Category: shopping

Birthday Wishlist

A woman in a gold sequin midi dress with long sleeves and black heels walks down a street

My birthday is next week. A week from today in fact! And I know, as adults, we aren’t supposed to make a big deal of birthdays, but I think they are a big deal. (though full disclosure I’ve forgotten the blog’s birthday for a few years now, even though I do think it’s a big deal!) We all get holidays, but birthdays are the one day we really get to celebrate ourselves. And while this post is about my wishlist (for the season and my coming year), I think about birthday wishlists being not only about the physical things we want (which I usually do have a lot of), but a way of making a wishlist of who we want to be in our next year. Yes, the wishlist can be about a dress or a suit, but it’s also about how we want to spend our time- the gym, at events, in dance class, on the pickle ball court, or in flattering jeans. I take my celebrations as not only day off- which I fully intend to take (full disclosure, I have no big plans and the grief and gratitude I have for being as old as I am are weirdly intertwined and probably not for this post- I’m still working those feelings out!), but a time to really set intentions for what I want to create.

As you know, I truly believe that our fashion is important as it’s a way for us to tell our stories, and our stories are important. So, what stories do I want to tell for the year that starts next Wednesday? I want to get out there again- from events (I do love a party dress) to dance class to finding joy in daily dressing. I’m love with 3 piece suits, and while I would technically never have the need for one- where could I wear one regularly? I have a list of casual dresses to throw on to my my errands chic, an update to summer sandals, and I’m looking for chic jeans. And a pair of great trousers. The new year is full of possibilities, and I’m still flushing out exactly which ones I’ll start pursuing, who exactly I want to be in the next year. It’s an exciting time. And I know that any and all of these amazing pieces will make the new me in the new coming year better. (I also hope that they inspire you and I give you permission to use my birthday as a reset for you too!)

Here’s what I’m shopping for my birthday- I can’t wait to spend the next year with 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!

And here is the link to one of my current wishlists (which doubles as a birthday wishlist!)
Shop here

a woman in a gold sequin midi dress and black heels

Tonally Sheer

a woman in a cream sheer skirt with short under and a cream halter top and snakeskin sandals
a woman in a Cream sheer skirt and shorts under with a cream halter top and snakeskin heels
a woman in a cream sheer skirt with shorts underneath, a cream halter top, and snakeskin heels

I have a thing for sheer. It was one of my very first blog posts (see here: Is Sheer A Thing We’re Doing? note: I still have most of these sheer pieces and still wear them!), and I’ve also chatted this season about the sheer trend (see here. And this sheer pencil skirt is high on my spring wish list!)
Sheer is something I’m constantly drawn to- and when I think about it, it’s probably because sheer gives you the power to choose what you show, and what you reveal.

With wearing sheer you can show it all- or you can play hide and seek. A new favorite tip I got for wearing sheer is to put tonal leggings (or in this case biker shorts) underneath. It gives the illusion of being completely sheer, and yet, you’re completely covered.
(I also don’t judge if you show more with your sheer-there have been times when I have! But I love this tip as it’s a work and “proper” way of wearing sheer that leads to the illusion that you’re showing more than you might be!)

As for tonal? Tone on tone is so so chic- and yet adds to the mystery of sheer. Really isn’t that all that sheer is – a mystery or an illusion?

a woman in a cream sheer skirt with shorts under and a cream halter top with snake skin heels
a woman in a cream sheer skirt with short under and a cream halter top and snake skin heels

Perhaps my attraction to sheer is that it can be anything you need it to be. Sheer. Opaque. Classic. A bit more un-classic. I know you know that I truly believe that fashion is a way in which we tell our stories, and sheer gives us so much power over that. And sheer keeps changing over the seasons (we do too). It makes sense to me to keep playing with what we show, what we keep hidden, what sheers we wear and how we work them into our lives.

a woman in a cream sheer skirt and shorts under with a cream halter top and snake heels

This skirt and this top are both years and years old. The shoes are resale – but I’ve found you similar for all! Here I’ve worn nude Spanx under the skirt- but there are so many other nude options, as well as leggings in all of the shades of the rainbow for all of your sheers! If you need help styling your sheer- both tonally and a bit more risqué- I would love to help! In the meantime I’ve linked options for this look for your shopping pleasure 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 cream sheer skirt with shorts under and a cream halter top with snake heels

FBF: 2 in 1

My psoriasis (a recent development that I mentioned here) has flared up this week (and may be spreading!), making everything from getting dressed to taking pics a bit more difficult than it should be. I’m currently working on the rash- in the meantime I’m looking back at what I want to wear and this dress tops the list! I do love a good 2 in 1! xo RA

Investment Piece: 2 in 1
Investment Piece: 2 in. 1
Investment Piece: 2 in 1

Know what makes a great investment piece? Something that’s classic. Something that lasts. Something that’s 2 in 1.

This is one of my current favorite dresses. You’ve seen it more than one time on Instagram. And one of my most favorite things about this favorite thing? It’s 2 in 1, in more than one way.

Yes, it’s a great plaid maxi dress. The v cuts make it stand out, and it’s perfect coloring for both fall and spring. But look a little closer. See those Palm trees? There’s a whole other print going on, and I love how it peaks out, giving the dress another dimension. 2 in 1. I love pairing it with this metallic bralette. And heels. But I also love throwing a jean jacket and my sneakers on with it. 2 in 1.

Investment Piece: 2 in 1

Why settle for a dress that is less?

Investment Piece: 2 in 1
Investment Piece: 2 in 1
Investment Piece: 2 in 1

This 2 in 1 dress is via BreeLayne, who specialized in substainable fashion. You might have read about her here. The label has shut down (sadly), but I can’t resist going back to it over and over!

Any time I find a dress that is a great investment, 2 in 1, and a deal I can’t help but fall in love. When that same dress is good for the environment and designed by someone who is a doll, I can’t help but go back to it over and over.

While this brand and dress is no longer available, I have found similar dresses for you 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!

Investment Piece: 2 in 1

Short. Suit.

I went to update this look/post and realized I shot almost frame for Frame the same looks. Some things never change? Or classics always last? Either way, suits are in this season- I’m into the pant/vest/blazer look – but I also LOVE these, and keep going back to them!
XO RA

a woman in white shorts and blazer in front of a brick wall
a woman in white shorts and blazers and platforms in front of a brick wall
a woman in white shorts and a blazer, platform shoes in front of a brick wall

We all know that I love a good juxtaposition. And I do. But the one I may love the most? A short suit. AKA a pair of shorts and a blazer- which bares the question- could any shorts and blazer be a suit? That may be a question for a much longer post, but what I do know is that I LOVE a good short suit. Try saying that 5 times fast.

This is where I let you know (as with every set) that with a suit that you can style every piece a million different ways- the shorts, the blazer – together, apart- all a million different ways.

But, a short suit is especially dear to my heart. Because it’s very professional. And very easy to style for a party.

Check out this video for more styling tips:

I do love this short suit as is (Aka I pinned the blazer to make it a top)
A woman in white shorts and a blazer in front of a brick wall

And then of course you could wear any top of your liking underneath the blazer (or with the shorts). I paired a silk shirt and switched my shoes from platforms to heels to elevate the look:

A woman in a silk shirt, white shorts and blazer, heels in front of a brick wall
a woman in a silk shirt, shorts and a blazer with heels in front a brick wall

This variation is perfect for any work (in the hotter months) event. Or any event where shorts may be appropriate but you need to elevate the look.
Of course the most versatile aspect of a short suit is that you can style any short suit for a part like:
a woman in white shorts and blazer with a black straless bathing suit and heels in front of green trees
A woman in a black sleeveless bathing suit, white shorts, a purple scarf and heels

Yep.That’s a short suit styled with a strapless bathing suit (scarf optional).

Short. Suits are one of my most favorite things, and vey en vouge, ad the encompass all of your casual needs while looking completely professional.

You can find short suits new. Vintage. Make your own with your favorite shorts and blazer. A short. suit. is what you make it. Perhaps that’s what I like most about it!
Below I’ve linked this short suit and other options, as well as shoes.
Note: These heels are my beloved Sarah Flint Perfect Sandals and you can get $50 off your own pair with code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE.

How are you wearing a short suit?
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!

With a Safety Pin

a woman in a green floral caftan with heels
a woman in a green floral caftan and heels
a woman in a green floral caftan and heels

I have a thing for caftans (see here, here, and here for starters), absolutely think that they are a must for any well rounded wardrobe, but- with all my love, I can recognize that sometimes caftans can be a little- big. But big is not the word I’m looking for- perhaps I mean caftans can be more oversized, a bit voluminous, and while chic, sometimes we want sometimes a bit more form fitting.

And when that happens sometimes al we need is a safety pin!

a close up of a safety pin in front of flowers

(Note: caftans are by no means the only outfits that you can adjust to your own likes with a safety pin. The options are endless. Here I used a safety pin as I couldn’t make a belt work the way I wanted- but belts are always great options too!)

While I loved the caftan above, while playing with styling options I wanted something a bit more fitted. I inherited this caftan from a neighbor, and it came with a matching belt- but for the life of me I couldn’t make the belt work. It would bugle, wouldn’t flow well, all in all I just couldn’t make it work. So. I grabbed a safety pin. Wearing the caftan I reached behind my waist and pinned the excess fabric- creating a bit of a cape like effect in the back and more of a fitted silhouette in the front.

a woman in a green floral caftan and heels
a woman in a green floral caftan
a woman in a green floral caftan

How great is it that you can alter (not permanently) anything you own? It’s the step beyond making any outfit you own with styling (which I am still a bit fan of!). And how great is it that all you need is a safety pin? Yes- the look was altered with that single safety pin pictured above! Just imagine what I (or you) could do with more!

This was one of my favorite outfits this week, in both variations. But I have to admit that I got such a thrill from being able to change my entire look with a safety pin. This caftan is vintage, but I’ve linked similar ones for you below.

nude heels by flowers
And these shoes are my beloved Sarah Flint Perfect Sandals. Now you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAINVESTMENTPIECE for $60 off your first pair!

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 green floral caftan

Season in Swim

a woman in a low cut black swimsuit and white pants in a garden
a woman in a low cut black swim suit and white pants in a garden
a woman in a low cut black swim suit and white pants in a garden

I know this is a season when many (from stores to friends to other bloggers) will be sharing their swim picks. And at some point I will be too. There will be one pieces, two pieces, cutouts, swimsuits for family vacations, swimsuits for romantic beach rompers and everything in between. Yet, I have a whole set of swim that I think is a must have for the season- swim to wear as bodysuits. It’s a (wonderful) habit I have- get a fantastic one piece swim, never wear it in water, but use it as a staple under everything- pants, skirts, shorts, layered with dresses and more.

You can see other examples of this habit I have no intention of breaking here, here, and here, though there are many more. In fact, the above swim (I love the low cut!) with white pants (a must have!) is not the only time this year that I will use a swimsuit as a bodysuit. So I thought- we might as well start the season in swim with an outfit that’s both classic and edgy!

a woman in a low cut black swimsuit and white pants
a woman in a low cut black one piece swimsuit and white pants in a garden

Black-from swim to bodysuits and everything beyond- is a classic. Goes with everything, is effortlessly chic, and yet what drew me to this swimsuit was the edge. I love the low cut neckline, and that there is a wire holding the suit in place so there are no accidents. As someone with a long torso, as much as I love swimsuits as bodysuits, I have to be careful with sizing, as many times suits I love are simply too short for me. This number fits perfectly (I’m in an extra small, I’ve linked this exact suit below and it’s on sale!) and will add a bit of spice to anything from skirts and shorts to jeans and more pants.

These white pants are some of my favorites, and a season staple. They’re vintage but I’ve found you similar – especially some Spanx pants that I’m very tempted to add to my closet! What I can say is that while white in season is a must, I love pants with a bit of a wide leg that you can be incredibly casual with, or that you can make incredibly formal. Of course you could do both with a swimsuit!

Do you also have the habit of wearing swimwear as outerwear during the season? What’s your favorite way to style? I promise this isn’t the only time you’ll see me in swim without water this season, and we it warms up I’ll be sharing some of my favorite current swimsuits. Below you can find this swimsuit and amazing white pants!

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 low cut black swimsuit and white pants in a garden

Tell God Your Plans….

a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffle and a velvet bow
a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffle and a velvet bow
a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffle and a velvet bow
a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffle and a velvet bow
a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffle and a velvet bow

One of my favorite sayings? “Want to make God laugh? Tell God your plans”. And I have to say- in my personal experience- this saying has been more than true. Not that we shouldn’t make plans, not that our plans aren’t valid, but we all know that our plans sometimes fall through.

And this is a place where I could say that plans fall apart so better things can fall together (completely cliche but can be true). But what if I tell you that sometimes plans just don’t work out like we thought. Call it timing or whatever you like- maybe God does have better plans- all I can say is that sometimes my best laid plans don’t work out at all.

This dress? I LOVE it. It’s the perfect combination of ladylike and a little edge. There is a slight (just a slight) polka dot feel to it as the black and white texture mimics one of my favorite patterns- and of course there is the polka dots on the collar and sleeve ruffles. While I will tell you that yellow isn’t my color there are times that I just love it (see here, and here, and on top of my spring wishlist is this yellow dress). This stunner is a vintage Neiman Marcus coat dress via one of my favorite vintage shops Bloomers and Frocks.

And with all of that. Nothing about this dress or this shoot, or even how I styled it (which I am still second guessing) went to plan. Maybe God had a different one?

a woman in a white coat dress with a yellow collar and cuff ruffle, black patent Mary Jane heels

This dress is so stunning in person- and yet there were some stains (the yellow bleeds when wet!)- I’ve been spot cleaning it for a year. In retrospect, and something I may still do, I should have taken off the collar, cuffs, and bow and had it cleaned. But. I kept making progress (some of my favorite cleaners for vintage clothes are RetroClean and Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover). And while there is still some work to do- I love this dress. Alone. Over pants or jeans. With Mary Janes or with thigh high boots. However, after cleaning, I could not get the dress ironed properly. It now bubbles a bit, is a bit wrinkly, doesn’t fall correctly. Do I still love it? Yes. But not to plan (and I will need to get it professionally pressed!). There is actually a super cute matching yellow and black polka dot dickie that is supposed to be snapped on the chest- the snaps broke right before I shot. The weather was forecasted to be sunny and beautiful on the morning of the shoot- it was misting and my hair that I had flipped (as this dress makes me feel like a sitcom heroine Ala Mary Tyler Moore and Marlo Thomas from “That Girl!” and very 1960s) fell flat. I did choose these edgy Mary Jane heels as an ode to the 1960s (originally I had planned to shoot this dress with these amazing over the knee white boots I have seen here) but after I saw the pics I completely over thought the styling.

To plan? Not mine. BUT. The pictures that did come out, how much fun I have wearing this dress, how much I love it all even though it doesn’t go to my plan. Perhaps the point of one of my favorite sayings is that even when our plans don’t work out we can love the results? Or that after plans that don’t work we can see the beauty? I’m still working that out. What do you think?

a woman in a white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffles and Mary Jane shoes

This dress is vintage, and yet I think a coat dress is a classic staple, I reach for them again and again. I have found you some of my favorite current ones and linked them below! Mary Janes, especially flat ones, are super on trend this season- I would love to help you find a pair that fits you! Reach out at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and I will send over some of my faves!

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 white coat dress with yellow collar and cuff ruffles and a velvet bow

Now and Then: 3 Piece Suits

a woman in a suit in front of greenery

Suits are somewhat a weakness of mine. I work in field(s) that I might never need to wear them- but from skirt to 3 piece to tux,I can’t help but wear suits, lust after suits and want to recommend all the suits. So, especially in a time when suits are on trend (and every store has a version of a 3 piece suit this season as vests are back in!), I can’t help but not only recommend a suit. Because suits are not only a work place staple, but they are a such a chic outfit. Wear a 3 piece suit, wear nothing under the vest and from flats to heels to meetings to cocktails- it’s sexy. Try a vintage suit set, which ranges from skirts to vests to belts, and layer and mix/match for anything from a proper look to an on edge look.

Suits, especially 3 piece suits, are such a fashion goldmine. There are so many ways to wear them, and so many ways to buy them. You can buy new (Which offer so many options!). Buy vintage, which also offers so many options (also, pro tip: don’t be afraid to buy a men’s suit, it’s so affordable to get them altered to fit you and there are so many men suit options out there-including great 3 piece suit options!)

a woman in a plaid suit and grey corset with platforms

I will always root for a 3 piece suit that features a great fitting blazer, vest of any kind, and pants from skinny to wide leg. But I’m not unopposed to a suit that looks different from that- from skirts to shorts. There are so many options this season, and when you start shopping vintage your options open up exponentially. Lucky you, I’ve linked both my most favorite modern 3 piece suits and also vintage suits from 3 piece to skirt to mens (again- have them altered!!) Wear the suits alone, with a great silk blouse, with heels or with flats. There are so many ways in which suits are both chic and a staple, a trend and a classic – I am 100% behind you getting more than one great suit. Even if you never need to wear a suit-but just want to. From tuxes to this season’s on trend 3 piece suits, to classic vintages, I know that no matter your lifestyle there is a suit for you.

And I’m hoping some of my faves linked below will be some of your faves!

a woman in white shorts and blazers and platforms in front of a brick wall

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 support!

Some of my current favorite vintage suit (including 3 piece suits) options:

And high on my spring wishlist is a 3 piece suit. You can shop my faves starting under $50 here and here

I will keep you updated on what vintage and new 3 piece suits I’m buying and how I’m styling them!
XO RA

a woman in a hot pink suit blazer and pants with black and gold heels in front a hotel door

White Out

There are two minds about when it is appropriate to wear white pants (especially if you’re from the south-in America)

One is that you wait till Easter. Easter is a day for white outfits and from then on out you can wear white.
Another train of thought is that you wait till Memorial Day (ie End of May)before it’s oak to wear white (pants), etc.
My family (though they are firm that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day) are of the camp that Easter is when white (pants, outfits, all of it!) is aok! to wear. And because, this is the first day that this rule would be in place- here is a round up of some of my favorite white (pants and skirts and etc) outfits that are now ask (as my great-grandma would say!)
a woman in a white dress in front of a house
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, high fashion, fashion stories, vintage, spring celebrations
Investment Piece : Summer Whites
Investment Piece: The one that almost didn't happen
ke clutch in front of a fence
Investment Piece: Winter Whites

Are you wearing white from now on? Are you waiting for Memorial Day? I would love to hear all about any and all opinions you have!
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 white pants and a white top with wedge sandals and a snake clutch in front of a fence

Spring Ribbons

a woman in blue ribbon woven suit
a woman in a blue ribbon skirt suit
a woman in a blue ribbons skirt suit
WOMAN IN blue ribbon skirt suit
woman in blue ribbon skirt suit
a woman in blue ribbon skirt suit

Holiday (from Passover to Easter and all of those in-between) outfits usually run to the side of pastels and whites- to celebrate the beginning of spring. And I’m a fan of any and all of those! Even if there is nothing you’re celebrating this weekend, I hope that whatever you’re wearing is joyful and spring like. I love this vintage ribbon suit- it’s both classic and a bit edgy. Pair a classic with a new and edgy shoe- that reads a bit like Cinderella (Aka clear a la a glass slipper) and you have the perfect Holiday outfit!

This suit is vintage but I have linked you similar options below. Beyond Easter, Passover, and all Spring Holidays these suits would be perfect for any all spring events from showers to all the parties. I can’t recommend a ribbon suit enough!
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 blue ribbon skirt suit