The saying goes that so much can change in a year. And that’s true right? People come and go, we change our minds, our clothes, our shoes, our states. I take pictures of myself for a living. (Ok, that’s not all of it, but in many ways, it boils down to that) So, I’ve developed this weird fascination of looking back at what I was wearing a year ago: do I still love it? do I still wear it? do I still have it? It makes FlashBack Friday’s and Throwback Thursday’s both morbid (like an autopsy) and fun. What I was I wearing a year ago? This winter floral dress. And I do still love it. And I do still have it. However, I don’t wear it often. Here’s the great thing about looking back: it can remind me what I have, and encourage me to wear it!
What I originially wrote:
We’ve had spring florals and fall florals–why not winter florals? I have to say, I love these moody florals, the darks and the pops of color–I like that it’s completely season appropriate but it feels fresh. Especially when you pair them with pop of color shoes. And the frills and the back? Amazing! (Loves, this is where I confess that I had this dress altered, we opened the back a bit and took in the waist some) The price is what really makes this dress stunning –it’s HM, yes, HM. Perfect for any thing this winter can throw at you!
(Side Note: let’s not sleep on HM ever! Some of my most recent finds there are showcased here, here, and here)
XO RA
I’ve updated my winter floral shopping picks (these are affiliate links, I do receive some commission on these, though there is no change to your price!) There are some great, and very similar HM winter floral dresses!
Let’s go around the room and confess something.
I can go first.
It’s trite, but true.
I wasn’t popular in high school. I was chubby. And tried to hard. My friends were amazing and I had fun, but my high school experience is more the transforming swan rather than the High School Musical Variety.
(Random side note: I think everyone’s high school experience would be made better through more musical numbers).
One thing I did in high school? I tried to make the trends I saw in magazines work. I’m completely dating myself BUT, I wore knee high socks. And the little clips in my hair. Basically anything I saw in teen magazines or Vogue I tried to recreate in a way. (Isn’t it weird that we at some level always know what we’re supposed to do?) And while it didn’t work in high school (turns out small town high schools are not the place to try new trends), I’m glad that I got into the habit of trying trends and figuring out what I liked. If you read Monday’s post, you know that I admit when my mom was right. In high school she told me that you want to be the kind of person that blooms after high school–and loves, she was right.
I bring up high school, and high school fashion, not because I’m sitting around thinking about it, but because I think high school fashion is back. Case in point? Fanny Packs. Belt bags if you’re trying to make it high fashion, but let’s be honest: it’s a fanny pack. However, these are not the fanny packs we had in high school. those were black (or neon) and cheap and awful. Don’t tell my trying to be cool high school self, but I may like (really LIKE) these fanny packs. Leather. Adjustable. Able to go from your waist to over the shoulder. Not so stiff and triangle, but supple leather and shapes that we can identify. I think even the cool girls in high school would wear these! Perfect for nights out, concerts, festivals, or any time it’s just nice to have all your stuff and use your hands at the same time!
It did get mentioned to me that my kicks (sneakers, Mom) with a skirt is high school fashion as well. Is it? I thought that’s just how we wear them, but if that’s high school fashion I’m down (let’s just get amazing kicks and great skirts like this leather one). What do you think?
So, maybe the trends I tried to make happen in high school fell flat. Maybe that’s ok. This high school fashion trend is something I think wins now, and isn’t that what matters?
Tell me: how was high school? What did you wear? What are your current thoughts on fanny packs? And high school fashion?
I got some picks for you (affiliate links, which does not affect price for you). I’m excited to get your take on them!
Loves, I’m gonna let you in on a littl blogger secret: there are looks that are our favorites. And sometimes the ones that just live on Instagram and don’t make it on the blog are the best. I love coming up with outfits (for both me and you) and shooting them for us! Instagram is one of my favorite ways to let you know what I’m doing, what I’m wearing , and what I’m loving! And while I’m busy working on more posts and outfits for us all, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to share with you some of my October favorites and the things I’ve loved this month!
Yes, some of these looks you’ve seen before (it’s October Faves, and who doesn’t love a second chance to shop!) and some you haven’t. Some pieces you will most likely see again, and some looks are simply on my Wishlist! All are things I love, shots I couldn’t resist sharing, and a little behind the scenes action for you!
Below see all my October faves, linked with updated shopping options. What were your favorites this month?
XO RA
*Note these are affiliate links and while I get a small commission from them, it does not affect the price for you!
October Blues
A recent look? Yep, but I loved it and every shot was just amazing!
see the original post here and shop:
Monkey Business
I just love this print skirt, it’s just so cheeky!
See the originial post here and shop:
Cape
This cape just makes me happy. That makes it an October Fave!
Orginal post here and shop:
Instagram Life
Stars and Stripes
This outfit that I wore on Tuesday was thrown together at the last minute, I was determined to mix patterns, and this is what I came up with. I got so many compliments (which made me so happy!) and these shoes from last season are still some of my faves!
Shop the look:
Rosie Assoulin
If you follow me on Instagram (please do! @racheladelicia), you may know that I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and playing dress up with Rosie Assoulin. She was a complete dream-so unbelievably lovely. And the clothes–I’m currently looking up “how to sell your kidney” to afford this dress!
Shop my look of the tux (and I love the pairing of a concert tee):
Shop my Rosie Assoulin picks (and keep your eyes out for SS18):
Loves,thank you for indulging me and letting me review some of my October faves and my recent Instagram life! I hope that this weekend is amazing and full of love and laughter, come back on Sunday for a spooky Ex-files!
The lights dim. The projector comes on. You give a world class presentation. Your co workers laugh at the right time, they cry at the right time. Your posture improves just a little with the realization that you’re good at this, you got this. Then the lights come on. Your co-workers gasp and your cheeks turn red. Because you’re naked.
Oldest nightmare in the books, right? I’ve had it too.
Plot Twist: I wrote this post in bed in my pjs. Working for yourself, from home has its perks. So, I get that I might not be an “expert” in business attire.* And I get that maybe shorts aren’t the best look for your office. What I do get and love? A great juxatipositon. What else I weirdly love? Shorts and a blazer.
(See here)
The perfect mix of business and pleasure. Where this combo is a match: those weird “networking” parties at a dive bar, happy hour, when you need to look polished but it’s 95 in October (seriously, WTH), or any business meeting that is casual. Or in general when there is that subtle mix of business and pleasure.
I’ve spoken before about my journey to find the “perfect” short: not too short, not too tight, and not too “why is that old lady trying to look young”. It’s a tightrope that’s not easy to walk. This summer, I dreamed of the perfect, longer shorts that would look great with heels or sandals, casual or dressy, and would still be cool. I thought I might have to resort to chopping one of my beloved vintage pairs, but then I found these. And it felt like all my problems had been solved. (Ok, I still don’t have world peace or the Gucci shoes my soul needs, but we’re making progress). Also, I’m thinking of wearing these babies with boots, and maybe even tights when the weather cooperates. We’ll see where that takes us.
This blazer is made more business appropriate with a shell underneath. If you dare, and the moment is right, I love a blazer with nothing underneath; pro tip: make sure the buttons on that blazer come high, or chose one like this with a built in scarf! What I love about this one is the built in scarf, when you’re mixing business and pleasure it allows you to go shell-less. And also looks great with skirts!
*SideNote: You talk and I listen. I get that a lot of what I post here, a lot of “fashion” isn’t business appropriate. But loves, a lot can be made to be business appropriate. And I can do my part to present tricks and more business looks. Does this mean no more pleasure? Nope. I’m still in love with sheer, and the like. I still think that there’s a time and a place for you to wear that as well. But, we will be starting a series on showcasing more business looks, and more tips for how to make our “pleasure looks” more business friendly. Have an idea? Want to us to address a specific look or trend? Email me! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, I love hearing from you!
What do you think? Is this a great mix of business and pleasure? Where could you wear this combo?
I’ve picked my fave pieces (both exact and similar) and linked them below! Shop, let’s be twins! Then we can go to one of those weird mixers and be the best dressed there!
XO RA
Note: These are affiliate links, I do receive a commission but that does not affect in any way the price for you!
The above clutch is vintage Gucci. One of the best places for resale:
It’s just casual.
You can throw on anything.
It doesn’t matter what you wear.
Loves, I can put together a couture look, be impeccably dressed for any date or work event. And yet: nothing scares me more than the words above. Seriously! What do they mean? Who am I supposed to be if I just “wear anything”? What do you want by casual? (Yes, maybe my therapist and I have more work to do). BUT,I don’t think I’m alone is saying : “There are times when telling me to just throw something on scares me”. You might think that because I work in fashion it might come easy to me. No such luck (don’t tell, but I want to always look great, even when I don’t, and that leads to some over thinking when the term casual is used). So, to to make sure that these words and situations don’t throw me into a tailspin, I’ve come up with a formula to ensure that I don’t over think, that I stay within casual bounds, and that I feel great in!
Jeans and a shirt.
Jeans and a shirt.
Don’t over think it. Don’t make it more than it is. Just jeans and a shirt. Grab your best fitting jeans. I’m just in love with these AYR jeans, you’ve seen them many times before. (Need refreshers? Try here, here, and here). And a great blouse or shirt. I’m partial to silk, love this vintage one I snagged at A Current Affair, but try a classic button down or pussy bow! Add amazing shoes, these spiked Louboutins make me happy. And you’re good to go. Work, drinks, dinner, a movie, fall, spring. Add a jacket for winter. This combo has you covered. Takes away the fear that someone telling you to just “throw something on” can bring. Bonus? You look amazing and can concentrate on whatever amazing thing you’re doing.
Jeans and a shirt.
Maybe that’s the secret. Who knew?
Well, now it’s us.
Wishing you a happy Friday!
XO
Shop my picks below, they do contain affiliate links, I get commission from them, though that does not affect cost for you!
Tis the season… For witches, toil and trouble! And the BIG Question: What are you going to be for Halloween?
Real talk? Last Year I was so prepped for Halloween! I had customers a plenty, was so excited about dressing up, and everything I saw had the potential for a great Halloween look. This year? I’m behind, and haven’t thought further ahead than this still-favorite Wildfox shirt. (Actually, I’ve thought about being Wonder Woman, but my custome is still in storage!) But with the holiday rapidly approaching, it’s time to get our thinking on!
What are you going to be for Halloween? I still love this about look from last year (are mermaids still in?).
And I still love the idea of being Lady Macbeth for Halloween (pictured above, and I still have the dress!)
Other things I’m thinking of: a couture dress with a mask. A cowgirl. A witch. A great shirt like above.
Some of my current fave Halloween shirts :
Please note, I do get commission from these links (though that does not affect the price for you!)
I’m also reading the following articles for inspiration: Costumes in Your Own Closet
Ideas I love: Reese Witherspoon in Big Little Lies, easy and all you need is this:
Or using your fave leather jacket to make your look an instant “Grease” costume!
Love these Feminist Costume Ideas! And super love that this list includes Miss Piggy! All you need is a dress, some gloves and pig ears!
Also love these Group Costume Ideas, especially the metallic dresses to be super models!
My Picks (some are under $40!)
I’ve got my thinking cap on, I’m reading and going through old pictures, and I’m hoping I have a great costume picked out soon! What about you? What are you gonna be?
XO RA
Another thought: Rent a BallGown and do skeleton makeup! (Downside: I have no clue how to do skeleton makeup!)
Can we have a chat? It’s Monday. Last week was a lot. The season is changing, which is both amazing and havoc on our bodies and schedule. I’ve had two crazy weeks of travel (for which I am so grateful), and I’m tired. Like exhausted, tired. All in all? IT’s monkey business. Now we could fight the monkey business. We could complain about it. Or we could wear it. And loves, wearing the monkey business might be the way to win!
This skirt was an immediate yes when I found it at HM. Yes, HM is a place you need to be shopping for fall. Yes, this combo of midi skirt and sweater may be my go-to fall uniform. I won’t apologize for it, especially when the skirts are this amazing. Besides being classic and a neutral, I’m in love with the monkeys on this skirt (LOVES THEY’RE WEARING CROWNS!). It’s cheeky and fun, and yet you can get away with it in any situation. I love it with a sweater and heels, but this skirt would look great with boots or sneakers as well. And while I wouldn’t pair it with graphic tee any sweater, blouse, t-shirt would go great as well. The best part? All day you can deal with the monkey business in your life by showing off monkeys. That will show them.
I’m not sure what kind of monkey business you’re dealing with: I know there’s a lot out there right now. I hope it’s the kind you can laught at, and that it passes. I’m looking to find balance in my monkey business this week: working hard, resting hard, and playing hard. I’m hoping this week brings us the best of fall, and maybe some new shoes. I hope we can laugh together-if not at our monkey business then at the monkeys on our skirts. Learn what to do and how to value a business.
And yes, I really recommend writing when you’re running on no sleep. It not only really makes you think, you get to exercise a little bit of vulnerability. And you get to pray your writing makes sense!
I’ve linked shopping options below (including this exact skirt, which is under $50), I’m off to nap and do better tomorrow!
XO RA
I also love some of the prints and this deal here:
Some things happen all at once. Some things happen in pieces. Is one better than the other? I don’t know, I suppose that it depends on the event.
The same can be true for outfits. Some come to me all at once. Some in pieces. Some look great all together, some look great in pieces. This outfit? It came to me in pieces. These knit pants (and all the knit pants) are all that I want to wear right now. (Thank you Gucci!) They’re comfy, like a structured sweatpant and in theory go with everything. The issue? I couldn’t figure out what to wear with them. I wanted to look put together, and knew that rocking a heel would be amazing, but I wasn’t sure.
—-This is where I share a secret of life my loves. A denim shirt,any style, can solve just about anything. Ok, maybe not world peace or your budget. BUT, if you are ever unsure what to wear with something, try a denim shirt. We make it sound like a thing, but I promise it’s the best neutral you have.
So, I tried a denim shirt. I love this old one as its details are just too good (and make it feel dressy. The cross v neck, so great to show off this metallic bra, the tail, the color. When I tried on these pieces together, the outfit clicked. The pieces came together as a whole. (And this is the part where I hold my breath and hope you like it).
Other things I’m thinking of wearing with my knit pants (and gird your loins, these aren’t the only pair you’ll see this season!): blouses, sweaters, jean jackets, leather jackets, t shirts, knit sweaters. What do you think I should pair with it??
Also, loves, if we’re talking about things in pieces, I would be remiss not to mention these Gucci loafers. I know the turquoise is stunning, but they really are a neutral. As in, they go with everything. And manage to make everything better! How’s that for in pieces?
I’ve linked shopping below, I hope this week was kinder than the last, and I hope that your pieces fit amazing!
Happy Friday!
XO RA
Last year, I scheduled a pink post every week during the month of October to raise awareness for breast cancer. Our editorial calendar this year didn’t match up, but breast cancer awareness, support, cure, and fighting is something that we still care deeply about. So, instead of a post a week this year we have a different plan! This #tbt post: a look back at last year’s looks with updated shopping options! Special OOTD looks on our Instagram and stories! And any shopping/events/ways to support the early detection of breast cancer and the women we love that are fighting the disease we will pass along!
Let’s Pink Out with these #tbt Pink for Breast Cancer looks!
I’ve updated the shopping options for these looks here:
And I’ve linked some products for Breast Cancer Awareness, or that give back to Breast Cancer Charities here:
I hope that you join me in fighting Breast Cancer and supporting those who have (or have had) the disease!
Midas had the golden touch.
Dorothy had the Ruby Red Slippers.
I have Elephants.
Luckiest of them all? You bet.
Elephants are not only lovable, grey, and equipped with great memories, allegedly; they’re good luck! (If saving elephants and fighting ivory poaching is something you care about, check out Save the Elephants) So when you walk on good luck, what does that make you? The Luckiest of them all.
I can’t promise that these mules will change anything over night. However, I love the elephant carving, I love the classic shape, and I love the little jolt of luck I feel. They go great with this classic sweater and jean combo, but go great with shirts, skirts, little black dresses, anything that you can think of. Or at any time that you might need a little bit of luck.
These jeans are from AYR, and you’ve seen them a lot lately. They fit just perfect, have just the right amount of stretch, and just the right amount of distress. (See them here, here, and you’ll see them more in the future. Sorry, not sorry) I also have a thing for grey-sweaters, t-shirts, dresses, pants, shoes, anything. So this cashmere number, with the V neck and seams showing, is one of my go-to’s!
Let’s chat about this necklace (you’ve also seen it here. Sydney made it, it’s black diamond and onyx, and I love it. Wearing it across my body (with the choker wrap) somehow feels edgy, yet the classic lariat lends itself to every sort of styling. You can find Syd on Instagram @aireheartbysydney or her pieces are for sale at Elaine Kim. This necklace, and the love I get from Syd and Elaine are also pretty lucky, I hope that they are the same for you!
Though I love elephants, consider them lucky, and love these shoes, let’s chat luck. Is luck something that happens? A result of being prepared? Anything you can control? I do think that the harder you work, the luckier you are. I also think that luck is something that maybe you can’t control. Luck in the form of elephant shoes also can’t hurt. What do you think about luck?
