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

Where to Shop: Elaine Kim

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

Loves, I take my duty to share with you amazing brands and places to shop seriously. So seriously, in fact, that when a brand/store gets on my radar that I am in love with, I get giddy about telling you. And Elaine Kim is not only a brand you should know, a store you should shop at, but if you’re lucky enough to meet Elaine-she’s a person you will love!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

This brand is an amazing blend of cool and classic. They have amazing pieces (I’ve worn their leather sleeves this way) that can be worn edgy or more traditional. Think classic pieces: trenches, dresses, pants, with amazing details and fabric: linen, leather, leather lining, step hems. Every piece in the collection flows together, and yet it all fits into your waredrobe seamlessly!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim
Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

Elaine takes a hands on approach, if you visit the 3rd St brick and mortar you may find her there. She is amazingly creative and kind, as is all her staff. Everyone is the store cares about your taste, feedback, and is willing to help with anything you need. From putting together outfits to picking accessories, Elaine and her staff work with you to find the perfect fit!

Investment Piece: trench (as a dress)

You’ve seen me in a lot of Elaine Kim. And there’s more to come. This season I’m loving this coat, which I’ve worn as a dress. There’s a vest that I’m wearing every which way you can imagine. All kinds of pants. But what I’m most excited to share with you is that Elaine and I have chosen to partner. Shopping at Elaine Kim, both in LA and at her pops ups (which happen all over), has become such a joy for me that I want to share it with you. You can use the code RACHEL4EK to get 15% off your first order. Yes, both online and at her LA store. There are so many great things that deserve your attention, and perhaps a place in your closet. You’ll see more and more of them here, and I hope you’d take a sec to shop her!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim
Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

The even better news? Great clothes aren’t the only things to find at Elaine Kim, they also have amazing shoes and accessories! I actually fell in love with Elaine Kim from a pair of boots that I bought 4 years ago (and I still get compliments on them!) The shoes and jewelry are just as high quality and seamless as the clothes’ from pieces that can be worn edgy to classics that will carry you through seasons, these offerings are just as exciting! (Another thing I love: Elaine features and gives space to other artists, creators and women run businesses, it’s win-win!)

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim
So, how can you get your hands on Elaine Kim? You can visit their website Elaine Kim, follow them on Instagram @elainekimstudio, or visit the store on W 3rd St in LA. I know you’ll love them like I do!!

Happy Shopping!

XO RA

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

Places to Shop: Moda Operandi

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Of all the weapons in my online shopping arsenal Moda Operandi may be the most unique and powerful. Just like any other site MO’ has a boutique with clothes, shoes, and accessories that are in season and ready to ship. Unlike most other sites, MO’ lets you order directly from the runway–so if you see something you love during Fashion Week you can preorder items you love for a 50% deposit. When the item comes in you pay the balance and get your item. It’s a great way to shop ahead–and another look at trends that were on the runway. I can’t tell you all of the great things that I’ve gotten from Mo–but trust me, you love them.

Another perk–their customer service is beyond stellar. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been super helpful, and every customer is assigned a personal shopper, who often goes above and beyond to help find you what you want.

Things to know:
MO’ does cater to high end brands (though there are deals to be had, and the breaking of payments can help)
Not all items are ready to ship–so look at the item’s ship date!
Trunkshows (as the site calls them) last more than one day (often about a week)
All items in Boutique are ready to ship
Their sale is not to be missed

A little bit more on how the TrunkShows Work:
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and my current favorite from the site:
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I hope you check it out and love Moda Operandi
as much as I do!

Happy Thursday! XO RA

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

What is an Investment Piece?

A question that I get asked often: Why name your blog “Investment Piece”? What does that mean? I think about that a lot. What is an investment piece, what is worth investing in? It also occurs to me that we are still in the “getting to know you” phase of the blog. We’re still figuring each other out. So, let’s chat. Let’s figure out what we think an Investment Piece is, and let’s share some of our fashion philophies theories. I’ll do my part, you in? You can look forward to me sharing more of my “fashion thoughts” and practices. For starters? This piece I did on investment pieces. I still agree with this list, what about you?
XO RA

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You may have caught onto the fact that I spend money on my closet–that I consider some pieces an investment. Or as the saying goes, “I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet”. This is not a call to blow your budget on shopping–another post but yes, I do believe in saving and budgets and all of those adult things. However, I do believe that there are clothing items that are worth spending money on; that you may need to have certain items in your closet–and that spending money on certain fashion items is worthwhile.

So what is an investment piece? In real estate and various markets an investment piece is something that will make you money–it will grow in value, you can sell it for more than you paid–or at least make back what you spent. I cannot promise you that any fashion piece you buy will make you money, but there are pieces that can get you your money’s worth.

1. Shoes/Bags/Belts

These are items that take a lot of wear and tear–you walk on them, bang them around, stretch them. The more well made an item is, the more it can take this wear and tear in stride–let’s be honest, nothing ruins your day like a shoe/purse/belt falling apart. These items are often what pulls an outfit together–and can make you look more expensive. A $5 t-shirt looks great with $800 shoes –believe me, I know.

 

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2. Coats

I spend my time mainly in TX and CA–not places where I need a heavy coat; however, I still think they’re a worthwhile investment. Choose the right one and it will never go out of style–and between travel and the changing climates you’re going to need one!

3. Your “Suit”

Not all of us work a 9-5 job, but all of us have an outfit type that we reach for over and over again for work–even if it is sweatpants. Just like you want the best suit possible for your 9-5 job, you want the best “suit” for your life. If that means a real suit, jeans and blouse, or yoga pants investing in high quality will help you make the best impression possible and can often make you feel better.

 

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4. A Classic Black Outfit

For spontaneous somber and joyous occasions you need something in your closet you don’t have to think about, in extreme states of emotions great shopping rarely happens.  The good news is that there is a black outfit for everyone; even better news champagne in the fridge counts as a joyous occasion in my book!

5. Something Fun

Bag, jewelry, shoes–whatever makes you happy I believe we all deserve one statement piece that is just for us. Yes, I think you should stay within budget–but I can tell you how great it feels to save up and get that one big thing you want. And if you need a place to wear it–remember you have that champagne in the fridge!

Honorable Mentions: A White Tshirt (goes with everything), Jean Jacket (basic) and Lingerie (because a great bra can change your life).

I’d love to know–what do you consider an Investment Piece?

XO RA

Shop some of my picks for investment pieces below:

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