RachelAdelicia – Page 3 – Investment Piece

Trend to Try: Denim Trench

a woman in front of a closet in a denim trench

Every Spring it feels as if there is a new take on the classic trench. And who could blame everyone? It is a classic for a reason- and even with that there are oh so many ways to wear one- from dress to coat to everything in between. A new take this year? A denim trench. What I love: denim is both classic and yet a bit casual (lending itself to wearing as a shirt dress or pairing with sundresses, shorts and more), and yet this shape is still a classic (meaning that any trench you invest in will be one you can wear for years to come!). Another thing to love about this trend? With it being so popular, it means that there is a denim trench at every price point.

Full disclosure? I have had the one pictured above for years (and yes- owe you better pictures, this is where I tell you- embarrassingly- that even though I take pictures of myself for a living, and wear this trench every spring- I have no pictures -that I can find- of it. This will change). And yes, I am a bit embarrassed that aside was a bit of a run-on, but I think I can live with that.

In the mean time? I have rounded up and linked some of my current favorite denim trenches. Soft, hard- in all price points. Again, there are so many styling options- and all look amazing with Spring classics and trends from white denim to florals!

Please note: the following are affiliate links. While I may earn commission from them, this does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

Also- I want everyone to know that I am not immune of everything that is going on- from tariffs to stocks to *waves hands in the general world on fire*. I do my best to make this space a place of respite, a place to get away from it all– and within reason will try to live up to that. Tariffs will affect our shopping. (and if you’re interested in how “American Made”-from brands to why some of that is impossible- I am happy to share that too!). Second hand (I have always loved vintage and thrifting!) and sewing will start to become popular. As things change for us all, I have no idea what’s to come. I will do my best to navigate in a way that feels good and honors us all (we all matter or none of us do) and our fashion (as that matters too!). It’s a great time to invest in things you love, to shop small, and to build community. This year (as I have said) has really been about just getting out of bed (and some days barely at that)- I am hoping to get back and build on this community. Let’s take care of each other- and our closets!
XO RA

Fashion Stories: Fashion As Rebellion

A woman in a tee that says Hands Off, a black blazer and jeans

I am a firm, FIRM, believer that fashion is just another way with which we tell our stories. Fashion as a story telling fabric is the basis of what we do here. SO. Fashion as a way to speak out- for anything that you believe in. OR in general show rebellion? Yes. I’m here for it.

I know the most obvious way to tell our rebellious or political or out there stories are graphic tees. And from tees to sweatshirts I have a ton of graphic shirts. Graphic shirts with anything are a go-to formula for me. From shirts that are simply “Wonder Woman” to the more forceful graphic like above (and yes, that’s tame in my collection!) a graphic is an easy way to let people know your stance. But fashion is so much more subtle and lets us tell our stories in so many ways!

Investment Piece: Mini Skirting It
(This may not be the best example!)
But often when I think of fashion as rebellion I think of mini skirts in the 1960s. And how then men went from suits to longer hair and flares. Burning Bras. Tye Dye. NOTE: I am not old enough to have lived through that. I was not in the 1960s. Though- I was a teenager when Elmo and Grunge (ya know, flannels and ripped jeans and dark eye make up and combat boots) were all popular. Perhaps every generation has its own fashion that is a form of rebellion.

To truly understand how to dress to rebel (and not just dressing in what people you know what like), let’s understand what rebellion is:
According to the dictionary rebellion is:
an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

There are times when what we wear absouletly is in service of actively over throwing the government. Then there are times that what we wear is simply to let our displeasure known. To make a fuss. To give support. And to let people know where we stand.

I have never actively worked to throw over the government. But I have worn shirts and ears in supports of causes I love. In thinking about our stories, and how rebellion could be one- I’ve thought a lot about what we wear. From hem lines to high heels to shirts that give to causes.

Some reading that I’ve found helpful on these thoughts:
The Clothes that Shook The World
Rebellion, Gender, Fashion
You Say You want a (Fashion) Revolution?
and from sheer to faux fur, mob wife to mesh flats, 2024 has its own trends already (and we all know more to come). Wearing things like faux fur and being BIG can be rebellion (or at least a pendulum swing). Or dressing well- instead of wearing pjs to the grocery store (I am guilty of both!). All Black. Pops of Color. Pink. Bows. Prints. Mixing Prints. Black Nails. Anklets. All of these have been told to me to be a bit rebellious. I don’t know that rebellion always has to go against the status quo- but it does have to be unexpected.

Investment Piece: Product of a Strong Female

Interestingly enough, too young to have been around when mini skirts were a STATEMENT, I never burned a bra (too young), and while I was here for Nirvana and some Elmo in high school — it feels as if I have sort of missed so many fashion rebellion moments. Even sheer is no longer new (though it might be a bit more daring at times). SO. How do we rebel with our fashion now?

Is it by being more daring?
By wearing graphic tees in support of our causes?
Wearing the unexpected?

I don’t know! But I’m open to it all and will be telling my own story in the above ways.

As there is no clear way to tell you how to rebel in your fashion below I’ve linked fashion that supports causes that are dear to me– no pressure to you! Below are shirts that give to Gun Control, Women Homelessness, Reproductive Rights. But I know there is more out there. And you could always go anti trend. Or let me know how you’re dressing in an anti establishment way!!

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!

a woman in a white tee with black letters saying we should all be feminists and red pants and black heels

Other People’s Clothes

a woman in a green and white wrap dress, hair in a scarf and green loafers

I got into vintage in high school- I loved looking just a bit different than everyone else. The vintage love/obsession grew in my 20s/30s/plus as I realized that the quality, the style and the price I could afford were always unmatched. Shopping vintage lets me get amazing style and brands- that I may or may not have been able to afford “new”, and let me learn about so many FANTASTIC designers that I otherwise would have never knew existed. Vintage has added to my life (via friends and retailers) and closet (in too many items to count) in ways I could never replace.

I’m also a fan of wearing special pieces handed down from my family. From my grandma’s purse to my aunt’s dresses, to dresses from my BFF’s mom. When I wear something from someone I love I feel as if I’m carrying just a bit of them with me .

a close ip of Gucci mules with bamboo heel and a leather satchel

Resale? Huge fan! For quite a number of the same reasons above- I get to get items from seasons past, the quality, and the brand I love at a price I can often afford. This sometimes means that a lot of things I have aren’t new, but new to me. It also is how there are a ton of logos and brands in my closet.

And yet- I’m aware that this means that I’m wearing other people’s clothes. That has never bothered me. I’m not shy about buying most anything resale or vintage, from shoes on up. As long as I know it’s been cleaned, I often don’t worry at all about it. The thing is- I know that there are some people who do care. ALOT. About the fact that they are wearing other people’s clothes. Questions I get from the people who worry about other people’s clothes range from worrying about the cleanliness to not wanting to have old things.

Neither of those worries have ever been big concerns of mine. I tend to shop from reputable dealers/resellers, and in reality even putting your new clothes through the wash before you wear them is never a bad idea. In fact, I often love that I’m taking a piece from someone and giving it a new life- my own spin on it so to say.

These thoughts are brought to you by a social media post questioning how old is vintage (20+ years) and wondering if others ever really wore other people’s clothes. I was surprised by the people who thought differently than I do- and comforted by all the people who love vintage and resale like me!

Note- there is no right answer, we all have things we’re comfortable with!

But my question is – do you buy vintage and resell, aka other people’s clothes? And what are your thoughts on it?

I would love to know!
XO RA

Wait…The Champagne!

a woman in black Bermuda shorts, a graphic tee saying Wait the Champagne, a black Coach bag and snake skin sandals

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of Champagne to make it through-especially on a Monday. And While that may not always meant that you pop a bottle at no-one, it often does mean that a fantastic graphic tee (I can never resist one with a cheeky and oh-so-true thought!). U usually wear this shirt on Fridays (it feels very much like a weekend gateway message!), but on a Monday? How could I resist? That is – how do you resist a simple yet chic outfit that lets you let your personality shine?

a woman in black Bermuda shorts with a graphic tee that says Wait..the Champagne, a black coach bag and snake skin sandals

These shorts? (Though I love that they are long enough to not make me question if they are too short for my age) are so chic (and will go with everything. Black, classic, pleats, and a linen blend that allows for a bit of wrinkle but doesn’t collapse. A classic bag with a bit of an edge- that gold chain! (I don’t know that I am for the bag charm trend but this bag is perfect for one- and who knows! I have an older Dino keychain/charm that I could be persuaded to take with me all the places!). Snake skin sandals that act as a neutral? Love it!

So. How are you amusing yourself at the beginning of yet another week? And how are you communicating that in your outfit? I highly recommend a graphic tee and classic pairings. Who knows? Maybe someone will even pass you a glass to celebrate getting through the day!

Exact details linked below. Attitude comes separate! (and I hope this Monday is as good as it gets!) 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 all details, including my jewelry here

a woman in black Bermuda shorts with a graphic tee that says Wait..the Champagne, a black coach bag and snake skin sandals

Sunday Chronicles: Why is Change so Hard?

Can we be honest? Change is hard. Even the change that you want can be hard (ask my hair dresser, I freak out almost every time). And yet–none of us want to stay in the same place forever, right? I would say most of us want to be better versions of ourselves, to have amazing things happen to us, to reach for things, but getting out of our comfort zones can be difficult. Or maybe that’s just me. Say it’s not just me.

Spring is know as the beginning season. Flowers bloom, things start again, and we change. I know that I am changing right now–and some are great and some are scary. I have absolutely no answers but I can tell you 3 things that are helping me get through all the change.

1. Things are going to be okay.

They are. They most likely won’t look like how we think they might, but things have a way of working out for the best. I think our job is just to trust; as my grandma would say a positive attitude makes up for a lot.

2. Be okay with not knowing.

Internet friends this one is a struggle for me daily. I want to know things–all the things. But sometimes, when we’re going through things, we don’t. I’m trying to get comfortable not having an answer in mind, in seeing what happens, in not knowing. Some days are easier than others, but the more I can tell myself it’s okay not to know–it becomes okay not to know.

3. Be compassionate and kind–to yourself

Change is hard. I don’t think being mean to yourself or beating yourself up helps in any way. Just like a friend going through something needs your support, you need your support. So be kind to you–take care of you. If you need a night with friends, a glass of wine, or even new shoes, try to treat yourself like you would a friend.

Hopefully this spring brings for us a summer of changes that were worth it. And if we don’t like it, hey, we can always change again, right?

Wishing you a week of self kindness and amazing shoes! xo RA

Best of Both!

a woman in a black crop top with a black and gold max skirt, gold sandals in. a garden

We all know that I love a great contradiction- they tend to make life and outfits a but more interesting. Yet. As much as I do, I also sometimes catch myself being a bit “rigid” in my outfit thinking. It’s not that I am not open to experiment or try things on; but that I will pigeon hole items. For example, thinking of pairing vintage with vintage, labeling things “trendy”, not believing certain cuts will go together or look good on me. And that’s going in with this huge love of contradictions and the unexpected.

This is where I could give you a long story and chat all about how to overcome that in-the-box thinking, and tips for playing around with your outfits. How to be brave in your choices. But really? The big secret is to try things on. (And yes, stay open minded and all the things) But–so often it simply comes down to trying things out. Or on. While that doesn’t seem big or revolutionary, I do have some tips on how to make trying things on a bit more comfortable. So that when you get dressed and try something “new” you get the best of both worlds.

Speaking of best of both worlds? This outfit is a vintage skirt and a cropped bikini top. I do love swimwear as streetwear, and vintage is the foundation of my closet – this combination was a bit of a reach for me. I was inspired by the 60s and Palm Springs, and yet I worried that this would be a bit much- or because of the cuts be unflattering. In getting dressed, and styling this skirt I kept coming back to this pairing, something about it making me think it would be a fun twist. Finally, I had to give in and try it out/on- and I am so glad that I did, as it really is the best of both (vintage and swim and 60s and Palm Springs!)

a woman in a black crop top with a black and gold max skirt, gold sandals in. a garden

So, how do you get from trying things on to the best of both? (Again, besides trying it on).
-Spend some time in your closet. And spend time in media (that’s everything from movies to social media to books, etc) that inspires you. Naturally you’ll come up with ideas and pairings, be open to matching things in your closet, and find you can make your own inspirational outfits.

This is the part where you then try it on.

And then my big tip?
-Give yourself time to be in your try on. If it’s an outfit that is a big leap for you (like a crop top for example), give yourself a time limit. Run an errand- but make it short so you can change if needed.But spend some time, move around, let people see you.
For example, in the outfit above I ran to the grocery store. It may not sound exciting- but it is a good runway! I am so glad I did- as this best of both worlds outfit has become a go-to!

What are some of your best of both outfits? How do you experiment with your closet to get there? I would love to hear all about it!
While this skirt is vintage, I did find you similar and 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!

Fashion Stories: Ossie Clark

Loves! It’s the time of month where we go into our closets to see what stories live there. This month? I was lucky enough to chat with Lauren from Timeless Vixen about her Ossie Clark collection. It’s amazing. And I can’t wait to get back into her closet and really play. Also –I’d love to come play in your closet! What do you collect?

In the meantime, let’s enjoy my convo with Lauren about her 109 pieces of Ossie Clark (yes, her closet is #goals)

Also- you can read about Lauren and Ossie (and a recent Italian exhibit here)

And read more about Lauren’s collection here

Hope you enjoy!

Xo RA

Another Year, Another Closet Clean Out

Fun fact- I wrote this last year, and while I had every intention of cleaning out my closet last year, it didn’t really happen. For a lot of the reasons I chat about here. Overwhelm. Still not sure what my life is going to look like. At the end of the year, I did begin to clean out- and it felt great. I’m still taking it slow, and while the world and I are more open than we were, I’m determined to let that uncertainty lead me to make amazing fashion choices- and not hold onto items I really don’t need anymore. Especially when there are so many great ways to recycle your clothing and get your great items to people who do need them! Below are my thoughts on cleaning out your closet even when it’s hard, my method to clean out my closet, and this year I am really going to do it! XO RA

fashion, blogger, closet clean out, clean closet, closet full of clothes, Austin, tx, Los Angeles, ca

About this time, you’ll be seeing, getting, reading all sorts of articles and tips on how to clean out your closet. It’s that time of year. And I get it- I’m a fan of cleaning out closets,I even have my own method which I’ve gone into detail about here, here, and here. Yes, when I clean out my own closet I do these EXACT things. I go through section by section and sort my yes, no, and maybe piles, trying on all my maybes and asking myself questions to see if they fit in my closet (life). Then I sort again, organize and make plans to get rid of my nos.

But. Wanna know a secret?

I haven’t cleaned out my closet in a couple of years. With the pandemic, and all the things, I just haven’t been up to it. Part of it is overwhelm- even though I have a system that works for me, I’m well versed in what I like and what I want my closet to look like, the stories I want to tell with my fashion- going through my clothes right now seems daunting. Some of that is that I know some things I know I need to sort out and replace (like a lot of my sports bras), and the idea of replacing a section seems too much right now. Part of it is that I’m at a loss for what’s happening in the world right now. Am I not wearing things because of the item or fit- or because I’ve been at home for over a year? How do you judge that and what are you doing about it?

Investment Piece: Luxury

If you’re managing to clean out in a way that’s working for you, I can’t tell you how much I admire you. A closet clean out is currently on my list of January goals, and I’m still not even sure how to start it. There are so many things in my closet that I love, some I need to part with, and many that I would love to add- and in this time that’s all a bit much.

SO.
I’m changing at how I’m looking at the closet clean out this year. Will I eventually go through my closet, using my processes and get rid of the things that no longer serve me? Yes. At some point will I replace all the things that I need to (for me, sports bras)? Of course. However, while all of that is still overwhelming, I’m choosing to focus on other aspects of a closet clean out- the organization. During the pandemic my closet space became more temporary than it had been in years. There was a time when you could ask about any item I own- ANY- and I would know EXACTLY where it was in my closet. Skirts, pants, tops, dresses, vintage, modern- my closet was sorted by type, color, function. It was pristine. Now? I don’t know where anything is (I do, but not in the ways I’m used to). Instead of making myself stress out about another closet clean out, I’m focusing on getting my closet back to being pristinely organized. Will that help in a clean out (as some clean will naturally happen along the way)? Yes. Or at least I’m hoping so!

But taking the pressure off myself is making this process easier on me. In my closet clean out process, I always say that you shouldn’t feel pressured to get rid of things just to get rid of things. If you love something, if it brings you joy (even if you aren’t wearing it every day), I say keep it. This relaxed attitude has always let me clean out my closet in a way that lets me keep things, while I really do get rid of the things that are no longer for me. I’m crossing my fingers that this same attitude will let me organize- and clean out- while avoiding the overwhelm.

How are you making room for new stories this year? How are you cleaning out your closet? I would love to hear any and all tips!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Seasons

Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, spring springing

Seasons can mean oh-so-many things. The time of year and weather outside. The kind of clothes we are offered and wear. And then- what we are going through in our lives. Ironically the last are the seasons that can last the longest. While I am excited for the warmer weather, the spring clothes- I perhaps may be most excited for a change of personal seasons.

Yes- I have tried to be as honest as I could here about how difficult the past season(s) have been for me. From illness to house constructions to all the emotions that came with all of that. As I claw my way out of that, and back to myself and my closet and routines and ALL the things, it does feel a bit like spring. New. Budding. Shedding the winter layers.

Then- I can’t help but think of the other kind of personal season- and it’s related to a closet clean out! (Yep, even though I will never shame you for holding onto anything, I am a fan of the closet clean out. And that’s another thing that I want to get back to!) BUT- as I transition from one personal season to the next, and think about changing everything including my closet for Spring, I can’t help but think about the seasons of our clothes. Yes, that could mean the clothes’ lifespans and how we love and wear our clothes and pass them on. I am also referring to our how life seasons come with their own seasons of clothes.

For example, there was a period (season) of my life, when I lived in Los Angeles, where I would go work out in the am’s and then change at the gym into a version of lounge (or run around clothes) and go run errands. I would then shower and change into my real outfit after at home. During this time I had a whole section of my wardrobe that catered to those after gym errands- not quite sweat pants, sweat shirt dresses, all the kinds of t-shirts and lounge pants. They were staples of what I wore on a weekly and daily basis. Then. My life changed. I moved. And while I still went to the gym- it was either a situation where I showered at the gym and changed directly into my OOTD or I was close enough to the gym that I went home directly after and showered and got dressed.

Those amazing lounge clothes that were cute enough to be my errands outfits? They got put in drawers (and really didn’t come out till Covid). It’s not that I stopped liking them or that I didn’t lounge- but the season of my needing that big part of my closet passed. It took me a while to get rid of the parts of that season that really needed to go (yes, sometimes I hang onto things a bit longer than I need to- and that’s a whole other post). Seasons change- and our closets do too.

Here I am, at the start of a new season (weather and time wise) and a new personal season (see moving out of allll the things and back to myself). I know, though I may not be prepared- these seasons may affect my closet (and that may be amazing! There may be new and great seasons of clothes ahead!). In the past, I think that I have thought about seasons in our closest/clothes in terms of weather seasons, but as I look behind and ahead, it’s very clear that there are personal seasons in our closets/clothes. I am both excited and a bit apprehensive to move through – and move out mine. And of course, share it with you.

Looking back, can you tell seasons in your clothes? Closet? Even if it’s just a style you used to love and now don’t? I would love to hear all about them all- including your tips on transitioning through the seasons!

Wishing us all a week of amazing shoes and seasons that are seamless! XO RA

A time to Transition….

a woman in a black Angora skirt and a pink agnora sweater with white and patent black sock boots
a woman in a snake print dress and sandals in the midst of doors
a woman in a pink and black knit fringe dress in the midst of doors
a woman in a caped giraffe print dress in the midst of doors

Yesterday was the first day of spring- or the start of Aries season and the new year astrologically speaking. (Here we are a fan of new seasons and new beginnings). Spring- and a new start- are the beginnings of oh-so-many- things: from new fashions to new feelings, new habits, and new us. The start of anything is also a time of transition. We put away out winter clothes, carefully fold and store our sweaters- maybe do a closet clean out. Get out our shorter skirts, shorts, and sandals. Embrace warmer weather and begin new routines.

Spring and all the new- I love it. And it’s fun and exciting and I can’t wait to show you my new, and to build new routines and habits (ya know, new year new me). Share the season and things with you. And yet, I want to acknowledge: even in the best of times, transitions are hard. We can go back and forth (if you believe my great-grandma we have at least one more hard freeze before Easter! So maybe leave at least a sweater or two within reach.) Transitions by definition mean leaving some things behind, and humans at even our best are not always great with change. (Perhaps you’re also like me– really wanting the new from fashion to habits but sad about all the winter things you didn’t get to from fashion to activities).

So, if transition is hard and new is exciting and yet we have to deal with them both at the same time- what is it exactly we do? Or, more apt, how do we chicly and calmly transition?

I don’t know that I have all the answers (and yes, I do at times find change a bit more difficult than I would like to admit). But I will say- we move at a pace that is comfortable for us, we wear things that make us feel like us and look chic, and breathe.

How else do you suggest we transition?

I am open to any and all tips! I can’t wait to share and showcase all my spring fashions (and the house!) And show you my transitions from clean-outs to redecorating. What are you looking forward to this season? And again- how do you transition- and what do you wear?

XO RA