Great Investment – Page 2 – Investment Piece

Great Investment: Jaquemus

Most of the time when there’s a big item I want, I save up for it, I savor the process of waiting and working towards a purchase. (It’s not only great for my budget, it’s great for the thrill of it!) However, sometimes things just fall into your lap, and I’m not one to turn down gifts from the fashion gods. I knew that Jaquemus had released these circle/square sandals and , like most of his offerings, they were just amazing and fun. But they were sold out. Instantly. I saw people offering to buy them off other people on Instagram. So I didn’t think about them, didn’t plan for them. Then I went to SXSW, happened to spend a bit of down time shopping, wandered into ByGeorge (a great boutique that carries lines like Jaquemus, etc, and can be shopped online! ByGeorge). They happened to have one pair. In my size. That fit like a dream. Fate? I like to think so.

So I went for them. And I’ve never regretted it. They have so much personality, they go with everything, they add a punch–and people stop and ask me about them. I love that the circle/square is both in the toe and the heel. I love the color. I love that it’s a statement without being over the top. I love that they are modern, and yet they go with my vintage.

I’m a fan of saving and enjoying the shopping, but I also think that great investments are waiting for us, and sometimes we just have to see them!

About the designer/line:Self-taught designer Simon Porte Jacquemus launched his namesake line at age 18, after moving to Paris from his native South of France. Thoroughly of-the-moment and full of personality, Jacquemus (a nod to the designer’s mother’s maiden name) approaches modernist French womenswear with an eye for deconstruction and an optimistic spirit. Bright primary and pastel colors and inventive geometric cuts feature in the label’s signature asymmetric crop tops, oversized trousers and overcoats, colorblocked knits, and futuristically shaped dresses. Jacquemus’ skill at infusing innovative shapes with an irrepressible sense of youth and femininity has won critical acclaim as well as a devoted following: the designer is the winner of a special jury prize from LVMH in 2015, and a finalist for the group’s Prize for Young Designers the year before. And you can shop him directly at Jaquemus

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Great Investment: DVF Dress

One of the best things that I have ever bought was this simply stunning DVF gown. I loved this collection when it first came out a few seasons ago,, but in particular lusted after this star gown. The print, the wrap, the length. Everything was perfect and I knew I had to have it. But, I wasn’t able to purchase it right away. So I put it in the back of my head. However, I was really lucky and able to find it on Tradesy (a God send). And I haven’t looked back.

From events to dinners. I put a sweater over the top and wore it as a skirt once. I’ve dressed it up with heels, worn it with sandals. It is still one of my favorite pieces and makes me feel special every time I put it on. I love that it’s timeless and a statement at the same time. I love that it’s well made. I love that I feel as if I can make it new every time. It’s a great investment.

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Get in on a piece you may have missed out on at Tradesy

Hidden Treasure

There are several posts and articles about decluttering, cleaning out, getting rid of–on this site, on others, there are book empires about the topic. And there are sites, articles, books, stores dedicated to vintage shopping and finding treasures there (and you’ve seen some of those treasures on this site). But, how do you go about finding treasures in your own (or your mom’s) stuff? I’m sure that there are books about it. Sites, articles, methods; and it is a challenge. Cleaning out is difficult for many reasons, many of them emotional. We don’t want to throw out anything that we have an emotional connection to, it’s science (for these purposes). Conversely, going through someone else’s things and looking for treasure can be hard–things may not be stored properly, you may be going through bags and bags–and you may have to be creative in your thinking.

I spent the last weekend helping my mom clean out her garage. Now, I’ve been lucky enough to be raised by fashionable women, with plenty of belongings to save, but like any garage there were boxes of paper and things to be thrown out–and there was some hunting to do. However, I knew that somewhere there might be treasure, hidden as it were. And I was right, there were things worth saving. My tips? Keep your eyes open–great things can be inside boxes, bags, stuffed in corners. Keep your mind open–great things can be repurposed (dresses into skirts, etc). Keep it realistic–if an item is damaged or falling apart it may not be able to be saved, let it go.

So what did I “get”? Glad you asked!

This amazing crochet (satin lined) clutch with lucite pull. Needed some cleaning, but in mint condition.

Mom wore these as earmuffs as a child. They go around my waist, so I just got a new belt!

And while I didn’t find it in the garage, I have been using this:

Scarf we cleaned out of my grandma’s hopsital room for everything from a hair tie to over a sundress.

I’d love to know–have you ever cleaned out (or helped clean out) and found treasures? What are your guidelines for keeping things?

Happy Tuesday! XO RA

Great Investments: Gucci Bag

My blog’s name came from my personal theory that great fashion is a great investment- beyond resell value (Birkins make that case), but I think fashion with lasting value that brings you joy is worth investing in. I’ve often spent months saving for a special piece, and the joy these pieces bring me is something I cherish! So in this new monthly segment I will showcase some of my favorite pieces- ones that I’ve saved for, stand apart, or have sentimental value; and first up: this divine Gucci bag.

We know I am a Gucci girl- their current lines are just perfection, and this bag is the epitome of that! The detail, color, iconic logo- when I found this, and it fit into my budget, I absolutely couldn’t resist!