Party without the Dress

It’s the time for party dresses, which we all know suits me, as I’ve never met a party dress I didn’t love. In fact, the next few weeks I’ll be sharing the party dresses- from Christmas to NYE- that I”m wearing this year (and I’m hoping you love them as much as I do!). Yet, not every party calls for a dress (I know that sounds weird coming from me but it’s true!). Some of my favorite party looks don’t involve dresses at all, but are perfect and party ready for any soiree on your calendar!

a woman in a black turtleneck and leggings with a gold metallic skirt over them in front of a fireplace and party chairs
a woman in black jeans and turtleneck with a black sequin cape over it

Some party looks without the dress mean taking some of my favorites from outfits past (like this metallic overskirt which came from this vintage set, or a sequin cape that I’ve worn as a dress more than once) and pairing them with classics- aka black turtlenecks and pants! I love any sort of combo like this- classics with a statement- and it’s so easy to pull from your own closet (I promise you have a statement piece that will go great over classics!). Easy outfits like these leave the party guests with a (great) impression, but you stay incredibly comfy. And these party looks don’t require a dress!

a woman in a cropped fur jacket, plaid pants, and platforms
a woman in a grey blazer and black pants on a bench
a woman sitting on peppermints in a black pant, with a black dress over, with a white collar and green heeled loafers

Another party without the dress look I love (and combo I go back to over and over)? A personal take on a suit. Yes, I do love a great suit- but essentially at this time of year, I can’t help but put together my own “suit” (or pants with some sort of blazer). From plaids and furs to mini dresses over pants to tailored blazers with classic pants- a suit of any sort is always a party look. And as you can tailor (pun intended) the “suit” to any holiday attire you like, the possibilities are simply endless and chic!

a woman in black jeans and a camel sweater
a woman in black jeans and a grey sweater with a camel jacket
a woman sits in a plaid shirt and black pants by a green reindeer

My last tip for party looks without the dress? Taking basics and elevating them. From jeans to sweaters (in classic colors and high end fibers, paired with party shoes!), camel coats, to even taking a classic pj top (yes, that plaid is!) and pairing it with classic pants- it’s so easy be “casual” but party appropriate. Really, almost anything can be a party look, and while I’m partial to a dress, I have to admit that I love all of these combos (and wear them often!).

What’s your go- to party look that’s not a dress? (IF you need help with that I’m avail at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com!) I would love to hear all about it!

XO RA

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Sunday Chronicles: Behind

Boxes with Christmas lights and bows

Is it me or does being behind feel so much more behind during the holidays? I usually have a to-do list and parts of the house to clean, deadlines to meet, etc. And yet, during the holidays there’s all of that- and 10x more errands (from gift buying to food), more cleaning (because somehow decorating causes a bit of a mess before it all looks so pretty!), more to-dos (all of that plus extra card writing, parties, appts, etc)- which makes all of the things that I need to do much larger (longer?) than any other time of year. Each year I tell myself that I’ll be ahead for the holidays- decorate and shop early, send cards and pre-write posts, so that I can spend the season really enjoying the parties and the jolly.

Yet, this year? With all of those good intentions. I’m behind. My to-do list seems just to grow and shoots, cleaning, and me time seem to be at the bottom of the list. Not to mention that I haven’t even started shopping for gifts (for others!) And being behind at this time of year feels so much more behind than any other time of year. I’ve written about holiday stress before (see here), as it seems that holiday stress isn’t a new thing. I still haven’t figured out how to deal with holiday stress, other than getting through it, though this year, as behind as I am (because it’s not just a feeling), I have a plan.

My next week is insane. I need to shoot and write blog posts, clean, do errands, clean- all while I’ve booked a print job! (Which I am incredibly grateful for and excited about- if you’re new here, my other “job” is acting/modeling- and I can’t be more thrilled to book! However, that means that there’s a chance a good part of my week involves 12 hour days working on things that aren’t mine) However, my goal is to push myself: Today through Tuesday, get the most done: shoots, cleaning, all the errands, all the writing. I work on the print gig Wed-Friday. Then I’ll take Saturday off (Aka there’s a chance I may be sleeping all day!), then hit the ground running NEXT Monday to finish everything off, in the hopes that I can be done by next Wednesday or Thursday, and then take some time off (except for posting sales and outfits!). A bit ambitious? Perhaps, and there may come time where I decide that what’s not done just won’t get done and call it no longer behind. But, I’m hoping that I can use all the deadlines and the stress to go from behind to on time. (I worry about aiming for ahead!)

Being behind this year feels awful. It’s not just one thing, it’s feels like ALL the things, and like being behind gets in the way of the joy. I’m trying to remind myself that it’s ok to take time for joy, that what absolutely needs to get done will get done, and that behind is a state of mind. That sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. What are your tips for dealing with being behind at that holiday season? Do you ever get ahead?

Wishing is all a week of completed to-do lists and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Ghosts of Christmas Past

A woman in plaid shirt and black pants standing by a Christmas Tree
a woman in a red short sleeve dress and black heels in a succulent garden
a woman in a black velvet dress and heels in front of green bushes
a woman in black leather pants and toy solider print shirt on stairs looking at a toy solider
a woman in a black silk top with a peplum and black pants with split hems, with yellow heels with stones on them
a woman in a blue metallic midi dress and silver heels

I’m a fan of outfit repeats (if you have something that you love, why wouldn’t you wear it over and over?). This time of year, especially seems to be filled with repeats (from themes to outfits). And while I love all my Ghosts of Christmas Pasts (from velvets to Metallics to toy soldiers), and while I do rewear all of these outfits (yes! really!), I have to say that this year, I’m yearning for a few ghosts (outfits) of Christmas present. It’s so easy to dress for the season in velvets, sparkles, reds and plaids. What I’m wondering if there is a way to switch it up? Last year I wore a bit of blue at this time of year, and it felt so fresh! I loved it!

Yes, this year so far I’ve reached for reds, plaids, and velvets. But, I’m wondering what else is out there? Not just the dresses that everyone is wearing, but what could feel incredibly festive and yet incredibly fresh and new at the same time?

I don’t know that I have the answers yet. I have some ideas (from purple to vintage) but I’m also curious about what you’re interested in this season. Are you reaching for old favorites (no judgement! I am too!)? Are you craving a different holiday look? Into the holiday party dresses or more lounging at home? Want to explore both our ghosts of Christmas Pasts and Presents together?

I can’t wait to show you the new outfits I have, and know that I’m wearing all these old favorites throughout the season. I do truly want to know what you’re wearing and longing for- besides ghosts, it is the seasons of magic, right!?

XO RA

For the season I’m also updating my accessories game and loving these pieces from Miranda Frye!

a snake pendant

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!

Live: Holiday 2022 Collection. Miranda Frye Jewelry

Fringe, Sequins, Feathers and PantSuits- OH MY!

a woman in a sequin top and silk pants on a roof top

It’s officially party season, which most likely means that you’re in need of a party outfit. There’s an excellent chance you have one from years past, or that you’re in love with a seasonal one (aka velvet or some sort of holiday snazzy thing), and those are all valid. Yet, if we know one thing, it’s that I love a party dress (or suit or outfit!), and while I’m a fan of seasonal (velvets and beyond), I’m also a fan of investing in a party look that is holiday appropriate and yet works for all the seasons not holiday. And for those purposes, my favorite and looks I can’t help but recommend are fringe, sequins, feathers, and pants suits!

OH MY!

These “trends” and timeless outfits are not only perfect for the holiday season (and available in all sort of holiday fabrics!), but are also great for the other seasons (holidays not in the winter season) and available in all the fabrics and colors that aren’t only winter holiday appropriate.

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!

Fringe
a woman in a sheer fringe dress in front of a body of water

Fringe- from dresses to separates to accessories- are so so chic. A bit edgy. A bit unexpected. I’m loving fringe for all of your NYE parties, but it will also work for grad parties, bachelorette parties, and all the soirées in between!

Shop my fringe picks here

Sequins
a woman in a sequin dress by a lightpole
There is nothing more party look than sequins. And yes, they make a lot of appearances at this time of year- but the little sequin dress or shoes or top or pants or more that you buy now will also work at any other time of the year. A party is a party!

Shop some of my favorite sequin looks here

Feathers
a woman in a black feather skirt, blazer, and pink shoes on a park pathway

The most unexpected of all? Feathers. And yet- so chic. So versatile. Lately they’ve been popping up on pj hems, party suits, and on skirts and dresses. They’re fun, but so so elegant. I have 2 feather skirts (black and pink) that can get me through any season. I know that feathers seem like a LOT, but really they are such a chic piece that last for years!

My current favorite feather looks can be shopped here

Pant Suits
a woman in a studded pant suit in front of a brick wall

The most chic outfit I think you could ever wear is some sort of pantsuit -tux or not. They are adaptable (wear with nothing underneath or with any top you fancy), they are chic (no one ever looks bad in a tux- it’s science!), and the pantsuits come in any and all that you like (from holidays to beyond). From traditional tuxes to out of the box pant suits- buy one for now and later!

Shop my favorite pant suits here

What are you wearing to all of your holiday parties? And what about your parties in the non-holiday seasons? I want to hear all about them!

XO RA

Also: your jewelry can go from holiday season and beyond. Some of my faves:
Live: Holiday 2022 Collection. Miranda Frye Jewelry

LadyLike Edge

a woman in a blue wool skirt with black sweater and heels
a woman in a blue wool skirt with a black sweater and heels q
a woman in a blue wool skirt and a black sweater and heels
a woman in a blue wool skirt and a black sweater and heels

My momma raised me to be a lady- which may sometimes be a surprise as I know that I don’t always have the most traditional ladylike qualities. I sometimes spew profanities (actually I enunciate them clearly, like a lady! Also my family gave me a coffee mug with that saying for a recent holiday and it makes me laugh every time I use it!) Yes, the thing is that as lady like as I can be, for all the classics I love, sometimes I can’t help but need an edge. Sometimes it’s leather. Or statement shoes.

However, there are times when ladylike and edge marry themselves into one outfit. For example, a classic wool skirt with label or pleated accents (from the front to the back). Perfect for any work or post work activities. A bit ladylike, a bit edge, a lot of style with both.

a woman in a wool skirt with a black sweater and shoes

The thing about edge is that we always think that it means big. Or leather or spikes, etc. However, sometimes edge just means unpredictable. Unexpected. For example, a classic navy pencil skirt with a pleated logo wrap. A classic sweater with a wrap effect. Shoes that feel just a bit like Barbie. The effect is ladylike but the details? A bit edgy. A bit unexpected. A bit much. Perhaps that’s the best kind of edge?

Especially at this time of year I can’t help but love surprises, and twists. So any outfit that borders the line between classic and bit edgy? Maybe it’s not for all the Holiday events. But it can take you through all your events in the New Year. (And not to mention a great gift to yourself!). I hate being cliche but this outfit made me feel special (even when I wore it to the grocery store after this shoot). Special is both ladylike and edgy, and something I’ll take any day. Maybe the secret is to find any and all pieces that make you feel that way!

a woman in blue wool skirt and black sweater and heels

This skirt is on loan from a friend (and based on this fit I recommend either TTS or a sizing a waist size up when it comes to Fendi). I’ve linked similar and other options below. To duplicate this look I recommend a classic with a twist silhouette.
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 blue wool skintand black sweater and heels

Sunday Chronicles: Holiday Rituals

A woman in grey plaid pjs and a Santa shirt with Santa slippers on

Tis the time of year for many, many things, like kindness and joy- and rituals. I’ve been thinking a lot about rituals lately (defined as usually religious series of acts repeated with meaning attached), because with all of the things that are a part of this time of year come the rituals, or traditions- from your religious ceremonies to how and when you decorate your tree or house.

I’ve written about some of my thoughts on holiday traditions here, here, here, here, here.

It’s not that my traditions are changing- I’m still wearing plaid, wishing for snow, and excited to eat my momma’s beef stroganoff this Christmas Eve- but I’ve been thinking more about the rituals behind these traditions and the meaning they bring to what we (always) do. I took a class a few years ago based upon the premise that all human relationships were built on ritual (a series of repeated action) and spontaneous actions – together they build foundation, fun, and family. When applied to our holiday traditions, I can’t help but appreciate the ritual- the things we do passed down from generation to generation, and the ways we adjust them (aka being spontaneous). If you google the importance of rituals, you’ll get a ton of results that explain everything from how rituals tie us to our past and move us forward, how rituals heal, and how rituals build us up.

When you think about it, the holiday season comes at the ending of a year and is the beginning of another. Rituals bring us joy, temper our sorrow, and move us from one place to the next. And because we can tweak our rituals (there are things that we still do the exact same way we did when I was 3, and things we’ve changed), I like think to think that our rituals are living. And of course they’re magic.

So. If we can admit that rituals matter and move us, how do we honor them? How do we take these rituals that ground us and yet allow them to move us forward? If you’re like me, there are rituals you don’t want to change- I love family Christmas PJs and watching Miracle on 34th Street, and all the goodies! On the other hand, I love how my family holidays have grown up with my sister and I (we don’t have kids). I long to hold on and I want to leave room for change. Maybe that’s the magic of the ritual. It lets you do both.

This year we aren’t making big changes. We’re doing what we have done, and honoring what our rituals have grown into. When I know think about rituals, I think about both the past and the future- and I’m excited about both. This season is a season of rituals and traditions, past and future. May we find comfort and ways to honor all. I would love to hear your thoughts about rituals, your family traditions and how you’re feeling going into the season.

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

Classics are Falling

a woman in front of fall trees in black leather skirt and top with a camel coat
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall tress
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees
close up of black loafers and a black leather skirt
a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees

It’s such an interesting time of year- heading into winter and the holiday season, which means I want snow, but it’s just the end of fall and the trees (at least here) are finally turning colors- and falling. December, with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, is really a month of transitions. From the true end of fall to the official beginning of winter. The holiday season. Ending one year and welcoming another one. Reassessing goals and making new ones.
With all the endings and beginnings maybe it’s on point that both leaves and snow have a chance of falling.
And maybe it’s not what falls, or ends or begins, but what we do with it that matters. At this time of year, in particular, classics are what serve me. From traditions to outfits (note party dresses and sequins are included in classics! Or for me they are!), classics are my comfort, my go-to, and all I need. These classics? Black leather (or faux!) separates (midi and tube top) paired with a camel coat and loafers. For work. For play. For all that falls.

a woman in black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall tress

While there are so many traditions and party looks to come, I’m enjoying these classics now (and will be leaning on them halfway into December when I’m not sure what to wear). I’ve also linked similar classics 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 black leather separates and a camel coat in front of fall trees

Into the Fire

A woman in plaid shirt and black pants standing by a Christmas Tree

This year my (USA) Thanksgiving plans got derailed. I was planning to go to my Dad’s with my sister, but we all got a bit sick, and out of safety canceled (we’re all fine and none of us have C19!).Rearranging it all felt a bit like putting out fires. While we had big plans, I have to admit that laying low, being on the couch, treating my down time like a vacation without responsibilities, has been completely invigorating. In fact, getting myself geared up for the new week (aka today) and the season (which is always so big and filled) has proven much more difficult than anticipated.

Which is a nice way of saying that a part of me wanted to stay on the couch forever. (And yet, because of who I am as a person, also wanted to get all the party dresses) I know that this means that I need to learn how to add rest into my regular schedule, but I’ve also taken it to mean that I need to ensure that this holiday season, a season which is typically busy and overwhelming, has things that bring me maximum joy (I do think joy can be a choice). So, what am I choosing?

a blonde woman with a black skirt and coat by a red candy cane

To maximize joy and make sure I’m not just getting into the fire- you know the crazy at this time of year-I’ve been actively choosing to schedule things that not only feel like the holidays, but are special to me. I’m also working on making sure that content and looks and holiday I’m putting out there are “real” to me- aka I love a great holiday dress, but are we wearing them all the time? What can we do to be special and comfy? How do we get into the fire (do all the things and be all the merry) and keep our sanity? I’m working out all of that (and ironically going between sweats and party dresses) and in the meantime making sure the following are in my calendar:

-looking at Christmas lights, and planning my own. It’s my one Suburban treat- I love putting up lights and looking at others. Making plans to go look at multiple lights, go to festivals of lights, and trying to make our house this year look as festive as possible

-buying and gifting things I truly love. This is a yearly goal, but knowing I need some rest and yet love party dresses I’m attempting to marry the comfort and high end looks. Also, attempting to make sure that my calendar is full of both parties and rest to get the most of all the things I’m buying!

-time with my loves. I know this is very typical this time of year. And yet, time with my chosen family has been super difficult since the pandemic. So, I’m making dates for FaceTime, friend dates, and me dates. I want to enjoy all the minutes and look fabulous doing so- and am actively working on making room for both!

a blonde woman in a black velvet dress in front of a dresser with a small Christmas tree on top of it

This list sounds a bit trite, a bit common, and a bit what you’re expecting. I know that it’s my job to make sure that all of those things on my list are me- from party dresses to the joy that lights bring me to my time. I can’t wait to share all of my takes on these things with you. I can’t wait to shop and celebrate with you. These things are what’s getting me off the couch and into the fire.

How was your holiday? What are you looking forward to this holiday season? And how are you planning on balancing it all? I would love to know!

It is a big shopping week so below I’ve listed some of my current sale finds!
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 plaid pants and a grey sweater sits on stairs next to a nutcracker

Happy Thanksgiving!

A woman in a white jumpsuit lounges on a piano by a Christmas tree

I’m taking the rest of the week off to be with family, eat, and shop sales. You can shop with me in either the ShopStyle or LTK apps (and of course I’ll be posting on IG). New posts here will be back on Monday. In the meantime, I hope you and yours have a happy Thanksgiving, that you get some rest, that you wear something comfy and chic and that you get all the deals that make your heart happy!

I also hope that you take some time for you and those you love!
I’m so incredibly grateful for you!
XO RA

I’m also loving these pearl jewelry keepsakes for my loves during the holiday seasons: Pacific Tasman Holdings Pty Ltd

Flawed

it’s the official kick off to the holidays in the States (or is that Halloween? According to the stores, we’re at NYE so I have no clue any more!) and it’s a season of joy and hope, acceptance for our neighbors. But it’s also one where I deeply feel any and all of my shortcomings. I still have these marks on my back (I did just get a new serum and will update you about it!), and while I want to wear backless things this season I felt some fear about that come up. So I went back to this. No matter what, I hope that this holiday season you wear things that make you happy- no matter what they show, no matter what people think, no matter what you fear. You are gorgeous. Including all your flaws. We all are.

Reread this one with me and let’s wear what we love! XO RA

Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed
Investment Piece: Flawed

She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by-
And never knew.
-Shel Silverstein

Flawed. We all are, to some extent. And we live in a world that asks us to hide our flaws, especially in our fashion. How many articles have you read about dressing to hide your “problem areas”? There are whole theories of thought about how our arms as they age are “flawed” and should never be shown. Magazines, though not the only culprit, will let us know that if our parts aren’t “perfect”, we should do all we can to detract from that and showcase other body parts.
But, what if?
And hear me out on this,
What if we saw those “flawed” pieces of ourselves as something not to hide, but to celebrate. What if we could view our flaws as art, and not be concerned if our fashion showed them off?
Investment Piece: Flawed

I have back problems. (A little nerve damage) And as part of my therapies to manage pain and spasms, I often use heat, cupping, stretching, and strengthening. (Thank you, Pilates!) However, some of this can leave marks on my back, they can vary in color and pattern, but they can be very noticeable, and I thought of them as flaws. I’m a huge fan of low back numbers, but would avoid them so that no one would see my flaws.

What changed? I’m not sure. At this point I wish I could tell you some great ephinay or sage advice that lead me to embrace my flaws. Honestly, one day I think I got tired of not wearing what I wanted to. So I stopped. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t days when I don’t get self conscious about showing off something I might have to explain. But. We all have flaws, and I try to remember what we can view as flawed in ourselves might be what someone else likes.
Most of all, our flaws shouldn’t stop us from wearing things we love. Flawed. Let’s show it off

I can’t tell you how much I recommend a low back dress, and these fringed boots make everything a little more fun. Similar pieces are linked below!

I’m really curious: what do you think are your flaws and do you “dress around” them?

Sidenote- our 2nd gift guide to newsletter subscribers goes out this Wednesday. It’s in honor of my Dad and Sis- aka you don’t want to miss it! Sign up for our newsletter and let’s also get to gift giving!
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!