Do you ever feel as if you’re different people with different groups? Or friends? Or family? As if you have various, or many, faces, that you show to different people in your life? I do. With certain friends I’m the leader, with strong opinions, and from boundaries. With other friends I’m a follower, willing to go along. Sometimes I’m super loud and funny. There are people in my life who think I never talk at all. And to some people, with whom I feel super safe, I never shut up.
We all have many faces. Or sides to us. And depending on who you’re with, various sides of you may come out. Perhaps that’s why I’ve always loved reading (there was a time when I read a book a day and while my adult life has not indulged that habit, I still love to get lost in other worlds), and the idea that within the pages of any book you can be anyone and go anywhere. Or perhaps, a better way to say it is that we all have many faces, and sometimes we wear them.
And yes. This dress is full of a LOT. I won’t dip my foot into any of the Monroe legacy- although to say I think she was such a talent and we were worse off to not see her do more- but I know she’s an icon. And had many faces. So a dress with her face, in a place with so many stories- what a place to wear it! Note: this dress is vintage Loewe, and I’ve linked both Loewe dresses and dresses with faces on them for you below!
I’m a firm believer that our fashion is a way to tell our stories. I’m also aware that all of us have many faces, even with those we love. I’m not sure that I have any advice on how to combine all of your faces, or what to wear to do that. But, I do think that all of our faces, and outfits, deserve a place in our lives.
Also- what are you reading right now?
Shopping options linked below. If you have insight or something to say about your many faces I would love to hear them!
XO RA
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
This post is part fashion stories- because these gloves were never mine. They happened to be in the pocket of a trench coat that my grandma left me. Yet, they fit perfectly. I always get compliments. These Isotoners are both a reminder of my Grandmother’s love, and a chic glove.
And yes, these are Isotoners. Which also makes this part a Now and Then (where we chat about fashion pieces you can get both new and vintage)- and Isotoners fit the bill! There are so many Isotners (even new in box!) that you can buy vintage. And there are new Isotoners you can buy now. Luckily, as of yet, prices haven’t gone up – so both vintage and new are incredible investments.
I have a soft spot for these gloves, and Isotoners, in general. Yes, they remind me of my grandma. But they also remind me of childhood, and what I thought was chic and grown up at the time. (I don’t think I was wrong.) They fit so well, keep me warm without being bulky, and again- I get compliments every time I pull them out. Because it felt as if they were part of the package with my grandma’s trench, I haven’t been able to take them out, so I only wear these gloves when I wear my Grandma’s trench, but that makes them a bit more special.
In fact, I’ve been thinking of buying myself (and my loved ones) new Isotoners, not only to remember my Grandma, but because they are just so chic!
I’ve linked both vintage and new Isotoners below for you- I hope that they have good memories and that they bring a lot of compliments and chic tones to your winter outfits!
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!
Maybe it’s the time of year, but I’m feeling a bit uninspired and my go-to solution is to buy new things. From shoes to bags to dresses, pants, and more. My going theory is that new will inspire me, make getting dressed more fun, and get me out of the winter blahs. Yet. I know that new isn’t always the answer- and that really, my closet(s) full of clothes have so much potential in them. The trick is getting me to use what I have, instead of reaching for the new. Looking for help and inspiration in making new with clothes I already have, I loved this Harper’s Bazaar article by Megan Doyle, about getting the revamp feeling without buying anything! While some of these practices aren’t for me, I love that the heart of the piece focuses on what stories we want to tell with our fashion, and finding those in our closet.
While I’ve reprinted the article below, you can read it here as well.
I would love to know- how do you deal with the urge to buy a ton new at this time of year?
XO RA
How to revamp your wardrobe without buying anything new
Stuck in a rut? A sustainable fashion stylist could help you rediscover your personal style
BY MEGAN DOYLE
7 OCT 2022
If you ever stare into a packed wardrobe and think “I’ve got nothing to wear!” you’re not alone. According to research on hundreds of wardrobes by sustainable fashion brand Pareto, we only wear 20 per cent of our wardrobes 80 per cent of the time. If you’re in a style rut, the answer doesn’t have to be a shopping spree. Instead, many women are turning to sustainable stylists to help them rediscover their personal style using what they already have in their wardrobes.
There are plenty of reasons that we end up with a wardrobe full of the “wrong” clothes, from relentless advertising on social media to rapid trend cycles that keep us constantly buying new clothes, regardless of whether they fit our style.
“In this age of information, it’s very hard to decipher what thoughts are truly our own, never mind our style, so it’s more important than ever that women go on a journey to discover what optimises their body, creativity and soul,” says Kerry Wilde, a UK-based sustainable fashion stylist and creator of the Embodied Soul Style Method.
Sustainable stylists offer a range of services to help their clients to discover the hidden potential of their wardrobes, like one-on-one sessions, group workshops, online courses, Youtube tutorials, questionnaires and more.
“I am interested in how to decouple your personal style from consumption, because we’re so hardwired for it,” says Alyssa Beltempo, a Canadian sustainable stylist. “Fashion is something that helps us both as individuals to express ourselves, but it also helps us feel like we belong. Our style evolves all the time, but I think it takes a bit of work, introspection, and knowing who you are. There are a lot of reflective pieces to it, like who do you want to be?”
People often turn to styling during a transitional phase of their life. Perhaps they’ve had a baby, are starting or changing their career, or going through a break up. “They want to feel like themselves,” explains Sam Weir, who runs her sustainable styling company called Lotte V.1 in New York. “It’s fun to be part of the process of them developing their career, their relationships, and making sure their clothing matches the image that they’re building towards.”
To uncover or rediscover your personal style, our stylists suggest coming up with a list of words to describe what you’re looking for. Don’t just think about aesthetics, but also the feeling you want to get from your clothes. “It’s really about figuring out who you are, who you want to present to the world, and then you can create a picture of your personal style,” says Beltempo. “Forget about camouflaging your mid-section — do you want to highlight your personality? Your smile? Your legs? Start from there,” she says.
On the rare occasion the stylists want their client to buy something, it’s because of that piece’s potential to unlock far more outfit options in their wardrobe.
“I’m not against shopping completely, I’m against overconsumption and a lack of thought when shopping,” says Weir. She sources the pieces for clients, always opting for secondhand clothing, and shares a care guide with clients too. “It’s not just about styling, we have to make sure all these pieces are taken care of so you can continue to wear them. These are forever pieces and I want them to take care of it.”
In some ways, a styling session can feel like therapy. “My services are about inspiring women to better understand their own unique language of style, embracing who they are now, healing body shame, shedding what no longer works, releasing old identities and returning to a style that evokes truth and authenticity,” says Wilde. “I think our relationship with clothing is deeper than we see on the surface and so grabbing a journal and beginning the process of unpacking what’s hidden beneath can be a cathartic way to tap into ‘who you think you are’ and what’s relevant for you now, here, today.”
Rarely do our sustainable stylists encourage clients to throw away clothing, adding to the mountains of textile waste already polluting the world. “The only reason I would encourage someone to get rid of something is the fit, if we can’t make sense of this for your body, that’s when it should be moved out of your wardrobe,” says Weir. She recommends gifting or selling before donating your unloved items to reduce the pressure on charities. “There are so many creative ways we can use these clothes before we donate.”
Hiring a sustainable stylist is an investment that isn’t always accessible, so if you’re not ready to take the plunge, why not download a wardrobe organising app like OpenWardrobe or Whering, which digitises your clothes and uses an algorithm to formulate outfit ideas. Whatever way you do it, taking stock of your style is an ongoing practice that will serve you in every stage of life.
“Taking time to re-wire our personal style and therefore buying decisions is well worth the investment as it reduces the consequences of an over-cluttered wardrobe bulging with unwanted clothes,” says Wilde. “If you learn how to move your wardrobe around and make it work more for you, the results can be transformational.”
Some will tell you that today is the “actual” start of the new year, some will tell you that it’s a great day for luck, and some will tell you that it’s a great day to eat well. I’m going to tell you that I wish you an incredibly lucky and prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit (you can read more about the year of the rabbit here, and more about Lunar New Year here). While not a part of my traditions growing up, as an adult, this celebration is a tradition I love to respectfully celebrate- aka I wear red, appreciate the day, and usually buy myself something fun as it can’t hurt if it’s lucky, right?
With that being said. It’s not my place to wade into the discourse about Lunar New Year, or tell you how to celebrate. In fact, these was one of those topics that I was a little hesitant about posting as I know it’s not mine, and never want to step on toes. Or sound like an insensitive “influencer” who only cares about pretty packaging. If this is a holiday that you grew up celebrating, I would love to hear more about how you did so? What did you do, eat, wear, and wear there any special traditions that you loved? What do you do to mark Lunar New Year now?
While I dabble in astrology, the Lunar Year chart is not my specialty- though I know I’m an Earth Sheep. From my understanding, the year of the Water Rabbit is supposed to be lucky, and bring prosperity to us. I’m crossing my fingers for us all. As I mentioned, today is a day I usually buy myself a little lucky “charm” for the new year. I’m partial to red lipstick- for the color, and I’m always charmed by the Lunar New Year Packaging (cliche but true). However, there are all sorts of Lunar New Year charms- from rabbit shoes to bags to silks and knits. While I am partial to skincare, there’s something for us all. I’ve linked all of my faves for you below!
Whatever this day means to you, I hope that it is a good day. That the year brings us all luck, abundance, and all the things we love. Happy New Year!
Wishing us all a week of luck and amazing shoes! 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!
Absolutely in love with the Tory Burch Lunar New Year Line:
And you can shop all my faves from skincare to more here
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.
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!
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!
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.)
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?
*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!
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
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!
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.
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!
Every year, I debate about whether or not to include gift cards (or my very impassioned defense of gift cards) in any of my discussions about gift giving and guides. People have opinions about gift cards.
For example:
Some of my family member think like that- hating to give cash or gift cards. And I have friends who think that gift cards are a lazy gift that show that you don’t care.
Beloveds, those people are wrong. I love gifts! And I love buying gifts for people! But, there’s nothing wrong with a gift card-in fact it’s one of the best gifts to get (in my opinion), which is why I keep including this discussion. The short of it of it is that so much of what I truly want, and don’t buy myself, is expensive. And gift cards are a way to “get” what I want from my loved ones, without blowing anyone’s budget. The long of it:
Gift cards usually come in a couple of different ways- a gift card to a store/spa/gym/restaurant that someone knows you love, or one of those “Visa” gift cards, which are basically just money. I love them both.
(And of course you can give checks or cash!)
It’s one of my favorite things when someone pays attention enough to me to pick out something I love. But I also love the freedom and trust that comes when someone gives you the ability to buy yourself something or treat yourself to an experience. Even with wish lists, sharing with people what we love, we all have things that we’d rather just pick out ourselves, and a gift card lets you get yourself something guilt free.
A gift card (or cash) also allows you to gift towards something your loved ones want. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot on my wish list that’s a bit pricey, and I always tell my family that it means just as much to me to get donations towards those big purchase items.
Gift cards are a way to give someone a “thing”, but also freedom and trust. A way to let your loved ones indulge how and when they want to, they’re the gift that keeps giving.
Gift cards are also a way to let your loved ones think of you at least twice- when they get the card and when they use it!
I understand the hesitation to give gift cards, but I truly love them. They are a way to help someone save for something, get something personal, try something new, or just let them shop (which we all know I love!). There has never been a time when I got a gift card and hated it. I think they’re personal and thoughtful and all the best kinds of gifts. And this year (again!) gift cards to favorite small businesses and restuarants are incredibly great to give and get! Actually, with the supply chain issues, gift cards might be the best thing to give.
Think about the gift card. Don’t be afraid to give the gift card. It may just be the most thoughtful gift! It’s the time of year when you’re getting lists from friends and family, learning what their needs and wants are. Maybe a gift card would satisfy all those lists!
It’s officially party season, which most likely means that you’re in need of a party outfit. There’s an excellent chance you have one from years past, or that you’re in love with a seasonal one (aka velvet or some sort of holiday snazzy thing), and those are all valid. Yet, if we know one thing, it’s that I love a party dress (or suit or outfit!), and while I’m a fan of seasonal (velvets and beyond), I’m also a fan of investing in a party look that is holiday appropriate and yet works for all the seasons not holiday. And for those purposes, my favorite and looks I can’t help but recommend are fringe, sequins, feathers, and pants suits!
OH MY!
These “trends” and timeless outfits are not only perfect for the holiday season (and available in all sort of holiday fabrics!), but are also great for the other seasons (holidays not in the winter season) and available in all the fabrics and colors that aren’t only winter holiday appropriate.
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!
Fringe
Fringe- from dresses to separates to accessories- are so so chic. A bit edgy. A bit unexpected. I’m loving fringe for all of your NYE parties, but it will also work for grad parties, bachelorette parties, and all the soirées in between!
Sequins
There is nothing more party look than sequins. And yes, they make a lot of appearances at this time of year- but the little sequin dress or shoes or top or pants or more that you buy now will also work at any other time of the year. A party is a party!
The most unexpected of all? Feathers. And yet- so chic. So versatile. Lately they’ve been popping up on pj hems, party suits, and on skirts and dresses. They’re fun, but so so elegant. I have 2 feather skirts (black and pink) that can get me through any season. I know that feathers seem like a LOT, but really they are such a chic piece that last for years!
My current favorite feather looks can be shopped here
Pant Suits
The most chic outfit I think you could ever wear is some sort of pantsuit -tux or not. They are adaptable (wear with nothing underneath or with any top you fancy), they are chic (no one ever looks bad in a tux- it’s science!), and the pantsuits come in any and all that you like (from holidays to beyond). From traditional tuxes to out of the box pant suits- buy one for now and later!
