Investment Piece – Page 21 – Everyday Editorial

Change of Plans

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

There are outfits that I plan out, outfits that I throw on– and outfits that change due to a change in plans. Yes, sometimes that change in plans is an actual change in plans- ie dinner plans fell through and I stay home, we change restaurants or forgo a movie, etc. But, sometimes the change of plans is due to the weather. As in- this adorable, polka dot (my fave pattern!) top- with its turtleneck and sleeve buttons, and side slits- was meant to go with jeans. Or pants. Boots or tights for sure. As truly, this was meant to be a staple of my late winter wardrobe. I got it for Christmas (go Dad!) and was dreaming of all the ways I could (cold weather) wear it).

Then.

It got hot. Yes, in February, yes, in the 80s. Yes, it meant changing all my outfit plans. But. The great thing about great pieces? They can change with you (I get this is to an extent. But it extends here so let’s go with it and change the plans!)

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

What to do when plans change- or in this case, temps rise? Replan. Or redo your outfit. In case, this meant instead of pairing this fantastic, dotted top with jeans or pants or boots- I paired it with shorts. And my new favorite sandals. Half tucked- for style and to show off the slits. The shorts are just long enough (though be warned- short shorts are still IN ) to play for “winter” (even when it’s 80 in winter). The pop of color in the shoes brightens up the look –because if I haven’t mentioned it, it is getting warmer! Yet- for this being not what I had planned, not in the temps I thought- I love this!

I love the tuck, the shorts, the shoes (truly, my new faves!). Any piece that lets you change plans in it- or redo outfits- or change seasons- is a keeper in my book. Really? I bet that there are pieces in your closet that you’ve regulated to a certain season or a certain outfit– what would really happen if you changed the plan?

The plans changed so much that this shirt is no longer in stores, but I’ve linked similar tops– and these exact shoes and similar shorts! I was thrilled with my change of plans outfit–and hope you love any change of plan outfit that you may need in the coming weeks!
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!

Shop my new favorite sandals here

a woman in a grey polka dot shirt with black shorts and red cage sandals

Ex Files: The One Who Wouldn’t Learn My Name

Marlin Monroe accepts a drink from a man while sitting next to Sammy Davis Jr. Text: I love You. Thanks

It’s ex-files, where we stop chatting fashion for just a minute and talk dating horror stories. An attempt to be like Carrie Bradshaw? Sure. But let’s be honest, dating horror stories are both horrifying and funny. Names may have been changed to protect identities, some details moved about. Hungry for more? Try: Tinder on an Airplane, Jumping to Conclusions, and The One Who Asked for his Money Back. There are quite a few more when you search “ex files” in the search tab!” Also if you want to be written warmly about- behave better! xo RA

This is yet another Ex Files where I am taking liberty with the word “ex”. This dude wasn’t an ex- we never went out on a date. But he was pursuing me (and I’m so grateful that younger me was annoyed enough with him to say no!) and makes for a great story…

Jeffrey and I met on a job. His position was higher than mine, but we had mutual friends on the gig, and while he was well known, he was also well liked. So when he started paying attention to me, I didn’t dissuade it. In fact, it was flattering and a bit exciting that someone who was witty and funny (and cute!), and also well thought of by my friends and co-workers, was flirting with me.

The thing? Though we were introduced many times, people used my name in front of him, and at one point I had a name tag on- Jeffrey refused to learn my name. Or perhaps, refused to use my name might be more accurate. I was wearing a red shirt? I was “red shirt gal” for the day. Black jeans? ” Hey, black jeans!” At first? A bit charming- as Jeffrey said it as if it were some private joke between us. Then. It became clear that calling me by “with what I was wearing” was both a bit to Jeffrey and a way to avoid calling me by name. Which, after a day or two- neither of which were charming.

Things -or names- came to a head when Jeffrey asked me to drinks (note-to late night drinks- another red flag!) and I asked him what my name was. He replied with what I was wearing (for the record, a low back shirt). I politely declined, not mentioning that it was a big turn off that someone I was working with – and expected me to say yet to a date!- couldn’t be bothered to learn my name.

And as it turns out- I dodged a bullet. Jeffrey, though charming and talented, was apparently living in his mother’s basement at the time and had a reputation of treating his dates horrifically poorly. Who knew that by simply wanting someone to know my name (when he should have!) that I avoided all that?

Here is to the bullet and bad dates that we dodged and the amazing shoes we got instead! XO RA

Winter’s Last Stand

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories,

One of my weird habits? I’m never more exited to dress for a season (like Spring) when it hasn’t quite arrived. Currently it’s winter’s last stand. As you may know, the groundhog that predicts the weather (see GroundHog’s Day) let us know that in America we should have 6 more weeks of weather. And where I am the temps are going up and down, we’ve had ice and sun. Today it’s supposed to be a high of 60 with high winds.

What I’m thinking about? New swimsuits, crochet cover ups, sandals, white shorts, and sundresses. I’m dreaming of updating my sunscreen and spring makeup, sunhats, and patiently waiting to get in the pool. The funny thing? It’s still way too cold for all of that, and I’m sure sometime in June I’ll start thinking about sweaters again. Maybe it’s that we always want what we can’t have. Or that temps seem better when you’re not in them. But right now, with winter still going on, I’m dreaming of spring (and all the outfits).

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Yet, with all of that yearning for spring, for this to be winter’s last stand, what a great time for outfits. It’s a great time for coat’s last hurrah- and one of the most chic things (I think) is an outfit where you were your coat as a dress. Normally when the coat as dress is suggested, I think we have a tendency to think more about fit and flares, sheaths, or wrap coats (see here, here, here, and here) but why not wear your (long) puffer coat as a dress? It can be just as elegant with a scarf (a la 1950’s starlet but with a more modern pattern) and boots (who could resist a glitter heel?!) as any coat dress.

Shooting this was a bit windy, a bit chilly, but I felt like a lady. Turns out, the right winter outfit is just as fun as any swimsuit or sundress. And as much as I may be ready for the next season, maybe winter’s last stand can be full of amazing outfits, from coats to boots, to scarfs. What will your winter last stand (aka outfit) be?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, winter's last stand

Pro-tip: winter’s last stand is also a great time to do some coat shopping. They’re on sale and yet you still have some time to wear them this year. I’ve linked some of my favorite sale coats and similar ones to this outfit for your shopping pleasure 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!

Recreate the look:

Shop sale coats:

Holiday Weekend Sales

Is it the first long weekend of the year? No. Not at all. And yet- it feels as if this is the first long weekend we are really in it. I know not all of us get the day off today. Or may be doing something social media worthy. But- it may be a great time to assess -where we are, where we want to be, how our goals are doing. All the things. It may also be a great time to shop some sales (it’s what I do!) The best way to always shop with me is on the LTK app and the ShopCollective app (I’m also on ShopMy and ModSens!) All under RachelAdelicia or InvestmentPiece! But I’ve rounded up some ofmyfavorite sales for you below. I hope whatever you’re doing today you feel loved- and you look terrific!

Happy Shopping!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support

Extra 40% off Sale At Anthropologie
From party dresses to must have basics, get an extra 40% off these sales picks- no code needed!

Extra 30% off Frame
Frame makes some of my favorite denim. And this weekend you can get an extra 30% off- from flares to cult fave full ons (and some fun blazers just because!)

Extra 20% off Stuart Weitzman
Must have heels. Cult Fave boots. Get an extra 20% off with code WEEKEND20

BaubleBar
There is always something to be said about adding a little sparkle to your day (outfit). From necklaces to earrings and bracelets- I love these takes on classic pieces. And they are all under $100!

Extra 30% off Madewell
Cult fave denim. Best selling pants. All an extra 30% off with code EXTRA30

I hope that today brings you everything you need- including deals! Happy Shopping! XO RA

This is a Nightgown

a woman in a pleated red nightgown with a tie at the waist and a bit of a cape in gold wedges

This is a nightgown. Which may be surprising as it looks incredibly like a dress- like one of those cape dresses that are perfect for everything from weddings to dinners out. This is also a vintage nightgown (which is amazing as there is no way that I could do this before coffee). What may be the most amazing thing about this dress is that it combines some of my most favorite things:
PJ/Nightgown Dressing!
See here, here, here, and here
Capes!
See here, here, here and here.

In fact, this combination of nightgown and cape may be everything I always knew that I wanted. It’s chic. It has a cape! And for lounging, it elevates everything from the couch on! (note: for these pictures I played into the nightgown angle- this is how I wear my hair to sleep, and I’m not wearing makeup. Though I assure you, I had plenty of coffee!) The bonus is that this looks (and can easily be styled) like the formal dress it can appear to be. Add heels and makeup, jewelry- you could even switch out the belt. It’s the best of all worlds!

a woman in a red, pleated nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges — Caffeinated. But I did. Kinda. Wake up like this!

I will be the first to admit that I have a bit of a fascination with vintage peignoir dressing. Fascinated by how elegant and charming it is– and again, that they dressed this way before coffee. It’s simply fascinating to me that all these “night” clothes could be modern dresses. (Note: This dress does look more like a nightgown without the belt, yet another styling option!) While I leaned more into the “nightgown” part here-or perhaps more coffee in the garden–the next time I wear it (if it’s not on the couch) will most like be dressed up. It feels like a it could even be a designer dress of recent seasons. I love that a nightgown can give you so many options.

What are you feelings on all these vintage nightgowns that can be worn as modern dresses? And capes? I’ve linked you both vintage looks and modern dresses for your own take below! XO RA

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

a woman in a red nightgown with a belt and a slight cape and gold wedges

Happy Valentine’s Day!

a woman in a low cut velvet dress and lace hose

I have a reputation for not liking Valentine’s Day- most likely as I keep saying that. And loves, I actually LOVE love. Sappy love, over the top love, displays of love. I love gifts and even the cards we used to give out to everyone in our elementary school classes. What I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is that there are times and conversations where it feels forced- as if it’s all for show and not for love. I think of Valentine’s Day as I do New Years Eve — fantastic but nothing I want to go out for (those reasons are numerous). My ideal Valentines? A stunning outfit (I went with a low cut vintage Calvin Klein here paired with lace hose), my loved ones (cats count!), perhaps some bubbles (or treats to your liking– that includes shoes or new clothes!) and a good time (there are so many options from a great bath to food to movies and more for this!). It’s not that I don’t celebrate- it’s just that I want my celebrations to be more personal!

However you celebrate, no matter what you think of the holiday I hope that today is a day where you’re surrounded by love- from pets to friends to lovers. I am so grateful for you and am glad you’re here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Note: I did link similar items to this outfit as a I couldn’t resist sharing my love of fashion with you!) 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 a low cut velvet dress and lace tights with her cat

Sheerly Vintage

a woman in a burnout velvet vintage dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes

I’ve said it a million times- there is nothing like a great juxtaposition. I simply can’t resist them! And one of my all time fave juxtapositions (if you can call it that) is a vintage look/piece in a completely modern way. No matter what, it just give me chills/feels/kills me in the best way.

Recently, the sheer trend has been a bit dominant. From skirts to shirts to dresses, there was noting (is nothing?) more on trend than a sheer piece- layered to your comfort level. SO. A vintage dress- in the most lovely burn out velvet (not to mention the bias cut or the split sleeves!) that lends itself to being sheer? The juxtaposition of dreams- sheerly vintage!

I love that this dress is so elegant. And Chic. And yet, when you only pair it with a bathing suit underneath, it’s a bit modern, a bit daring. The absolute best of all worlds. I have never been known to shy away from sheer–it was one of my first posts (see my sheer work here, here, and here).Just a hint of how much I love this sheerly vintage look? Sheer is nothing I’m shy of- and yet out of all the great sheer outfits I’ve worn- this may be my favorite!

a woman in a burn ou vintage velvet dress with a swimsuit underneath and wedge shoes
a woman in a vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

LadyLike. Advant Guarde. Vintage Modern. If you could be all of these things at once- why wouldn’t you? One of the fantastic things about vintage is not only that you can make it your own- it’s that it can be anything you need it to be. With a slip? This same sheer dress could be modest and ladylike (and still chic!). I chose to wear wedges (they just felt right), but pairing this number with heels or a flat or any number of shoes would keep the look amazing but change the vibe.

SideNote: If sheer is something you’re wanting to play with, vintage burnout velvet is perfect as it gives coverage, illusions, and can be styled to your comfort level. Sheerly vintage is just a nice way of saying you can control your own sheer-how exciting is that?

Do you love the sheer trend– and how do you feel about doing it vintage? I’ve linked similar vintage burnout velvet dresses for you below and this exact swimsuit (which is a go to!)

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 a vintage burn out velvet dress with a swim suit underneath and wedge shoes

Sunday Chronicles: Ways to Say “I Love You!”

Happy Valentine’s, Lovers! I hope you’re being showered with love and affection and treats.

I have something to confess my loves: I am not a big fan of this day. No, it’s not a big “single movement” or “galentines ” (although I like that idea). I just don’t like the idea that someone is professing their love or pampering me because they “have to”. I’m not anti-love. I’m anti having to express it in a certain manner. Let me be clear: if you care about me and want to tell me, please do! Treat me! But please don’t do it because this is the day that you’re supposed to. I was a little bit scared to admit that–there’s nothing worse than being the woman who’s anti-Valentine’s day, but a friend of mine wrote this piece on not liking the holiday–and it made me bold. (I loved a lot of what she had to say!)

Here’s the thing lovers–I love love. I really do. I am for affection, and treats, and letting people know that you love them. I think there is so much love in our lives to be grateful for–from our friends to our families to the baristas who remember our names and exactly how we like our coffees. All of that is love –and should be celebrated. In fact, sometimes I think we forget how much love is in our lives. We concentrate on romantic love–which is amazing–and the big, grand gestures that can accompany it are fantastic. But the simple gestures that friends, family and sometimes strangers can show us are just as great. When I found this list of ways to say “I love you”, it hit me–because these non-grand gestures of love are often what make up our lives. And they are fantastic. And should be celebrated–not because a holiday says so, but because we are so lucky to have people in our lives who care how our days go.

If you love to celebrate Valentine’s–great! There’s nothing wrong with that. And if you’re not–great! There’s nothing wrong with that. I hope in whatever way, on whatever day you chose, you can take a minute to see the love in your life–and maybe let those people know you love them too. And not to get on my soapbox–but this is my soapbox–I hope you let yourself know that you love you too. I saw an essay about being the love of your own life (regardless of any other relationship) and of all the things I love, I love that. Ourselves will be with us forever–we will spend the most time with ourselves, we will grow old together, we will be forever tied together. Loving yourself isn’t always easy (that’s another therapy trip), but it is important and rewarding. So while we’re celebrating love–maybe let’s learn to love ourselves, develop a great relationship with ourselves, treat ourselves like we’re the loves of our lives, be the loves of our own lives. And if that involves treating ourselves to new shoes to pamper us? Well, everyone wins 🙂

I wish us all an abundance of love and amazing shoes this week! XO RA

No Pants Dance

a leg in hose on stairs with boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman on stairs in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in hose, short shorts, a cardigan and boots with a pearl on the arch
a woman in a cardigan and hose and short shorts and boots with a pearl in the arch on stairs

No pants (or short shorts) are making a comeback (perhaps they never went away? I grew up dancing and this look is VERY Mom picked up me from ballet and we are running errands. In fact, I wrote about this before because this could be “fashion” or a trend, but to me it’s just workout wear! Read here).

This no pants dance seemed natural to me- hose (pro-tip if this is a trend you’re intrigued by the more opaque your tights the more like pants they will feel!), boots (I can never resist a great detail) and a great sweater (a lady like touch a la this gold buttoned cardigan is a go-to!). The no pants trend for me is merely fun- another great pro-tip if this is something to experiment with give yourself a time limit activity (aka dinner or a timed party appearance, etc), and playing with the juxtaposition of lady like details (pearls and this gold button cardigan) with some risqué (no pants!!) has been so so fun!

a woman in hose with short shorts and boots with pearl accents on staris
a woman in hose and short shorts with a striped cardigan and a boots with pearls on stairs

What helps me in trying out new trends or fads or even this no pants dress?

I think of it like a costume. Or a character. Perhaps it’s my acting training. Or my love of a great story (and my firm believe our clothes tell them!)! However, thinking of myself as someone who WOULD wear an outfit like this–in this case no pants- and playing with all possibilities from juxtapositions to big blazers. Lady Like to more on trend. It’s fun. It gives us a chance to play (another great benefit of fashion!)

I’ve had friends play with the no pants for date night. For events. And in variations for day to day life a la errands! I do most associate this look with dance class — but it has given me so many ways to play and to explore. From short shorts to short skirts. Dresses. Blazers. I do think a great pair of hose will help (and of course there are now so many patterns to choose from!) and a pairing you love- like this sweater.

Are you playing the no pants dance? Experimenting? I would love to hear all about it!! Below I’ve linked similar options and some exact options for these boots (Nicolas Kirkwood sock boots with a pearl–in fact I bought mine resale YEARS ago so I love that there are still pairs out there!)
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 hose and short shorts and a cropped gold button cardigan with boots with pearl accents

Kitschy Valentine Gifts

a woman in a cream silk dress with a velvet cape

I have said before that I don’t like Valentine’s Day. Which is true. But not true in a “I hate love and celebrating it” way. More like in a “I hate that there’s pressure and you’re supposed to celebrate in a certain way” way. Both being in a relationship and being single (and also all the other types of love in your life!) should be celebrated– and while I say I don’t love Valentine’s there are certain things I do really love about the holiday.

Like Kitschy Gifts. (Obviously I like the bigger ones too, but those are always so personal!) I mean like cute seasonal socks (a fave of mine!), fun candy, candles in sweat heart patterns. The cheesy stuff that you might get from your mom or give to your BFF. I love it all. And while I want you to get the special thing you want too (even if it’s a gift from you to you), I’m rounding up some of my fave kitschy gifts that will hopefully make you smile too!

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

Socks
Truly I have a thing for funny socks. And from Valentines to Easter to just socks with cute animals I love them all. And these are the perfect “little” gifts as they are mostly under $5!!

Food
I know this is an odd choice but from specialty candy to chocolate covered strawberries- I love them all! Also- they way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach!

Scent Samples
Perfume is a traditional gift– but sometimes scents are personal. Something a friend got me onto within the past year are perfume samples (there are a ton of ways to get them, if you need help please let me know!). Samples are a way to try a new scent, give a bunch of scents, and make someone’s day. I’m linking scents I love which would make great samples!

Lips
I bet we all have opinions on heart shaped jewelry, etc at this time of year. (Mainly, it’s a no) BUT a shape (?) that I do love- from prints to jewelry to bags and more are red lips. Just this side of cheesy but a little fun! On theme but not obvious! I’m linking 2 cute lips bags below!

What I really used to love about Valentine’s Day? Those mass cards we would pass out to the entire class in elementary school. Perhaps that’s why I love a good kitsch gift- and I hope these ideas make you and your loved ones smile!

XO RA