Power Pink

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Amazing trousers are always a great investment–dressed down, up, classic or fun, they can truly be a workhorse in your wardrobe. And these pink wool ones are making my Friday. Classically cut but in a pop of color it’s the perfect pant for fall.

Hope you’re having an amazing Friday! XO RA

Details:

Pants:Jcrew
Shirt: Equipment
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, old, similar here

Transitions: Summer Clothes

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There comes a time when we have to let go of things–old letters, old trends, and the dreaded time when we have to put our summer clothes away. Not that I complain about buying new sweaters (or sweater weather). But there are times when you want to hang on–or like me live in an area where the seasons aren’t so delineated– what’s a fashion lover to do?

I’ve said it a thousands times, and am beginning to think it is the secret to life–layer. This summer off the shoulder tops were everywhere, I lived in this one, and quite frankly didn’t want to stop now that the temps are dipping. My solution? A turtleneck under! It kept me warm and yet kept the integrity of the look!

 

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I’ve used this with countless things–sundresses, lace skirts, tank tops. And I’m loving it! What’s your secret for weathering summery clothes in winter? I’d love to know!

 

Happy Thursday! XO RA

LadyLike

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There’s something about a full skirt that just makes you feel like a lady–or more specifically a certain kind of lady. What I love about this ladylike number is that it is so classic, but the cutout gives it an edge. Because who doesn’t want to be a lady with an edge?

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: Asos also in black
Shoes: Anthropologie, old, similar here

 

Shopping Tip: Collabs

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Even if you didn’t shop the collection the shopping frenzy that was the H&M x Balmain was impossible to miss. With collabs such as this becoming a regular occurrence–both H&M and Jcrew do them often–I began to wonder, how can you shop them sanely, and most importantly, get what you want? Of course, the more publicized and high end the collaboration is the more you can expect craziness- BUT hopefully these tips help you navigate the crazy, and end up with a shopping coup!

  1. Game Plan – Through publicity, social media, etc usually these collabs are usually promoted for months, meaning you should know (or be able to find) the launch date and pics of all the pieces offered. Here’s your chance to really do some homework. Go through the collection and see what you like, what you have to have, and what you don’t care for. You may not have a chance to ever try on or the collection before the launch–but this is when you decide what you want. A flawed system, maybe, but I usually try to make a list of my top 3 things that I want, so I can concentrate on them!
  2. Set your Watch–Besides the actual pieces, before the launch the actual timing information should be released-launch date, launch time, restrictions (if any), etc. Make sure that you note when the collection launches online–as that might be a better option for you. Know that if it is a huge, promoted, collab such as the Balmain there will be lines at stores, and those need to be planned for as well. Personally, I don’t love long lines and craziness at sales (although that is an experience) I usually op to shop online. Know this about shopping online–the site may crash, you will have to refresh your browser maybe once, but the good news is that often the timing of online launch can work to your advantage- for example if the pieces will go live at 12Am–you just have to make sure that you’re up! But chose how you will shop it, and set that time aside.
  3. Shop it–This is the crazy step. It may get insane. It may sell out. It may be low key and none of these steps may be necessary, I’ve seen both. Some collections are more in demand and sell out in a frenzy. Some are more low key–and lines and setting time aside may not be an issue at all.
  4. You didn’t get what you wanted, now what? Of course, the first question is, how badly do you want it? If there’s something that you have to have just because it sold out doesn’t mean all hope is gone. While we’ve all read the stories of how prices on eBay on collabs can be insane, eBay (and other resell sites) can be your friend here. It is completely up to you on how much you will spend–and while prices on resell sites can be over the top, some are auctions (and you can set a limit). Also, what works here is time. As time goes on and people move on prices on eBay, etc, lower–and more pieces become available. Ebay and other sites often have a feature where you can follow a search and they will email you new listings–this option is a God-send and can help you get that piece you’re looking for!

I’d love to know–did you shop the collab? Have you ever? What did you buy and what are your strategies?

Happy Shopping! XO RA

New Fave

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There’s nothing like a new favorite outfit to get you through Monday. While it’s no secret that I love a good jumpsuit (who doesn’t!), this one goes above and beyond. It’s just loose enough to be forgiving, the self-tie belt gives a couple different tying options and the pattern makes sure it is anything but boring. I’ve dressed it up, worn it with flats, and it’s official –we’re in love.

Hope you have something fab to get you through Monday too! XO RA

 

Details:

Jumpsuit: MIH Jeans
Shoes: Jessica Buurman

Sunday Chronicles: TX Flood Relief

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Internet friends I had a whole other topic in mind. It was a lovely essay. But as you may or may not know it but Central TX has been battling flood damage since May. I’ve had high school friends who have watched their childhood homes lost. School kids I know having to be rescued by armored car. It flooded in May in my mom’s area- she was without power for days. It flooded last weekend and the road to her house opened Saturday- when another round of heavy rain hit and roads were affected. I’m lucky. My family hadn’t lost property or family members. I was in town this weekend and slightly put out as I couldn’t make it to a friend’s bridal shower. But people hurting. People are needing. We need rain but not floods. If you have extra and feel like donating American Red Cross<\a> and Central Tx Flood Relief Fund<\a> are great places to donate. And next week I promise you a great essay!

Wishing us all a week of relief and amazing shoes! Xo RA

Fall Basics

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There’s something so comforting about fall basics: a great trench, rain boots, paper thin turtle necks. This week the air has turned just a bit crisp and it’s finally beginning to feel like fall! There seemed no better time to pull out the basics–made just a little bit special with the addition of overalls–and go exploring. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!! XO RA

Details:

Trench:Zara
Overalls: Zara
Boots: Target
Turtleneck: Target

Lust List

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Ever since I’ve seen them I can’t help but dream about these Gucci boots. The fur, the heel, the patent–what’s not to love? The Zara boots below come a close second, but I can’t help but think about these! They may go on my “save-up for list”. What’s on yours?

 

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Happy Thursday! XO RA

Details:

Spurgle: Gucci
Save: Zara

Hint of Drama

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One of my favorite outfit tips is to take something basic–like all black–and make it pop. And tops like this Solace London one make it easy. Even though it’s a crop–high waisted pants keep it classy, and these Sophia Webster shoes just make everything better! These pieces also go great separately, and add the same amount of drama. You may never look at black the same way again!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:

Top:Solace London (hint: they can run a little small, you might want to size up)
Pants: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Sophia Webster

Shopping Faves : ShopBop

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Shopping is an art–but that doesn’t mean it needs to be intimidating or that you need to spend your time running from store to store! For one of our new series here at InvestmentPiece we wanted to showcase some of our favorite places to shop, and first up: ShopBop.com! Honestly, Internet friends, I love them–and would have to say my closet does too!

Pros: ShopBop offers a wide range of brands, with wide price ranges, their sales are stunner (including their Friends and Families where everything is at least 25% off). Inventory is updated daily during the work-week, and they offer free 3 day shipping as well as returns.

Tips: ShopBop Wishlist is one of my fave features ever. Not only does it let you store items for future purchase (with an option to share your list), they also alert you to low stock and when your favorites are on sale. You can also make a list of designers you love, and similarly you will be updated with new items/sale from said designer. Things to note: ShopBop Sale is updated/starts on Tuesdays so it’s a great day to check in and see what’s on sale!

Cons: With no brick and mortar store you may need to trust their judgement on sizes–although my experience with their Customer Service has been amazing, they are always willing to help and try to accommodate as much as possible. They don’t carry super high end designers (think Gucci, Valentino) but as those can be found other places I have never missed them!

All in All I would say ShopBop is a must to add to your shopping rotation! Do you shop there? Do you love them? Pictured below are some of my finds and click the link to some things I’m loving there now!

Happy Tuesday! XO RA
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Things I’m currently loving:
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
Veiled Beanie
Zimmermann Dress