Black and White with a Pop

Black and White with a Pop
Investment Piece: Black and White with a pop

Black and White: it’s so classic. This dress? I love the lines, the Velvet, the silk. The sleeves add a bit of fun, and the whole combination is a show stopper. It’s perfect for the holiday season as there is enough of a sparkle, but also perfect for any Tuesday.Not to mention, it’s amazingly comfy–this is actually a 1930s dressing gown! Continue reading Black and White with a Pop

Gift Guide: Fitness Lovers

Investment Piece: Gift Guide Fitness Lovers

Three Things you don’t mess with? My shoes, my football, and my workouts. To say that I am a fitness lover is a bit of an understatement. And as such, there are things that are on my holiday list just for my fitness needs! For all the people in your life like me, who feel as if a day without a workout is a wasted day, I’ve made this handy Gift Guide for Fitness Lovers! Continue reading Gift Guide: Fitness Lovers

Grey Skies

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to Beat Grey Skies?

Throw on a grey dress and spice it up. I know, it’s the holiday season and we’re supposed to be focused on reds, greens, and blues. The boots are red. And, hear me out, grey looks can be festive. Take this vintage dress (from one of my faves Bloomers and Frocks) that feels modern. Grey isn’t gloomy or bland, it’s the back drop for red (those boots!) and edge (that jacket!), yet a statement on its own.

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey skies?

Watch the details. The pleats in this skirt are perfect for business, yet scream fun. Red boots? Sassy, great with skirts/dresses/jeans, and they add a bit of cheer. I also love how high these boots go, don’t let it scare you, let them inspire you (and maybe, occasionally, give your black boots the night off). We haven’t chatted about what makes an “investment piece” in a while, but loves, let me tell you, a great leather jacket is one. Leather jackets edge up any look while remaining classic. Wear your with everything from work dresses to jeans. Grey doesn’t have to be a background player, but with the right details, it can stand out and let details shine. How are your skies doing?

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

How to beat Grey Skies?

Embrace them. I love the elements of this outfit; and on their own they’re amazing. This combo is perfect for work, play, or anything in between. It will be great in January, when the parties are over and you need some cheering. (Tell me boots like these wouldn’t make you smile in the middle of any winter day.) Wear a dress like this with any shoe from sneakers to heels to more boots. Live in your leather jacket. Let red boots make any outfit pop. Grey is one of my favorite colors (see here,
here, and here) and while grey skies can often mean storms; I think using grey to turn the tables and make an amazing outfit is the way to beat almost anything.

I’ve linked similar items below. Happy shopping!

XO RA

How to beat grey skies
How to beat grey skies

Gift Guide: Travel Lovers

Investment Piece: Gift Guide Travel Lovers

Loves, as you may know,I split time between two different states. It’s amazing and hard and means I travel a lot. I also travel for fun. Remember the airport season in “Up in the Air” when George Clooney breaks down all of the different travelers to Anna Kendrick? Well, there’s a kind of traveler you want to be–and I’ve rounded up gifts that the travelers you love will want! Without further ado: here’s my gift guide for travel lovers. Continue reading Gift Guide: Travel Lovers

In defense of Gift Cards

Investment Piece: In defense of Gift Cards

There’s a rumor going around about gift cards. That they are not a thoughtful gift. They mean that you waited till the last minute. Gift cards say that you didn’t really care to get your loved one a “real gift”. I hate to be the bearer of bad news to rumors, but I respectfully disagree. Gift cards? I LOVE them. In fact, I think that gift cards are an incredibly thoughtful, real gift, and often, what your loved ones want. Don’t believe me? Let me lay out my defense of gift cards. Continue reading In defense of Gift Cards

How to Cocktail Casual

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

My guess? You have holiday parties and drinks and dinners on the books. Every site is pushing the 12 dresses of Christmas (not to mention NYE). Feeds, catalogs, and stores are full of sparkle and velvet and shine. I love all of that. Want to hear a secret? I love a great party dress, have never been able to resist them, and have quite a few coming your way. However, not all holiday get togethers call for your party dress. Is there a way to cocktail casual?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Right this way!

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to Cocktail Casual? Start with a party top. Does it have to be sequined and velvet and over the top? No. I think it does need to be a little special, but it doesn’t have to scream holiday. I love this Tory Burch one as it has some sparkly details, but doesn’t go over the top. The blue and white, and the floral, go with the holiday, but will also look great in the spring.

You have a top. How to Cocktail Casual? Pay attention to your shoes. Heels or dress flats or boots are a must. The casual doesn’t come from your shoes. I’m not saying choose footwear that’s uncomfortable, but shoes that make you want to celebrate are always a good thing. These wedges are from quite a few seasons ago, but I love that the shape is just orginal enough, yet the pattern is classic. If you worry about wearing heels out, wedges are always a great option. They give you height while maintianing balance.

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual
Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to Cocktail Casual: the casual part! Loves, you need a great pair of jeans. I love a dark, skinny pair with little to no distressing. If you find that you need two pairs of cocktail casual jeans, you can make your second pair black. The dark rinse will go with any top, and keep you looking polished while not dressy. And bonus? These cocktail casual jeans can make the transition to casual and look great even with your favorite sweatshirt!

Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

How to cocktail casual? Remember that the most important part of any holiday party is that you have a good time!

I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces below! Happy Shopping!
XO RA

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Investment Piece: How to Cocktail Casual

Gift Guides: Art, Music, and Fashion

Investment Piece: Pretending to be in Paris

Tis the season and we’re gifting like mad! However, here at Investment Piece we’re switching it up a little. Yes, we still have gift guides galore for you, including travel, active, last minute, and of course a gift guide for you! I also have a thought piece in defense of gift cards this Sunday. What we’re not doing? Gift Guides for Her and Gift Guides for Him. Why? Gifts can be a very personal thing (you can read about my gifting thoughts here). Also, I’m assuming that if you’re giving a gift to a man or woman in your life (both friends and more) that you have something in mind and they might have a list. So many times gift guides can be so cliche. What to get the man in your life? Whiskey stones and a tie. What to get the woman in your life? Lotion and a candle. At Investment Piece, we think men and women are more than that. There are women who love tech and men who love fashion. This year we’re “combining” men and women’s gift guides into broader categories, and today, we chat art lovers, music lovers, and fashion lovers. Give to the complicated and layered people in your life! Continue reading Gift Guides: Art, Music, and Fashion