Author: RachelAdelicia

Actress, avid shopper, and a lover of fashion. Hoping to make the world a better place one pair of shoes at a time.

Does it Have to be New?

a woman in a strapless orange dress on a deck in front of river
a woman in a strapless orange dress in front on a deck in front of a river
a woman in a strapless orange dress on a deck in front of a river

There’s a rush in getting new clothes- the deciding what you love, picking it out, and then getting to take it home (or have it delivered). It’s part of why I personally love online shopping (you come home to presents to you from you!), there’s a rush in packages, there’s a high in finding novel things to wear, and we live in a culture that makes us think that we NEED the newest thing. And while it may be gauche to admit it, I (we?) all love new.

Which can be at odds with fashion advice about building a wardrobe that fits your life, that feels good, that can be worn over and over- a wardrobe that is full of good investments.

It begs the question, does it have to be new to be a great part of your go-to wardrobe?

a woman in a strapless orange dress in front on a deck in front of a river
a woman in a strapless orange dress on a deck in front of a river
a woman in strapless orange dress on a deck in front of a river

For me, “does it have to be new?” is a completely different question from “do you re-wear your clothes?”. (And for the record, the answer is yes. You have seen this dress before, on the blog here)
Asking if you re-wear your clothes is a great start- because yes, I hope that everything in your closet (some very special exceptions aside) is a piece you’ll wear more than once. However, asking if something is new is asking if you have pieces in your closet that you can rewear again and again, restyle again and again, and those pieces still feel fresh and like you. New is great (and don’t get me wrong- I buy new), but nothing stays new forever.

Which of course, leads to more questions.
If a piece you love is only great new, is it something you need in your wardrobe? Should you seek out new or pieces that will make all your pieces feel new? And if you’re chasing new- are you making room by cleaning out your closet regularly? Is there an ethical way to always have new?

Some of those answers are incredibly personal. Some of them I feel as if we’re all discovering together. I love new, I shop (both new and vintage), and I like to think that I choose pieces that only ever add to my wardrobe, even when they’re not new. (I do attempt to clean out quarterly, but that’s much more difficult to do!). There’s a balance to this kind of shopping, and wearing, and I’m still trying to master it. New is such a rush- but putting on something that you’ve had for ages that still makes you feel good? That’s a rush too.

I didn’t change the styling too much on this dress. It’s never felt needed- it’s a great dress that makes me feel special, no matter what shoes, no matter what belt. Even with jackets and sweaters over it- this dress is a great piece. It hasn’t been new (to me) for over a year, and is still a go-to.

So. No. It doesn’t have to be new. Maybe it just has to bring out a side of you that you love. There’s a rush there, too.

This dress isn’t new but I’ve found similar ones and I’ve linked them below. I would love to hear about how you balance new and old in your closet, what you’re buying, and the rush certain clothes give you!
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 strapless orange dress standing on a deck in front of a river

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Blockbusters

tom cruise in front of an airplane with the title for Top Gun Maverick

I know this won’t shock you, but I’m a huge fan of movies. Stories: getting involved in people’s emotions, rooting for the good guys, against the villains, going on all the ups and downs with characters- I love it all. For a time in my life, I had Friday afternoons off from work and each (or most) weeks I would take myself out on a Friday afternoon date, aka to the movies.

Sidenote- I will die on the hill that there is nothing more indulgent than a matinee movie (it feels like you’re getting away with something and getting to play hooky) and going to the movies alone (getting to experience all the things how you need to! When I regularly took myself to matinees on self-dates I really enjoyed not only the stories, but the time I gave to myself.

There are a ton of summer blockbusters opening (including Top Gun: Maverick, which, yes, I do want to see!), and while I could list all of the movies I currently want to see- and thought about doing so- when I thought about summer blockbusters, what I really want to talk about are movies, and the experience going to the movies can be.

In all honesty, I haven’t been to a movie theater since the pandemic. Not because I don’t love movies or have things I want to see, but because it hasn’t felt safe. And I know you may be at a place where it feels save for you, I just haven’t gotten there yet (the balance of living life and safety is a lot sometimes, isn’t it?). Movies at home are great- there’s something to be said about not worrying about bathroom breaks, getting to rewind, having any snack in the world, etc. I’m always grateful when we can stream or somehow get movies at home (I really do love it and spend a lot of nights watching movies at home!), but there is something special about a movie theater. The big screen, the dimmed lights, the smell of popcorn, the gasps and cheers from other audience members who may be strangers. The movie theater is a place you can be alone with people, and when you’re going to watch summer blockbusters, is such a unifying experience. When you love movies as much as I do, the movie theater, and the summer blockbuster are magical places.

I’m not looking for advice, or to be told that I should just go back to the movie theater- though I miss it and have a few summer blockbusters on my list- I know I’ll get back there. Though I am currently thinking of going to a drive in and if you have tips to share on that experience, I’m all ears!

Maybe what I’m longing for right now, more than a trip to the movie theater or to spend an afternoon engrossed in a summer blockbuster is a bit of magic. The experience of getting to go and try new things from a comfy chair, the lights and the sounds- and the cheers- that can only be called magic when it spans about 90 mins. Perhaps I’m longing for a bit of what I used to have, which is weirdly one of the reasons I love movies so, I’ve always felt that movies can give us what we’ve lost or are longing for. So in the meantime, I’ll be finding ways to get my summer blockbuster fix.

I would love to know your thoughts about summer blockbusters, movies in general, movie theaters- and if you have any drive in tips!

Wishing us all a week of magic and amazing shoes! XO RA

Summer Whites

a woman in white pants and a white top with wedge sandals and a snake clutch in front of a fence ke clutch in front of a fence
ke clutch in front of a fence
ke clutch in front of a fence

tis the season to wear all white. Which can mean a ton of things- glamorous, classy, a spill trap. I’ve always been one to dare it all (coffee spills) and wear all white during the summer, it feels very crisp to me. But, because of who I am as a person, I also love doing it (summer whites) with a twist.

ke clutch in front of a fence
a close up of a woman's face with a star earring and sunglasses

Which sometimes means accessories like these above- great shoes, a great bag (especially when you’re wearing all white feel free to go bold with both of these pieces- I’m a fan of animal prints but color, pattern! Go crazy!). Or even your jewelry and sunnies. Another way to punch up all white? I love big, gold necklaces or earrings, or even an arm stack!

ke clutch in front of a fence

And sometimes your summer whites can be the statement. Off the shoulder. These pants are actually sequins (but work as a basic!). Of course there are so many statement whites- cutouts, minis, maxis, tanks, etc. While white may be considered a blank canvas, that really just means that it’s exciting-and you can make a summer white outfit what you like.

Yes, you can do all white in any season (even this retired southern belle will tell you so!), but there’s just something about summer that screams for white outfits. Pants, dresses, even shoes.

I would love to know- how do you do summer white? How daring do you get with it?

While this outfit is a few years old, I’ve linked similar pieces for you to play with 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!

Vintage Swim

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image

Every year I do a round up of swim suits that I’m loving. And it’s not that there is not a ton of vintage swim out there that I’m loving, but I’ve been thinking a lot about vintage swimsuits, and how much I love them- from pin-up one pieces to swim sets.
There’s just something about a vintage swimsuit – the cut is impeccable, it can fit perfectly, and it makes water seem like an occasion. I love both of these above vintage suits for different reasons: the bikini as it’s perfectly fun, the one piece as it’s almost Bond like. The cut is so good in each I have dreams of wearing them on land!

It can feel intimidating to dive into vintage swim (pun intended), and that’s not just finding vintage suits at your favorite vintage dealer/shop. So, I’ve put down my top tips for buying and wearing vintage swimsuits!
Some tips on vintage swim wear:
-there are several sites that sell swim suits made from vintage patterns. They’re not vintage, but look and have the vintage feel. IF you want “true” vintage make sure you’re paying attention to tags, etc. If you only want the vintage look, these sites and stores are great!
-Shop by measurement, not size- vintage sizes aren’t modern!
-The cuts are different, don’t be afraid to try various cuts and sizes
-Play with color! Patterns! One of my current favorite vintage swimsuit gold lame, just because it’s vintage don’t be afraid to be bold!
-Have them tailored,most vintage suits are cloth without spandex which means they can be altered (and you can have the lining replaced)
-Accessorize! How great is this swim cap?

While these suits are a part of my personal collection (from Recess and AAVintedge respectively), I managed to round up some of my current favorite vintage swimsuits. Will I shop some modern swim this summer? Of course, but it never hurts to feel like a bombshell in a vintage suit.

What about you? Are you heading into vintage this summer? Do you love a good vintage suit? I would love to hear all about your swim preferences- both vintage and modern!

Hoping that your swimsuit makes you feel like a million bucks today!
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!

Memorial Day Sales

Loves! It’s a holiday weekend in America, which means it’s a sales weekend in America. All weekend all long I’ll be updating my sales picks in both the LTK and the ShopStyle apps (links to follow in the menu!). I’ll also be taking the weekend to regroup (this week has been a doozy) and plan for the summer- we’ll be back on next Wednesday with all the swim and summer style. In the meantime- these are the sales and things I’m buying this weekend. Come shop with me all weekend – and I hope you get the relaxation and summer prep you need!

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!

Target Swim

Get 30% off swim suits- from chic one pieces to bikinis at Target through 5/30. These are some of my current faves

JCrew

Get up to 50% off summer must haves at Jcrew with code SUMMER. These are what I’m currently shopping!

Madewell
Get 25% off everything at Madewell with code LONGWEEKEND. Sets. Dresses. Summer Denim. These are some of my faves:

ShopBop Designer Sale
Shop all the sandals, bags and summer style must haves at the designer sale!

Good American
Sign up for texts and emails on the Good American site and get up to 40% off on must have denim and more!

I hope that you come shop with me on apps this weekend, and I hope that you get all the rest and relaxation you need on this holiday weekend!
xo RA

Real Adult

woman in a blue shirt and coulette set with a scarf in her hair and a satchel bag in front of a brick house
a woman in a blue silk shirt and short set with a scarf and a satchel bag in front of a brick house
the black of a woman with a scarf in her hair and a satchel bag in front of a brick house

Do you know that meme that states “have you ever looked around for an adult to handle the issue? The you realize you’re the adult? And you realize you need a more adult adult?”

That’s how I feel A LOT of the time.

Not that I’m not an adult. I work. I pay bills. I run errands- so many errands. Cook, clean, be kind to my neighbors, handle the trash and recycling, doctors, etc, etc. I adult (even when I hate that term and perhaps even hate the details of adulting).

Maybe it’s that as a creative (which is also a bit of a cringy term to any one in your life who may be pursuing a career in the arts- mainly as it opens you up to oh so many “tips” or “advice” that may or may not be welcome), it’s that any job that doesn’t fulfill your purpose fills hollow. Or maybe it’s that you may to have so many jobs to support your calling that none of them feel real.

a woman in a blue silk short set with a scarf in her hair sits on an iron bench with her feet up in front of a brick house and a red door

I don’t know all the reasons- but I know that even at my over 30 age, I’ve never truly felt as if I’m real adult. I’ve never had a job where suits are required but I have a thing for suits. I’ve always had a pull to the creative side- but have had many day jobs. And even though I can handle a crisis, a baby, an aging parent, when things have happened, I’ve always wondered when the adults would show up.

And at every event I’m always surprised that I’m a real adult. One that could be in charge.
Sometimes a real adult that is in charge- with all of the issues that come with all of that.

Even though I’ve considered myself a “real adult”, I suppose I am. And even though you could argue that I’ve never had to dress “professional” at work, I’ve always be drawn to a suit or a set that would pass for any adult.

AKA Perhaps I’ve been dressing like a “real” adult, and have been one all along- even when I don’t feel like one.

Which begs the question- what is a real adult to you?

a woman in a blue silk set in front of a brick house
a woman in a blue silk short set with a scarf in her hair and her satchel bag walks out of a cream garage and brick house

I’m not 100% sure what my definition of a “real adult” is, but I know that for years, it hasn’t been me. And- as I’ve realized that everything- my creative pursuits, my yoga pants, my suit replacements, etc- I’m slowly recognizing that I am an adult (a real one!) and stepping into my power. I’m still deciding what that looks like for me (because part of this journey is the realization that maybe there is no “Real” adult and we’re all just doing our best).

Yet, I still can’t help but love more “professional” separates. For example, this silk set would look great together, apart, with a blazer- and with any sort of briefcase. This set will allow you to go to after work drinks or dinner- be as creative as you like- but also lets you act and look like a real adult. Perhaps it’s the bets of both worlds. And maybe that’s what being a “real” adult is!

I’ve linked similar sets and bags for you below. These shoes are my beloved Perfect Sandals via Sarah Flint’s and you can get $50 off your own pair with code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESMENTPIECE!
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 blue silk set with a scarf in her hair and a satchel bag in front of a brick house

Throwing in the Towel

a woman in a pink robe made from towels stands in front of green trees
a woman in a pink robe made from towels stands in front of a green tree and White House
A woman in a pink robe made of towels stands in front of green trees

I know, I know, we all thinking that throwing in the towel is not a great thing. Because it means quitting. And we’re told that quitting is never great. But what if it was great to quit, to throw in the towel was a great thing?

Note- this is not me throwing in the towel on the blog. You’re still stuck with me! And my hope that things only get better from here. The only thing we may be throwing the towel in on here are bad outfits and things that make us feel bad. (at least fashion wise).

And while that may be a bad pun, or turn of phrase, that attitude is really what (or where) I’m interested in throwing in the towel. The world is different, we’re different, fashion is different- what if we just stopped doing and wearing things that weren’t for us? Not in a refusal to try new styles way, but in a when things aren’t right for us way, we don’t try to force them. Maybe it’s a throw in the towel on wearing things to please others, and we commit to our own style (the one that’s completely ours) and the things that make us look and feel good (because they are different on everyone). Wouldn’t those type of throwing in the towels be fantastic?

a close up of a woman in a pink robe made of towels in front of green trees and a White House

On a fashion note: this robe (dress) is made from towels. Vintage Milikan towels to be exact. This exact piece is from one of my favorite vintage sellers, Take Me Back Baby- you can find her on Etsy, Shop Thrilling and IG- all @takemebackbabyvintage! (feel free to reach out for direct links!) It’s the perfect thing for getting out of the water, and chic enough for any patio party. This dress is all that I want to live in for the summer- from the texture to the color, to the cut. You can find sellers making a ton of options out of vintage towels, Milikan and other vintage towels, and if you’re into more modern options Terry cloth is big this season. From tops to bottoms to dresses, Terry wears well, is comfy, and is so incredibly chic for the season. Maybe instead of throwing in the towel, we just clothe ourselves in them? That’s an option I’m open to!

a woman in a pink dress that's made out of towels in front of green trees and patio furniture
a woman in a pink robe made of towels in front of hanging plants and a white wall

What would be better if we threw in the towel on it? As the seasons change, I know it’s tempting to make our wishlists, bucket lists, plan trips- and I plan to do all of those- but this year I’m also thinking about what I could quit for the season. What things would make the summer better by leaving them behind? I can think of a few, and I’m sure you could to. So, as I’m making my lists of all the things to do, I’m going to be specific on the things I’m not going to do. And if I happen to throw in the towel while wearing a chic one, I completely call it a win!

Below I’m linking both vintage and modern Terry cloth options for your chicest summer! If you want help sourcing a towel item for yourself please reach out!
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 pink dress sits on a bench in front of a white wall

Is my Style Changing? (And is that a bad thing?)

Recently I’ve started to ask myself if I’m too old to wear things- because yes, I seem to be in that liminal space where I’m not really young- but not quite old (I hope!). And while asking myself if I’m too old to wear things, I can’t help but think about how my style (and me) are changing. Some changes are ever so subtle, and some seem huge overnight. I am not clear on any of the answers to these posed questions- and I don’t know that there are super clear answers. But if I’m asking them, doesn’t that mean that they’re worth asking?”

IF you have answers or thoughts or comments I would love to hear them! And yes- I’m working on writing about being too old for certain styles! XO RA

Investment Piece: FBF First Neutrals

This is from one of my very first blog posts. There is no doubt that my blog is evolving, and my skills, and all that good stuff. I’m grateful and excited for that. The things is, May is a sentimental month for me, I make no apologies about that. Next week (to the day) I have a big(?) birthday that has me looking back, looking forward, and thinking about if I’ve changed, and what I would like to change.

Yes, that means goals and life, and all that good stuff.

It also means my style. Is my style changing? And if it is, is that a bad thing?

Investment Piece: In Blue

That is one of my most recent looks. Since I am myself (shocking, I know), and in the middle of this, it’s a little hard to have perspective on this question I’m posing to myself. I can look back at some of the outfits I’ve worn and shot, and would (and still do) wear them again. There are also outfits that I can look at and wouldn’t wear again at all.

Investment Piece Is my style Changing?
From the beginning
Investment Piece: Inspired by
From last month.

I can tell you the ways that my life and schedule have changed, I have theories that these things deeply affect what we wear. (There was a time in my life when I would go to the gym, throw on some sort of lounge clothes, run errands then come home and change. Now, I usually shower and change at the gym. A little difference? Yes. But it’s completely changed my go-to outfits.) Do these changes mean my style has changed? How could I tell?

When I look back at all the pictures I have of myself (and it’s scary how many of them there are), I can see so many similarities.
Investment Piece: is my style changing?
Investment Piece: is my style changing?

Yes. Almost 4 years apart, I shot basically the exact same look. But I can also tell you differences.
Investment Piece: The Jacket
Investment Piece: Flash Back Friday: First Posts

I don’t hate what I used to wear, and I clearly like what I wear now.
Maybe I’m asking the wrong question. Perhaps it’s not so much that my style is changing, but that my style is evolving with me. Some parts are still the same, but there’s room for so much more as well.

Isn’t that the fun part of style and fashion? You can change and yet be yourself, all the parts of you.

Thank you for indulging me on this very personal question! Looks (new and old) are shoppable on Instagram, Pintrest, ShopStyle, and RewardStyle. (Or over on the menu!)

Is anyone else in the mood to go shopping?
Xo RA

Sky Blue

a woman in a strapless blue dress in front a grey walla woman in a blue strapless dress in front of a grey wall
a woman in a strapless blue dress in front of a grey wall
a woman in a strapless blue dress in front of a grey wall
a close up of a woman in a blue dress and sandals in front of a grey wall

Last week was a WEEK. My birthday. My mom’s birthday. Some family birthdays. Family events. It was amazing- dinners, meet ups, celebrations. And exhausting- dinners, meet ups, celebrations. Not to mention the travel for all of those and the being “on” for all of those. Most things have a duality – even the good things. I wrote yesterday about things speeding up ( if you missed it, you can read it here) and they are- this month is full of non-stop events for me (and I’m sure for you too, there’s a reason why we all post vacation looks now! We all need one 😂).

I wore this dress on my (actual) birthday. And as for crazy weeks go, my day was a great one- I went to my favorite Pilates class,spent time with my faves, took myself to lunch- and snapped these pics randomly. As much as I wanted to share this dress with you, I will admit I didn’t know what to say. It’s not exactly the same as I felt here but I’ll be honest as much as I LOVE this dress (and have plans to wear it again and again) and as much as I’m happy with these pics (yes, a photo shoot taken in the middle of a day that was personal), when I went to tell you ALL the things all I could think of was that this dress is silk, has cutouts and HAS POCKETS!

All important things.
And yet, that didn’t feel like enough to say over and over again in a post. Pockets are exciting, but maybe not enough to write a whole post about (yes, I do always worry about that).

Then. This past weekend, I went to a family Celebration of Life for a passed family member, and I took a picture of the sky. It was nothing special- just the blue sky and some clouds. I had already decided to call this post “Blue Sky” and when I asked my mom for any notes or ideas on this dress/post, the only thing she mentioned was that it reminded her of the sky on our trip. I knew it was a sign.

As is blue sky. Usually blue skies are a sign of all the good things to come. That struggle or the storm is over. Blue skies are a good omen. So what does a good dress mean- especially one that made me feel special, that has pockets, that is the color of a special sort of hope- the color of blue sky?.
(I’m a special kind of grammar nerd and I’m not sure how to punctuate that sentence!)

So. What do blue skies mean to you? Or dresses with pockets? Or the dresses that make you feel special? The ones that you wear on special days to mark it or to celebrate all the good things you wish for?

I want to know all about those dresses, about your colors that mean good things are coming, and the good things you do believe you’ll find or are coming for all of us in the next season!

I’ve linked this exact dress and almost the exact same sandals. I hope you wear them on a day with blue skies and one that brings you only great things!
xo RA

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

a woman in blue dress in front of a grey wall