October Faves and Instagram Life!

Loves, I’m gonna let you in on a littl blogger secret: there are looks that are our favorites. And sometimes the ones that just live on Instagram and don’t make it on the blog are the best. I love coming up with outfits (for both me and you) and shooting them for us! Instagram is one of my favorite ways to let you know what I’m doing, what I’m wearing , and what I’m loving! And while I’m busy working on more posts and outfits for us all, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to share with you some of my October favorites and the things I’ve loved this month!

Yes, some of these looks you’ve seen before (it’s October Faves, and who doesn’t love a second chance to shop!) and some you haven’t. Some pieces you will most likely see again, and some looks are simply on my Wishlist! All are things I love, shots I couldn’t resist sharing, and a little behind the scenes action for you!

Below see all my October faves, linked with updated shopping options. What were your favorites this month?

XO RA

*Note these are affiliate links and while I get a small commission from them, it does not affect the price for you!

October Blues
A recent look? Yep, but I loved it and every shot was just amazing!
#InvestmentPiece #octoberfaves
Investment Piece: #Octoberfaves
see the original post here and shop:

Monkey Business
I just love this print skirt, it’s just so cheeky!
Investment Piece: #Octoberfaves
Investment Piece: #Octoberfaves
See the originial post here and shop:

Cape
This cape just makes me happy. That makes it an October Fave!
Investment Piece; #Octoberfaves
InvestmentPiece: #octoberfaves
Orginal post here and shop:

Instagram Life

Stars and Stripes
This outfit that I wore on Tuesday was thrown together at the last minute, I was determined to mix patterns, and this is what I came up with. I got so many compliments (which made me so happy!) and these shoes from last season are still some of my faves!
InvestmentPiece:#instagramlife
Shop the look:

Rosie Assoulin
If you follow me on Instagram (please do! @racheladelicia), you may know that I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and playing dress up with Rosie Assoulin. She was a complete dream-so unbelievably lovely. And the clothes–I’m currently looking up “how to sell your kidney” to afford this dress!
InvestmentPiece: #instagramlife
InvestmentPiece: #instagramlife
Shop my look of the tux (and I love the pairing of a concert tee):

Shop my Rosie Assoulin picks (and keep your eyes out for SS18):

Loves,thank you for indulging me and letting me review some of my October faves and my recent Instagram life! I hope that this weekend is amazing and full of love and laughter, come back on Sunday for a spooky Ex-files!

XO RA

And this sale is my kind of October fave:

How to Mix Business and Pleasure

Investment Piece: How to mix business and pleasure
Investment Piece: How to Mix Business and Pleasure
Investment Piece: How to mix business and pleasure
Investment Piece: How to Mix Business and Pleasure
Investment Piece: How to mix Business and Pleasure
The lights dim. The projector comes on. You give a world class presentation. Your co workers laugh at the right time, they cry at the right time. Your posture improves just a little with the realization that you’re good at this, you got this. Then the lights come on. Your co-workers gasp and your cheeks turn red. Because you’re naked.

Oldest nightmare in the books, right? I’ve had it too.

Plot Twist: I wrote this post in bed in my pjs. Working for yourself, from home has its perks. So, I get that I might not be an “expert” in business attire.* And I get that maybe shorts aren’t the best look for your office. What I do get and love? A great juxatipositon. What else I weirdly love? Shorts and a blazer.
(See here)
The perfect mix of business and pleasure. Where this combo is a match: those weird “networking” parties at a dive bar, happy hour, when you need to look polished but it’s 95 in October (seriously, WTH), or any business meeting that is casual. Or in general when there is that subtle mix of business and pleasure.

I’ve spoken before about my journey to find the “perfect” short: not too short, not too tight, and not too “why is that old lady trying to look young”. It’s a tightrope that’s not easy to walk. This summer, I dreamed of the perfect, longer shorts that would look great with heels or sandals, casual or dressy, and would still be cool. I thought I might have to resort to chopping one of my beloved vintage pairs, but then I found these. And it felt like all my problems had been solved. (Ok, I still don’t have world peace or the Gucci shoes my soul needs, but we’re making progress). Also, I’m thinking of wearing these babies with boots, and maybe even tights when the weather cooperates. We’ll see where that takes us.
investment Piece: How to mix business and pleasure

This blazer is made more business appropriate with a shell underneath. If you dare, and the moment is right, I love a blazer with nothing underneath; pro tip: make sure the buttons on that blazer come high, or chose one like this with a built in scarf! What I love about this one is the built in scarf, when you’re mixing business and pleasure it allows you to go shell-less. And also looks great with skirts!
Investment Piece: How to mix Business and Pleasure

*SideNote: You talk and I listen. I get that a lot of what I post here, a lot of “fashion” isn’t business appropriate. But loves, a lot can be made to be business appropriate. And I can do my part to present tricks and more business looks. Does this mean no more pleasure? Nope. I’m still in love with sheer, and the like. I still think that there’s a time and a place for you to wear that as well. But, we will be starting a series on showcasing more business looks, and more tips for how to make our “pleasure looks” more business friendly. Have an idea? Want to us to address a specific look or trend? Email me! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com, I love hearing from you!

What do you think? Is this a great mix of business and pleasure? Where could you wear this combo?

I’ve picked my fave pieces (both exact and similar) and linked them below! Shop, let’s be twins! Then we can go to one of those weird mixers and be the best dressed there!

XO RA

Note: These are affiliate links, I do receive a commission but that does not affect in any way the price for you!

The above clutch is vintage Gucci. One of the best places for resale:

90% off luxury consignment

Jeans and a Shirt

Investment Piece: Jeans and a Shirt
Investment Piece: Jeans and a Shirt
Investment Piece: Jeans and a Shity
Investment Piece: Jeans and a shirt
Investment Piece: Jeans and a Shirt
Investment Piece: Jeans and a Shirt

It’s just casual.
You can throw on anything.
It doesn’t matter what you wear.

Loves, I can put together a couture look, be impeccably dressed for any date or work event. And yet: nothing scares me more than the words above. Seriously! What do they mean? Who am I supposed to be if I just “wear anything”? What do you want by casual? (Yes, maybe my therapist and I have more work to do). BUT,I don’t think I’m alone is saying : “There are times when telling me to just throw something on scares me”. You might think that because I work in fashion it might come easy to me. No such luck (don’t tell, but I want to always look great, even when I don’t, and that leads to some over thinking when the term casual is used). So, to to make sure that these words and situations don’t throw me into a tailspin, I’ve come up with a formula to ensure that I don’t over think, that I stay within casual bounds, and that I feel great in!

Jeans and a shirt.

Jeans and a shirt.

Don’t over think it. Don’t make it more than it is. Just jeans and a shirt. Grab your best fitting jeans. I’m just in love with these AYR jeans, you’ve seen them many times before. (Need refreshers? Try here, here, and here). And a great blouse or shirt. I’m partial to silk, love this vintage one I snagged at A Current Affair, but try a classic button down or pussy bow! Add amazing shoes, these spiked Louboutins make me happy. And you’re good to go. Work, drinks, dinner, a movie, fall, spring. Add a jacket for winter. This combo has you covered. Takes away the fear that someone telling you to just “throw something on” can bring. Bonus? You look amazing and can concentrate on whatever amazing thing you’re doing.

Jeans and a shirt.

Maybe that’s the secret. Who knew?

Well, now it’s us.

Wishing you a happy Friday!
XO

Shop my picks below, they do contain affiliate links, I get commission from them, though that does not affect cost for you!

For real question: Do we need new glasses?

Investment Piece: Jeans and a shirt

….This Way Comes

Remember Tuesday? We chatted about what we might be for Halloween. (Read all about it )

Fashion Halloween, mermaid, InvesmentPiece, blogger, CA, TX
The Good News? I sat down and thought about what I wanted to be for Halloween. The Bad News? I’m no closer to a decision than I was on Tuesday. Perhaps it’s that my Halloween plans are not quite firm, or that this month has been so busy that the thought of putting together an amazing costume feels overwhelming, or the fact that I want to be it all. Or is it all of the above?

So here’s the thing, I know that I have a ton that I can put together quickly at home-from witch to masquerade to t-shirts. But, what if I wanted to be something I can’t “throw together”? Today, I thought I’d share my fave costumes that you can just buy, because let’s be honest, sometimes that’s just easier!

The even better news? Ready to Buy Costumes have come a long way since the plastic dresses and masks we used to wear! (Though, I have to admit, I kind of loved those!)

But this year: Why don’t we be our own heroes?
Investment Piece: Halloween

Some of my fave super hero costumes:
(Note, these are affiliate links and I will get commission from them at no extra cost to you!)
Love this updated Wonder Woman look,
This Black Widow costume,
One of my childhood favorites, She RA
Super Girl
BatGirl, and
Mrs. Incredible.

Investment Piece: Halloween

And if we’re being something we’re not, why not be bad?

Love this updated Catwoman look,
Meleficent, I was her in college (yep, I’ve always been cool),
a Vampire,
Love this Zombie costume,
this Wicked Witch look is spot on, and
This corpse costume is just amazing!

The possibilities are really endless! (And really, just a wig and makeup can make something a costume!)

Here are some of the other costumes I love:

And now that we know what’s out there to buy, let’s think. Meet back here and say what we’re being? Great plan!

XO RA

TheRealReal.com

Some Thing Wicked…..

Trouble.
Be it.
Love it.
Wear it.

Tis the season… For witches, toil and trouble! And the BIG Question: What are you going to be for Halloween?
Investment Piece, Fashion, Halloween, bad witch
Real talk? Last Year I was so prepped for Halloween! I had customers a plenty, was so excited about dressing up, and everything I saw had the potential for a great Halloween look. This year? I’m behind, and haven’t thought further ahead than this still-favorite Wildfox shirt. (Actually, I’ve thought about being Wonder Woman, but my custome is still in storage!) But with the holiday rapidly approaching, it’s time to get our thinking on!
Fashion Halloween, mermaid, investment piece, blogger, CA, TXI
What are you going to be for Halloween? I still love this about look from last year (are mermaids still in?).
Fashion Halloween, lady Macbeth, investment piece, fashion blogger,
And I still love the idea of being Lady Macbeth for Halloween (pictured above, and I still have the dress!)

Other things I’m thinking of: a couture dress with a mask. A cowgirl. A witch. A great shirt like above.

Some of my current fave Halloween shirts :
Please note, I do get commission from these links (though that does not affect the price for you!)

I’m also reading the following articles for inspiration:
Costumes in Your Own Closet
Ideas I love: Reese Witherspoon in Big Little Lies, easy and all you need is this:

Or using your fave leather jacket to make your look an instant “Grease” costume!

Love these Feminist Costume Ideas! And super love that this list includes Miss Piggy! All you need is a dress, some gloves and pig ears!

Also love these Group Costume Ideas, especially the metallic dresses to be super models!
My Picks (some are under $40!)

Investment Piece: Halloween

I’ve got my thinking cap on, I’m reading and going through old pictures, and I’m hoping I have a great costume picked out soon! What about you? What are you gonna be?

XO RA

Another thought: Rent a BallGown and do skeleton makeup! (Downside: I have no clue how to do skeleton makeup!)

Rent The Runway

Monkey Business

Investment Piece: Monkey Business
Investment Piece: Monkey Business
Investment Piece: Monkey Business
Investment Piece: Monkey Business

Can we have a chat? It’s Monday. Last week was a lot. The season is changing, which is both amazing and havoc on our bodies and schedule. I’ve had two crazy weeks of travel (for which I am so grateful), and I’m tired. Like exhausted, tired. All in all? IT’s monkey business. Now we could fight the monkey business. We could complain about it. Or we could wear it. And loves, wearing the monkey business might be the way to win!

This skirt was an immediate yes when I found it at HM. Yes, HM is a place you need to be shopping for fall. Yes, this combo of midi skirt and sweater may be my go-to fall uniform. I won’t apologize for it, especially when the skirts are this amazing. Besides being classic and a neutral, I’m in love with the monkeys on this skirt (LOVES THEY’RE WEARING CROWNS!). It’s cheeky and fun, and yet you can get away with it in any situation. I love it with a sweater and heels, but this skirt would look great with boots or sneakers as well. And while I wouldn’t pair it with graphic tee any sweater, blouse, t-shirt would go great as well. The best part? All day you can deal with the monkey business in your life by showing off monkeys. That will show them.

I’m not sure what kind of monkey business you’re dealing with: I know there’s a lot out there right now. I hope it’s the kind you can laught at, and that it passes. I’m looking to find balance in my monkey business this week: working hard, resting hard, and playing hard. I’m hoping this week brings us the best of fall, and maybe some new shoes. I hope we can laugh together-if not at our monkey business then at the monkeys on our skirts. Learn what to do and how to value a business.

And yes, I really recommend writing when you’re running on no sleep. It not only really makes you think, you get to exercise a little bit of vulnerability. And you get to pray your writing makes sense!

I’ve linked shopping options below (including this exact skirt, which is under $50), I’m off to nap and do better tomorrow!
XO RA

I also love some of the prints and this deal here:

Investment Piece: Monkey Business

In Pieces

Investment Piece: In Piece
Investment Piece: In Pieces
Investment Piece: In Pieces
Investment Piece: In Pieces
Investment Piece: In Pieces
Investment Piece: In Pieces

Some things happen all at once. Some things happen in pieces. Is one better than the other? I don’t know, I suppose that it depends on the event.

The same can be true for outfits. Some come to me all at once. Some in pieces. Some look great all together, some look great in pieces. This outfit? It came to me in pieces. These knit pants (and all the knit pants) are all that I want to wear right now. (Thank you Gucci!) They’re comfy, like a structured sweatpant and in theory go with everything. The issue? I couldn’t figure out what to wear with them. I wanted to look put together, and knew that rocking a heel would be amazing, but I wasn’t sure.
—-This is where I share a secret of life my loves. A denim shirt,any style, can solve just about anything. Ok, maybe not world peace or your budget. BUT, if you are ever unsure what to wear with something, try a denim shirt. We make it sound like a thing, but I promise it’s the best neutral you have.

So, I tried a denim shirt. I love this old one as its details are just too good (and make it feel dressy. The cross v neck, so great to show off this metallic bra, the tail, the color. When I tried on these pieces together, the outfit clicked. The pieces came together as a whole. (And this is the part where I hold my breath and hope you like it).

Other things I’m thinking of wearing with my knit pants (and gird your loins, these aren’t the only pair you’ll see this season!): blouses, sweaters, jean jackets, leather jackets, t shirts, knit sweaters. What do you think I should pair with it??

Also, loves, if we’re talking about things in pieces, I would be remiss not to mention these Gucci loafers. I know the turquoise is stunning, but they really are a neutral. As in, they go with everything. And manage to make everything better! How’s that for in pieces?

I’ve linked shopping below, I hope this week was kinder than the last, and I hope that your pieces fit amazing!
Happy Friday!
XO RA

#TBT : Pink for Breast Cancer

Last year, I scheduled a pink post every week during the month of October to raise awareness for breast cancer. Our editorial calendar this year didn’t match up, but breast cancer awareness, support, cure, and fighting is something that we still care deeply about. So, instead of a post a week this year we have a different plan! This #tbt post: a look back at last year’s looks with updated shopping options! Special OOTD looks on our Instagram and stories! And any shopping/events/ways to support the early detection of breast cancer and the women we love that are fighting the disease we will pass along!

Let’s Pink Out with these #tbt Pink for Breast Cancer looks!

Jcrew, Gucci, high fashion, blogger, InvestmentPiece, Ft Worth, TX, CA, look book
InvesmentPiece, fashion, floral, pink, vintage, blogger, CA, TX
Ballet, pink, high fashion, blogger, LA, CA, Investment Piece,
Investment Piece, high fashion, Herrera,CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion, blogger, pink, floral, Gucci, CA, TX, breast cancer awareness
Ballet, pink, high fashion, blogger, CA, TX, Investment Piece
Jcrew, Gucci, blogger, InvestmentPiece, Ft Worth, TX, CA, high fashion, look book

I’ve updated the shopping options for these looks here:

And I’ve linked some products for Breast Cancer Awareness, or that give back to Breast Cancer Charities here:

I hope that you join me in fighting Breast Cancer and supporting those who have (or have had) the disease!

Xo RA

Fall Trends

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, cold weather, vintage, YSL, Valentino, CA, TX, high fashion

The wind blows, the pumpkins are out, witches brew. And I’m over here thinking about our fall trends.

(No, they don’t have anything to do with witches)

I have a love/hate relationship with trends. (You can read about that here) I love that each season brings with it a new selection of goodies and a chance to show another side of ourselves. I hate the pressure to have the “it-item”, and the pressure to wear things I don’t like. My solution? I think we wear what we like! If you like the trend: do it! If you don’t: don’t! There’s nothing wrong with being on the cutting edge of the season. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to classics and things that look amazing on you. Jeans, great boots, and an amazing sweater will never go out of style. It can be fun to add leopard to that, but there’s no pressure here. Even I have trends I’m excited about, and those I will probably sit out. The mix is the exciting part!

And without further ado: let’s chat Fall Trends! I’m showcasing some of the major ones that you’ll see throughout the season, with links to shop. These are by no means the only ones, or the only thing you’ll see in stores.

Fringe
InvestmentPiece, Fashionblogger, vintage, Pucci, fringe, fun, flirty, CA, TX, high fashion
Fringe is a fall trend you will see many places this fall: skirts, pants, tops, blazers, dresses and shoes. And on bags! What I love about fringe is that it’s a “add as much as you like” trend. It adds movement and a tad bit of fun to just about anything, but can also be super classic!
My picks:

PJ Dressing
Investment Piece, high fashion, vintage, holiday Velvet, CA, TX
It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of PJ dressing for years. And it’s been around for years! You’ll see it this year in PJ “suit” sets in dark florals, more slip dresses, kimonos, and silks and satins. These are your college day pjs, think luxe and elegant.
My picks:

Sequins and Glitter
Investment Piece: Fall Trends: Sequins and Glitter
Glitter and sequins aren’t just for gowns anymore: skirts, dresses, suit sets, and especially boots! I love this fun take on basics, and think these items will do with anything!
My picks:

Gold
Investment Piece, golden monochrome, fashion blogger, Stephen Spillman, Sugar High Love Stoned, high fashion, golden, CA, TX
When fall trends are things I love, I can’t help but be happy. Loves, gold makes me happy! You’ll see this fall trend as shoes, bags, clothing, and of course, jewelry! I love the shine of it, and how you can make it as casual as you like! You’re gold baby, solid gold.
My Picks:

Plaids and Checks
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, winter chic, flannel, vintage 70s babe, CA, TX
This is come back dressed a fall trend. Do plaids and checks ever go out of style? No, but this season they’re everywhere. The secret to plaids and checks? Treat them as a neutral: mix them with graphic tees, tops, sweaters, or as a statement!
My Picks:

Other trends I love for fall? Fun Fur (think colors), Dark Florals, Leopard EVERYTHING (as seen in stores now), Pant Suits (for all occasions), Burgundy, Victorian Collars, Shearling Coats, Puffer Coats (even in gold), cozy sweaters (classics), and hints of sheer!

You’all be seeing this trends here and other places in the months to come. We’ll chat about how to style them to stand out, how to make them work appropriate, and what pieces to invest in, and what ones you can save on! Fall’s finally here–let’s trend!

I’d love to know: what fall trends are you excited about?

XO RA

And if you want to rent your trends:

Luckiest of Them All

Investment Piece: Luckiest of Them All
Investment Piece: Luckiest of Them All
Investment Piece: Luckiest of them All
Investment Piece: Luckiest of them all
Investment Piece: Luckiest of Them All
Investment Piece: Luckiest of Them All

Midas had the golden touch.
Dorothy had the Ruby Red Slippers.
I have Elephants.
Luckiest of them all? You bet.

Elephants are not only lovable, grey, and equipped with great memories, allegedly; they’re good luck! (If saving elephants and fighting ivory poaching is something you care about, check out Save the Elephants) So when you walk on good luck, what does that make you? The Luckiest of them all.

I can’t promise that these mules will change anything over night. However, I love the elephant carving, I love the classic shape, and I love the little jolt of luck I feel. They go great with this classic sweater and jean combo, but go great with shirts, skirts, little black dresses, anything that you can think of. Or at any time that you might need a little bit of luck.

These jeans are from AYR, and you’ve seen them a lot lately. They fit just perfect, have just the right amount of stretch, and just the right amount of distress. (See them here, here, and you’ll see them more in the future. Sorry, not sorry) I also have a thing for grey-sweaters, t-shirts, dresses, pants, shoes, anything. So this cashmere number, with the V neck and seams showing, is one of my go-to’s!

Let’s chat about this necklace (you’ve also seen it here. Sydney made it, it’s black diamond and onyx, and I love it. Wearing it across my body (with the choker wrap) somehow feels edgy, yet the classic lariat lends itself to every sort of styling. You can find Syd on Instagram @aireheartbysydney or her pieces are for sale at Elaine Kim. This necklace, and the love I get from Syd and Elaine are also pretty lucky, I hope that they are the same for you!

Though I love elephants, consider them lucky, and love these shoes, let’s chat luck. Is luck something that happens? A result of being prepared? Anything you can control? I do think that the harder you work, the luckier you are. I also think that luck is something that maybe you can’t control. Luck in the form of elephant shoes also can’t hurt. What do you think about luck?

Shop my picks below!
XO RA

Investment Piece: Luckiest of Them All