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Cliche

Investment Piece: Cliche

It’s spring. And while there are blooms and new styles galore, there are also cliches. Like florals.
We all know the joke- that they’re ground breaking. And we all laugh when we see it or hear it. But, again and again, we all wear florals. Even this weekend, I found myself reaching for florals whenever I could. Dark ones. Cheery ones. Subtle and bold. What is it about spring that makes us want to wear florals?

Is it cliche? Groundbreaking? Both?

Investment Piece: Getting in the Water

In some ways, it makes sense that we want to wear florals in spring. The florals are literally blooming. But, hopefully, so are we. This was my first winter that felt like a true winter (did I mention I saw a bunch of snow for the first time in my life?!?) For the first time, the green and bloom of spring feels like a big deal. Yep..I finally get it.

On top of that, this year has been a YEAR. And while the pandemic is still going on, it finally feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel. Things feel new in more ways than one. What says that better than flowers?

Investment Piece: The Pants of Summer

I was curious about when floral prints started -because that could let us know when they became cliche. History is always a little bit fascinating to me, and this deep dive was no different. Florals started being put on clothes in Asia in the 600s. Did you know that people used to put live flowers on their clothes (to hide smells amongst other things)? That each spring floral prints are often best sellers.

We may all tell the joke, but it turns out we’re all wearing florals. So it cliche? Or something bigger?

If you want to deep dive with me I highly recommend:
Floral Fashion Through The Ages

A Brief History of the Floral Pattern
Both are detailed and a delight to read!

Investment Piece: Cliche

Cliche or not, this year I’m fully embracing florals. I don’t care if they’re groundbreaking. They remind me that sometimes things take time, but they bloom again. I’m ready to bloom, and I’m ready for flowers. Even the ones on our clothes! What about you?

I’ve linked some of my favorite florals below for your shopping 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!

Investment Piece: BackYard Parties

Cocktails and Caftans

Investment Piece: Cocktails and Caftans

Caftans are something I always knew I would one day end up living in- they’re chic. Forgiving. And come in all the shades and styles you could ever want. I thought that one day I would age (super subtly) in caftans, floating about, being glamourous-like an aging star in the movies. My love for caftans has been constant (here, here, here, and here for starters), but during the pandemic, my caftan collection has not only grown, it’s become my signature.

I spend days and nights in caftans. From terry cloth casual to formal, much earlier in life than I expected, caftans are one of the ways that I’ve been marking time.

One of my favorite things to do in a caftan (and where my love has really blossomed)? Making cocktails! I’m by no means a mixologist but I’ve spent some of my time during the pandemic researching drinks that I love and learning how to make them. Sometimes they’re great, sometimes they’re ok, but I’m always wearing a great caftan, so the experience is always amazing.

Investment Piece: Cocktails and Caftans

I love the cape-like cut of this caftan, the ombré coloring- and it has pockets! And while it’s perfect for summer escapades (even in just the backyard), I got it to make a cocktail in.

Cocktails and Caftans is a thing I’m doing every Saturday over on IG @racheladelicia. It started as a way to get through lockdown, but now I’m having too much fun to stop! Also, it gives me an excuse for more caftans!

Investment Piece: Cocktails and Caftans

There are times when I wonder if, in the after of the pandemic, I will no longer spend as much time in caftans as I do now. My theory? Once you go caftan, you can’t go back. The comfort, the chic, the way they stay current. I’m accepting my lot in life as a caftan lady. Luckily, there’s a great cocktail to go with it!

This caftan is old Staud, but I’ve found and linked similar ones 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: Cocktails and Caftans

Check It

Investment Piece: Check It

Things change, things stay the same.
What’s the same? We know I have a thing for gingham (I do! And it shows itself every spring see here and here to start). That’s not news, or new. What is new? It’s that every spring I find a new gingham, a new check. This is most likely not the last checks I will find and wear as the weather warms, but it’s the first, and right now, it feels the most fun!

I’m usually not a green person (well, what I should say is that it needs to be the right green for me to love it) but I couldn’t resist these green checks. It’s not quite gingham but it is- which is kind of new? The details are what first drew me in- the balloon sleeves, the pleats. This is a set (and we know what that means- you can wear it together or separately) but reads like a dress (my favorite kind of set). Also, this is my new favorite (old) belt-yes, the best belts that you can get are vintage or resale. Case in point, this Fendi one!

Investment Piece: Check It

What is it about checks that makes me feel as if it’s finally spring? I’m not 100% sure. Maybe it’s the form? Checks have a pattern, they fit, they follow, they make sense. And when you’re transitioning- from one season to the next, or from one phase of life to the next, patterns are comforting. Maybe it’s tradition? Gingham and checks have been a spring staple for decades. Long before I fell in love with them. Maybe it’s Hope. When I see checks for sale I know spring is coming. And what is spring other than hope and rebirth persevering. How can you not want to check it?

Investment Piece: Check It

Notes on this check it- it’s from Target, meaning that you get spring for very reasonable. My new favorite belt? Fendi I got resale. Perfect for cinching all your checks, dresses, skirts, pants, and more. And yes, I found you similar. The green? Especially after a harsh winter it feels nice to be reminded of bloom. What means spring to you? What are you wearing to show 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!

Investment Piece: Check It

Now and Then: Pleated Jeans

Investment Piece: Pleated Jeans

I shop vintage. I shop new. (I’m equal opportunity that way!) One thing that sometimes fascinates me is the new trends that you can find vintage (often for less!). There are nights that I will spend down rabbit holes looking at both new clothes and vintage clothes- often in the same style.

Because I love both vintage and new, and want us all to have ALL the options I’ve decided to let you in on some of my searches- and this month I’m looking at pleated jeans! The truth is that I used to hate pleated pants. HATE them. Would avoid them at all costs, HATED them. Over the years, my opinion has changed. I know love flowing pleated trousers (I guess never say never). And. I’m coming around to pleated jeans- they do add a bit of sophistication so if you’re wearing your jeans to any work or “event”, they pair beautifully with blouses. Or tank tops.

My main tip with pleated jeans is to make sure that they aren’t too tight. In between sizes? Size up. Ensure that there’s a wider leg. To balance out the pleats you need a bit of volume.

Maybe, like me, you’re coming around to pleats in your pants I have great news! Pleats (in such chic silhouettes) are available both new and vintage!
The advantages of buying new? The cuts can feel a bit more modern, there’s often more stretch in the fabric, and you are guaranteed to find your size.
The advantage of buying vintage? Often SO much cheaper, they’re already broken in, and let you stand out just a bit.

The reality? So you didn’t have to, I spent a bit of time looking at both new and vintage pleated jeans. Most of them looked EXACTLY the same. It truly comes down to what you’re looking for: new or vintage. Now or then?

I’ve linked some of my favorite new pleated jeans below. And a few vintage ones that I love (I know with vintage they may not be your size! I would recommend searching Etsym or if you need help finding vintage jeans please reach out and I’ll help!)

Are you rocking pleated jeans? From now or then? I would love to hear 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!

Something Gingham

Investment Piece: Something Gingham

It’s Spring and the one thing that’s on every list: Something Gingham! True every spring (I’m still obsessed with my gingham Jcrew heels from last year, you can ogle them here), but especially true this year. Gingham dresses, shoes, pants, tops, bags- everything is something gingham. And loves, this gingham is chic, fresh and fun!

I love the silhouette on this Zara blouse: the collar, the cut out, the sleeves. It goes great with jeans, but lends itself to a more formal look, think pencil skirt, just as as easily. And nothing has diminished my love of vintage Levi’s–s I can’t help but wear everything with them! And these heels! Last seen here, I love the laces, the esperadille look, and the ease of matching them! This outfit is perfect for a night out or a day running errands!

and loves, this is how we do something gingham. How are you rocking it?

XO RA

This top is from Zara, the jeans are vintage. I’ve linked similar items to both as well as my favorite spring gingham pieces below!
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission on them. Thank you for your support!

The Short of It

Investment Piece: The Short of It

Do you think of shorts as winter fashion? I don’t usually. Not really. Even on the winter days that feel like summer, I tend to not think about shorts.

I also usually think about shorts as casual wear. Not dressy or formal in the slightest.

And yet. These leather shorts are making me reconsider all my short held beliefs. They’re not casual (though they do look great with a t-shirt). And ironically, they will be too hot when it’s over 100 this summer. I was reluctant to get them- while I loved them, I wasn’t sure that I would wear them.
Again, my believes were short-sided. I’ve worn them with everything. But I love this mix: leather, silk, and chic boots. All not completely expected, but they work. And it has been just enough to keep me warm!

What clothes do you have short sided beliefs on? Could it be that they would really look stunning?
The short of it may be that they just might. If you try anything out, let me know!

I’ve linked theses exact shorts- they’re on super sale and I would love to be twins 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!

Investment Piece: The Short of it

#dotsondots

Investment Piece: #dotsondots
Investment Piece: Mixed Patterns

Have you heard? We’re having a theme party this week! Mixed patterns, mixing patterns, patterns on patterns. Quite the party!

And there’s nothing like kicking off a party with polka dots. Right?

I have feelings about polka dots. Some feelings are that you can’t go wrong with polka dots, that dots are neutral, and that there isn’t a dot that I don’t like. (You can see more of dots and dots here, here, here, and here.)

When it comes to mixing patterns, the easiest thing to do with dots is to pair them with more dots.
Dots on Dots.
It’s a thing.

Investment Piece: #dotsondots

Investment Piece: Mixing Patterns

I’ve said more than once that there is no “magic formula” for mixing patterns. And that’s true- to a point. However, there are tricks and ways to make mixing patterns easier on you! Dots on dots.

Or in other words, mixing patterns is a snap when you mix pieces with the same pattern. Maybe one piece is different colors (see white and black polka dots above), or in different sizes (big and small). Mixing the same pattern together in different pieces can take the worry out of mixing patterns, because you know that the two patterns will go together. Surprise! Dots go with dots! (Stripes also go with stripes but that’s a post for another day!)

The magic in dots on dots, or mixing any same pattern? You get to play with the details- the colors, the sizes, the pieces. Freedom and structure, the perfect juxtaposition.

My favorite thing about dots on dots? It makes even seperate pieces look like a set.

**Though I have a confession. I had this exact dot on dots look in mind for a while. I kept trying it, and yet something always felt off. What? I’m not sure, because finally one day it just looked great (to me at least!). The point? Play with your dots on dots (or mixing patterns). Sometimes it just takes a minute.
And yes, I added stripes on the shoes for a kick. I can’t help it!

Investment Piece: #dotsondots

I’ve linked some of my favorite dots below! Happy mixing!
XO RA

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

#Dotted

There’s something about polka dots that I just love-they’re playful and fun, and yet can be sophisticated. So when I found this dotted Geoffrey Beene at one of my go-to TX Vintage places I couldn’t resist it! I love the business like feel (that collar, that bow!), the pockets, the length, and the way it balances work and party. I also loved the way it felt modern; I can wear it with any shoes really, but loved the juxtaposition of the dots with my beloved Jaquemus circle/square sandals. It feels fresh and new!

And as I reemerge after the storms in TX and all that went along with them, I needed something fun! I hope you’re staying safe and warm out there!
Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:
Dress from ReVint
Shoes: Jaquemus

Color of the Season

Investment Piece: Color of the Season

Do you love the Pantone color of the year? Where they name the color(s) of the year?
Usually I’m a take it or leave it. I wear things I love, and if they happen to match up with the colors of the season- so be it! There are years that I love the colors, years when I don’t (and I don’t wear colors I don’t like).

But. This year? A little different. The colors of the season got me excited, and I could find right in my closet!

One of the colors of the year is grey. And grey? I love. I own one too many grey tshirts, sweaters, etc. My bedding is grey. It’s my go-to color, and something that I always get excited about it. Suddenly, this year I was very excited about the color of the year.

Also different this year? Pantone did two colors of the year. Yellow being the second. And yellow- it’s hard for me. Some shades of yellow I love. Some wash me out (yellow and blonde can be hard). It’s not my go-to, but it doesn’t turn me off. It’s a color I’m willing to explore, for lack of better wording.

Investment Piece: Color of the Year

SideNote about this yellow. This is vintage LaPearla. And one of my favorites. The pleating, the boning, the way it’s great on its own or over anything from turtlenecks to sweaters. When I found it, I was drawn to it, but I hesitated- because of the color. I tried it on and fell in love. The moral? Even though I sometimes say differently, this corset is a case in why you should try new things. Maybe all yellows aren’t for us. But how will we know if we don’t try them?

Investment Piece: Color of the Season

While I love grey, these pants were also a bit of a risk. Pleated pants can feel dated (or super elegant), and can not always look great (or look superb). I kept thinking that this season, as I love the colors that this wouldn’t be an exercise in new things, but in things I’m always comfortable with. However, the colors of the season were really about me trying new things in the colors that I like. Sneaky of Pantone.

And that alone is exciting. Sometimes it’s easy to like what we like. Stay with what we’re comfortable with, only choose what we known we have worn in the past. And we should do that. There’s nothing wrong about that. The exciting thing about really loving things though? You always discover new things about them. It’s a never ending process. Within these colors of the season, what can we discover? Try? Shades? Styles?

Investment Piece: Color of the Season

The colors of the season? We can wear them next season too. What’s exciting me is all the fashion we can explore and wear in the meantime, in the colors of the season.

I’ve linked similar items for you below (note: these pants were also vintage!). I would love to know: are you wearing grey and yellow this season?
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: color of the season

Date Night

Investment Piece: Date Night

What’s your fantasy date night? The one that’s so over the top that it’s just too much but would be oh-so fantastic. Mine? Dinner in Paris. Gambling in Monte Carlo. Private art tours. Every much movie-type.

Over the top dates that I’ve loved? The ballet and nice dinners.

What I find irrestibly romantic? The little things- coffee made for you, running a bath. I had a boyfriend who would pause our tv shows so I could catch everything. He’d also watch things that he didn’t LOVE because I did. Romantic. Easy days just spent together.

Date night this year is different. Though still romantic- dinners in, candlelight, cozying up. Still something to get excited about!

Investment Piece: Date Night

The one thing about date night (in or out)? I still want a dress that makes me feel like the fantasy. I know this year it’s not the most practical thing. Or the most needed thing. I’ve dressed up like this to watch tv at home, and there are nights when that’s made me feel more sad than fantasy. But I keep coming back to dresses like these. I can’t help but love a party dress. Or top. Or outfit. Anything that makes me feel special. Seen. Like I’m in a fantasy.

Investment Piece: Date Night

Isn’t that the point of date night? Yes- to spend time with, celebrate, see your loved one. Even if date night is just at home. Even if date is just you doing what makes you feel special. Maybe my love of party dresses isn’t something you share, but any kind of date you have this weekend, I hope that you’re wearing something that makes you feel all the good things. We deserve it.

This year date night looks different, but let’s make our feelings the same. Let’s celebrate. See. Dress for your fantasies- my theory has always been if you dress for it, it will come. Here’s to that!

This dress is vintage Valentino- I’ve found you similar, as well as these exact earrings!
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: Date Night
Did you notice that the netting underneath is also lined in the pattern? I swoon!