Wrap it Up

Investment Piece: Wrap it Up
Investment Piece: Wrap it Up
Investment Piece: Wrap it Up
Investment Piece: Wrap it Up
Investment Piece: Wrap it Up
Fall is both an ending-of summer, of the year, of many things. (One of my most favorite sayings and reminders at this time of year is that the trees teach us how to let go of things)
Fall is also the beginning of things- of letting go, of the holidays, of the beginnings that follow endings. (As F. Scott Fitzgerald said everything is new in the fall)

This fall I’m balancing the beginnings and the endings. It’s one of my favorite times of year, but transitions are always tricky. So- I tend to focus on the fashion, it helps me get by.

What I’m currently hoping wraps up (ends)? The hot weather. It’s done, let’s move on.
What I want to begin? Sweater weather. Cool days and cooler nights that will let me show off all the fall things I have (even if by show off, we mean wear around the house).

Investment Piece: Wrap it Up

One of my fave early fall outfits? A coat wrapped as a dress. (We chatted about it here)
This one is perfect for this kind of outfit. It’s just lightweight enough so I don’t sweat in the late afternoon heat. Its details (the collar, the slits, the color) let it be a “version” of a tux when paired with black accersories.
And, because of who I am as a person, I can never wrap up with boring details. This belt is my new favorite, and reminds me of how as a kid I wanted my name and initials on EVERYTHING. Kitten heel boots? Chic. Different.
Together? A show stopping outfit that celebrates all the beginnings and all the endings, and let’s you wrap it up in one.

What are you wanting to wrap up right now? Might I suggest doing it in a coat you wrap?

This number is vintage, but I’ve linked you similar options below 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: Wrap it Up

What We’re Wearing : Flares

Every Tuesday over on Instagram (please join me! @RachelAdelicia) I “host” a little segment called “What We’re Wearing”. From Un-boxings to daily outfits to fashion I’m loving, we chat about everything and anything, especially what we’re wearing.

Last week I chatted about flare jeans. I can’t stay away from them this fall, even though I’ve always loved them. They’re the party dress of jeans, and we know that I’ve never been one to turn down a party dress!

I would love to know: what jeans are you loving this season? Are you wearing jeans? I’ll admit that lately everytime I wear jeans I feel as if I deserve an award! I’ve linked some of my favorite flares below.

(Yes, it’s an affiliate link, that does not affect the price for you though I may earn commission from them! Thank you for your support!)

Shop my picks here.

I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing!
Xo RA

Past in Present

Investment Piece: Past in Present
Investment Piece: Past in Preseent
Investment Piece: Past in Present
Investment Piece: Past in Present
Investment Piece: Past in Present

There are many different kinds of vintage (from designer to concert tees to anything in between) and many different ways to wear vintage (from head to toe, to retro looks to mixing it with modern). I have different vintage pieces and outfits that I love to wear. But my favorite kind of vintage? The kind that comes from my family.

This blazer? Vintage Neiman Marcus (it has a matching skirt) from an aunt.
(Pro-tip: if you’re shopping vintage any Neiman Marcus is a must. So many designers did collections for them, and their own line was simply excellent. Any piece will be a classic you can wear forever. )
When I wear things like this, I can’t help but feel that I’m carrying my family’s stories with me. It’s part nostalgia, part protection, and part style. While I would love this color blue, and the details like the buttons (it feels very Jackie-O to me!) no matter what, it means more to me that family stories were made in this jacket.
It’s a way to carry my past in my present.
(And an amazing way to think about hand-me-downs)

Investment Piece: Past in Present
Investment Piece: Past in Present

When I carry my past with me, I love mixing it with my modern pieces. A blazer is the perfect option with jeans at this time of year, picking a vintage blazer is great, and a family blazer? Perfection. These are “skinny flare” jeans that have just enough stretch, and I haven’t found a pair of flats that they don’t go well with. A little bit me, a little bit of them makes a great outfit.

Do you love wearing vintage from your family’s closet? Does it make you feel like you’re getting a bit of your past in your present? I would love to hear all about it!

I’ve linked these exact jeans, and I’ve found you some vintage Neiman Marcus Blazers (make your own stories in them!) below. Happy shopping!
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: Past in Present

Sunday Chronicles: VOTE!

Investment Piece: Be Ambitious

Beloveds, if you’re in the States you know that Election Day is 11/3, but voting has started! Several states have begun early voting, mail in voting, and absentee voting! It’s a great day to research the voting places in your district, to research your local and federal races, and to make your voting plan (if you haven’t already!). My state opens early voting on Tuesday, and my plan is to get in and cast my ballot ASAP.

Your voice is important. You matter. Your vote matters (otherwise no one would be trying to make it hard to vote). I’m not going to claim that voting is the only route to change- but I will say that change happens at the local levels (the mayor in Jaws was still the mayor in Jaws 2!) and that I believe in our duty to be involved. We know I love shoes, but what’s more important than those? Voting. Let’s make our voices heard.

See you at the polls!

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

New Things

Investment Piece: New Things
Investment Piece: New Things
Investment Piece: New Things

I have an ex who always thought that I would love skateboarding. His reasoning? I love the ocean (true) and he thought it could replace surfing (while that may be true, and I have surfed- I wouldn’t say I’m in any way/shape/form good at it). So while I appreciated the skateboard (he tried), I’ve never really gotten into it.

However, the longer we’re inside the more I’m a bit intrigued. Could I skateboard? Is that who I am? Who’s to say we can’t take up new things?

(Or if nothing else, pose with them)

Investment Piece: New Things
Investment Piece: New Things

Do I want to try new things? Maybe even skateboard?
Yes.
And my take on new things (currently) is trying new outfit combos. Usually, I love a good heel or boot with a dress (especially one that’s leather). It just feels elevated. And as much as I love my shoes, even I have to admit that there are days that don’t call for wearing heels around the house.
So, even though it wouldn’t be my first instinct, I loving wearing sneakers with everything. Dresses. Jeans. Pants. Shorts. For me, it’s new and feels a little rebellious.

I get that it’s not skateboarding down the street, but when I wear something new to me, it can’t help but feel a little like a step in the right direction. Like maybe one day I could be the woman who does wild things.
In the meantime, maybe I’ll just dress like it. Or, at the least, dress in ways that feel new to me.

Has being at home changed the way you dress? What are you willing to try now in your outfits that you wouldn’t before? I would love to hear about it!

(I know. Sneakers are this HUGE thing. But at a time when I need new things, switching up what I would normally wear feels BIG. And like a new thing. And maybe just like the surfing feeling my ex was trying to give me. Not the end, but at this moment, I’ll take it).

I’ve linked similar shopping items 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!

Investment Piece: New Things

Grey or Gray

Investment Piece: Grey or Gray
Investment Piece: Grey or Gray
Investment Piece: Grey or Gray
Investment Piece: Grey or Gray
Investment Piece: Grey or Gray

Grey or Gray.

Grey or Gray?

Or here’s the issue-does it matter when the grey is this amazing? (If your grey or gray is not amazing you may be on your own)

This grey is amazing. So I’m ok with an e or an a. (And I looked it up-grey or gray, both are correct!) Grey is one of my favorite colors (come to a sample sale with me and you may be in charge of stopping me from buying ALL the grey t-shirts. It’s a thing I do.) And while you may use grey or gray, it’s one of my favorite colors. I love all black. I’m a fan of a pop of color, especially red. But there’s just something about grey. It’s neutral without being boring. It can be moody, dark, or light. Grey can read professional or a little rock and roll. It’s one of those colors that can work with you. (One of my very first, when I didn’t know what I was doing posts was all about grey, see it here. Oh the days when it was me and an iPhone. I still love those pics though!)

But back to this dress-wool, long, but able to keep it’s shape and keep ’em guessing. I love the neckline! Yes, it is a little low; some ways to make it a little more conservative (or work appropriate): Wear a thin tank or shirt underneath it, a turtleneck would look amazing! Wear a bralette that provides a bit more coverage, or if you’re ok with showing skin but worried about movement, use fashion tape to keep the pieces in place. I love the idea of mixing textures, so these velvet slides with this wool dress were a fun choice. Another option: any pump, boot, or slides. I even think this silhouette would look great with oxfords!

I love this dress, and wish I could share the exact one with you–but I got it last season on sale, from an Australian website. However, this look could be recreated with any grey maxi-we’re simply going to look for ones with slits and movement, and maybe an interesting neckline! The velvet slides are from Asos, again last season. I’ve found similar items (both dress and shoes) and have linked them below! (Yes,  these are affiliate links, I do get commission if you buy, but that does not affect price for you! )

Grey or Gray, let’s Monday! XO RA

Shop my picks:

Investment Piece: Grey or Gray

Sunday Chronicles: Being Dumb

Investment Piece: Dumb

loves, I’m laid up with allergies and a sinus infection  there’s been a lot of tea and resting, and thinking. During the times that I can’t be “fashion”, what am I? During these times when all of our schedules have been off and we may not have been our best- does that make us who we are? I wrote this when I first started this blog; I was figuring out how to write, how to shoot, how to do this. Not to mention, what my voice and purpose were. I like to think we all have come a long way. But, there are still things that remain true: like we’re layered, that loving this concept of fashion says nothing about your intelligence, and that we’re all still growing.xo RA

Does loving fashion mean you’re dumb?

If you know me for five minutes you catch onto a few things- I love fashion, especially shoes, and I’m not ashamed of that fact.  Is this the only defining feature I have? Heavens no! Although, to be fair, it is an obvious one. To me this quality is one that goes with being tall and blonde– it’s who I am, I give no thought to it.

So imagine my surprise a few years ago at a dinner party I threw, with a delicious champagne risotto I’m still proud of, that a friend of mine turned to me and said, “I’m surprised you’re a good cook, I mean you like fashion”. Really? Liking one thing automatically prevents you from having another skill set?

Know me for ten or fifteen minutes you pick up on other things- I love sports (don’t call me when my teams are playing), I’m an insatiable reader, I love true crime, cooking, am religious about my workouts, and have a weird obsession with art theft.   Do any of these qualities ultimately define me? I think not–aren’t we all really complex, layered creatures? One quality cannot define a person–and if we have to make a fashion tie in, if I was one dimensional could I love both high end shoes and sweat pants? Probably not. And I do.

But let’s examine the real issue– if we can agree everyone can have more than one interest, does liking fashion make you dumb? Is fashion dumb? I, clearly, am going to say no. Argue what you like–clothes have power. Putting on a certain outfit, a certain pair of shoes–you move a certain way, you feel a certain way, it affects you. That isn’t dumb– that’s power. Also, look a Zac Posen dress, look at the draping, tell me that’s not art– not a superior craft. I will argue for days that shoes that are well made are easier to walk in, no matter how high the heel.  If there is that much skill and power in what you put on your body, how can it be dumb? How can an interest in that be dumb?

So, somewhat proudly, I tell you — no fashion doesn’t make you dumb. If anyone tells you other wise look them in the eyes and dare them to prove it to you.

Wishing us all a week of layered thoughts and amazing shoes!

xo RA

Not Getting The Memo

Investment Piece: Not getting the memo
Investment Piece: Not Getting the Memo
Investment Piece: Not Getting the Memo
Investment Piece: Not getting the memo
Investment Piece: Not getting the memo
Investment Piece: Not Getting the Memo

I’m ready for fall weather- that crispness in the air that makes things feel new, not being comfy without a sweater, and everything that goes with it. The weather? It’s not really getting the memo. We’ve had a few days of “cooler” temps, but then we’ve gone right back to days with temps in the 90s.

However. There have been fall mornings. Early, there’s moments where it’s cool, and just a little foggy, and you can feel the fall in the air. I’ve been getting up earlier and earlier to soak these moments in, shoot looks, and wear all the sweaters I can before the temps go up. This practice has been both invigorating, and a little surreal. These fall moments in the morning seem to be in totally different days from the afternoons with scorching temps and where I can barely be bothered to wear sleeves.
But, these fall mornings do have one meaning- the memo is getting delivered and change is coming.

This is where I wish I had something profound to offer about patience. About letting go. About change and timing and all the things that fall can symbolize. I don’t. I’m not a very patient person, can have a hard time letting go, can resist change (even if I want it), and can struggle trusting timing. If anything, I understand days that want to be both summer and fall, I can be that way, too.
What I am focusing on is the good that I believe is coming (even if it’s just great outfits). The hints of change in the mornings can be full of promise, and maybe waiting a few weeks to get to wear all the sweaters isn’t the worst thing (it gives us one last chance to wear sundresses if nothing else).

So. While I’m waiting for the weather to get the memo, I’m working on my own issues. And I’m trying to hurry change by layering turtlenecks under everything, and wearing loafers with attitude.

How are you handling these days of both summer and fall weather?
Xo RA

This jumpsuit is vintage and these shoes are a few years old, but I’ve found you similar items and have linked them below for your shopping pleasure!

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 Stories: Street Style

One thing I really miss in this pandemic time? Street Fashion- both seeing what people are wearing and seeing how people react to what I’m wearing. It’s fashion month again, though this year it’s different. Most presentations are online and open to everyone. Are you watching? I find myself watching some but not all, and of course it always depends on how many zooms I’ve had that day. But I still miss the street style. And since there’s no way to get to see some now, I’m looking back at last year’s street style.
Do you love street style? Getting dressed up yourself? Maybe we could put our own twists on these outfits and walk around in the backyard?
Xo RA

We are in the middle of fashion month: NY, London, Milan, Paris. And maybe that’s not something you really care about, maybe it is. Personally? I love looking at what’s to come. What I love more? The street style. With every fashion week, there are scores of pictures of the people who attend, the people walking the streets, the non-models. Their outfits run from classic to out-there, and for me, provide an endless inspiration. I love “getting to know” these people through the stories they tell with their outfits. From what they wear I can imagine who they are, what they do, and where they shop. As someone who can plan outfits out for weeks, I love seeing people get celebrated for that. (I also love stealing ideas from them).

Below are some of my favorite Street Stlye shots from this fashion month. Let me know: what stories do you see here? What do you want to recreate? Are you an outfit planner? If you knew you were going to be photographed walking somewhere, what would you wear?

I’m fascinated by the stories our fashion tells. What about you?
Xo RA

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In Between

Investment Piece: In Between
Investment Piece: In Between
Investment Piece: In Between

I’m impatient. It’s not one of my most fine virtues, but it’s very true. I want what I want when I want it. And lately, I’ve been longing for fall weather and fashion. There were a few days that were cool and perfectly fall. This weekend the temps were back in the 90s.
Sometimes beginnings take time. Sometimes instead of beginnings, we are still in the in between.

Investment Piece: In Between
Investment Piece: In Between

I went to one of my favorite sites to shoot (this amazing building with exposed brick and details that’s right on the water). It was a steak restaurant and is being turned into some other restaurant. The construction has started- as in there are fences up and they’ve clearly torn some things out. Other than being fenced off and I can’t shoot at all of it, it’s the same. A little different. But mainly the same.
Like many of us, it’s in between.

Which got me thinking about the weather–and how I would love to be showing you sweaters and coats–but can’t bear to be that warm yet.
And also made me think about where we are. In so many ways, we are in between. If you’re in the States, we’re in the middle of an election- between two candidates, two choices, two futures. While it’s “officially” fall, we’re still dealing with summer weather. And you may personally be in between, not where you were but not where you want to be–I know I am.
Being in between is both a little magical and a little frustrating. There’s this sense of not being on the right track,and yet at the same time, there is so much room to play.
What do we do in the in between? How can we use it to get to where we want to go?
Investment Piece: in Between
What I’m doing? Focusing on what I want, attempting to balance action and rest, talking to all the people about all my goals, and believing that if I buy enough sweaters, sweater weather will have no choice but to come.

This dress (and these shoes!) is a bit in between. It’s Sika’a and is African print. I love it- the mix of patterns, the off the shoulder (which you could pull up), the details. It’s a bit thicker than a summer dress, but not quite a winter dress. The pattern is both classic and fresh. It’s both fancy and a shirt dress. It’s in between. And it’s perfect for being in between.
(Sizing note: I’m a 0/2 in dresses. I got a UK10 as I wasn’t sure (and do have broader shoulders). It’s a little big but not TOO big!)

I also love these mesh shoes!

Investment Piece: in between

What do you do with all the in between we’re dealing with?

I’ve also linked other striped dresses and mesh shoes below 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: In Between