RachelAdelicia – Page 8 – Investment Piece

Knit Dreams

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

When we think of sweaters and knits, I know that they can come across as bulky and a bit boring. And this is from someone who always thinks that she will LOVE sweater weather. And cold weather. And all the kinds of weather where we can layer and bulk and all the winter things. Then I remember that I have spent most of my life in places where winter is under 60 and snow (if there is ever any -though I always wish for it- melts in a day). When it turns cold, or even a bit chilly, perhaps it’s not that our fashion gets limited, perhaps it’s just that I am late to the game at dressing for cold weather. Or knits.

But. I am learning!

Take the above knit dress. Not boring. A statement (that pink color! The shape! The pockets!). Knit boring? Not on my watch. Just a bit of knit. A lot of dreaming about chic dressing. And some realizing the two aren’t so separate.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

I was drawn to this knit dress for a few reasons ( and yes, the color and shape and the pockets!), but there are so many ways to style this. You could layer- a turtleneck or shirt underneath. Or a shirt or turtleneck or blazer over. I love it with heels. But it would be oh so chic with boots. Or tights. Flats. Oh so many, many options.

Perhaps that is what knit (weather, dreams) is about- there are options with sweaters and knits and layers and tights and the like. Yes, hot weather is full of chic looks. And winter clothes can be bulking- and maybe even some of them are boring and basic. Yet. You can layer and opt for knit dreams that leave you both cozy but oh so chic.

This is usually where I let you know that the shopping options are affiliate links- and while I do always appreciate the support (and you can always shop with me via links in bio), but these options? Not affiliate. Just a knit dress I couldn’t live without (again. Have you seen the color and the shape and the pockets?) and a brooch that just I knew that I had to have!

This dress is currently sold out (but may come back!), but the brand is Hanifa. This is my third piece from the brand and I can’t tell you how I love them.

This brooch is from GardenWinks on etsy and while this broth may be sold out, there are so many options that are similar and again- oh so chic.

a woman in a strapless pink knit dress with a blue eyed brooch and black heels in front of a Lilly with a blue back ground mural

What are your knit dreams like? Cozy? Chic? Both? I would love to know- and if you have any real winter dressing tips I am forever all ears!

XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Holiday Traditions!

It’s an odd year for me- to say the least. With house demo and repairs- and the reality sinking in we will be without a kitchen for the holiday- this season is. Not usual. And while I am currently unable to wrap my head around gifts or shopping (well. For gifts!), I am clinging to some of these traditions to feel a bit like a holiday. I’m watching (fave) Christmas movies on repeat, I’ve been out to look at lights (and even put up a few) and have been brainstorming ways to get my holiday meals in. I’d love your thoughts on my traditions below- and I’d also love to know:
When your seasons aren’t usual how do you feel like a holiday?

I recently looked over this list of holiday traditions that I wrote about. My list remains largely unchanged. And I’m happy! From eating to pjs to wishing for snow, I love my traditions and I can’t wait to dive right into them. What I’m adding this year? The tradition of grace- there’s so much changing, and we’re adapting. There are good days and bad. I’m not productive then I am. Grace is the thing I bet we all need most this year. And the faith that whatever we get done (or don’t), it’s enough. It’s something I’m adding to my list of things to do this year!

Traditions. They seem to be something that we cling to (maybe), enjoy, and are prominent at this time of year. If you think about what you enjoy at this time of year, most likely it can be traced back to a tradition. Me? I love traditions, especially holiday traditions. There’s something comforting about them, and if we let them, I’ve found that we can let them grow with us. There are things that I did as a child that I still love to do, and there are traditions that started a few years ago, and I love adding them to my list. No matter what or how you celebrate this is a season of tradition and family- and one of my favorites!
A few of my favorite traditions include:
1. Wishing for snow and collecting snow globes. Living between two places not known for their snow I’m obsessed. I love the fake snow that abounds and my goal is to one day see a ton of snow.
2. Decorations – I love all the holiday lights, trees, fake snow- all of it!
3. My sister, mom, and I get matching pjs for a gift on Christmas Eve- even though we’re no longer young it still makes waking up on Christmas special.
4. Traditional meals- not just the holiday meal but my mom’s Wassal (hot drink), her beef stroganoff on Christmas Eve, cookies, my Grandma’s Dr Pepper meatballs- it’s a season of eating.
5. Events like the Nutcracker. I love the ballet and as many times as I’ve seen it I just love the costumes, and dances. Related- this season I will watch “Miracle on 34th Street” about 1000 times.

I’d love to know – what are some of your traditions? What are you looking forward to?

Wishing us all joy and amazing shoes! XO RA

Statements

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

There is a generally believed fashion “statement” that your outfit really only needs one statement piece. You can have the one- plan your outfit around it. The thought being that perhaps more than one statement would be messy. Or loud. Too much. (Note: these things are not always bad). And while I don’t disagree that this is a good rule of thumb, I also believe that rules are made to be broken.

As a surprise to no one, I love juxtaposition and a bit of rule breaking.

The thing is- I do believe that two statements can compliment each other. See above?!? This blazer with the (attached) floral appliqué is a statement unto itself. It could command and stun outfits from jeans to skirts to shorts (like here). Likewise, red boots? Was there ever such a statement? These boots were made to pop with anything you pair them with (though we know I also love to use “pops” as casual pieces). Either of these pieces could be their own statement, could be the center of an outfit.

And yet? I love them together. They balance, play off of, and make winter shorts (pair with tights or hose!) a fun thing!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

So. How do you pair two statements together to make a coherent and not “too much” outfit? There is some trial and error (never be afraid to play- worse case you can change!), but here are my general guidelines for mixing statements:

-Keep most of the outfit monochrome. For example, while this blazer is a statement it is the same color as most of the outfit from shorts to tights to sunglasses. While the blazer will always be a statement, keeping it the same color allows for a bit of a blend!

-Keep the outfit “classic” and let details be the statement. Blazer and boots? Simple and classic. The statements here are the color of the boots (that are allowed to pop as the rest of the outfit is the same color) and the floral appliqué.

-Keep in mind that proportions, accessories and more can be the statement. A great brooch and a belt? Statements. Shoes and a statement scarf? Statement. The great thing about combining statements is that you can start by combining pieces you feel comfortable with- and then venture out into pieces that may be a step for you!

Any outfit that you may feel cautious about (from shorts to statements to everything in between) I suggest playing with- get dressed, sit at home, take some pictures, run to the grocery store in. That way you can adjust. HUGE swings (In my opinion) shouldn’t be taken on days where you can’t change if needed!

a woman in blazer with a floral appliqué , black shorts, black hose, and red boots

And speaking of statements: I have found these exact ones for you
(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!)

This exact blazer can be found here
And these boots can be found here.

I would love to know- what are your favorite statement clothing pieces and how do you/have you ever combined them? XO RA

a woman in black shorts, black hose, red boots, and a black blazer with a floral appliqué

Looking Up

a grey plisse pleated dress and pink gucci mules in a window

If you are following along (and I hope you are. If nothing else the drama of this house damage and repair at least provides you with some sort of entertainment!)- we moved into a hotel this week- cats and all- so that the house could be demo-ed after a leak and subsequent mold and finding of asbestos. To say it’s been a lot- may be an understatement. Getting the cats to move was both better and worse than I expected. Packing and estimating and underestimating what we would need in a hotel for a week has been both better and worse than I thought. And my mental and emotional abilities- to make choices, to get dressed, to leave the cats alone in a hotel room has been both better and worse than I expected.

I was a bit realistic. I packed a lot of workout gear and lounge options- knowing that would most likely be what I turned to. And even though it was in room, my workout today was actually VERY good. But. I will be honest- I packed a lot of fashion- from outfits to statements to more- that I thought I would be able to wear by now. It’s not as if there is anything wrong. Just between the house (and going back and forth for locks and packages and etc) and the weight of getting cats in a hotel room and being in a hotel room, and feeling the weight of the time of year– I am getting excited about outfits, but haven’t been able to get dressed yet. Some seasons are like that.

Yet. I have so many amazing things to share with you. So many outfits I am excited to wear. And just having those feelings? And looking at this light? Things are looking up. Perhaps it’s a sign that things will be ok- the outfits and the house and the season will fall together. Goal for today (yes, I write a day in advance!) is to actually get dressed. Leave the room. Look up and get inspired. And did I mention get dressed?

This season, or maybe year, hasn’t been mine. I have made my peace with that. I’ve also chosen not to force- because from outfits on nothing forced is great. But. Even in the chaos of all this (waves hands in the direction of being in a hotel, having the house demo-ed during the holidays, realizing work won’t start till the new year, and the trauma for both the cats and I for moving them!) I am looking up and forward to the next chapter. And some FANTASTIC outfits (if I do say so myself!)

Here is to looking up? Moving forward? Getting on with it!
XO RA

This exact dress can be found here
(you know the drill-this is an affiliate link and while that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)

Moving? On?

a pair of gold wedge boots by an open floor with water and damage

Hi My beloveds! Good news/bad news? We have a timeline for the repair and demo due to this huge, unexpected (is there any other kind??). And I am thrilled with some plans and even like the contractor. The bad? We have to be out today (Sunday. For a week. Yes, moving into a hotel with cats. Pray. Send all the vibes!). Which means I have been quiet and frantically packing. While I think we will make it, there has been no time to do anything but prepare for this. I will be shooting and have so much to share. We will be dark till Wednesday and then will resume our regularly schedule! Thank you so much for being patient and being here and your support. I hope that – for me, instead of me- you’re out wearing something fantastic and telling stories. And please tell them to me!!

See you Wednesday!

XO RA

The SweatShirt Dress

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, black hose, and over the knee boots

a woman in a jersey dress with a waist cut out and button skirt with leopard sneakers

As much as I love fashion, as much as I love it when I can use fashion to tell my (and our) stories- lately my life (due to an unexpected home damage and now repair) has looked more like sweats, rather than then the party dresses I would love to be wearing at this time of year.

Not that sweats can be chic. See:

Investment Piece: #greysweatshirt
a woman in grey sweatpants

And while- there are absolutely days where my sweat ,or yoga pants, or whatever I can throw on are absolutely NOT chic- they do tell the story of where I am. AKA in the midst of a bit of chaos. And to satisfy the parts of me that want it chic (and party) during the chaos? I may have stumbled upon the perfect solution? Outfit? Combination?

A sweatshirt dress. A dress that’s a sweatshirt. Fun fact? The past few days I have spent in a sweatshirt dress I have had since the 5th grade. (I swear it’s chic, but by the time I even thought to take a pic I was 2 days in, it was over sweats and Uggs (none of those are bad!) but I was dirty from packing and carrying bags and honestly- too tired to tell a story. Sometimes the story is we aren’t ready to tell it yet! Also. I promise I have added to my sweatshirt dress collection since I was 10. From dark grey to light grey (linked below!) I do love a theme! These dresses are not only cozy. They are chic. And versatile. Wear with sweats. And Uggs! Boots. Tights! Heels! Flats. And to bed – or to errands, causal events and more.

a woman in a sweatshirt dress, tights, and over the knee boots

If you need me this weekend (which is supposed to be cold and dreary), you might (aka will) find me in a sweatshirt dress. I am linking my current fave below (yes, it is an affiliate link. That doesn’t affect the price for you but I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!)

No matter what your story is, and even if it’s a story you don’t really feel like telling right now- I hope that you find an outfit that makes you feel chic and fun- and lets you do what you need to do!

Here’s to getting through this story! In the chicest but comfiest way possible!
XO RA

Shop my current fave and go-to sweatshirt dress here

What is your current go to?

Back to Business

a woman in pinstripe pants with a denim waist, a denim jacket and a pinstripe blazer

aa woman in pinstripe pants with a denim waist, a denim jacket and a pinstripe blazer

This season of my life has been— trying- to put it mildly. Getting through the days can somehow take all of me, and as much as I love my fashion I find myself in sweats more often than not. And it’s taking a toll- I yearn for party dresses and fancy shoes and all the things I love (which does include being here with you!). **

** A small house update- we are moving into a hotel (cats and all) next week while demo starts on the parts of the house affected by the leak and mold. That means this week (and last) we have been frantically packing and organizing. Again, it’s been a lot. My hope is that a week away and then the start of house work lets us settling into a routine, and let me get dressed again.

I am struggling right now, not only with all the chaos, but getting into anything looking like a routine, getting dressed for real, and staying consistent here. Honestly, I don’t know what the next few weeks will look like. But. I have things that I want to wear, and share. So- we are working to see what a sustainable schedule here for the next few weeks will look like. I will update you on that- in the meantime you can always shop with me via affiliate links in bio. And I will send out a special newsletter with gift suggestions. (You can also sign up for the newsletter here!).

Back to business? Not in the way that I would like, but we’re getting there. And we are excited to dress the part.

Thank you for staying here with me, your patience, and your support!

XO RA

BTW these “business” (yet fun) pants can be found here (yes, that is an affiliate link. Yes, I may earn commission, but it won’t affect the price for you. As usual, thank you! )

The Holiday Overwhelm

a woman in red and black plaid pants and a long sleeve black shirt holds a cat in red and black pjs sits next to a poinsettia

So. It’s perhaps the kick off for the holidays (this is very US coded as this is the week of Thanksgiving, but yet- no matter where you are next weekend is December so it all works!)
Or perhaps (if you have been following along about our house drama) but we have a date when we need to be out for the abatement and demo of the house (which means a LOT of packing and stress)
Or perhaps it’s just my own internal angst.
But the overwhelming feelings this holiday?
They are intense!

So while my list (of not only to-dos but to survives) seems oh -so- big I am trying to tell myself that all the holiday things will come and will work out — I have to be honest:
We need to pack and make plans to be out of my house (with my cats!) for a week for the beginning of work. In between this, I had a goal of changing over my closet from summer to fall (with an ever so slight clean out). And some gift guides. And all the things.

Let me be honest in that this holiday overwhelm? It’s overwhelming.
(and yes- even just this time of year can be overwhelming, if that’s what you’re feeling it’s 100% valid!) My overwhelm? Not 100% the holiday (but not helping. The house? not helping)
So. Here’s the plan and the schedule and how I am dealing with the overwhelm :

– I am not making big decisions. Originally, I thought that I would switch my closet out and clean it out. Pack up for the renovations and clean it out. But As I am realizing a lot of big changes are coming (some oh so quickly), I am realizing that big choices (and yes, even a closet clean out) should be pushed down the line. In other words, I know that I am not in a space to make any sort of big choice (event if it’s a “should I keep this shirt choice”). I am doing what I can- aka switching over the closet and any deep clean out may be waiting. This also goes for the rest of the house.

-I am letting it go. This Thanksgiving will most likely be on boxes and out of containers. I am not stressing. I am letting it be

– I will have to let this site go dark for a week. Not my plan. Or ideal. But. I can’t do it all. We will be back after this week! And of course you can shop along with me on all the sites (links updated!)

So. I guess this is my way of saying the holiday is oh so much for us that we are taking off. We will be (packing and getting our house right and then prepping for us!) back next Monday 12/2– and I can’t wait to update you on OH SO MUCH *including gift guides this year*!!

I will be on all the socials and the sites. and will be updating my shopping picks– and I do hope the overwhelm becomes a bit less and I have a sooner post. But. I wanted to get ahead.

SO. Meet ya here on 12/2? Links to shop? If you need me you’ll email?
Same and same!

XO RA

Holidays Are Coming…..

a woman in a red maxi dress with short sleeve and black velvet heels

I realize that the fact that holidays are coming is not news. In fact, you may be prepped and ready and excited. Me, on the other hand? I’ve spent the past month redoing my closet (and started on the kitchen last night) and while my family and I have chatted about holiday plans- it truly hit me last night that the holidays are really coming. Soon. And really, are kind of here?

Are you ready? (Just tell me no) How do we get ready?

A woman in a red dress and black velvet heels
A close up of a red dress hem and black velvet and gold heels
a woman in. a red dress and black velvet heels

If you’ve come this far thinking I might have amazing tips for cooking (I do my grandma’s Pecan Pie!) and decor tips you’re going to be incredibly disappointed when I tell you that I mainly shop. That’s how I holiday prep. I plan outfits. Get excited about parties (and then mainly stay home!), and buy party dresses (and shoes!). Buy presents. Buy new Holiday items. Somehow shopping is my answers.

So. This is the week I start. From gifts to outfits, to things for the house, I’ll be making (and sharing) my lists, planning and shopping. Starting with? The perfect ThanksGiving Outfit:

a collage of black over the knee boots and a red knit and black scarf mini dress

(I may have a thing for red!)
What I love about this outfit is that it’s simple but chic. And easy to eat in! I love the sweater dress that feels a bit vintage. And yes- you could wear almost any shoes with this dress, but I love pairing over the knee boots- to keep you warm and cover up just enough (no relative will get to say anything to you!). This may be the first holiday purchase that goes in bag!

(Now to get gifts, decor, and all the rest!)

a woman in a red dress

One of my favorite ways to prep (and holiday buy)- holiday dresses. Again, red may be my favorite (just so cheery and chic and this year, incredibly on trend). So below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite red dresses (and velvet heels!) as well as the above Thanksgiving outfit!

If you have any “real” tips on how to holiday prep, I’m all ears (especially if they involve party dresses!). Am I stressed that the holidays are coming? Maybe. But I have a feeling we can get through them together (or order enough online to hide that!)

XO RA

note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them!

Playing Around

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

I know, I know – it maybe doesn’t feel as if it’s the time of year to play. There’s so much to do, the holidays can be overwhelming (from family to travel to gift giving and buying), and if you’re like me you’re so so behind. When I start to think (or overthink) about all the things on my to-do list (and then look around at my upcoming house repairs), I truly don’t want to play. Or holiday. And yet- playing is I think what’s needed at this time of year. It’s what makes the season oh-so magical.

Here- I am not playing with holiday themes per se (though this is a great combo for a Thanksgiving outfit!) but with layers:
this is a workout onesie (jumpsuit?) under a
vintage leather skirt
paired with a chiffon leopard print top.

All of these pieces would be fantastic on their own- or paired with like fabrics. But- what if layering wasn’t just a piece under a sweater or a coat? Or what if leather went with a soft fabric?

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And let’s not forget the strappy (Apple is telling me that’s not a word but Carrie Bradshaw and I would beg to differ!) gold shoes! That add just a bit of whimsy.

I am playing with all these options- and then the posing. Against a blank wall. Popped hips. Pulled shoulders.
Lately (with all the chaos in my life and the house), I have worried that I have lost my fun in both dressing and taking pictures (part of the basis this very blog is based on). And when you LOVE something – like playing dress up and wearing outfits and taking pictures of them– it is awful when you feel as if you may be losing it. The only way I know to get it back? Playing. Trying things on. Pairing things up.

Honestly? Originally, I didn’t plan to wear any of these pieces together. I started with a completely different look- hated it- was going to the gym so had the onesie on- then started to play. And I LOVED it. I ended up wearing this combo to 2! different meetings!

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And the playing around didn’t stop. Yes- the blouse (linked below) is traditionally meant to be worn with the zipper in back (though that does leave you with still oh-so-much room to play as the zipper goes both ways!), but I couldn’t help but realize that put on backwards the top is still oh-so-chic. And takes a look to a completely different level!

I know – tis the holiday season and it’s oh so full and the to-dos and musts are overwhelming. But. The holiday season is nothing without magic. And magic is impossible without play. So- I hope that your shopping from food to gifts is as painless as possible. That family is easy going. That Hallmark movies have nothing on you. But I also hope that you have time to play around (and make your own magic). Even if it’s just an outfit combo. Or a picture.

This skirt is vintage, these shoes are from seasons ago- but I’ve linked options as well as this exact top and catsuit (onesie?) below. XO RA

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

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top