In the States it’s National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and while there are many ways to celebrate the Native People of our land (and I support them all), but here on the blog we’re celebrating the best way we know how- with sales. It’s an interesting time for sales, it’s the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, especially with supply chain and Mail concerns this year, if you’re online shopping for gifts, sooner is best! By no means will these be the last sales (I think this weekend sales are only the beginning, expect sales now through the holiday season), but there are so many FANTASTIC sales this weekend, it’s a bit difficult not to be excited by them (and want to buy everything)! Here I’ve rounded up some of my faves, as usual you can shop more sales and the like by following me in the Shop.LTK and ShopStyle apps (@racheladelicia).
I would love to know- what are you shopping for?
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!
Kate Spade
I love Kate Spade’s cheerful and colorful take on preppie basics and modern classics. Everything is 30% for the holiday with code HOOTHOOT. You can shop my picks here
DL1961
The sculpt jeans at DL1961 are some of my faves (and your backside will love them too!) They are all 20% off this weekend (as are chic jackets and cropped sweatshirts!) You can shop my picks here
Club Monaco
From cashmere to chic mini skirts, I love the classics at Club Monaco and this weekend they’re all 25% off with code WELCOMEFALL. Shop my picks here
Coats and Jackets
Looking to freshen up your jacket game? From teddys to shackets, all these picks are 30% off at Carbon38 with code COZYUP. Shop my picks here
Paige
So much more than jeans. From Blazers to knit dresses to on trend leather, everything is 25% off with code PAIGEFAMILY2021. Shop my picks here
I hope that I included something you like (for you or as a gift!). Happy shopping!
Xo RA
I will admit that I love the fancy details. The shoes. Bags. Details on basics. I have a tendency to fall in love with them, spurlge on them, and point them out again and again. Yet, as much as I love those details, I know that the foundations are where you should spend your money first.
Is it cliche if I let you know that the foundations are the true investment pieces of your wardrobe?
And yes, that includes Blazers and pants, shoes, a great day bag.
You could even include lingerie on that list.
As much as I love party dresses and special pops to any outfit, if pressed, I would have to tell you that the foundations are where to spurlge first. Recently, I fell into love with a new foundation- and while it’s a base that I’ve been building almost every single outfit on- it’s completely unexpected.
This piece is a bodysuit (or catsuit? Jumpsuit? I’m not sure what we’re supposed to call them!) via Ernest Leoty (not an affiliate link!) They call themselves the couture of activewear, and I have to agree. While I wear things like this all the time to work out (yes, I’m either in party dresses or workout leggings) and wear leotards with a LOT (I am who I am), I would have never thought that I would dare to wear a bodysuit like this as my outfit. But-it holds me in all the right places, I feel good in it, and the compliments were unending in this!
Of course, I’m not just wearing this bodysuit (though I totally would!). From capes (I have a thing for them and they go perfect with this time of year! I also did an IG Reel on capes @racheladelicia) to this amazing wrap coat. I love that it’s sleeveless, tailored, I want to wear it as a dress and over everything. But it especially goes great with this foundation.
And when it got hot, I felt comfy wearing the jacket open as the foundation was so good! My fave shoes and a great bag didn’t hurt either.
While I never thought this bodysuit would be my fall go-to foundation, I’ve made outfits over it almost everyday this week. What’s a foundation that surprised you? Would you wear a bodysuit (alone or with something)? I would love to hear about it! Below, I’ve linked this exact coat and similar bodysuits for your shopping pleasure- if you style them I would love to see 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!
Every season I get determined to find the perfect knit (sweater) dress. Fitted but not too fitted, warm-but because I don’t live in a super cold climate- not too cold. I’ve had several knit dresses (and have loved them all), but there’s something about this knit dress. And the kicker? It’s not modern.
This modern knit is really from the 60s (I got it from TakeMeBackBaby, you might remember the other stunner I have from there this polka dot dress!). Wearing it I feel not only modern, but sexy, in control, chic, and put together. It’s both sexy librarian and date night appropriate. A dress that can do all of that? A modern knit dress indeed.
I know, I know, a knit (Sweater) dress and boots are so cliche, but I love to think that anything that can shake that up is worth while. Maybe it’s a necklace? (This one I vintage Monet) Or maybe it’s the unexpected- kitten heels with snake skin boots, or a knit dress that’s a bit fitted or with pockets! Either way, there is something about taking a tried and true formula and making it new, or modern knit as it were.
What’s your go-to formula for knit dresses? And how do they make you feel? Knit dresses are such a basic for me, and yet I can’t resist making them new year after year. For you, what makes something modern? What are you looking for in a knit dress? There are so many modern takes on the sweater dress, and yet, clearly the knit dress is something you can also buy vintage- and have look modern!
What are your tips for knit looks? Tell me everything!
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 similar items to this entire look here
Are there things that you don’t wear once the season changes? And I don’t mean obvious weather issues (aka you stop wearing short and switch to pants when it gets cold). I mean- are there non-obvious things in your closet that you somehow have labeled one “season” or another, and feel as if you can’t wear that thing when it’s not its “season”?
I have recently fallen in love with a (new to me) designer (more on that later), and I got this skirt. It does have a touch of linen in it (but not really), but in my head it was a summer work skirt (those pleats, like a perfect trouser, but a skirt). And of course, by the time I got to wearing it a lot (and shooting it for you), it was no longer summer. Though it was still hot. This got in barely under the wire.
And while there are definite deadlines in my life, this was most likely a self imposed one. Mainly as I thought this would look best with a tank top, and now that I’ve shot it I want a big sweater and boots with it. What can I say? I adapt quickly (there’s a winky face here). Yet- self imposed or not, getting this in under the wire (just barely) felt great. It felt like an accomplishment.
I have no idea what it says about me that outfits are accomplishments, but I met the deadline. Just under the wire.
This skirt is A.W.A.K.E Mode- a UK line with an edgy, modern take on not only work basics but shoes and dresses, and bags! I’ve loved everything I’ve seen of theirs- including this skirt. You can shop them here (though they have a ton of US based and global based stockists) and I’ve linked some of my current favorite pieces- including the fringe sandals I’m in love with!
Last note: I vividly remember one time in my freshman year of college I was required to wear pleated shorts for something. I HATED them. I thought they were so unflattering. My mom told me that there would come a time when I loved pleats. I guess that time is now? Is that just under the wire or just in time (another winky or laughing face is here- it just makes me laugh)?
I would love to know the last outfits you’re getting in under the wire. And how you might be wearing them for the new season! Linked bell are the A.W.A.K.E Mode pieces I can’t top thinking about!
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’ve been thinking a lot about trends recently. And I know that often within fashion trends can be a loaded word, if we can think of trends as the fashion that’s being offered to us (and style is what we do with them), I think that trends can be something that we can get exited about- and use them (or not) to best tell our stories. This season I happen to love quite a few of the trends, and I’m looking forward to playing with them. Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorites. Of course these by no means are the only trends- as the season goes on more and more will emerge. Some of them don’t truly feel like trends, but more of an exploration of fashion we already know (see cutouts and prints, pleats and shackets). So many of these Fall 2021 trends you can buy vintage (even more to explore and play with!). There are so many ways to style all of these, and over the fall and winter seasons I can’t wait to play with these and I can’t wait to see how you play with them. I have linked some shopping options for you (Those are affiliate links and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!) and of course the best ways to shop trends (and more) with me is to follow me in the ShopLTK and ShopStyle apps (or the links in the search bar!). Now- let’s get to exploring the Fall 2021 Trends!
Xo RA
1990s Revival
I’ll be honest, I have some reservations about this trend (and this picture may not be a great representation- I was going for slip dress with boots!) I remember the 1990s and feel that so many of the trends- slip dresses, plaid shirts, combat boots, straight leg jeans, have been in and out of popularity since then. I was never into the bigger shoes (I felt like they made my feet look big), but I have been playing with lug sole boots (see here), and I’ve always loved a great slip dress. Perhaps there are gems to play with in this trend? Maybe from maxi cardigans to Rachel Green inspo to chokers, there’s a way to tell our stories?
You can shop slip dresses here, lug sole boots here, and denim options here
Sweater Vests
This may be the trend I’m most excited about! I know- maybe I’m secretly preppy? I love a good sweater vest with nothing underneath- with pants/jeans/skirts. Sweater vest dresses. Sweater vests over chic dresses or tops. There is so much to play with and so many ways to wear a sweater vest, I’m truly looking forward to being in one all fall!
Shop sweater vests here
And because sweater vests lead to sweater dresses (another fave of mine!) -and those never go out of style, shop some of my current faves here
Suits
I LOVE suits. They are such a chic look – from wearing menswear to a women’s tailored suit. Them being “back” means there are so many suits to explore- leather, bright hues, fancy, Classic, and so many more. This is also a great trend to buy vintage. I will be in suits in all the ways!
Other trends I’m excited to explore :
-Saturated colors. I love black, but I also love playing with colors!
-Daytime sequins. We know I love to wear party dresses, what makes us think I won’t play with wearing sequins all day?
-Lavendar. One of my favorite colors and something I’m already wearing!
-Plaid. Such a standard. As are cords. I’m exited to see what new offerings we get, and how I can incorporate them into my rotation! (Again, this is a great trend to buy vintage!)
-Quilted
-Wraps
And so many more that I can’t wait to play with!
Then some trends that don’t scream me, but I’ve been known to play with:
Neon
If you ask, I would tell you that neon is not for me. But as you can see, there are times when I have played with neon- and I loved it!
Green
On certain trend lists you’ll seen great (especially lime green) named. I will tell you green isn’t my color. But I’ve been proven wrong at least once before. Is this something I should explore?
What Fall 2021 trends are you looking forward to? What trends do you hate? What trends do you maybe want to play with?
I can’t wait to explore it all with this season!
Xo RA
Have I mentioned that I don’t do middles well? Party dress? Easy peasy. Leggings and a sweatshirt? Part of my daily life. But jeans and a tshirt? For some reason that’s hard for me. So. I try at it. Things that make it easier? Fall mornings. There’s something about it being cool for hours helps me put on jeans, a tank, mules- and my secret weapon, a little kimono jacket.
We know I love a multitasker- and this jacket does it all. I have worn it over leggings. And a night gown (which counts as a slip dress). Party dress? Not yet, but I could be talked into putting this over a black cocktail dress at the end of the night. But where I really love it? Fall mornings. It’s just light enough to not truly be a jacket (and it’s cool now, but not truly jacket weather, so it works out!), it’s neutral enough to go with anything (though I’m loving it with jeans and a tank because when I take it off the outfit works as is), and it has a slightly vintage feel (which we know I love!).
The thing about middles? Fall mornings are one of them. Right now it’s so lovely in the ams- cool, crisp, promising. But by 12pm it’s hot again. Dressing for this kind of weather is difficult (aka I tend to change a lot or avoid the outdoors). I’m trying to get better at middles, at adjusting. And yes, as simple as it sounds – outfits like this one help me.
Maybe it’s me? Maybe I’m so one way or the other (though I’ll tell you I love layers) that I need outfits that work for middles. Perhaps I need things I can reach for that I know will work when it’s crisp and when temps rise. Or maybe I’ve just been needing something like this for years?
Hard to say. What I do know is that this little jacket has worked as a bed jacket, a morning jacket, taken off, then again put on as an evening jacket. It works for my middles.
Jacket. Jeans. Tank. Slides (which we will talk about – I had to buy them because of the LA but they’re such a fall staple!). Easy. For fall mornings. Or not. Maybe you’re middles need a formula too, and I can’t recommend this one enough.
I’ve linked these exact jeans and jacket below. I would love to know- what do you wear for the middles? Or fall mornings?
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!
There are times when you need new and excitement and to try all the trends. Then, there are times when you just need a Classic. Something that’s familiar (but not boring). Something that fits just right, that feels new and fresh, even if it’s not.
It was one of those weeks for me. Nothing was wrong, nothing bad happened. But I just wasn’t in the mood for expanding any of my fashion horizons. When I got dressed I felt like I needed a bit of security (aka I wanted something I knew would work) but I wanted to look fantastic. I needed a Classic.
For me, that classic is dots. This vintage dress with its slight sailor collar, nipped waist, and feel good silk didn’t hurt either. (Ironically it isn’t new, but it is new to me!)
Right now I’m probably supposed to tell you that polka dots and fall go together, but I reach for polka dots all year round. Though I will say, this week the mornings were cool and the air stayed crisp all day. Being in a classic dress (that sailor collar!) that also had dots on it was a joy. It wasn’t a big thing, but classic dots was something that made me happy.
Sometimes, that’s all we need. A little Classic, a little spark of joy. What has done that for you this week?
While this dress is vintage (I got it from TakeMeBackBaby Vintage on etsy. You can find her shop here. And if you’re so inclined you can join me on IG (@racheladelicia) this Sunday (9/26) at 1pm CST where I will go live with ERICA of TakeMeBackBaby. We’ll chat vintage and all the things!) I did find you some similar modern looks and have linked these exact shoes 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!
The eve of my 13th birthday I could barely sleep, I was so convinced that I would wake up and things would be different- because I would be a TEENAGER. Sadly, I was fated to be disappointed, because as we all know, change doesn’t happen over night, we rarely wake up different people, and seasons take seasons for a reason.
We’ll not chat about what it says about me that knowing all this I somehow thought things might be different on my 16, 18, 21, 30th birthdays. What can I say? I’m stubborn.
And, maybe, my hope springs eternal. It’s that time again, the change of seasons. The first day of fall is Wednesday, and while it’s in the 90s today, I’m dreaming of (much) lower temps, all sorts of sweaters, jackets, and boots. Will it happen all on Wednesay morning? I wish. But. One can dress for it, just in case.
Also, since change of season takes its own time, I thought that I would help it along.
What can spur the change of season along? I thought about sweaters, but didn’t want to die of heat stroke. Boots are slowly making their way into my rotation, as well as a few light jackets. Somehow, that hasn’t been enough for me.
So, I did what anyone wold be doing. I trimmed (yes, I really did cut branches dressed like this). I also began to clean out my closet, bring my fall wardrobe to the front, and shop to fill in the gaps. (Yes, I don’t think that one can have too many sweaters)
Also, while I’m spuring change, I’m changing how I look at things. I’ve never been one to go for chocolate (brown). I thought that perhaps it wasn’t my color. Then- I fell in love with this dress. The flower, the straps, the way it fits. And it’s brown. Which is ironically, perfect for fall. Maybe changing things changes things? One can hope.
And if by putting on a new dress color makes the temps drop, I will go through the rainbow.
What are you changing for fall? This dress is vintage, but I’ve found you similar and linked them 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!
Transitions can always be difficult, but the one from summer into fall? Brutal. It’s not that I don’t love summer- I do. I have never met a swimsuit I didn’t love (and wear with everything (see here for starters). Fall is one of my favorite seasons (maybe my most favorite). But the combination of them together?
I want to layer, to wear all the sweaters, stun you with how I can pull off a sundress and a turtleneck at the same time, and to rock all my fantastic boots. But it’s 102 in the afternoons. Getting into these jeans felt like a feat in and of itself. (Yes, all the shoots are done as early as possible because of all of that!)
With all of that said, I get that it may be a little odd that I’m in jeans and a (cropped) sweatshirt. Maybe I’m looking forward? Or maybe, I’m taking the best (cool mornings) and running with them. These jeans are some of the coolest jeans I think I’ve ever owned. Just rigid enough, you may have to work a bit to get them on, but they hold you in and make me feel as if my legs are super long. The bootcut isn’t as dramatic as it could be, but I like it that way- a bit subtle.
And this sweatshirt! The crop, the short sleeve. THE INITIAL! I have always had a soft spot for tops with my initial (perhaps because Laverne and Shirely was one of my favorite shows when it was shown as repeats when I was a toddler?). It’s both chic and a tad nostalgic. I know it may not be for everyone, but if you’re in need of a sweatshirt, you can find this exact one here.
I’m well aware that kicking it like this may mean that I’m changing half way through the day (sometimes, oftentimes, more than once during the day). And that perhaps I should ease into transitions with more layering. But there are times when I can’t resist dressing for what I wish were happening (be it party dresses or weather). Because if we don’t build it, how will it ever come?
I’ve linked these exact jeans and more sweatshirt options below. How are you kicking it during these transitions?
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’ll be honest, I haven’t been to as many events this year, even with things opening up. A part of it is that I’m still not quite ready for big crowds (I’m hoping that I’m not the only one with a bit of anxiety about that!), and a part of it is that so many of the events that I am able and ready for all happen to fall on the same day.
It’s getting to be a little bit ironic actually, the more I have on my calendar the more likely it is that all the events will fall on that one day. If my day is completely clear- it tends to stay that way.
So, the few times that I am out and about I need outfits that can do it all- casual BBQs, more formal celebrations. It’s the one time in my life that I have needed all those “Day to Night” looks that were in all the magazines when I was growing up.
One of my favorite things is when something is two things. Perhaps it’s because it makes me a bit better about being so complex myself, or maybe it’s because it just makes my life easier. Or even more honestly, it means that when I have days that are booked full, I don’t have to change my outfit quite as many times!
Take for instance, dresses like this one. At first glance, it’s a simple caftan; it’s comfy, it’s throw on and go, it’s perfect for errands or lounging. And yet, it brings all the drama. It’s one shoulder, there’s the draping, the leg slit, and it’s perfect for weddings or other events when you need to stand out a bit.
Able to bring all the drama while feeling like you’re in your pjs? That’s a two in one that I can appreciate (and wear everywhere).
This caftan was a custom made by one of my long time favorite small shops, AAvintedge. The first thing I ever bought from them was a caftan, and it’s always fun when I add to my collection. This drama-filled dress does do it all, obviously it goes amazing with heels, but I’ve also thrown on flip flops with it and also worn it to the grocery store with sneakers.
Maybe it’s not all the drama I love, but the versatility!
I would love to know- what do you wear when you have to do it all in a day?
You can follow @aavintedge on IG and get yourself a caftan, or I’ve linked similar styles 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!
The heels above are my perfect sandals from Sarah Flint! I love how they support me- with arch support and a steel stiletto no matter how full my day is. You can shop this link for $50 off your first perfect sandal, or any Sarah Flint you love!
