Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy Sunday! No matter what you celebrate today, here’s to a season of rebirth for us all!
Check back tomorrow for new and amazing content!
Xo RA
The Jacket
A tweed suit says something. And a graphic tee says something. I personally love the combo.
I’m not the only one. There was a time not too long ago when “off duty model look” was simply a tweed blazer, a chain belt, and a graphic tee. I love this look. But I didn’t invent the wheel here.
What makes this outfit great (for me)?
This is my grandma’s blazer. Classic, well made, and full of love. Wonder Woman? We all are. And I think a great pair of jeans can never steer you wrong. These happen to be high waisted (and I’m a big believer that all good jeans are), and taper to make everything look longer and leaner. There are more exciting chain belts, I know. But really, all you need is a basic one.
And kitten heels? I think that they are a must. For everyone.
Timeless. A bit edgy. And a real chance to let us see some of you (your shirt doesn’t have to be a Wonder Woman one).
What I love about outfits like this one? There’s a really great chance that you have all the elements in your closet. Try pairing them together? The takes on this combo are endless. Switch out jeans for nice pants. Try a skirt. With the formula down, it can be anything you need it to be. And yet, still everything it should be.
Isn’t that great fashion?
Do you wear this combo? Is it something you love? I’d would love to hear about it!
(And if you don’t have these pieces in your closet, I’ve linked some similar pieces below for your shopping pleasure!)
XO RA
Note: this post does contian affiliate links. That does not affect the price for you, but I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Trend to Try: Spring Suits
I love a good suit. There’s something so classic and ever so subtly sexy about them. It’s a power move, but can also be fun. And the great news? Springs are on trend this spring. So if you’ve never dared to venture into the world of suits, now might be your time!
The trend I think you should try: spring suits!
From colors to patterns to various cuts, no matter your style there’s a spring suit for you.
Some of my favorites:
Color
Pinks, reds, yellow. While I love a classic black or white suit, there is something so chic about wearing a suit of a different color.
Pattern
Snakeskin. Leopard. Stripes. Polka Dots. Just because it’s a suit doesn’t mean you can’t let your personality shine.
Fit
Surprisingly, I love the oversized look. Now, I think tailoring is an art and there’s always a space for it. However, spring suits that are a bit oversized are really drawing my eye.
My favorite ways to wear them?
Belted
Dare to wear the blazer as your top and put a belt over it. In general, dare to wear your blazer as a top!
With a band tee
Business meets rock and roll in the best way!
Casual
Don’t be afraid to pair your suit with sneakers or more casual components! It’s a fresh take for spring.
My suit picks? I’m glad you asked! I’ve linked several suit, and suiting pieces, I love below. Yes, if you’re really wanting to make an investment, a suit is a great place to start. The aforementioned tailoring is worth every penny you can spend on it. On a budget? We all are! Buy the best that you can afford, but there are great options at JCrew, Topshop, Target, etc! And if you really love suits, considering buying vintage. For the most bang for your buck, you can’t beat a great vintage suits!
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!
All shapes, colors, and price ranges here
I really love the suit selection at JCrew, especially the pink one!
I love patterns and all of Anine Bing!
You could also make your own suit. Pair any blazer and pant you like, or buy seperately, and wear them together as a suit. I’ve linked similar to the ones I paired here
I would love to know: how are you suiting up this spring?
Xo RA
Play it Again
We’ve chatted about do-overs and re-wears. You may know that I’m all about you telling a fashion story as many times as you need to (fancy way of saying repeat an outfit), or switching up an outfit you love. In my world, there’s only one thing to do when something you love is finished playing.
Play it again.
I first shot this dress two summers ago (where does the time go?!) and have loved it ever since. It’s the perfect combination of simple (black dress) and statement (those sleeves). Over the years, I’ve worn it to parties and dinners, and have tried to make it feel new each time. (Not necessary when you’re rewearing something, there’s nothing wrong with the comfort of a perfect outfit. But there’s also nothing wrong with trying something new with someone you love!)
My new favorite take on this outfit? A belt to help emphasize the waist, and help keep the cut outs from gaping too much. (Another helper is fashion tape). Add matching (ish) shoes and you’re old hollywood meets sexy. Perfect for parties, dinners, the ballet.
Love something? Play it again. In any new or old way that makes you happy.
What outfit do you rewear over and over again? Do you switch it up or do you always wear it the same way? I’d love to hear about it!
I’ve linked similar dresses to this one 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!
Sunday Chronicles: Do-Overs
Lately, I’ve been thinking about do-overs. I have so many pictures and outfits from when I first started Investment Piece and it was just me and my iPhone and a remote. Occasionally, I revisit them and think about sharing some of them. Or reshooting some of them. But, what would necessitate a do-over of something?
Both in fashion and in life, sometimes we need second chances. Or maybe there are times when the story isn’t finished. We all have favorite pieces or outfits, I know I re-wear things. Is that a kind of do-over?
I don’t think that do-overs are bad. And I don’t think that rebelling a story, or using favorites to tell a new story is bad either. But I am fascinated by the do-overs we do, the ones we pass on, and the process of making that decision. I don’t know that I have any answers, or even hard and fast rules about what I do-over. Do you?
In the meantime, what should I do with all these pictures? Do you want to see them?
And if you love what I’m wearing in the video (it’s a denim trench worn as a dress), I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure!
Wishing us all a week of as many do-overs as we need and amazing shoes!
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!
Inspired By
I was lucky enough to recently make friends with a costume designer who inspired me. We met for happy hour the other week, and she told me story after story about one of her favorite outfits when she was younger: overalls, a silk shirt with great sleeves, heels, and her hair big. Inspired as I was, I couldn’t help but be inspired by that outfit. This is my take on it.
Overalls? Little girl? Maybe, but I think that when fitted properly, they can be chic. Heels? Always. And a great top with great sleeves? Done.
You’ve seen these pieces before: overalls and top. I loved them seperately. Together? I adore them. The sleeves make the overalls pop, and the way that necklace is obscured by the bib of the overall.
Most of all? I love my inspiration. The best part of style (I think) is that you can take inspiration from anywhere and really make it your own. My costume designer? I don’t think that her top was like this; but her stories made me remember how much I love overalls. It also made me think of how pairing things together can change the vibe of any outfit. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and our individual takes on outfits can make any combination special.
Who inspired your outfit today?
If the answer is no one, may I suggest this take on overalls? Pair them with any top you love and great heels, from teas to cocktails, you’ll inspire others!
I’ve linked similar items for your inspiration 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!
Armarium
Note: this post is part of my partnership with Armarium. All opinions are my own! By using code RADELICIA you get 10% off of all of your rentals from Armarium. I do not recieve compensation, but do get rewarded. I only partner with companies I love, truly adore these picks, and hope that you love Armarium as much as I do!
If you’re like me, and I bet you are, a struggle you may have is how to get all the fashion you want, store it, and yet support efforts for us all to cut down. When said all together like that, it can feel overwhelming. The great news? There is a solution! Armarium is my new go-to for renting designer looks for all my events.
Why rent? I can get a new piece for EVERYTHING I have to attend, I don’t have to worry about closet space, and it helps me spread my budget out. (Also, if you fall in love with something you have the option to buy it!) The process is seamless, and let’s me explore all the sides of my fashion personality, from suits to gowns to bags. This upcoming month I have a high tea for the Ballet, a cocktail engagement party, 2 birthday parties, and an investor meeting. Below are looks I love that are available for rent at Armarium. You can look though their collection here, and use code RADELICIA for 10% off!
Cocktail Parties
A classic dress for all my champagne needs!
I love how fun this fringe jumpsuit is!
Fun and Flirty and perfect for a night of dancing!
High Tea
Very British, perfect for tea.
You know I love juxatipositons, so when an event allows for it, I love playing with my accessories. This fringe bag is perfect for balancing out a tea!
Investor Meeting
Take me seriously, but let me look fabulous! Suit Up!
I adore this set! (And yes, you rent it together!!) No meeting could go poorly while wearing this!
I have no place to wear this gown. But I love it. So I may need to find a place!
Stay tuned to see what I wear (posts/Instagram/all over). Every month, I’ll be sharing things I love from Armarium and what I’m renting! Don’t forget: code RADELICIA gets you 10% all rentals!
Happy renting!
XO RA
The Smock
The Smock.
A smock can be a few different things, from something an artist puts on, to a lightweight garment that men and women used to wear to stay cool. The smock story I’m most familiar with? My mom used to smock all sorts of clothes for my sister and I growing up. Yes, shocking also means the small pleats and embroidery.
This smock story? I saw this smock(Ed) dress below on Instagram (@desertvintage) and fell in love:
I thought of wearing it with heels, boots, and loving all the vintage of it. So imagine my surprise when I showed my mom, and she said she had made something similar in the 1970s.
If I thought I could love a smock when it was just fashion, imagine how much I love it when it’s from my mom!
Cool and yet chic, modest but high end. I want to wear this with wedges (yes, I had to play to the 70s vibe), flats, strappy heels, and boots. Especially these boots. From cocktail parties to days running errands, it’s the perfect dress for spring!
(There is so many pieces I have that are smocked. Keep your eyes peeled for a fashion story on the topic soon!)
The best part about the smock for me? I got to wear a little bit of family fashion history.
What’s your first thought when you think of a smock? Do you have any of your family fashion history?
I’ve linked some similar pieces for you below! (Also, check out Desert Vintage, I clearly love their taste!)
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
Dino’s in the Wild
I love Dino’s. Like, get excited similar to a 5yo, love Dino’s. I’m always down for any sort of rewatching of any of the Jurassic Parks, and when I find Dino’s on my fashion? Heaven.
Fashion is supposed to be fun. And let your loves and personality shine. So letting your Dino’s in the wild? Right up my alley.
This sweater was a must have for me once I saw these buttons. (The shoulder pads and deep v are just extras, and amazing.) I knew that it would look great (keeping the rest of the outfit all black and simple, let’s my Dino’s shine. It also keeps me from veering into the “too much” category.) And because these buttons are ever-so-subtle, people can be delightedly caught off guard by them. Did I recently say I wasn’t a jeans-and-tee kind of gal? (See here). It turns out that I don’t overthink jeans and a tee when it’s part of expressing something I really love.
Maybe that’s the secret to all fashion? Find something you love, or a piece that expresses something you really love, and wear it. Can it be that simple?
I’d love to know: what’s something that you just love? Are you able to express it with your fashion?
I’ve linked similar items below, including this EXACT sweater!
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!
Spring Wishlist
Each new season there seems to be a new Wishlist I make. Items to freshen up my wardrobe, make things feel new, and celebrate the season. I happen to live in places where spring quickly bleeds into summer, but it’s still one of my favorite seasons. Spring seems to always be that perfect moment where it’s not too hot, but the layers begin to shed. So, what am I shopping for this season?
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!
White
Little white sandals to go with all sorts of dresses and jeans. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white pant for year (shop some of the ones I’m considering here). White is just one of the colors that screams spring to me, and it’s all over my spring Wishlist.
Linen Pants
I especially love these leopard ones! (If you love these exact ones, you can sign up for them here.) Linen is a go-to spring fabric for me (pro-tip, if it’s 100% linen it will wrinkle uncontrollably. A cotton/linen blend is always best!), and I love the selection we have this year!
Snakeskin
Yes, I loved snakeskin in the winter, and I’m still loving it in the spring. Especially with sandals like
these, what’s not to put on your spring Wishlist?
New Jeans
Every season, I want a new pair of jeans, and spring is no exception. Wide-leg, high waisted, cropped. There are so many jeans I want this spring!
Platform Sandals
Perfect for showing off spring dresses and skirts. And this spring Wishlist item will take you right through summer!
All of these spring Wishlist items are below for your shopping pleasure. I’d love to know: what’s on your spring Wishlist?
Xo
RA