Investment Piece – Page 116 – Everyday Editorial

Sunday Chronicles : Giveaways and Celebrations

Investment Piece: Fashion Gives Back

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Blog Birthday giveaways! Vintage Dresses and Product of a Strong Female shirts. We’re still contacting the winners, so please be patient with us! (I’m also hoping the winners will share pics of them in their new goodies!)

As for things, does anyone else have a crazy busy May?

For me, May is full of family birthdays (and friends who are like family). My mom’s birthday is this week (as is mine), and it seems that there is an event EVERY NIGHT. I just scheduled myself a night off as it’s the 6th and I’m already so tired that I don’t know how to make it to my birthday.

So, the question becomes, how do we recharge ourselves in the middle of a crazy month?

Friends have been asking me about plans for my birthday, and what I keep thinking about is that taking care of yourself is a from of celebrating yourself. I’m seeing nights in and nights out in my future. Bubble baths and days by the pool and rose. Maybe some new shoes? Maybe a great read?

I know that the best way to be my best self is to give myself the things I need: workouts, sleep, veggies, and some fun. And maybe some wine for good measure. That’s the only way to enjoy all these things that fill up May is balance the fun with care.

How do you care for yourself? What does it look like when you celebrate yourself and take time for yourself?

I want to hear your tips and tricks and suggestions!

In the meantime, I’ll be celebrating all the things, relaxing, and trying to take care of myself with all the things.

Wishing us all a week of celebrations and care, and of course, amazing shoes!

XO RA

Going Green

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, water works, high fashion, kenzo,vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re just so tired that everything seems a little draining? I’ve had that kind of week. How cool is it that I was so wiped that I went to bed at 9p last night? Yes, the rumors are true, I’m a cool kid.

What do I do when I have weeks that just drain me? Go green. Get to the water. And since I can’t always get to ocean, I get to any water I can. These pictures were taken by one of my loves, Megan Weaver, in the water gardens in downtown Fort Worth. While not the ocean, the sound of the water soothes my soul and reenerginzes me.

As for going green? Let’s chat about this dress!

Investment Piece, waterworks, Fashionblogger, high fashion, kenzo, vintage, CA, TX
Investment Piece: Going Green
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, kenzo, vintage, high fashion, waterworks, CA, TX

Pastels may show up every spring but when they look as good as this green dress, can you really be mad about that? This perfect sage green and the pink screams spring (and we know I love a great juxtaposition, hence the gladiator sandals).

I got this dress on Etsy- vintage Kenzo. I love the green color, but also the timeless cut- and the details. Those sleeves, that belt. They say that being outside, in the green, is good for you. Does that count for green dresses’ too? Asking for me.

Full confession? I’ve had this dress for a bit. Ok, over a year. And these pictures weren’t taken this week. But, when I need to feel as free as I did when we took them-running in waterfalls and all–I relive the memory. And, just maybe, go green in this dress.

How do you deal when you’re drained?

The dress is vintage and the shoes are from many years ago, but I’ve linked similar items for your shopping pleasure.

Xo RA

Investment Piece: Going Green

Pop of Yellow

Investment Piece: Pop of Yellow

I’m blonde. Which is great. I’m not saying I don’t have fun. However, being blonde (or any color really) means that there are colors that can be hard to wear. It’s a coloring thing. And yellow is one of those colors that is just hard to pull off as a blonde. So, every season where “yellow is THE color”, I get a little anxious. Not that I follow every trend. BUT.

This is not to say that I don’t like yellow. It’s just that not all shades of yellow look amazing near my face and it can be overwhelming to think of finding the perfect shade of yellow to wear. And, I get it, this is a VERY first world problem. There are so many fashion problems that are bigger. And I wish that I had the answers to all of those,I don’t. However, if you’re like me and have the issues with yellow, I do have the answer for that problem.

Pop of yellow.

You take something you like, but doesn’t always work for you (or maybe you’re just too lazy to find the right shade) and you use it as an accent. I get it, this solution is not going to bring about world peace. BUT. It takes one problem off your plate.

Because yellow is fun. And sunny. And I do like. Having it as an accent, like these amazing shoes, is just so much easier than finding the right shade of yellow to wear. Take something you might not want a WHOLE lot of (full outfit) and make it a pop.

I’m not going to lie, great vintage jeans, and a classic off the shoulder top never hurts either. Just in case you need something to pair your pop with.

Did I just save the day?

Maybe.

These jeans are from one of my old faves The Rebel Stylist and I can’t quit off the shoulder. I don’t apologize.

I’ve linked similar styles for your shopping pleasure. Add a pop. See what happens.

XO RA

Note: this post does contain some affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Pop of Yellow

Places to Shop: Moda Operandi

Of all the weapons in my online shopping arsenal Moda Operandi may be the most unique and powerful. Just like any other site MO’ has a boutique with clothes, shoes, and accessories that are in season and ready to ship. Unlike most other sites, MO’ lets you order directly from the runway–so if you see something you love during Fashion Week you can preorder items you love for a 50% deposit. When the item comes in you pay the balance and get your item. It’s a great way to shop ahead–and another look at trends that were on the runway. I can’t tell you all of the great things that I’ve gotten from Mo–but trust me, you love them.

Another perk–their customer service is beyond stellar. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been super helpful, and every customer is assigned a personal shopper, who often goes above and beyond to help find you what you want.

Things to know:
MO’ does cater to high end brands (though there are deals to be had, and the breaking of payments can help)
Not all items are ready to ship–so look at the item’s ship date!
Trunkshows (as the site calls them) last more than one day (often about a week)
All items in Boutique are ready to ship
Their sale is not to be missed

A little bit more on how the TrunkShows Work:

and my current favorite from the site:

I hope you check it out and love Moda Operandi
as much as I do!

Happy Thursday! XO RA

When in Texas

Investment Piece: When in Texas

There are some truths about things when in Texas.

The BBQ is great.
Austin is its own thing.
People are friendly.
And bluebonnet pictures are a thing.
Like a real thing.
Every spring you will see countless pictures from your friends and family from Texas of their kids, pets, and themselves in bluebonnets. The pictures will flood your social media feeds and you will love the cute kids, and the sea of blue.
As you know, I recently spent some time in Texas. And you know what they say:
When in Texas.

Investment Piece: When in Texas

I had to take my own bluebonnet pictures. Everyone can think that they’re amazing in your feed. And when in Texas I couldn’t resist wearing this vintage number from one of my Texas favorites Bloomers and Frocks. I felt like the red went well with the bluebonnets. And I love everything about this vintage dress. The color, the skirt, the belt, and the collar. It can be dressed up with heels and the right jewelry. However, it looks great with sandals.

I have to give a shoutout to my mom. Not only did she scout this bluebonnet Texas location. She also provided these on trend little sunglasses and took the pictures.

When in Texas this dress fits in perfectly, especially in bluebonnets. However, when I’m not in Texas, this dress looks great on the beach, or at events, or just going to the store. Maybe this why I felt a kinship with this post. I like to think that I fit into Texas, even in bluebonnets, but I go great anywhere else too.

This great dress is vintage, the bluebonnets have passed, and not everything is in Texas. However, I’ve linked similar looks for you below–as well as these Dr Scholl’s which are some of my summer go-to’s!

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: When in Texas

FBF: From Then to Now

This month, you’ve been indulging me as we looked back at some of the first posts we did. I have to admit, looking back at some of the old photos, seeing just how far we’ve come from then to now has left me feeling both nostalgic and excited for the future. When I started this blog, I had no clear vision, just a love of style and the desire to want to share mine. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, and yes, so many of those first photos were taken on my iPhone using a remote. As we’ve grown, my vision, style, and what I want to share have all been refined. Most importantly, I’ve grown to love this community, I don’t take for granted that you have so many options when it comes to your online pursuing, and I’m ever so grateful that you visit my little corner of the Internet. And I’m so excited for all of the things that are coming!

The past FBF have all been one outfit, you can refresh all our looks: First Neutrals, Tied Up, and Gucci Top. This FBF is a little different. I couldn’t choose just one look to flash back to, so I chose a few. From our very beginnings then to now, these are some of the looks that I couldn’t resist revisiting!

Investment Piece: FBF From Then to Now
Investment Piece: From then to now
Investment Piece: Flash Back Friday: First Posts

Investment Piece; From then to now

And there are so so many more. I’m lucky to be able to do what I love, and to share it with you! Thank you for FBF with us this month! We hope that you’ve enjoyed our blog birthday as much as we have!

And just because it’s the weekend, here are my sales picks of the week! Happy shopping!
XO RA

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

Investment Piece: FBF From then to now

Tempting Fate

Investment Piece: tempting fate

I’ve spent the past few weeks telling you about how I have vision and plan for the blog. And I do. I promise. But there are times when I tempt fate.

I can wait till the last minute to shoot a look.
Or schedule a shoot.
Or act on my big visions.

And then sometimes I tempt fate in other ways and wear all white. As we all know when you’re wearing all white, there’s a 10,999 chance that you’ll get something on it. You’re just asking for it.
And I did:
Investment Piece: Tempting Fate
Proof: This spot was discovered after 2 shots and we (I) had to wipe it off. Tempting fate? Fate might get you.

Investment Piece: tempting fate

All White is not a look for the faint of heart–you’re tempting fate in more than one way. Will your white be too see through? Too tight? Get dirty? Be dingy?

And yet, here we all are. Wearing white and tempting fate.

I knew that I wanted a new pair of white jeans for the spring/summer. It’s been a while since I ventured into that sort of fate temptation, but this is the year I decide to go for it. I had the same fears: would they be too thin? Too tight? And yet, I’m in love with these Hudson jeans. They’re not thin at all, help hold everything in (for size reference I’m in a 24, I can be anything from a 24-27 based on rise and amount of stretch). And those details! I love the rose gold exposed zipper. It makes this “basic” feel a bit non-basic. And that’s always something I’m a fan of.

These are incredibly easy to “dress up”, but I kind of love them with “almost” matching rose gold kicks. The white top? Not needed, but what can I say? There are times when I just love tempting fate.

Investment Piece: Tempting Fate

I’ve linked some other white jeans I love, as well as these shoes! Wanna tempt fate together?

And yes, this was a last minute shoot. I’m tempting fate all over the place!
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: Tempting Fate

Trend to Try: Vintage Dress GiveAway

Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Vintage Dress Giveaway

This is the space where we chat about trends I think we should try, and how I plan on wearing them. Sometimes, the pieces I suggest are not really trends, sometimes I’m already trying them, sometimes I’m not. I love fashion and investment pieces, and I have a complicated relationship with trends-even the ones I love. What can I say?

This month, we aren’t really chatting trends. But I’m still calling it “Trend to Try”-go figure!
As part of our month long birthday celebration (see here and our other giveaway here), we’re giving away 2 (yes, TWO) vintage dresses!

How are vintage dresses a trend? Fair question. As you may have caught on, I’m a huge fan of vintage. I love mixing it with modern pieces, I love wearing it in different ways. I love making it my own. That may not be a “trend”, but it’s my style. Is your style a trend? Maybe, maybe they go hand in hand. Or maybe not. That’s a huge, and worthy, discussion for another time. Now, you’re just wondering how to get your hands on the goods and what a vintage dress giveaway has to do with a “trend to try”, right?

Right.
The goods:

Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Vintage Dress Giveway
Pink lace with satin tie, measurements: Bust: 36 Waist: 26 Hips: Open

Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Vintage Dress Giveaway
Black lace dress with bow. bust: 34 Waist: 24 Hips open.

The downside and the upside of this vintage dress giveaway? These are real pieces from my closet. I’ve worn them (and cleaned them). So they are my size–but hopefully yours?

Here are the Giveaway details:

So, while vintage might not be a trend, I think the way you can style it and make it your own can be trendy. I love seeing how any piece can be transformed and fit seamlessly into someone’s personal style. That’s the best kind of trendy I know. Here’s how you can win one of these beauties to make your own!

*Let me know how you would style it. From shoes to accessories, I want to know how you would make one of these vintage numbers your own!

*Make sure you’re on our email list:

Subscribe to our mailing list

* Good Luck! The winners t all of our birthday giveaways will be announced next week (yes, you can still enter the t-shirt giveaway!)

If these dresses are not your size: you can tell a friend, or if you love them and want to cut them up to make them your own, we want to hear about that too!

Thank you for your support and I can’t wait to hear about how you would rock these vintage dresses!

XO RA

Formal Black

Investment Piece: Formal Black

Cliche: wearing all black, formal dresses only being black, and fashion girls wearing only black. The thing about cliches, though? They’re cliche for a reason. And how does something become a cliche? By being a staple go-to, something that works, and something that we all love. All black? It’s chic and it works. Formal black? Always a classic. Fashion girls wearing black? Why not?

But loves, here’s the thing about cliches: they don’t have to be cliche.

Sound crazy? It’s not. I promise.

Take this formal black dress. It hits all the cliches: black, long, formal, and worn by a fashion girl. But is it just another unoriginal formal black dress? I think not. Let’s discuss.

Investment Piece: Formal Black

So if black is cliche, and formal black is the utmost cliche; what is black that’s part sheer, part slip, part formal, and all chic?

Did I mention it has a train?

And that cowl back?

Cliche doesn’t have to be boring. And maybe cliche isn’t cliche. Is it the details that prevent something from completely cliche? If so, this dress has them in spades. I can’t resist a train. Or a cape. I just can’t. (And why would you want to?) So I have to admit that one of the first things that I loved about this dress was the train. Other things I love? The juxtaposition of the straight skirt and the lace and sheer top. All black, but giving a nod to lingerie dressing.

This number, cliche or not, is all formal but fun, a little sexy but perfect for all your classic needs. Does it matter if it’s cliche if it’s this good?

Investment Piece: Formal Black

And who doesn’t love formal black with a pop of leopard? That completely changes the cliche convo, right?

(Also, I still believe that leopard is a neutral)

If you loved this look and these thoughts, you’ll love: All Black Chic, Summer Black, Black Tie Fringe, Pop of Leopard, and Trend to Try: Leopard (EVERYTHING).

Yes, surprise! The above formal black dress is vintage. However, I’ve linked similar items below. Let’s not be afraid to wear all black, be cliche, and have our cliche not be cliche. Sound like a lot? I believe in us!

XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect prices for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Formal Black

Sunday Chronicles: Year in Review and a Survey

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Year in Review

Loves, you’ve indulged me all month long as we celebrated the blog’s birthday (one week to go!). Isn’t it funny how different things can hit you at different times? The past few years when the blog had a birthday, it didn’t faze me. I was so focused on the growing and the doing, not even the vision, just the getting things done. This is in no way to imply that the blog, or myself for that matter, is at the peak, or exactly where we want to be. We’re still a work in progress.

However, this year, on the blog’s birthday I feel a little bit more secure in my vision, in my plans for the future; and, can look back at the year with a different eye. We started many different series this year. From Designer Spotlight to Fashion in the Wild, to Fashion Gives Back, Investment Piece began to look a bit past just our own fashion. Sometimes these series are the highlights of my month, sometimes they come together at the last minute. After sitting with them, and digesting them for a year, we’d love to know your thoughts.

What series do you love?
What series do you hate?
What do you wish we would focus on?
What do you wish we would leave out?

Our goal is to produce content that we all love (that’s me and you) and we can’t do that without your input. Ways to give feedback? Comment here, on Facebook, on Instagram, or email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com. We truly want to know your thoughts on the series and would love to hear your ideas!

Investment Piece: LA Walk

And here’s the thing about looking back at a year in review, you can’t help but look forward. For months I’ve been playing with the idea of a video series that explores our closets. Our goal in the coming year is to get that into production. We’re playing with classes to teach you how to mix prints, how to shop more efficiently, and maybe getting experts in to teach us all (me) how to pack light. I’m excited about the future, excited about the fashion coming, and the brands we can’t wait to introduce you to!

Again, if there’s something you would love to see on site, we would love to hear about it. We’ve loved sharing all things blog birthday with you!

Stay tuned this week for our last giveaway and our last birthday edition of FBF!

Wishing us all a week of good memories and amazing shoes! XO RA