Loves! I hope that yesterday was a day of good food, good company, and good relaxation. Today? The deals are rolling in! I”m updating all sorts of sales and picks all day (follow me on Instagram @racheladelicia, the LiketoKnowIt App @racheladelicia, or all shoppable pics will be in the search bar on the website version of the site!) In the meantime, these are sales I’m super excited about!
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!
ONLY in the LIKETOKNOWIT app, get 25% off sitewide at Outdoor Voices. Link to post here
Coach has 50% off the perfect gift for him. And you were gift shopping today, right? 😉 Shop my picks for him here.
My favorite jeans are on sale (up to 70% off)! Maybe they’ll be your favorite jeans too!
Shop them here
There is no more iconic pattern for the season than plaid. And at Jcrew, it’s all up to 50% off!
Shop my plaid picks here
Coach didn’t forget you (or the women in your life!). Get up to 50% off select bags!
Shop my favorites here
And I would be remiss if I didn’t let you know that till Monday, ONLY in the LIKETOKNOWIT app, all Levis are 40% off. Here are my picks!
Happy shopping! I’ll be keeping you posted! I hope there’s still good food and good company in your weekend, we got the good shopping!
Xo RA
Loves, it’s coming. The holiday season. The gift guides. The sales. And no matter what our plans are, the stress. It’s ok for this to be the best time of the year, and the worst, all at the same time. It’s ok to love your friends and family and want to do all the things with them, and yet, be overwhelmed with plans and obligations and all of it.
This time of year is a lot.
So. This is my wish for us. That we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by love, and get moments and hours alone. That the holiday is restful. That the food is so good that we forget to take pictures. That being both on and offline is a gift we give to ourselves.
Yes, here we’ll be posting sales and gift guides and all the things that we help your holiday run smoothly (or that you’re treating yourself!) Those are always shoppable in our menu, or by following me (@investmentpiece/ @racheladelicia) in the @LiketoKnowit App. In the meantime, we’re taking our own advice.
My goal tomorrow is to lay low. Eat. Spin. Enjoy. Sales picks will be up Friday/Sunday/Monday.
I’m so grateful for you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Xo RA
Don’t tell my mother, but there are things that I swore that I would never like that I do. But let’s not let that go to her head. We can just pretend that we discovered how great broccoli (roasted almost crisp with lemon), running (I’m not great, but there is a high), and staying in on Fridays (life is tiring) are. Right, right?
Now that we got the hard part out of the way, let’s chat about track pants. In my head when track pants are mentioned I think about those plastic wind suits from the 90s. If you’re young, just know that you missed out on quite the bright color movement (please google it and let me know your thoughts). But these aren’t your 90s track pants. These track pants are too good for the track (though they would look great post gym with any sort of top, but I love a great graphic tee). Track pants seem to be everywhere these days, and I couldn’t resist trying them out. I love these -comfy but structured, the snap down on the leg adds a little something. They are a great athlesure look, but I love that they suck you in and feel like “real” pants too.
I love this pairing of a sweater and kicks. Other combos that would be great? White button down and heels. A sweatshirt and any shoe. Boots and a jean jacket. Even with the color blocking and snaps down the side, the track pants are basically a neutral, so I say: style them that way. I don’t know that you could make them super dressy or business casual, but we should try, and the other styling options are endless.
As track pants are everywhere, have you tried them? How did you style them?
And that thing above, about my mom being right occasionally, that’s between us, right?
Happy Monday!! XO RA
Shop my picks below: they do contain affiliate links and while I do get some commission that doesn’t affect the price for you!
It’s here again! The horror stories from dating front lines that I’m hoping you’re enjoying as much as I do! AS usual in the Ex-Files: all names and some facts have been changed to protect identities, but all stories DID happen to me (or a girlfriend I love). Want more Ex-files? Check here, here, here, and here. Love bugs, let’s remember that if you want to be written about warmly, you should behave better–or you can find yourself in the ex-files.
Without further ado: the one who yelled.
Real talk? I’m a yeller, or I can be when I get angry enough. However, because most people don’t really respond well to yelling, I try to keep it to a minimum. As in, I don’t yell if I can help it. It’s been my experience that yelling doesn’t get you want you want. This guy, didn’t feel the same way, however.
I met Mike through friends, and he seemed nice enough. Charming, able to carry a conversation, cute, and he made me laugh. We had a few dates that were great- the conversation, the banter, the wine.
But loves, this is where I let you know that there were some red flags I didn’t pick up on. Why? He was charming and made me laugh, I was just getting to know him, I live in two cities and dating is hard. I’m not sure. I like to think that if I were to go back, I would have saved myself some time (and Mike an appearance on the Ex-Files), but I don’t know that I would have been forceful about them. You might be getting more worried than necessary about now–nothing bad happened, Mom!
But loves, Mike was angry. Not all the time, and not at me, or waiters, or valets, or anyone around us. Mike was angry at the women in his past, especially his mom and ex-wife. In our “get to know you” chats, how these women had wronged, belittled, underestimated, and hurt him (while Mike persevered and was the victim). It wasn’t constant. It wasn’t violent. But it was there; so much so, that at one point I asked Mike if he was over his ex, and if things were ok. He claimed that it was fine, and promised to stop talking about it so much.
For our third date, Mike took me on what seemed to be an amazing date. It was Christmas time. He let me go shopping for a minute, we watched fake snow, and we settled into one of my favorite restaurants. Mike sat down and proceeded to order us a bottle of wine, 2 appetizers, and a steak for himself. He then proceeded to let me know that I was expensive to take out to eat (*side note: I’m not scared to split checks, and I’m always willing to own what I order. At this time as I had put in only a salad, the comment seemed a bit out of the blue). However, the conversation was great, and it was (fake) snowing, so I joked it off.
The restaurant began to fill up, our waiter was friendly, and the night seemed to be on the right path. Then: The Yelling. While our wine and appetizers were flowing, and our waiter was chatting, a couple at a neighboring table leaned over and asked about one of our plates. At the same time as the waiter, and the music, and Mike took that moment to ask or tell me something. It was loud. I couldn’t hear. So, I asked him to hold on and repeat what he said. Mike yelled, about how I wasn’t allowed to speak to him that way, about how awful I was, about how he was not to be blown off. What was once a noisy room was now silent. I was incredibly emabarrassed.
This is where I wish that I could say that I left. No matter the situation, I know I didn’t deserve to be screamed at and belittled. I was embarrassed, mad, and ready to go. I wanted out, but I also wanted people to stop staring, for it to end, and to do this in private. So I did what women have been doing for years, I tried to make it right. I attempted to calm Mike down, quiet him, make it seem ok for everyone there. And it worked. We made a show of going on, and it was ok. We left and I went home, upset at both him and how I had handled it. (Side note: I think this is the only time I ever have been screamed at like that in public). Mike and I made a plan to meet for coffee a few days later. He stood me up. But loves, I may have dodged a bullet.
Another side note: if someone is ever threatening or violent to you, leave. Peace isn’t worth it.
Hope that your week involves no bad and yelling dates, but if they do-tell me all about it! We’ll put them on the Ex-files!
Ever heard that saying? For my money, I think it’s true. There’s magic in transitions, it’s also where the madness is. Yes, we could be talking about life stuff. But. It’s also VERY true about fashion.
It’s fall. And it’s been cold and windy and lovely. It’s also been hot. Just for good measure, it also has been freezing in the morning, windy, then hot in the afternoon, then cool again at night. Because no one might want to get used to the temperature.
I know at this point in the story, I’m supposed to tell you that the solution to this transition is layering. And yes. I love layering. Putting a shirt under a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket you can take off can be a fashionable way to make it through the day.
But.
Here’s the thing about layering. It can be bulky. And it involves changing throughout the day. We may still be getting to know each other, but when I’m given the option to change during the day, I go over board. Even just a regular day, I can leave the house with 3 “outfits” and at least 5 pairs of shoes. I can go from one to the next “layering”, and bringing bits of my closet with me everywhere.
I’ve been this way since I was 2. Ask my mom- she used to be in charge of carrying my “costume” changes, which often involved coats and leotards and red sparkly shoes.
Layering and costume changes are great. But what about when you need to pick a lane and stick to it?
Transition. Mix and match the seasons. And yes, that may mean that you’re wearing a leather skirt with sandals. Maybe it means a tank top and wool. But if the temperature can go from the 30s to the 70s, I think that we also have the right to bounce around.
The question that remains is : how do you transition? I’ve linked similar items to this outfit below, in my world it’s the perfect balance. But I would love to know what you’re transitioning in!
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!
We, as a society, tend to wear red and green for Christmas. Sequins for New Years. There are traditions that have come and gone–like holiday sweaters. I would love to know: what are your fashion holiday traditions? Have they changed over the years? Let’s chat about it!
Below, I’ve linked some holiday dresses, and holiday sweaters for your shopping pleasure!
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!
How many times during the holiday season have you lamented that you have nothing to wear? I get it. Me too. From dinners to holiday parties to cocktails to work pot-lucks to events to lunches, there is so much to do. What do we wear to them?
Me? I like a little surprise. A little sass. And a little layering.
Some fashion notes:
-A strapless dress is a classic. And while classic, it lends itself to all sorts of possibilities. Put shirts or sweaters under it. Wear blazers or cardigans over it. Pair with boots or heels. This one is vintage- the boning and the structure give me curves that aren’t mine. And I’m grateful for them!
-Invest in a cashmere sweater. That’s it. That’s the advice. You can layer it, wear it, from the holiday season onward.
-Jewerly. Tis the season to be a bit bold. With your layering, and with your bling. And that can be one in the same.
-Holiday dressing and layering is supposed to be fun. Don’t think too hard. I love sweaters underneath dresses and big necklaces. Is this the only way to holiday layer? Not at all. Everything in your closet (yes,maybe. ) can be used to holiday layer. The most important things? Do you love it? Do you feel comfortable? Is your holiday layering saying what you want to say?
Holiday layering not only answers the question: “what should you wear?” , it lets you show off all the things about your holiday closet that you love. It can help with the temperture issues.
This is one of the staple outfits I reach for in the holiday season. I feel fancy in it, yet it’s a snap to adjust for any of my holiday events. How do you holiday layer?
I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure!
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! It’s another Sunday, and another Gift Guide. Within the next week, some of us will begin traveling for Thanksgiving, or maybe having a Friendsgiving, or in general, hosting or being hosted somewhere. I’m a big fan of the hostess gift. It not only lets people know that you’re appreciative of the invite, and willing to help as needed, I think it’s the one gift that can immediately acknowledge someone. And acknowledged people are happy people. (I’m 99% sure that’s science!)
Hostess gifts can also be as broad or as personal as you want them to be. You can’t go wrong with wine, or a little tea towel. You can also get the hostess something they, or their family, have been really wanting. One time a friend gave her hostess a gift card for a maid service after the holidays–tis a gift that you can be creative with!
That all being said, I’ve rounded up some things I think are perfect for hostess gifts. From things for the holiday table, to little holiday trinkets, and even some party poppers!
What do you love to give and get for hostess gifts?
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!
Little and big things for the holiday table. No judgement if you want these things for you!
I’m a fan of gratitude. It really does make everything better. These little gifts will have you saying “Thank You”, and make the table a bit more festive!
There’s an infamous quote:
“So, you gave up, and put on some sweat pants”.
Well. I haven’t given up. But, I have put on some sweatpants. Can you blame me when they’re this cute? The grey is just perfect, the stripes keep them bright, and they are the perfect amount of warm.
Here, I couldn’t resist adding striped socks and heels. Just because they are comfy and cozy, doesn’t mean that sweat pants aren’t a going out pant. I love the Juxatipositon of pairing a set like this with heels. In fact, break it up! Wear the sweatshirt with a skirt or nice pants. Pair the sweat pants with a button down or blouse. Wear with heels! But, I have also worn this set with sneakers. And slippers. And to bed. In fact, this set is so comfy and wears so well, when I got it I couldn’t help but wear it for almost a day straight. It’s that versitaile and that good.
I also wore a trench because I wear a trench with everything. Tis the season.
Over on Instagram, this week I chatted a little bit about cold weather outfits. This here? This is a perfect one.
Giving up? I’ve never heard of it. Keeping warm and chic? I plan to keep doing that in spades.
I would love to know: when is the last time you rocked a sweatsuit in public? Is it this chic?
Xo RA
I’ve linked this exact suit and similar accessories below!
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!
Update: so back in January, I thought we should try headbands. Now it’s the holiday season, and I’m letting you know that headbands are a must! From adding some piazza to your hair for all those holiday dos, to hiding the fact that maybe your hair is a bit dirty, headbands are the perfect season accessory. Here are some thoughts that still ring true. I’ve updated some shopping options that are more winter friendly (like the Velvet ones! I would love to know: are you headbanding it? XO RA
I admit that a little bit ago when I got sent a “trend watch” email and it let me know that headbands were coming back, I didn’t believe it. Then I pulled out an old black one and began wearing it during the holiday season. Then I noticed other bloggers wearing one. Then Kate (you know, the Duchess) wore one. And finally, in my past President’s Day Holiday shopping headbands were everywhere.
And my loves, it’s time. I think headbands are a trend to try.
Here’s why I’m loving them:
*You don’t have to do your hair, but it looks like effort
*Hides that you may or may not need to get your roots done (just me?)
*Hides dirty hair
*Headbands are a way to punch up an outfit
I admit it, I’m drawn to the bigger, satin headbands that seem to be popping up in my life, though I’m not against a wrap around headband either. This is the headband that has me looking for anything satin, though this is the headband that started my little obession:
Below are some headbands I’m loving and thinking of building outfits around:
(Styling tip: I’m personally avoiding bows and a ton of embellishments as I feel like that can read a little young on me. If those are your jam, by all means rock them. Headbands are accessories so my theory is we have free reign to have some fun with them!)
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!
New and winter-Ish options:
[show_shopthepost_widgetid=”3797545″]
Another note: while I love some of the designer headbands, this is a trend you can try at a reasonable price! In my selections there are picks from Target/Amazon/etc!
I would love to know: are you rocking a headband?
XO RA
