Investment Piece – Page 51 – Everyday Editorial

Spring Celebrations

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For the first time in a long time it feel as if there are things to celebrate.*

*I’m aware there is still a pandemic and now, a war. There are times when things feel overwhelming and bad and I get it. However, this is the first spring in a few springs that (at least for me) there have been stirrings of real hope. I’m not ignoring or downplaying or avoiding anything happening, but I am giving into the hope (and the subsequent celebrations) that now exist and I hope you join me- in both these new spring celebrations and working together on all the issues we face.

It’s not that I suddenly have a full social calendar or a big announcement (though things have been going well for me lately and I hope that’s true for you too!), but I’m in the mood for a few spring celebrations. Even in the backyard. Even if what we’re celebrating is getting through the day. They say that you have to put out what you want to receive, and if we want to be fabulous in amazing dresses in fabulous places, maybe the way to get there is to dress in stunning things.

(Sidenote: These pics were taken when a few friends came over for some bubbles. We were just excited to be together. I’m a firm believer in dressing for little moments- and that little moments that are fantastic lead to bigger fantastic moments)

investment piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations

Spring Celebrations range from big to small, formal to informal, some we make a big deal of, but my most favorite tend to be the small ones that remind me of the good things out there. It can be very easy to dwell on allll the things happening, and to get bogged down. There is something about a change of season, temperatures warming, blooms opening up that just feels good. And if that’s not an excuse to put on something that makes you feel special (a wardrobe requirement for me) and sip something delicious with people who make you smile I don’t know what is.

So. I put on a dress- that hugs my hips and has a slight train and buttons up the back. It felt chic and sophisticated and just the right shade of new. And a headband (as someone who usually has her hair in a bun maybe there is something to letting your hair down!). Let’s not forget the shoes!(I’m a fan of anything chic and supportive- these are my beloved Sarah Flints and you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $50 your own pair. And please join me and Sarah tonight for a spring preview of her new collection- it will be a celebration and please DM me for an exclusive invite!). I drank bubbles out of a vintage glass and I gave into some hope. Is there any better reason to have a celebration?

Investment Piece fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, wedding dress, spring celebrations

The biggest side note of all? This stunner of a dress is actually a wedding dress from the 1930s (no, I’m not getting married). In fact- I’ve recently developed a thing for 1930 dresses, even wedding dresses. The cuts, the patterns, the material- they tend to be just so stunning. And yes, I’ve rounded up some of my current vintage rings for you below.

What are you celebrating this spring?
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!

Below is a collection of 1930s dresses, wedding dress, headbands, shoes and a modern dress to give you this celebratory feel!

Ex Files: My Ex’s Friend

Investment Piece: The Ex-files

And we’re back. That’s right it’s Ex Files, dating horror stories, my final attempt to live my life a la Carrie Bradshaw. (And let’s not pretend horror only lives in fiction. Some of my ex files: The Ghosting, Tinder on an Airplane, The One Who Wouldn’t Take No, and of course The One Who Asked for his Money Back. More can be found under “Ex Files” in the search bar). Hopefully this makes you laugh (and feel better about your own dating life). Names and some unimportant facts have been changed to protect people; but the moral of the story is that if you want people to write warmly about you, you should probably behave better.

My Ex’s Friend

We all, usually, have some sort of policy about dating a friend’s ex. While I think there may be an exception or two, I’m of the camp that you don’t do it. It can be so messy and so hurtful that I don’t think it’s worth it. Even more messy and uncomfortable for me? The friend of my ex who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

When I began dating Steve it was magical-with a cute rom-com meet-cute to match. Steve was everything I wasn’t used to, kind, caring, and open, and I was thrilled when he wanted me to meet friends just a month into our relationship. What I didn’t know at the time is that Steve’s friend Wayne had asked Steve about me, Steve had told him our story and showed him my picture Wayne replied “She’s hot, she should date me”.

A little gross, right? It gets grosser.

Steve told me this little story on our way to a party where Wayne, and a bunch of mutual friends were going to be. He seemed understanding when I said that made me a bit uncomfortable (who says that to a friend!) but Steve reassured me Wayne was all talk and would respect our relationship. We can debate the meaning of respect, but Wayne didn’t do it. When Steve and I walked into the party, and I was introduced around, Wayne grabbed me, hugged me hard, and wouldn’t leave our side the entire night. Every time I moved, Wayne was there, chatting me up, letting me know how successful and wonderful he is, and making moves to always have his hand on my back. I was hugely uncomfortable, but felt like I had to be nice. There is nothing worse than feeling like you have to be nice to a creep.

I was finally able get Steve alone and let him know that we had to go. And his friend was a jerk. Steve was horrified and got me out of the party ASAP, letting me know that we didn’t ever have to hang out with Wayne again.

And we didn’t. Many months later Steve and I parted ways (ironically while we both made mistakes, I have nothing horrible to say about Steve!), I ran into Wayne at a different friend’s party. The behavior was the same, only this time Wayne felt more empowered to hit on me, letting me know how now that I was “free” I should be his. I let him know I wasn’t interested. Wayne wasn’t able to take the hint, he got my number from a friend and spent the next 3 weeks relentlessly pursuing me. I finally reached out to Steve to get him to get Wayne to stop. (I also blocked Wayne and let my close mutual friends know I never wanted to be at a party with Wayne again!)

Who knows? Maybe Wayne is still trying and I don’t know about it, or maybe he finally got the hint. I hope that he’s learned not to hit on his friend’s girlfriend and to take no for an answer. Is that asking too much?

Xo RA

Into Opportunities

Investment Piece, belt it, Jcrew, Beau Coops, Mother, high fashion, blogger, fashion, CA, TX, fashion stories, into opportunities
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, into opprotunities, belt it, mother denim, jcrew
Investment Piece,into opportunities, fashion, blogger, high fashion, mother, beau coops, CA, TX

What does your perfect spring day look like? Not just the weather- we could debate temps all day- but the perfect day. I guess I’m also not that interested in what you do-I mean I am- but what I’m really asking is what does the perfect spring day feel like?

In my experience, opinion, whichever suits best!-the end of a season and the beginning of a new one is filled with up and down days. Times when you just feel bogged down, as if things will never change and just tired of it all. Then. The perfect day of the new season comes- in this case spring- and all those things that weigh you down seem lighter, the air is just a bit different, and a lot of hope returns.

You know what I mean? From life to fashion to weather, sometimes seasons go from feeling stuck to into opportunities. Isn’t it funny how that happens overnight?

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, belt it, vintage, Jcrew, Beau Coops, CA, TX

Sometimes the opportunities are ones we’ve been chasing, sometimes they’re brand one we never saw coming. It’s the same with outfits- I never knew I was a belt person till I got this vintage lion one. Now? I want to put over everything- including jackets. What started as a whim has become my go-to outfit- and I’m always amazed at what comes my way in it.

And yes- I will die on the hill that a light jacket is the best thing for spring. You don’t want to be too hot, but you also want to ward off the last few chills. Add jeans, and of course a chic shoe and it’s the perfect spring outfit. Fit for any opportunity.

Investment Piece, belt it, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories into opportunities

What opportunities are you looking for this season? I’m still writing out my goals, setting my sights on what I really want, all while being open to all of the good things that may be (or are) coming my way. I’m also on the look out for any and all outfits that make me feel good- much like this one. I’m trying to keep it simple. But I’m also really shooting high. Is that the way to go into opportunities? I guess we’ll find out!

Please tell me all about the things you’re wearing, your perfect days and your opportunities. I want to hear about them all!
This outfit is one I’ve had on repeat for years (it never fails) and I’ve linked the same pieces, or similar, 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!

Spring Wishlist

Investment Piece: Something Gingham

The beginning of a season is so exciting. Things feel new and fresh, there’s hope, and a long list of things that you may want to do or get done. I used to make seasonal bucket lists of things I wanted to do; I also use to make seasonal mood boards-filled with images I loved and wanted to recreate (at least the vibe of). Yet. Once the pandemic hit I stopped doing those things. Not that I wasn’t noticing the seasons, not that I didn’t want to do/see/wear/be things- but as the world seemed to shrink, I couldn’t bring myself to make lists of things that I couldn’t do. (There’s no worse bummer than making a list you can’t cross off!) So, even though I was marking the seasons- and even (perhaps on a smaller scale) doing and wearing things, the past few seasons I’ve refrained from making lists. It just seemed easier.

This spring? I think I’m ready for another list- to do and see and wear.

However, this year I’m approaching my list differently. It’s not that I don’t have a ton of things that I want to do, but because none of us know what the next few months are going to bring, this spring season instead of making a list “to do” I’m focusing on what to wear- and who I want to be. If what we wear can tell stories (and by this time you know that’s my core belief) I’m thinking about what stories I want to tell, and what I could wear to tell them.

Below I’m listing what I’m shopping- aka what I want to wear, who I want to be, and therefore the stories I want to tell. I would love to know- what stories are you looking to tell and wear this spring?

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!

At The Gym
As of now, one of my standing social engagements is meeting friends for Pilates class. The teacher is one of my favorite human beings and it just makes me feel good. I’m looking for things that make me feel chic, but allow me to move freely in class- and these new pieces from Carbon38 are perfect. Almost ballerina? The effortless gal? Those may be part of the story! (Also-I can’t say no to a great jumpsuit!)

The Party Look
I have a confession: I am so insecure about my stomach. This is not me asking you to tell me I’m tiny, this is me saying that I am not always comfortable showing off my midriff (the cuts have to be high!). However, I can’t stop thinking about this set- from beach and pool parties to chic dinner dates. I imagine myself sipping champagne – and being the confident me who is unashamed of anything and willing to be vulnerable in it. And these shoes? The shape and the architecture are just stunning! What couldn’t you be in these!?!

The Rain Boot
I’m not cool and mysterious, even though I try. And I’m not sure what I think about the chunky shoe trend- mainly as I worry it will make my feet look really big, ensuring I’m not cool at all. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about these rain boots (a version of my fave JW Anderson mule). I could wear them with leggings or dresses, and I feel like my cool points would raise infinitely.

The Trouser
I have a thing for trousers. Flowing, easy, able to dress for work or play. To me a trouser says you’re an ADULT and effortless, cool, chic, and simply elegant. Maybe a lunch appointment to a trip to the museum?

In the above I see family winery trips, cultural events, swinging parties, afternoons with friends. I see a woman who’s comfortable in her skin, who can laugh and love- and somehow marks off her to-do list regularly! What we wear can be a way to tell our stories, and a way to make lists. Who do we want to be this spring? What do we want to do? And what’s on our wishlist?

I would love to hear any and all of your ideas and wishlists!
XO RA

Spring Springing

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing
Investment Piece: fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, springing spring

Have I ever mentioned that at times I expect things to happen instantaneously? IE, big birthdays- you wake up different. Seasons start and that day it FEELS like that season (warm, hot, cool, cold, etc). In reality, I know that’s not how it works. At all. And yet, it doesn’t stop me from thinking things will happen over night.

The truly ironic part is (well, other than I can sometimes be resistant to change, see here) I wouldn’t always want to have things be instant. Sometimes, the joy of a season is that season becoming. Yesterday, the first day of spring, is not the height of spring, we have so much amazing spring to come. Yet- here we are springing.

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

The weather where I’m at does feel spring-like – at least for part of the day. In the early am, when I’m taking my morning coffee walk it’s down right cold, then it warms up, by the end of the day it can be hot (why have one season when you could have them all?). Even when I can have my pick of seasons, spring is often my favorites.

(This is where we can all make a florals are groundbreaking joke, which is still timely and are still funny!)

For me, it’s more that I can wear outfits like this one. Soft colors, bare some skin (but not too much), and really welcome the season. I know, it’s a little crazy to associate a whole season with a single outfit, but this outfit is one of my ultimate spring outfits- it makes me think of Spring, and all the spring that will be springing. Fun fact? I had to be talked into this skirt when I bought it (it’s Versace before he had his own label and then became and remains one of my go-tos). And this top is another staple that I thought would be trend (do you remember when I called off the shoulder tops a trend to try? You can read my short-sightedness here). As it turns out, off the shoulder is here to stay- and it goes with everything.

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

I think what I love about this outfit is that it tells the story of spring for me- hope, renewal, a redo. Yes, there’s more spring to come and more transitions, and more outfits. But what a great first spring outfit, right? It’s spring springing!

I’ve linked you similar spring options below. What are your spring thoughts?
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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

Sunday Chronicles: Change

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles Change

There’s a saying, and I’m paraphrasing here, but the jist is that none of us are incredibly comfortable with change. Yet, all of us, if asked, wouldn’t want to be in the EXACT same place in 5 years. Meaning that we all want change, at least on some level.

And yes. I can’t think of anything that rings more true. We all want certain things: be it business, personal, or any combination thereof, most of us want to be moving forward and achieving something. Does that mean that change is easy, even when it’s something we really want? No. I’m stubborn. I admit it. I also am one of those people that have a hard time with sudden change, and change in general. (Loves, I promise I’m working on it.) So, this isn’t a post about how to deal with change, or all of my tips. That would be the blind leading the blind. In fact, if you have great tips about how to deal with change, I would love to hear them!!

What I can tell you about change is that it’s for the good. Even when it feels scary. And yes, I have to tell myself that almost daily. Change, be it fast or slow, is the natural order of things, takes us where we need to be, and if we can stop fighting it (again, talking to me), can be fun. This picture? From way back when I first started Investment Piece. I had no clue what I was doing, just that I knew I had a passion for fashion and storytelling and that there had to be a way to combine the two. Loves, we’re all grateful that things changed from that time. (Believe me)

Today is the first day of spring. And we like to call it the season of renewal and rebirth, and while it is, those are other words for change. I know I have big goals, and want to be in a different place at end of the season. Which means I have to change. Don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but change can be hard for me. In fact, this past week in the US we changed our clocks (spring forward) and as a little reminder about how well I deal with change, my sleep schedule has been a mess! The change has really been hard for me to adjust to- but I’m getting there. I’m also getting there with all of the changes I want to make, even when change is difficult for me.

Here’s what I’m doing:
I’m reminding myself that change happens with or without my say so, so I might as well change in the way I want to grow.
To take things slow, there’s no need to 180 overnight.
And finally, be excited that change means that things get better. The proof? My old posts.

I would love to know your tips for dealing with change!

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

Does it Have to be Special?

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I know that special can mean a lot of different things. Perhaps something is special because of where you wore it first, or who you wore it for, or maybe how long you had to save for the outfit, or any combination or more reasons special can be used. Or maybe special can be why you want to wear the outfit. I’m a big fan of special.

But. As I am slowly learning, special can’t sustain it all of everything (Awkward?Crossing my fingers you know know what I meant) by itself. Special needs support (and maybe a place and a time). And as I’m beginning to think or explore or play with- what if it doesn’t have to be special.

This is rich for someone who in these pictures is wearing shoes and carrying a bag that are special to me. (I couldn’t resist. And maybe special is something I cling to?) But, if special is something I showcase or have to have or feel incomplete without- what if an outfit wasn’t special? What if it just was? Would it be ok? Does it have to be special?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, does it have to be special

We know that I love special. From shoes to bags. I keep outfits from special days, from my family, from people I love. Special makes up a lot of what I own. (Or at least a lot of what I own is special to me). What happens when everything is special? Does it make it less special? What if your day-to-day go-to outfits aren’t “traditionally” special? (And that still means that you could look great and feel good in them) Does your outfit have to be special?

These are the questions that I can’t keep thinking about. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much of this year so far sick or recovering or super tired, and my daily outfit has been sweats (special points if they match). Or maybe it’s because (especially with the pandemic) I now feel that every time I shoot something or wear something it has to mean something. But. What if we just put on clothes? If there’s an outfit that you love but that has no meaning or statement piece, is it any less of a great outfit?

I tried here- a simple shirt dress (but in denim that hugs in all the right places), maybe the shoes (velvet and if you can’t see them there are sparkles on the heels) and a bag (vintage Gucci that they re-released this year) were too much. Where I lose my own argument is that I can’t help but add a special element- I can’t help but feel like even a great dress could be made better by a statement piece. And I’m working on it, I do think that we are what makes any outfit special. So not every outfit needs a statement piece. Theory doesn’t always transition easily to practice, which is weird for someone who can lay around in nothing special – but this idea, these areas of play, this is what I’m working on.

What do you think special is? Do you think an outfit has to be special? When you go out can you resist dressing it up? I would love to hear all about it!

And I’ve linked this outfit (or similar) 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!

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion, stories, does it have to be special

Cinderella Shoes: A Blog Birthday

In honor of the release of Disney’s Live Action “Cinderella” I thought I would share some of my favorite “Cinderella” feeling shoes.

From top: Brian Atwood, Marc Jacobs and appropriately named “Cinderella”.

Happy weekend and may your shoes take you magical places!

Above was my first blog post, on this day 7 years ago. (Complete sidebar: I can’t believe it’s been 7! years. It feels like yesterday and at the same time feels like we’ve always been here- in all the best ways!)

I didn’t know what I was doing, even though I had taken classes and tried to prep myself (know how I always tell you I’m back at tech? It used to be MUCH! worse). There’s a chance I still don’t know what I’m doing- I feel like I’m still learning, though I will say that I have a much more firm grasp on what my vision is (telling our stories through fashion). People will tell you that the blog is dead- but I can’t tell you how much I still love this little corner of the internet that we share, and the community we’re building- and I love that we’re still growing.

Because it’s the blog’s birthday I thought we should celebrate, and while yes- that does mean fantastic shoes (so put some on and have a fun drink for me!), I’d also like to share some lessons that I’ve learned over these past 7(!) years!

-Your dreams will change. Grow. I think the best thing is to grow with them. Sometimes that means taking breaks, sometimes it means non-stop work, but at the end it should be worth it. This part (even the work) should be fun. Even when I’m frustrated with tech or what I want to say or the myriad of other things (this is still a job) I’m so grateful I get to do this. Fashion is fun to me, and I hope that comes through in my stories.

-Your path will take its own time. Especially with “influencers” (I have feelings about that word) there is always someone new or with more followers or reaches goals before you. I would be lying if there were times when I wasn’t envious of what others are doing- but I have to remind myself that their path is not mine. All I can do is the best I can, telling the stories how I know (growing and changing of course) and trust. It’s so cheesy to say but I do really believe that what’s for you is for you- it may take time and work- but it’s out there.

-Sometimes our stories are difficult to tell. I really think that fashion is how we tell our stories. And yet, there have been things that have been hard to talk about here (like how sick I was recently. I just didn’t want to post nonstop stories of me in sweats on the couch!). Sometimes, our stories are what we’re trying to be and not what we are. It can make fashion both endlessly fascinating, yet it can also leave you feeling like you have to keep up appearances. (And yes, social media and all the things are part of it.) Boundaries have been hard for me (not just here, but in general), but having a job that’s about sharing has lead me to firm up my boundaries. Not that I don’t love sharing with you! But not every story is for sharing- and that’s ok too.

I’ll be honest, this blog birthday kind of crept up on me. As you know, I’ve been sick and while I’m finally feeling as if I’m getting back to myself, there are still things to catch up on (clearly). In the coming weeks be on the look out for a birthday give-away, and more fantastic shoes.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I’m so grateful for you, I hope that this week is full of magic and amazing shoes! XO RA

Spring Break

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring break

Where I’m from Spring Break starts today (or I guess Monday?), and while I’ve always had the theory that parts of our lives are always on the school schedule (even if you don’t have kids), for some reason this year Spring Break hit me out of the blue. Maybe it’s the pandemic that has screwed with my sense of timing or events. Perhaps it’s that it’s still feeling like winter (it’s cold and rainy today) and while in some part of my brain I’ve known warmer temps are coming, but they’ve felt far off. Or maybe it’s that my own life has been upside down a bit so a thing like Spring Break hasn’t been on my radar.

The thing is, no matter my own awareness, Spring Break is here. And it has me thinking- in a world that’s been a little off (and there is still so much going on) and as an adult without kids- what does Spring Break really mean?

fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring break

I wish that I could tell you that my spring breaks were full of fun trips, a little respite from responsibilities. In reality, if I do get some time off this coming week it will most likely be spent cleaning (even cleaning out my closet) and getting caught up on things. BUT. If I could have a spring break like the movies tell it, this is what I would like to do:

Investment Piece: Swim Cape

Absolutely spend some time on the beach or by the water. Sleeping. Reading (can you imagine the luxury of reading books a day). Sipping on bubbles and eating fresh food. I’m one of those who still loves to work out on vacation, but balancing that I would love some true time off.

Investment Piece: Birthday

Spend time with family and friends. Over the past years I feel like my relationships have suffered. Having time to catch up, hug my people? I can think of nothing better.

Investment Piece: Vintage Swim

I’ve mentioned that I need to clean out my closet- have I mentioned that I would like to spend some time replenishing it? A few shopping trips (to see some friends even!), a little update, a little making room. Maybe my issue with spring break issue is that I need more than a week.

I think the main thing that I would like to do for Spring Break is break- get some down time, get some fun and come back to my life a little refreshed. Since my life is no longer around school spring break is something we have to make. So, if we’re making our own spring break how are we giving ourself the break we may need?

I’m still working on that. In the meantime I am dreaming of being on the beach, so below I’m linking everything I would love to take on a beach trip from swimsuits to picnic needs!
I would love to hear any and all your tips for breaks and how you’re spending the next week!
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!