Investment Piece – Page 85 – Everyday Editorial

Pieces or Whole?

Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole

Do you think in pieces or in whole (big picture)?
In high school, the only B I got was in Geometry. The proofs killed me. You know when you were supposed to detail step by step to get to the answer? I always knew the answer, big picture, theorem, but the steps? No clue. Ever. It was so bad my teacher thought I was cheating and had to have a conference with my mom (a fact I recently learned. I’m just a little offended he thought I would massively cheat for a B. Why not go all the way?). And while I’m still not a fan of geometry, I’ve come to believe that it teaches us how we think. And I’m a big picture, whole thinker.

To-do lists? I have to be detailed (and it kills me) because otherwise I won’t do everything. Where I want to go and the end results I want I can see so clearly, but the steps to get there? Half the time I don’t even know.

Same goes for my closet. I know when I love pieces. What I want the over all feel, purpose, etc. And with outfits, I can sometimes know the overall effect. But it takes me time to get the pieces. I can even get lost in the pieces- when I shop I fall in love with a piece, but it may not always fit the over all big picture. Or maybe I have the big picture and don’t have all the pieces.

I’m working on it. There are a lot of lists. A lot of mapping out where I want to be (and wear) and how to get there. But. As I’m getting better there are times when the magic happens. I have the big picture (whole) and the pieces. They work, and they look and feel good.

And yes, I recommend double denim, jean jackets, and yoked jeans. Not to mention vintage clogs!

Let’s chat! How do you see your outfits? Your closet? In pieces? Or whole?
XoRA

I’ve linked pieces for your shopping pleasure below. These are affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Pieces or Whole

Sunday Chronicles: Reset

Investment Piece: Reset

Happy March my loves! We are 2 months into the new year. It’s the end of one season and the start of another. Mercury in retrograde, Lent, all the things. And, like me, you may be taking a look at your goals or what you’d like to achieve this year. And, maybe like me, you’re ready for a little reset.

It’s not that January or February were bad months by any means, but they weren’t exactly easy. Some months are like that! But as the spring starts, I really wanted to take a step back and really look at my goals. Am I doing what’s best for me to achieve what I want? Do I need to go about things a different way? Adjust habits? Be more clear and intentional about what I do?

May be so. This week I’ll be looking at my goals and my days and really thinking about a reset. A new season means a new start, right? So, I’ve been thinking: how do we reset? Do we take some time off and then start anew? Begin all over with new goals and habits? Maybe a little bit of it all?

I’m not totally sure, but I know that I’m committed to a great month and feeling like I’m making progress on my goals. This is what I’m doing:
-I’m giving up wine for lent. I’m not Catholic, and was not raised in a home that practiced lent. And I still love wine–and can’t wait to have it again! But as I was thinking about my habits, I realized I (and those around me) had just gotten in the habit of opening a bottle whenever! And so much of Blog culture was about drinking wine (all the time!). I love wine, but want to be intentional about my drinking. So, I’m taking a break, and am a bit excited about it!
-I’m reassing other habits. I know my goals and I know my habits. I also know my faults. I can procrastinate. Get shy. Over feel and over think. This month I’ll be looking at goals and numbers and all the things. I’ll be very clear about where I want to get and trying different things to get there.
-I’m taking time off. Not from here! But I’ve found the in the past 2 months there was not a whole day I had off. I’m tired. And I can’t be my best when I’m spent. So, I’m giving myself a day off a week–and yes, that will look different each week. But as much as I love all the things, I need to recoup too!
-I’m open to ideas, and I’m excited. Maybe my biggest reset is I’m determined to get to a place where all of the things are fun. Even the failures! Sounds crazy, I know, but if we’re failing we’re trying and with the right attitude it just means we’re learning. That’s what I’m telling myself, and I’m a little curious to see if I’m right. So same goals, new ways? We’ll see.

I would love to know: where are you on your goals? Are you headed for a reset? Did you give up anything for Lent? Tell me all about it!

Wishing us a week of easy resets and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

ReDux (OR How to Redo an Outfit)

I’m currently on the couch nursing some sort of cold – no longer really sick, but a little too sick to work. So. Today we flash back. I do re-wear so much of my closet, and it’s so interesting (for me) to think about new ways to redo my outfits. I hope you enjoy this take! I’m layering on sweatshirts and vitamin C and you can expect all sorts of new starting Sunday! Xo RA

Investment Piece: Redux

Last week we chatted about revisiting an outfit. Today, without meaning to, I’m at it again. There are just things that I seem to think go together: Gucci shoes and floral patterns. I thought that this outfit was new and fresh (I added stripes!), but it turns out that this is a pairing I’ve been drawn to before; see Gucci+Floral here. Maybe my real pattern is that I’ve mastered how to redo an outfit?

I also can’t lie: I repeat that dress and these stunning shoes a lot.

But let’s chat about this outfit! Real talk? I get a little nervous wearing a short skirt with heels. Not that I don’t trust my legs, but I worry about showing too much skin. (Is that a thing?) Here I couldn’t resist. I may have mentioned this: I love these Gucci platforms. I love them paired with florals; there’s just something about the stripes and the flowers that just flow for me. And if you can resist an off the shoulder striped top, you’re a better person than me. There’s just something about this redux that’s flirty and a little classic. It’s a nod to the outfit before, and yet it’s own perfect thing. That’s how you redo an outfit.
Investment Piece: Redux

Now that we redux well, should we address the elephant in the room? Or, more succinctly, why are there patterns and outfit formulas that we keep going back to? What makes us want to redo an outfit?

I don’t know that I have all the answers.

Some patterns are just classic. There are reasons why certain combos and styles are never “out”. Or maybe it’s just comfort. If there’s an outfit or a combo that makes you feel good, that you know you look great in, that you get compliments on why wouldn’t you redo that outfit over and over again? What if reduxes aren’t something to hide or laugh at, but something to celebrate? Let’s not worry about why we go back to certain outfits. It’s not a bad thing to want to wear outfits that look great. Instead, let’s focus on making more outfits that make us feel stunning.

Maybe the answer is that we replace the word outfit with anything that’s great for us and makes us feel good. How’s that for a redux?

I’ve linked similar items to this outfit below. And yes, it will be one that I redo regularly.

XO RA

And one of my favorite places to get pre-owned Gucci at affordable prices:

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

Investment Piece: Redux

Fashion Stories: Charm Bracelets

A piece that I used to wear religiously? A way to learn a little bit about me? A charm bracelet. In and of itself both a fashion story and a timeline of our lives, these bracelets were so special to me growing up. Now that I’m looking back at them, I’m amazed at what they say and how accurate they still are. I’d love to know: did you wear a charm bracelet growing up? And if you were to make one now, what charms would you want on it?

Xo RA

I’ve linked some of my favorite current charms here. Yes, that’s an affiliate link, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support!

GO BIG!

Investment Piece: GO BIG

I’ve been thinking a lot about minimalism and maximalism and what we wear to make ourselves feel seen. There is a time a place for a waredrobe that’s self contained, with clean lines, and very minimalistic. Sometimes when you’re leaving the house you should take a look at yourself and remove an accessory.
But.
There are times when statement pieces are needed. And when more is best. At those times, why shouldn’t we go big? In fact, at those times, why isn’t going big a way to deal with things?

I’ve found, recently, that there are days when the only thing that fits, the only thing that makes me feel like myself, the only thing that makes me feel good is maximalism. It jars me out of my boxes and moods, and is just fun. More than one statement piece? Yes. Mixing patterns? Yes. Big pieces and even bigger attitudes? Yes. There are times to go big, and there’s no reason to be small about it.

Investment Piece: GO BIG

All of the pieces of this outfit are things I love, statements, and perfect on their own. Yet, together they were so fun, and even more perfect (if that’s a thing). I’ll admit, I got a bit nervous pairing more than one statement piece together- big skirt, floral boots, gold belt, tasseled scarf. Any one could stand out, and I was worried I wouldn’t make a statement, I would just be LOUD. But. It worked. And made me feel seen, and like every piece could be seen. The pieces went together, I felt great, and it was a hit at brunch (though it could also be that I showed up with champagne).

Those things that we can get nervous to wear? To pair together? Maybe the point is that we should wear them, that we should pair them. As much as minimalism is great, maybe maximalism lets us really be ourselves. GO BIG, in fashion, in life, at brunch. Maybe that’s the secret?

What big outfit could you wear that really lets you be who you are? What if being big and loud is our thing, and it’s amazing?

Xo RA

These pieces are from a few years ago, but I’ve linked similar ones AND I’ve found someone special these EXACT Valentino boots! 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: GO BIG

What We’re Wearing

A few months ago, I began a little video series on Instagram called “What We’re Wearing”. I mainly wanted to a. Keep myself accountable to always be creating, and b. Wanted an informal place to chat about what I’m wearing or thinking about or unpacking that week. If you follow me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) you’ve seen it and I appreciate you, and I’m sorry this is redundant for you. But if you don’t follow me (and I appreciate you being here!) I didn’t want to leave you out. So, I figured I would round up a few of my little videos for your Friday viewing pleasure.

Each is a bit different (and there are more on IG) but I wanted to give you a little taste. Most importantly, I would love to know: what are you wearing? What are you buying for spring? Or thinking about your closet? Tell me all of it!

Western Boots

For my first episode I dove deep into western boots!

Vintage

After the holidays I was gifted a bunch of vintage, I’m still sorting it and shooting it and loving it. You’ve seen some of it here!

Spring Shoes

I love these sandals I recently got on sale. You can shop them here (Yes, that is an affiliate link, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it. Thank you for your support! Also, these babes are under $50!)

I have a lot more to chat about, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!
Xo RA

Business and Pleasure

Investment Piece: Business and Pleasure

Is there any fashion item or outfit that you can’t help but be attracted to, even if it doesn’t always fit your life?
We all know I love a good party dress, and have never been known to turn one down. But if there’s not a party, I just make one. So that doesn’t count! 🙂
Other than that? I love a good suit. The irony? I work from home, and 99% of the time I could get away with sweatpants if I wanted to. Yet, I can’t help but love suits-any kind. The tux kind (for parties), the traditional pant suit,the skirt suit, or any outfit I can make the least bit suit like. At some point I read an interview with Nigella Lawson, the chef, were she explained her love of a great suit, and how she buys herself one a year. The difference between Nigella and me? She ends up giving her suit away, recognizing it’s not a part of her life, I make excuses to wear all of mine.
Business meetings?
Happy hours?
Slightly formal affairs?
I can be willing to wear a suit.
Investment Piece: Business and Pleasure

This suit (all business) also happens to be a part of something that brings me pleasure (vintage). Vintage skirt, blazer, belt, and bag–paired with the first pair of Manolos I ever bought. The combo made me feel powerful and confident, and the unexpected twist of the corset over the blazer kept me from feeling anything near to boredom. I like to think it wowed at my business meeting (but I would hate to assume for them).
Suits make me feel empowered, more confident in my meetings, and a little bit more grown up. That kind of pleasure for me is worth it, even though I can get away with wearing what ever I want. Do I wear one every day? No, probably part of what makes them seem so special, but when I do, I love it. Maybe that’s the secret to business, getting pleasure from it?!

I would love to know, what’s one of your business pleasures? What do you wear?

This suit is made of vintage pieces, but I’ve linked similar items for you below!
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: Business and Pleasure

Long Weekend Sales

Whether or not you have today off from work, sometimes the best things about a long weekend are all the sales that accompany it! It’s a great time to buy on sale, we still have a little bit of winter left and my picks are perfect for both keeping warm and transitioning into spring. Sweaters, dresses, and more–most under $100! Ready to shop? Me too!

These are some of my favorite sales, and you can find even more by following me on the LiketoKnowIt app and ShopStyleCollective.
If you’re shopping for now or later I hope that you get a great deal on what you’re shopping for!
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!

Great Jeans
Investment PiecE: Long Weekend Sales
A staple! And with 7 for all Mankind’s warehouse sale you can get on trend jeans up to 70% off!
Shop my picks here

Dresses and More
Investment Piece: Long WEekend Sales
Get an extra 50% off all sale at Anthropologie, and I’ve picked great dresses for you!
Shop them here

Investment Piece: Long Weekend Sales
I love these dresses and seperates from Kate Spade, and you get up to 60% off with code LONGWKND
Shop my picks here

Investment Piece: Long Weekend Sales
Nordstrom’s End of Winter sale is full of pieces that are fantastic for the weather transitions!
Shop my picks here

Athletic Wear
Investment Piece: Long Weekend Sales
From gym to errands to more, I wear my workout leggings everywhere! At Carbon38 you can get an extra 30% off with code SALE30
Shop my picks here

Sunday Chronicles: Perfection

Ever have one of those weeks? When things aren’t great and life is a little tougher than it feels like it should be? And everyone rubs you the wrong way? Yep. That was me. Somehow this week in the middle of February felt both like the year was way too long already. What do you do when you feel down? I’ve been know to bubble bath, cry, wine about it, and dress up. In attempting to cheer myself up I stumbled across advice I gave to myself. I think it holds up, but would still love to know how you handle things!

Loves, things haven’t been great lately. It’s not that they’ve been bad, but I’ve been feeling off. Could you tell? I haven’t loved some of the ways I’ve looked, the outfits, the settings. Things haven’t been perfect and I’m a little embarrassed about how much that has affected me. How am I dealing with it? The only way I know how, fashion.

From thinking about the perfect outfit to trying to find joy in the process, these are my thoughts!

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

Love Lessons

Investment Piece: Love Lessons

This isn’t a relationship blog and I’m no love expert. Though, I do believe in love, have loved and been loved. I’ve been heartbroken and broken hearts. Lost and gained both friends and boyfriends, and tried to really get to know and love myself. It’s all a process. And a lot. I can rant against Valentine’s Day, but not because I don’t love love, and not because I don’t want to celebrate love. There’s just something about Valentine’s that always feels a little forced to me–if you love me I want to be told any day, don’t want to have an over priced meal, and get anxious with all the “you should/have to/it needs to be a great night” energy.

On the other hand, there’s not a party, and more importantly a party dress that I don’t love. So, this year, instead of not “caring” about Valentine’s Day I’m celebrating. In my own way of course! Which means I’m wearing things I love (shoe love is true love!). I’m spending time with people I love (family and friends and alone time!). And I’m sharing some of the love lessons I’ve learned with you (and fashion, fashion may be my true love!). Love in any form can be learning and growing and accepting. It can be romantic or platonic or with your family, yourself, or your shoes.

These are some of the love lessons I’ve learned. Got any to share? I’m all ears!

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

Flowers Are Always a Good Idea
Investment Piece: Florals
But I love them the most when I get flowers for no reason.
You can shop this look here

Love is Always Love
Investment Piece Love Lessons
So many types of love in our life,and in other’s lives. All of them deserve to be celebrated.
Shop this look here

Being Able to Laugh at Ourselves is a Must
Investment Piece: Love Lessons
Life is funny. We’re funny. Love is funny. You can take something seriously but not take yourself too seriously. And laughing at ourselves is so sexy!
Investment Piece: Shark love or how to dress for Valentine's with a sense of humor
Shop the look here

Forgiveness
Investment Piece: Trend to Try: Lingerie
Ourselves. Others. Being able to forgive is a sign of strength, and we are all worthy of grace. Sometimes there is work in relationships, and it’s on us to do the work. Not shy away from it.

Balance
Investment Piece: Holiday Gown
You both have to give and take. There’s compromise and things you shouldn’t compromise on. For me, one of the most important things in love is feeling safe- to be myself, to say what I need, to do all the things. And I’ve found your people will love all those things about you!
Shop this look here

Buy the Shoes
Investment Piece: how to purple with retro vibes
Or whatever it is that makes you happy! Sometimes we get second chances, and what’s meant for you is meant for you, but if you love it-buy it! Life is too short to regret!
Shop my fave spring sandals here

Thank you for sharing your love with me! I’m so happy you’re a part of this community, you are so loved and so valued! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Xo RA