shoes – Page 12 – Investment Piece

Keeping It Simple

Investment Piece: Keeping it Simple

When I go to shoot something for the blog,I can sometimes go overboard with my plan and the outfit. I tend to think big, and I can think REALLY big when it comes to outfits. One of the things I love about fashion is how it can make you anything you want to be.

Take this dress: part of what I loved about it was that it was simple, so you could make it anything you wanted. It fits great and the color is fantastic, shoes and accessories could change it into so many things.

When I went to shoot it, it could be so many things that I got a little overwhelmed. Should I pair it with flat sandals and show off how great it could be casually? Glam it up a bit with classic pumps or platforms? Be daring with a shoe that laces all up my leg?

The options seemed to be endless and could change everything about the outfit. I always want to showcase the absolute best outfits here, the ones that are most me at my best, and ones you can take as inspiration to be the best for you. I was completely overwhelmed. Then the answer came to me.

Investment Piece: Keeping it Simple

Keeping it Simple.
Yes, one of the reasons I loved this dress when I got it was that I could make it so many things. It would look great with any of those shoes: flats, pumps, platforms, even sneakers. This dress would look great in any way you wanted it to.

And when the time comes, I’m sure that I will wear it in all those ways.

But, right now, a majority of my time is simple. We’re at home. I’m working. I’m relaxing, I’m on the couch, I’m in the garden. And this dress is great simple, too. If a dress can do all of the things, and be stunning while simple, there’s a chance you’d love it as much as me. I realized I didn’t have to over do this dress. I could keep it simple.

And loves, that felt amazing.

I’ve linked this exact dress, as well as shoes I would wear with it. But. Let’s not be afraid of simple this week!
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: Keeping it Simple

Summer Whites

Summer whites, I have a thing for them. (See here and here for starters) All white is a little romantic, a little daring (I always feel like I’m tempting stain fate), and a little optimistic. There’s just something about an all white outfit that makes me feel like I’m wearing the best of summer.

Side note: while you’re wearing a traditional color, like white, there’s no rule that you can’t be untraditional about it. I love jackets that are unexpected like this one. Yes, it would also look great over something (as well as with anything from cut-offs to suit pants), but I love taking something like a summer white and making it my own!

And yes, together, this look is a little on the formal/suit side. Insert the part where I tell you how you could wear these pieces separately and how you could make them casual! And you could! These basics are great to have in your closet to wear any which way you like! I know right now a lot of our lives can be lived casually right now, and I’m doing that too. However, there are still times during these times (say that a few times fast) that we may need to be daring and romantic and optimistic. So, I couldn’t resist the urge to “suit up” or be a little more dressy- even if it was just in the backyard.

In the morning light, with coffee, it was the perfect look to help me feel as if I was getting a jump on my day and could conquer anything.

Starting your day with pieces that make you smile and amazing shoes is a trick I reserve for Monday mornings. It helps!

I would love to know: do you rock all white looks? Are you living in yoga pants or getting dressed? How does all white make you feel?

And–don’t hate me– I did change into yoga pants a bit after this!
I’ve linked you similar items below. Happy shopping!
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!

GO BIG!

Investment Piece: GO BIG

I’ve been thinking a lot about minimalism and maximalism and what we wear to make ourselves feel seen. There is a time a place for a waredrobe that’s self contained, with clean lines, and very minimalistic. Sometimes when you’re leaving the house you should take a look at yourself and remove an accessory.
But.
There are times when statement pieces are needed. And when more is best. At those times, why shouldn’t we go big? In fact, at those times, why isn’t going big a way to deal with things?

I’ve found, recently, that there are days when the only thing that fits, the only thing that makes me feel like myself, the only thing that makes me feel good is maximalism. It jars me out of my boxes and moods, and is just fun. More than one statement piece? Yes. Mixing patterns? Yes. Big pieces and even bigger attitudes? Yes. There are times to go big, and there’s no reason to be small about it.

Investment Piece: GO BIG

All of the pieces of this outfit are things I love, statements, and perfect on their own. Yet, together they were so fun, and even more perfect (if that’s a thing). I’ll admit, I got a bit nervous pairing more than one statement piece together- big skirt, floral boots, gold belt, tasseled scarf. Any one could stand out, and I was worried I wouldn’t make a statement, I would just be LOUD. But. It worked. And made me feel seen, and like every piece could be seen. The pieces went together, I felt great, and it was a hit at brunch (though it could also be that I showed up with champagne).

Those things that we can get nervous to wear? To pair together? Maybe the point is that we should wear them, that we should pair them. As much as minimalism is great, maybe maximalism lets us really be ourselves. GO BIG, in fashion, in life, at brunch. Maybe that’s the secret?

What big outfit could you wear that really lets you be who you are? What if being big and loud is our thing, and it’s amazing?

Xo RA

These pieces are from a few years ago, but I’ve linked similar ones AND I’ve found someone special these EXACT Valentino boots! 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: GO BIG

What We’re Wearing

A few months ago, I began a little video series on Instagram called “What We’re Wearing”. I mainly wanted to a. Keep myself accountable to always be creating, and b. Wanted an informal place to chat about what I’m wearing or thinking about or unpacking that week. If you follow me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) you’ve seen it and I appreciate you, and I’m sorry this is redundant for you. But if you don’t follow me (and I appreciate you being here!) I didn’t want to leave you out. So, I figured I would round up a few of my little videos for your Friday viewing pleasure.

Each is a bit different (and there are more on IG) but I wanted to give you a little taste. Most importantly, I would love to know: what are you wearing? What are you buying for spring? Or thinking about your closet? Tell me all of it!

Western Boots

For my first episode I dove deep into western boots!

Vintage

After the holidays I was gifted a bunch of vintage, I’m still sorting it and shooting it and loving it. You’ve seen some of it here!

Spring Shoes

I love these sandals I recently got on sale. You can shop them here (Yes, that is an affiliate link, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support! Also, these babes are under $50!)

I have a lot more to chat about, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!
Xo RA

CEO is my Fave Position

Investment Piece: CEO is my Fave Postion

Some truths: being a CEO is amazing. You get to fulfill your vision. You’re in charge. Schedule/timeline/duties/etc. They are all up to you. And it’s empowering. And fun.

And yet

Being a CEO is a lot. There are days when I wish someone else would make calls. Make the decisions. Cut the checks.

Bein in control is both a blessing and a curse.

But. You know what makes me love being a boss? (Well, one of the things). Looking like one. And a blazer dress doe that like no other dress I know.

Investment Piece: CEO is my fave position

A blazer dress is both a classic and a little bit edgy, all at the same time. This one is vintage, and is the first time in a long time that I’ve left the shoulder pads in something. (I like it!) I was drawn to the buttons and the slight oversize (and yet the cinch waist).

Months ago, I was at a cocktail party and a friend showed up in a blazer dress. It was the perfect mix of office chic and sexy. Wearing this made me feel like a BOSS. You know, just one of those outfits that made me feel AMAZING. Blazer dresses are back in style, and I can’t recommend them enough.

I’ve linked similar dresses to this one below, I would love to hear about how boss you feel in yours!
Xo RA

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

Shop the look here

Investment Piece: My fave Postion is CEO

mixing and matching and trending

Investment Piece: mixing and matching and trending

The thing I always wonder about the term “mix and match”, isn’t everything mixing and matching? Not that there aren’t sets. Not that you can’t wear those sets together, but for the most part, in most of your life, aren’t we simply putting things together and hoping it works? Like meal planning- if you’re very traditional, you’re picking a protein, a carb, a veggie, and you’re hoping they go together. Isn’t that mixing and matching? And that’s just food, we do it with our schedules, our workouts, our playlists?

Shouldn’t our closets be the easiest thing to mix and match?

Take vintage skirts and vintage logo tops? Not a set, but they work as one. (This one was easy, the leathers blend!)
So, when the mixing and matching is easy, what do you do? Add a trend!

Investment Piece: Mixing and Matching and trending

Is there anything more on trend this season than snakeskin boots? And if leopard can be a neutral, why can’t snakeskin?

At least, that’s the theory I’m working with.
Ironically enough, I got these boots last fall, but I still get stopped and asked about them–snakeskin is the new neutral, you heard it here first! I love how it goes with so much (a made up leather set) and feel like standouts.

I had a lot of fun with this look-I usually shy away from minis but this one was just long enough to make even mom comfortable. Logo mania? Pro-tip: buy vintage. This top feels fresh (do logos ever go out of style?) but it’s vintage. Together, this felt modern and fun, and a bit of a stand out.

Now if I could only find a way to mix and match sitting in traffic so I missed all the stop and go!

Investment Piece: mixing and matching and trending

I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure. I’d love to know: what’s your take on mixing and matching?
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!

Layered

Investment Piece: Layered

This ain’t your Momma’s layering. This is layered. Taking formulas and elevating them. Going to extremes with basics. Mixing textures, patterns, and maybe the same time of clothes. Like a jacket over a jacket.
I know. It may sound crazy for me to tell you that a blazer works over a jean jacket. A jacket over a jacket? I know. But.
Hear me out- it works.
Most of all? It’s fun.

This is a little bit uniform dressing, after all we’re just pairing a jacket, jeans, and boots. And it’s a little bit statement. I love the play of the double denim (pro-tip, try to blend the Jean rinses, but don’t get too caught up in making sure they match exactly. Unless you bought them as a set you’ll just drive yourself crazy) and a statement blazer (this one has the jeweled collar, but you could always get the same effect with necklaces). The boots are a little bit western (there’s so much to say on that at a later date). The great thing? You could personalize this outfit as much as you like: use your favorite blazer, boots, use a top and not a jacket, be as bold or as classic as you like. No matter what, it’s the perfect solution for fall. Layered.

How do you do it?

I love all things tweed and Jean and have linked similar items to the ones above for your shopping pleasure. I’d love to see how you style them!
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: Layered

Vintage and Pops

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Ever had something keep popping up till you had to pay attention? For me, lately, that was a Diane Freis dress. A staple in the 1980s, I can clearly remember my mom wearing one, these dresses mix patterns and have simple shapes. (Yes, there are sizes but it’s all basically one size. Most waists are smocked and stretchable, they are all made to fit a wide range of sizes).

While I had stumbled across a few of these dresses before (and loved them), it was within the past month that almost EVERY vintage shop I love had a Diane Freis in stock. See FeatherStoneVintage and Miriti Vintage, and everyone in between. (And of course, etsy is a great place for all vintage).

I rember thinking how chic my mom looked in her Diane Freis dress. And when these dresses started popping up, I couldn’t help but think how chic they are now. Patterned mixed perfectly. Smocked. Silhouettes that seem both classic and vintage. And a way to get an “all in one” dressing done.

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Usually one of my favorite things to do with vintage is to pair it with modern pieces. There’s nothing like a great juxtaposition. Take it from me. However, this time my pops weren’t quite so jarring. The shoes and bag I choose to orginally wear with my Diane Freis were not quite modern (though since I’ve worn this dress with both flip flops and sneakers), but they weren’t quite vintage. I’m a fan of resale sites. And shopping. These shoes are Miu Miu and from a few seasons ago, when I couldn’t quite afford them. Shopping resale I was able to get the shoes I loved at a price that I could stomach. Same for this clutch. I have this theory that we never have to pay full price.

And that, even if the juxtapositions aren’t jarring, they’re important.

So, if something keeps popping up should you buy it? Why not?

I’ve linked similar items to all of these pictures below. I’d love to hear about all your Diane Freis stories. And resale stories. And mixing stories. What are you buying right now?
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: Vintage and Pops

Dots. Spots. Minis.

Investment Piece: Dots. Spots. Minis

I’ve spent the summer longing for a mini dress. At the same time, being terrified that all the mini dresses that I loved would be too short. (Yes, there are downsides to being tall) So, even though I thought this summer should be the summer of a mini dress, I resisted.
Then.
I remembered.
In my closet there was a perfect mini dress. Spotted. (I do love a good polka dot). And mini without being too short. Is the moral of the story that we already have what we need? Yes. (And no, there is always more fashion to be had; no such thing as too many clothes!) Or is the moral of the story that we shouldn’t be so scared of what we want? Yes.
My mini dress? It’s everything I thought this summer should be: fun, flirty, and fantastic. The dots and long sleeves keep it just classy enough, and the other thing these dots needed?
Spots!
Investment Piece: Dots. Spots. Minis

I do love mixing patterns. And love animal prints (yes, people will say they’re “on trend” for fall. Animal prints are always on trend. And they’re neutrals!). What’s more natural than mixing dots and spots? They mimic each other, go together, and look simply perfect. There are times when I love a heel (with everything, even shorts), but with a mini I loved how these flats let me be carefree in my mini dress. (And yes, these flats look great with shorts and jeans and all the things too!)

All classics. All fun. All the things. Dots. Spots. Minis.

How are you spending the last few days of summer?

Both this mini-dress and these flats are older, but I’ve found you similar for your shopping pleasure. And yes, I’ve been given the confidence to get another mini dress, what about you?
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!

The Waiting Game

Investment Piece: The Watiing Game
Investment Piece: The Waiting Game

Loves, if your memory is long, you might remember that these shoes that were some that I have been lusting after for ages. (Ok. Years. Just years. Which felt like ages.) The best part? They are finally mine. I’m a firm believer, in fashion, that what’s meant to be ours eventually finds its way to us.

Another thing that I believe? You don’t have to pay full price for the things you lust after. You really don’t. From resale to sales, there is always a way to get what you want, stay on budget, and yet fulfill your desires. Do you have to wait some things out? Yes. Can it be a little nerve racking? Yes. But, it’s how I shop most of the time, and how I’ve built myself a closet full of investment pieces. Let’s chat about it :

Some of my favorite places to put out alerts, reguarly check, and stalk items:
The RealReal
eBay
Vestiaire Collective
Both ShopStyle and LiketoKnow.It have sale alerts. (Most of your favorite sites do as well, as well as Google!) Etsy is a great place to search for many things, not only vintage.

And need helping finding that special something? Email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, I would love to put my shopping skills to work!

Love the same shoes I did? I got them on the RealReal. Lucky you? I’ve linked some below for your shopping pleasure!

Hope that my tips for shopping change your life the way that they changed mine!
Xo RA

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