Dressing Gown

Investment Piece: Packing

Most of us are about a week into working from home, maybe for the first time. I do a lot of work from home already, but even I will admit that this is a bit different. (That being said, it’s important! If you are able, please stay home! If you have a job that you have to go to, thank you for showing up for all of us. Let’s all be kind and wash our hands!) Even when I’ve worked from home, there have been appointments and places to be. Now, for the most part, I might be able to get away with wearing almost anything.

Investment Piece, high fashion, vintage, holiday Velvet, CA, TX

So, what should we do? Wear yoga pants all day? Get dressed?

I’m attempting to balance it. At least once a week I’m getting dressed, it makes me feel better (and outfits are a source of stress relief and fun for me!). I’m also being ok with the reality that there will be days when I stay in sweats or yoga pants.

And I’m leaning into vintage dressing gowns. They’re the best of both worlds-lounge friendly and they make you feel glamorous.

Investment Piece: Summer Verision

I’ve always loved a great robe, I’m a big fan of PJ dressing, and a dressing gown is a must have in my book! All of my dressing gowns are vintage, and what makes a vintage one so special is just how gorgeous they are. Yes, you can get a great modern robe. In the past they essentially made gowns to wear around the home, and they are perfect for the moment. You can find any from the velvet and silk ones above to quilted ones, long sleeved, tea length, there’s a dressing gown for any style.

I’m wearing my black one with a black silk turban, and my white one all alone. They’ve been complemented on virtual meetings, and I’ve slept in them. For my kimonos, I’ve worn them over everything, and used a belt to wear them alone. There’s no wrong way to wear a dressing gown, and every reason to invest in one (being glam at home will never go out of style!).

I’ve linked some of my favorite dressing gowns here (yes, that is an affiliate link. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. I really appreciate your support. That being said, it’s a great time to shop online at your local vintage store- they need your support too!)

I would love to know: what are you wearing while you’re at home?

Be kind. Wash your hands. Thank you for being here!
Xo RA

What a difference 4 Years Makes

My loves! In 4 years we’ve gone from this:
Investment Piece: What a Difference 4 Years Makes
To this:
Investment Piece: Set Moments

There have been a few lows, so many highs, and a few times I’ve fought with technology. In some ways, this blog birthday feels a little surreal. I still see so much room for growth, so much I want to say, so much to share. The entire world is being affected by a virus and every day lives are interrupted, and everything from what to post to the future seems up in the air. I try to be as honest as I always can be, and when I don’t have the answers I like to say so, this is a time when I really don’t have the answers. When thinking about how to mark this anniversary, I thought about skipping it. I want to be a respite for your time, but don’t want to be insensitive. As I was thinking through all of that, I kept coming back to what’s important to me here at Investment Piece, and what I hope we offer you.

Stories
I’m so passionate about our stories. And that fashion is a means by which we tell stories. While writing this, I’ve changed 3 times and have told 5 stories. I want to continue to tell my stories, your stories, and hold space for other women’s stories. And if we all need to change a bunch of times in that space, so be it. 🙂

Fashion Inspiration
Since I was 2 I’ve been good at putting together outfits. I love it. And yes, I love to be a bit daring at times. But, what I hope I provide is an encouragement to dress in ways that make you happy. Copy my outfits! Take those ideas and run with your own! Fashion is both art and freedom, let’s embrace both ends of that, together.

Support Other Women
We need each other. And women are amazing.

All of this comes in different ways: our series, styling, shopping, and support. Each year, as I reflect on the blog’s journey and where I want to go, I become more and more clear on how these things fit into what we do here. I have no clue what’s coming, how the virus will affect business and fashion and us. There will be days when I’m unsure what to post, say, or do, I’m sure. Whatever happens, I hope I can come back to these things, that these core beliefs can guide us through. I’m so grateful you’re here, that we can manage this together. Here’s to many more blog birthdays!

Of course- any thoughts, series, stories you would like to see more of, please reach out at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com.

Xxoo RA

Investment Piece: What a difference 4 years makes

Smocking Hot

Loves, in this uncertain time it’s a little hard to know exactly what to write. We don’t want to be insensitive, but would love to offer a bit of respite while we’re all dealing with social distancing, quarantines, and life changes. We’ll try to balance the situation with our love for fashion and a love for sharing it with you, if there is any content in particular you would love to see please don’t hesitate to reach out at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com. Also, we’ll be doing our best to feature outfits that are perfect for being glam at home, and then can be worn out later! Thank you for your support as we navigate this! XO RA

Investment Piece: Smocking Hot
Investment Piece: Smocking Hot
Investment Piece: Smocking Hot
Investment Piece: Smocking Hot

Smocking Hot. I’m a lover of a good smock, or Smocking detail (see here and here). My mom smocked many of my dresses growing up and it’s always been one of those details that’s felt like home to me. And now, Smocking is back. Part a throw back to vintage Laura Ashley (which I loved growing up!). Part of the prairie trend. Part fashion based on movies such as “Little Women” and “Emma”. All chic.

What I love about dresses like these is that, even though they’re modest, they’re subtly sexy, they’re flattering, and versatile. Dressing up? Pair it heels. More casual? Sandals. Lounging on the couch? It’s good as is. It’s sweet but not saccharin, and it can easily be made more edgy with accessories!

Investment Piece: Smocking hot
Investment Piece: Smocking Hot
Investment Piece: Smocking Hot

The most important thing about a dress like this? Comfort. I’m not lying about the lounging part. It’s almost like a nightgown in the best ways, and we should all take advantage of that! Though it’s both high necked and long sleeved I was fine on a hot spring day.

What’s your take on this trend?
I’ve linked dresses for a similar look and some vintage nightgowns 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!

This look can be shopped here
Love the idea of a vintage nightgown or vintage Laura Ashley? I love these:

Investment Piece: Smocking Hot

Sunday Chronicles: Fear

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Fear

Loves, it’s tough out there right now. There’s a good chance that you, or someone you know, are scared and worried about the COVID-19 virus and its impacts on our lives. I’m a fashion blogger and this not a medical blog. Please trust the medical professionals, take precautions, wash your hands, be kind, and let’s take care of the most vulnerable in our herds.

That being said, when we’re scared it can be hard, fear makes us do crazy things. People are stocking up on things like soap and hand sanitizer. Companies asking employees to work from home. Huge events are being canceled. For the record, I’m a fan of us all being cautious. I would rather events be put on hold and people be safe rather than events happen and people get sick. I’m a fan of protecting the herd. But I also know that caution can be fear driven and not fact driven.

So, what do we do?

Loves, I’m not sure. Again, I push us all to heed caution and take the health officials recommendations seriously. To balance living our lives (which we should! Dress fabulously! Shop! Hang out safely! Tip well! Order in Chinese Food!) and taking this pandemic as seriously as we should (don’t go out unnecessarily, wash those hands! Avoid crowds! Stay home and binge watch!).And I don’t have the answers.

What am I doing? Trying to support the people I can- calling my elderly friends, checking in on family. I’m also attempting to shop from local and indie stores. Everytime you shop here I appreciate it, as a small business owner. I’m attempting to pay that forward, shopping small, local, being aware that not only our health but people’s livelihood might be on the line. Then I’m avoiding gatherings that aren’t 100% needed. Staying in, resting, taking care all sound good right now, so I’m leaning into that. I’m also assessing and reassessing with every new release of information, etc. I’m trying to balance it all, and like us all, doing my best not to let my fears dictate anything.

What I truly believe this is a time to be kind to each other. We need each other- to help, to keep each other safe, to work together. Let’s do that. Let’s be kind, offer the best of us. We may all be scared, but let’s act like our best selves. We may all be a little (or a lot) anxious (I am), but being kind may be the perfect rememdy to the fear we have right now.

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

Trend to be Tie-Dyed

Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed
Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed
Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed
Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed
Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed
Investment Piece: Trend to be Tie-Dyed

Tie-Dye.
As a process it’s been around since people have been dying fabric.
As a trend, it’s seen some things. The hippie movement. Then it was high fashion by the likes of Halston and Dior and on Picadilly. Then disco. The trend died for a bit, but was revived on hyper-color shirts (yes,I’m that old), and now Tie-Dye is back. There are tie-dye parties you can throw with your friends. And if you’re not the DYI type, you can buy chic versions of tie-dye in the form of anything from dresses to pjs.

Yep, these are pjs. I have a bad (or good) habit of wearing my pjs as street wear. You can see for yourselves here, here, here, here, here, and here. For starters. (I can’t help it!). And this tie-dye number? Yep. PJs. But with a trench and on-trend sandals, no one may be able to tell! (And if they do, it will be okay!)

(Note: these pieces would also be great as seperates. Wear the cami with jeans or a skirt. Pair the pants with a crop top. It’s tie-dye. It’s supposed to be fun).

Investment Piece: Trend to Tie-Dye

As tie-dye has been making it’s come back (if we can call it that), I’ve been loving the tie-dye dresses and skirts that have been popping up all over my feeds. So why did I buy PJS? I love a good set (and everything that comes with, the endless chances for mixing and matching). I love PJS (seriously. They look chic out and you can sleep in them!! Go straight to bed (after skin care of course!). And this set was tie-dye without being over the top. I love the trend, but didn’t know if I was ready to for my tie-dye to be so bold. This was perfect for me. And while my mom could tell it was PJS, the people I met out and about couldn’t!

You can buy this set here:

And shop more of my tie-dye picks here.

Yes. Those are both affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

I would love to know is tie-dye a trend you’re trying? How are you wearing it?
Xo RA

Spring Wishlist

At the beginning of every new season, I can’t help but take a little stock. Of what I have. Of what I might want. Of what I need. This is sometimes a big undertaking, sometimes it’s simple, sometimes it’s a little of both.

I love to clean out and organize my closet in January and February. This gives me a sense of what I have, what I need to replace, and what my waredrobe is missing. Then I think about trends, what’s being offered, what I love and what I don’t, and a mix of what I need and want. There’s a shopping theory I hold dear, and explains a little bit about how I shop. I think there are 3 categories we buy in: what we need (work, basics, etc), what we love (more trendy), what fills the spaces we need (overall waredrobe building). All are valid, and we might do all each season.

This season, my spring Wishlist is a mix of all. I’m looking for pieces to fill a specific hole in my closet. There are some trends I’m just in love with, and I can never say no to basics. These are just a few pieces I’m shopping for–what about you?

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!

Puff Sleeve Dress
The statement sleeve has been “in” for a while and isn’t going anywhere. For spring, the trend has evolved into puff sleeve, and these are some of my favorites:

White Jeans
It feels like I’m forever on the hunt for the perfect white jeans. These are some that are in the running:

Belted Bathing Suit
I’m such a fun of the retro-inspired and ever so flattering belted swim wear on offer. We know I love to wear my swim wear out and about, and I can’t wait to see what these go with:

Strappy Sandals
There’s no such thing as too many shoes, no matter what anyone else says. To me, strappy sandals aren’t so much a trend but a spring staple-though this season I’m loving the square toe take on it! I love these:

And you can shop more sandal picks here and here.

I would love to know: what’s on your spring Wishlist?
Xo RA

Set Moments

Investment Piece: Set Moments
Investment Piece: Set Moments
Investment Piece: Set Moments

A part of the story is that I love sets. They together. They go seperately. There are endless options with mixing and matching, wearing the set as a one piece, changing up the accessories, that they are truly a great investment!I love the combination of both dots and stripes on this one. It’s both a bit professional and a bit playful. This set was part of a vintage closet that I was gifted at the beginning of the year by a family member. It’s been worn to business meetings and dates, and I love wearing all that history. While I could dress this down, I love that this set lends itself to being so polished and lady like.

Investment Piece: Set Moments
Investment Piece: Set Moments
Investment Piece: Set Moments
Investment Piece: Set Moments

A part of the story:
This set felt very Megan Markle to me. Polished. Pretty. Appropriate for tea, or an event. Styling it with a belt and heels was a perfect way to tie everything together, and it wowed at the lunch meeting I wore it to! When I was first gifted this set I knew that there were a ton of ways to wear it. But this is the way I most wanted to style it. There was just something about it that made me yearn to be more polished.

Don’t worry, I’ll rock it with flip-flops and sneakers, too!

Investment Piece: Set Moments
The moment that made me laugh!
Yes, the wind was strong this day and I had a Marilyn moment. Actually more than one! The moral of that story? We can’t plan for everything. You have to keep your sense of humor in fashion. That all sides of us are valid and show up, even when we don’t see them coming!
Ironically, this was one of my favorite moments of the shoot/day. Yes,I love this set ladylike. But I love to laugh, and this was such a true joyful moment. Most of all, I love a good set that I can enjoy all the moments in. Don’t you?

While this set is vintage, I have found similar items for you and have linked them 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!

Sunday Chronicles: International Women’s Day

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

Here at Investment Piece we’re feminists (it’s not a dirty word). We truly believe that women and men are equal and should be treated as such. That being said, women are special. I’m sure that there are women in your life who’ve helped you, lifted you up, taken care of you, paved the way, and more. We love featuring other women entrepreneurs on this site, wearing women designers, and in general celebrating all the things that being a woman means.

Loves, let’s be honest there are times when being a woman is hard. (Just thinking about expounding on that makes me tired) So. Today, because it’s a day to celebrate us, instead of focusing on how hard it is, or how far we need to go, we want to hear about what’s great! What women in your life really helped you? Is amazing? Should be recognized? What do you love about the great women that you know? What are you doing to spread your greatness?

Today, I’m volunteering with a group of women who inspire me with their passion to make change and then having dinner with my mom (a real Shero).

I hope you get celebrated a bit today. I hope you celebrate women today. Here’s to us all!
Wishing us a week of equality and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

ShopBop Spring Event

Loves, at this time of the month you usually see my Armarium picks. I love their site, business, closet, and rental program. I believe that female owned business and sustainable fashion are our future (and you can’t get more sustainable than renting). However, it is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Armarium is closing its closet. A note from their CEO:

Investment Piece: Armarium

We will miss Armarium here at Investment Piece!

In the meantime, there’s a sale at ShopBop, the Spring Event, that you shouldn’t miss. Yes, onward. The Spring Event is one of the Spend More Save More sales, where your savings go up the more you spend. Depending on what you buy, you could get up to 25% off full priced items! Sales like this are a great time to stock up, spurlge on something special, or a combination of all of the above. Here are some things that I’m shopping:

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!

Basics:

Spring Sandals:

SwimWear for the Summer:

You can shop more picks here.

The event goes till 3/8 at 12a! I’ll be adding more picks till then over on ShopStyleCollective and the LiketoKnowIt app! What are you shopping for?

Xo RA

Pieces or Whole?

Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole
Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole
Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole
Investment Piece: pieces or whole
Investment Piece: pieces or whole
Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole
Do you think in pieces or in whole (big picture)?
In high school, the only B I got was in Geometry. The proofs killed me. You know when you were supposed to detail step by step to get to the answer? I always knew the answer, big picture, theorem, but the steps? No clue. Ever. It was so bad my teacher thought I was cheating and had to have a conference with my mom (a fact I recently learned. I’m just a little offended he thought I would massively cheat for a B. Why not go all the way?). And while I’m still not a fan of geometry, I’ve come to believe that it teaches us how we think. And I’m a big picture, whole thinker.

To-do lists? I have to be detailed (and it kills me) because otherwise I won’t do everything. Where I want to go and the end results I want I can see so clearly, but the steps to get there? Half the time I don’t even know.

Same goes for my closet. I know when I love pieces. What I want the over all feel, purpose, etc. And with outfits, I can sometimes know the overall effect. But it takes me time to get the pieces. I can even get lost in the pieces- when I shop I fall in love with a piece, but it may not always fit the over all big picture. Or maybe I have the big picture and don’t have all the pieces.

I’m working on it. There are a lot of lists. A lot of mapping out where I want to be (and wear) and how to get there. But. As I’m getting better there are times when the magic happens. I have the big picture (whole) and the pieces. They work, and they look and feel good.

And yes, I recommend double denim, jean jackets, and yoked jeans. Not to mention vintage clogs!

Let’s chat! How do you see your outfits? Your closet? In pieces? Or whole?
XoRA

I’ve linked pieces for your shopping pleasure below. These are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole