shopping – Page 53 – Investment Piece

into the wild

Investment Piece: into the wild

And we’re back. The holidays are over, work and real life have begun again, and it’s back to the grind. For me, the week that we “return” from the holidays is always bittersweet. When you’ve been on holiday for a while, and the winter holidays often feel like a while, coming back to work can be difficult. If you’re like me, you’re used to a more relaxed schedule, more treats, and more freedom. It’s hard to give that up. However, there’s also a joy. The new is thrilling and full of plans to be made and goals to crush. It’s full of possibility and hope. I love going into the office and feeling renewed about my purpose and work.

(Coming back also gives you a chance to show off the new clothes you got over the holidays. I got this Dino sweatshirt. Yes, it’s from the kid’s section. Yes, there are reversable sequins. Yes, it was my favorite gift from Santa.)

The vacation is good. The new year is good. Is there a way to combine the best of them both? Perhaps.
It’s into the wild, and we’re off.

Investment Piece: into the wild

But. What is the wild?
Is it some place ( or thing) we’ve never been (or done) before?
A place without rules?
Somewhere where the animals run free? (Yes, I’m a Dino lover, but I do think bringing them back would be a disaster)

For me, wild is a bit of it all. It’s the feeling of doing new things, making up rules as we go along, and running a bit free. It’s also the start of the new year: unformed, a little raw, and open to what comes. And for us? For fashion? Wild (to me) means trying new things, having fun, redefining our classics, making a wardrobe that works for us, and stories. Lots of stories.

Into the wild? Let’s go!
Xo RA

I’ve linked similar outfit options for your shopping pleasure below!
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 this look here

Investment Piece: into the wild

More Sales!

It’s almost 2020! (And yes, I expect to be invited to ALL the Gatsby parties. Through the whole new decade. I have all sorts of dresses!) It’s around that time in the holiday season where you might not be 100% sure of the day, or the time. Maybe you’re needing a break, or maybe you’re enjoying not having to be in the real world. Whatever you’re feelings, I hope you’re still enjoying it! Most importantly, if you’re wanting to head into the new decade with new, I have more sale picks for you! From dresses to boots to picks for every budget, I have you covered. So, while we enjoy our holidays, let’s shop more sales!

Here are my current picks. As a loving reminder, social (especially Pintrest) and the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle apps!

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

Dresses
Dresses for under $100? Right this way:

Shoes
I have never met a shoe sale I didn’t like.

Winter Basics
You can’t start the new year without new sweaters and coats!

Classic Clothes
You can’t go wrong with any of these!

WorkOut
Look chic at all your workouts

Happy Shopping!
Xo RA

Post Christmas Sales

Loves! I hope that your holiday involved all the joy, laughter, and family that you wanted! My holiday was relaxing and I’m still taking my time away from the business of life. But…..I have been shopping for us. Maybe you’re not a big post-holiday shopper and I get that. We’ve just gotten, and there may be no need for anything. Maybe you love the sale shopping: from getting what you want at a discount, to stocking up for the doldrums of winter, I get that too! I’m somewhere in the middle, but I’ve found a few things I love, and I hope you love them too!

Below are some of my sale picks. Feel free to continue to holiday and shop these from your couch!

Xo RA

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

Beauty
We know I love a good beauty set. And the only thing better than a good set is a set on sale. Here are my picks:

Jeans
My favorite jean brand, Mother, is having an end of season sale that is simply amazing!

Shoes
From both the Coach and the Nordstrom Sale, I have a thing for boots:

Clothes for Queens
I love these picks from here, there, and everywhere! From going out dresses to jackets, you’ll look great in these:

I’m spending the weekend relaxing, I have a party to go to, and shopping more sales. You can keep up on social media or in the LiketoKnowIt app! Hope that you continue to have a great holiday!
Xo RA

Fashion Stories: NYE

InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, street style, CA, TX, high fashion

Investment Piece, fashion, style, Gucci, pleats, metallic, high fashion, CA, TX

Cape, Saks, Stuart Weitzman, vintage, high fashion, blogger, InvestmentPiece,

If holiday dressing tells the story of tradition, joy, and family, what story does NYE dressing tell?

My guess is party! What may be best about dressing for NYE is that it truly is a make your own adventure, and an excuse to go BIG! Sequins, furs, anything and everything. Whether you’re out on the town or staying in, the story of NYE dressing can be excitement about the year to come, or saying “Ciao” to the year ending, or maybe it’s just letting your love of party dresses come out!Something else I love on NYE? (Or anytime) Tuxes. Yes, on women, or a great suit- it’s chic and a bit unexpected. Something else I love on NYE? (Or anytime) Tuxes. Yes, on women, or a great suit- it’s chic and a bit unexpected.

My little secret? I’m a fan of at-home New Years. I love luxe pj dressing: a silky gown or kimono, maybe a fur, statement shoes of course. It allows me to be relaxed and dressy at the same time. However, as we are starting the roaring 20s this year, I’m very tempted to wear a 1920s dress and go out on the town. (Throughout the year I also expect all of you to invite me to your Gatsby parties!)

What story will we wear this NYE? I’ve linked some options for all us below. I’d love to know: what are you wearing for NYE?
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!

She Wore Lace

Investment Piece: She Wore Lace

Who said that holiday dressing had to be all velvets and reds?

A little black lace. Grandma’s mink. A neckline. Unexpected and yet just perfect for the season. Isn’t that the magic of the holidays?

Investment Piece: She Wore Lace

This was supposed to be a different look.
Here’s the thing about the holidays, we have expectations. We want things to go a certain way, see certain people, get certain gifts. We attempt to recreate magical moments from the past. And loves, sometimes it doesn’t work out. So, we go with the flow.
I had a dress I wore a few birthdays back all ready to shoot. It was perfect: black lace, one shoulder, vintage feel but new and on trend. The zipper wouldn’t work.
Lucky for us all, my closet is a magical place and I was able to style something similar I love (and have really worn! I managed to not even freak out about my dress-yet).
Investment Piece: She Wore Lace
We wanted to shoot at a place by my mom’s that does a Christmas light show every year. In the past they have left the lights up through New Years. The lights were down, in fact, we interrupted workers breaking everything down.
And I almost ate it more than once, this candy cane was almost the death of me!
Investment Piece: She Wore Lace
The lights and the focus on the camera fought, pictures wouldn’t transfer. The elegant, easy, extremely themed shoot I had in mind didn’t happen.

But. My mom and I had the best laughs. We got some good shots. I got called dapper by a stranger. And I loved the feel of being “holiday dressy” in something not your stereo typical holiday dress.
Maybe all that control that we want to have over our celebrations is the same? When we can let what we had planned go and enjoy what’s happening, maybe that’s where the magic of the holidays lives.

Classic or trendy, velvets or lace, reds or blacks, planned or improvised, I hope whatever you wear this season makes you feel joyful and magical, and all your plans end up better than your ideas!

Wishing you a happy holiday!
Xo RA

For your shopping pleasures, I’ve linked some black lace choices for you below:
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: She Wore Lace

Fashion Stories: Holiday Dressing

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Holiday Dressing

Investment Piece, high fashion, vintage, holiday Velvet, CA, TX

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, lady in red, vintage, gown, fashion blogger, CA, TX

Black and White with a Pop

Investment Piece: Holiday Dressing

Investment Piece: A Merry Little Christmas

Velvets. Plaids. Reds. These are the fashion choices we usually choose to tell our holiday stories. The ones of traditions and families, of decorations and parties. It’s odd to think of “holiday dressing” as a fashion story, but it is! I have a thing for red dresses, but whenever I see one I can’t help but think of this time of year. Even outliers like winter white tell a story (maybe you’re classic but not a conformer).

Thinking about the stories we’re telling with our holiday dressing is something that fascinates me. Looking at holiday cards, thinking about the ways people choose to dress themselves and their families, it’s striking that most of all we want to share joy at this time of year–and there’s a chance that merry plaids, reds, and velvets are the best way to do that.

What stories are you telling with your holiday dressing this year?
Me? I’m still thinking about it, but these pics above are some of my favorite past stories, and I’ve linked shopping options below for us!

Let’s share joy and magic this year! How’s that for holiday dressing?
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!

Shop winter whites here.

Some of my favorite plaids here.

And velvets and dresses here:

I would love to know what you’re wearing and shopping!

How to Sparkle

Investment Piece: How to Sparkle

How to Sparkle: Tis the season for parties. And, yes, so much of our holiday dressing involves Christmas and Hanukkah parties. Red, blue, and green are our main palettes, and we throw in plaid for good measure. A way to stand out? Sparkle. Not only at your holiday parties, but let’s not forget that we have New Year’s Eve coming; and nothing says “ring in the new” than something that sparkles.

I am a fan of sequins in all forms, and really in all seasons. Your inner light sometimes needs an outer expression. Let’s celebrate that! How to Sparkle? Don’t be afraid to sparkle and sparkle big. This top, I call it my “armor” top, it’s so full of sparkles that it’s a full statement by itself. And yes, it’s heavy. Doesn’t stop me from sparkling.

Investment Piece: How to Sparkle

How to Sparkle: Let the sparkle be the statement. There are outfits that call for sparkle head to toe (and days that call for that outfit). However, I love a sparkle and an understatement. I love this top with simple silver. These pants, with the wide leg and pockets, are amazing; yet don’t take focus. Shoes that follow the theme ties the look together; and I love that these silver shoes sparkle by themselves. This combo is perfect for any holiday party and even more perfect for your New Year’s Eve. This sparkle is a way to stand out, make a statement, and yet, keep it simple.

Of course, we can find you pieces like these-these pants were originally shown on site here, you’ve seen these shoes too many times to count, and this top is from Zara many seasons ago. Also? I bet we can make an outfit like this in your current closet. You need: a sparkle item (top/bottom/dress) and then you pair it with toned items. Sequins are gold? Wear gold. Silver? Wear silver. If your sparkle is multi-colored, then I say play it safe and wear black. Easy and a statement, and we know how I feel about a Juxatipositon.

Investment Piece: how to sparkle

How to Sparkle: Sparkle. Even if it’s after the holidays. I believe that fashion is a little bit of magic, it can influence how you feel. Let’s not be afraid to really shine, to let people look, to make statements. And if our clothes lead the way, so be it!

I hope this look inspires your holiday wears, or your sparkle, in general. I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure! Happy sparkle!
XO RA

Shop this look: here/

If you’d rather rent your sparkle, for any occasion, try Rent the Runway:

Or don’t forget, the code RADELICA gets you 15% off your first rental at Armarium, and they have all sorts of sparkle!

Investment Piece: How to Sparkle

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. What this means is I do receive a commission, however, this does not affect price for you!

Let’s Get in Formation

Investment Piece: Let's Get in Formation

This is a story (or formation) in 3 parts.

There’s a part of me that is very good about following the rules, doing what I’m told, all those things. (Yes, I will get irrationally angry at you if you drive the wrong way in parking lots). But. There’s also the part of me that rebels a bit. That gets out of formation way too quickly, and doesn’t want to be confined to rules.

It’s that part of the formation (or lack thereof) that can be incredibly interesting. So in honor of both of those parts of myself, I humbly suggest, as part of your holiday style that a play on tradition may be in order.

As in: leather pants are a holiday staple. From errands to party looks, yes, leather is for the holiday.

And what to pair with your leather pants? What if we played a bit with traditional patterns? Like wearing the Queen’s Guard? Or Toy Soldiers?

Investment Piece: Let's Get In Formation

This next part of the formation goes out on a limb.

Yes, this shirt is patterned with London Soldiers and Phone Boxes, I love that it can appear traditional but has a bit of fun with it. The part that’s a bit out there? I somehow associate the soldiers with toy soldiers, and toy soldiers with nutcrackers, and all of the above with the holiday season. Yes, that in and of itself is a journey.

Why I put all those things together? I don’t know-this shirt will be just as great in March as it is in December. BUT. For me, the line from soldier to nutcracker is straight.

Maybe it’s because I love the Nutcracker, the ballet. (I volunteer during this time of year with school kids who get to see the ballet on a field trip. I have it on the brain!). Maybe it’s because I grew up in a home that used Nutcrackers as a Christmas decoration?

I don’t know. Whatever it is, this shirt read cheeky holiday to me, and I couldn’t help but indulge myself by having fun with it.

Investment Piece: Let's Get in Formation

The last act of this formation?
This shirt isn’t technically mine. I share it with my mom and sister. One of those: let’s buy a size that will fit us all and then we can all have it, kind of deal. Sharing is caring, after all. (And a great way to stretch your closet!) London has a special part in all of our hearts. We lived there when I was little (4-5 to be exact). My mom has stories about how I adapted the English accent quickly- till I yelled “HALP ME” and the Southern in me would jump out. I have fond memories of us going to watch the changing of the guards (and the dinosaurs at the National History museum). This pattern? It brings it all back.

And if we’re going to dress with a slight holiday theme, shouldn’t it be with a nod to things that we love(d)?

Get in formation–and wear the holiday your way. Sounds like a plan!

This shirt is sold out, but I’ve linked similar ones below. I would love to know: what patterns and formations have more than one act for you at this time of year?
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: Let's get in formation

Gift Guide: For Him

Loves, I have opinions on gifts. Mainly, that they are best when they are personal, and thoughtful. As in, I think it’s best to ask what the people in your life want (and I think it’s best to be honest when you’re asked that same question!). BUT. I also think that we can all use a little help with gift giving at this time of year, so we gift guide. I don’t know the man in your life, but I know the men in my life would love these:

(And to be fair, so would I!)

Hope these ideas help you find the perfect gift for all the men you love!

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: For Him
He might love these seasonal picks from Jcrew.

Investment Piece: For Him
Or he might like this collab from Adam Scott X ClareV

Investment Piece: For Him
You, and him, can’t go wrong with a great bag. Check these out.

Investment Piece: For Him
These picks might be right up his alley.

And these are technically for the “home”, but if he lives in a home he might enjoy:
Investment Piece: For Him
these.

What do the men in your life want?
Xo RA

Winter Whites

Investment Piece: Winter Whites

Yes, loves. You have seen this winter white number before. (I do rewear. Often. In fact, part of my belief system is that we can buy a lot- if we love it and we wear it!)

Proof:
Investment Piece: Winter Whites

Some thoughts on rewearing a piece you love:
-it’s so comforting. Especially if you have to do something you’re not 1000% percent about. In fact, if you’re having a DAY, I always recommend wearing something you love (and heels). It does help!
-It’s amazing how much different the same dress can be. Change the shoes. The hair. The makeup. The same is suddenly new. And if that isn’t magic, nothing is!
-Ideally everything in our closets would be things we love, even the special things we can’t wear every day. And dresses like this? What’s not to love?

Investment Piece: Winter Whites

I know winter white is a thing. Even if you’re from the south. However, it’s one of those things that I don’t think about when planning my winter waredrobe. But I should. Chic. Unexpected. And a break from the typical “holiday dressing”. This dress in and of itself is simple. A mock neck. Long sleeves. Slightly textured. But it’s more than the sum of it’s parts.

It’s party perfect. Ready for errands. Easily adaptable with a change of shoes and bags. These shoes and bag? Made me feel just slightly like a 70s goddess. (Yes, I’ve said before and I will say it again, you need platforms in your life). But a dress like this is also great with sneakers. Or flats. Or plain heels. It still works its winter magic.

Do you rock winter white? How? And with what? I would love to know!

This dress is years old, but I’ve linked similar options 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: Winter Whites