Investment Piece – Page 74 – Everyday Editorial

Sunday Chronicles: Go Vote

Investment Piece: Go Vote

This is an image I post on my personal Facebook page every election to make the point that change happens on the local level. That it’s in your best interest to care about what’s happening in your community. And this image is just funny!

I almost didn’t post it here, I resisted doing this post. If you’re in the States (or watching from abroad), you know Tuesday is Election Day. You may have already voted, you may be tired of election emails and flyers and calls, you may be feeling a lot (from outrage to exhaustion), you may be doing a lot (voter outreach), or may be worried you’re not doing enough. I am all of that too. This is a place for fashion, and if it’s a place of respite for you I don’t want to take that away from you. I promise not to lecture, or try to sway your vote, but as small a platform as this may be, I felt I had to say something.

Voting matters. Policy matters. We all try to be apolitical, but the reality is that politics and policy affect our lives–so when given a chance, we should vote for the world we want, the policies that would help the collective we.

The mission of Investment Piece is to tell stories using fashion. I firmly believe that fashion and stories matter. That art and beauty matter. That all of us (all our neighbors) matter. There could even be an argument made that art and beauty and each other are the only things that do matter.
I love my job. I love coming up with outfits and telling stories and showcasing other people’s stories here. It feels me with joy, and I know I’m lucky to do something that I love.

I want more joy (and art and stability and all the good things) for all of us. It won’t solve everything, but voting is my way of getting us more joy. Joy starts at a local level, and voting should start there, too.

Vote, research, vote for all the things and joy and hope that you want for the collective we. Here, we’ll be back to fashion soon, I promise. Thank you for indulging me on this message. I hope it wasn’t too much!

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

A Skirt for All Seasons

I feel in love with Mrs. Emily on Instagram. She makes (gorgeous) skirts, which is enough, but her fashion philosophy, her openness about how this is hard (making things, putting yourself out there, believing in big dreams), and her styling tips have made me a loyal follower.

You can shop and learn about Mrs. Emily here. I highly recommend subscribing to her newsletter. It’s like a hug from a supportive friend who’s pushing you in the direction of your dreams. It’s a highlight of my week.

When I first found Mrs. Emily, I knew that I had to have one of her skirts. They’re chic and fresh, and I love the idea that it’s a skirt for all season. Something to wear no matter what the weather is like. Something to put on that always makes you feel good.

Investment Piece: A Skirt for all Seasons

So. I chose pink. Which may seem like an odd choice to be a skirt for all seasons. But I think it works.
This isn’t little girl pink. It’s not too sweet. It’s chic and the pop of color makes me happy. Even when it’s in the 60s like today. And it goes with everything:

Investment Piece: Skirt for all seasons
Spring and summer with a tank and sandals

Investment Piece: A Skirt for All seasons
A bit formal with a bustier and heels.

Investment Piece: A skirt for all seasons
Fall and winter with a sweater and boots.

Investment Piece: A Skirt for all Seasons
Office ready with a blazer and heels.

And these outfits are just the beginning. I can (and have and will) pair this with a graphic tee and sneakers, a sweatshirt, a jean jacket, a button down, jackets and coats of all colors, blacks and whites and greys and who knows. It makes me feel good (and the waist band is forgiving which is nice during the holidays!). A skirt for all seasons is a skirt that can love you back. Who couldn’t use a bit more love right now?

I cannot tell you how much I love Mrs. Emily, there just aren’t words. What I can do is tell you that her site (Mrs Emily and her Instagam (@mrsemily) will make you fall in love with her like I have. Check them out!

Xo RA

Fashion Halloween: PJs

Have I mentioned that I love Halloween? That I love “getting” into character, and planning costumes, and sharing them with you? Well, I do. I know that this year Halloween is a little different (though to be fair one of my favorite Halloween activities is staying home to watch “Hocus Pocus” and hand out candy–and not too much will be different this year!), but I still wanted to wear costumes. Since most of us will be home this year, I wanted to explore the world of pj costumes.

It’s a thing.
Or it should be a thing.
We could make it a thing.

While you might be thinking that pj costumes limit you, the reality is that there are SO many costumes you could make out of pjs. From just throwing on a fancy robe and calling yourself a movie star to much more complex costumes.

Such as:
Investment Piece: Fashion Halloween Pjs

Be Moira Rose from “Schitt’s Creek” with a pj set, a vest, and a brooch! (Wig optional!)

Or
Investment Piece: Fashion Halloween Pjs
A slip nightgown, a coat and you’re Mrs. Maisel!

You could even use a nightgown and robe set to be Betty Draper, like I was here

These are costumes whose pieces you probably have on hand (though if you do invest in new pjs I don’t think you’ll regret it!), that are fun, and let you be in your pjs! That sounds like a great Halloween to me!

I would love to know: what are you being for Halloween? Does it involve Pjs?

In case you do want to use Halloween as an excuse to get new pjs (or a vintage coat!) I’ve linked similar items to my costumes below!

Happy Halloween!
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!

Cheating

Investment Piece: Cheating

It’s supposed to be sweater weather. I’d like it to be sweater weather. But, loves, at least up to the time of writing this post, it’s not sweater weather. There are glimpses, moments when the temps drop, but nothing has stuck so far.
(According to our weather woman we’re getting much cooler temps this week. I’m crossing my fingers she’s right!)

So. What do you do when you aren’t getting what you want? Be patient (not my strong suit)? Believe that if you build it, it will come. (Please don’t give yourself heat stroke dressing in sweaters trying to make it sweater weather!)

Or. Do you cheat?
(I know, cheating is bad, we shouldn’t do it. But. When it comes to looking chic and season appropriate, I’ll try cheating!)

Investment Piece: Cheating

Cheating the weather? This is technically a sweater. But it’s really a poncho-open in the back, loose, and while it’s warm (and will look chic over all sorts of tops and dresses later), it’s also cool. It’s just enough to keep a chill out, but worn alone, it’s heat-proof. (Or at the very least, heat friendly. Though if you’re in a spot where the highs still feel like summer, you may need to eventually change in the afternoon!)

A high slit wrap skirt also helps keep you cool! I suppose you could call it transitional dressing, but it’s really cheating- dressing for the weather I want, while dealing with the weather I have. Add chic shoes and you’re in business.

You’ve technically dressed for the season, you’re technically in a sweater. You’ve just cheated it all.
This kind of cheating can’t be bad if it looks this good, right?

I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure 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: Cheating — This is a neighbor’s cat who comes over for snuggles and food daily. It’s nice to be wanted. Her mom thinks she’s out hunting. I guess we’re both cheating!

#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

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