Track Pants

InvestmentPiece: #TrackPants
Investment Piece: #TrackPants
Investment Piece: #TrackPants
Investment Piece: #TrackPants
Investment Piece:#TrackPants
Investment Piece, #trackpants

Broccoli. Running. Staying in on Fridays.

Don’t tell my mother, but there are things that I swore that I would never like that I do. But let’s not let that go to her head. We can just pretend that we discovered how great broccoli (roasted almost crisp with lemon), running (I’m not great, but there is a high), and staying in on Fridays (life is tiring) are. Right, right?

Now that we got the hard part out of the way, let’s chat about track pants. In my head when track pants are mentioned I think about those plastic wind suits from the 90s. If you’re young, just know that you missed out on quite the bright color movement (please google it and let me know your thoughts). But these aren’t your 90s track pants. These track pants are too good for the track (though they would look great post gym with any sort of top, but I love a great graphic tee). Track pants seem to be everywhere these days, and I couldn’t resist trying them out. I love these -comfy but structured, the snap down on the leg adds a little something. They are a great athlesure look, but I love that they suck you in and feel like “real” pants too.

I love this pairing of a sweater and kicks. Other combos that would be great? White button down and heels. A sweatshirt and any shoe. Boots and a jean jacket. Even with the color blocking and snaps down the side, the track pants are basically a neutral, so I say: style them that way. I don’t know that you could make them super dressy or business casual, but we should try, and the other styling options are endless.

As track pants are everywhere, have you tried them? How did you style them?

And that thing above, about my mom being right occasionally, that’s between us, right?

Happy Monday!! XO RA

Shop my picks below: they do contain affiliate links and while I do get some commission that doesn’t affect the price for you!

Investment Piece: #trackpants

Dirty hair, Do care

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, kimono, Levi's, CA, TX
InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, Levi's, kimono, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, kimono, Levi's, CA, TX

These pictures are actually from a few years ago. I wanted to showcase that you don’t have to be all done up (hair/make-up/nails/etc) to show up. Because, there are times when I do really care, but my hair isn’t clean, or I don’t have make-up on, (yes, those things happen a lot), or in some way, shape or form I’m not together, but I show up. Sometimes because I have to, sometimes because I want to. But because I’m not perfect, I needed to make the point that perfection isn’t a needed ingredient to show up.

And yes, I was making the point for me.

Yesterday, I wrote how about nice it would be if we could all get our holiday to-do list done, then we could spend the holiday season relaxing and being with the ones we love. In the time between yesterday am and today, my to-do list has exploded. I went from feeling like I knew what was happening to being behind on emails/posts/pictures, looking at a week when both work/day jobs/volunteering all have high demands on my time. It’s Monday and I’m feeling overwhelmed.

So, there will be a lot of buns this week. And imperfections. But I’ll show up and do my best. And when I can’t, I’ll work on forgiving myself for that. What else can we do?

InvesmentPiece, fashion blogger, kimono, dirty hair, care, Levi's, CA, TX
Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, CA, TX, kimono, Levi's, loafers

Here’s the original post and it’s not wrong:

Loves, we’re headed into a few months that are all about party dresses, celebration outfits, and holiday plans. You’ll get some of that here, I promise. But even within these coming months, there are times when we’re not at our party best-our hair is dirty, maybe we’re wearing sweats (I do it), but that doesn’t mean we don’t care. Errands, last minute plans, days of shopping and holiday planning; what do you do when you have dirty hair, but you do care? My solution: distract people with your outfit! This amazing vintage kimono jacket from Reformation is reversible, meaning the outfits are endless (pants, skirts, over a dress) but I love it with vintage Levi’s and loafers. Simple, but pulled together. Comfy, but look great. You care, but it doesn’t take effort. I also recommend a messy bun and red lips–smoke and mirrors!

What do you do when you have dirty hair but do care? I’d love to hear all your tips!
Happy Monday! XO

Both this jacket and jeans are vintage (though I’ve found similar for 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!

Jackets:

Sass

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Levi's, sass, vintage, LA, CA
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Levi's, vintage, Stuart Weitzman, sass, LA, TX
Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, sass, vintage, Levi's, custom, Stuart Weitzman, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, sass, vintage, Levi's, Stuart Weitzman, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, sass, vintage, Levi's, custom, Stuart Weitzman, Ca, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, custom, vintage, Levi's, sass, CA, TX

Loves, you know that I love sass, that I’m not afraid to wear my attitude and that I love vintage (and custom) denim. So individually every component of this outfit makes me happy, together I think they’re perfect! This vintage sweatshirt is one of the most comfortable things I own (and the sass!) and I wear it with everything–pants, leggings, skirts, over slip dresses. These custom vintage Levi’s via The Rebel Stylist are divine–great with sneakers, perfect with heels, and the Pom-poms give it just enough personality. Paired with a blazer and my all time favorite heels? It’s a little celebration of making it through the week!

Hope you survived the holiday! Happy Friday! 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 similar:

Summer Version

Investment Piece: Summer Verision
Investment Piece: Summer Verision
Investment Piece: Summer Verision
Investment Piece: Summer Verision
Investment Piece: Summer Verision
Investment Piece: Summer Verision

There was a vintage robe that I loved during the winter, and while I wore it around the house (as one does), I also wore it out and about. You can see the photos of that amazing dress/robe here. The great news for me? I found my Summer Version! Yes, this is a vintage robe (this one is the perfect soft silk instead of velvet, you know-for summer), and yes, even this one is from Bloomers and Frocks (make sure you read my review of them here and follow them on Instagram @bloomersandfrocks). Another thing to do? Get you a Summer robe that works as a summer dress! Summer Versions are the best!

This is the perfect number to wear with sandals for a day out, at work, or for drinks by the pool. It can be dressed up very easily (heels/jewelry), but lends itself to being casual as well (think flats); and even better, it still works around the house. Really, what I’m telling you is that with this summer version enables you to go from bed to work to out on the town without changing. Isn’t that what Summer is all about?

Shop my picks below, having an amazing Friday, and don’t be afraid to rock your robe in public!

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: Summer Version

Beach Pajamas

Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas
Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas
Investment Piece; Beach Pajamas
Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas
Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas
Investment Piece: Beach Pajamas

Some of our favorite things: the beach and pajamas. The next best thing? Combining them! I won’t waste your time chatting about my love for the ocean and the beach: we all know that I’m a water baby, and have to see the love of my life (the ocean) every so often or I go a bit nutty. So, let’s chat Beach Pajamas!

True Beach Pajamas are a vintage treasure! They come from the 1930’s–women didn’t really wear pants yet, but, yet, at the beach it was “socially acceptable”, and jumpsuits with palazzo pants were popular! You can find silk ones, many have amazing embroidery. These, however, are not true beach pajamas. However, they made me think of beach pajamas, so I couldn’t help but fall in love!

This a is Dolce and Gabbana jumpsuit that I found on TheRealReal, and it’s just as dreamy as the vintage pieces! I love the raw silk, the fact that it’s a jumpsuit (WITH POCKETS!), the tie, and this print–no one does a great citrus print like Dolce and Gabbana! It would be perfect with sandals for a casual day, but these dreamy palazzo pants and heels would be great for a cocktail party.

I may be partial to this look on a beach though. California sunsets are their own brand of magic!

Hoping your outfit feels like pajamas and that you get a little bit of magic today!

XO RA

A great place to search for beach pajamas? Etsy, or your favorite vintage shop. I’ve linked some similar pieces, and some Dolce below!

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!

And get your own deal from TheRealReal:
90% off luxury consignment

FBF: Tied Up

Loves, as you know, we’re using the Friday’s in April to look back at some of my first posts, and the history of Investment Piece. Today? Tied Up. Why? I still wear this outfit (I legit just wore these shoes to get the mail and this top is a spring/summer go-to). But, more importantly, this was one of my first times shooting with a REAL photographer, you know, not just me and an iPhone or me and a camera. This tied up shoot marked the beginnings of my relationship with Katy Shayne–and that changed the blog. Learning how to work with an other professional, swap ideas, give over some control, and upping the quality were huge steps for me.

This is the part where I let you know I’m a control freak–so tied up for me also means letting other people take control. That’s a lot for a FBF .

 

So, without further ado: let’s get tied up. I’ve kept all the orginal wording, but have updated shopping options.  Thank you for indulging my FBFs!

Xo RA

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Loves, I have two confessions: I’m becoming obsessed with vintage denim, and these Dr Scholl’s slides are more comfortable than they have a right to be. I love the slight flare of the jean–it goes great with this shirt tied up, or with all of my closet. The slides are perfection–as is the clutch that Clare V makes (that truly holds everything). I have to give credit to my cousin for introducing me to the slides (I completely copied her!) and I have to let you know–there’s something so comforting about this outfit to me. Pulled together, comfy, and just slightly summer-y. Perfect for errands or whatever the day throws at you!
XO RA

Details:
Denim: AAVintedge
Shirt:JCrew
Shoes: Dr Scholls
Bag: Clare V

Updated shopping:

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support.

Fashion in the Wild: Date Night Looks

This is the month of “date nights”. (Though I really hope this isn’t the only month you have a date night) But, with the focus of Valentine’s Day and love on date nights, we (or I) can’t help but think about what to wear on a date night.

Real talk? I don’t think there’s just one kind of date night, and I believe there’s no right or wrong thing to wear on a date night. Be it with your friends, yourself, or your honey, any event can be a date night. Movie by yourself? Drinks with friends? Dinner? Dancing? Why can’t anything you enjoy with people you enjoy be a date night? In my world, it is.

So, what do we wear on date nights? I’m a huge fan of wearing dresses, but they are by no means your only option. Jeans and a top, pants with a blazer, sweats on the couch. In my view the most important part of a date night outfit is that you feel amazing in it.

Below are some of my favorite combinations for date nights. I’d love to know: what do you rock for date night?

XO RA

I hope this month and in the months to come that every date night is a blast and one of the things you love is your outfit!

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. While I may earn some commission from them, it does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Look A Like

blue bird brocade dress

Freedom

Investment Piece: Freedom
Investment Piece: Freedom
Investment Piece: Freedom

Freedom.

It’s a big concept. It means different things to different people. Maybe you think of freedom as the open road. Or as your right to vote. Or the way that people are able to be themselves and live the way that they choose. Freedom is important. We should celebrate it (and yes, I know we do every July 4). Those things that make you feel free? Those things that make you feel more like yourself? Those things that feel good? More of that.

Investment Piece: Freedom
Investment Piece: Freedom
Investment Piece: Freedom
Investment Piece: Freedom

This wig? A party favor from a dear friend’s birthday party. Was it expected? No. Do I love it? Yes. The color, the cut, that it’s not me–but shows my sassy side. Am I brave enough to wear it out? We’ll see.

The great thing about this outfit? It’s all athletic leisure. These are yoga pants from Carbon38. I’m just in love: they make my backside look amazing, are comfy enough to sleep with, and yet, polished enough to be dress pants. This is a Soul Cycle tank, it’s great with your workout pants or with a pencil skirt. I love the play on athleisure. I love that this is a workout outfits, but looks very polished. I love that it combines things that I love, and that it feels like Freedom.

I hope that this weekend finds you feeling free and looking amazing!
XO RA

Shop my picks:

And get yourself a treat:

Investment Piece: Freedom

Trend to Try: Are Socks With Peep Toes Something We’re Doing?


There are times when I think of trends for us to try, that aren’t exactly trends. Socks with Peep toes? Not only was it one of my very first posts (look below, I’m so grateful you stayed with the site while we grew. We’re still growing!); I keep seeing this look everywhere!

And I get it! It’s a way to: show off a great pair of socks, hide a bad pedicure, wear heels in the winter, and make a statement.

I loved this “trend” years ago, and I still do! See:

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, Red//Pink, Gucci, Brian Atwood, Jcew, Ca, TX

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Stuart Weitxman, Pan and the Dream, tulle, socks, fashion, blogger, vintage, high fashion, InvestmentPiece

What is it about socks with peep toes (or any heels) that’s such a pull? I love that it’s slightly cheeky, slightly edgy and slightly classic. It’s just the combo that seems both fashion forward and almost geeky (can we admit that fashion can be geeky?) all at the same time. A trend? Not really. Something you should try? Absolutely!

Below is my orginal post and thoughts on the matter:

Are Socks With Peep Toes Something We’re Doing?
Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Socks with Peep Toes
Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Socks With Peep Toes
They are something we’re doing.Look at any magazine, any campaign right now and there they are–peep toe shoes worn with socks. Do we like it? Is this what we want? I will be honest–I was hesitant, but I LOVE these Chanel boots that look like socks:

So I thought: How bad can it be?

And here’s the answer: Surprisingly enough, not that bad.

I found it’s really comfortable. I think it looks best when the colors match– but it can be fun. So if you like it–why not? And if you can’t–I get that too.

 

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Happy Wednesday! xo RA

Details: First look Skirt Zara, Sweater JCrew, Shoes Chanel

Second Look :dress Zara, Shoes Sophia Webster

Third: Dress Zara, Shoes LK Bennett

Fourth Sweater JCrew, Skirt Zara Leather, Shoes Kelsi Dagger

I’ve updated some shopping options for you! And would love to know: would you rock this trend to try?

XO

Current Shopping:

Notes: This Post Does Contian Some Affilate links, while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Nights in LA

Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA
Investment Piece: Nights in LA

Nights in LA can be just as magical as the mornings. There is always something going on: from premiere to event to just a great burger. You might have to watch yourself on a LA night, there’s the tempation to think you might be left out, that maybe you’re not at the right event or venue, but I really don’t buy that. My experience has been that any night, any place can be amazing, if you’re with the right people. And lucky for us all, I’ve been known to bring my own drama (the sleeves on this dress!); and I’ve found that if you’re looking for magic LA nights will give it to you. Look at that light!

We can talk about any event, but let’s talk about this dress. It’s all statement: the low back, the sleeves, the length. Part witchy, part goddess, all magic; just the way I like it! And the great thing, this dress is deceptive. It’s the softest jersey, so while it can turn heads, it’s a throw on and go type of dress. I promise. What I love about statement dresses (or statement anything) is that they don’t need a lot of help. Wear your hair natural. You can throw on flip flops if you need to, I did. You don’t have to try too hard, the dress does it for you. This dress is a Norma Kamali, I love that her style is drama with out the fuss. Her jersey is some of the softest that I have ever worn, the cut is always great, and there’s always an “it” factor: sleeves, a deep back, or both! (You’ve also seen some of her swimwear here)

This night in LA was indeed magical, but there was no special event. My photographer, Katy Shayne, and I simply were craving a great burger, and may be a martini or two. The light was perfect, and I was in the mood to wear this dress. And I was able to talk Katy into shooting me. That simple. Nights in LA are magic, but the best kind of magic is the kind you bring yourself: a great dress, a great friend, a great meal, a great laugh. Premieres can be fun. Events make me happy. But there are a ton of LA nights that have left me breathless, and all that was needed was a great dress!

I’d love to know: what’s your brand of magic, or statement dress for Nights in LA (or anywhere)?

Shop my picks below:

Investment Piece: Ngihts in LA