shopping – Page 57 – Investment Piece

Vintage and Pops

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Ever had something keep popping up till you had to pay attention? For me, lately, that was a Diane Freis dress. A staple in the 1980s, I can clearly remember my mom wearing one, these dresses mix patterns and have simple shapes. (Yes, there are sizes but it’s all basically one size. Most waists are smocked and stretchable, they are all made to fit a wide range of sizes).

While I had stumbled across a few of these dresses before (and loved them), it was within the past month that almost EVERY vintage shop I love had a Diane Freis in stock. See FeatherStoneVintage and Miriti Vintage, and everyone in between. (And of course, etsy is a great place for all vintage).

I rember thinking how chic my mom looked in her Diane Freis dress. And when these dresses started popping up, I couldn’t help but think how chic they are now. Patterned mixed perfectly. Smocked. Silhouettes that seem both classic and vintage. And a way to get an “all in one” dressing done.

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Usually one of my favorite things to do with vintage is to pair it with modern pieces. There’s nothing like a great juxtaposition. Take it from me. However, this time my pops weren’t quite so jarring. The shoes and bag I choose to orginally wear with my Diane Freis were not quite modern (though since I’ve worn this dress with both flip flops and sneakers), but they weren’t quite vintage. I’m a fan of resale sites. And shopping. These shoes are Miu Miu and from a few seasons ago, when I couldn’t quite afford them. Shopping resale I was able to get the shoes I loved at a price that I could stomach. Same for this clutch. I have this theory that we never have to pay full price.

And that, even if the juxtapositions aren’t jarring, they’re important.

So, if something keeps popping up should you buy it? Why not?

I’ve linked similar items to all of these pictures below. I’d love to hear about all your Diane Freis stories. And resale stories. And mixing stories. What are you buying right now?
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: Vintage and Pops

September Armarium Picks

Loves, this is a part of my partnership with Armarium. All opinions and picks are my own! You can use code RADELICIA for 20% off your first rental xo RA

It’s September and I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of kicking off this month. From the start of school seasons, ballet seasons, class seasons, and football seasons; it seems that with summer ending, a lot is beginning. What does that mean for me? Opening parties, tailgates, fundraisers and galas. Which means I have a lot to wear.

I’ve picked things for all these kick off parties. Some can be dressed up or dressed down. Some are gowns. All are amazing (I think). These are what I’m renting this month:

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Not your average gown, I love this Hip Pad Dress and can’t wait to wear it to a gala!

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Together or Seperate, perfect for start of season meetings. Get this Suit and show them who’s boss.

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
I just love this silhouette. It’s classy and a little risqué all at the same time!

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Yes, this is technically a gown. But it would also look great with sandals or flats. Cocktail party? Rent it here

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
I can’t get over how beautiful this dress is. And how great w all would look in it.

What do you have going on this month? Might I suggest anything at Armarium? Remember to use code RADELICIA for 20% off your first rental!
Xo RA

Labor Day Sales

The way I see it, we can either be sad about today marking the unofficial end of summer (though it will still be hot!) or we can be excited about all the sales we get to shop today!

I’m going with the latter. I hope this long weekend has been full of end-of-summer fun, love, and that these sales excite you as much as they do me!

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!

ShopBop
A little of this, a little of that

Jcrew
Your entire order is 40% off with code Sunset!

InterMix
Up to 30% off of sale styles!

Free People
From staples to stand outs!

I’d love to know: what did you do this weekend? What are you shopping?

Happy Labor Day!

Summer’s Greatest Hits

It’s Labor Day weekend and it feels like something is ending. I talk a lot about the seasonal transition from summer to fall, and while it’s partially due to how big a change that is, it’s also because these are two of my favorite seasons and there it is both bittersweet to have one end,and exciting for a new one to start. But it does feel like summer is over, right? Even those of us who aren’t tied to the school year system. Fall isn’t offical till September 23, but starting Monday there will be urges for us to put away our whites and get sweater ready.

What are we to do?

First, I’m not giving into sweaters (love them, though I do) while it’s still 100 degrees out. And I’m not letting go just yet. Knowing me, I’ll find a way to let summer influence my transitional dressing (see here and here). I’m also looking back and enjoying my Summer’s greatest hits one more time!

I hope that you have a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend. There will be thoughts up on wearing white on Sunday, and my sales picks on Monday!
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 really have lived in this Outdoor Voices Dress. And worn my hair like this at least twice a week.
Shop it here

Investment Piece: Summer's Greatest Hits
Nothing says summer like a mini dress. And I love this one.
Shop it here

Investment Piece: Wild Wild Wrap Dress
Dresses for days! Shop this one here

Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up Straight
I’ll be wearing white all weekend, what about you?
Get this look here

I also spent my summer in Elaine Kim:
Investment Piece: Summer's Greatest Hits
You can use code RACHELADELICA for 15% off your first order!

There have also been countless days in swimsuits, cutoffs, sundresses. I feel like every season has a theme for me. This was the summer of ease, I feel like no outfit was so out there, and I repeated a lot. What about you? What can we take with us into fall?
Xo RA

Transition Choices

Last week we chatted about the end of summer sales and all the things that I think you should buy at them. Missed it? Catch up here.

I still stand by those sales picks. There’s so much that is “end of summer” that you can wear into fall. So much of fall that you can start wearing now. And in between, transition pieces that are just magic.

Transitions are some of the most magical, wonderful, difficult things we do. Both fashion and life-wise. It’s the balance of being here now and taking the first steps to the future. Fashion wise? It means dressing for days that getting shorts and colder but are still hot. It’s really a mix of wearing summer and fall clothes together. Since last week we talked summer choices, this week I wanted to talk about fall pieces that you can wear in transition. All these are “on trend” for fall, but also perfect for this moment.

For each of these transition choices I’ll say you can wear it now over a bathing suit and later with a sweater. I’m not lying. But beyond that, the magic of transition comes in all the things you can do with that in the meantime. From layering to standouts, each one of these could be worn a million different ways. I can’t wait to see what we pull together!

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!

Statement Shirts
Investment Piece, fashion, style, Gucci, metallic, high fashion , CA, TX
From white button downs to sheer numbers to statement sleeves, there are interesting choices to be had now and later. Can you layer any of them, with sweaters and each other? Yes. Wear over bathing suits? Yes. Tie up, let down, and everything in between. What will you pair yours with?

Light Knits
From skirts to tops to cardigans, light knits are in for the beginning of fall. Good news? Still light enough to wear now, and we can layer them later. (Yes, you can do a sweater over a knit!) There are so many ways to make these interesting, what will you do?

Midi Skirt
Investment Piece:Decisions
Yes, you’ve seen them everywhere for forever. But they’re a trend with classic leanings for a reason. Mix patterns and textures. Tops. Shoes. They’re a great base for anything you could ever want to wear!

Pair them together, apart, now and later.
What Transtion choices are you making?
XO RA

Tell me About It, Stud

Investment Piece: Tell Me About It, Stud

Do you remember the end of “Grease”? When Sandy comes to the carnival in that black outfit that’s incredibly sexy yet incredibly chic?

When I was a kid, I loved that movie. And scene. Ever since that moment, I’ve been searching for an outfit that made me feel all those things: fun, sexy, chic, and a little rebellious.
Loves, I may have found it.

(Yes, you should see the movie if you haven’t. Here is the scene I love. And yes, we should all ask our parents if they got what it was about and still let us watch it!)

You’ve seen this leather top before (in a fantasy). This top is Elaine Kim. Yes, it’s perfect for looking hot and staying cool in the summer, and will be just as amazing in the fall with sweaters, etc. I do have a partnership with Elaine, but that in no way affects my opinion. Leather tops are fantastic and you need one.

Paired with shorts and heels? I just felt cool in this outfit. Maybe that’s all that it is, how our outfits make us feel. If so, I can’t recommend this one enough. I’m ready to go and slay at a carnival, or any other summer shindig, but I also ran errands in this number. And felt super confident in it.

Outfits that make you want to tell people about it? That’s a number to stay cool in!

(You can’t see but I’m winking at 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!

Want your own?

Shorts:

Shoes and other tube tops:

Investment Piece: Tell me about it Stud

Sunday Chronicles: Summer Shoe

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Summer Shoe

You’re right. This is not a typical Sunday Chronicle. It’s hot outside, and all those deep thoughts we have? They’re harder to hold onto in the heat. Or, at least they are for me! So what are we to do?

Enjoy what we have going on. For me? That’s a great pair of shoes, a patio, and good company.

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles Summer Shoe

I have to admit: I’m not the BIGGEST fan of flip flops. Do I want shoes that I can just throw on? Of course. Do I want the sandals to look chic and do with everything? Yes, please!

That’s why I fell for these sandals. Not quite flip flops, but flat. A bit more chic, a bit more elevated, and a bit more versatile. Do they go with all my shorts and swimsuits? Yes. But, they also go with my “cocktail” summer dresses and more.

Loves, they even go in the water!
Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicle Summer Shoe

Yes, they’re plastic and have made going from water to land a breeze. (You know, as one does when it’s 107 outside).

Is this about how you might need a summer shoe like this? Sure.
But more than that, my wish for us in the last few moments of summer, when it’s too hot out, is that everything is this easy. That everything goes and we can just go about our day. That things look good no matter what happens. That we don’t have to think too hard and that we can just be.

If a summer shoe can give that to you, I’m all for it. No matter what the shoe is!

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles, Summer Shoe

Wishing us all a week of ease and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

If are interested in a summer shoe a la this one, I’ve found options here.
Note: that is an affiliate link, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Dots. Spots. Minis.

Investment Piece: Dots. Spots. Minis

I’ve spent the summer longing for a mini dress. At the same time, being terrified that all the mini dresses that I loved would be too short. (Yes, there are downsides to being tall) So, even though I thought this summer should be the summer of a mini dress, I resisted.
Then.
I remembered.
In my closet there was a perfect mini dress. Spotted. (I do love a good polka dot). And mini without being too short. Is the moral of the story that we already have what we need? Yes. (And no, there is always more fashion to be had; no such thing as too many clothes!) Or is the moral of the story that we shouldn’t be so scared of what we want? Yes.
My mini dress? It’s everything I thought this summer should be: fun, flirty, and fantastic. The dots and long sleeves keep it just classy enough, and the other thing these dots needed?
Spots!
Investment Piece: Dots. Spots. Minis

I do love mixing patterns. And love animal prints (yes, people will say they’re “on trend” for fall. Animal prints are always on trend. And they’re neutrals!). What’s more natural than mixing dots and spots? They mimic each other, go together, and look simply perfect. There are times when I love a heel (with everything, even shorts), but with a mini I loved how these flats let me be carefree in my mini dress. (And yes, these flats look great with shorts and jeans and all the things too!)

All classics. All fun. All the things. Dots. Spots. Minis.

How are you spending the last few days of summer?

Both this mini-dress and these flats are older, but I’ve found you similar for your shopping pleasure. And yes, I’ve been given the confidence to get another mini dress, 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!

What to Buy at Summer Sales

Yes, it’s a liminal space we’re in: summer is wrapping up (though it’s going to be hot till October) and fall is on it’s way in. We’re being offered fall trends and summer is on sale. It can be overwhelming. But, I think it’s a great time to stock up on items you can wear now, later, and next summer. Quality and Quantity. Everyone wins.

And of course, fashion (like art and your life) should be curated, effective, and fun. So if there’s something you’ve been wanting that brings you joy it’s the time to buy! (Even if it’s not an investment piece!)

Below are some of the pieces I’m buying during the summer sales. I would love to know: what are you shopping for? What’s on your mind for fall? For now?

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!

White Jeans

Sundresses

SwimSuits

Shoes and Bags

Happy Shopping!

All in One

Investment Piece: All in One

The thing about Investment Pieces? They have staying power. I got these shorts/skirt/culottes/skort at least six years ago. From the pool to the opera, I’ve worn them everywhere, and in every way. Over a bathing suit, with sequins, and with this Amberleaf Jacket.

Years later they’re still stylish, I still love them, and they’re still getting compliments.

(If you’ve contacted me about wanting some of your own, I haven’t forgotten! I’m working on it. More on that at the end of the post!)

Investment Piece: All in One

So, the bottoms? All in one. But this jacket? (Yes, worn as a top!) It is too! From pieces like this to jeans, skirts, over dresses, what couldn’t you wear it with?

Another “all in one” factor? Both of these pieces are perfect for the transition we’re in right now. That late summer to early fall? Yes, these go! Wear them casually to a BBQ now. Both would be the perfect bikini cover up. Wear the jacket with shorts. Then. Before we know it, it’s early fall. Still warm enough to wear these shorts. But the jacket? So much opens up. With pants, even sweatpants. As a suit piece. As a true jacket.

Your possibilties are endless. All in one.

Investment Piece: All in One

Even though this post was a part of my recent shoot with Amberleaf the opinions are my own. That being said, my opinion is that you get this jacket. As for these amazing shorts? I’m looking for an exact match (if that’s something you’re interesting in, email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and I will keep you updated!), in the meantime, I’ve found you similar!

What pieces do you have that are all in one? What stories do they tell?
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!