Is TennisCore a Thing We’re Doing?

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a thing we're doing?

I joke all the time that I only have 2 modes: completely over dressed (aka party dresses) or I’m in workout clothes (see more about my discomfort in the middle here Though I promise I do love jeans!). And the thing about jokes is that sometimes they’re true. Those are try my two natural modes. And yes, I can’t help but be completely drawn to the “new” trend: TennisCore.

Note: I don’t play tennis. At all. Although it’s one of those things that I would love to learn, would even love to get into (I watch the occasional match but it’s not something I follow reguarly). Once upon a time I signed up for lessons but couldn’t make them due to work. However, I’ve always loved the tennis skirts and dresses.

So. Now that TennisCore is a thing- aka more and more offerings of tennis skirts and dresses- I’m so into it. Yes, they are all perfect for a match, or a workout, but they double as “going out” outfits (whatever that means to you).

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're Doing?
Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're doing
Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a thing we're doing?

This “new” trend of TennisCore has slowly been creeping up. A few summers ago, I got my first “exercise dress” and I couldn’t help but live in it (see here). And now? As there are more and more exercise dresses and tennis skirts that are oh-so-stunning on the market I find myself not being able to resist. Yes, I wear them to Pilates, sometimes to spin, and for hikes. But I also pair them with button-downs, going out shirts, and other cute tops. I vary between sneakers and heels with them. The fact that they can go from “Courts” to dinners is the day-to-night fashion I thought being an adult was all about as a kid!

And the kicker? All of the TennisCore dresses and skirts have shorts built in! So it doesn’t matter how short they are!

Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're doing?
Investment Piece: Is TennisCore a Thing We're Doing?

Is TennisCore a fast fading trend that will go away? Or is tennis core a long lasting fashion option now that our lives are more one the go/at home? I don’t know. What I do know is that I’ve always loved the idea of a cute tennis skirt- and now that I have more than one fashionable option to wear with EVERYTHING I’m in- for a long time.

I would love to know: do you wear TennisCore (aka exercise dresses)? How? And to where?

While there are so many, many options, below I’ve linked this exact outfit and some other TennisCore options I love! (Note: these heels are Sarah Flint- you can read about why I love them here and use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE to get $50 off a pair of your own at Sarah Flint).

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!

Investment Piece: IS TennisCore a Thing We're Doing?

Lady of the Lake

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake

Do you know the myths surrounding the Lady of the Lake? Every culture has them, but she’s especially featured in the King Arthur/Merlin legends. She appears as a fairy-like enchantress in various myths,she is said to have various powers, and rule over a magical diminision that can only be accessed through a lake. Some say that she was named Vivian, and endowed the sword of the stone with its power. Some say that she killed Merlin, others that she was his one true love. Some say that she raised Lancelot from the dead, some say that she transported the dying King Arthur to Avalon. In all of these myths, the Lady of the Lake deals with magic, beauty, power, love, and longing.

You can read a brief overview here and of course there are tons and tons of books out there about the Lady of the Lake.

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
I’ve been thinking a lot about the themes in the Lady of the Lake recently. About beauty and power, my own and others; how to use it and what it means. Magic, if it exists (I think so and I think a lot of magic is tied to kindness), and how and when it shows up for us. Love and longing and other worlds. And even though it’s late summer and we’re headed into the fall, I’ve been thinking about renewal. After the year that was 2020 (and to be fair 2021), it’s not that I’m looking to turn everything upside down, but I am looking to be more intentional, more sure in my actions, more secure in my own beauty and power. Maybe that’s why I’ve been thinking about the Lady of the Lake recently. You could argue her story is not so much a “how to” (there’s a lot and a lot of layers to her story). BUT

What would it look like to use our beauty and power and magic and love and kindness to make a different world? I know it’s the stuff of myths and Lady of the Lake, but do you think we could?

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake

This photo shoot happened almost on a lark. I’ve had this set- it’s a 1930s nightgown set but why would you hide it?- for a while, but knew that it needed a special setting. The lake is by a family member’s house and when I saw it, I knew I had to shoot here. By chance I had the set, and the rest is history. It was a humid morning, almost misty and it felt very Lady of the Lake to me.

Investment Piece: Lady of the Lake
Another advantageous happenstance? This Art Deco necklace that matched perfect was available to be loaned to me. This turban is from Masha Osoianu Design. You’ll be hearing about Masaha a lot here- I just love her creations and I can’t wait to share all about her and them with you!

In the meantime, I’ve linked some similar vintage sets for you below. Where would you wear them? And what are you using your magic for?

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!

Investment Piece: Lake of the Lake

The Best Jewelry Trends of 2021

I’m pleased to have a guest writer today! Let me introduce you to Suzy Walsh of House of Elegance Fashion. Today she’s been kind to share with us her top jewelry trends of 2021! I hope that you enjoy!

Check Out the Best Jewelry Trends of 2021
Quarantine, limited traveling, WFH, social distancing – The global pandemic has changed the world like never before. It’s not surprising that the fashion industry has also changed drastically in the last couple of years. Brands and designers have launched virtual shows, and fashion weeks were rather damp squibs, thanks to low-key arrangements, which obviously was the need of the hour. While masks may prevent you from showing of your lip colour, jewellery doesn’t have to wait. In this post, we are sharing the best spring 2021 jewellery trends that need your attention.

The Beaded Look
Investment Piece: 2021 Jewelry Trends

Colourful beads make for great statement jewellery, and you could see the trend almost everywhere. Some were layered neckpieces; others were single chains with tons of colourful breads. If you want some inspiration, check the collection of Versace, Jason Wu, and Kenneth Ize. Team these simple neckpieces with any colour or outfit of your choice. For a regular day, this could add a little bit of colour to otherwise drab outfits. View here for some colorful summer dresses! (Not a commission link!)

Pearls are Back!
Investment Piece: 2021 Jewelry Trends

Some years back, Chanel came up with these pearly chokers, which eventually ended up being a staple for every fashionista. Turns out, Pearls are not reserved for grandmothers anymore. Many top labels and designers used pearls in so many different ways. From danglers to minimalistic earnings, there is something for everyone. For those who want to see how the idea shaped up, check the collections of Simone Rocha and Jason Wu. You can also go for a dainty chain with a pearl pendant – timeless and classic at once!

Shoulder Earrings
Investment Piece: 2021 Jewelry Trends

No wonder, some of us like to go all out when it comes to trends, and this one is just for these fashionistas. Earrings, which almost play with the shoulders, were an instant hit in Spring 2021, and you could spot this trend in collections/shows of Dolce & Gabanna, JW Anderson, and Ulla Johnson, among others. Some were minimalistic and simple, while others were bold enough to create an instant statement. When you try something like this, you may want to mute everything else in the look.

Necklace Bags
Investment Piece: 2021 Jewelry Trends

If there has to be one trend that stood out in jewellery in 2021, this has to be the one. Necklace bags – that sounds weird, but the idea is effective and fun at the same time. You are basically wearing a bag around your neck, except for the fact that these are not functional bags, but meant to mimic the look. The idea came alive at Chanel, Etro, and Balenciaga, to name a few. What if you don’t find the exact trend in your regular stores? Well, all you need is a miniature bag with a long handle, and you can easily pull off the look.

Final Word
Jewellery trends are always about experimenting with new things, and we are glad that none of these trends listed above are boring or seem repetitive. Check online stores that have a bunch of designs and styles that can replicate these ideas, and you don’t have to spend a fortune.

[Images Credit: https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion]

Author’s Bio: Suzy Walsh is a fashion blogger, chief editor for The House of Elegance Fashion. She regularly writes on trends, fashion, and runway styles and is an advocate of sustainable fashion.

I hope you loved this look at Jewelry trends. You can find any of these new or vintage- if you want help shopping or putting together outfits around these trends please reach out to me or Suzy at House of Elegance Fashion, we would love to help! Xo RA

Star Point

Investment Piece: Star Point
Investment Piece: Star Point

If I had to choose, I would tell you that my favorite pattern is polka dots. However, my second favorite, and one I can never resist is stars. Maybe it’s because of my acting training (and movie star childhood dreams), maybe it’s the fact that my birth announcement was star themed, or maybe it’s because stars are just a bit magical.

The point is I can’t resist them. So. I wear them.

Investment Piece: Star Point
Investment Piece: Star Point
Investment Piece: Star Point

Sometimes my stars are very fancy (see here and here), sometimes they’re casual (see here and here) but my stars are always a go to. (I think I’m making the argument that stars are a neutral!)

This time, I found my stars on a jumpsuit, perfect for summer to fall transitions (I know, I can’t believe how fast summer is flying by!), errands, evenings out, and all the things that we do.

Here’s what I love about this star jumpsuit:
-The stars are big but not overwhelming. They’re not exactly subtle but I love how these stars are spaced out!
-This green color! I have something for it- anytime I need to reach for a more casual pant, this is the hue that I end up loving. Slightly fatigue-ish? The allusion to a flight suit? I’m not sure what it is, but like the stars, I can’t resist it
-The waist tabs. Yes, jumpsuits such as this one can be a bit more casual and the oversized look can be hard at times to pull off, so I love the option to make the waist a bit more fitted.
-The black stars go perfectly with my favorite black sandals, but would also go with heels, wedges. I’m a personal believer that there is no wrong shoe.
– One of my favorite patterns is just easy here. It’s simple but I feel special when I wear it. What else can you ask from an outfit?

Investment Piece: Star Point

While this jumpsuit is sold out, I went ahead and linked it (so you can sign up to be notified if it restocks in your size!) and I’ve also linked similar items!

What’s your star point?
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!

Investment Piece: Star Point

Sunday Chronicles: Back at It

Investment Piece: feathers and pjs and stirrups oh my!

Last week I spent more time than I care to admit getting the site updated. Yes, there were HOURS on phones/chats/emails with support. Yep, still getting some things worked out- and yes, there are some changes that I can’t wait to share with you! Updates (change) are one of those things that I both love and hate. I always want the new things, but the process and technical aspects (especially tech. I own a website and yet it’s not my strength. I can’t wait till I can afford a tech specialist and it’s not me!) can be difficult. Such is life? (Aka if you have tips for dealing with change, I am, as always, all ears. See more of my thoughts on change here)

Starting today we’re working through the change and remaining updates, meaning, that we’re back at it! Posts will resume their schedule-outfit posts M/F, W with an emphasis on brands or trends or the like, and Sunday’s of course are for Sunday Chronicles! You’re always more than welcome to join me over on IG (@racheladelciia) for more outfits, some behind the scenes, and video series like “Cocktails and Caftans”. Want more shopping? Follow me in the LikeToKnowIt and ShopStyle apps where I post shopping picks daily (Note: Today is the LAST day of the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom and there are all sorts of things I love in my picks there!)

But- more than anything- this past week as I was working on tech I missed you! Our little community is such a joy. So what did I miss? What did you do? While I was working on getting this site updated, I also played with so many outfit ideas, thought about fall boots, and dreamed of one last stellar summer vacation.
We have a lot to catch up on, I’m so glad to be back at it with you!

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

Site Maintance

Investment Piece: All that Glitters

Beloveds! This week a lot is happening- and while I’m not always great with change, I’m truly excited about it. Investment Piece is a getting an facelift this week, from OS to look to how you’ll shop it, we’re leveling up and getting better. What it will look like for you? We’ll be down this week, hopefully the updates won’t take long but we’re erring on the side of caution and keeping the site down till next Sunday to ensure that everything is running smoothly and we got all the bugs out.

I’ll still be posting and shopping over on Instagram (@racheladelicia) and the LiketoKnowit (@racheladelica) and ShopStyle Apps (RachelAdelicia). Please follow along for outfits and sales and all sorts of fun. Then we can meet back here on 8/8 with a new look for our site.

Thank you for your patience while we upgrade (and I’ll take all your good thoughts. I’m not personally great at technology so I’m always nervous about changes like these!). I can’t wait to show you all the things that we have planned!

Wishing us all a week of easy change and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom

IInvestment Piece: Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom

I know. I know. I promised that I would really only write about the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom once this year (see here). And while I’ve been posting looks on the LiketoKnowit app, I’ve attempted to keep my word here. However, I couldn’t resist talking about it today. Today the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale opens to the General Public. That means that you don’t need a Nordstrom Credit Card or Early Access to shop. That means that more sale picks will be released by Nordstrom. That means that things will sell out and that if that this is an event you love to shop that it’s imperative that you shop it.

So. I couldn’t help but write about it. There are so many categories to shop: shoes, clothes, home, makeup, tools, so many exclusives. I’ve been going through the previews and I’m still not 100% sure exactly what my shopping list looks like. But I know I need some running shoes, that there are boots that make sense to buy and that the discounts in the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom are do great that almost anything you’re thinking about is worth it. I’ve rounded up some of my faves below. As usual, I will be updating and try to keep up on top of this sale in the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle apps. Those are the best ways to get my shopping picks and keep on top of the sales with me- as I get updates about things on sale and what’s selling out, I’ll be updating there.

In the meantime, if there is something specific you’re shopping for send me an email or a DM on socials (@racheladelicia) and I will find you what you need!

Happy Anniversary Sale Day!
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!

Ex-files: the break-up text

Investment Piece: Ex Files: The BreakUp Text

It’s ex-files, where we stop chatting fashion for just a minute and talk dating horror stories. An attempt to be like Carrie Bradshaw? Sure. But let’s be honest, dating horror stories are both horrifying and funny. Names may have been changed to protect identities, some details moved about. Hungry for more? Try: Tinder on an Airplane, Jumping to Conclusions, and The One Who Asked for his Money Back. There are quite a few more when you search “ex files” in the search tab!”

The Break Up Text

There is an infamous Sex and the City episode where Carrie is dumped by Burger via post-it-note. Which is horrifying. Have I ever been dumped via post-it? No. But I have been dumped via text message. And loves, I get that there may be times when a breakup text is warranted. Maybe it’s unsafe to do it in person. Maybe you’ve only been out once and it’s a quick “this isn’t a match for me” text. However, much out of those contexts, is a break up text ever ok?

Steve and I had been seeing each other reguarly for over a month. Long afternoon dates that stretched into evening, all day long text conversations, future plans had been made. In fact, the day of the breakup text, I saw Steve at a mutual friend’s lunch. We had just had a date two days before, it went great! We had plans for that very evening. So, I was a little taken back when Steve was a little cold when I saw him at the lunch with friends. Like, weirdly cold. But, not one to take everything super personally, I thought not TOO much of it, and continued to prepare for our date that evening.

Then I got it. A text letting me know that he no longer wanted to see me, that he wasn’t attending our planned event that evening, but that he wanted to be my friend.

As you can imagine, I was shocked, angry, and stunned by his timing. When called out for his poor timing (like really, you couldn’t make it through the night?!?) and his method (we had LITERALLY just been face to face), he got horrifically defensive and called me crazy.

(BTW one of the most amusing things to do is Google “Crazy Men Women Gaslighting” and let it tell you that your ex is a psycho path)

Needless to say, I don’t have a lot of respect for the breakup text. And I still think Steve was a coward for doing it. But???

I’d love to know your thoughts on the breakup text!

Wishing us all a week of non-awful texts and amazing shoes!! Xo RA

Not a Party Dress

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

I don’t know if you’ve caught on- but I have a thing for party dresses. It’s not even that I go to parties (or events) day in and day out, it’s that I love a good party dress. So much so that my (vast) closet is predominantly party dresses. Which isn’t bad- I’m never unprepared and I have things that truly make me happy. (I’m also never afraid to overdress so I usually don’t notice that not every one is in a party dress)

However, you can’t live in party dresses alone (though I tend to push the limits there). Particularly during this past year, I noticed that there are parts of my closet that need some attention. While I usually will joke that I’m either in a party dress or workout clothes, it turns out that I do need more balance; things like day dresses, casual, work, even lounge deserve to have the attention that my party dresses do. So. I’ve been working on this part of my closet.

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress
Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress
Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

One of my current faves that’s not a party dress? This shirt dress. Fresh. On trend. Yet classic (stripes!). It’s linen so it’s just light enough not to overheat you in the dog days of summer, and while it can look crisp, when it wrinkles it still manages to look sharp.

I’ve been wearing it non-stop for errands, lunch meetings, working at home, etc. It goes great with barefeet, sandals, even heels (I am who I am), over bathing suits, and more. Not a party dress, but maybe one of the greatest assets that I’ve purchased recently?

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress
Investment Piece: Not a party Dress

Emboldened by this day dress I’m looking at more and more things that are not party dresses but fantastic additions to my closet. What do you wear day to day? What parts of your closet need attention?

I would love to hear all about them! Below this exact dress and the exact shoes are linked for your shopping 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!

Investment Piece: Not a Party Dress

Vintage Halston

Investment Piece: Vintage Halston
Investment Piece: Vintage Halston
Investment Piece: Vintage Halston
Investment Piece: Vintage Halston

Some things to know about me and this dress:

-this is vintage Halston. I know that there is the Halston show on Netflix, and it’s on my list!- but I haven’t watched it yet. This dress is Halston for Neiman Marcos (before the caftans and the jersey). I love that it’s both Deisgner history and fashion history. Doesn’t this dress feel like a moment in time?
-I love vintage. I love that dresses like this vintage Halston feel both modern and of its time. Things that can be more than one thing at a time intrigue me. Like the full skirt and Ruffles, combined with a low neck line.
– I love being surprised by color. Right or wrong, I have it in my head that there are colors that I don’t look good in (or don’t gravitate towards). When colors that aren’t “me” end up being one of my faves, I love it. While I will never give up my faves (you can NEVER own enough black) I love finding new colors (and fits)!
-mixing vintage and new is my jam. Vintage dress and bag. New shoes. And my modern attitude? I like to think it all works!

Investment Piece:Vintage Halston
Investment Piece: Vintage Halston
Investment Piece: Vintage Halston

More things to know about me and this Vintage Halston:

-if there is something to climb on, I will find it and I will climb it. (Statues, construction equipment, all of it) Yes, in vintage, yes in heels, yes on this construction equipment that was left unsupervised.
-there was a moment when the basket began swaying and it was a little nerve racking. I couldn’t help but think- could I break a whatever this is called? Luckily it stopped, I was fine. But there was a second when I worried a foreman was going to appear and I would get in trouble. Can you get in trouble for climbing on something someone else left out?
-I love Juxatipositons. Fancy dress and construction equipment? To me, they go together.

Investment Piece: Vintage Halston

Shopping vintage is always a bit of treasure hunt, but I’ve found you similar vintage Halstons (and bags and shoes!)
What are some things that I should know about you?
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!

Shop this look here

Investment Piece: Vintage Halston