday month is over? Still more new content, some series I’m excited about, and finding ways to be fresh and exciting while being ourselves.
As someone much cooler than me once said: “I don’t know where we’re going from here, but it won’t be boring”.
Thank you for celebrating our blog birthday with us!
Wishing us all a week of champagne and amazing shoes!
XO RA
As promised (or threatened) today marks part of our blog birthday celebration with FBF posts of some of my first shoots. Here: my first neutrals. This goes back to the days when I wasn’t 100% sure what I was doing (let’s not chat about if I do now), and it was just me and my iPhone and a tripod. I had one of those remote controls you can get for your phone, I had no experience with photos or spacing, or websites for that matter.
When I look back at some of these looks I can’t help but be struck by how far I’ve come–even in just the photography. There are shoots I love, and pics I adore from this time in the blog; and others that I can’t believe I posted. I can’t help but be so happy about where I am now; yet I can’t help but miss parts of my life (the building is my old apartment in LA), and we can all be surprised that I still wear some of these outfits.
As it turns out, first neutrals last. The faux leather skirt with a light sweater was one of my go-to’s about 3 years ago. The combo made me feel pulled together and lady like. And I still rock this look. What I love about head to toe neutrals? It reads classy, it can feel expensive (even when it’s not. the skirt is Zara). This look is perfect for work or cocktails. And lets me feel like an “adult”. (An underrated but sometimes important part of getting dressed in the morning).
These pics of my first neutral are some that I still love. Yes, I look at them now and think of how I could take them better. I sometimes think of reshooting all my first looks (but I have so much new fashion to share). But it’s nice that I can look back at my first neutrals, at this blog, and this community that we’re building and love them. Happy birthday to us all!
And yes, this FBF gave me the logo image that I still use:
While this first neutrals look is 3 years old, I’ve linked similar items below. Stay tuned for more blog birthday celebration- FBF’s and giveaways! Have I told you lately that I’m grateful for you?
XO RA
Thank you for celebrating the blog birthday with me!
Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
It’s no secret that we all get various fashion inspiration from each other on the Internet and Instagram. I’m not immune to it (yes, I still outfit ideas too). And the “I let my Boyfriend/Dad/Grandma/Tinder Dates” dress me is a piece you may see on many a blog, written by many a blogger.
Today I’m flipping the script (?) and I’m letting another blogger dress me.
Let’s be clear- she doesn’t know that she’s dressing me, but she is. Confused?
Yesterday, whilst scrolling through my Facebook feed I came across this article from ManRepeller. While it is worth reading in it’s entirety, the main point is that pedal pushers are the new “thing” and Leandra gives a few outfits to showcase this fashion “necessity”.
As she says:
We spend a lot of time talking about the fact that trends are dead and how liberating such a notion can be. On the one hand, abiding by a sartorial template constructed by someone else is restricting. On the other, thanks to the pervasive and prolific popularity of style-as-broadcasted-by-social-media in all its millions of permutations, everyone’s opinions are on display — not just opinions that trickle off the runway. Still, there are overarching themes that overwhelm the cues we take each season. Within those themes, subcategories are born to foster the growth of various items, and for the upcoming spring (if it ever arrives!), pedal pushers (pants — or are they shorts? — that hit just below the knee) are the choice way to cover your hooha.
You probably remember all the time I spent extolling the genesis of knee-cap leggings as pants (particularly because I haven’t stopped), so this seems like a natural transition. One that calls for outfit ideas, tips, tricks and a little bit of breastmilk if you want some.
And Leandra goes onto give outfit ideas. Again, worth your time. I was inspired and confused by this ideal and left with questions.
Are pedal pushers chic?
Could I pull them off?
Should I let another blogger dress me?
Loves, as we know, the answer is often in the doing. So I’m doing. Tonight I have an event celebrating Fashion X in Austin, TX. I’m going to wear a version of this:
Will it work? Will I look stupid? What will people say?
I don’t know. When I get dressed (yes, this was a spur of the moment decision and clearly a last minute post) I’ll be posting a ton of pics on my Instagram (@racheladelicia), including a live story getting dressed. I’d love your feedback!
And then I’ll report on how letting another blogger dress me went. I’ll either love Leandra or be wary of her outfit ideas when this is over.
Win/win?
Wish me luck!
Some questions for you:
Would you rock pedal pushers? Would you let a blogger dress you (PICK ME!)?
Don’t forget to look out this evening on Instagram! (@racheladelicia)
Forget what anyone else has told you. The most ambitious crossover? Feather shoes. Or more specifically, for today, jumpsuits + feather shoes.
Here’s the thing: clear heels and feathers, you might think “lady of the night”. They’re so fun. BUT, can be tricky to style. (Though me being me, I say just wear them with what you love.) My solution? Pair them with a tux inspired jumpsuit. One could argue with a neckline like this, it’s not exactly conservative, but it balances the fun shoe.
I love that none of the colors “match” but they go together. I love that tuxes are thought of as buttoned up, feathers as fun, and jumpsuits as throw on and go; and together it’s a showstopper.
Because, if you’re going to have feathers, have Jumpsuit + Feathers!
Feather shoes may seem like a lot, but I love the sense of play that they bring to anything. You don’t have to dress them up (or pair them with a jumpsuit). I love these with little white dresses and skirts (they’re a thing) and jeans with a t-shirt.
And loves, these aren’t just any feather shoes. They’re Brother Vellies. That means that they’re ethically made, support women and kids, support trade in Africa, and you know–they’re gorgeous.
A little about Brother Vellies and these feather shoes:
Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James with the goal of introducing the rest of the world to her favorite traditional African footwear, while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs within Africa. Handmade in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco, Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts.
You can buy the feather numbers here and so many more amazing styles at Brother Vellies. I just love them!
I love tux jumpsuits. And jumpsuits. See here and here. What I love about this tux jumpsuit is that it’s a classic (and you could wear something under or over the top) and a bit sexy. It looks great with flats, sneakers, or heels.
I made a friend take these pics on this street in Beverly Hills because sometimes I can’t resist being a basic blogger. Wearing the feather shoes with a tux jumpsuit is because I can’t resist outfits that shake things up.
You know I love a great juxatipositon.
I’ve linked similar items below. Wishing you a day where you get to embrace all the things you can’t resist!
XO RA
A great place to rent jumpsuit and feathers:
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While this does not affect the price to you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Loves! You may remember this shirt from this past summer. I got one for my mom, sister, and I to wear on an epic road trip that we took (and there was a lot of fashion on that trip!). Not only did I love the message of the shirt (it’s very true), I loved that it was a part of one of my very first “Fashion Gives Back”, with it’s proceeds benefitting Baby2Baby, a charity that helps low income kids 0-12 get food, clothes, and other necessities. (You can get more information about Baby2Baby and support the cause here) Many of you emailed me to ask how to get a shirt of your own, as these were a limited edition and sold out.
If you were one of the ones that emailed me, today is your lucky day! As a part of Fashion Gives Back, and our birthday celebration, I’m giving away 3, yes THREE, of these amazing “Product of a Strong Female” Shirts!
No, they aren’t the ones that my family wore (we still rock those ourselves), these are unopened shirts that gave to the charity, and announce to the world the badass-ness of you and your momma. For this giveaway 3 (yes, THREE) lucky winners will be picked.*
*Note the sizes available are S, M, and L
Win and you’ll be one of my twins! And know that you’re rocking a shirt that supports women and kids (aka gives back!)
By now, you may be asking yourself: how do I win this giveaway. The answer is Easy Peasy! Comment on this post, sign up for our newsletter (form is in the menu!), and make sure you like our Instagram post today! A winner will be chosen at random and announced next Tuesday. I appreciate your support of us, and how you help this fashion (-Ista) give back!!
Here at Investment Piece we’re celebrating our birthday all month long! You can look forward to more giveaways (including great products from SkinPrint and some amazing vintage dresses!), weekly flashback looks from some of our first posts, and more!
I love being a part of your online community–Happy Birthday to us all!
XO RA
You can check out the original post of “Product of a Strong Female” here
And you can check out the original Fashion Gives Back post about tee-shirts here.
Loves, I honestly try to come up with great post titles, and show off my quirky sense of humor in the process. Sometimes, that’s just hard. This time? I got nothing. This is #purple. That’s it. Maybe simple is the new quirky? Let’s just go with that.
It’s no secret that I have a thing for purple. It’s a great color-regal, classy with a twist, and representative of my college team. I wear it often (including all Friday’s during football season). See here, here, here, here, and here. Yes, there are more purple outfits if you didn’t get enough. Just search “purple” on the menu. I guess the good news is that I’m consistent?
Point being, purple is a great color. You should wear it.
Another great thing to wear? A wrap dress. They are easy yet elegant, always in style, and can be dressed up or down. DVF made the case for the wrap dress to be a staple, and I’m one of those crazy people who believes we shouldn’t argue with DVF. You can see some of my other favorite wrap dresses here, here, and here. Yes, that last wrap dress was from when the blog was just a baby (and I didn’t really know what I was doing). Proof that things change, but great style lasts?
I love this purple wrap dress with these stirrup tights. Yes, I have stirrup yoga leggings that I wear with everything, but these are just hose. That look great with a variety of skirts, dresses, heels, and flats. This dress is just a tad bit sheer, so I love that the flats relax the look a little. This would look great at work or a night out, but I have to admit, I love throwing this dress on after Pilates, over my leggings. It makes me feel pulled together as I go about my day, and I always get compliments. Yes, my styling was inspired by my fitness class. Maybe that’s the quirky part?
I’ve linked some of my favorite wrap dresses and purple looks below!
Happy Shopping!
XO RA
If you love vintage DVF wrap dresses like I do, TheRealReal is a great place to find one!
Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While this does not affect the price to you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support.
