Investment Piece – Page 2 – Everyday Editorial

Bubbles and More

a woman in a beige bubble skirt dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in beige bubble skirt hem dress with lace up sandals and a red circle clutch
a woman in a beige bubble hem dress and lace up sandals and a red circle clutch

On trend? So chic? Bubble hems. Not at all new. There’s a saying that you should always have bubbles in the fridge- just in case. While I am a believer in this for bubbles (the kind you drink), I also think that bubbles on hand in your closet might be a great plan!! I will be honest- the bubble hem originally sounded to me like a trend, something to enjoy like a treat and then forget. Then. I fell in love with this dress. Part tee. Part Tank. All bubbles.

Wears easy. Looks chic. Keeps me cool. Reminds me of both ballerinas and the silhouettes from the 1950s. All in all? A great piece that I know I will wear for years to come. And like bubbles in the fridge? It’s comforting knowing that I have a great and easy dress to pull out!

a red ket lock cone box
a red cone key lock jewelry box with a rhinestone t-rex and a mirro

This bag? Actually a jewelry box!! This is where I tell you that I long to be cool and mysterious but …..I LOVE Dinos. And red. And things that shine. And yes- this was meant to be a dresser item, I have found that it holds a few cards, keys and one lipstick perfectly. Your phone is attached to your hand (right, it’s not just me?!?!?); so while this Coach jewelry box was not meant for it- it makes the perfect clutch. And I love to think that sharing our quirks and loves and interests makes us more chic. Nothing we can say will sway me from that.

a woman in a beige bubble hem dress, lace up sandals and a red cone clutch
a woman in a beige hem bubble dress with lace up sandals and a red cone clutch

Together. A Bubble hem. Lace up sandals (yes, a must in your closet), and a pop of color-whether or not it’s a nbag that wasn’t meant to be or else- it’s a perfect summer outfit. I have found that bubbles–in drink or fashion forms- are classics. In a neutral? Even better. And a bit of showing you? Your quirk, your love, your pop? That my loves is a pop or a more indeed. How is that not the combo to a perfect outfit?

I have linked these exact pieces below. However, if you play with this formula or let this formula or advice lead you to pieces in your closet you love I would love to hear about it! Also-what is your fave bubbles? (JIC we need some!)

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!!

If you find yourself in need of a TRex jewelry case/ clutch it’s on sale and can be found :
here

a woman in a beige dress with a bubble hem and lace up sandals

Holiday Week Off

A woman in a vintage blue bikini and blue hair cap running into the ocean

As you may know, it’s a holiday Week in the States. Normally I power through and work all week- but this year? I am so burned out and so in need of a holiday, I just can’t. I will be spending the week shopping (follow me below to shop with me), cleaning, catching up–and spending time in the water when I can! Also- I will be sleeping. Thank you for your patience with me during this, I am truly hoping a weekend “off” can offer me a reset and we can get back to a more regular schedule!

In the meantime the following platforms are great ways to follow me and keep up with my shopping:

Insta: @racheladelicia
My ShopStyle

My LTK

My ShopMy

Sales, outfits and more will be there!

If you’re celebrating- happy holiday week! If you’re not I am hoping this is a cool and chic week for you!

XO RA

Ex Files: The One who was VERY IMPORTANT

Investment Piece: The Ex-files

In my attempt to not only be Carrie Bradshaw, but entertain us all with the horror stories that can make up single life it’s Ex Files! Every month you get a look at some (real) bad dates that I have endured, and lived to tell the tale. Names and some facts have been changed to protect people, but I own the stories!

Need more horror in your life? Check out: The One Who Wanted His Money Back, The One Who Got Married, The One Who Wouldn’t Take No, The One Who Commented on my Weight. And if you aren’t scared stiff, the search tab has even more stories for your dating horror pleasure.

But this month I give you: The One who was VERY IMPORTANT

Some dates end up being horror stories because of the behavior after the date. Some dates are horror stories because of the behavior on the date. This story that combines both types of horrors. And while I maybe should have seen it coming, I was fooled into thinking it could be a great date. The issue? The way to my heart is my shoes. That can’t be a surprise. So when I met George at the supermarket and he complimented my shoes, I couldn’t see anything else. (And they were amazing shoes.)

After flirting and waiting for our juices together in line, I had learned that George was a doctor and a lover of the outdoors. We made plans to get brunch and go paddle boarding on Saturday. I was excited, I was slightly new to town, a fan of paddle boarding, and a man who sees my shoes always seems like a great idea.

Maybe I should wait to see if men can see more than my shoes?

The Saturday George and I were set to meet I prepared-my hair was cute, I was excited. He was over an hour late.
Mind you, he did call and let me know he was having car problems. At first, he thought he would only be 10 mins late. Then it was 30. Then he let me know that I should go ahead and eat without him, that we would meet up for paddle boarding. So I did.
George finally arrived, not prepared, and nonplussed that he was so very late. We headed over to his apartment (across the street) so he could change into his board shorts and we could get to the water.
While I understand car issues, and everyone is late now again, my biggest disappointment was that the charming man I’d met at the grocery store didn’t show up. This George was annoyed at every little thing, from my hair to the traffic, but as we chatted about the plan for the afternoon I discovered that George was most annoyed with my not making him the sole focus of my day.

When I had made plans with George, I thought I was clear that I was free all Saturday till about 3:30 or 4, as I was having dinner with my Grandma. George has orginally thought that was sweet. However, after being so late, George no longer thought the fact that I couldn’t devote my entire day to him was sweet. He was upset that he “wouldn’t have as much time on the water as he wanted”. And he was most upset as “he had a friend going out on a boat, there were going to be hot girls there, and he wanted us to join, but we wouldn’t be done in time”.

Yes, he legit complained that he was going to miss out on hot girls on a boat. And I let George know that if he really wanted to go on the boat that he should, there would be no hard feelings from me. He didn’t leave, but was very upset that he was missing out. I should have left then, but I didn’t.

We went paddle boarding and it wasn’t bad. I did get yelled at for not “being as good” as George was. And George did let me know more than once that he was upset that my bikini wasn’t skimpy, and that I had a time limit. But the date wasn’t the worst ever. I had no intention of a second date, but still.

George and I finished paddle boarding and I made it to dinner with Grandma on time. A few days after, I received a text from George inquiring about a second date. But, he had a caveat.

As it turns out, George let me know that he is VERY IMPORTANT and when he makes plans with someone, he expects them to respect his time and be free for the whole day. He let me know that if I couldn’t commit to that, we shouldn’t go out again.

We didn’t go out again.

Also, if you’re so important that you need people to clear their schedules for you, maybe that’s something you should pay for?

Wishing us all a week of being important and amazing shoes! And great dates!
XO RA

Designer Spotlight: Madame Gres

I’ve spent some time this week thinking about fashion’s role in everything that’s happening in the world. My firm belief that fashion is a means with which to tell our stories, and our stories matter, can feel a bit small when faced with big world events. Yet- fashion is important at this time too. Be it as rebellion, support, or how we tell the stories of this moment. Look at Madame Gres- who used her fashion to stand up to the Nazis. May we all be so brave and so chic.

Investment Piece: Desinger to know: Madame Gres

Loves, if you love the elegant look of Grecian Stlye pleats, cutouts, and dresses that look like sculpture, you have someone to thank: Madame Gres, the famous Couturier who dressed Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich. She’s a designer to know! (Especially if you love vintage, like me!)

Madame Gres was born as Germaine Krebs in Paris, 1903. Her first aspiration was to be a sculptor, however, she was unsuccessful. This was our gain! She took her love of the Grecian like sculptures to clothes (specializing in jersey). Madame Gres got her start as a fashion designer by designing costumes for Jean Giradoux’s play, “The Trojan War Will Not Take Place”. After this, Gres started her first line Alix (she went by the name Alix Barton at the time), and this line functioned from 1934-42.

Investment Piece: Designer to know: Madame Gres

My favorite story about Madame Gres, which I think is telling, takes place during the German Occupation of Paris during WWII. Gres was commanded to quit making couture and to start making “utilitarian clothes”, as well as dress the wives of German Officers. Gres refused, and continued to make gowns in the colors of the French flag (red, white, and blue). Gres was eventually run out of Paris, and she staying in the Pyrenees till the Occupation was over. Fashion can change the world!

“Madame Gres” was officially founded in 1942, a couture house that specialized in the above mentioned pleated dresses. Each piece is a work of art, taking over 300 hours to make each dress, and with all the pleating done by hand. Gres would drape and sculpt her work on the models, and she refused to sacrifice any quality or attention to detail throughout her career. Gres was called the “Sphinx of Fashion”, and the New York Times said her house: “was the most intellectual place in Europe to buy clothes”. Gres was known as the place to go for chic, draped gowns, that looked like Greek Sculpture. (Side note: Gres is also credited with creating cutouts).

If you’re wondering how to identify a Madame Gres piece, look for these things:
-Pleats (created by hand, then sewn together)
-Lots of folds/drapes
-Bias Cut
-Greco-Roman Influence: capes, togas, wraps (Though it should be said that Gres also had some Asian and Eastern Influnces and did a line of kimonos)

Gres did some structured pieces, but they are not as well known as her “classic” pieces.

Investment Piece: Designer to know: Madame Gres

Madame Gres resisted the transition from Couture to ready to wear, although she did start a ready to wear line in the 1980s. She hated mass production, didn’t want to sacrifice her quality or lower her price; however, costs forced her to change her business plan. Madame Gres also had a perfume house, Parfumes Gres, which she had to sell to keep her Couture House afloat.

Madame Gres died in 1993, still beloved and revered by the fashion community.

Also love these videos showcasing Madame Gres:

So, if you love Madame Gres like I do, you may be wondering where you can find a piece! Loves, it’s not always easy. These dresses are works of art (and priced accordingly), and not always on the market. However, Investment Piece Favorite Rachel Zabar Vintage has quite a few Madame Gres pieces right now! Take a look here, and let’s swoon together. A side note: I take gifts year round!

XO RA

Fashion Stories: Swim as Street Wear

I love the water, which means that I often am in need of an updated swimsuit. BUT more often than not, when I am shopping for swim I think about fashion. More often than not, when I am shopping for swim I am thinking not about the pool or the beach but about fashion. I have mentioned more than once that I wear many of my swim wear as fashion. From one pieces to bikinis tops, there are so many swim suits that I wear as either body suits or crop tops. Swim as fashion or street wear is nothing new to me- in fact my swim “close” is divided into swim I wear in the water and those I wear with fashion. As we head into not only holiday weeks but into the heat of summer I am looking to update not only swim for the water but swim for the fashion.

Below are the swim pieces that I am interested for this summer to wear as fashion pieces- including an exact top as above. From shorts to skirts to pants, I can’t stop, won’t wearing my swim as fashion wear. And at this time there so many fantastic suits that look so chic as bodysuits!

How do you wear your swim? What do think of wearing swim as fashion?

I am linking certain swim suits from one pieces to bikini swim tops that I love and want to wear with everything this summer- especially out of the water!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

And here is my ultimate go to swim as a body suit:

If you style these I would love to see!
XO RA

Short Stories (but long!)

a woman in a white button button shirt dress undone to the waist and a blue and white check mini and black heels

Do you ever have those stories that you can’t wait to tell your people– and while it seems that the story should be short, you keep going and going and so the story gets long? Or you add too many details? Or perhaps it’s a long story and you don’t add enough context so it ends up being too short?

Sometimes outfits are like that. I hate being that person to tell you something is too –something. anything. — but often what we need is balance. In our outfits and our story telling.

And yes. Outfits and story telling are both arts. So. How do we balance the short and the long of it? Details.
a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

A Mini? A Maxi? While I love both of these- a mini checked skirt and a shirt dress with all the ways to wear it- I love that combined that these 2 pieces that may be on the extremes are not only balanced. but the perfect mix. I don’t know that I will ever tell you or believe that any piece is too old or young– it’s just how you style it! However, I do know that there are stylings that make us the most comfortable –some of us love long stories and some love short. The Best? Perhaps a combination.

In other words, if you are a bit nervous about a mini skirt the best way to style is to balance it out. Long sleeves. Tights. Or a maxi shirt dress over it, and how you button it is up to you!

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

This is where we can all be honest and mention that there are looks and pieces, and angles that make us all a bit uncomfortable. (Insecure is such a hard word). Like. Even if you know that everyone has skin it still can kill me that occasionally mine doesn’t lay super flat all the time. Or that in angles I look worse or better. So. I get that a mini skirt may be out of the comfort zone. I won’t talk you into anything you hate.

Though. Sometimes playing with our comfort zones and shorts and longs can be fun– and we can find outfits that check all the boxes and look fantastic.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

Perhaps that’s all a short and long way to say that lately I have loved playing with mini- skirts. Shorts. Etc. It’s so hot and they are so chic. And yet. I do get feeling that there are –insecurities or hesitations or all and any- with minis. But there are times that you don’t want a maxi. So. what if you had both? That’s what I keep coming back to. In general, I love a balance. A mini with long sleeves, a maxi with strapless, etc, etc. Yet. What if there were other ways?

A maxi shirt dress that floats and partially covers and yet reveals the mini skirt? A short and a long story at the same time. Perhaps that’s the best balance of all.

a woman in a blue and white check mini skirt with a white maxi button down maxi shirt dress with black mules

I highly recommend this combo- and this skirt. (It’s Versace found resale on Dora Maar but I have found you one and similar!). This shirt dress with buttons every which way is from seasons ago, but I (again) found you similar! How are you comfortable telling your short (aka mini skirt) stories??

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Sunday Chronicles: Should You Fake It?

In an episode of Sex and the City, the ladies visit LA where Samantha tempts Carrie with fake Fendi bags- conveniently sold out of the trunk of a guy in the Valley. Bags that look exactly like the real thing but for half (or less than half) the price? It does sound tempting- but Carrie opts to hold out for the real thing; her thinking being that even if the bag fooled everyone she would know it was fake, and she didn’t want fake. And while getting a steal is tempting – I side with Carrie on this one.

Is this an essay to persuade you that you should always shell out the bucks for the designer bag? Nope. I do believe in quality, and love saving and buying some of my designer things- but think quality can be found at any price and you have to do what is best for you- and if a fake bag makes you happy I say go for it. What I’ve been thinking about all the other things in life we fake- and whether or not we deserve more than Valley-trunk fakeness.

To an extent, we live in a world of knock-off, fast fashion just being one of the culprits. And I’m just as guilty: I’ve staged photos to get “likes” on Instagrams, I color my hair but want my stylist to make it look as natural as possible, and I’ve spun events in my life so that to people everything sounds amazing. Is this bad? The hair color is for sure great, and I’m not a fan of spilling my secrets to strangers; there is a truth to the saying “Fake it till ya make it”. So, good right?

Maybe. But, what I’ve been thinking is that maybe we spend a little too much effort on how things look like on the outside, and completely ignore the inside. To put it another way, if the bag looks designer on the outside does it count if it’s cracked and peeling on the inside? Some of the best nights of my life have been messy: crying , laughing, holding onto people I love. Not one picture from those nights would pass anyone’s Instagram standards. And while spinning events can be great–how amazing is it to open up to the people with whom you can be honest? The ones who ask who you are and you can honestly say “Sad” or “Scared” or “Abnormally excited” and have that be ok? Aren’t all those experiences, messy as they can be, just if not more amazing than having things look perfect?

Does this mean that I’m going to stop having things look nice, coloring my hair, or spinning to certain people? Nope. But, just like Carrie, I think that even if I’m the only one who knows it–I don’t want fake. So I’m making an effort to be more real–even if it’s messy and scary– and I’m trusting that it will be just as beautiful as the fake. I’d love to know–what’s your take on this?

Wishing us all a week of realness and amazing shoes! XO RA

Distractions

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas

close up of rafia sandals with citrus and bees

Summer is full of distractions. From the weather being so beautiful you want to be outside. To it being so hot you want to be in the water. Looking forward to vacation. Recovering from vacation. New clothes. Getting rid of old clothes.

Even outfits. For example : I have found that amazing shoes and red lips can distract from a lot. Like wet hair. That white jeans can distract from the rest of your outfit (not that a great summer knit needs a lot of distractions from it!) But a great summer outfit can distract you from all the things you’re not doing , or wish you were doing, or the heat.

In this case, it’s a bit of all of the above. It’s so unbelievably hot that white and light seems to be the only thing that’s appropriate. But you need to distraction from the sweat that happens the minute you step outside. And my hair? Here it is wet. Styling and overdoing seems way too much. BUT. Amazing shoes (take a look at these details!) and a red lip? Who notices?
Perhaps we are all distracting ourselves or others form something. From perceived flaws to the things were wish we were or aren’t. Summer is the season when all of that seems more prominent, and yet it’s the season to be a bit more creative with our distractions.

So. What are you using to distract yourself with? From wishing you were on vacation to a different outfit, what are you wearing to distract yourself? What are you wearing to distract us from all that you don’t want us to see?

Distraction is such an interesting topic. And way of dressing. I will be over here distracting myself from the fact I am not at the ocean and distracting you from my lack of hair styling and overdone makeup. How are we doing so far??

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandals

These exact jeans (I sized down, I think it truly depends on how loose you want a trouser jean. I also may have should have opted for a tall size- these hit a bit shorter than I LOVE but with sandals they are aok), and exact shoes (truly. The details! Bees. Fruit! Raffia!) and options for a sweater vest (honestly my faves always come from his closet– or his section of the store!) but distractions are linked for you below!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in white jeans and a sweater vest with raffia sandlas

Summer Shoes for my Inner Child

Of all the things I am, I am a shoe lover. Shoes are magical and can transform any outfit– or day. From heels to sandals, boots and platforms- I have rarely met a shoe I didn’t love. I have been this way since I was a kid. From red shoes (I always had to have a pair in honor of Wizard of Oz and Dorothy) to Jellies- I have always had a thing for almost all shoes. As I have gotten older, my style has changed (somewhat!) Occasionally though, I find shoes that the present -day me and the inner child me LOVE. If you can find a shoe that thrills all parts of you– isn’t that a must have?

From ballet flats to jellies to sneakers that are Barbie approved, here are some of my favorite current summer shoes. Approved by me and my inner child!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Barbie Kicks
platform black and white chevron stripe keds

I know, I know- Barbie was so last summer. But the great thing about Barbie? She’s a classic. And this collaboration with Keds (which I love! I have written about keds before here) is so so chic. While I don’t consider myself a “sneaker” gal, there is something so fun and a bit flirty about Keds. And this Barbie print! I want to wear them with shorts and jeans and all the shirt dresses!

You can indulge your inner Barbie with me here

Ballet Flats
nude mesh ballet flats with rhinestones
Ballet flats are a classic for all ages. Yet, I think I have a thing for them as one of my goals as a child was to be a ballerina. And I loved bling. So these mesh ballerinas? A bit of everything that little me would love- a tad bit of magic- and everything adult me loves. These are also super on trend and these are under $100! Anyone else want to point into them with me?

Jellies
lilac jellies

Jellies may be the perfect combo of childhood and summer. Light, airy and a bit of whimsy. I love that these are a bit grown up- in the style of a classic summer flat, but still have just enough glitter in them that your inner child can smile. Balance them with linen separates! And they are perfect for the pool!

Summer shoes can often be fun! And, when you find shoes that not only are the perfect fit for summer, but also shoes that your inner child would love? What’s not to love about that? What summer shoes are you shopping for? And what is your inner child drawn to?
XO RA

Fever Dream Planning

a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules

Other people? When they can’t sleep they count sheep (which are so cute!) Me? When I can’t sleep I outfit plan (and perhaps worry about way too much!)
But! This is about the outfit planning! As it does happen. When I can’t sleep I mentally go through my closet (and stress when in my head I don’t know exactly where things are) and outfit plan. It’s how I unwind. And often leads to at least the most interesting combos!

For example? I was recently given this embroidered vintage skirt. It was a gift from my tailor (seamstress? friend?) who got it from a friend h grandma was cleaning out. And we know I love a vintage and a story- and this skirt has multitudes! (that slit! The pattern! and even though at first glance its’s not my color- this color! I LOVE all of it !) And so one night I couldn’t sleep (side note- there is more than one night I can’t sleep and yes, I am working on it!) and all I could think about was what to pair this skit with. What I couldn’t stop thinking about? This polka dot (one of my go to patterns that I consider a neutral) bathing suit (again, a great one piece as a bodysuit) with this skirt. I worried that it was too much. That it wouldn’t “go”. And yet

a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules

I love the play on the patterns. Yes this is a dot but not so over powering (and again. Polka dots- like leopard- are one of those that I consider a neutral. And when you begin to play with them I promise you will find that that they are!) and while I hesitate to call this balance -I love it with a vintage skirt that is HEAVY on the color and pattern. I truly don’t know that there are hard and fast rules to pattern mixing. I have played with it here, here, here, and more. No rules. But I do think of so many patterns – leopard, dots, strips, florals- as neutrals and if we think of them that way it absolutely opens up way to play, right?

And yes. I put this together whilst tossing and turning at night when I couldn’t sleep. The best things come when you can’t sleep?? Or in a fever dream? Here’s hoping.

Because that’s what an outfit, fashion, and it all is, right? Play and our outfits- even our vintage ones — should be fun. And playful.And perhaps have a bit of dots. Again. This is what I do. And plan out and style whenI can’t sleep. What do you do when you can’t sleep? What are your neutrals? I want to hear about them all!
a woman in a white with black polka dot s body suit and a green with embroidered panels maxi skirt and black heeled mules

Also. I know if you have been here a minute you got that last week was all reposts. I a going to be blunt- my day job (as Gucci doesn’t buy itself) has me burnt out. And I am working through that. And working on getting into all my fever dream outfits. Thank you for your patience!

While this skirt is vintage and this “bodysuit” is old, I have linked options for you below!
XO RA

Note: this post does have affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission form them. Thank you for your support!