As you know, Karl Lagerfield recently passed away. No matter what your opinion of him, Karl, with his reign at Chloe and Chanel, influenced the way we dressed for years. And no doubt, that influence will continue for years. It’s the end of an era.
But what do you do when the party’s over? I’ve never been great at goodbyes, or change, and while the homebody part of me loves going home, some parties are hard to leave. There’s nothing wrong with lingering, right? Or wearing Karl’s creations for years, towing the line between revering the past and being excited about what’s to come.
Fashion tip of the party?
Don’t be afraid to wear the men’s pants. Literally.
Every item in this outfit, sans shoes, is from the men’s department. I love men’s button downs-the arm length, tailoring, and fit are perfect for me. Something that may be new to try? Men’s pants. They won’t be the exact same fit (they can be a bit on the roomier side, lower rise, and button on the opposite side), but there are times when men’s pants are the perfect thing. Often, the men’s section will have different colors, prints, and pockets than the women’s section. I don’t like to leave fashion unexplored. My favorite men’s pants? Tux. They can go slouchy yet still feel elegant, and are perfect for a party.
Below, I’ve linked various tux pants and bow ties (and amazing shoes!) for your shopping pleasure.
They may not all be Karl, but looks like this feel a bit like him. We could also shop CHANEL as a way to say goodbye?
😉
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!
One of my most favorite things about fashion as a community is meeting new people and supporting them. Nancy, of Dunitz & Company, and I met years ago via Instagram. Our mutual love of fashion and ethical practices drew us together. Her passion for treating fashion as the powerful art that it is meets her amazing glass creations, and I feel lucky to get to be a part of her circle.
Nancy has been kind enough to share about Investment Piece, read her post here. It really touched my heart, and made me realize that as much as I love Nancy and her creations, you might not know about Dunitz & Company. Let’s change that!
Nancy’s Story:
Nancy’s creations are absolutely gorgeous, and knowing that supporting her helps support local artisans and ethical fashion practices makes me love them even more. My favorite collections of Dunitz’s are the glass works-all the earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
But I also love the bead work!
I got the chance to ask Nancy a few questions about Dunitz and Company:
What inspires and motivates you about the work you do?
That’s a loaded question. And I think over the years and from season to season that changes. When I first started my business in the early 90’s, I was inspired by the places I traveled and the people I worked with. I knew our collaboration resulted in beautiful designs that were marketable. I was terribly motivated to succeed (selling enough of our goods) so that we could continue producing beautiful things while supporting everyone that was involved, the artisans and me.
I’m still inspired by the artisans I work with in Guatemala. And I’m still very motivated to sustain our fair trade business. The thing is, the way people shop has changed so much in recent times. With so many people only shopping online and so many brick & mortar stores closing, I’m forced to re-think the way I sell our jewelry. For years I only wholesaled to stores. The puzzle I’m working on now is how to successfully build a larger retail business while the wholesale market has slowed. This definitely motivates me because the artisans I’ve been working with for so many years depend on me.
What can we look forward to in the next season of jewelry?
First off, you can always count on Dunitz & Company to offer a host of new colors that are right on trend. In August, we’ll be revealing our new line to stores for the Fall and Winter seasons. We’ll have lots of fabulous jewel tone combinations that will look good with any black or brown outfit.
Another thing we’ve been very focused on is affordability. I’ve noticed in recent times, a lot of customers want to find something gorgeous where they don’t have to spend a lot of money. I’ve made a point of designing many earrings that will retail for under $30.00 and often under $20.00. We sell more when we can offer competitively priced designs. So, ultimately this is better for our artisans too. More sales. More work.
As fair trade becomes more mainstream, what advances do you see happening in how we ethically make and buy fashion?
What I have actually noticed is there is a lot of compassion fatigue going on. Many companies run ethical businesses. Others do not. To drive sales, it seems many businesses, ethical or not, are using buzz words (such as fair trade and sustainability) because they think these will drive sales. Many of my customers have told me they are exhausted and confused by all the cause-marketing. I think to cut through some of the confusion and noise, it is important for consumers to familiarize themselves with reputable groups that actually verify and certify. This is why Dunitz & Company is a verified member of Fair Trade Federation. Membership doesn’t come easily. We were carefully screened. At the end of the day, I think most people want to own clothing or jewelry that is good looking and they love. With education, they can also make choices from companies that are screened for their ethics.
You can shop Nancy’s creations at Here , and make sure to give her a follow on Instagram @shopdunitz
I hope that you love her creations as much as I do!
Xo RA
Has anyone else felt like this winter has lasted forever? I love sweaters and coats and boots and all of the great fashion that winter has to offer. Yet. There has been a hankering I’ve been having for florals, short skirts, and all of the great fashion that spring has to offer. And finally, after weeks of cold weather (though according to my great-grandma’s logic everyone is due one more cold snap before Easter), it is finally feeling warm. Like spring. Maybe, we’re all ready to bloom.
Since we’re all ready to bloom, I can promise that someone somewhere is going to make the :”Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking” joke. It’s coming. However, what if blooming applied to more than florals. A trend I’m letting bloom this spring? Bright colors, specifically neon. Is neon something you would think of when you think of me? No. Yet, I’m loving it.
Neon feels fresh and new. Blooming as a statement? I’ll make it. This neon yellow stands out, yet doesn’t feel like a highlighter. (I like to think the grey softens it.) And while yellow is usually not my go-to color, neon yellow has such a pop to it that I can’t help but feel like spring in it.
(There are also some neon pinks and greens and blues I love)
My tips for wearing neon?
– Don’t be afraid of it. Yes, neon pieces will look great with more subdued colors, take the risk of leaning into neon.
-color blocking neon is a great way to do the trend without feeling like it’s too much
-I love neon in short lengths, but there are some great maxi options as well
– HAVE fun
What makes you feel like blooming? Willing to give neon a try?
I’ve linked some pieces I love for you below. I hope they make you feel ready to bloom.
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!
Loves, spring is coming (yes, even though it may be snowing where you are). The season of rebirth, renewal, and a great time to reassess our goals. It got me thinking about alterations. I’m such a firm believer that fashion can be how we tell our stories, and I love how alterations allow me to become a creator. From simple alterations, hems, rips, buttons, etc, to the ones where pieces get remade into something new, seperating a dress, making pieces into other things, etc; altering fashion allows you to really make something your own. Or ensure that a piece really fits you.
What can that teach us about our lives? I like to think that it means that, just like pants that don’t fit quite right, we should take our goals and plans and take in/let out/remake until they are a perfect fit and say what we want.
Fashion with a deeper meaning? I thought about it so much, I made us a little video:
I would love to know your thoughts about alterations. Both the fashion and the goal kind. What have you remade?
Wishing us all a week of perfect fits and amazing shoes!
XO RA
When I shot this look, and when I wrote this post, it was freezing. Literally freezing. And it was less than a week ago. Yes, we may be heading towards spring. It may be warm, or even hot, where you are this weekend. But this is about transitions. And how we deal with them.
The thing about seasonal transitions, and change, is that it happens in stages. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. Sometimes it goes back and forth. As much as we may be looking forward to spring, and all that fashion, spring is allowed to take its time. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but patience isn’t my strongest virtue. And we know I think change can be hard (see here)
There are a few things that I know about transitions to be true:
-Even though transitions can be hard to deal with as we don’t know what to wear, or exactly where to step, they are the places where we can grow the most.
-During transitions we have to trust the work we’re doing, and what we’re building is coming along. Even when, especially when we can’t see it. When we plant a seed outside, we don’t dig it up every day to see what’s taking so long. We trust and let it grow. Same applies to transitions.
-Transisional dressing is both fun and frustrating. Layers, layers, layers. And maybe don’t be afraid to work inside?
This skirt is vintage, but it feel like the animal print silk ones on offer this season(s). Right now? It looks great with sweaters and under coats. When it’s warm? Graphic tees and tanks. Shoes optional or heels or sandals. Treat it like a neutral and let it transition with you. It’s the best use of transitions that I can think of.
I love this type of skirt so much that I’ve linked my favorites for you below. Transition in them. It may make things easier!
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 had an experience lately, which was familiar, and yet still disappointing. A vintage piece on my Wishlist sold out before I was able to buy it. This happens to us all. So, what do we do when we can’t get what we want?
Let’s Chat:
If you’re interested in having me help you find pieces you couldn’t get email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com
Here’s to us all getting what we want and need!
Xo RA
Snakeskin Boots. Polka Dot Maxi Dress. Vintage coat with fur lining. I’ve worn this outfit a few times, and everytime I feel like a 70s Rockstar in it. Yes, in general, it makes me want to lounge on a velvet couch, but it’s a little more rockstar than that. And a bit 70s.
Really, to me, both Rockstar and 70s involve being a bit big and a bit extra, and not being shy about it. 70s fashion at its best? Shapes, patterns, colors, and platforms that aren’t afraid to let you know that they are there. Same with Rockstars. (Actually I have met quite a few shy performers–but get them on stage? Watch out!) This outfit? While each piece is enough, and big, on its own, together they aren’t shy.
I like to think it’s the boldness that makes the outfit work.
Being big, extra, and unapologetic? It’s the best recipe for print mixing that I know of. Yes, you can mix like patterns and colors. That outfit will look great. (I did it here and love this outfit just as much as the rockstar one!) But, to really mix prints, you have to be a little daring. Polka dots and snakeskin aren’t really in the same print family. However, it works. Is it because the boots err on the side of neutral? Maybe. But loves, these boots are a bit extra in all the right ways. Does the coat balance it out? It adds texture and is a statement on its own. The magic here I think is that while no print matches, they flow. Each are bold and rockstar in their own way, but manage to share the spotlight with each other.
Print mixing can be a very specific thing. A bit rockstar. There are no hard and fast rules, so all I can offer in terms of advise is : go big. Let’s be 70s Rockstars together.
I’ve linked similar pieces below for you print mixing pleasure!
XO
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 belt bags are a thing (I can’t bring myself to call these fanny packs, and today’s belt bags are ever so chic!), why shouldn’t we use them as belts? Clearly the point is to have them around your waist (or thereabouts. Side benefit? You get your hands free to do all the things!) So, why not use the belt part of your bag to keep pants up or keep your blazer (or top) closed?
I tried it. And I loved it. It was like pockets with added purpose. I don’t think that’s a thing, but we can make it one??
**** I can’t quit a blazer with nothing on underneath. There was this Heather Locklear show a few years back where her character wore looks like that, and I just loved them. It’s boss lady means super feminine. Appropriate for office wear? Maybe not. Or at least make sure your blazer buttons high enough (yes, Mom, if this one weren’t leather I would have used a pin here. I can’t bring myself to pin leather. You do you). But for a night out, or one those days where you can risk a bit more? A blazer as a top is perfect. And yes! It’s a great look for more black tie looks as well (there’s also something I love about women in tailored tuxes, but that’s another post).
(Super side note: no matter what your business, a great blazer is a must. They can lend structure and class to any outfit, and are often the perfect outer wear. This is an item I think you should buy at the highest quality level you can, and don’t forget that your local tailor can work wonders!)
*** Other Thoughts: I’ve found a lucky someone these exact shoes for $78 (linked below), I love them. A pleated skirt is always a good idea. But blazers and belt bags as belts: we may be onto something!
I’ve linked shopping options below, and as usual would love to hear your business thoughts!
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!
There was a recent time when I got a little obessed with a great cropped jacket. Yes, it was from Instagram and yes, it was vintage. But it seemed perfect: classy with quilting yet edgy with the crop. So, I began looking for my own. I hit the usual spots: etsy and eBay. Yet, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Until, I looked at Jcrew.
Say what you will about modern versions of things that we love vintage; sometimes, the modern is just as great, if not greater than the vintage. This little (literally) number hits on the mark: I love the classic look, but the pattern is fun, and the crop is just perfect (not too high not too low). And loves, the lining makes this jacket so comfy. I wear it often as a top, and for some reason I can’t wait to wear this jacket over a slip dress and combat (ish) boots.
I love how vaguely 1970s this outfit ended up being. A great flare is a must, I think, for your denim collection. They elongate your legs, and just feel a little more dressy than skinny jeans (to me). My new favorite jacket, and a great pair of wedges.
I know, I know. This picture is slightly ridiculous, but it shows off the shoes. And it makes me laugh. Win/win?
And loves–there’s nothing wrong with a little 70s vibe. I promise.
If you’re like me and you. Can’t wait to find your own perfect cropped jacket, I’ve linked ones for you below!
Happy Shopping!
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!
There have been hints of spring. Maybe it’s not FREEZING outside. But my hands are still cold. And what to do when your hands are cold? Use a chic hand warmer to warm them up!
The thing about a mink muff–they’re chic, different, the best purse, and a way to stay warm. I also recommend gloves, but with a muff you can still use your phone. There are pluses and minuses to everything. My choice?
A chic black suit.
–There’s just something I just love about a suit for women. Or a blazer without anything underneath.
Sexy. Chic. Business. The ultimate power suit.
(This blazer is vintage Thierry Mugler and it fits so exquisitely, the pictures don’t do it justice.)
Then I paired it with AMAZING shoes (old Celine, thank you very much) and a muff?
Are you killing at the office? Off to the opera? Happy hour? All of the above?
You’re in charge.
The pieces can be mixed and matched and worn with anything. Especially this muff. It’s the winter accessory I love reaching for at this time of winter, when it’s cold but beginning to warm up. The muff keeps my hands warm, holds my wallet and my phone, and is such an elegant piece! I use the term “elevate” a lot, but what I truly love about this chic hand warmer is how it makes everything seem a little more special.
Do you love a good muff? Would you rock this chic hand warmer?
I’ve linked some muffs and similar pieces for your own suit below. Happy shopping–I can’t wait to hear the stories you’ll tell with your chic hand warmer!
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!
