For Me, It’s the Vibes

WOMAN in s strapless black top, black pants, kitten heels, camel coat, and bamboo handle Gucci purse
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat and bamboo Gucci bag
a woman in a strapless black top and pants, camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top, pants, kitten heels, camel coat on her shoulders, bamboo Gucci bag

This outfit read 1960s to me. And who doesn’t want to be a 60s goddess? From big hair (yes, on me it fell!) to a matching set (how could you not love this button down top with a cropped pant!) to accessories (yep, the kitten heel to the camel coat to the vintage Gucci bag, which they have made a newer version of!). We could chat eras. And modern meets vintage. Or how the accessories can make an outfit, or how a camel coat is the chicest thing you could add to any outfit. But for all of those very valid points, they don’t matter when comes to the total overview of what you’re wearing
It comes down to how your outfit makes you feel.
And for me, always, it’s the vibes.

a woman in a strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag and a camel coat
a woman in a black strapless top with gold buttons and black pants, camel coat on her shoulders
black pants, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

I love the vibes of this outfit. 1960s yet modern. Warm (please out on your coat if you’re chilled!) but chic. Yet, a bit luxe- do you need to pair with Gucci? Not at all. Camel, especially coats, makes everything look more expensive. A coat around the shoulders? So chic. Bamboo or any contrasting detail? Luxe. The vibes here are rich, luxe, the best or retro, and I’m obsessed with them all.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to outfits and fashion pieces that felt fun. Why not? It’s a time of year when we’re all focused on party looks, over the top looks, or any holiday look. In the meantime we still have work, events, etc that may not call for all out holiday regalia but we want to look chic for. This outfit? Hit the nail for me. Slightly 1960s (though you could pair with any shoe I love the kitten heel, and it adds to the 1960s vibe), very chic (you could also tease your hair, add a cat eye for more details), and yet work or cocktail appropriate. (I love the addition of the camel coat!)

a woman in strapless top and black pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,
a woman in a strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag,

This pant set is new and I’ve linked it for you (note I feel like the top runs a bit big. I LOVE the combo and the vibes, note the top does have a built in bra, but I would still err on the side of small especially if you run small on top!). It’s my new favorite as I love the 19060s vibes and how you could wear it from work to parties, and yet stay ever so chic. Bag, shoes and coat are from seasons past but I’ve linked you similar.

What kind of vibes are you recreating this year? What are you wearing to all of the life between holiday parties? I would love to hear about it!
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 strapless black top, pants, camel coat, kitten heels, bamboo Gucci bag

Thanksgiving Outfits

A woman n a floral dress setting a table

Every year I struggle with Thanksgiving outfits- both for myself and for you. Each Thanksgiving is so different- I’ve been to “dinners” that involved wearing sweats on the couch, gone to 5 star dinners in cocktail dresses, worn jeans, day dresses- and everything in between. I’ve spent the holiday alone (which was nice!) at big gatherings and more intimate family dinners. Beyond styling for a wide variety of holiday dinners, you also want your holiday outfit to be comfortable (and maybe not so tight!). All of these considerations can make finding the perfect outfit for Thanksgiving a bit daunting.

I don’t know what you’re planning for Thanksgiving (and if American Thanksgiving is not your holiday you can apply this to almost any big or small family dinner!), or how fancy you want to get. But, I’ve put together a few outfits ranging from fancy to casual (of course you can mix and match them all!) that I think would be stunning for any family or Friendsgiving. From jeans to dresses (and note- leggings and a sweater is always a great go-to!), these outfits will keep you chic, and comfy, while you’re being grateful and eating pie!

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

On The Fancy Side
collage of a blue dress, boots, bag and jewelry
The blue silk is so chic and the low heeled boots can keep you on your feet (for cocktail hour and seconds!) Shop this look here

collage of a floral maxi dress, velvet flats, black clutch, headband, gold earrings
Floral maxi, velvet flats, and easy accents makes this such a chic outfit (and also comfy enough to be in it all day!) Shop this look here

a woman in a sweater dress, boots and a hat
Sweater dresses are some of my faves because they can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair with boots for a classically chic outfit. Super comfy and super chic, meaning the best of Thanksgiving worlds. (Also neutral knits leave you so much room to accessorize in any way you love!). Shop my fave dresses and boots here.

On The Casual Side
collage of a suede skirts, clogs, white shirt and gold jewelry
A skirt, a chic take on a button down, and easy accessories. This look is perfect for any Friendsgiving you’re attending. Shop the look here

a collage of floral turtleneck, wide leg jean, gold sandal, black bag and gold hoop earrings
Pair a fitted turtleneck with wide leg jeans (very forgiving), gold shoes, and any bag- chic enough for dinner and comfy enough to take you from the table to the couch! Shop the look
Jeans. Sweater. And a super on trend quilted coat. Pair with sneakers and a tote (perfect for taking leftovers home!). I love the ease of this look, and it’s perfect for any flag football games! Shop the look

The Boots Have It

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, tights, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, hose, and over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, over the knee boots
a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

One of the best statement pieces I believe you can invest in are boots. (Yep, they even make my Top 10 Investment Pieces that you get when you sign up for our newsletter!) Boots are a staple, from weather boots (rain, snow, etc) to sport (riding, etc) to fashion (a la over the knee). There’s a reason we call it “boot season”- boots are that big a part of the fashion landscape (and our lives!). Not to mention that they keep you looking chic when the temps drop. So, if boots are a staple, how do you pick statements?

You could go by color, pattern, material- and all of those would be valid. Some colors are standouts, as are some patterns, and some materials. However, what I love and picks more often than not is height. Not heel height.But height as in over the knee. Yes, you could argue that other statement boots are not only possible but stunning, but is there anything more exciting than an over the knee boot? For me, that’s when the boots have it.

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

What is it, you ask? I think “it” is an ability to elevate an outfit. Even a simple one like a sweatshirt dress (and yes, black hose are a must this season. They are just so chic!)- though I’ve worn these boots over leggings to Pilates and I felt so pulled together and chic, when all I did that day was a workout and grocery shop!

This kind of statement can also be made with flat boots. (Or even boots that aren’t over the knee!) Truly, it’s about being enough to carry an outfit on their own, from jeans to leggings to dresses, to sweats. The boots don’t have to be patterned or wildly colored. Just somehow special.

Yes, sometimes it’s difficult to describe what it is certain boots have, but it’s always easy to tell when boots have it. I’m a fan of simple (and comfy) outfits, outfits that keep you warm as temps drop. Yet, I’m even more of a fan of statement items that elevate all of those outfits -like these boots. What about you?

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose and over the knee boots

What kind of boots do you think have it? What makes a boot a statement boot to you, and how do you wear them? I would love to know!
XO RA

I was lucky enough to find these (unworn!) statement boots on Vestiaire Collective, one of my favorite resell sites. I’ve found you similar below!

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 sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

Sunday Chronicles: Gift Guides 2022

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

Every year I struggle with gift guides. Do I post them? Do I ignore them? It’s not that I don’t like gifts (I do!) and ironically I feel as if I’m a good to great gift giver (more on my gift giving philosophy in a moment), yet I don’t know that I’ve mastered gift guides. Or how and when to post them. Part of the gift thing is (for me- my gift giving philosophy) that gifts are personal. We all want to be seen and heard by the people in our lives, and gifts are a way to do that. As good as I am at shopping, ask me for general gift ideas for “him” or “for your uncle” and I freeze like a deer in headlights. But tell me your hubby loves craft cocktails and smoky flavors, or that your uncle loves the opera, bow ties, and to entertain. Tell me your aunt loves crochet and football and yet hates the color pink. Those are details that I can work with- those are details that make gifts personal and appreciated. That’s the kind of gift giving I love shopping for and wrapping!

(Note: Look, we all ask for money for gifts. I do- mainly as I know most people would rather give me a bit towards my huge shopping goals rather than splurge on one huge gift for me. And I think that’s thoughtful. I give gift cards to all service workers in my life (usually with cookies!) and I hope that’s thoughtful. This is not about disparaging those gifts. This is about personal and thoughtful gift guides that won’t suggest yet another impersonal tie, whiskey rock, tea towel, etc! Money is great! Gift Cards are great! I write yearly in defense of them, see here! This is moving us beyond those!)

So. If I’m only really great at doing specific gifts, or gifts for people who have specific tastes, and/or suggesting things that I would like, how do I go about gift guides? And do gift guides take away from any fashion or outfit conversation we have here? These are the questions I’ve been battling with since I started Investment Piece. This year? I think I finally have some answers that I love- and I hope you will too!

Starting this year I’m not doing gift guides on the blog. We’ll chat holiday dressing (of course!) and what I’m wearing through the season, but this is the post about gift guides (ironically without a true gift guide!). If you’re subscribed to our email list (and if you’re not I suggest you do! I’m updating our investment piece guide today!), every week (on Wednesdays) you’ll get an email with a specific gift guide (from Advent Calendars to hostess gifts to beauty to his and hers). I’m planning on being detailed (culling from research on not only what I would like but based upon people in my life and what they have asked for!), specific, and I hope helpful!

(Need more! For one on one suggestions or more details options feel free to email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and we’ll go holiday shopping!Also, check the shopping apps, both ShopStyle and LTK for weekly updates. I will be posting gift guides there throughout the season!)

To recap- sign up for our email lists and check my shopping apps. Email me for help. In general? Gifts should be so personal- that’s what makes them thoughtful, so if you’re seeing your people I know you’re doing a great job shopping for your people!

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

I am breaking this rule and linking to a general gift guide here! It is an affiliate link, which means though it does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it! Thank you for your support!

https://www.shopltk.com/explore/racheladelicia/giftguides/11ed3ebc37974905a0150242ac110003

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You’re Golden

a woman in a black turtleneck and hose, heels with a gold tiled skirt
a woman in a black turtleneck, hose and heels and a golden tile skirt
a woman in black turtleneck, hose and heels and a golden tile skirt
a woman in a black turtleneck, hose and a gold skirt

This has been one of my favorite outfits lately. I love that the skirt is slightly reminiscent of The Lady in Gold (a fave of mine, see here and if you love it like I do you must check out the shoe the painting inspired at Sarah Flint), but yet could also be just a simple skirt. And the outfit just felt good- you know one of those outfits that just feel like you on, and at the same time make you feel like your best self? This outfit was that. Yet. I had no idea what to write about it. Below is an attempt to tell you how much I love this skirt and why I think you should get yourself something similar (not to mention great basics), but I feel like it didn’t shine the way I felt like it could. Forgive that (and the bad puns)- but know that I think that if you get a chance to be golden you should take it!

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose, and a gold skirt

Is it the holiday season without some sort of gold? Well, yes, but it might not be as bright and merry. And as we head into the holiday season, gold is everywhere. From decorations to wishlists, gold is a standard this time of year- so why not wear it? Does that seem like a lot? I worried that telling us all to go drape ourselves in gold clothing would be akin to telling us to “dress like you’re the present”, which sounds a bit cringe (as the kids say). And yet, I can’t but help loving gold pieces (a la this skirt), that manage to be both neutral and a statement.

One of my favorite things about wearing gold is that it does all the heavy lifting. It’s a statement that lets you not think about it (a great help at this time of year). And a statement that lets your great basics shine- like here (and BTW I think that everyone should have a great black turtleneck and should invest in great black hose- these 2 pieces could be worn every day in a million different ways!). Also, wearing gold makes you shine just a bit, and at a time when things are both celebratory and a bit overwhelming, being golden is always the best choice.

a woman in a black turtleneck, hose, and a. gold skirt

This skirt is Dries Van Noten that I found on eBay, I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I’ve found you similar- and also linked some basics that I love!
I think you’re just golden!
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 black turtleneck, hose and a gold skirt

Where to get custom pendants made

Trends I’m Loving

a woman in a black leather dress in a bathroom mirror

Every season we chat about trends, and I share my picks and what trends I’m excited about (see my trend report for 2022 here). Yet, sometimes it takes getting into a season, trying things on, seeing trends on others, and seeing what your life is like to see what trends you really love for the season. This fall I have loved playing in pink and reacquainting myself with platforms. I’ve never met a suit I didn’t like, and I love the deep textures such as velvets that are in stores.

Yet, there a few trends that I’ve been seeing on IG that I just love and a few that I have been experimenting with that I just love. This list isn’t so much an update on trends as a refining of ones that I’m finding fit into my day to day life. I’m hoping that they provide some inspiration for you!

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 sheer tights, a black wrap dress and gold heels
Black Hose

While I’ve been getting into hose(tights, whatever you call them, see here), this seasons I’m finding myself reaching for black hose (sheer and opaque) more and more. They are perfect with minis, maxis, and midi skirts and dresses. They keep you warm as the temps drop. And look incredibly chic. Perhaps women of the past had it right when they wore hose (and we’re lucky that garter belts are now optional!)

OverSized Blazers
A take on the suit, an oversized blazer goes great over a mini (maybe I’m really loving minis too!), over jeans, and as a coat. Pair with sweater dresses, boots, and perhaps even a brooch! I’m partial to plaids, and the following are some of my faves!

Faux Leather
Yes, this was in the trend report I did at the beginning of fall. And While I knew that I love leather (and faux leather), seeing the dresses, tops, blazers, trenches, skirts, and pants that this season is offering, have me falling deeper in love. Faux leather is both edgy and classic, able to dress up and dress down. On trend cutouts, lace mixed with classics like blazers and leggings- and leather is completely seasonal! These are some of the leather pieces I’m currently loving:

1960s Vibes
Anne Hathaway in leopard print pants and a top, with leopard shoes

I don’t know if we call this a trend but I’m loving the 60s vibes (from big hair to cat eyes). Side Note- I’m also loving everything that Anne Hathaway has been wearing from appearances to photoshoots, from big hair to prints, I want to recreate all of her looks. Lately, I’ve been using hot rollers in my hair for volume, adding on the eyeliner, and have been attracted to shift sets, go-go boots, and more.

What trends have you been loving as you have been seeing them out and about this season? I would love to hear about them and how you’re styling them!
XO RA

Winter Scarf as a Top

a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pantsa woman in scarf as atop and black pants leans against a wall
a woman in a winter scarf as a top and black pants
woman in a winter scarf and black pants

It feels as if turning a silk scarf into a summer top is a tradition, see here and here, though I’m a huge fan of scarves in general. Recently I saw an editorial shoot where a model wore a knit top (very similar to a scarf) that had a tail like a scarf. And I couldn’t help but think: if I wear silk scarves as a top during the summer, why can’t I use my wool scarves as a top during the colder months?

Turns out, I can!
back of a woman tying her scarf as a top with black pants
This a simple wool scarf that I folded, put as a top and tied. I talk more about it:

Again, this style hack is so easy to adapt (from the scarf you’re using to what you’re pairing it with) and yet so chic!This scarf would look great with a tonal piece (such as a camel skirt or hot pink pants, shoes, etc) or as a pop of color, such as tied over a black dress. And of course, any differently colored or printed scarf could be paired with an array of options- from jeans on up!

a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pants
woman in a winter scarf as a top and black pants
a woman in a winter scarf as a top with black pants

While silk (or spring) scarves as tops, it always feels light and fun (and I do love that option!). Yet, this winter scarf as a top feels so much more editorial, a bit elevated, a bit more styled. And I can’t help but love it. How are you wearing your winter scarves? Would you wear them as a top? And with what?

Both this scarf and these go-to high waisted black pants are from seasons ago, but I’ve linked similar options for you below.
Happy Scarf-ing and shopping!
XO RA

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

a woman in winter scarf as a top and black pants

Sunday Chronicles: Back to Nature

a woman with brown and blonde hair, closeup

I’m trusting that you know me well enough by now to know that when I say back to nature, I’m not talking about camping. To put it in a line from one of my favorite movies, Troop Beverly Hills, my idea of roughing it is 10 people having to share a bathroom. (Though I do love nature!) The nature I’m getting back to? My natural hair color. Which you may have noticed. It’s a process- there are days I hate it, days I’m giving up and wanting to highlight the front or tone it a bit darker. But most of all, going back to nature (for me) is a journey about getting back to myself and then deciding where to go (at lest when it comes to my hair.

This is not the first time I’ve written about my hair, see here, here, and even here when I first wrote about going darker after I went platinum. (And being platinum was fun for a while! Then I felt that it make me look older and then my hair started to break- part of the reason I’m avoiding dye right now!) There may not be a lot of new thoughts in this essay about my hair color; but being in the processing of actively choosing to let my hair be, to let it go through the growth- even when I worry about the color or want it to hurry up- is forcing me to think about I approach a lot of change in my life.

a woman with a bun and red lipstick taking a selfie in a car

Mostly that I want change to be quick and painless. And change often has to take its time. I want my hair to be healthy, before I make a move on color I want to see what I’m working with- which all means that I have to let it grow. My hair can look still blonde to brown to sometimes red, depending on the light. My natural highlights come and go (or it feels that way), and for having naturally dark blonde hair (or at least at one point!), I really thought that the growing out would be seamless and blend easily. Sometimes it feels like that’s happening. And then, there are are days when I can see what feels like a hard line of opposing color and my instinct is to fix it, and urges to chuck it all and go in for an instant change. Yet, I know that long term those changes might not be what I want or need and if I want my end goal of healthy, beautiful hair (Even if I end up dying it once I grow it out) that I have to let it go back to nature.

There’s a good chance that this hair journey could be applied to many seasons in our live. To get what we want we have to grow through some things, be a bit uncomfortable, and trust that we look ok in the meantime. Does the end justify the means? I’m crossing my fingers so! But I am trusting that- and of course will call a professional if it doesn’t quite work out the way I want. I’m having to breathe through this change a lot (and maybe kick myself for being in the thick of it in the most hectic part of the year- but is there any good time for change?), but it’s also teaching me to breathe through a lot- and trust that my end will be worth it.

Have you ever grown out your hair color? Tips? Any way that you can soothe yourself through change?

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

Escape

My week has been thwarted by a jammed toe. Yes- I am a klutz! Earlier this week I walked into a weight during Pilates class, jamming 2 toes on my left foot- and while I’m aok, they’ve affected everything. What shoes I can wear. My sleep. My schedule. Shoots, posts, appointments all had to be rescheduled. So while I’m on the mend, I’m still barefoot- meaning that today we’re looking back so next week we can move forward in amazing shoes! Xo RA

Investment Piece: Escape
Investment Piece: Escape
Investment Piece: Escape
Investment Piece: Escape
Investment Piece: Escape
Investment Piece: Escape

Escape.
She was bored. Even with the impending holidays, she needed a little excitement. A little adventure. She needed an escape. It was nothing personal, and nothing to fear; it’s just that sometimes we all need to be a little wild, a little different than we are, a little escape.
So, she got herself just that.
In the country, in the quiet, she was able to let loose. Never one to blend in, she let the escape be her canvas. From vistas to leopard sightings, what she really found in little moments of escape was herself again.
And don’t worry, she brought the clothes home with her. Just in case she needs a little city escape.

**********************************************************************************************************
Have I mentioned how much I love Amberleaf? And the coat selections they have for you this season are just…..I can’t imagine you needing anything else. From cashmere to classic cuts to every color you could want. They are worth escaping in!
(Remember to use the code RACHELADELICIA when you shop!)

Just because it’s coat season doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to bland winter fashion. Mix colors (how great are these gloves?). Wear print (well, leopard is a neutral, but there are so many prints out there to embrace). Your coat can be the star of your outfit, or a stunning topper. Realistically, you might not need an escape. BUT your outfit can be an escape from the ordinary, and I see nothing wrong with being ready just in case there’s a last minute get away.

This coat is Amberleaf and avaible on their site. I’ve linked pants and gloves for your escaping pleasure.
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!

Holiday Sanity

a woman in a plaid shirt and black pants sitting by a green reindeer

Halloween is barely over – I haven’t even put up the decorations- and yet, it feels as if the HOLIDAYS are already breathing down our neck (and I know that the holidays usually means American and Christian traditions and if those aren’t yours I see you!). Though, let’s be honest, if you’ve been to the shops any time lately the holidays have been coming (aka my local stores swapped out Halloween deals for Christmas deals and decorations about two weeks ago). This is where I want to give you tips on how to navigate the holidays and keep your sanity in tact.

I want to tell you that I have every post, holiday outfit, holiday gift, and holiday trip planned. This is where I could tell you that I’m so ahead on gift guides, writing, plans, and all of the holiday things that I can just sit back and relax, enjoy November and have a stress free holiday season.

Yet. I would be lying to you.

This season I have big plans for gift guides (something that I struggle with so I’m excited to share my plans with you!), my outfits are still somewhat in flux- as are my plans- and while I’m aiming high and want to take each moment as it comes- I’m not ahead. There’s a chance you could even say I’m not over prepared. (Which I long to be each year at this time) So, with all of (waves hands at all we’re supposed to be doing and all that’s going on) how do we stay sane during the holiday season? How do we enjoy it as it’s happening and not worry about what we “should” be doing?

This is where I tell you that I’m not sure. However I can share what I’m doing to keep my sanity- holiday and otherwise.

a woman in a plaid shirt sits at a table with a red bookmark and a candle surrounded by greenery

Lists
From my calendar to my to-do list, I’m writing down my wants, my shoulds, my goals, and my deadlines. Attempting to break everything down into doable steps and timelines, trying to plan ahead, but not be overwhelming to myself. Does it help? For me? Yes. And sometimes, that does mean that I make double lists and then throw lists away, but constantly seeing it all helps.

Deadlines
While deadlines can sometimes lead to insanity, I actually find that they help me during the holiday season. I pick and keep to the days where I can no longer take on new projects, that I need to have posts done by, that I’m giving up (in the good way!) by. Sticking to my self-imposed deadlines may be a different issue, but knowing that I have the deadlines in place help me set boundaries which lead to sanity!

Giving Up
I want everything to be perfect- especially at this time of year. And while that’s a great goal, I know that it’s impossible -especially at this time of year. So. I give up. Not on everything- and it doesn’t mean that I don’t try- from outfits to posts to presents to plans. I try so hard during the holiday season. Yet, at some point, for sanity, you give up and let things be what they are and turn things off and just enjoy things. At least, that is the goal. Always. There are days when it’s easier than others, but giving up is one of the best things that I do for my holiday sanity.

I also plan ahead (and leave room for flexibility), I’ve moved to ecards and scaled down my gift list, I’ve focused on holiday things that really matter (family, friends, etc), and I’ve tried to shop in advance (with room for impulse purchases). What do you do to keep your sanity during the holiday season? How do you enjoy November without focusing on the December holidays?
I would love to hear your tips and tricks!

XO RA

Start your holiday shopping early with Miranda Frye- jewelry for you and all the women in your life! While this is an affiliate ad, it hasn’t affected my love of the brand!

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