Get What You Need

Investment Piece: Get What You Need
Investment Piece: Get What You Need
Investment Piece: Get What You Need

Some truths about me:
I over pack and think nothing of changing my outfit a million times a day.
I believe in magic. And not just the Disney kind, but the kind that puts you in the right place at the right time for the right thing.
I’m obessed with snow. Like 5yo obessed.

Outfits I can do. Magic comes.
But snow? I live in Texas and California, I don’t get a lot of snow.

Then. Yesterday, we got so much snow! (Ok, not for real winter-y places, but we got over an inch. It stuck! It actively snowed for a long time!) Magical is the only word I know to describe it. I couldn’t stop watching it, playing in it, taking pictures of it.

Investment Piece: Get What You Need
Investment Piece: Get What You Need

All during the holiday season, I wanted snow. This was not how I thought it would happen. But this snow was what I needed.

And getting what I needed made me face some more truths about myself.
First- I have no idea what to wear for snow. I ran around in everything from sweats to fur jackets to my rain boots. If you live where it snows reguarly and you wear outfits- I would LOVE to know what you wear! I feel like I’ve been missing out on snow outfits!
Second- getting what you need is magic. How else can you explain events that come out of no where and refuel you? Re-energize you? Let you know it’s gonna be ok. Maybe it’s not snow for everyone, but those moments when the world just seems better? I hope that this weekend has one for you.

Investment Piece: get what you need

And,yes. Because of who I am as a person, part of my snow day did involve vintage sweater tights. I don’t know that they’re the ultimate in snow dressing–but I tried!!

What fed your soul this weekend? How did you get what you need? And–what did you wear??

Xo RA

This fur coat is vintage! (It’s the only way to fur!) I’ve linked some similar vintage finds and some modern faux fur options!

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!

Investment Piece: Get What you Need

Sunday Chronicles: Setting the Tone

Investment Piece: Setting the Tone

If you managed to catch up over the winter break I’m incredibly jealous. I had all sorts of plans and goals, and while I got things done, I’m still behind.

January is seen as a fresh start. And I love that! From setting my goals to taking stock to making lists, this a month I really relish. Usually, I love really taking my time in January (setting the tone if you will), really grounding myself, writing out my goals, and setting my year in motion.

This year has started a bit different, and this week has been a lot. On top of that, I’ve been under the weather, which has made everything a bit more difficult. One of my goals? Work on my time management- which has been hard when my energy levels are consistently zapped and little things are taking forever. Nothing is horrid, but since I’ve usually written goals, made plans, and set myself on a schedule after the holidays, it feels disconcerning to not have all that done.
And while I know I’ll get caught up- I’ll sit down, really think about what I want, write my goals, and start working towards them. I’ll get caught up. (If you’re in the same boat is me, you will too!)

But, even though I trust that, why am I so uneasy about being behind now?

For me, I think it’s a fear about setting the tone. We live in a society that prizes productivity and shuns rest (ironic as rest is a part of productivity, but that’s another conversation), and I think there’s a part of me worried that a slower than normal start (and a bad week) are setting the tone for a bad year. Super weird if you think about 2020 (or super explains the worry!) I know that even if I were ahead and written out all my goals and all the things, that not everything could have been accomplished this week. We’re given 52 weeks, not 1 for many reasons.
Beyond that, I know that rest and giving myself time, meeting myself where I am, and taking care of myself is part of my goals, and sets a healthy tone for the year.
Yet. I’m still uneasy with it.

However, all we can do us what we can do, and all we can do is take care of ourselves. Right?
My plan for the week? Carve out some time to work on my goals. Set a schedule. Rest. Work. Maybe even find time to play. I hope that the tone I set will take care of me all year long. And that if doesn’t, I can find it easy to adjust.

What about you? Are you a tone setter? How do you feel about the tone you’re setting right now? Any tips?

Wishing us all a week of great tones and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Looking for Light

Investment Piece: Looking for Light
Investment Piece: Looking for Light
Investment Piece: Looking for Light

We’re through the first week of the new year, and yet doesn’t it feel like it’s been much longer? If you’re in the States it’s a lot right now. The pandemic is raging, almost 4,000 people are dying a day, and there’s been no national strategy to deal with the grief. On Wednesday, there was a group of domestic terrorists who stormed the Capital in DC. And on top of that, I’ve been sick (not a group issue, but in the middle of all the other issues it’s felt much bigger than my little body aches normally would).

There have been a few times when I haven’t know what to say here on the site, or how to deal with big events. It’s not that I don’t think fashion matters or that fashion is disconnected from the stories we’re telling. I do. And it’s not that I don’t have opinions or view points, believe me I do.
However, there is still a part of me that doesn’t know what to say- acknowledge all the things, go all in on the things, or ignore all the things and keep this space as a pure respite.
I know that there is not a right answer, but the balance has been weighing on me.

Investment Piece: Looking for Light
Investment Piece: Looking for Light
Investment Piece: Looking for Light

Part of the promise and appeal of a new year (for me at least), is the light. Not a chance to completely redo ourselves, but evolve a bit, and reach for the light a little bit more. All of the things – the pandemic, the riot, the sick? In it all, I’ve been wanting more light. Not the little kid version where things are magically ok (though if you can do that, I’m all in!), but the light where we actively turn and choose the good. Sometimes the light takes work.

I got a light set and backdrop for Christmas (I’m really excited about it). What I’ve learned so far? I can’t just turn on the light- I have to angle towards it, set up more than one, adjust to it. A metaphor? Here’s hoping. I have no answers for all the things that we’re facing, but know that we’ll need to work together and to work towards the light.

Be kind. Wear your mask. Face the truth. Take your allergy meds. And here’s to us reaching for the light.
Thank you for your patience for me while I find our voice in these times, if there is anything you would like to see in this space, I’m all ears!
Xo RA

This is where I feel weird-but if you want to shop these outfits, I can help with that!
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!

Investment Piece: looking for light
This dress is vintage but I found you options here

And here are some similar knits and skirts:

Hitting the Ground……

Investment Piece:Hitting the Ground....

It’s the first Monday of the new year. We did it! We got this far…..and now what?
Are you hitting the ground running?
Or just hitting the ground?

I had high hopes for my holiday- a mix of rest, work, getting ahead, starting the new year on the best notes.
And I did rest (turns out I was much more tired than I thought) and I did work. But all the lofty ideas I had? I didn’t get them done.

But I’m not feeling bad about it (I have a whole year and month and week to get everything done), and while I may not be running I did splat on the ground. That’s something, right?

Investment Piece: In my Robe

The most surprising thing to me? How much rest I’ve needed. We’ve been at home most of the year, things are scaled back- and I still am surprised every time I was stressed! 2020 was a hard year. It’s ok that you (me) may need time. It’s ok to ease into the new year.

Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. I’ve spent most of my holiday letting myself really rest, not getting dressed up, not pushing myself. And though it’s Monday- I’m excited. About this year. What’s to come. All the things I plan on wearing.

Investment Piece: Hitting the Ground....

I’m still working on my goals and my plans and how to get after this year. BUT. I have so many outfits to wear and share (and while I love my sweats, I’m looking forward to getting dressed!), new series to share, and updates to implement. It’s fair that 2020 made us a bit cautious. It’s fair to be moving slow. I’m also feeling hope- and for now, that’s enough.

What are you looking forward to this year? How were your holidays? Are you like me and still moving slow or did you hit the ground running?
I want to hear about all of it!

Xo RA

Fashion Stories: Holiday Pjs

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs

My family has a tradition, matching pjs on Christmas Eve. It’s the one “present” we can open early, we change into them right away, and stay up drinking champagne, laughing and enjoying each other. I know that we had matching pjs at different times growing up-there’s pictures of my sister and I in them- but this tradition has grown stronger as we’ve gotten older.

It’s currently one of my favorite times and things of the holiday season.

Investment Piece: Holiday PJs

This year has been- all of those things. (Are you tired of hearing about it? I am) Lounge wear, fancy pjs, all those things have been staples all year, so I’ve been worried that one of my favorite things would also be a causality of 2020. This time of year, when so much shuts down and in a “normal” time it’s fun to stay in pjs are we going to want pjs? Celebrate being in them? Or will this tradition be tossed aside in the coming years as we (hopefully) don’t have to stay in?

Investment Piece: Holiday Pjs

My family ordered our pjs. And though there are days when putting on real pants is noteworthy, I’m excited about them. Holiday pjs aren’t just pjs, they’re part of a story, a tradition, something bigger than just comfort. Though comfort they do bring.
The minute we decided on a pattern, I started getting excited. Maybe I’ve been more casual this year, but holiday pjs are a part of my holidays as an adult, and I’m glad that we’re still doing them.

Note-holiday or fancy pjs are a great gift to yourself, and would even be festive on Zoom!

This year there are traditions that have to change, and while change can be hard it can also be good. However, knowing that I can match my mom and sister is something I’m glad we’re hanging onto!

I’d love to know- what are some of your fashion traditions at this time of year? Have they changed?
Xo RA

If you’re in need of some holiday pjs I love these from Target (and you can order online, pick up in store so you can get them in time!)

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!

Investment Piece: fashion stories,

Celebrating at Home

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home
Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home
Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

Wanna hear a secret? All the cool kids have been celebrating NYE at home for years.
I love a crowd and a party and most importantly a party dress, but NYE out has never been my favorite.
The crowds are overwhelming, the lines are long, the champagne is expensive. One of the worst NYE I ever had? Someone puked all over my new shoes (which I still miss!)! Not something I want to repeat.

So. NYE at home. You get to be with the people who really matter. You get to do what you want- fancy dinner, take-out, games, movies, stay up all night, go to bed early, anything you like.
My fave? Movies, champagne, close friends, and food to fit the mood- we’ve had everything from charcuterie boards to risotto to brisket. At home NYE becomes a choose your best adventure.

And that’s in an average year. In this year- with the pandemic- staying home is where it’s at!
You’re keeping you, your loved ones, and your community safe- and it’s fun!

But just because you’re at home doesn’t mean the fashion stops!

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home
Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home
Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

Even when I’m celebrating at home, I like to dress. I’ve been known to come down in anything from gowns to sweats.
Another perk of being at home? You get to wear whatever you want and change whoever you need! Go through 3 outfits and 4 shoes! Mix super high and super low! It’s another choose your own adventure!

This year I’ve been attracted to clothes that look high end but wear like lounge, so I feel in love with this vintage like set from Mia Vesper (not an affiliate link! But they make the clothes from vintage fabric- they’re unisex and are divine. Well worth it!). The set will look great broken up (I can’t wait to wear the top with a camel skirt or black jeans, and a white tee or jean jacket with the pants!) but I love them together.
Fancy. Comfortable.

You could get that going out, but it’s so luxourious staying in. Especially when you’re wearing slippers that read as shoes!

This year I plan on being in this, eating and drinking to my content, and waking up to a much better year. What about you? How are you celebrating at home? And what are you wearing?
Xo RA

I highly recommend all of Mia Vesper but I’ve also linked lame and floral metallics for you 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!

Investment Piece: Celebrating at Home

Sunday Chronicles: OOO Messages

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, dresses, spring cleaning, high fashion, CA TX

There comes a time in every holiday season where people just call it. No more work is going to get done, no one’s responding, so the OOO (out of office) emails go up and we all move strictly into holiday mode.
Maybe it’s the fact that we need a little cheer.
Maybe it’s all the snow on the East Coast.
Maybe we’re all just ready for this year to be over.

But I’ve noticed that the OOO are already up. People are already switching out of work mode. And it makes sense! This week is a big holiday week. This year has been rough and we’re all ready to start fresh.

I’m finding myself dividing projects into categories- the ones I need to finish this week and the ones I’ll put down and pick back up in January. There’s the end of the year thoughts about what to keep and what to get rid of, about things to do and not do.
Mostly, there’s a need for rest, which sounds so weird as we’ve been home so much more often than in any year past! But yes, rest.

Though I’m thinking of all of that, this isn’t my OOO. Yet. We have new posts coming Monday (tomorrow) and Wednesday. And of course, throughout the next few weeks you can shop sales with me by following me in the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle Apps (@racheladelica!) Also, there are shoppable pictures in the menu here! But once Friday hits, we’ll be quite here. I’ll be posting some sales picks. And maybe some New Years thoughts, but from 12/25-1/3, we’ll be manly OOO.

Is it a bit preemptive to be thinking about OOO when I won’t be till the end of the week?
I’m not sure. I’m excited about what I’m sharing with you Monday and Wednesday, but am also exited for some days off to rest!

When are you putting your OOO up?
Wishing us all a week of winter cheer and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

The Wants

Investment Piece: The Wants

Normally, when I think about the wants, I think about my Wishlist (always have one, it’s usually always long). This year I keep thinking about the things I want to wear. On Monday, I talked about the Shoulds and all the things we may be feeling pressured to wear. Then I spent the next few days in this sweatsuit (which is my new favorite), and workout clothes.

Now, all I want to wear are party dresses.

Investment Piece: How to Sparkle

Is it a case of wanting what you can’t have? Or wearing things that you have no reason to?
I know that I can put on anything I want any day- there’s no fashion police to come and tell me to change, but I feel like I’m having a hard issue with the Shoulds and the wants this year because no outfit feels earned.

Investment Piece: The Wants

Does that sound crazy? Changing into silk lounge clothes used to feel like a joy after being dressed all day. Getting all dolled up used to be a change, and getting to see people in your clothes felt like part of the fun. Now, we get to decide the Shoulds and do what we want with the wants–and it’s actually amazing, but it can also be overwhelming.

I’ve spent the week dreaming of dresses and party outfits, but wearing sweats and pjs. There was a day when my look went from pjs to yoga pants to pjs. While the wants would have me in a gown, I didn’t make a move to get into anything resembling a “real” outfit.

Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back: Warby Parker

So. What do we do when our Shoulds and our wants are all up to us? What do we wear? Especially at a time of year when things are festive and looks can add to that? How do we celebrate if we’re not celebrating what we’re wearing?

As a lover of both the party dress and the sweatsuit I don’t know. There’s no right answer, and the beauty of this time is that whatever feels good is ABSOLUTELY what you should be wearing. For me? I’m still figuring it out. Going to extremes. Wearing party dresses with UGGs and sweats with false eyelashes.
As long as it’s what I want in the moment, it’s not a bad outfit, has been my motto. Next week is the big holiday week, so we’ll see how long that lasts!

What are you wearing? What you want? What you should?

Tell me all about!
Xo RA

I’ve rounded up some of my fave current party dresses and lounge wear- for whatever we want and should wear!

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!

Investment Piece: Gift Guide