Investment Piece – Page 63 – Everyday Editorial

#WFH

Investment Piece: #Wfh

#WFH (work from home) isn’t new to me. But, even I will tell you that things with the pandemic and lockdown(s) have made the experience incredibly different than what I (and us) were used to. Yes, I worked from home in the before. However, I also went to the gym, took meetings, met people, had events, wrote at coffee shops, and more. For working from home, there were days when I wasn’t home at all.

Then things changed. And then in the change, things changed.

Workouts (and if you read Sunday Chronicles this week you’ll be glad to know that yes, I did finally get the bike together, have taken my first at-home spin class, and yes, cried!) are at home, meetings are at zoom, and outfits are interesting.

I used to joke that for someone who loved fashion and fancy outfits like I do, I was technically able to get away with wearing pjs and sweats 90% of the time. Now, we all can. So, in this new world, what is business wear? What is appropriate?

Basically, what are you wearing while you #WFH?

Investment Piece: #WFH

I’ll admit I have days where I get dressed, like really dressed with jeans and fancy things and make-up. And days when I don’t get dressed at all. Days where I’m lounging in sweats.

But most days are a bit of a mix. Blazers over workout clothes, like above. (These leggings are super high waisted and I love them- wear them low to work out, pull them up so that your work calls are professional. I also love one pieces! Layer them with blouses and sweaters!) Sneakers. Red lips to distract from the fact that I don’t have any other makeup on. It’s #WFH in many ways- the workout and the work and the balance between the two.
(Yes, balance like my outfits, is a bit harder now, but I’m trying to make it work!)

I like to think this is a fashionable way to #WFH, but I will also take that it’s a way to get it all in and look good for it all.

What are you wearing to #WFH? Any tips to share?
Xo RA

I’ve linked you pieces and these exact shoes 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!

Investment Piece: #WFH

Hart to Hart

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

During the lockdowns here my schedules have changed. Some for the good, some for the bad. For a while, I couldn’t help but stay up late watching old sitcoms. From “Murder She Wrote” to “Golden Girls”, I’ve loved them! But one of my favorites (and it was new to me!) has been “Hart to Hart”!

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

“Hart to Hart” follows a millionaire couple, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, who globe trot, find themselves in trouble, and solve crimes. It’s both fun and sexy, and just a little funny (I’m just saying if there was a crime or something everywhere I went, I might think it was me!).

I’m loving the show (though I’ve moved to recording it so I don’t stay up too late!), and it’s beginning to influence my fashion. We all make fun of 1980s fashion, and some of it deserves that. However, some is chic and I can’t help but loving the way Jennifer Hart is making me dress!

Investment Piece: hart to hart

What’s “Hart to Hart” style? (At least to me). Clutches. Nude pumps. Put together looks from suits to dresses to even her pjs. It’s the best and most elegant of the 80s. Yes, there are some shoulder pads and Ruffles, but done well I like those things.

This dress? It’s a Dianne Freis (also some of the best of 80s, we’ve chatted about her here) It’s simple and a statement all in one (that color, the Ruffles, the movement! It does have shoulder pads but they go with the fit!). With nude pumps and a vintage clutch? I feel like I’m dashing off to solve a mystery with my husband!

Or just eating outside (every year has its adventures!). I feel glam and yet its easy. Maybe that’s the best part of “Hart to Hart” fashion!

(A sizing note. This is not my only Dianne Freis, with her signature stretchy waist you can wear a ton of sizes. I have an XS, a M, and a S. They’re forgiving and chic-the best of both worlds!)

I’ve linked you similar items below so we can be 80s fatales together!
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: Hart to Hart

Sunday Chronicles: Back to Normal

Investment Piece: Back to Normal

I’ve mentioned before how much I love my spin workouts and spin classes. With the pandemic, lockdowns, and trying to stay safe I haven’t really been able to indulge in one of my favorite things for months. Getting back to normal, or at least a part of it to me, involved getting back on a bike. Or so I thought.

Recently, meaning longer ago than I would like to admit, I bought myself a spin bike for home to use with various apps and online classes, to get back to normal and get back on a bike. The bike has been sitting, waiting to be assembled. I’ve gone on runs, completed other workouts, and had a lot of down time. I’ve missed spin class and been jealous of other people’s home bikes. And yet, the bike has stayed in its box.

If this is a part of getting back to normal for me, why can’t I bring myself to put it together? Are you resisting anything “normal” for you right now?

Investment Piece: I workout

I actually plan on making myself put the bike together today (it’s part of my fall “redo” of the house). And while I would love to tell you that between battling allergies and work and all the things, what’s been keeping me from putting together this “normal” piece for me is all of that, I know it’s a little bit more.

Honestly, I’m scared that it won’t be the same. The bike, the classes, the new normal. And loves, it won’t. It can’t. Even if it’s the best bike and the online classes are amazing, it won’t be the same as going to studios that I love with people I love. This bike will be getting back to normal, but it will be the new normal. And admitting that, even after all the months at home and adjustments and precautions, has been difficult for me.

I’m not going to lecture you on what you, or we as a country or group, should be doing about pandemic precautions. It shouldn’t be a touchy subject, but it is, and we all have various levels of comfort with various activities. For me, right now, the bike at home makes the most sense. But it also means accepting that normal right now is not the normal I knew.

New is fun! It’s exciting and shiny. But it can also be scary, unknown, and at times lonely. There are things that I loved about lockdown, and spending more time at home. But there are times when these times feel scary and unknown.
So I’ve left a bike I know I’ll love in the box. I do know I’ll love it. I plan on ripping the bandaid off today, putting it together, and I’m sure later on IG I’ll be posting about how much I love having a bike at home. And even, when things are the most back to normal, I know I will probably love having a bike at home for when I can’t make class, or when I need to workout on my own timeline. The happiness is certain.

However, there’s also a sadness and a little uncertainty. And I would be lying to you if I didn’t admit that, too. Maybe both the happiness and the sadness are part of getting back to normal. And maybe, instead of avoiding that, the truth is we’re lucky to be able to feel so much.
Is that normal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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