Category: shopping

The Almost

a woman in a jersey dress with a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background
a woman in a jersey dress in a mirror in a bathroom

The Almost
As in: I almost didn’t post this outfit. As in I almost was afraid to talk about my insecurities in this outfit. Almost as in this shoot was more of an OOTD on the fly shoot and I love to think that for this space I try a bit harder.

But how does the song go? Almost doesn’t count.

Which I know- in the song- means that the almost trying doesn’t matter and she’s done (with a dumb boy), but here the almost doesn’t count means that we’re not giving into excuses.

So, yes, I wore this as an OOTD a few weeks past. And was worried that all of the things I got insecure about (but am working on!) during the pandemic were prominent. I mean- didn’t most of us have some issues after lockdown? And I also like to think that all of our insecurities are really only evident to ourselves! AKA in my head you’re saying :”Rachel, what insecurities? You look great!” Which is what I would say to you- no matter what sticks out to you about your own body. (Though in total confidence walking through stores in this I was a bit self conscious for the first time in a while) And with that, let’s ignore or get over or accept what we’re insecure about. Even if we’re working on those things!

As for perfect pictures? (Perhaps another insecurity of mine!) What if there are no perfect pictures? Though I do really love the sky here- and how these yellow (vintage Bottega but I found you similar) shoes pop. And the cutouts on the dress that somehow like a flower? Paired with the ruching that clings in (hopefully) all the right ways? Enough of different views, enough to get the feel? Maybe that’s perfect enough.

There’s another saying: once begun is half done. Or another one I have to remind myself of regularly: perfect is the enemy of good. Both I take to mean, sometimes we just have to do the thing, almost or not. The thing is- in this case- a great jersey dress, a pop of a shoe, and a classic bag are always a great combo. If it’s almost, with your insecurities, or not quite perfect. And if you love it (or have a great day in it), maybe it’s all of the things- perfect and almost and done!

I’ve found similar things for all of you to have great days in 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!

a woman in a jersey dress in front of a skyscraper background

Wildflowers

a woman in a blue and white top yellow skirt and brown shoes in a field of bluebonnets
a woman in a blue and white top and yellow skirt and brown platforms
a women's foto int brow suede platforms in a field of wildflowersq
a woman in a blue and white halter top and yellow skit in a field of Bluebonnets
a woman in blue and white halter top and yellow skirt in a field if bluebonnets

I’ll be honest with the change of season (from winter to spring, and I’m still not sure I got to wear all I wanted to)-which brought storms which for the first time brought massive headaches- I’ve been behind.
Yet I had the opportunity to shoot this. A bit vintage (the Ralph Lauren top and my grandma’s skirt and blazer, though I found you so many similar!) in a field of wildflowers.
There has to be a special club for people who grew up in Texas who still have memories of their parents telling them picking a bluebonnets (wildflowers) would get them arrested. To be honest in this shot I was afraid to pluck any flower as I was afraid of getting arrested- and also I’ve been told that bluebonnets attract rattle snakes so we didn’t linger. I don’t want any snakes or jail time, fun fact snakes are a top fear of mine! So these pics are a big accomplishment!!
And beyond all of that, there is a certain spring factor that makes us all want to walk in a field of wildflowers (or maybe that’s just us Texans- though I had the same urge when I lived in California)
Perhaps it’s just a spring urge. Like wearing yellow (which I have reservations about) with blue (ironically this combo was insprired by a current Ralph Lauren look. In fact, I’m still think of buying a yellow suit as I’m convinced it will go with so much!) Or wearing blue ( a spring fave of mine). Or flowers -which I’m always more tempted to buy in the spring.
Or maybe it’s just that as spring is springing (storms and headaches and all) we all long to wear a bit of color or brightness or there are flowers.

What do you long to wear in the in spring? Or what is stereotypical and yet you find yourself wearing? Have you ever risked snakes or jail for a look or a picture?

XO RA

I’ve similar looks to these below. This post does contains 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 yellow skirt suit with a blue and white halter top in a filed of wildflowers

Spring Wishlist

a woman in a blue maxi sundress in front of pink flowers

How I celebrate the new season? A few things! I deep clean, myself and my home, I think about refreshing my hair (cut or color), I adjust my schedule (from workouts to work). And (perhaps the most fun!) I shop. I clean out my closet and then I make a wishlist for what I want to wear this season, and I make plans to get it.

What I’m looking forward to wearing this spring? Suits. From vests and blazers to oversized to linen, I’m loving a great suit. Pleats. From party dresses to skirts, pleats feel fresh but are classic enough to wear in the coming years. Swimsuits. I wear one pieces as bodysuits, so I’m looking forward to refreshing my collection with everything from leopard to low cut classics.

I’ve made a collection of everything I’m wanting and will be adding to it over the season. What are you putting on your spring wishlist? Anything special you’re shopping for? I would love to hear all about it and help shop if needed!
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!

You can keep up with and shop my spring wish list here

a woman with a black blazer belted with a gold lion belt, over jeans and wearing heels in a clothing store

#groundbreaking

Investment Piece: #groundbreakingInvestment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

You know that joke about groundbreaking florals for spring.

I know that joke.

So, we don’t have to say it, right? Not saying it doesn’t make it any less true or funny; but if we’re all thinking it? We don’t have to say it.

And yes, it’s groundbreaking florals for spring. Which might not be so groundbreaking. We’re offered florals every spring, right? (And sometimes in the fall). Moody florals, dark florals, big florals, small florals, bright florals, daisy florals. There’s never a shortage of them, and if you always have your pick of them, it doesn’t feel groundbreaking.

So we don’t need to tell the joke.

Maybe the magic is taking something that’s not groundbreaking, and making it your own kind of groundbreaking. Fresh florals?

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking
Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Let’s go back to the beginning. Can florals be groundbreaking? Is there a way to make something that’s a staple your own?

My take? Yes. I think that there’s no other way to wear florals than in a groundbreaking, personalized way.

But, what does that mean?

Well, that probably depends on you. I’m partial to a moody floral, there’s’ something about the dark and the flowers that I like. I’m partial to vintage–done, and redone. This number, with the show stopping ruffle/cape is vintage, but it feels fresh. I love that it flounces, but reads more formal than sun dress.

(Confession? This dress paired with my crazy hair makes me feel a little like Carrie Bradshaw. Which I don’t hate.)

Your groundbreaking floral? You have options. Light/dark, big/small, formal/casual. I think the question becomes: what do you like? What do you feel? Any fashion item only feels and looks stale when we wear what we’re “supposed” to wear, instead of what we like. So can florals be groundbreaking? Absolutely. (Go ahead, read that in Big’s voice). All it takes is you wearing florals the way that you like. That’s the groundbreaking part.

Investment Piece: #groundbreaking

Side note: Feel free to wear shoes with your groundbreaking florals. I didn’t just because I had to climb to get on the ledge.

This floral number is a vintage piece from Timeless Vixen, but you don’t have to despair! There are so many options for you, both vintage and modern. I’ve linked all kinds of florals below, I’d love to see how you make them groundbreaking!

XO RA

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

Investment Piece: Groundbreaking

Reading Reviews

the back of a woman in a tan trench coat that reads AWESOME on it

As someone who has background in theater, I have mixed feelings about reviews. I have friends and peers who avoid them like the plague, colleagues who take every word of every review to heart, and the elusive person who is somehow able to take the constructive criticism out of reviews and forget about the rest. I strive to be like the last person, but honestly? Getting reviewed is hard, especially if it’s a project that’s personal.

So, what does that have to do with fashion? Beyond the similarity that having someone criticize your outfit can be awful, reading reviews is how I’ve recently upped my online shopping game.

I have always loved online shopping-the convenience of buying at anytime from anywhere, it’s like getting a gift in the mail from yourself, and you can avoid dressing rooms (which I have a love/hate relationship with). There are so many good things from online shopping. And yet- there are some downfalls too. Even though I sometimes hate trying clothes on (I know, it’s weird- I think it’s the combo of getting undressed/dressed, body issues, and poor lighting), not being able to see (or feel) what you’re buying in real life can be annoying. And lead to even more annoying returns.

Yes, even though I can hate trying clothes on I do recognize that it is an important part of getting clothes you love and will wear! Part of what I love about online shopping is that I can do the try on in the comfort of my own home!

Usually, my online shopping is on point, but lately I’ve had a few orders that were just off. The size was completely wrong, the material felt so much cheaper that I was expecting, the tailoring was undone. Returns are often annoying and time consuming, and to save myself the pain of that, I have made it my mission to become a better online shopper. How I’m doing that? By reading reviews.

It’s not that I never read reviews before, but I often let my desire for the item be the driver of my purchase. But now? I’m paying attention to the reviews, I’m loving seeing how others react to pieces, and I’m grateful for the input of amazing strangers! While I don’t always go solely by the reviews, I’m finding that there are a few things in reviews that really help me shop better!

Pictures
Reviewers who post pictures are saints among us. It’s so helpful to seee pieces on real bodies, as sometimes the models have been pinned into the clothes! When I’m looking at pictures, I look to see fit, how the garments drape, if there are any obvious issues. It’s so helpful to see the item being worn!

Consistency
We’re all different, with different body types, preferences, etc. Naturally, that can lead to varying reviews. However, if I find that a bunch of reviews have the same comment or concern, I take it seriously. Recently, there was a skirt I loved-yet every single review said that the waist seemed to run small in comparison to the rest of the skirt, leading to bunching. It wasn’t just one or two reviewers, but a consistent review. I didn’t buy the skirt, as I trusted all the reviewers!

Details
Often reviews can be incredibly general. Simply “fits great!”. I know it’s so easy to be that general, and I find myself sometimes doing the same thing. So, anytime a reviewer adds details, ie the waist is high, the darts aren’t even, etc I take it into account! Details are incredibly important (And I’ll try my best to add them in here!), and can make or break a garment- or shopping decision!

Obviously, when I’m online shopping I still think about how much I love the item, how I can style it, price, etc- but reading reviews has really helped me in my shopping. Do you read reviews? What do you look for in reviews?

xo RA

Slip It On

a woman in a black, white, and gold slip dress with gold wedge boots and a fringe shawl
a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with a fringe shawl
a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with gold boots and a fringe shawl

The reason that slip dresses, in particular bias cut slip dresses, come back in style often (we’re not going to talk about how suddenly the 1990s are vintage as it makes me need to lay down) is because they are infinitely flattering. Nightgown. Gown. Dress. Slip. These type of dresses are so easy to slip on, and yet I love that they never look as if there are something that’s just thrown on. From nightgown (which technically this one is, from the 1970s) to gown, these slip dresses wear as if they are made for you- and the styling possibilities are endless.

I could wax poetic about cuts and fits and all the things-or about how I’m a fan of wearing pjs as street wear, or how vintage is so easy to make modern-and while all of those things are true, lately I’ve become more interested in the details of styling.

For Example:

a woman in a gold, white and gold slip dress with a safety pun and fringe shawl

Make it your own. Often when we bat that phrase about I think we think about styling, but make it your own can also mean fit. This fantastic slip nightgown (from my beloved

Normally I would pair a slip dress with heels. And yet, lately, I’ve been wanting to explore my styling, and perhaps get a bit out of my comfort zone. Instead of heels, I’m loving this slip dress with boots- wedge boots to be exact. The gold matches the dress and wedge makes it a bit more like a heel (or at least that’s what I tell myself) While not in my wheel house, I love the boots here. They feel modern, a bit daring, a bit not me but perfectly me at the same time.

Lately, I’ve been incredibly interested in choices that are me but aren’t my go-to, these boots are so me but feel like a fresh change with a slip dress.

a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress with gold boots and a fringe shawl

This shawl was my grandmas (I have a thing for a piano shawl, as they are both statement pieces and simple accessories). I love that it adds a bit of drama to a simple outfit (that’s still stunning), and yet isn’t the star of the outfit. I also love incorporating beloved (be it vintage, family or just special to me) item into my outfits. Here I love knowing that my grandma is with me- though she probably wouldn’t wear her nightgown out, even if it looked like a slip dress! Little details mean a lot to me, and I love knowing what they mean, even if Im the only one who is aware of all of them!

a woman in a black, gold and white slip dress, fringe shawl and gold boots

From any era, I recommend a slip dress. They are flattering and go with so many options- from dance floor to sleeping (and if you like you can wear the same slip dress for all of that!). I’m a fan making things your own with tailoring, and I love shoes that feel both you and a fashion risk. An outfit that you can just slip on and be fabulous? That’s a must in my book!

This slip dress (nightgown) is vintage but I’ve linked similar, as well as these exact boots (a splurge but you can most likely now find them on resale sites- need help with that? Please reach out!), and the shawl is antique but I’ve found you some as well!

What do you slip on? How do you wear a slip dress? Do you wear nightgowns-especially those that look like gowns? I would love to hear all about 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!

You can shop all options of this look here

a woman in a black, gold, white slip dress, gold boots and fringe shawl

Cropped

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated mini skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on steps
a woman in a cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

I’ve always been a bit nervous about crop tops. My fears? That they wouldn’t look good, would show all the midriff parts I hate on me, and (more recently) would make me look old trying to look too young. (VERY ironic advice from an old acting coach of mine: show the audience where you’re vulnerable and they will fall in love with that. I’m not sure if this applied to wearing cropped tops or not)

Therefore, the most surprised person in the past few seasons has been me: because there are so many cropped tops that I have loved. Crop Top sets, stand alone crop tops, even this button down cropped shirt- I have loved so many, put so many on wishlists, and even dared to wear some. Maybe the cropped tops have changed, or maybe I have. Perhaps I’ve managed to find crop tops that were in my comfort zone and didn’t stoke my fears. Or we could guess that I learned to let some of my fears go- though I have to say that they still pop up from time to time. But, for all my concerns about cropped tops, they are becoming a staple in my closet.

a woman in a cropped white button down and blue skirt on stairs
a woman in a cropped button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

How did I make peace with the crop? (I’m sure this is where I’m supposed to tell you to also make peace with you, but I think that’s a lifelong work in progress and I’ve found it much easier to make peace with the cropped tops!) First, I think find a crop top that you feel comfortable in. Maybe that means the cropped top isn’t super short, or maybe it’s long sleeved, or is a button down- or any one of the 100s of things a cropped top can be. The thing is you have to like it and feel comfortable in it (read not feel as if you have to pull it down all day) And a pro-tip about feeling comfortable in a crop top- don’t be afraid to size up!

While this cropped top isn’t my only cropped top, I feel so comfy in it- it’s not super short, in fact it is just a hair longer than my waist- and the button down silhouette makes it feel very work appropriate (and a little grown up!).

Second part of how to make peace with the crop top is to love (and feel comfortable in what you pair the crop top with! Maybe that means the skirt (or shorts or pants) are a bit high rise, maybe the bottoms are a bit oversized, maybe there’s a belt, maybe not. There is no tried and true method, which can be frustration as that can mean you’re trying things on. BUT with that much possibility, it means you can have fun.

Years ago, I never would have thought that I could wear an outfit like this (or any of the other shorter, tighter cropped tops I have!). And yet, this outfit is now a spring favorite, I love the way that it makes me feel- and it’s fun. Maybe there’s something to this cropped thing.

Do you wear cropped tops? How? And how did you make peace with them?

This cropped top is Target (I sized up to a Medium) and the skirt is vintage (though I found you similar). The shoes are my beloved Sarah Flints and code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE gets you $50 off your first pair!

I can’t wait to hear about how you crop!
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 cropped white button down and blue pleated skirt on stairs

#colorblocked

a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels
a woman in a pink and red maxi gown with pink wedge heels

As much as I love fashion, and coming up with looks that I feel represent me, and stretch my style- I also love looks (in this case a dress) that do all the work for me. I’m ironically both very heard working and very lazy at the same time! But, who could blame me when the dresses that do the work are this chic? And the secret? Colorblocking. No matching, no worrying about things going together- just letting the colors and the prints do the work.

Part gown (have I ever mentioned that there isn’t a party dress that I don’t love?) but also part great for any occasion (from brunch on), I’m just in love with this colorblocked dress.

I love the color blocking, IMHO red and pink are an underrated color combo, and here I love the take with a slightly maroon red and more of a hot pink. The subtle animal print (matched on the shoes) is just as refreshing pop (as opposed to my go-to leopard). The cut- from the neckline to the billowing sleeves, and I also love the way that the skirt flows around me. I’m such a huge fan of how clothes make me feel- and this dress made me feel vintage in all the right ways, and sophisticated and fun and ready for anything.

a woman in a red and pink maxi dress with pink wedges
a woman in red and pink color blocked gown and pink wedges
a woman in red and pink dress and pink wedges

Lazy? Not so much, but incredibly efficient. What I love about colorblocked dresses like this one is that the outfits are completely foolproof. Don’t feel like putting together a look? Hate to choose? Simply let the color blocked dress do the work for you. There are days when that helps- and if your fashion helps, that’s a story I’m interested in.

This dress is FKSP, I’m a little in between sizes, but am in a small here and it fit perfectly! I’ve also linked similar dresses and these exact shoes (which will also go great with everything from shorts to jeans to dresses like this one)- and while I’m not usually one for matchy-matchy- I love how these pink shoes match the dress.

What are your go to colors? And do you ever color block them? I would love to hear all about 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!

a woman in a red and pink maxi gown with pink wedges

Vintage Stunner

Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner
Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner
Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner
Investment Piece: Vintage STunner
Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner
Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner
Investment Piece: Vintage Stunner

This is the oldest piece of vintage that I personally own. From the 1890s, it’s missing the shirt part, but completely wearable, and in great condition. Everytime I wear it or come across it in my closet, I can’t help but think about all the stories that it must hold. The woman who owned this dress originially loved, lost, flirted, mourned, and did what I hope was all sorts of exciting things in this dress. We know I have a passion for these kind of stories. (And I hope I’m filling this vintage stunner with exciting stories of my own!)

But, this vintage stunner? It also feels modern and daring. (Yes, with vintage like this, you could always wear something underneath so it’s not SO daring, I have! I just love the juxtatiposition of making a vintage piece so modern looking.) While the details (that lace, that beading, the train!) hark back to another era, it’s shape is similar to “new” dresses hanging in my closet. This piece is a favorite of mine for party season-I love the comments it gets and how it truly feels like new meets old.

Vintage stunner? I can’t always tell you exactly where to find them (the joys and sorrow of shopping vintage). I found this one on etsy– you can search for Edwardian dresses. Or you could luck out at your local vintage shop! I’ve linked similar items below, both new and vintage, for your shopping pleasure!

How will you wear your vintage stunners?
Xxo 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!

Shop:

And these picks:

Shake it Up

Investment Piece: Shake it Up
Investment Piece: Shake it Up
Investment Piece: Shake it Up
Investment Piece: Shake It Up
Investment Piece: Shake it Up
Investment Piece: Shake it Up
Investment Piece: Shake it Up

Here at Investment Piece we are not afraid to ask the hard questions.
Are leggings pants?
And we’re also not afraid to Shake it Up.

My answer (and Shake up)? It depends. I love being in my workout clothes all day. They’re comfy, and there are days when that is my highest priority. The thing about wearing leggings as pants? When I do it, I don’t want to look like I’m doing it. (I know, I’m sitting on the leggings fence). Lucky me (and you)? There are leggings like this that not only Shake it up, they make a strong case for wearing leggings (that don’t look like leggings) as pants.

We could also call this little chat: fringe makes anything better.

These leggings are true jersey leggings (hug you in and yet are so comfy!), but the fringe? It elevates. Even with just a tee-shirt or sweatshirt, this ensures that you look a little special. Wearing your leggings to a formal function (or just a great party)? These fringe numbers are a go-to (they’re a party in and of themselves!). They come up high enough to pair with a crop top, but I also love them with Blazers, sweaters, and silk tops.

Should we wear leggings as pants?
Only if they Shake it up.
Final answer.

These exact leggings are a few seasons old, but I’ve linked similar items below for your Shake up pleasure!!

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!