It has been a week, right? Here we often have a hard time knowing how to handle all the things that happen in the world: do we acknowledge them? Ignore them? Post away? Go Dark? We don’t know. We know that as dark as things can seem, we need each other and need to love each other more than ever. We love being a part of your day, and hope that while we might not have answers, we hope that we bring you respite, joy, and a little break. We don’t know how to handle things, so we’re going to do what we do: bring you amazing fashion, tell you stories, share things with you. And if nothing else: we offer retail therapy. Loves, that can work!
So, let’s get to it. We’ve rounded up this week’s sales, and we have a giveaway to chat about! I hope that you find something that makes this week a little less bleak!
YOOX Friends and Family
If you don’t shop YOOX you should be. They offer luxury at a steep discount; and with their Friends and Family Sale you can get pieces you love at up to 90% off!
Shop my picks:
Saks
Friends and Family sale and you can get up to 25% off! Shop my picks:
Vince
Stock up on the best essentials at Vince’s Friends and Family Sale, it’s 25% off site-wide.
Shop my picks:
ModCloth
Don’t forget to add shopping ModCloth’s Friends and Family sale to your to-do list! I love the vintage vibes to be found there!
And A GiveAway!
We know that I am just in love with the SkinPrint products (available for sale on the SkinPrint Tab in the menu). I keep talking about the EyeDeal as it truly is the first skin product that I’ve used and could tell a difference right away. I’m currently in a three week period of constant travel and fighting allergies; EyeDeal is keeping me looking like a human!
And because I want you to love SkinPrint as much as I do, I have some great news! We’re doing another giveaway (Congrats to the winner of the EyeDeal giveaway!) and you get to pick the product!
Simply check out SkinPRint and let me know what product you’re interested in! You can comment here, email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, or comment/DM me on Instagram (@racheladelicia). You have 2 Weeks (or till Oct 19th). I will tally the votes and then do a post and giveaway on that Product! Can’t wait to shop? You can get 30% off SkinPrint till the 8th!
I hope that you’re out there loving hard and that retail therapy works for you!
Top ten things to happen during your day? Someone compliments your outfit.
Top five things to happen during your day? Someone asks where you got it.
(And Ladies, let’s play for the same team here, if someone asks where you got something–or even if they just compliment you–be a sport and tell them. It’s a compliment! And when we’re all stylish, we all win!)
These things mean so much, especially when you love what you’re wearing, and I have a big policy here that you should love what you’re wearing. Another policy? I believe in investing in quality pieces that not only look amazing on you (gaining compliments) but last for years. (Isn’t the name Investment Piece amazing?!?1) (And yes, those are Gucci loafers). But wanna know yet another policy? I believe in faking it (in moderation, never in the bedroom, and only when it comes to amazing fashion).
Loves, let’s get real, we can’t buy all luxury all the time (or if you can and would like to adopt me in any way, I am available). And wearing head to toe designer can be a little stale. I love the mixing of high and low fashion, I think it’s fresh and modern. Another policy? (I promise, I’m not in Congress). I hate knock offs. I really have an issue with directly copying someone else’s design, the artist in me can’t handle it. but I understand that desire to have something specific, and I get wanting that asthetic. My solution/compromise? A “cheaper” item with that designer feel. Not a knock off, but a “in the spirit of”, if you will.
This jacket? HM. (Seriously, they have some amazing stuff right now!). I love that it’s bold and just Gucci-esque. I love that it goes great with my Gucci. (And my new fave AYR jeans). I love that it makes me feel polished and that it feels like pjs. I love that it’s a fake, but not a fake.
So, how do we fake it? We find something that we love. We pair it with things we love. We rock it proudly, even if it’s a “fake”. And we share our secrets.
This is not the first time that you’ve seen this post, and I hope that each time you’ve shopped it. I don’t mean to beat you over the head with hurricane (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) relief, but I truly feel like it’s important. I know, you’ve given. I know, there is so much devastation that it feels overwhelming. I know, you don’t know where to start. I made the choice to repost this as I know that as time passes and things return to normal (for us, not for those affected by these incredible storms) we forget that people need us. Especially now, with 3.5 Million Americans in Puerto Rico who don’t have food, water, and electricity, I felt that anything we can do to give back, and here we do that by shopping, is a necessity. One note: as I did my research for this post, I couldn’t find any product whose proceeds helped Puerto Rico (I, too, was disappointed). So, I’ve listed and linked places where you can give to those who need us.
Happy Shopping!
XO RA
One of the updates I wanted to make to this post was the addition of my friend Kelly’s fundraiser for Harvey Victims, Love is Thicker. Kelly is an amazing friend, and someone who saw a need and couldn’t sit still–I admire people like that. With watercolor in hand, she designed this logo, now in both wearables and notecards, to raise money for Harvey victims. I love it. I love the message. I have a shirt and I hope that you want one too!
Loves, if you’re like me this week has been a little topsy-turvy. It’s not that I haven’t had things to do, and aren’t excited about numerous things; but I can’t get Houston out of my mind. It’s where I was born, my dad still lives there (and rode out the storm), I have other family there, and a ton of friends and special memories. I have spent my week worried, feeling helpless, and yet feeling inspired by the love and outpouring of humanity that people are showing each other. If you’re a little OCD, or pay close attention (I’m guilty), you know that Fashion Gives Back is normally on a Tuesday, and this Thursday should be “Fashion in the Wild”. You’re right. Here’s the thing, as I began to research products we could buy whose proceeds help the victims of Harvey, I noticed that some of the products are only available through the weekend, and as I wanted to feel like I could give back (and wanted to give you the chance to as well), I switched the schedule. Being the boss has it’s perks.
So below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products whose proceeds go to help people in Texas. (We keep saying Houston, but really the whole South East part of Texas is affected, the devastation is breathtaking and the rebuild will take years). This list is by no means the definite list, there are so many ways to give. Of course there’s Red Cross, yesterday I shared this Texas Montly article about how to help Harvery victims, this piece is also full of great ways to help those in Harvey’s wake. I know we can all choose how we give, but I know people need us right now, so let’s love each other super hard right now.
Without further ado, I present: Fashion Gives Back Shopping for Harvey
Gold Sheep Leggings
I love Gold Sheep Leggings and their amazing prints. This special Texas pair gives 25% of the profits to Harvey victims. And the waist band reads “#helphouston”. These are perfect for working out or running errands. You can get yours at Gold Sheep Clothing
Southern Socks
I love bold socks, you love bold socks. Right now, 100% of the proceeds from the Y’ALL and Texas socks go to Harvey victims. You can get yours at here
May Designs
This is the time of year for new planners and journals, and now May Designs has designed us some with Texas on them! 100% of the proceeds from the Texas collection go to Harvey Victims. Let’s get to writing. Get yours at May Designs
God Bless Texas Tee
We Texans love our state, and it’s a generally wide held belief that God likes us (a lot). This tee shares that out loud, and gives 100% of the profits to Harvey victims. Don’t let God be the only one blessing Harvey victims. Get yours here
Texas Forever
Friday Night Lights was an amazing show (and true to life). Celebrate that show and give 100% of the proceeds to Harvey Victims. Another reason to love football? Get yours here
Help for Puerto Rico:
By no means the only Wishlist out there, but this NY Mayor is making sure items from this Amazon Wish List Get to the island.
This charity was set up by PR. This consumer report has vetted and lists the top charities to give to, as well as how your donation will be used.
I know many communities are having drives and working together to get supplies to Puerto Rico. I urge you to look into drives in your area. This is also a great time to call your representatives and demand that they pass a comprehensive relief package’ Puerto Rico is dying and the people there need our help.
Thanks for indulging me. I hope that you’re safe, your family is safe, and I hope you join me in using fashion to give back to those affected by the Hurricanes!
You made the plan: the lists, the time, the place. You got excited, you have the dress, you invite people to your after party. Best laid plans are the best because you’ve thought of everything!
Then, it happens. And by it, I don’t mean your best laid plans. It rains. Or someone cancels. The dress rips, you have a headache, Mercury is in Retrograde. It happens–that thing that puts your best laid plans to rest.
That was my story this past weekend. Here’s the thing loves, I’m a planner and a procrastinator, I have firm plans and I play it by ear, I’m really regemented and yet I can bend all the rules–there’s a reason I have a thing for juxtatipositions. But this weekend? I had best laid plans. I was going to shoot this dress with a hotel background (though I have to admit, I’m a fan of the early Autumn, backlit look), I was going to clean out my closet (my next opprotunity to do so is in November), and I was going to work ahead (as I have a lot going on in the next few weeks).
Wanna know what I did? I got some shooting in (and while it was not to my best laid plan, I’m happy with them), I watched football (a lot of football), and I got some work done (but I’m by no means ahead). My best laid plans? They were laid to rest. Quickly, quietly, and without a quarrel. And while I had in my head these “perfect” plans for my weekend, I have to say I’m aok with my non-best plans working out. I got to rest. I got enough done. I made plans for the future. That’s all ok with me. Isn’t that the beauty of best laid plans? When they get laid to rest, our second (or third or fourth) plans get their chance to shine.
Now that we’re up to speed on my plans that didn’t happen, let’s chat about this dress! Vintage Laura Ashley, and it makes all my little girl princess dreams come true. (When I was 4 I had this amazing pink Laura Ashley that I wore around, for days at a time, sometimes with a crown. I still feel like that’s a valid look) This dress has all the great requirements for a floral dress-the skirt flares, it still shows your waist, it’s both a stand out and a staple. It would be great at a wedding, cocktail party, or maybe just a Monday. And while I thought that perhaps I had outgrown the famed Laura Ashley florals and gowns, there’s something sweet and a little edgy here that I just felt drawn to–I’m not sorry.
Of Note: This dress is vintage, I found it on Etsy if you care to search for your own Laura Ashley. I did link similar dresses below, if you like your florals modern. Sea of Shoes stoked my love of Vintage Laura Ashley, and her collection is something to check out.
I realized in writing this post that last year about the same time, I wrote about this amazing floral dress as a good bye to fall. I don’t know if great minds (yep, still my mind) think alike, if this is repetition or tradition, or if this is just another example of best laid plans–but with dresses like these, I may not overthink it!
Shop my picks below, and I’m wishing all your best laid plans work out!
XO RA
Loves! It’s the end of the month, the beginning of fall, and we’re on way to the holiday season. It may or may not be raining where you are. All together? It makes it the best kind of weekend to curl up with your laptop, phone, iPad, and shop! Lucky you: the Universe has your back! There are some amazing sales out there. It’s a great time to stock up for the new season, get what you missed out on this past season, and feel productive in your pjs. Everyone wins!
These are by no means all of the sales this weekend, there are more starting as the weekend goes on, and we will keep you updated, but this is a great place to start!
Happy Sales for Your Weekend!
XO
Skin Print
My new fave skin care line is now up to 40% off!
Shop here. Remember-the EyeDeal is amazing!
ShopBop
Get 20% off of orders under $500, and 25% off orders over $500. Use Code EOTS17 Loves, this is the last day so get to shopping at ShopBop
Some things I’m loving:
Off 5th
Get a gift card up to $80, plus free shipping with the code FRIENDS. Valid till 10/3
My picks:
Neiman Marcus
Take an extra 20% off sale items through 10/1
Last Call
Take $150 off your order of $300+, valid through 10/2
Shop my picks:
The hardest part of all these sales for your weekend? Choosing what to buy! Meet me here and let’s shop!
I’d love to know what you thought of my picks, and if you got anything! I will keep you updated on more sales, and my picks!
Loves, you’ve heard about our IFundWomen project before, most recently here, and here. I could wax poetic about what this all means to me (a lot), and how I believe in big dreams (I do). But, it’s crunch time, and so what I will say is that we need you. Teamwork makes the dream work, and we would be so honored if you would give to our dream. Be a part of this team. We think, no, we know, that we can do amazing things together. We can’t wait to see what they are.
She walks into Starbucks, dressed to the nines, and though your hair looks Drybar perfect today, you automatically feel like a 7th grader with broccoli in her braces. She doesn’t seem to notice anyone else in her haze of perfectness. Feel like that will never be you? Me either.
Let’s chat about dealing with Insecurities
Imagine wearing whatever you like, whenever you like, and feeling amazing in it. How do we get there?
To be honest, I’m not sure. My body is not something I’m always comfortable in. I work out 6 days a week, eat clean, and there are times when I have abs and times when I don’t. I fantasize about not worrying what I look like, just throwing things on, and feeling secure all the time. My insecurities won’t let me.
I mean, they do sometimes, but let’s be honest sometimes they don’t. I love this unique way of tying a white button down. But there are shots I’m not confident to show you (this was not an abs day, and as a human when I bend, my stomach moves, sometimes over my clothes). I spent days thinking maybe I should reshoot, or look into those retouching services. But, as much as I want to portray a perfect, super secure, super Instagram worthy life and outfit to you–this is who I am.
So, how do I deal with my insecurities? Probably not well. Let’s be frank with each other, dealing with insecurities is hard. One day it’s super easy. One day it’s super hard. I wish that I had a magic wand and could tell us secrets, but I can’t.
If I could, I would easily make our insecurities go away. We would see ourselves for the beautiful and amazing creatures that we are. Wine would make us lose weight, for real. Calories wouldn’t matter. Gucci shoes would be a lot cheaper than they are (ok, that’s not an insecurity, but if we’re dreaming, let’s shoot for the fences).
I’m still waiting on magic wands and affordable Gucci shoes, so I will share what I do know. We are beautiful. We are worthy. And if you love an outfit, it doesn’t matter than your stomach moves with your body. Also, if you fake that you can deal well with your insecurities, you can be that woman in Starbucks (at least for a minute, we can do anything for a minute).
The best way I know how to deal with insecurities? Amazing fashion. So, let’s chat about that!
I saw this way to tie a white button down on Instagram and had to try it-using the top button, button down as far as you like, then pull the sides back, tie, and twist up. I love it with a pencil skirt–and I love a classic pencil skirt in a great bold color. I like to think that these wedges balance the fact that it’s fall and it’s 90 degrees outside, they may not.
Even when I looked at these pics that sparked my insecurities, I loved wearing this outfit. I felt good in this outfit. Isn’t that what matters.
Side note: Maybe choosing to feel good is the best way to deal with our insecurities. What do you think?
You walk into the room and turn heads, smiling to yourself because you have a little secret…..
A great trend to try right now? Lingerie! And no, I don’t mean in your private time, but don’t worry Mom, I’m not suggesting that you go out in just your bra!
So, what exactly do I mean that lingerie is a trend to try? I mean what you think it might mean, I think there are times (and ways) to wear your lingerie in public. I also think that you should! What is made to be worn underneath is often so beautiful, why not show it off?!?
The above look is the combination of a teddy and a skirt. Simple, elegant, and a tad bit fun (who doesn’t like knowing that they’re pushing the envelope!) All over social media and magazines you might be seeing women daring to wear their lingerie in public, and I love it! It’s edgy and common place all at the same time.
Ways I love to wear this trend? Bodysuits or teddy’s with jeans/pants/skirts. A peak of a bra from underneath a sweater. A great piece of lingerie under a sheer top or dress. If you’re really daring, a great bra as a top. While this look may not be safe for work, there are so many ways to be creative with this trend! And let’s say you did need to make this look a tad bit more conservative? Layering! Wear a shirt or turtleneck under your lingerie. Wear your bra over your dress. Make sure that you have nipple guards on. Put a huge sweater over it, and just let it peak out. A bit daring? Yes! But loves, sometimes our fashion can be a little daring, and we can be better for it!
Does this trend call your name? Do you hate it? Do you think there’s a way for you to rock it? I’d love to hear about it!
Shop some of my picks below! XO RA
And if you wanted mixing pieces, innlcuding these exact shoes (ON SALE):
Loves, you know that I love Skin Print (it’s for sale over on our SkinPrint page!), and I’ve written about EyeDeal and Exquisite Exfoliant, and don’t forget–I’m giving you a chance to win your own eye deal! (Loves, your want this SkinPrint product, just like our Instagrams of SkinPrint and sign up for our emails and you’re in the running!)
SO, as in love as I am with these products,I must let you know about their sale! Everything is 30% site wide! Which means that a lot of the products I love, the products that can change your skin, the products that feel amazing are super affordable! You can shop SkinPrint here. I have loved every SkinPrint Product that I’ve tried, but am especially partial to EyeDeal, The Exfoliant, and Bio-Peptide, though the sunscreen is also super light!
Get some amazing products and let me know how you love them!
XO RA
There’s smoke in the distance, danger in the air, and someone in distress. People are waiting for a hero to swoop in and save them. Then out of the blue, flies in a hero with a cape to save the day. Superwoman? BatGirl? No, it’s you! You are able to be your own hero and it saves you!
One of the best pieces of advice that I think we can get in life is to be your own hero; or as Nora Ephron put it, “Be the heroine of your own life”. It can be cliche, it can be Pintrest-y, but loves, it can be true. We are conditioned to think of heroes as these big, larger than life characters, that often have super powers, and save people from life or death situations. And yes, we are also conditioned to think of teachers as heroes (and they are!), but we don’t watch movies about them (the fact that we should is a post for another type of blog).
So, what does it mean to be your own hero? Does it have to be big? What if being your own hero simply means showing up for yourself? If day in and day out, you can manage to be kind to yourself, you can manage to work to give yourself what you need, and if you can stand up for yourself: you are a hero. None of that is easy. We work to be able to do that for ourselves, and here’s the thing: I think that’s heroic. No one but you can take care of you, and showing up for yourself (and others, if you’re able), is something to be proud of! In fact, you deserve a cape!
I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m a fan of capes (see here, here, and here, with more under our search bar!), but this cape is a little different. I found this fun number in the little girl section of Target (pro-tip, there’s a chance you fit in kid’s clothes and that’s not something to shy away from), and I fell in love. The colors, the star, the length. Cheeky? Yes. But what hero isn’t a little cheeky at times? I’ve worn it over my swimsuit at the pool, and out for dinner. It’s a showstopper, and makes me feel good. And that’s some heroics I can get behind.
And these jeans? Some of my new faves for fall! I broke down and tried AYR, an affordable but luxurious line from a JCREW alum, and they are amazing–I’ve lived in them! The perfect amount of stretch, they hit me just right, and this wash goes with everything!
Real talk? A hero cape may be a little much for you, maybe you don’t want to wear a big star on your back, but because you’re a hero, I think you deserve something to celebrate that. What does that mean to you?
XO RA
Shop my picks below:
Including these exact pieces!
