Investment Piece

Are you tired of hearing that leopard is a neutral yet?

I know, I get it, I hear you. It can be hard to hear the same thing over and over again. (Even if I am right when I say it). So, let’s switch it up. Maybe Leopard isn’t a neutral. Maybe it’s a big pop. Maybe it’s something that can turn an outfit into an OUTFIT. Sound better? More doable? Ok, then it’s decided. Let’s do a pop of leopard (at least for today).

I think what happens when we hear the same thing over and over again; or look at things through only one lens, we miss a lot of what’s possible. It’s human nature. I’ve admitted more than once that I’ve tuned my mother out, only to turn around and find that she was right (about a lot. It’s our secret). Our closets? The same thing. We label something as a neutral, or conversely as something special, and we refuse to see all the other ways that we could wear it. Yes, it’s a thing we all do. But by doing this, we miss out on so many amazing opprotunities. (We’re talking fashion, but I’m sure that there are other things that this applies to. Think hard). We made an arrangement; so today, instead of thinking of leopard as a neutral, we’re thinking of it as a pop. What does that change?

Of course the easiest way to make leopard a pop is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. I’m not afraid of a good Candian Tuxedo (Example here), and actually think one can add value to our wardrobes. Let’s level with each other, we all need a great pair of jeans (These Point Sur, old, are some of my faves as the wash, and rise are just classic. I’ve picked a similar pair for you here). They are the perfect thing to throw on in almost any situation. And what’s better than a great pair of jeans? A great chambray or jean top. Throw it on with almost anything. The trick? Don’t be afraid to pair them together. (Pro-Tip: You want them to go together but not match exactly). Once you have this basic combo down: add a pop. It works every time.

Because we agreed to, today it’s leopard. I just adore these mules, but any pump, or belt, or bag would do. The thing for a pop is that it has to be different than the rest of the outfit, and it’s great if it has a little sass.

This combo would be great for running errands, brunch, casual drinks, and a casual dinner.

What’s your fave pop? And how do you rock it?

Shop my picks (affiliate links, no affect to your price) below and let’s make leopard a pop!

XO RA

The saying goes that so much can change in a year. And that’s true right? People come and go, we change our minds, our clothes, our shoes, our states. I take pictures of myself for a living. (Ok, that’s not all of it, but in many ways, it boils down to that) So, I’ve developed this weird fascination of looking back at what I was wearing a year ago: do I still love it? do I still wear it? do I still have it? It makes FlashBack Friday’s and Throwback Thursday’s both morbid (like an autopsy) and fun. What I was I wearing a year ago? This winter floral dress. And I do still love it. And I do still have it. However, I don’t wear it often. Here’s the great thing about looking back: it can remind me what I have, and encourage me to wear it!
What I originially wrote:

We’ve had spring florals and fall florals–why not winter florals? I have to say, I love these moody florals, the darks and the pops of color–I like that it’s completely season appropriate but it feels fresh. Especially when you pair them with pop of color shoes. And the frills and the back? Amazing! (Loves, this is where I confess that I had this dress altered, we opened the back a bit and took in the waist some) The price is what really makes this dress stunning –it’s HM, yes, HM. Perfect for any thing this winter can throw at you!

(Side Note: let’s not sleep on HM ever! Some of my most recent finds there are showcased here, here, and here)

XO RA

I’ve updated my winter floral shopping picks (these are affiliate links, I do receive some commission on these, though there is no change to your price!) There are some great, and very similar HM winter floral dresses!

Let’s go around the room and confess something.
I can go first.
It’s trite, but true.
I wasn’t popular in high school. I was chubby. And tried to hard. My friends were amazing and I had fun, but my high school experience is more the transforming swan rather than the High School Musical Variety.
(Random side note: I think everyone’s high school experience would be made better through more musical numbers).

One thing I did in high school? I tried to make the trends I saw in magazines work. I’m completely dating myself BUT, I wore knee high socks. And the little clips in my hair. Basically anything I saw in teen magazines or Vogue I tried to recreate in a way. (Isn’t it weird that we at some level always know what we’re supposed to do?) And while it didn’t work in high school (turns out small town high schools are not the place to try new trends), I’m glad that I got into the habit of trying trends and figuring out what I liked. If you read Monday’s post, you know that I admit when my mom was right. In high school she told me that you want to be the kind of person that blooms after high school–and loves, she was right.

I bring up high school, and high school fashion, not because I’m sitting around thinking about it, but because I think high school fashion is back. Case in point? Fanny Packs. Belt bags if you’re trying to make it high fashion, but let’s be honest: it’s a fanny pack. However, these are not the fanny packs we had in high school. those were black (or neon) and cheap and awful. Don’t tell my trying to be cool high school self, but I may like (really LIKE) these fanny packs. Leather. Adjustable. Able to go from your waist to over the shoulder. Not so stiff and triangle, but supple leather and shapes that we can identify. I think even the cool girls in high school would wear these! Perfect for nights out, concerts, festivals, or any time it’s just nice to have all your stuff and use your hands at the same time!

It did get mentioned to me that my kicks (sneakers, Mom) with a skirt is high school fashion as well. Is it? I thought that’s just how we wear them, but if that’s high school fashion I’m down (let’s just get amazing kicks and great skirts like this leather one). What do you think?

So, maybe the trends I tried to make happen in high school fell flat. Maybe that’s ok. This high school fashion trend is something I think wins now, and isn’t that what matters?

Tell me: how was high school? What did you wear? What are your current thoughts on fanny packs? And high school fashion?

I got some picks for you (affiliate links, which does not affect price for you). I’m excited to get your take on them!

XO RA

Loves, I’m gonna let you in on a littl blogger secret: there are looks that are our favorites. And sometimes the ones that just live on Instagram and don’t make it on the blog are the best. I love coming up with outfits (for both me and you) and shooting them for us! Instagram is one of my favorite ways to let you know what I’m doing, what I’m wearing , and what I’m loving! And while I’m busy working on more posts and outfits for us all, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to share with you some of my October favorites and the things I’ve loved this month!

Yes, some of these looks you’ve seen before (it’s October Faves, and who doesn’t love a second chance to shop!) and some you haven’t. Some pieces you will most likely see again, and some looks are simply on my Wishlist! All are things I love, shots I couldn’t resist sharing, and a little behind the scenes action for you!

Below see all my October faves, linked with updated shopping options. What were your favorites this month?

XO RA

*Note these are affiliate links and while I get a small commission from them, it does not affect the price for you!

October Blues
A recent look? Yep, but I loved it and every shot was just amazing!


see the original post here and shop:

Monkey Business
I just love this print skirt, it’s just so cheeky!


See the originial post here and shop:

Cape
This cape just makes me happy. That makes it an October Fave!


Orginal post here and shop:

Instagram Life

Stars and Stripes
This outfit that I wore on Tuesday was thrown together at the last minute, I was determined to mix patterns, and this is what I came up with. I got so many compliments (which made me so happy!) and these shoes from last season are still some of my faves!

Shop the look:

Rosie Assoulin
If you follow me on Instagram (please do! @racheladelicia), you may know that I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and playing dress up with Rosie Assoulin. She was a complete dream-so unbelievably lovely. And the clothes–I’m currently looking up “how to sell your kidney” to afford this dress!


Shop my look of the tux (and I love the pairing of a concert tee):

Shop my Rosie Assoulin picks (and keep your eyes out for SS18):

Loves,thank you for indulging me and letting me review some of my October faves and my recent Instagram life! I hope that this weekend is amazing and full of love and laughter, come back on Sunday for a spooky Ex-files!

XO RA

And this sale is my kind of October fave:

The lights dim. The projector comes on. You give a world class presentation. Your co workers laugh at the right time, they cry at the right time. Your posture improves just a little with the realization that you’re good at this, you got this. Then the lights come on. Your co-workers gasp and your cheeks turn red. Because you’re naked.

Oldest nightmare in the books, right? I’ve had it too.

Plot Twist: I wrote this post in bed in my pjs. Working for yourself, from home has its perks. So, I get that I might not be an “expert” in business attire.* And I get that maybe shorts aren’t the best look for your office. What I do get and love? A great juxatipositon. What else I weirdly love? Shorts and a blazer.
(See here)
The perfect mix of business and pleasure. Where this combo is a match: those weird “networking” parties at a dive bar, happy hour, when you need to look polished but it’s 95 in October (seriously, WTH), or any business meeting that is casual. Or in general when there is that subtle mix of business and pleasure.

I’ve spoken before about my journey to find the “perfect” short: not too short, not too tight, and not too “why is that old lady trying to look young”. It’s a tightrope that’s not easy to walk. This summer, I dreamed of the perfect, longer shorts that would look great with heels or sandals, casual or dressy, and would still be cool. I thought I might have to resort to chopping one of my beloved vintage pairs, but then I found these. And it felt like all my problems had been solved. (Ok, I still don’t have world peace or the Gucci shoes my soul needs, but we’re making progress). Also, I’m thinking of wearing these babies with boots, and maybe even tights when the weather cooperates. We’ll see where that takes us.

This blazer is made more business appropriate with a shell underneath. If you dare, and the moment is right, I love a blazer with nothing underneath; pro tip: make sure the buttons on that blazer come high, or chose one like this with a built in scarf! What I love about this one is the built in scarf, when you’re mixing business and pleasure it allows you to go shell-less. And also looks great with skirts!

*SideNote: You talk and I listen. I get that a lot of what I post here, a lot of “fashion” isn’t business appropriate. But loves, a lot can be made to be business appropriate. And I can do my part to present tricks and more business looks. Does this mean no more pleasure? Nope. I’m still in love with sheer, and the like. I still think that there’s a time and a place for you to wear that as well. But, we will be starting a series on showcasing more business looks, and more tips for how to make our “pleasure looks” more business friendly. Have an idea? Want to us to address a specific look or trend? Email me! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, I love hearing from you!

What do you think? Is this a great mix of business and pleasure? Where could you wear this combo?

I’ve picked my fave pieces (both exact and similar) and linked them below! Shop, let’s be twins! Then we can go to one of those weird mixers and be the best dressed there!

XO RA

Note: These are affiliate links, I do receive a commission but that does not affect in any way the price for you!

The above clutch is vintage Gucci. One of the best places for resale: