RachelAdelicia – Page 6 – Investment Piece

Hart to Hart

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

During the lockdowns here my schedules have changed. Some for the good, some for the bad. For a while, I couldn’t help but stay up late watching old sitcoms. From “Murder She Wrote” to “Golden Girls”, I’ve loved them! But one of my favorites (and it was new to me!) has been “Hart to Hart”!

Investment Piece: Hart to Hart

“Hart to Hart” follows a millionaire couple, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, who globe trot, find themselves in trouble, and solve crimes. It’s both fun and sexy, and just a little funny (I’m just saying if there was a crime or something everywhere I went, I might think it was me!).

I’m loving the show (though I’ve moved to recording it so I don’t stay up too late!), and it’s beginning to influence my fashion. We all make fun of 1980s fashion, and some of it deserves that. However, some is chic and I can’t help but loving the way Jennifer Hart is making me dress!

Investment Piece: hart to hart

What’s “Hart to Hart” style? (At least to me). Clutches. Nude pumps. Put together looks from suits to dresses to even her pjs. It’s the best and most elegant of the 80s. Yes, there are some shoulder pads and Ruffles, but done well I like those things.

This dress? It’s a Dianne Freis (also some of the best of 80s, we’ve chatted about her here) It’s simple and a statement all in one (that color, the Ruffles, the movement! It does have shoulder pads but they go with the fit!). With nude pumps and a vintage clutch? I feel like I’m dashing off to solve a mystery with my husband!

Or just eating outside (every year has its adventures!). I feel glam and yet its easy. Maybe that’s the best part of “Hart to Hart” fashion!

(A sizing note. This is not my only Dianne Freis, with her signature stretchy waist you can wear a ton of sizes. I have an XS, a M, and a S. They’re forgiving and chic-the best of both worlds!)

I’ve linked you similar items below so we can be 80s fatales together!
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: Hart to Hart

Almost Missed This..

Here it is- Again February. Again in the 80s. And again, I’ve been putting off wearing these pants (and more!) as it needs to be perfect! What is with that? Why is a great outfit something I put off? NO idea of there are answers here – but is a prod to not put off great outfits in the pursuit of perfect outfits!

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

I fell in love with these wool blend split waist (yep- that hint of grey isn’t a mistake! The waist on these pants has a high and a low portion– and I just love it!) and have had them for a while. Every time I reached for them, I stopped myself– not because I didn’t want to wear them but because I worried that I didn’t have the “perfect” top to go with them. I wanted to highlight this special and cool waist band! Shirts I looked at: sheer, corset, rouched, seamed, cropped–I felt like it had to be the perfect, most perfect thing to wear.

**Sidenote: perhaps my deep need to have things be perfect explains why I’m so drawn to party dresses! Just something I’m thinking about!

Back to these pants!

Searching for “perfect” kept me from wearing and styling these pants. That I love! Then, this week (while, yes, it’s still February) the weather turned. Hot. It was in the 80s yesterday! And as stylish as these pants are– they are wool and something tells me sweating in them in the extreme heat will not be stylish. My time was now or never- so I grabbed a tank (sweater tank to be exact) and styled them. And you know what? It’s perfect. I love the ribbing matching the stripe on the sides. I love that it’s a bit winter and a bit spring.

And to think: I almost missed this. (I also thought about the double entendre that it was possible to “almost miss” the waistband!)

What are we missing out on by holding onto a way “things should be”? Or what are we missing by waiting for perfect? I don’t know– but I know we probably don’t want to miss them. Advice on how to stop letting perfectionism get in our way is not something I should be giving–I am still working on it myself. But. I know that I almost missed this great outfit (and almost missed sharing it with you!) because I was trying to make it perfect- instead of trusting that it would be. That’s not how I want to live my life. And I also want to wear these pants!

So- what if we just go for all those things? I’m in if you are!

(In the spirit of just that I’ve linked shopping options for you 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!

a woman in a grey sweater tank with black wool split waist pants and black heels

Sunday Chronicles: Routines

I wrote this about a year ago. At the time I was in desperate need of some structure. I found a system that worked (mostly for me). Then. life. A new day (side) gig. Changes in home life and work life. And I find myself again needing some structure. Needing a way to get myself on a routine- as it turns out keeping me on a routine is part of my self care. Here are still my thoughts on it:

a woman in white shorts and a white blazer in front of a stone wall

What’s that saying? Danger can hurt you but routine can kill you? Something like that. And I get it- we don’t want our routines to be a rut. Ruts, more than routines, I think are what can kill us. But- what if instead of a routine, you’re in chaos (aka no routine and nothing to anchor you). Isn’t that the most dangerous of all?

And, for a while, it feels as if chaos is where I’ve been, so I’m yearning for routine.

It started in the middle of lockdown. I’m an introvert, and have always worked from home. Yet, with no schedule (like my gym classes) to really anchor me, I become a bit all over the place. There were nights when I would stay up so late (not doing anything but watching reruns), and then nights when I went to bed at 8pm. Days when I would get a ton of deadlines met and days when the most productive thing I would do is have coffee. I get it- we were all (and still are) going through things and dealing as we could.

But. What I’ve learned about myself? I need routine, a schedule, something to anchor me. I need to know what days I’m shooting and which I’m writing, when my workouts are, and (for sanity) to have a “regular” bedtime.

(of course with a routine it makes the days when you deviate from it SPECIAL. But you have to have the routine first!)

So, starting this week I’m getting myself back on a routine. I’m actually excited about it- as I feel as if a routine will help me thrive, and not just survive. Naturally, we all need different structure, but how I’m going about it is I’m giving myself some guidelines, with the understanding that sometimes they will be broken, but with the intent to stick to them 98% of the time. What am I doing? Bedtimes (by 10), workouts (booked and the ones at home given a time), scheduling days for all my activities: cleaning, laundry, shooting, admin, etc. It’s not to suck the fun out of anything, though it does feel a bit like the 2 weeks before school when my mom would make us get back on a school routine instead of a summer one, but to help me be my best self. Therefore, able to have more fun.

And I’m adult enough to know doing what’s best for me is fun! (And yet not adult enough that I think this decision warrants something new!)

What are your routines? Do you find that you need them? Or are you ok just playing it by ear all the time? I would love to know about it!

Wishing us all a week of what’s best for us and amazing shoes! XO RA

Snake Style

Investment Piece: Snake Bitten

It’s Lunar New Year! And the Year of the Snake!

(This is where I want to let you know that Lunar New Year is not something I grew up with, or is a part of my heritage- so I won’t go on like I am an expert. In fact, some of my first lunar new years were purchasing special cosmetic sets. Yet, I love the idea of yet another fresh start. And while snakes are really not my thing- though you wouldn’t know it by my fashion- the idea of shedding your old skin and becoming someone new? That I can get behind. So, I will be wearing red (for luck!) and dressing in the chicest snake styles I can find. Like below!)

Investment Piece: Champagne Tastes
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, belts, necklaces, vintage, high fashion, CA, TX
Investment Piece: how to purple with retro vibes
Investment Piece: #Blazer
Investment Piece: #mixed
And one of my faves:

Investment Piece: Bond Girl

In fact, I love snake style- from accessories and jewelry to shoes, to anything from suits to dresses. It’s animal print, it’s subtle, it’s bold. And this year if it brings us a bit of luck and is a bit of reminder to become new? I’m in.

Below are a few serpents I am currently taking inspiration from- Happy Lunar New Year! 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: The Waiting Game

Chicly Knitted

A woman in black, camel and white color block turtleneck sweater and pants with mesh leather sneakers

Currently invested in? Knit Sets. (Even Sweat sets!) that are absolutely comfy but feel chic and look put together. Essentially, at this point of the weather, dealing with living in a construction zone, and the world events- I am looking for a cheat sheet, the CliffNotes (I know- that’s what I called them in high school!), the easy way to get through a day.

Especially if Mondays are difficult. Or full of decisions beyond your outfit that are a bit more than you can do.

It’s not that I am against sweats (I do believe you can wear them chicly!), but sometimes, perhaps even on a Monday, we need an elevated version. Enter the chicly knitted set (and this is not the only example! You can even make your own in monotone knits, complimentary color knits, or just knits!) The knit set may hang a bit neater, may have more versatility, or simply may make you feel as if you’re dressed.

All are valid and often needed on a Monday. (Or truly any day that’s hard. Or when you don’t feel like getting dressed. Or a day you just can’t but have to!)

This exact knit set is (linked below) and from Ruti, my new go to for elevated casual wear! In this season of life- the house construction, the cold weather, my off schedule, I find myself looking more and more for sets that I don’t have to think about that make me feel and look put together. This chicly knitted set? Perfect on all accounts.

What do you reach for when you need a casual get chic look? How do you make yourself feel put together?
I would love to hear any and all tips!

XO RA

Please 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 my chicly knitted set here

Sunday Chronicles: Perfectionism and Mantras

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

I did some more flashing back this week and came across one of the first Sunday Chronicles I wrote. It’s a subject I keep going back to: perfectionism, and how I deal with it. The story of my life, in other words. The reminder that some battles are constant both encouraged me and scares me. Spin class is one of the ways that I’ve always dealt with it–but right now I’m still mainly working out at home (which isn’t bad!), but it means I’m having to encourage myself. And that looks different. Weirdly, I’m saying all these things to myself. Not weirdly, they work!
Enjoy my first thoughts on the topic!
Wishing us all a week of onward and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Perfectionism and Mantras

I’m a perfectionist. Which means I hold myself to impossible standards, am hard on myself–and all those things you’ve heard–that perfectionists procrastinate, etc? Yes, those are true about me. In fact I’ve spent a vast majority of my life striving to be perfect–and not always being nice to myself in the process–and being even harder on myself when I was unable to be perfect. Sadly, I think that being perfect is something that doesn’t exist.

I still believe in perfect shoes and outfits–but that’s probably a different story.

Get to know me a little and you’ll find that I love to work out. And I love workouts, like Soul Cycle, where encouraging mantras are said and they uplift you–and you feel good. One of the favorite mantras–and one I’ve seen in several places this week so it’s on my mind–is “The Way You Do One Thing Is The Way You Do All Things”. Which is great when I’m in a dark spin class–because I can sprint and jump and climb and do it well. But what about the things that I do not do well? The things I flat out suck at? The list of my talents is long–but I fear it is out numbered by my flaws. I’m human (hard to accept)– and this means I’m messy and unfortunately for me, cannot do all things perfectly. So this phrase has never sat well with me.

However, a spin teacher I love (Angela Davis if you’re ever in LA) has begun to say, “You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be brave”. Now this I can get behind. If I have to accept that I cannot be perfect–I get brave. Brave means taking risks, and trying, and doing your best. Brave I can do.

Another saying I love is “You have to have compassion for yourself, you cannot be brave every time, so when you can’t be kind to yourself”. Which is another way of saying “You have to give 100% of what you have right now, which will be different than tomorrow and different than yesterday, and that’s ok”. Let’s be honest–life can be hard, and even if we’re trying to be brave, we don’t always get there. I need to hear that it’s ok for me to try my hardest–and that my hardest will be different each day. This I can do.

So I’m trying, I’m being brave. I ramble –and I know there is no fashion tie in. Although, we could say that you should try that outfit you’ve been thinking of, and if it doesn’t work–it’s ok.

My hope for us this week is that we can all be brave, and when we can’t be as brave that we can have compassion towards ourselves. Oh–and I wish for us amazing shoes!

Happy Sunday!

xo RA

Fashion Stories: Her Mom’s Dress

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

As someone who is just fascinated by the stories we tell with our fashion, the things we keep, the ones we let go of, and the stories the get told after we’re gone- it’s always a honor when someone gifts me a special fashion item.

This dress is chic enough on its own: the way you can wear it on or off the shoulder. With or without a belt. With almost any shoe, heel, boots, even sneakers. The tassel tie. It’s a vintage Arpeja-California, under the label Young Edwardian. Known for their styles influenced by 1960s British boutique fashion, retro trends, and focusing on youth and trend-oriented clothing, one of my favorite things about the brand is that its ads featured Lynda Carter.

If Wonder Woman likes it, it has to be fantastic!
Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress
D

I’ve worn this dress to a neighborhood party. To run errands. And to meet a friend for lunch.

But what makes this dress so incredibly special to me? It’s from one of my dearest, bestest friend’s mom. That would be so kind on its own, but not only did my friend’s mom pass down the dress, she passed down her story of it. My friend’s mom wore this number to a wedding in the 1970s. It made her feel magic and sparkly, and she hung onto until this summer when it was gifted to me- to make more magic in it.

To be trusted with that, to be given the chance to carry on someone’s fashion story? It’s much more than a dress (which I love), it’s a honor. I only hope to give this dress all the stories it deserves.

Investment Piece: Her Mom's Dress

What thing has been passed down to you? How are you carrying on its fashion story?
I would love to hear all about it!
Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Too Soon To Reset?

The Fitness Challenge I'm doing is called "Playing The Long Game: Basically, you show up as best you can forever-accepting that shit is rarely perfect or linear- and you adjust for different life chapters as you go. There are no Before & Afters, just lots and lots of Durings.

This first January holiday is always a bit of a doozy for me, mentally. (I am aware this holiday- MLK Day- is an American holiday, so you might not be celebrating. And as an American- especially if you have guessed or share my politics- this week is a doozy already. Wishing us all strength and peace and the ability to bear witness in the coming). But. Yes. Tomorrow is a holiday. And it’s the middle of January- the month that is supposed to start our new habits and new years and new us.

I can’t help but wonder- is it too soon to reset?

Personally? It’s not that I am SO far off my goals- but I truly feel as if I haven’t started yet. Really? I am still in that weird twilight between Christmas and New Years (if you need one, a general update on my life can be found here and here. And yes, cats and I lived in a hotel for 10 days while there was a partial demo, for the holidays my kitchen was down to studs. Work has started- and even that is a lot!). I keep waiting and feeling as if the other shoe will drop, or things will settle so I can get on a routine, work on my goals-or even write in my calendar. Yet, so far this year has felt like floating.

So if this is a reset and it means I can get to it all- I am in.

One of my beloved friends, and an amazing trainer, posted the above quote this week. And I have to say I was oh-so-drawn to it as I also realize that sometimes while we are waiting for a reset. A sign to restart, sometimes what we don’t want to (or have a hard time) admitting is that we are in a life chapter that looks different than what we would like. It’s January. And while I am behind, I do have goals that I would like to work towards (see here). Though it is only January, I do feel a need to reset. Yet- this chapter of my life is full of home repairs (and working around workers here, literally herding cats, and healing) and is not what I would love long term. Perhaps the reset is thinking long term and knowing this will pass. And all those things I want- like getting back to the gym and myself- will come. Looking different right now may be temporary, but maybe that mental reset will last.

Do you already need a reset? How are you having in there? While I usually don’t link on Sundays, below I have linked a book I have been recommended about the chapters of life that can freeze us- I will be ordering if you want to read with me!

AND! Tomorrow is a holiday. It is also supposed to snow Monday- Wednesday where I live. I do not live in a place where we get snow. I also live in a place where the last big snow event lead to a grid failure. I am only slightly nervous?? Due to the uncertainty- and the holiday- and truly that I am living in a construction zone without a timetable this week due to all that- we will be off Monday- and most likely Wed. I plan to be completely fabulous and reset (and dressed!) on Friday- and we will be live!

Thank you for resetting with me. Being patient with me. And staying through winter so we can get to spring.

Wishing us all a week of warm winter nights and amazing shoes! And a fantastic reset! 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 : What is an Investment Piece?

Fun fact: the name of this blog is kind of a joke. As in, my mom is an accountant and very number oriented. I. Am. not. And if you’ve done your research, you know that certain fashion items (looking at you Chanel and Hermes bags) actually INCREASE in value. Maybe I’m on to something?

But. Does that mean that every investment piece is a designer bag or a big deal? I don’t think so! For me, an investment piece is an outfit item (accessories too!) that you need in your life, that you use all the time, that adds value to your life. Maybe you’re into your workouts- you need great *non-see-through* leggings. A lot of them. Big wig in a corp job? Probably need suits. Go to a lot of events? You need party dresses.

I absolutely think that for everything you need it’s best to go for quality over quantity. But it’s not a needed thing to break the bank for every purchase. What do you need? What do you wear? What makes you happy? Let’s start there. And buy pieces that fit our lives- that are great quality.

By your definition, what is an investment piece? And what are you investing in?

Let’s chat about it!

I would really love to hear your thoughts and what you’re shopping right now!

xo RA

A Closet Clean Out?!?!

a picture of racks of clothes including blazers, sweatshirt dress, boots, knit separates and more

Since November I have been needing/wanting/planning to switch my closet from summer to winter.

As mentioned in so many precious posts- the work on the house (and to be fair, all the trauma and big feelings and moves and etc) made that go on that back burner.

Then this weekend- in part of need, but also wanting to help those affected by the fires- I intended to start again. Then we had meeting with contractors, and our reconstruction starts today.

Tell God your plans and make him laugh?

And yet? In the midst of all the crazy– I intend to clean out, switch out, and redo my closet. To give to those who need it. And to help me. So, once again I am looking over my own old advice- taking heed, and will be making adjustments as needed. (You know I will keep you updated!)

The links I am looking back at:
another closet clean out

the process

closet detox

and of course thinking on how to improve this closet reveal

What are your best closet clean out processes? Any tips for me?

Here’s to the actual clean out and the process we love! XO RA