outfits – Page 20 – Investment Piece

In Between

a woman in a green silk robe with pink lining

a woman in green silk robe with pink lining
a woman in a green robe with pink lining

This year has started off a bit more slowly than I had hoped. While I know that things will pick up, many things have felt very in between right now. From my hair (letting it grow out, and every other day I think about going blonder or darker) to my schedule (there’s been more waiting than action and I’m still working out a routine that works for me) to waiting on everything from checks to packages. It’s all a lot of in between.

And I’m not great at in between. One way or the other (aka how I can dress up or be in sweats, but have a hard time with casual) I can do, but in betweens are difficult for me. I avoid them. I dislike them. I don’t want to be in between.

But, perhaps, that’s because I’ve been thinking of in betweens incorrectly. To me, in betweens can be a form of purgatory, and often my discomfort is me just wanting to get somewhere. What if in betweens aren’t a place to rush through but places of opportunity? Having that thought shifted my perspective. If an in between can be whatever I want, if I can use the time before getting to my destination to really think about what I want, I can have fun with it, instead of hating in betweens.

It’s a little like this vintage robe. Which, yes, I wear as a dress. This robe can be a party dress-just add heels, the details like the rhinestone ties. Or it can be dressed down, worn a bit more casually. Or you could wear it as a robe- over everything from nightgowns to sweats to pjs. It can be anything you want it to be, but as is, it’s a little in between.

a woman in a green silk robe with pink lining

My aha moment on in betweens doesn’t mean that I’m not excited about things starting to speed up. About going from an in betweens to some place solid. But, if I can wear something fantastic that can be amazing different things, I can enjoy the in between a little bit more.

And I highly recommend vintage silk robes. They make mornings, nights, and all the in betweens a bit better. I’ve linked some I love for you below!

How is the beginning of your year going? Are you in between and how ware you handling it?

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!

Cold Weather Friends

a woman in black jeans, black sweater, with a black scarf around her neck wearing pink suede heels in front of grey stairs

I am a warm climate kind of gal. Which is ironic when I tell you that I love snow (well, I may love the idea of snow), am in love with ski apparel (I’ve never been skiing), and super ironic when I tell you that while I dream of cold weather fits, every time the temps drop the first thing I reach for are sweats. It’s not that I don’t want to buy and wear all the chic winter finds – from sweaters to ski pants to coats- its just that when I get cold the main thing I focus on is being warm. People live and look amazing in cold weather, in snow, and I long to be one of them.

I long to be someone who’s style comes through, even when I’m cold. I know it’s possible. The issue is that I’m not quite sure how. Layers, I know, from undershirts to turtlenecks to sweaters to cardigans to coats. Heavier fabrics, from jeans made with cashmere to wools. Scarves, from chic ones around my neck to heavy ones. If my first instinct during winter is to put on two pairs of sweats, I’m slowly learning to make cold weather friends with pieces that are warm AND fashionable. To embrace wools and knits and trust that they will work against the wind. And most importantly, to marry my style with all of the above.

The above outfit is one of my cold weather go- to’s. Warm jeans (I’m loving the new trend of cashmere and wool blend denim). Sweater over a long John tank (silk blends are my favorites). Scarf (from light to heavy) around my neck. Not pictured- a really warm wool coat to top it off.

If you manage to do cold weather chic I would love to know your secrets! What are your go to’s? How do you stay warm? I’ve linked these options below and can’t wait to hear your picks!

XO RA

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!

woman in a black sweater with a black scarf around her neck in front of grey stairs

Purple as a Passion

a woman in a TCUFootball shirt, jeans, and over the knee white Chanel flat boots

I’m a firm believer that what we wear helps to tell our stories, and whether or not you have caught on or not- I’m a big football fan. (Cliche? Who knows?) Especially my college football team, TCU. My freshman year at college, we won ONE game (against SMU). We (my friends and the rest of the student body) rushed the field to celebrate, got pepper sprayed by the police (a fact my mom recently learned); and from there it’s been nothing but going up. My beloved Gary Patterson (who I have feelings about how he got let go- if you know you know) took the Head Coaching job and we went from 1-12 to an undefeated season, winning the Rose Bowl, and today we play for the College Football Championship. It’s been a ride, a journey- and with the football gods on our side and a bit of luck, it’s not over yet.

You may have noticed that I wear a lot of purple. Partially because I love the color, but partially because it’s a TCU color and it’s a way to support my team. A part of me knows that this is just a game and TCU has won just by getting there (underdog and if you follow college football you know). And yet, another part of me knows that this is huge- from the opportunity to how much I want my team to win to the reunions happening for so many of my friends (The last time TCU won a Football Championship it was 1938 so it’s not an understatement to say ALL my TCU friends are going or are glued to the TV tonight). I’m bouncing between being completely sure we will win, and wanting to vomit from nerves. (It’s a good thing I’m on the sidelines and not playing!) But, as I don’t play football, what I do is tell stories with my fashion – and that matters too. So, as a tribute, my part, and a way to put my all behind my team I’ve rounded up some of my most favorite purple outfits. Turns out purple is a passion of mine, from the field to the runway, and I thank you for hearing my stories.

Just so you know, I’m counting on all of you rooting for my team and wearing purple today (I’ve essentially taken the day off to do that!) The parts of us that we don’t think are fashion related or may be a little bit cliche? Let’s not shy away from using our fashion to tell those stories too!
Go Frogs! Wear all the purple!
XO RA

a woman in a purple gown in front of green hedges — in a purple gown for a cousin’s wedding

a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees — in a Holiday perfect gown

a woman in a wrap purple dress and black mules — in a purple day dress

a woman in a one shoulder lavender dress sits on a bike — purple on a bike

a woman in a purple skirt and an off the shoulder blue top with yellow wedges sits on a railing — purple as color blocking

A woman in a purple printed dress with purple sandals in front of an apt building — purple as a print

These are the tip of my purple outfits. I have a favorite pair of purple pants. TCU sweatshirts and tees. I even have purple TCU nikes. My love of TCU football is often told through my fashion, and I promise from a run on the treadmill to cheering my Frogs with my mom and sister tonight, I’ll be wearing purple (as a passion) and telling all sorts of stories. I can’t wait to tell you how we won- and I’d love to know what story you regularly tell with your fashion choices!

XO RA

Lessons from a Relaxing Holiday

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

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between rest and rejuvenation. A recent post I saw mentioned that rest is akin to not draining your battery, where rejuvenation is actively recharging, aka we need to both rest and refill our cups. For the first time in a while, I feel like I got to do a bit of both this holiday. I didn’t worry about content, there were days I turned my phone off for most of the day, I read books and watched movies, and it was heavenly. Then, in the midst of all that relaxation, outfit ideas came to me, I got inspired, and even though I wore a lot of sweats and leggings- there were some style lessons that I’m taking into the new year (like the pic above, that sometimes being matchy matchy isn’t always a bad thing!)

a woman in a strapless black top with a white ruffle and a black and white skirt and red heels stands in a doorway
Function and Chic Are Not Mutually Exclusive
While I’m still the type to dress for a party, even if it’s just in a living room, I wore so many chic things this holiday. And yet, so many of them were functional. This chic skirt? (By my love Mrs Emily) It has amazing pockets- which held wallet, keys, and a red lipstick! I want to look incredibly chic (pretty much all the time) but I want to be able to do what I need to do. So, this year I’m interested in clothes that let me do both. From pockets on down, I’m looking for details that make my look better and my life a bit easier. I know there will be times when I wear something a bit impractical, but for day to day I’m taking my function and chicness together!

a woman in a camel wool coat, black boots, black purse and earmuffs in front of a white wall
Don’t be Afraid to Make Other’s Fashion Your Own
I’m a vintage lover so the idea of wearing someone else’s fashion isn’t new or intimidating to me. I also love getting outfit inspiration from friends and strangers and editorials, so again, not a big deal to me. In the above picture I’m wearing my grandma’s coat, my mom’s old earmuffs, and carrying my Mimi’s purse. So, in many ways I’m talking about making other people’s fashion and making it your own-literally. We could also call this “take your family to work day”. After days of relaxing, I loved getting dressed up in my family’s clothes. It’s a little bit like being in a hug all day. As I’m a huge vintage fan, it’s not that I’m new to vintage, but there are so many things from my family that I didn’t think that I could wear in a way that felt like me- but I was wrong. Opening up what you’re willing to wear, and working on ways to make things your own, opens up your closet so much!

a woman lounging on a red couch in a velvet dress with gloves on it
Wear What Makes You Happy
This was my NYE dress (so gorgeous and the velvet is so lush! You’ll be seeing more of it later!). I got all dressed up to drink some champagne on the couch and then change to sweats. Yet, the dress made me so happy- the small time I was in it was worth it and being on the couch made no difference. This year let’s not get caught up in anything other than what makes us happy. From trends to vintage to what feels right, no matter where we’re going let’s make sure it’s in something that makes our heart sing.

What did you wear over the holiday? And what did you learn from it? I want to hear all about it!

xo RA

Happy Holidays!

A woman in plaid pants with a poinsettia in front of her face

The Holidays are here, and no matter how ready we are- there’s joy to be had. I’m so grateful for you and hope that your holiday season is full of so much love and peace. Starting today, I’m taking some time off to enjoy my family and rest up for all the fantastic fashion to be worn in 2023. I’ll be back with new posts starting 1/4. During the holidays you can shop with me in the LTK and Shopstyle apps (I’ll be sharing sales and winter stylings) as well as Instagram (all @racheladelicia). I’m excited for this time of rest- and to see you in 2023!!

Happy Holidays!
Xo RA

Fashion Stories: Party Dress Season

a woman in a pink dress holding a fur jacket in front of a house

I love this time of year for so so many reasons, but it’s also the party dresses. It’s no secret that I love them, wear them even if it’s not a party, and love what comes next (party dress sale season!). From Holiday parties to NYE, to some cheer for the new year, there’s no bad reason for a party dress right now. This is a look back at some of my favorites of the past, I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
XO RA

THE Holiday Dress

a woman in a purple plaid gown and shoes in from of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees
a woman in a plaid purple gown and shoes in front of stone wall and trees

Tis the season for a dress. Like THE holiday dress. From holiday parties to engagements to fantasy, and let’s be honest, this kind of dress is a bit of a fantasy.Or at least, wearing it has always felt like one. Yes, there are a ton of places to wear a gown this holiday season from the ballet to the holiday parties- but gowns are special and rare. The good news is that when you wear a gown you feel both special and rare- and a bit like a fantasy. (Full disclosure, this Carolina Herrera gown was a gift, but it’s made me feel so incredibly fancy and I’m so grateful this holiday season has given me more than one opportunity to wear it.)

a woman in a purple plaid dress and shoes on a stone steps with an iron gate
a woman in a purple plaid Gown by an iron gate and stone steps
a close up of a purple plaid gown and purple and rhinestone mules with heels

This gown, and let’s call it what is is, a gown, has seen me through cocktail parties, Nutcracker performances, and quite frankly some holiday pictures that have made me feel amazing. At the holidays, fantasy or big dresses are the dream, right? Like, I’ve had fantasies about dresses that make me feel like some sort of princess (or queen), but this gown fulfills all of those! And from events to parties, this dress fits right in! The train, the fit, the details. It’s both fantasy and yet holiday greatness.

What do you look for in a holiday dress? Function can be a bit easy. Fantasy, THE dress? A bit more imagination is needed (but I believe in your imagination!) And, of course, THE dress, may be different for all of us. What does THE holiday dress look like for you?

a woman in a purple plaid dress in a stone walkway with a tree

*Note, an easy low cost hack for this exact look would be a maxi trench coat with heels* Also Note these shoes are seasons old but I’ve found you similar!
What are you wearing for your most special holiday look this year? I would love to know!

This gown was a gift, and I’m so grateful for it! Again, a hack is to get a long trench and wear it as a dress. This is a Carolina Herrera, and while I’ve linked some for you below, I’m also available to search for you a resale one (which is how I get most of my designer things! Resale is great, and after the holidays is the best time of year to shop! Need help navigating? I would love to help at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com)

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 purple plaid dress and shoes in front of a stone wall and trees

Non-Traditional

A woman in a blue dress in front of a wall

Besides the party dresses, tis the season for a certain kind of fashion. Even if we don’t admit it (Even to ourselves), this time of the year we (all, mostly) lean towards traditions: reds, greens, plaids, and of course- sequins. And I love all of those! Those style traditions are tried and true holiday (and beyond) looks that are not only comforting this time of year, but gorgeous, and never boring.

Yet. Aren’t there times during the holiday season when you don’t want to be traditional? Two things can be true at the same time, we can love our holiday style traditions, and we can want to break them.

So, what do you wear when you want to have a non-traditional holiday look? I don’t think there are any rules, or any don’ts. It’s about finding party (And beyond) looks that make you feel festive! Here are a few of mine:

Blues
a woman in a blue metallic midi dress and silver heels
a woman in a white chair wearing a blue velvet suits

Wear blue. Part holiday, but not super traditional, blue is one of the non-traditions that feels almost like a tradition. From suits to dresses, blues are one of my go-tos this time of year, and they are also chic in the new year!

a woman in a garden doorway wearing a black turtleneck, jeans, boots and a pink lined maxi-cape
a woman in all black with a gold printed cape
a woman in black pants and turtleneck, heels and black velvet cape

Capes. They are truly one of my most favorite pieces. And while I have them in holiday traditional colors and sequins, I can’t help but stun with a non traditional one. Capes go great over almost anything – from jeans to dresses.

a woman in a blue fringe dress on stairs
a woman in a sheer fringe dress in front of a body of water
A woman in jeans and a leotard with a white fringe skirt over it
a woman in black tee shirt with tassels on it, black pants and red heels sits against a white wall

Fringe. It can be as daring or as conservative as you want it to be, but fringe is always fun, always a show stopper, and as non traditional as you can get. From leggings to tees to dresses and skirts- I have never met fringe that I didn’t love and that didn’t make me want to celebrate something.

What are your traditional holiday party (and just holiday) looks? Do you gravitate towards reds and plaids or do it up in velvet? And then, when you want something a bit different, what do you wear? What are your non-traditional holiday go to’s? Anything that you have ever wanted to try but was worried would be too non-traditional? I would love to hear about them!

I’ve rounded up some of my favorites from blues to fringes for you to explore your non-traditional holiday looks 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!

And pair with these glam beauty goods from Mica Beauty: Shop Holiday Deals Now!

Party without the Dress

It’s the time for party dresses, which we all know suits me, as I’ve never met a party dress I didn’t love. In fact, the next few weeks I’ll be sharing the party dresses- from Christmas to NYE- that I”m wearing this year (and I’m hoping you love them as much as I do!). Yet, not every party calls for a dress (I know that sounds weird coming from me but it’s true!). Some of my favorite party looks don’t involve dresses at all, but are perfect and party ready for any soiree on your calendar!

a woman in a black turtleneck and leggings with a gold metallic skirt over them in front of a fireplace and party chairs
a woman in black jeans and turtleneck with a black sequin cape over it

Some party looks without the dress mean taking some of my favorites from outfits past (like this metallic overskirt which came from this vintage set, or a sequin cape that I’ve worn as a dress more than once) and pairing them with classics- aka black turtlenecks and pants! I love any sort of combo like this- classics with a statement- and it’s so easy to pull from your own closet (I promise you have a statement piece that will go great over classics!). Easy outfits like these leave the party guests with a (great) impression, but you stay incredibly comfy. And these party looks don’t require a dress!

a woman in a cropped fur jacket, plaid pants, and platforms
a woman in a grey blazer and black pants on a bench
a woman sitting on peppermints in a black pant, with a black dress over, with a white collar and green heeled loafers

Another party without the dress look I love (and combo I go back to over and over)? A personal take on a suit. Yes, I do love a great suit- but essentially at this time of year, I can’t help but put together my own “suit” (or pants with some sort of blazer). From plaids and furs to mini dresses over pants to tailored blazers with classic pants- a suit of any sort is always a party look. And as you can tailor (pun intended) the “suit” to any holiday attire you like, the possibilities are simply endless and chic!

a woman in black jeans and a camel sweater
a woman in black jeans and a grey sweater with a camel jacket
a woman sits in a plaid shirt and black pants by a green reindeer

My last tip for party looks without the dress? Taking basics and elevating them. From jeans to sweaters (in classic colors and high end fibers, paired with party shoes!), camel coats, to even taking a classic pj top (yes, that plaid is!) and pairing it with classic pants- it’s so easy be “casual” but party appropriate. Really, almost anything can be a party look, and while I’m partial to a dress, I have to admit that I love all of these combos (and wear them often!).

What’s your go- to party look that’s not a dress? (IF you need help with that I’m avail at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com!) I would love to hear all about it!

XO RA

More Energy, Focus, and Activation. Order Grateful Earth Superfood Coffee Online.

Grateful Earth Mushroom coffee is great for your brain — Grateful Earth Coffee Makes a Great Gift!

Ghosts of Christmas Past

A woman in plaid shirt and black pants standing by a Christmas Tree
a woman in a red short sleeve dress and black heels in a succulent garden
a woman in a black velvet dress and heels in front of green bushes
a woman in black leather pants and toy solider print shirt on stairs looking at a toy solider
a woman in a black silk top with a peplum and black pants with split hems, with yellow heels with stones on them
a woman in a blue metallic midi dress and silver heels

I’m a fan of outfit repeats (if you have something that you love, why wouldn’t you wear it over and over?). This time of year, especially seems to be filled with repeats (from themes to outfits). And while I love all my Ghosts of Christmas Pasts (from velvets to Metallics to toy soldiers), and while I do rewear all of these outfits (yes! really!), I have to say that this year, I’m yearning for a few ghosts (outfits) of Christmas present. It’s so easy to dress for the season in velvets, sparkles, reds and plaids. What I’m wondering if there is a way to switch it up? Last year I wore a bit of blue at this time of year, and it felt so fresh! I loved it!

Yes, this year so far I’ve reached for reds, plaids, and velvets. But, I’m wondering what else is out there? Not just the dresses that everyone is wearing, but what could feel incredibly festive and yet incredibly fresh and new at the same time?

I don’t know that I have the answers yet. I have some ideas (from purple to vintage) but I’m also curious about what you’re interested in this season. Are you reaching for old favorites (no judgement! I am too!)? Are you craving a different holiday look? Into the holiday party dresses or more lounging at home? Want to explore both our ghosts of Christmas Pasts and Presents together?

I can’t wait to show you the new outfits I have, and know that I’m wearing all these old favorites throughout the season. I do truly want to know what you’re wearing and longing for- besides ghosts, it is the seasons of magic, right!?

XO RA

For the season I’m also updating my accessories game and loving these pieces from Miranda Frye!

a snake pendant

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!

Live: Holiday 2022 Collection. Miranda Frye Jewelry