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November Armarium Picks

Note: this post is a part of my ongoing relationship with Armarium. While I may recieve compensation in the form of rentals, all opinions expressed are my own. You can use code RADELICIA for 15% off your first rental. The holiday season is an exciting time to rent and I’m thrilled to be sharing my picks with you! Xo RA

It’s the holiday season! Dressing becomes more bold, more party, and more fun. What I love about this time of year is that anything goes. From now until NYE you get to make your own rules (if anyone has an issue with that, send them to me!) Wear a formal gown to Thanksgiving! Wear sequins to a party, or to work! Play with volume, texture, anything that makes you happy! Novemeber is just the start of party/holiday so you can also be classic! It’s whatever you want it to be. The great thing about renting is that you can be all of those things, and send them back whenever you need to change.

Below are my picks for November, I picked a mix of party ready and more subdued numbers. Remember, the code RADELICIA gets you 15% off your first rental, even if it’s not listed below.

Investment Piece: November Armarium Picks
Love this Red Number

Investment Piece: Novemeber Armarium picks
This is perfect for a formal dinner.

Investment Piece: Novemeber Armarium Picks
First party of the season? Wow them.

Investment Piece: November Armarium Picks
Who wouldn’t feel like a princess (or Queen) in this?

Investment Piece: November Armarium Picks
This is so classic and chic.

Investment Piece: November Armarium Picks
Party but make it slinky in this

Investment Piece: Novemeber Armarium Picks
Win Thanksgiving in this!

Happy renting! Xo RA

Sass

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, Levi's, sass, vintage, LA, CA

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, sass, vintage, Levi's, custom, Stuart Weitzman, CA, TX

Loves, you know that I love sass, that I’m not afraid to wear my attitude and that I love vintage (and custom) denim. So individually every component of this outfit makes me happy, together I think they’re perfect! This vintage sweatshirt is one of the most comfortable things I own (and the sass!) and I wear it with everything–pants, leggings, skirts, over slip dresses. These custom vintage Levi’s via The Rebel Stylist are divine–great with sneakers, perfect with heels, and the Pom-poms give it just enough personality. Paired with a blazer and my all time favorite heels? It’s a little celebration of making it through the week!

Hope you survived the holiday! Happy Friday! 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!
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Fashion Stories: Halloween Costume

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories, Halloween Costume

When fashion stories and fashion Halloween intersect magic can happen. This year I thought long and hard about what I wanted to be for Halloween. I knew that it had to be fashion (here with the black cocktail dress and shoes), and I wanted it to be something I would really dress up as! So…I’m Maleficent! Ironically, this is not my first (or second) time being the “Mistress of Evil”. This headpiece is from college-yes, I was Maleficent when we hadn’t seen her side of the story, when to be a fan of Maleficent meant you loved her in all her evilness. (It doesn’t hurt that Sleeping Beauty is my favorite fairy tale)

But I really wanted to think about the fashion part of my costume. You’ve seen this dress before (here and here), it’s one of my favorite designers (Norma Kamali) and this is one of those little black dresses that feels like nothing, but offers such an impact. Here I put a turtleneck under it- I know, you can see the lines. I do love this dress, though I have to say if I were going to alter it, (a series I’m thinking of doing, what are your thoughts?) I would cinch the waist a bit as it can gape. (Insert shrugging emoji)
But for the most part it’s perfect.
Those sleeves read queen. (Note- a LBD would also work for any queen, Morticia Adams, or a witch)
I’ve had the headpiece for years. And I’ve found you updated headpieces.
And I’ve had the bird.
However, most of this costume is just fashion. And as a fashion lover, I love that. You know that I’m a firm believer that fashion is a medium with which to tell our stories, and why should our costumes (stories) be excluded from that?

Investment Piece: Fashion Stories Halloween Costumes

The question now is: what are you for Halloween? What fashion are you using? And what story are you telling?
Some other easy things I’ve thought about being:
Mrs. Maisel (a vintage slip with a coat)
Audrey Hepburn (black turtleneck, crop pants, loafers)
Hester Pyrne (black dress with a Scarlet A)
Barbie (pink)
And for fun, T-REX (with heels)

The fun part for me is mixing fashion and stories–and isn’t that just want a costume is?

There’s a lot to shop her, so I’ve broken it down!
I can’t wait to hear about what you’re being for Halloween, and the stories and fashion that went into 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!

If you love this dress:

Maleficent costumes can be purchased here
Or here:

Happy Halloween!
Investment Piece: FAshion Halloween

mixing and matching and trending

Investment Piece: mixing and matching and trending

The thing I always wonder about the term “mix and match”, isn’t everything mixing and matching? Not that there aren’t sets. Not that you can’t wear those sets together, but for the most part, in most of your life, aren’t we simply putting things together and hoping it works? Like meal planning- if you’re very traditional, you’re picking a protein, a carb, a veggie, and you’re hoping they go together. Isn’t that mixing and matching? And that’s just food, we do it with our schedules, our workouts, our playlists?

Shouldn’t our closets be the easiest thing to mix and match?

Take vintage skirts and vintage logo tops? Not a set, but they work as one. (This one was easy, the leathers blend!)
So, when the mixing and matching is easy, what do you do? Add a trend!

Investment Piece: Mixing and Matching and trending

Is there anything more on trend this season than snakeskin boots? And if leopard can be a neutral, why can’t snakeskin?

At least, that’s the theory I’m working with.
Ironically enough, I got these boots last fall, but I still get stopped and asked about them–snakeskin is the new neutral, you heard it here first! I love how it goes with so much (a made up leather set) and feel like standouts.

I had a lot of fun with this look-I usually shy away from minis but this one was just long enough to make even mom comfortable. Logo mania? Pro-tip: buy vintage. This top feels fresh (do logos ever go out of style?) but it’s vintage. Together, this felt modern and fun, and a bit of a stand out.

Now if I could only find a way to mix and match sitting in traffic so I missed all the stop and go!

Investment Piece: mixing and matching and trending

I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure. I’d love to know: what’s your take on mixing and matching?
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!

Layered

Investment Piece: Layered

This ain’t your Momma’s layering. This is layered. Taking formulas and elevating them. Going to extremes with basics. Mixing textures, patterns, and maybe the same time of clothes. Like a jacket over a jacket.
I know. It may sound crazy for me to tell you that a blazer works over a jean jacket. A jacket over a jacket? I know. But.
Hear me out- it works.
Most of all? It’s fun.

This is a little bit uniform dressing, after all we’re just pairing a jacket, jeans, and boots. And it’s a little bit statement. I love the play of the double denim (pro-tip, try to blend the Jean rinses, but don’t get too caught up in making sure they match exactly. Unless you bought them as a set you’ll just drive yourself crazy) and a statement blazer (this one has the jeweled collar, but you could always get the same effect with necklaces). The boots are a little bit western (there’s so much to say on that at a later date). The great thing? You could personalize this outfit as much as you like: use your favorite blazer, boots, use a top and not a jacket, be as bold or as classic as you like. No matter what, it’s the perfect solution for fall. Layered.

How do you do it?

I love all things tweed and Jean and have linked similar items to the ones above for your shopping pleasure. I’d love to see how you style them!
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: Layered

Fall Uniform

Investment Piece: Fall Uniform

I get the appeal of uniform dressing. How comforting it must be to put on things that you know work together, fit well, and make an impression on busy mornings, or on those days when nothing seems to be working. My schedule allows for both uniform dressing days, and days when I can experiment, and I’m grateful for both. However, I like to think that the duality of my dressing allows me to see the good and bad of each.

And there are some really, really AMAZING things about uniform dressing. But. The thing is, your uniform is only as good as it’s weakest link. (That’s how the saying goes, right?) So, if we want to uniform dress, we have to have stunning pieces to uniform with.
For fall uniforms these are the items I love to have:
-A Great Coat
-Perfect Jeans
-Statement Flats
-Sweaters with attitude
-Non- basic layering pieces

These pieces can be mixed and matched. Can anchor an outfit on their own. And together, they make an uniform anything but boring. I like to think this fall uniform is the best of all of these : camel coat (classic), jeans, sweater with an attitude (my pronouns are Her Majesty), and statement flats (spikes make statements). This outfit makes me feel confident and comfortable all at the same time, and that’s my kind of uniform.

Investment Piece: Fall Uniform

Other fall uniforms I love?
Great jeans, sweatshirt, and boots
Plaid skirts, silk shirts, and boots
Any take on a suit
All the jackets. All of them.

Of course, the fact that the weather is finally feeling like fall helps, no one likes to wear sweaters and jackets when it’s hot. And while the idea of “uniform” can mean the same, I love finding uniforms that feel like standouts. What’s your idea of a fall uniform? Is uniform dressing something you do often? I’m so curious about how we get dressed, and what we wear, tell me all about it!

I’ve linked similar items to this outfit 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!

Investment Piece: Fall Uniform

On the Fringe

Investment Piece: Fringed

Fringe.
What do we really say about it? Fringe isn’t a trend per se, though there are seasons that offer us a bit more fringe than others. It’s not quite a classic, there are not numerous articles why you must own fringe, and often stylists will call fringe a “statement” not a “must”. So, what do we do with it? Avoid it? Put it in a box, and only wear it for certain things or costumes? Or, do we live on the fringe?

From boots to pants to jackets, I’m a fan of anything with a little personality, and fringe is personality. It shakes and shimmyies with you, and adds a bit of fun to anything you have going on. I think pops of fringe can be the wake up any outfit needs, and there’s fringe that can be chic and timeless. Fringe can be big or small, long or short, a lot or a little. Maybe the thing that scares us about fringe is that it can be anything we need it to be. That’s also the thing that makes fringe amazing.

I’m living on the fringe. What about you?

Investment Piece: On the Fringe

What I love about fringed pieces like this one is that they are so fun and full of life, but so chic. This jacket is by no means the only fringe I love, in my closet are fringed boots and fringed skirts, and I may or may not be looking for suede fringe pants. I like to think that the fringe lets the fun parts of my personality shine, and fits right in with the more classic pieces in my closet.

Also, fringe is just really fun to twirl in. Maybe not the strongest argument for living on the fringe, but one you’ll enjoy.

So, are you in? Ready to fringe with me?
I’ve linked similar pieces below, including these wide leg pants (that’s a whole other post, but believe me, you need wide legged 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!

Wonder

Investment Piece: Wonder

There are things that make you wonder, things that inspire Wonder, and things that are wonderful.
Some Monday Thoughts:
*I’m such a fan of Wonder Woman, and I love wearing this shirt. The camaraderie from women who love Wonder Woman is a thing I can’t help but love. Does this shirt give me super powers? I’m not sure, but I like to think so, and it is something I wonder about.

*Layering isn’t just for sweaters and turtlenecks. This is a cocktail dress that looks stunning on it’s own, though a tad bit more low-cut. For weeks I’ve been thinking about how to make this looks a little more casual, and finally decided it was about layering. I didn’t want to take away from the “wow” factor, I wanted the layer to be as wonderful as the dress. My solution? A fun graphic tee, in this case, Wonder Woman. Both standouts on their own, and together it’s fun. Makes me wonder, what else can I put together? What pairs are inspiring?

*I’m a heels woman. Heels can be worn anywhere and with anything, or so my theory goes. Yet, lately, I’ve been having fun exploring flats. This look would still be perfect for a cocktail party, and that’s new for me. Where are areas that we can explore in fashion? What looks and items have I been avoiding that might actually be perfect for me? I’m wondering about them.

*I can’t get enough of this headband. The elementary school kid in me is ecstatic. This is just one of those things that’s wonderful.

What sorts of things are you wondering about today? And what are you wearing to wonder in?

I’ve linked similar items to this look below for your shopping pleasure, I hope it’s inspired wonder!
Xxo 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!

Not Your Grandma’s Sweater

Investment Piece: Not Your Grandma's Sweater

The irony? This is my Grandma’s sweater.

In some ways I may have been wanting to prove that great things last. I love wearing pieces of my Grandma, she was such an influence on me, and wearing her things makes me feel close to her still, even though she’s passed on. Though, I have to admit, this is not the way she wore this sweater.

(In other news, wearing our cardigans backwards is a thing we’re doing this year. I promise. And as you can see, it’s chic. But if you need another voice on that, you can check out The Cut.)

This sweater is perfect for wearing backwards, with the ties. Add jeans and classic mules?
Not your grandma’s sweater, or your grandma’s sweater, make the perfect fall outfit.

Investment Piece: Not Your Grandma's Sweaters

I’m a fan of “uniform” outfits that are anything but uniform. Call it with a twist, call it making things my own, but things like my Grandma’s Sweater? I love to make them look like they are not my Grandma’s sweater. It’s not that I go out of my way to make things feel “out there”, but I want things to look like me. And why can’t I be both classic and out there?

This look is one that I hope feels fresh, but comfortable for the season. It’s easy to put together with things you most likely have in your own closet; but I’ve also linked similar items for your shopping pleasure!

Wear your Grandma’s sweater. Or not!
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!

Investment Piece: Not Your Grandma's Sweater

Sweater Weather

Investment Piece: Sweater Weather

Here’s my current fantasy. It’s cold outside. Not cool, not in the 80s, but cold. Like in the 60s (I’m completely aware that I’m betraying my southern and California roots). But that kind of cold, I’d even take the 50s. And it’s raining. All day rain, not short showers or a brief afternoon shower. The kind of rain that is steady all day, and just strong enough to make everyone want to cancel any and all plans.

So. It’s cold and rainy. And we’re staying in. There’s stew, like butternut squash, on the stove. And wine. (Even more than one bottle if it’s warranted) And we have no where to go. What do we do?

We stay cozy in our sweaters (in this case a dress), and be chicly comfy. How’s that for a sweater weather fantasy?

Investment Piece: sweater Weather

Some fashion notes:

This sweater dress is from the 90s. I rescued it from a bag for Good Will that my mom had set out. (I also rescued some custom suits my grandma had and I’m so grateful I did!) I usually like things fitted (not always tight, but well fitting); however, I love that this dress is oversized. It feels comfy. And cozy. Great with heels for a bit of fall cocktails. Great with boots (any boots), for a bit of fall weather. Details, like a great vintage pin, can elevate the look, or pull it all together.

Hint: this pin is made to drape over your shoulder and you may need help fastening one like it!

Also, someone asked me if this was my take on VSCO girl style?? I’m not sure what that means. But yes, I can say the speed with which the 90s fashion is back on trend is shocking. And that not all of that is bad, like anything, I think you can make anything your own. So??

I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure. In the meantime, if fall weather is a “if you build it, it will come” thing, I’m trying to do my part. What about 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: Sweater Weather