shopping – Page 76 – Investment Piece

What is an Investment Piece?

A question that I get asked often: Why name your blog “Investment Piece”? What does that mean? I think about that a lot. What is an investment piece, what is worth investing in? It also occurs to me that we are still in the “getting to know you” phase of the blog. We’re still figuring each other out. So, let’s chat. Let’s figure out what we think an Investment Piece is, and let’s share some of our fashion philophies theories. I’ll do my part, you in? You can look forward to me sharing more of my “fashion thoughts” and practices. For starters? This piece I did on investment pieces. I still agree with this list, what about you?
XO RA

You may have caught onto the fact that I spend money on my closet–that I consider some pieces an investment. Or as the saying goes, “I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet”. This is not a call to blow your budget on shopping–another post but yes, I do believe in saving and budgets and all of those adult things. However, I do believe that there are clothing items that are worth spending money on; that you may need to have certain items in your closet–and that spending money on certain fashion items is worthwhile.

So what is an investment piece? In real estate and various markets an investment piece is something that will make you money–it will grow in value, you can sell it for more than you paid–or at least make back what you spent. I cannot promise you that any fashion piece you buy will make you money, but there are pieces that can get you your money’s worth.

1. Shoes/Bags/Belts

These are items that take a lot of wear and tear–you walk on them, bang them around, stretch them. The more well made an item is, the more it can take this wear and tear in stride–let’s be honest, nothing ruins your day like a shoe/purse/belt falling apart. These items are often what pulls an outfit together–and can make you look more expensive. A $5 t-shirt looks great with $800 shoes –believe me, I know.

2. Coats

I spend my time mainly in TX and CA–not places where I need a heavy coat; however, I still think they’re a worthwhile investment. Choose the right one and it will never go out of style–and between travel and the changing climates you’re going to need one!

3. Your “Suit”

Not all of us work a 9-5 job, but all of us have an outfit type that we reach for over and over again for work–even if it is sweatpants. Just like you want the best suit possible for your 9-5 job, you want the best “suit” for your life. If that means a real suit, jeans and blouse, or yoga pants investing in high quality will help you make the best impression possible and can often make you feel better.

4. A Classic Black Outfit

For spontaneous somber and joyous occasions you need something in your closet you don’t have to think about, in extreme states of emotions great shopping rarely happens. The good news is that there is a black outfit for everyone; even better news champagne in the fridge counts as a joyous occasion in my book!

5. Something Fun

Bag, jewelry, shoes–whatever makes you happy I believe we all deserve one statement piece that is just for us. Yes, I think you should stay within budget–but I can tell you how great it feels to save up and get that one big thing you want. And if you need a place to wear it–remember you have that champagne in the fridge!

Honorable Mentions: A White Tshirt (goes with everything), Jean Jacket (basic) and Lingerie (because a great bra can change your life).

I’d love to know–what do you consider an Investment Piece?

XO RA

Shop some of my picks for investment pieces below:

#bombshell

Investment Piece: #bombshell

If there is a day to feel like a bombshell this is it. And if you want to dress like a bombshell, this is totally the day. You are a bombshell, and I hope you feel like one. I hope that you believe that you are, and I hope that you are a bombshell for you.

This skirt (which I simply couldn’t resist), made me feel like a bombshell. Is it because a bombshell is on it? We’ll never know. I can’t stop wearing it with this leotard that I’ve had since I was 15. The stirrup tights? I LOVE them. They take me back to my dance days, and I like to think that they just add something to every outfit that I pair them with. (Yes, you will see them again). I did the whole look around this feeling of bombshell- big, curly hair. Winged eyeliner (I need tape to do it, if you can wing it {yes, that was a mom joke} you are a better bombshell than I). These kitten heels are tiny but mighty (even I am surprised at how bombshell they make me feel).

It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is not my favorite day. BUT. I hope that today you’re wearing something that makes you feel like the bombshell you are. I hope that you’re feeling how amazing you are. I hope that you do something that makes you feel loved (by you). And if someone else is involved in that, I hope that it’s just icing on the cake.

Go out there and rule the day you bombshell!

I’ve linked this skirt (ON SALE) as well as other similar items below. I love you and I’m so glad you stopped by my little corner of the Internet today!

XO RA

This post does contain affiliate links. I may earn comission off of these links, but this does not affect the price for you. Thank you for your support, bombshells!

Investment Piece : #bombshell

#comfortfood

Investment Piece: #comfortfood, another cape

Or another cape.

Have you ever had a great idea? Were so excited to tell everyone, and then realized that you had had the idea before. And then you get all worried that people don’t want to hear the idea, you know, because it’s been done before?

That’s where we are. Heres the thing. I can’t quit capes. They’re chic, comfy, and classic. They add a little something to an outfit. How do I know? Let’s see : here, here, here, here, here, here, and maybe a half point for here. I have a thing for capes. I wish that I could say it won’t happen again, but it probably will.

Then I could go on about wearing all black, as it’s one of the best things you can do, but you might be busy looking at all those capes. And here I gave you another cape. What can I say? I like comfort food?

Investment Piece: #comfortfood, another cape

If we can’t chat capes and we won’t talk wearing all black, what are we going to chat about?

What about fashion formulas? Or, as I like to call them, comfort foods? Real talk? We all have a fashion combo that we go back to, when we’re running late, when we don’t know what else to wear, when we need a boost. There’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, I present a theory: fashion comfort food is sometimes the best.

The outfits that we wear over and over again (for me perhaps it’s capes), they’re great. Really, they are. Even if it’s just jeans and a t-shirt (one of the best comfort foods I know of). And if it’s a combo that you keep going back to, what does that mean? Is it simply the comfort? Is it that that comfort food gets you compliments?

And most importantly: does it matter? There are outfit combos, fashion comfort foods, that just work. That make you feel good. I get that as a fashion blogger it’s my job to maybe push your fashion boundaries, to introduce you to new and exciting outfits. Today, I’m advocating for the comfort food. I’m saying that sometimes an outfit you know and love is perfect. That the cape, or whatever your comfort food is, works. Embrace that. It’s Monday. Let’s let one thing be easy.

I’ve linked similar items to this amazing vintage, velvet cape and these go-to black pants. Pro tip? You need a great black turtleneck and some amazing heels. For comfort food.

XO RA

Another great place to get a great cape (or any sort of comfort food):

Investment Piece: #comfortfood, another cape

#Bootleg

Investment Piece: #BootLeg

There’s so much to say, and I have all the answers you may have. (About this bootleg outfit, life? You’re on your own, though I do have a theory that a great cocktail and new shoes are usually the answer.)

Let’s chat #bootleg? What is it? Commonly, faux designer goods, or the stuff that “fell off the truck”. So, why is there this huge, popular movement for bootleg Gucci?

Is it ok if the answer is just that it’s cool?

Bootleg Gucci was a huge thing in the 1980s. On Etsy and in some vintage stores, you’ll find racks of “maybe not 1000000% percent authentic” Gucci that’s still amazing. (And, quite frankly looks 1000000% authentic.) With the reemergence of Gucci being a powerhouse and one of the most lust worthy brands out there, these bootleg items (mainly vintage) are having a reemergence too.

Most of the bootlegs? T-shirts, sweatshirts, some jeans and jackets. Again, mainly vintage. Do I have mixed feelings about the bootleg? Yes. I’m not a super big fan of knock-offs (that’s a post for another day). BUT I’m a fan of Gucci, this sweatshirt is amazing, and it’s cool. Does it count that it’s vintage? I’m not 100% sure. It’s cool. Maybe that’s the bootleg answer.

Investment Piece: #bootleg

Let’s also chat about vinyl pants. I’m usually not the one to tell you that you need to follow every trend.

Apparently this is the post where I tell you the opposite of everything I usually say.

Because, loves, here’s the deal: I loved the images of everyone in their vinyl leather and knew that I wanted to try it. (It’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s cool.)

Note: I wouldn’t get bootleg vinyl, this is one of those times that the better quality will look better. Does that mean you have to pay premium? No. I got these on super sale and there are so many affordable options out there.

I thought that this vinyl would be one of those things that I wore a couple of times and then I got rid of. They are so versitaile, they’ve become one of my fave pieces. From this athleisure look, to “fancy” outfits, vinyl is apparently the answer.

Investment Piece: #bootleg

About that bootleg: sometimes it’s the only thing that will do. About that trend: sometimes it’s a classic.

About the answers: maybe they aren’t set in stone.

What do you think?
I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces below. I did get this bootleg from Garment Modern and I know that they have more. (You can always check out their Instagram @garment_modern)

XO RA

I also found a great (SUPER AFFORDBALE) bootleg for you on Etsy.

And about my sweatshirt being bootleg? I wore it into the Gucci store on Rodeo and they loved it. Maybe cool does trump all.

Another place for affordable fashion:

Investment Piece: #bootleg

Freedom

Investment Piece: Freedom

Freedom.

It’s a big concept. It means different things to different people. Maybe you think of freedom as the open road. Or as your right to vote. Or the way that people are able to be themselves and live the way that they choose. Freedom is important. We should celebrate it (and yes, I know we do every July 4). Those things that make you feel free? Those things that make you feel more like yourself? Those things that feel good? More of that.

Investment Piece: Freedom

This wig? A party favor from a dear friend’s birthday party. Was it expected? No. Do I love it? Yes. The color, the cut, that it’s not me–but shows my sassy side. Am I brave enough to wear it out? We’ll see.

The great thing about this outfit? It’s all athletic leisure. These are yoga pants from Carbon38. I’m just in love: they make my backside look amazing, are comfy enough to sleep with, and yet, polished enough to be dress pants. This is a Soul Cycle tank, it’s great with your workout pants or with a pencil skirt. I love the play on athleisure. I love that this is a workout outfits, but looks very polished. I love that it combines things that I love, and that it feels like Freedom.

I hope that this weekend finds you feeling free and looking amazing!
XO RA

Shop my picks:

And get yourself a treat:

Investment Piece: Freedom

Basic UnBasic

Investment Piece: Basic UnBasic

I have a love-hate relationship with trends. I have a love-hate relationship with basics. I have a love-hate relationship with being extra. Maybe I’m obessed with juxatipositons because I have so many of my own?

That feels like a subject for my therapist. I don’t provide therapy here, unless you count fashion (hint: I do), and one of the solutions that I can tell you works is Basic Unbasic (s). Sound weird?

I promise you, it’s not. It’s simple the practice of taking something “basic” (for argument, jeans and a jacket), and making it “UnBasic” (really just your own). And loves, it’s better than therapy.

Investment Piece: Basic UnBasic

I have a love-love relationship with details, so the ankle slits on these jeans make my heart swell with happiness. They’re perfect for showing off shoes, your ankles, or just being UnBasic.

This jacket? A take on the teddy bear style that’s so popular (but with an UnBasic stripe). It’s comfy, cozy, and has pockets. Great over everything, but I couldn’t resist pairing this jacket with a corset belt (seen here), and pulling the shoulders down to show just a little skin. (It’s aok to be UnBasic.) And these slides are one of my fave basics’ I just love how they’re comfy, classic and show the ankles.

Alone, these are great basic pieces. They’re enough, fashionable, and will get you compliments. However, I’m one of those people that can’t just stay basic (at times). I love taking these basics and making them UnBasic. Give them a little lift if you will. This makes them perfect for any day to night events you have, or even if you just want to be a little extra.

My need to be a little UnBasic all the time? My therapist and I will discuss it and I promise to one day just wear a basic outfit.

Investment Piece: Basic UnBasic

My fingers may have been crossed. What can I say? I’m basic UnBasic.

I’ve linked similar outfit pieces, and some of my favorite basics that can be made UnBasic below.
Let’s be extra together!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain some Affilate links, while that does not affect price for you, I may earn some commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Basic UnBasic

Sequins Can Cheer You Up!

Investment Piece: Sequins Can Cheer You Up!

Seasonal depression is a real thing. This is the time of year when it feels like winter will never end. It’s cold, work seems endless, and you may feel like there’s nothing to look forward to.

Good news for you! I have a scientific answer for you!

Sequins can cheer you up!

It’s a fact! It’s proven! And it’s a way to break the seasonal depression!
Investment Piece: Sequins Can Cheer You Up!

I know I’ve read that what you wear can affect your mood. Do I remember where? Nope. But would I lie to you? Nope. And way beyond science, I have my personal belief- your fashion can e a magical thing. What we wear can affect our mood, walk, day, and seasonal depression. So can sequins cheer you up?

Obviously.

Here’s the great thing about sequins. You can use them in more than one way to cheer you up. Option A: Just wear them. Wear a sequin skirt or top or shoes just because. Wear a sequin dress, and see wear your day takes you. Option B: Plan something to look forward to and wear sequins to it. (There’s more science about how having something to look forward to increases your happiness. I think it’s the same with sequins. And shoes.)

I think that the moral of the story is that no matter how gray it is outside, no matter how cold it is: when you have sequins on (or have something to wear sequins to), your mood lifts. Maybe it’s the anticipation or the juxatipositon, but sequins can cheer you up.

Why should we stop them?

Investment Piece: sequins can cheer you up

This sequin dress that cheered me up? Vintage and from one of my loves Recess LA. I love the color, the detail, and those sequins! I liked pairing with flats: unexpected and these flats cheer me up. Randomly? I’m dying to wear this dress open over a white tank and jeans; and between us, we’ll probably see that look at some point (my Insta is @racheladelicia).

Did this dress change my life? Nope. But it makes me happy, and cheers me on days when I need it. So I have no doubt that sequins can cheer you up!

While this dress is vintage, and these shoes are from a season or so ago, I’ve linked similar items below. Yes, it may be freezing, but let’s cheer up!

What other scientific knowledge do you have to cheer us up?
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: Sequins Can Cheer You Up!

How to Stay Star Struck

I write about a lot of stars.
I wear a lot of stars.
When I was born, my birth announcement was a star.

Maybe there’s just something about stars that attract. The question? What do you do after that? How do you stay Star Struck? (Cause Stars can be hard to hold on to)

My take: combine stars with a classic piece (i.e. A blazer).
Wear stars like a neutral.
Let the stars be the focus.

Let the stars be simple and complex at the same time. And when people ask if you’re a star, just smile.

This method isn’t always fool proof, but I can promise that with practice, it will let you stay star struck. And that’s just you, think of the people around you!

Need more star inspiration? Try How to Star Gaze, Seeing Stars, #Star, #seeingstars, Shooting Stars, and one of my star favorites Star Power. (That’s not all, just put the word star into that lovely search bar on your left. It seems I have no problem staying star struck).

The moral? Maybe we should all stay a bit star struck, wear stars like a neutral, and shine a little bright. (Corny? Maybe, I can’t help it, the theme is stars!)

This blazer is from my love AAVintedge (and more specifically, my other “mom” there, Lori. I just love it. Lucky for you? I’ve linked my favorite star pieces (as well as jeans, and similar shoes and bags) for you below. Wanna be star struck together?

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links, and while that doesn’t affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: How to Stay Star Struck — How to Stay Star Struck

#LeatherTrench

Investment Piece: #leathertrench

What would you be if you weren’t doing what you are? Me? An art restorer. Or, more scandalous, an art thief. Why? A few years ago, I began reading about the value of art, the stealing of art, the up keep of art, how Hilter coveted art, and forgeries. I can’t get enough of the topic, both fiction, nonfiction, books, and movies. (Tell me “Thomas Crown Affair” is not a great movie. I can also recommended the author David Silva and his series of art restorer and spy.)

So, think what you will of the show, when The Catch was on ABC, I loved it. An investigator, an art heist, con men–I was in! (And another note- Mireille Enos is a treasure and art, herself). About this time, you may be asking, what on earth does this have to do with a leather trench?

Let’s chat about it.

Investment Piece: #leathertrench

On the show, The Catch the lead character wore a leather trench all the time. I became obsessed with finding one. I love that it’s slightly edgy, classic, and able to pass for a dress (while also looking great over jeans). Being me, I looked high and low for one. (Good places to start: your local vintage store and Etsy.) Me? I lucked into one at one of my favorite places Bloomers and Frocks (you can read about them here.)

I love the classic color, I love the belt, I love that this is complete on its own. Simply add heels (yes,this would also look great with flats) and you’re good to go. Do I look like someone who would catch a thief? Or steal a painting? That’s the look I was going for!

Investment Piece: #leathertrench
Investment Piece: Leather Trench

Leather trenches can be bought vintage or new. They’re a staple that manages not to feel stale. And there are so many ways you could wear them-alone or paired with other great pieces. I associate them with spies and art work (some of my favorite things). What do leather trenches make you think of?

I’ve linked similar pieces below!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links, and I may earn commission off of them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Leather Trench — #leathertrench

Rock Flats

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

Loves, let’s get something out of the way. I put together this look. I love this look. This look makes me think of a toy solider. Why? Too many kids books? The buttons on the vintage dress? That these boots are white?

I’m not exactly sure. And I’m not sure what dressing like a toy solider says about me. But we had to get that out of the way before we chatted anything else–this is great vintage dress, and these flat, knee high, Chanel boots are just stunning–but still, if I didn’t say toy solider, I’d be thinking it. And what if you were thinking it?

See, we had to get it out of the way. Maybe this is a toy solider look, buy my goodness, the pieces are simple and fantastic and made me believe in rocking flats. So, let’s chat about that, shall we?

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

Another confession? If you tell me you have these great boots, I’m just going to assume that they have heels. In fact, tell me about shoes and I will assume that they have heels. Prejudice? Maybe. I’m just a heels woman. And I have the high arches that make them comfortable. I just assume we all walk in heels.

Here’s where my prejudice fails me. Flats can be amazing, can be a statement, can be a wow factor. You can Rock flats and they can change your life.

Why it too so long for me to learn this? Who knows!! But I’m on board now, and there’s no going back.

So, rocking flats. How to rock flats? Should you Rock Flats?

Loves, yes.

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

I wasn’t attracted to these boots because they were flats; I was attracted to them because they are simply amazing. The color. The detail. The over the knee aspect. That they’re flats? Just a part of the fabulousness that they are. These Chanel boots (bought resale at Vestiaire Collective) are just everything that I didn’t know that I needed, so even with my flare for heels, I went for flats.

This vintage dress? Simple, elegant, doesn’t need much. It’s the perfect dress to wear with just about anything. So, amazing, white, supple, over the knee boots? The answer was in itself super easy. Wear them, love them.

Actually, loves, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: how to rock flats? The same way you do heels. Find a pair you love (for whatever reason). Wear them with an outfit you love (for whatever reason). That’s the secret, you just Rock flats.

Investment Piece: Rock Flats

I’d love to know: How do you Rock flats?

I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure below! Happy Friday!

XO RA

Note: this post contains some affiliate links. While they do not affect price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Rock Flats