There’s something comforting about wearing things you love all the time, about finding things that check all your juxatipositon boxes, about adding things to your closet that are so completely wearable that you reach for them over and over again. This silk checked dress fits all of those requirements! I love the checked pattern, the color, the hint of sheer. I love that it goes with heels, and with sneakers. I love that I’ve thrown on this dress and have always felt at home in it. It’s just me (and I love that).
This dress is a silk vintage 1920s day dress that I got from Ragg Mopp Vintage in Silverlake. You can shop them online and via Instagram (@raggmoppvintage) and they’ve beomce one of my new faves! If you’re in LA they are a must visit (yes, they are in Silverlake, and yes, it is worth the drive!), they have a great selection of older and new vintage and collectibles. For this outing I paired the blue with a red/rose combos I felt lady like and wild all at the same time. It may just be that checked is for me!
Loves, I know we are headed into a holiday weekend! This is what you can expect from us: NEW CONTENT! Yes, I might be laying by the ocean, but I worked ahead and you have things to scroll through:
Sunday: New Edition of Ex-Files, where we visit the one (s) who came on too strong. Get your popcorn!
Monday: This/That, a collection of some outfits, some sales, and some inspiration to get the most out of your holiday.
We return to regularly schedule on Tuesday! I hope you have a safe and fun holiday!!
Loves! It has come to my attention that a a newsletter I sent out today did not contain the shopping links I promised you. I apologize profusely. I care about you, our experience, and your shopping, (and also may need a Mailchimp expert–if you know of someone lmk!). So, to make up for this, here are my picks! Please know that Nordstorms, ShopBop, Jcrew, Neimans, and Barney’s are all having amazing sales this weekend. In fact, every store I know is. Where are you shopping and what are you buying?
Also: Make sure you’re on our list! We will be sending special sale and pop-up info out!
Happy Shopping! XO RA
Loves, for this month’s edition of “Fashion in the Wild” I’m so excited to announce we have a guest author! Jen Glantz is a professional bridesmaid, writer, and cool woman who I want to be friends with! Her article “I Wore my old Bridesmaid Dresses for a Whole Day” originially was published on EliteDaily (you can see it here). I fell in love with this article as a woman with more than one dress taking up space in her closet, I can relate! I hope that you love Jen’s voice as much as I do! Make sure that you’re following me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) as today I will be wearing my old bridesmaid’s dresses around town in solidarity, as well as to see what happens when I get my Fashion in the Wild!
Happy Reading! XO RA
I Wore My Old Bridesmaid Dresses IRL Because Brides Said I’d Be Able To
-Jen Glantz
Almost every time I’ve been a bridesmaid, I was told that I could always wear my expensive bridesmaid dress again in the future.
The first time I heard that sentence, I believed it. I thought, maybe I would find another opportunity to wear it.
But then, I heard it three, four and seven more times, and soon enough, all my other bridesmaid dresses were crumpled up in the back of my closest.
It was then I realized, there would never be a time or a place to re-wear these dresses again.
he worst part is, I’ve been a bridesmaid so many times for friends and work, that I’ve accumulated more bridesmaid dresses than Katherine Heigl in “27 Dresses.”
I put a price tag on each dress and calculated how much I spent on all of this polyester and sequins, and the grand total was more than $2,000. That’s a lot of money, especially for somebody whose most expensive top in her closet is $15 from the clearance rack at TJ Maxx.
As I’m getting ready to do my spring cleaning this year, tossing out everything that doesn’t fit me, excite me or belong to me (like the stuff ex-boyfriends left behind), I can’t seem to find it in me to give all my dresses away — especially when I own more bridesmaid dresses than any other type of clothing.
Since I don’t get invited to galas, balls or red carpet events, where I would blend in with any bridesmaid dress, wearing them to my neighborhood bodega, gym and other local spots would feel odd.
So, I decided to spend one whole day re-wearing my bridesmaid dresses around New York City, doing everyday things I normally do like go to the gym and grocery shopping.
My goal for doing this was simple. I wanted to see if getting around in these dresses would be easy — if it would be annoying to go about my day-to-day life wearing a long polyester gown, or if I wouldn’t notice at all.
I also wanted to see if people in NYC would care that I was working around in a bridesmaid dress, or if anyone would stop me, high-five me and tell me that they wish they had places to wear their old bridesmaid dresses to as well.
Using the elliptical
Once I got past the eye bulges from the lady at my gym’s front desk, it became a serious safety hazard to work out in a bridesmaid dress.
As I moved back and forth on the elliptical, my knees kept banging against the cheap polyester fabric. It made working out more complicated than ever.
With every stride on the elliptical, I made a tiny rip in the dress because my shoes would get stuck on the ends of the dress and the dress would get stuck in the elliptical.
If I had to wear a bridesmaid dress every time I worked out, I probably would work out less than I already do – which I didn’t think was possible.
There was also a guy lifting weights behind me, probably wondering if wearing a bridesmaid dress to the gym was a new fitness craze or if I was just crazy.
His reaction made me want to workout even more in the dress, as an attempt to show him that a badass bridesmaid can do anything she wants. It didn’t work.
Riding a Citi Bike
It was hard enough riding with snow on the ground, but getting my bridesmaid dress stuck in the Citi Bike I grab outside my apartment made me realize that I can’t ride far. My health insurance isn’t good enough to cover the hospital bill for a broken bone.
I rode for a good five minutes before realizing I was better off finishing this experiment on foot.
Shockingly, no one said anything to me about how odd I looked riding in a bridesmaid dress. Cars honked at me a lot — not in a fun way, but in a “you are holding up traffic trying to pedal in a dress” kind of way.
Lifting weights
It was pretty enjoyable wearing a bridesmaid dress while lifting two-pound weights. That’s probably because in this moment, as I looked at myself lifting weights in a dress I walked down the aisle in while working a wedding in Michigan, I realized how funny I looked.
I guess it doesn’t matter actually what you wear when you are lifting two pound weights.
The library
The librarian wouldn’t stop staring at me, as if I was the oddest person to walk into the library at 2 pm on a Monday.
There were so many people in the library sleeping, building toilet paper forts and pacing back and forth, yet I was the weirdest person because of my grey, polyester attire.
I felt like I wanted to go home and change.
Hailing a cab
No cab would pick me up. Maybe they thought I was doing some kind of drunken walk of shame at noon on a Tuesday?
All I have to say is, thank God for Uber.
Though after I changed bridesmaid dresses in the backseat (my current one was making me too sweaty, so it was time for a new one), my passenger rating went from 4.7 stars to 3.9. It was probably because my strapless bra flung off and hit the back of the driver’s head while I was changing.
The driver chose not to acknowledge this. I gave him an extra dollar for a tip at the end of the ride.
Food shopping
Shockingly, nobody cared I was wearing a dress while food shopping.
I blended in well, and I’m thinking that was because nobody cares about anything in Trader Joes except how amazing Trader Joes is. It’s like Kanye shopping in his own closet.
Eating pizza
I was so happy to be eating pizza, I forgot I was wearing a bridesmaid dress. Also, I forgot to care what people thought about me wearing a bridesmaid dress in a pizza place.
Yes, a guy was staring at me, but that’s nothing new. I have a tendency to eat my pizza fast and sloppy
Riding the subway
Subways in NYC are disgusting. They usually smell like dry pee and expired trash, and have puddles of dirty water after a rain or snow storm and lots of potentially gross things you can step on that should be in the trash, like diapers or someone’s leftover dish of chicken parmesan.
And people looked at me like I was the oddest thing underground that afternoon.
Really? There were rats running by and a person on stilts, yet I was stared at for wearing a bridesmaid dress. I don’t know why.
Grand Central Station
One guy hit on me.
Ah, Grand Central, the place of romance.
Times Square
Wearing my bridesmaid dress in Times Square and having Elmo stare at me was the highlight of my day.
I hope those people start catching onto the trend and choose to wear old bridesmaid dresses over their Elmo costumes.
All in all, I learned these dresses are best left in the back of my closet or sent for donation. While wearing them around town, I felt like it was even harder to move around in a city where if you aren’t walking fast enough, you are elbowed off the curb.
Nobody high-fived me in praise that I was re-wearing my bridesmaid dresses and I honestly felt like I was damaging the most expensive items I own by wearing them around a dirty New York City.
Next time a bride promises you’ll wear your bridesmaid dress again, roll your eyes, drop the dress and back away slowly toward the exit sign. Do yourself a big favor and fight for your right to party in a dress you pick out, feel comfortable in and feel so excited about wearing again.
For more funny bridesmaid stories, check out Jen Glantz’s new book, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire).
Isn’t she great?? Would you dare to wear your old bridesmaid dresses?? Again, make sure you follow me to see me dip my toe in this world, and I want to thank Jen again for allowing me to repost this! Please give her some love over on her site Jen Glantz and her blog The Things I Learned From.
Got an idea for “Fashion in the Wild”? I’d love to hear it! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com XO RA
You may or may not be traveling this weekend for Memorial Day, maybe you’ll be getting in the water; either way, this time of year lends itself to the panic that calls itself “swimsuit season”. I have good news for you! If you have a body, you have a beach body–simply go to the beach. (I’m not arguing that point, we’re all beautiful and there is no rule about what you should feel comfortable in. I still want my mom to get in the water with me, so I have little patience for all the stories we tell ourselves about how swimsuit season should go. And yes, I say that as one who has to give herself pep talks for crop tops). That rant being over, let’s be real, the overwhelming options and the quest to find a suit that is both practical and makes us feel good can make it seem like finding a swim suit is an impossible quest.
Now, I have a weird confession: I love swim suits. I do! Not that I don’t have to give myself my own rant and pep talk, but I love that there are endless options-I wear them with jeans/skirt/shorts. I have a thing for vintage swim wear (see last year’s post on that here, and you can look forward to more vintage swim wear this summer!) or (promise not to laugh) we can look back on one of my very first posts about wearing swim wear with “street” clothes here. I recently read that every woman should have a great one piece and a great two piece as options, that’s something that I can get behind! Below I’ve curated some of my fave swim suits this season (and cover ups too!). I’d love to know–do you love swim suits (and the water) as much as I do? Do you mix them with your street clothes? What are you looking to add to your collection this year?
Happy Swim Suit Shopping!! It’s not scary when we do it together, right? XO RA
Sequin as a trend is nothing new; we all have our pick of sequin bags, tops, pants, jackets, dresses, shoes, and even bows! But sequin summer bags? This season I’ve begun to see sequins on straw bags and clutches usually carried in the warmer months. Sequins on a beach? In the afternoon? Paired with straw?
Loves, I’m on board! These aren’t the stuffy sequins you may be picturing, or over-the-top creations; but for a season that encourages fun and rose’ at lunch, why shouldn’t we have sequins? I’m loving the casual takes on the style, the beach bags that get elevated, and the sense of joy that they bring even to cut offs! I’ve collected some of my faves for you to look through below. I’d love to know: is this a trend you’ll be trying?
Loves, I often have encouraged you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things in your fashion. Wanna know a secret? It’s hard for me, too. It can be hard to try a new thing, but the upside is that sometimes you find something new–and it fits right in. We know I’m a fan of jumpsuits, and I’m open to color. However, I never thought of myself as a “uniform” gal (blame it on commercial head shots, or old pics of a Boy Scout shirt that I used to wear “ironically” that I now realize was just-not good), but I kept away from vintage like this flight suit. Then, one night I was a friend’s pop up, and on a whim I tried it on–and loves I’m so glad I did. A bit out of my “range”? Maybe, but it fits!
I love the color, the zippers, the fact that it’s a flight suit, but not overt. It goes amazing with heels, and great with sneakers. It’s been out to a cocktail party, and worn with sneakers for a more casual day. I love it with these gold necklaces (vintage Monet-read about them here and Cassandra’s Collections, one of my faves!) but it also can stand alone. It’s not me, but it fit my style. I love it! The lesson? Trying new things is good for you!
Or at least, finding new clothes that fit you perfectly is not something to pass up.
What’s something that you didn’t think you’d love but you do?
XO RA
This jumpsuit is vintage from The Keep Vintage” and these heels are my fave Brian Atwoods! Shop my similar picks below!
Heart prints? They aren’t just for little girls and en masse Valentine cards. I have to admit, I’m not a sweet dresser. I like bows, hearts, pink, but like an edge; so when I pick bows, pinks, and hearts I like them edgy. This Rixio UK dress fits the bill. I love that the heart print is subtle, the off the shoulder, and bias cut. It’s a heart dress, with just enough edge for a heart like mine, and who can beat that?
I’ve worn with dress to a tea (Alice in Wonderland themed so it was a perfect fit!), and with sneakers for a casual happy hour. I originially bought this dress in the thought that it would be great for Valentine’s Day, a way to wear hearts without being saccrine; I didn’t wear it then, but have loved that this print has fit in at all other occasions. Here, I love the juxatipositon with the green shoes, and how perfect were these flowers we stumbled upon??
In case you didn’t know about Rixio UK- I love them! They’re a London based company, all products are done in silk–often with vintage patterns and fabrics! The designs are fun, edgy, and just a hint of sweet, and simply perfect. They fit true to size and there’s something for everyone. You can find Rixio on their site Rixio UK or at Net-a-Porter.
Hope your Friday is just sweet enough! I HEART THIS DRESS AND YOU! XO RA
Shop my picks below:
Check out the new arrivals at Mod Cloth and get 20% off:
Loves! As we head into the last stretch of spring and the beginning of summer, there’s a lot on our calendar, and a lot of shopping to be done! Luckily for you: I’m here to help!
Memorial Day sales are coming! And loves, we’re starting today! Some of my faves from sales starting now can be found here:
Love all things Reese Witherspoon like I do? Her clothing line, Draper James, is now at Nordstrom! Shop my picks below:
And loves, I have a shopping opprotunty for you! A dear friend has started a Luxury Retail Club. He sent me the following press release:
Luxury Retail Club Members
Los Angeles, California- Entrepreneurial and film actor Johnny Kera has started a new business of selling for luxury brand items, but not what you think of opening a brick and mortar store in Beverly Hills or New York’s Fifth Avenue. Instead, Kera created a club membership of where the well-to-do and Hollywood’s A-listers can shop luxury items such as Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors and other unique items at wholesale cost. His secret? Johnny has spent ten years of his life working in advertising and public relations working with start-up companies from hair-care products to tech companies. Kera has been able to gain access to some of these companies’ stock and offer several products in luxury items at wholesale costs. Membership fees start at $2,500 a year and can reach upwards to $30,000 a year for other services, including travel arrangements, hotels, airlines, private jets and luxury car rentals. Non-members can purchase the same items as the members do, but at full price of retailers sell on Kera’s Amazon and eBay sites (amazon.com/shops/KeraEnterprises, eBay: @johnnysattic523). Its not really a concierge service company, its merely a service where luxury goods can be purchased at a steal!
How to join? Contact John Kera via his Instagram and Facebook accounts: Instagram @johnnysattic523 Facebook: facebook.com/johnnysattic. The deals can come by a special requests over the phone, Skype or text about certain things such as a need for a scarf, a dress for a special engagement or simply needing a new headphone by Beats by Dr. Dre. Other items can be bought such as toys, antiques, jewelry, cologne, perfume, shoes (athletic and non-athletic) and the list will be added down the line.
I’ve seen some of the items and if you’re a fan of luxury resale this may be for you! You can also follow John’s advertures on his YouTube channel!
Wedding season is rapidly approaching. One option to all those events: rent your dress! You can show up to every wedding in a new outfit, at a fraction of the cost, and without worrying about closet space! Rent the Runway is offering a deal for first time customers!
And lastly: many of you have asked how to shop my looks! It’s easy! My looks (even my #ootds on Instagram) can be found under the My Looks! Tab over on the menu bar. The products you see under every outfit post
will take you directly to my picks. Follow me on Pintrest? My pins are shoppable. And I can be found on the ShopStyle page here. Soon there will be subscribe feature via ShopStyle that will make getting my looks in your inbox easier! Have a particular item you’re looking for? Email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and I will help you find it!
I have nothing against the “Candian” or “Texan” tuxedo. I actually think that it can be akin to wearing a monochrome look–just with denim. And in the heat of summer, yes it already feels like summer, I have to admit that I throw on my cutoffs on, and I am a huge fan of denim shirts; I run around in variations of this outfit all summer long. But because you know me well by now, you know that there are times when I can’t leave well enough alone, I have to add a contrast to an outfit, a pop. Loves, my new fave thing for that very purpose are these ankle straps- they can be worn together, seperately, with any shoes, on your wrist. The possibilities are truly endless. And I love this color!
These Attico ankle straps come in different colors (some are studded–which could be so fun!) and can be found here. I’m planning on putting them on with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses–hopefully the ankle straps will distract from the heat!
And a non-fashion related tip: walking around half built houses is fun! My mom and I love imagining what it will look like when it’s done. And not a bad place for a photo shoot!
I’d love to know: would you wear these straps? With what?
Early last week I was told that this dress was a perfect solution for wearing black in Summer. Loves, this is where I confess: I didn’t know that we had to look for ways to wear black (call it my inner New Yorker, but I’m not a native New Yorker), even in Summer. Maybe you subscribe to the theory that even dark colors should be “Summer-ized”. Maybe you think black is a year round color. And we can all agree that no matter where you fall on that spectrum no one thinks heavy fabrics and heat are a great combo. Loves, no matter what you want to debate from those theories, this black dress (For Love & Lemons) is simply perfect for the summer months. Sheer, with Swiss dots, and a adjustable neckline, it would look great with heels at a Summer soirée, great with sandals, or over a bathing suit for a day at your favorite body of water. I personally believe that black is a seasonless color, but this may be the perfect Summer black. And with these espadrilles and hat? Let’s Summer–in black of course!
Austin Loves–I got this dress at Lively Collective (@livelycollective on Instagram and on South 1st), and that little shop is quickly becoming one of my fave places to shop when I’m in town! It’s full of boho, beachy, and local treasures–everything you need to get you through the summer (and yes, even some black!) Happy Shopping!
