Investment Piece – Page 155 – Everyday Editorial

Art as Fashion

As many have said and inferred your style is everything about you- from what you wear to how you decorate your house. And I would add- your art. I’ve always loved art and painting- I can lose myself in a museum for hours. As I shared when we chatted Met Gala I absolutely believe that fashion is art, but also love to surround myself with art that makes me happy.

Painting is in my blood (the above picture is mine), my great-grandma was an artist (when she wasn’t being a wife and mother). My childhood home was filled with her work- and one of my home bases is home to quite a few paintings as well!

I can’t tell you exactly what I think makes a great painting or artwork- but I know that I love finding things that speak to me and bring me joy! I also love supporting small artists and buying their work! It’s so personal- and gives you access to so many original works!

Here are two artists that I’ve recently just fallen in love with:

Cassie Bartley

Cassie paints in such a unique way- every painting I’ve seen I’ve just loved – mainly as they make me think! She takes commissions as well as her personal creations- and works in a variety of mediums and sizes! A few of my picks are:
Follow her on Instagram @cbartley_artist and her website is CassieBartley.com<\a>

Mel Remmers
Another artist I love is Mel- she sells and shows through Instagram (@melremmers) and has a beautiful collection of fashion inspired paintings, as well as a ballet series, and other portraits. Her paintings are pretty- but also have so much depth (and her use of shadow is stunning)
Some of my faves:

Who are some of your favorite artists? What strikes you about art?
Happy Thursday! XO RA

The Rebel Stylist

One of the most amazing things about this job is all of the amazing people that I get to meet and work with- and loves, Mallory, aka the Rebel Stylist, is simply amazing. Her niche is vintage denim (although by no means is that all she’s great at!); and she is another guru- able to size you up and find you the perfect pair! She carries all sizes, and some great washes, and look forward to more options (sanding, stitching, etc) coming! Mallory has a small collection of denim at her home studio- which is just adorable!

She also has a small collection at Austin shop Garment Modern!

What Mallory loves is helping each woman feel beautiful – because as she puts it, ” We are all so unique and special”. And her love of her clients and the denim really shine through! She’s able to really find the perfect jeans (or #dreamjeans) for everyone!

Mallory has also begun doing pop-ups and fleas around TX so make sure that you keep up with her site for info!

And loves, Mallory doesn’t just do denim! She has a small collection of vintage pieces and is also an awesome stylist! She does local store work and photo shoots in TX- and is really able to create special looks suited to each client. Mallory also began to do one-on-one sessions (which can also include closet clean-outs!). Styling is in her blood- her mom was a stylist/personal shopper in the 80/90s and clearly passed on some major talent to her daughter!

I absolutely love shopping with Mallory- she has an eye for fit and is able to find treasures! Check out her website The Rebel Stylist<\a> and follow her on Instagram (@therebelstylist) to get great denim and see what she’s up to!

XO Ra

Vintage Valentino

A gentle and loving reminder: when you find great vintage you scoop it up! And that’s exactly what I did with this stunning Valentino (look at the details on those buttons!!). When I visited Caitlyn and AAVintedge last month I left with full hands–and this was part of my loot! I love the slight 80s shoulders, the buttons, the way it could be a suit–and yet, I’ve only dressed it down! The lesson: buying things like this is never something you will regret!

Happy Monday! XO RA
Details: vintage dress found at AAVintedge
Shoes: Vintage Gucci Loafers found on eBay

Sunday Chronicles: Busy

We are a society that loves to be busy- we have meetings on top of meetings, activities everyday for our kids, plans on plans. And that’s not always bad- we have things to do and dreams to accomplish. But as I’ve rushed from meeting to meeting this week I’ve been thinking- is there a difference between busy and productive? And which one actually gets us where we need to go?

Busy is a topic that’s discussed often- how we need to have free time, let our ideas perculate, focus on what matters. But what these discussions often leave out is that busy feels good. Loves, it does. Because we’re wired to think that when we’re running around we must be getting things done. But are we?

After a day of meetings where nothing happened but scheduling more meetings I began to think- what do I actually need to do? What daily tasks can get me further to my goals? And surprisingly, the answer wasn’t meetings. There isn’t a simple solution to our busy addiction – and I by no means have the answers. But after my “realization” I’ve been trying to be more mindful. Doing the things that actually need to get done. Scheduling time for relaxation. Letting go of the pressure to be doing something every single minute. And loves? What I’ve found is I’m getting more done.

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

Whatever

As you know, I just love a good cheeky shirt–or jacket, or dress. I just love that hint of personality that comes through. I find it funny! So when I found this patch, I had to have it! It is a blend of everything I love–the attitude and the high quality. I simply ironed it onto a great JCrew shirt–easy! And these jeans–super flattering, super comfy. The shoes? Vintage YSL gems that I’ve been wearing with everything!

Hope your Friday is full of the right kind of attitude!! XO RA

Details:
Patch: World Famous Original
Tee: JCrew
Jeans:Mother
Shoes: Vintage YSL, you can try ebay or Etsy!

Beauty Bag

The following are a few of the current favorite things in my beauty bag!

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. It removes everything–even waterproof eye makeup, (making it perfect for traveling) and leaves my skin feeling super soft and clean!

I am super sensitive to bug bites and this Sarna Lotion soothes my bites and keeps me itch free!

I am not a fan of the over-made-up look, which means I love all Glossier products! They are light, blendable, and make your skin look like your skin–just slightly better! Here’s my hero product: Stretch Concealer. I often just wear this with translucent powder

I am a self admitted mascara junkie. I had lash extensions for years, and since then have been on a quest for a mascara that makes it look like I didn’t give them up! And these 3 come pretty close–I rotate my use of them, or sometimes layer them. I couldn’t pick a favorite so I listed them all!
Lancome Hypnose
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir
Benefit They’re Real

I know having a deodorant on here is a bit odd– but I absolutely love this one! I work out a lot, so it has to be strong–it lasts for hours without having an overwhelming scent, and keeps me dry! I also love that it’s a spray–meaning I can keep it in my car without worrying about melting! Dove Dry Spray

I’d love to know–what are you loving this month? XO RA

Capsule Wardrobe

I am horrible at packing–I always over pack, over think, pack for the “what-ifs”, and seem to only feel comfortable if I leave the house with a minimum of five pairs of shoes. This complicates my life simply because I have two bases–which means I travel. And have a tendency to shop wherever I am. I have a quick week trip for a week, and have committed to myself that I wouldn’t fall into this pattern again. So I’ve culled together a “capsule wardrobe” for myself. About 10 pieces that can be mixed and matched. (this doesn’t count my workout clothes). My goal is to be able to have options that are chic, leave room for new treasures, but not have to be lugging over full bags! You can keep up with my daily outfits on Instagram (@racheladelicia) and I will post a wrap up when I return!

Here’s what’s in my bag:

A great vintage Gucci tunic from RecessLA and an elevated tank

Basic grey sweater from Gap, a white tank from Garment Modern, and a black Rachel Pally slit t-shirt (old)

MOTHER Insider Crop

My beloved Anna Quan shirt

This Reformation Jumpsuit

This Mara Hoffman Sweater

This Milly dress

Madewell Sandals, Stuart Weitzman Wedges, New Balance Sneakers, and Dr Scholl’s Slides

Wish me luck! Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Birthday Wishlist

It’s my birthday! YAY! I hope you’re having a great day–and I hope while you read this I’m off having champagne and being fabulous! I love birthdays, mainly as they are the one day that we have that are completely ours. I also love that it’s a way to mark our growth–which isn’t always physical, it’s about goals, dreams, and our hearts. A day to celebrate how far we have come–all the good things that are on the way! This has been a great year, full of changes and growth. I know that this coming year will be full of more–and I’m excited!

Usually I save up and buy myself something big for my birthday–but I haven’t this year. However, the year is still young so following are some things I have my eye on!

These amazing Tory Burch sandals–they are sold out everywhere, so major points if you can find them for me!

I’ve had my eye on these Gucci slingbacks. Let’s be honest–I have my eye on all Gucci.

There are a few other pieces here and there–but I’m confident that I will find ways to celebrate!

Hope your Tuesday is stunning! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s quite the week for my family: my mom officially retired from a job of 23 yrs, today is Mother’s Day, tomorrow is my mom’s birthday, and my birthday is Tuesday. There are parties and drinks and celebrations. Plans for the day, for the future, for this week. It’s crazy and lovely and full of love. How are you? What are you doing today? I hope you let your mom know how much you love her! If you’re a mom I hope you’re spoiled! And if, for whatever reason, today is a hard day for you- I hope you know I’m sending you love!

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

Skirted

Believe it or not, I had to be talked into this skirt. This gorgeous, vintage Versace skirt. That I loved. That I knew I could style. The point? We all need a little boost sometimes–and I’m so glad I got one! I love the high waist, the pockets and the print that feels modern. Paired with my new fave silhouette (off the shoulder –and notice the tie sleeve) and these amazing shoes (geometric heel) I am incredibly grateful I have it!

Happy Friday! XO RA

Details:
Skirt: Vintage
Top: ShopBop
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff