Investment Piece – Page 144 – Everyday Editorial

Fashion Halloween: Betty Draper

Halloween, fashion, blogger, Betty Draper, costume, Investment Piece
Betty Draper, Mad Men, Halloween, costume, Investment Piece

I love Halloween, I’m a theatre major, actress and into fashion–costumes are fun to me! I love really dressing for a part, even if that part is just handing out candy. Last year we got into some fashion costumes (here) but this year I wanted to devote more time to it. A great costume can sometimes take some time and effort, though my goal is to present (for the most part) costumes that are fashion (and therefore made from your closet); I’ve picked costumes I’m actually considering being this year–and also costumes I think are fun! (Side note: I also love costumes you buy and in the past have been Catwoman and WonderWoman–I approve and while I’m not presenting those ideas, I still think they are fashion and love them!) So for the next few Thursday’s be prepared for Fashion Halloween, we’ll get you dressed up!

First up: Betty Draper. I loved Mad Men, especially the fashion. And I loved the episode when Betty shot the pigeons–and that makes for a fun, yet easy costume!

Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece, Betty Draper

Loves, this is basically an excuse to wear your nice PJs out. It’s simply a nice nightgown (or a slip dress would work), a great robe (this one is vintage, I got it on Etsy but you can use what you have), and slippers (these are cashmere mules from The Real Real but I think almost anything would work:mules, feathered shoes, any heel). The great thing? It’s completely comfy (and if you like you can smoke and drink all night and be in character). The trick of this costume is in the details;
Fashion Halloween, Betty Draper, InvestmentPiece
Betty Draper, Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece
Perfect makeup:red lips, eyeliner and mascara. Red nails. And bob your hair (I followed an online tutorial here and there are a ton more out there!)
Full disclosure: I didn’t buy a toy gun for this (or cigarettes) but that is an option (Most Halloween or toy stores have them); I felt like the essence of the costume came across without it!

Betty Draper, Fashion Halloween, Investment Piece

Fashion Halloween, Betty Draper, Investment Piece

I love this idea, or the idea of dressing like your favorite character in general! Check back next week for our next costume!

XO RA

Afraid of Color

Fashion, blogger, investment piece, TX, Austin, solace, London, shorts, Schultz, stairs, high fashion
Legs, Schultz, solace,London, high fashion, TX, CA , blogger, Investment Piece
Solace, London, TX, CA, blogger, high fashion, investment piece
Stairs, high fashion, color block, London, TX,CA, blogger, investment piece
Color block, solace, London, TX, CA, blogger, high fashion, InvestmentPiece,
Solace, London, short, stair, high fashion, CA, TX, blogger, InvestmentPiece

Loves, I have to admit that there are times when I can be afraid of color, which sounds weird I know, as I encourage you to try color. But we all love to stick to what we know. So when I first saw this stunning Solace London top, I wanted it in cream. I loved the juxatipositon of the t-shirt top with the attached train (I envision running up and down stairs in it-hence the shoot setting). And yet, the cream was sold out in my size (note this is UK sizing and a bit smaller than what we’re typically offered in the States). My choices were this maroon and blue number or nothing at all. So, I took a chance–and I’m so glad I did! While it’s not what I would normally pick, I love the maroon with the blue (it really pops and is fun!). And scared though I was of the color, this is really still easy to pair–here with shorts for fall transitioning, over jeans, skirts. It goes with black, cream, brown. Yes, the blue is a pop, but the maroon is very grounding. Next time you have a choice, I say go with the color, you might just surprise yourself!

XO RA

Details:
Top: Solace London
Shorts: Joes
Shoes: Schultz, old

Where to Shop: Bloomers and Frocks

ATX, Ca, TX, vintage, where to shop, InvestmentPiece, fashion, blogger

One of my favorite things to do is to find new places to shop, and I have found a new favorite in Austin, TX with Bloomers and Frocks. I met Rebekka, the owner, when was in town for Le Garage Sale (read about that here) and it was love at first sight!

I then got a better chance to get to know Rebekka and her shop–and it’s still love! The shop itself is charming, it’s housed in a Vintage home is simply a vintage heaven

Investment Piece, bloomers and frocks, vintage, Austin, blogger
What I love: not only does Bloomers and Frocks have a stunning collection of vintage clothes (lots of day wear, but also great jeans, and evening wear) they have all the under things you need (vintage slips and bras!), bags, jewelry, and hats (loves, can we please bring hats back?)
Vintage, bloomers and frocks, investment piece, fashion, Austin, Tx, Ca, shopping

But here’s what I think truly makes Bloomers and Frocks stand about: Rebekka’s knowledge, the sizing, and the prices! Rebekka not only knows her vintage, she knows how to dress you–and is great at matching the perfect piece with the perfect gal! And then her sizing (I really can’t tell you how much I love this): the clothes are sized by measurements (bust, waist, hips). What does this mean? Rebekka measures each piece and the numbers on the label. Don’t know your measurements? Rebekka will measure you–and give you your own little measurement card for future reference! Why is this such a big deal? Sizes aren’t consistent (think about it, I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t have at least 3 sizes in her closet), but measurements give you a better fit-and a better idea of how the item will fit (and takes pressure off that silly number on a tag that means nada). And then pricing! Bloomers and fRocks are insanely reasonable, which really means that you can get more there (and everyone wins!)

Vintage, hats, bloomers and frocks, investment piece, Austin, Tx, blogger,

Austin, vintage, bloomer and frocks, investment piece, fashion, Austin, TX, CA

Can’t make it into the shop? You can find Rebekka on Etsy here and for those of you in Austin, or traveling to Austin make sure you stop in to the brick and mortar on South First!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Pink Suit

We know I love a suit (see here, here, and here), so it’s not a surprise that I love this Pink Suit from JCrew. I love the color (it pops and manages to be classic and a standout), the cut (I feel like a real grown up) and that the pieces work separately (with tops and jeans). I love that it feels like New York. I love that the pink color is perfect for the season, not only fall but as we know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and as you may know, my family was touched by this disease this year, so expect a pink outfit every week as a little reminder to get checked, have your loved ones checked, and take it seriously). But mainly I love that it’s a pink suit, and feels powerful, and not little girl-like. So, everyone wins?

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Jacket: JCrew
Pants: JCrew
Shoes: Gucci, old
Shot by @meganmweaver
Want more info on Breast Cancer Awareness? Check here

Sunday Chronicles: Anti-List

InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, Sunday Chronicles, anti-list, editorial, wear what you like

Loves, the thing is if you know me well, you know I’m not anti-list. I love lists! I make to-do lists, shopping lists, wish lists, shooting lists, lists about my schedule, wants, needs, gratitude. I use lists in all sorts of ways (and yes, get a strange satisfaction from crossing things off my list). So anti-list? Yes, loves, I am. Let me clarify. The list that I’m anti? The ones on Facebook, online, magazines that let you know what you MUST wear, what you HAVE to have, what you CAN’T wear (especially at a certain age), what your relationship MUST do/be/look like. Those lists I’m very anti.

Which may strike you as a little odd, after all I am a fashion blogger. I present ideas to you about what to wear and how to wear it. I have opinions about fashion. However, loves, my goal is never to come across as the fashion police. You don’t have to take my advice (or my two cents). I hope you do-I hope you like what we got going on here. But lists of what you CAN’T or HAVE to wear or do: that’s not my style. Here’s why: I think style is personal, and that there’s absolutely no age limit or have to with it. That’s part of the fun! Style is a way to express yourself, and I don’t believe in placing limits on expressing yourself.

Yes, your style is going to change over time. Yes, you may not like every trend (which I wrote about here), you may not feel comfortable in everything presented to you. That’s ok. Don’t wear what isn’t for you. However, don’t avoid any piece of style simply because a list tells you to–you are beautiful and strong and we get to wear whatever makes us feel great. No matter our age, no matter our size, no matter what a list says.

InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, anti list, Sunday Chronicles, CA, TX, wear what you like

And lastly the one list that I like: here
Wishing us all a week of self expression and amazing shoes! XO RA

Last Goodbye

Loves, I’m hoping that this heat wave is our Last Goodbye to Summer. Yes, wearing stunning vintage floral dresses like this one makes up for it. But I’m DONE. (With the heat that is) I’m ready to wear sweaters, show you boots, get cozy. I love this dress, it’s simple and stunning all at the same time. It’s a tad sheer and sexier than you think, but innocent and sweet at the same time (and we know I love juxatipositon so). It works for dinner, it works for events, it works for hanging out in gardens. It makes me feel regal and yet is perfect with my bare feet. I love it. I want to wear it a lot. But I’m also ready for fall. And so, I can think of nothing better to wear to give summer one last goodbye (let’s hope!)

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: vintage, from my love AAVintedge, find something great from her on Instagram (@aavintedge) or online here

Great Investment: Valentino Printed Boots

Yes, I love these because they are Valentino, and yes, I saved for them for a bit (which makes them more special). But, I just love a printed boot–and think you need one. Yes, you need your basic boots (I really feel like you can’t go wrong with any boot but a basic black or brown -heeled,flat, bootie are all staples) but nothing shakes up an outfit like a statement piece like this one. A printed boot can make anything a bit elevated; throw it on with jeans and t-shirt with a dress, with a monochrome skirt and top. Even with other patterns they stand out!

I first posted about these Valentino boots here and I still wear these a ton (see, they are a great investment!) I even wore them during the summer with crops and a tank top! My point loves, is that printed boots are a great piece, and if you have to have some–I’m a fan of these Valentino ones!

I’d love to know: do you have printed boots? How do you wear them?

XO RA

Details:
If you follow me on Instagram (and please do @racheladelica) you know that these investments are now available at Amuze, they happen to now be sold out, but you can get on the waitlist and shop similar styles!

Cape

Loves, I know I just overwhelmed you with pictures, but there are two truths here:Chosing shots from this shoot was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and to date, this is one of my most favorite looks and shoots. It’s from my Downtown Fort Worth shoot with Megan Weaver. The background (Bass Hall) was just stunning. The hair -made me feel old Hollywood. I can’t take full credit for the look; this is vintage Saks Fifth Avenue cape that I wore as a dress, and I got the idea from my dear friend Marie at RecessLa, though the piece is from Kit Vintage.
Capes are so in this season, and I love this take on it! Wear it as a dress, because why not! (On Monday, I wore my jacket as a dress, see that here) If you have a cape that fastens in the front (or that you can pin) why not try it! The cut outs on the side are sexy without being overstated, it’s a statement without trying, and I bet that it will look stunning. Don’t feel like being adventurous? I get it. Capes look great over jeans, pants, skirts, and master the line between keeping warm and not overheating! In short, get a cape, and wear it.

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Details:
Cape: Kit Vintage, shop her site here
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Shot by @meganmweaver

Where to Shop: Miriti

One of the things that I love the most about social media is the relationships! You can meet and get to know, as well as support, people from all over–and loves, it is just fabulous! I met Miriti through Instagram, we began supporting each other, and I knew I had to meet her and shop her amazing collection of new and vintage clothing!

Miriti sells out of a space in Long Beach, Laguna, pop-ups in Malibu and other LA locations, as well as events like Current Affair. And let’s not forget Instagram!

Her collection is simply amazing-think very well curated collection of modern pieces (from this season and past ones, and great designers like Gucci and the Row, etc), and rare vintage (pieces from Isreal and kimonos and Mickey shirts!) It is not an exaggeration to say I wanted it all.

I shop a lot of vintage, so anyone who has pieces that intrigue me is a winner -and Miriti is a winner. From the great Asian pieces, to Vuttion mules, there are so many unique pieces that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Part of why I love to wear vintage is the stand out factor, and this collection has that in spades. Every thing I picked up was a statement. Not that everything was sparkly or “event”, but was that well made, that special, that one of a kind.

And to top off all this shopping goodness? Miriti is a joy! She’s welcoming and funny, is honest about what looks good on you (let’s not underestimate this quality), and makes you feel like family. I just wanted to hang out with her and drink wine! I cannot tell you how much fun I had with Miriti, again it felt like more than shopping, it felt like being with a great friend–and I can’t wait to do it again!

Follow Miriti on Instagram at @m_i_r_i_t_i and shop her there, or DM her for hours!

Happy Shopping! XO RA

Coat Dress

There are dresses made to look like coats. Then there are coats that we can wear as dresses. So why not? It’s not quite chilly enough for a jacket, but this weekend there were brief moments that felt like fall! So the perfect solution-a light coat, worn all by itself as a dress! (This coat does have closures down far enough to work, however I did pin the neckline) I love this coat–the soft grey color, the elegance of it. And I love the juxatipositon of that with sneakers. Yes, this coat would be great over a dress, or as a dress with heels, but it’s great with sneakers and flats too! It’s the perfect toe-dip into fall.

I’d love to know: Do you have dresses that could work as dresses? Do you?

Happy Monday!
XO RA

Details:
Coat: Keepsake If you don’t know Keepsake, they’re a great Australian label, they ship here and you can also shop the label at Shopbop, Revolve, and Nordstrom
Shoes: Addias