Purple as a Passion

a woman in a TCUFootball shirt, jeans, and over the knee white Chanel flat boots

I’m a firm believer that what we wear helps to tell our stories, and whether or not you have caught on or not- I’m a big football fan. (Cliche? Who knows?) Especially my college football team, TCU. My freshman year at college, we won ONE game (against SMU). We (my friends and the rest of the student body) rushed the field to celebrate, got pepper sprayed by the police (a fact my mom recently learned); and from there it’s been nothing but going up. My beloved Gary Patterson (who I have feelings about how he got let go- if you know you know) took the Head Coaching job and we went from 1-12 to an undefeated season, winning the Rose Bowl, and today we play for the College Football Championship. It’s been a ride, a journey- and with the football gods on our side and a bit of luck, it’s not over yet.

You may have noticed that I wear a lot of purple. Partially because I love the color, but partially because it’s a TCU color and it’s a way to support my team. A part of me knows that this is just a game and TCU has won just by getting there (underdog and if you follow college football you know). And yet, another part of me knows that this is huge- from the opportunity to how much I want my team to win to the reunions happening for so many of my friends (The last time TCU won a Football Championship it was 1938 so it’s not an understatement to say ALL my TCU friends are going or are glued to the TV tonight). I’m bouncing between being completely sure we will win, and wanting to vomit from nerves. (It’s a good thing I’m on the sidelines and not playing!) But, as I don’t play football, what I do is tell stories with my fashion – and that matters too. So, as a tribute, my part, and a way to put my all behind my team I’ve rounded up some of my most favorite purple outfits. Turns out purple is a passion of mine, from the field to the runway, and I thank you for hearing my stories.

Just so you know, I’m counting on all of you rooting for my team and wearing purple today (I’ve essentially taken the day off to do that!) The parts of us that we don’t think are fashion related or may be a little bit cliche? Let’s not shy away from using our fashion to tell those stories too!
Go Frogs! Wear all the purple!
XO RA

a woman in a purple gown in front of green hedges
in a purple gown for a cousin’s wedding
a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees
in a Holiday perfect gown
a woman in a wrap purple dress and black mules
in a purple day dress
a woman in a one shoulder lavender dress sits on a bike
purple on a bike
a woman in a purple skirt and an off the shoulder blue top with yellow wedges sits on a railing
purple as color blocking
A woman in a purple printed dress with purple sandals in front of an apt building
purple as a print

These are the tip of my purple outfits. I have a favorite pair of purple pants. TCU sweatshirts and tees. I even have purple TCU nikes. My love of TCU football is often told through my fashion, and I promise from a run on the treadmill to cheering my Frogs with my mom and sister tonight, I’ll be wearing purple (as a passion) and telling all sorts of stories. I can’t wait to tell you how we won- and I’d love to know what story you regularly tell with your fashion choices!

XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Hitting the Ground…Walking

a woman in a leopard print midi dress walking from a green hedge

It’s the new year, tine for “new year, new me”, all the goals and resolutions, and for hitting the ground running. But. What if you don’t hit the ground running? What if the start of your new year is a bit slower, a bit more walking? Is that bad? Is it worse to walk into the new year rather than run?

These are the questions that I can’t help but ask myself over and over, this full week into 2023. It’s not that I don’t have goals, resolutions, things I want to change- I do. And I’m sure that there are multiple people are writing multiple things around this time about the tried and true methods to get motivated to achieve all the things you have planned this year. I’m not anti any of that (and honestly am currently taking any tips that I can right now!).

The thing is, my year has gotten off to a slow start. There have been days when my internet was down, my allergies were incredibly bad, and days spent waiting on repairmen. While I would love to tell you how ahead I am and what progress I’ve made, instead of running I’m truly walking into the new year. (Fun fact: in “normal times” I LOVE to walk, I have nothing against walking!)

Yet, even being a lover of walking, there’s something about this time of year that makes me feel as if slow starts aren’t what I should be aiming for- which makes it a struggle when you are walking instead of running. Then. I can’t help remember the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare- aka slow and steady wins the race- meaning that my slow start means nothing as long as I’m moving forward.

And I’m also moved by something a friend of mine recently said to me- that the only way we get to where we want to be is to make the next best decision. We move slow, make mistakes, can’t control everything- all we can do is take where we are and make the next best decision to get us closer to the place/person/situation we want to be. When I look at it that way, that I’m only responsible for the next best choice, I don’t mind walking. In fact, often when I go walking I find things that I missed previously. Walking gives me a chance to be intentional about where I’m going, I do love running, and I love getting where I’m going quickly, but I am not going to regret moving a bit slower towards my goals, as long as I’m moving!

How are you moving into the new year? Running? Walking? How are you managing your progress towards your goals and how are you feeling about them? I would love to know all about it and any tips you have for going from a walk to a jog!

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

Lessons from a Relaxing Holiday

a woman in red and black plaid pants and a long sleeve black shirt holds a cat in red and black pjs sits next to a poinsettia

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between rest and rejuvenation. A recent post I saw mentioned that rest is akin to not draining your battery, where rejuvenation is actively recharging, aka we need to both rest and refill our cups. For the first time in a while, I feel like I got to do a bit of both this holiday. I didn’t worry about content, there were days I turned my phone off for most of the day, I read books and watched movies, and it was heavenly. Then, in the midst of all that relaxation, outfit ideas came to me, I got inspired, and even though I wore a lot of sweats and leggings- there were some style lessons that I’m taking into the new year (like the pic above, that sometimes being matchy matchy isn’t always a bad thing!)

a woman in a strapless black top with a white ruffle and a black and white skirt and red heels stands in a doorway
Function and Chic Are Not Mutually Exclusive
While I’m still the type to dress for a party, even if it’s just in a living room, I wore so many chic things this holiday. And yet, so many of them were functional. This chic skirt? (By my love Mrs Emily) It has amazing pockets- which held wallet, keys, and a red lipstick! I want to look incredibly chic (pretty much all the time) but I want to be able to do what I need to do. So, this year I’m interested in clothes that let me do both. From pockets on down, I’m looking for details that make my look better and my life a bit easier. I know there will be times when I wear something a bit impractical, but for day to day I’m taking my function and chicness together!

a woman in a camel wool coat, black boots, black purse and earmuffs in front of a white wall
Don’t be Afraid to Make Other’s Fashion Your Own
I’m a vintage lover so the idea of wearing someone else’s fashion isn’t new or intimidating to me. I also love getting outfit inspiration from friends and strangers and editorials, so again, not a big deal to me. In the above picture I’m wearing my grandma’s coat, my mom’s old earmuffs, and carrying my Mimi’s purse. So, in many ways I’m talking about making other people’s fashion and making it your own-literally. We could also call this “take your family to work day”. After days of relaxing, I loved getting dressed up in my family’s clothes. It’s a little bit like being in a hug all day. As I’m a huge vintage fan, it’s not that I’m new to vintage, but there are so many things from my family that I didn’t think that I could wear in a way that felt like me- but I was wrong. Opening up what you’re willing to wear, and working on ways to make things your own, opens up your closet so much!

a woman lounging on a red couch in a velvet dress with gloves on it
Wear What Makes You Happy
This was my NYE dress (so gorgeous and the velvet is so lush! You’ll be seeing more of it later!). I got all dressed up to drink some champagne on the couch and then change to sweats. Yet, the dress made me so happy- the small time I was in it was worth it and being on the couch made no difference. This year let’s not get caught up in anything other than what makes us happy. From trends to vintage to what feels right, no matter where we’re going let’s make sure it’s in something that makes our heart sing.

What did you wear over the holiday? And what did you learn from it? I want to hear all about it!

xo RA

A new year, new me?

Close up of a woman in a tan sweetheart neckline sweater and grey maxi skirt in front of a white background

I got a lot out of the holiday break – rest and more that I can’t wait to share with you. Perhaps it’s Mercury in Retrograde, or just luck, but the beginning of the year isn’t going my way. My at home spin bike (which to be fair, I went cheap on), bent (with me on it) sending me flying across a room and into a bookcase, screwing up my back (hopefully not for long!). Then on the first day of the new year our Internet went out, and getting it back was a process! The big news is that I’m aok and can’t wait to be in new fashion with you for the new year! Short term? The new year (for us) is being pushed back a bit! Meet me here on Friday for new outfits and posts. I want to hear all about your holiday and what you’re wearing for the new year!!

Xox
RA

Happy Holidays!

A woman in plaid pants with a poinsettia in front of her face

The Holidays are here, and no matter how ready we are- there’s joy to be had. I’m so grateful for you and hope that your holiday season is full of so much love and peace. Starting today, I’m taking some time off to enjoy my family and rest up for all the fantastic fashion to be worn in 2023. I’ll be back with new posts starting 1/4. During the holidays you can shop with me in the LTK and Shopstyle apps (I’ll be sharing sales and winter stylings) as well as Instagram (all @racheladelicia). I’m excited for this time of rest- and to see you in 2023!!

Happy Holidays!
Xo RA

Fashion Stories: Party Dress Season

a woman in a pink dress holding a fur jacket in front of a house

I love this time of year for so so many reasons, but it’s also the party dresses. It’s no secret that I love them, wear them even if it’s not a party, and love what comes next (party dress sale season!). From Holiday parties to NYE, to some cheer for the new year, there’s no bad reason for a party dress right now. This is a look back at some of my favorites of the past, I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
XO RA

THE Holiday Dress

a woman in a purple plaid gown and shoes in from of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a plaid purple gown and shoes in front of stone wall and trees

Tis the season for a dress. Like THE holiday dress. From holiday parties to engagements to fantasy, and let’s be honest, this kind of dress is a bit of a fantasy.Or at least, wearing it has always felt like one. Yes, there are a ton of places to wear a gown this holiday season from the ballet to the holiday parties- but gowns are special and rare. The good news is that when you wear a gown you feel both special and rare- and a bit like a fantasy. (Full disclosure, this Carolina Herrera gown was a gift, but it’s made me feel so incredibly fancy and I’m so grateful this holiday season has given me more than one opportunity to wear it.)

a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes on a stone steps with an iron gate
a woman in a purple plaid Gown by an iron gate and stone steps
a close up of a purple plaid gown and purple and rhinestone mules with heels

This gown, and let’s call it what is is, a gown, has seen me through cocktail parties, Nutcracker performances, and quite frankly some holiday pictures that have made me feel amazing. At the holidays, fantasy or big dresses are the dream, right? Like, I’ve had fantasies about dresses that make me feel like some sort of princess (or queen), but this gown fulfills all of those! And from events to parties, this dress fits right in! The train, the fit, the details. It’s both fantasy and yet holiday greatness.

What do you look for in a holiday dress? Function can be a bit easy. Fantasy, THE dress? A bit more imagination is needed (but I believe in your imagination!) And, of course, THE dress, may be different for all of us. What does THE holiday dress look like for you?

a woman in a purple plaid dress in a stone walkway with a tree

*Note, an easy low cost hack for this exact look would be a maxi trench coat with heels* Also Note these shoes are seasons old but I’ve found you similar!
What are you wearing for your most special holiday look this year? I would love to know!

This gown was a gift, and I’m so grateful for it! Again, a hack is to get a long trench and wear it as a dress. This is a Carolina Herrera, and while I’ve linked some for you below, I’m also available to search for you a resale one (which is how I get most of my designer things! Resale is great, and after the holidays is the best time of year to shop! Need help navigating? I would love to help at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com)

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 purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees

Ex Files : Holiday Break Ups

a woman sitting on peppermints in a black pant, with a black dress over, with a white collar and green heeled loafers

It’s that time of year.
The Holiday Season.
Cuffing Season.
Breakup Season.

While I have way too many break-up and bad dating stories (see my usual spiel and favorite links here: 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!

So Because we’re heading into the season of both awful breakups and coupling, I’ve rounded up my favorite breakup and make up stories for you!

target=”_Blank”> 8Holiday Stories that are Neither Merry nor Bright

6 of the worst Christmas Breakup Stories EVER

On How to be Single Right now Tis the Season to be Single

here and here

I know that this upcoming week is a stressful one between travel, family, and the holiday. It also is the “official” holiday season start” with comes with its own pressure and stresses. Going through a break up, getting cuffed, dealing with family, being alone- for all and any of it I wish that it is both easy and a bit joyful!

Happy Holiday Week! XO RA

Non-Traditional

A woman in a blue dress in front of a wall

Besides the party dresses, tis the season for a certain kind of fashion. Even if we don’t admit it (Even to ourselves), this time of the year we (all, mostly) lean towards traditions: reds, greens, plaids, and of course- sequins. And I love all of those! Those style traditions are tried and true holiday (and beyond) looks that are not only comforting this time of year, but gorgeous, and never boring.

Yet. Aren’t there times during the holiday season when you don’t want to be traditional? Two things can be true at the same time, we can love our holiday style traditions, and we can want to break them.

So, what do you wear when you want to have a non-traditional holiday look? I don’t think there are any rules, or any don’ts. It’s about finding party (And beyond) looks that make you feel festive! Here are a few of mine:

Blues
a woman in a blue metallic midi dress and silver heels
a woman in a white chair wearing a blue velvet suits

Wear blue. Part holiday, but not super traditional, blue is one of the non-traditions that feels almost like a tradition. From suits to dresses, blues are one of my go-tos this time of year, and they are also chic in the new year!

a woman in a garden doorway wearing a black turtleneck, jeans, boots and a pink lined maxi-cape
a woman in all black with a gold printed cape
a woman in black pants and turtleneck, heels and black velvet cape

Capes. They are truly one of my most favorite pieces. And while I have them in holiday traditional colors and sequins, I can’t help but stun with a non traditional one. Capes go great over almost anything – from jeans to dresses.

a woman in a blue fringe dress on stairs
a woman in a sheer fringe dress in front of a body of water
A woman in jeans and a leotard with a white fringe skirt over it
a woman in black tee shirt with tassels on it, black pants and red heels sits against a white wall

Fringe. It can be as daring or as conservative as you want it to be, but fringe is always fun, always a show stopper, and as non traditional as you can get. From leggings to tees to dresses and skirts- I have never met fringe that I didn’t love and that didn’t make me want to celebrate something.

What are your traditional holiday party (and just holiday) looks? Do you gravitate towards reds and plaids or do it up in velvet? And then, when you want something a bit different, what do you wear? What are your non-traditional holiday go to’s? Anything that you have ever wanted to try but was worried would be too non-traditional? I would love to hear about them!

I’ve rounded up some of my favorites from blues to fringes for you to explore your non-traditional holiday looks 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!

And pair with these glam beauty goods from Mica Beauty: Shop Holiday Deals Now!

In Defense of Gift Cards

Investment Piece: A Merry Little Christmas

Every year, I debate about whether or not to include gift cards (or my very impassioned defense of gift cards) in any of my discussions about gift giving and guides. People have opinions about gift cards.
For example:
Some of my family member think like that- hating to give cash or gift cards. And I have friends who think that gift cards are a lazy gift that show that you don’t care.

Beloveds, those people are wrong. I love gifts! And I love buying gifts for people! But, there’s nothing wrong with a gift card-in fact it’s one of the best gifts to get (in my opinion), which is why I keep including this discussion. The short of it of it is that so much of what I truly want, and don’t buy myself, is expensive. And gift cards are a way to “get” what I want from my loved ones, without blowing anyone’s budget. The long of it:

Gift cards usually come in a couple of different ways- a gift card to a store/spa/gym/restaurant that someone knows you love, or one of those “Visa” gift cards, which are basically just money. I love them both.

(And of course you can give checks or cash!)

It’s one of my favorite things when someone pays attention enough to me to pick out something I love. But I also love the freedom and trust that comes when someone gives you the ability to buy yourself something or treat yourself to an experience. Even with wish lists, sharing with people what we love, we all have things that we’d rather just pick out ourselves, and a gift card lets you get yourself something guilt free.

A gift card (or cash) also allows you to gift towards something your loved ones want. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot on my wish list that’s a bit pricey, and I always tell my family that it means just as much to me to get donations towards those big purchase items.

Gift cards are a way to give someone a “thing”, but also freedom and trust. A way to let your loved ones indulge how and when they want to, they’re the gift that keeps giving.

Gift cards are also a way to let your loved ones think of you at least twice- when they get the card and when they use it!

I understand the hesitation to give gift cards, but I truly love them. They are a way to help someone save for something, get something personal, try something new, or just let them shop (which we all know I love!). There has never been a time when I got a gift card and hated it. I think they’re personal and thoughtful and all the best kinds of gifts. And this year (again!) gift cards to favorite small businesses and restuarants are incredibly great to give and get! Actually, with the supply chain issues, gift cards might be the best thing to give.

Think about the gift card. Don’t be afraid to give the gift card. It may just be the most thoughtful gift! It’s the time of year when you’re getting lists from friends and family, learning what their needs and wants are.  Maybe a gift card would satisfy all those lists!

Happy Gifting!
XO RA