Investment Piece – Page 94 – Everyday Editorial

Sunday Chronicles: Ready for Football

Fall is coming and I love it for many reasons–the cooler weather, the holidays, and football. You may have caught on that I’m a big football fan, I was raised on it and come from a long line of men and women who love football and have made watching it an almost religious experience. However, there are times when being a female football fan isn’t easy.

Even if you’re not a football fan you can’t help but notice that both the NFL and the College system have issues with domestic abuse, rape, and the handling of the men who commit these crimes. Being a female who believes that there is no excuse for this behavior and someone who is a huge fan of the sport it often leaves me in a difficult position. I don’t have answers. I’m a Cowboys fan and I hate that we signed Greg Hardy. Jerry Jones wouldn’t take my calls about that issue. Recently in my college team’s conference a young man with a known history of violence transferred to a school where he subsequently raped a young woman–I believe the coach and school should be held accountable. But I love the sport. As much I want the men who commit crimes off the field–I love watching the game. It is a hard line to balance that I sometimes struggle with–and again I don’t know that I handle well. My thoughts below are not meant to diminish the seriousness of the issues with women in the NFL or a sign that I ignore them. I simply don’t have the words. Here and here are articles about the situation if you care to read. I’m also well aware of some of the race/kneeling issues in the sport. I don’t know that it’s my place to speak (and there are so many people who can speak on those issues better than I can), but I think people using their platform is amazing. And we should all be on the side of equality.
Now to things I can speak to.
More than once I’ve said I love juxatipositons. And I do. I’m an artist, fashionista, and a football fan. My turn-ons involve both opera and action movies. I think that we’re all complicated and no interest makes you dumb. Not only does this mantra apply to fashion but to football. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is as a woman to tell people you love football and have people assume that you’re saying that to be attractive to a guy (not true). Or that you really don’t know what you’re talking about–ask me my opinion on the 4-3 defense. Or that you use football as social time–ask me questions or try to have a deep conversation during a game and see how well that works for you. Or that most of the gear for women involves sequins and pink–yes, NFL I’m looking at you, and yes it’s getting better, but I’m a fan, not a Barbie. So yes, I am passionate about it. But that doesn’t mean I will shove it down your throats (I swear, even though I’m so excited for this season!)

I can tell you that if you want football rantings following me on twitter @adeliciamorris is a place to get them. And that every Friday my college team (TCU) has “Go Purple Friday” and every Friday on my instagram I will be sharing my purple. Most of the time it looks like this:

as I sometimes interpret the day as “wear amazing purple shoes day”!
I do hope that if you celebrate the season or not that the following weeks go your way (unless you’re rooting against my teams) and again I promise not to make this page football central.

Hope this week brings amazing beginnings and even better shoes! XO RA

Everybody’s Doing It

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

It seems as if every season there’s something that everyone gets. A dress. A bag. A belt. We all get them and we all wear them.

I usually avoid those things.

Not that I sometimes don’t love them, want them, or buy a different version of them (looking at you, Gucci Belt). BUT, one of the things that I love about fashion is that we can all use it to look different. And yes, we can all wear the same thing differently, but you know.

This year? I put my fears of wearing the SAME THING as everyone else aside, and let myself fall in love with this WhoWhatWear set from Target. Have you seen it everywhere on everyone? Yes. Do I have a hundred different ways I want to wear each piece and the set? Yes. Do I care that other people might wear it too? No.

Everybody’s doing it. Maybe they’re right.

Investment Piece: Everybody's Doing It

Here’s what I’m learning about doing the things that everybody’s doing: it’s fun. I wanted to resist this set, but knew that it was perfect for fall. And it’s comfy. And there are pockets. Again, maybe everybody knows what they’re talking about! Here I paired the set together with some of my fave kicks, but I can’t wait to wear it with boots, heels, sweaters, and seperated. The pattern is great, but is till classic enough to mix and last.

Also, not to sound basic, but I can’t say enough great things about Target and their collections lately. My current favorite dress? Target. Where I’m buying all the things? Target. My fall inspiration? Target. Just go and let them tell you what you need!

And speaking of what you need: I’ve linked this set below, yes, be my twin. However, I’m also including links to my picks from the Target 20 Years of Design for All Collection that drops tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. It’s a chance to get your hands on things you may have missed out on from MissonixTarget to the iconic plaid dress we’ll all be wearing next. If I were you I’d bookmark your choices and then get up early tomorrow to shop!

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!

This look:

[show_shopthepost_widgetid=”3722194″]

And the Target Design items I love:

Monkey Suit

Note: this post is part of my summer/early fall collaboration with Amberleaf though all opinions are my own. I do think that you need a blazer or a dress from them! Xo RA

Investment Piece: Monkey Suit

Who said that work wear had to be boring? I’m a fan of all things that have a sense of humor, especially if that involves a monkey suit. (No monkeys were harmed in this shoot, and while not a traditional monkey suit, might I suggest a pattern to spice up all of your suits?)

What else I recommend? A great blazer. And in that case, Amberleaf has you covered. Blazers are a must for any and all work wear, but also can be worn over any thing your heart desires, from “going-out” outfits to more traditional wear. And here? They balance out a skirt with a little attitude (like me!),and shoes that I’m sure were on no one’s work wear list.

Want to see how else I’ve styled this skirt? See here.

Investment Piece: Monkey Suit

Want to spice up your work wear? Pair a patterned skirt with a blazer. Anything else is gravy, though I’m personally a fan of any fun shoes. This top? Faux leather tank, which I think is a must for fall. And still, it balances out the skirt and shoes. Do you need to put all these pieces together? Of course not, they work well on their own and will match great with anything you pair them with. But, they also go well together. And isn’t it nice to know that you can pair personality with classics and have them all mesh/stand out?

You can get the blazer, in more than one color, at Amberleaf. And while this skirt, and shoes, are both from seasons ago I’ve found you similar items. And linked them below.

Happy shopping!
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!

Sunday Chronicles: Back on The Grind

Investment Piece: Back on the Grind

Confession: I don’t have kids, and no one in my inner circle works for a school (at any level). Though I did used to own a tutoring company, and my mom was a college professor/dean for a lot of my life. But now, I’m not tied to the school year schedule.

And yet, I can’t help but fell like my life is still ruled by it. And now that school has started, no matter where you live, it’s plain to see that we’re back on the grind.

Maybe it’s that there is such a delineation between summer and fall that happens around the school year. We go from a more lax schedule to a more rigorous one. Maybe we’re all just conditioned to be more disciplined once the bell rings, maybe it’s just an easy way to say “now I’m going to really focus”.

I only know that, even though I have no reason to be tied to the school system, I’m back on the grind. Did I work hard during the summer? Did I intentionally try to move towards what I want? Yes to both. But is there a renewed sense of purpose and movement now? Very much so, yes.

It’s almost a little bit like January, when we all instinctively tighten up after months of holidays. With the school year, fall, and more things starting, I’m back on the grind. What does that mean for me? I’m focusing on my work goals and being intentional about them. Each day I’m trying to have at least an hour that’s super intentional. (I also have an hour that’s given to my exercise, my soul, and an hour to just feeling good–whatever that means. Me? I’m also focused on my diet and my budget, neither super fun but I’m trying and in that, there’s some fun.)

Even if we aren’t in school, there are changes that come at this time of year. The traffic patterns (yep, tied to school). The length of the days. It gets cooler. We naturally turn from the fun of summer to the structure of fall. And maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s nature’s way of making sure that we stay balanced.

I would love to know: what grind are you back to? As the season turns where are you turning your attention? As I focus on work, diet, and exercise, what advice or tips do you have for me?

As always, I wish as a week of productivity and amazing shoes! XO RA

Vintage and Pops

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Ever had something keep popping up till you had to pay attention? For me, lately, that was a Diane Freis dress. A staple in the 1980s, I can clearly remember my mom wearing one, these dresses mix patterns and have simple shapes. (Yes, there are sizes but it’s all basically one size. Most waists are smocked and stretchable, they are all made to fit a wide range of sizes).

While I had stumbled across a few of these dresses before (and loved them), it was within the past month that almost EVERY vintage shop I love had a Diane Freis in stock. See FeatherStoneVintage and Miriti Vintage, and everyone in between. (And of course, etsy is a great place for all vintage).

I rember thinking how chic my mom looked in her Diane Freis dress. And when these dresses started popping up, I couldn’t help but think how chic they are now. Patterned mixed perfectly. Smocked. Silhouettes that seem both classic and vintage. And a way to get an “all in one” dressing done.

Investment Piece: Vintage and Pops

Usually one of my favorite things to do with vintage is to pair it with modern pieces. There’s nothing like a great juxtaposition. Take it from me. However, this time my pops weren’t quite so jarring. The shoes and bag I choose to orginally wear with my Diane Freis were not quite modern (though since I’ve worn this dress with both flip flops and sneakers), but they weren’t quite vintage. I’m a fan of resale sites. And shopping. These shoes are Miu Miu and from a few seasons ago, when I couldn’t quite afford them. Shopping resale I was able to get the shoes I loved at a price that I could stomach. Same for this clutch. I have this theory that we never have to pay full price.

And that, even if the juxtapositions aren’t jarring, they’re important.

So, if something keeps popping up should you buy it? Why not?

I’ve linked similar items to all of these pictures below. I’d love to hear about all your Diane Freis stories. And resale stories. And mixing stories. What are you buying right now?
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: Vintage and Pops

September Armarium Picks

Loves, this is a part of my partnership with Armarium. All opinions and picks are my own! You can use code RADELICIA for 20% off your first rental xo RA

It’s September and I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of kicking off this month. From the start of school seasons, ballet seasons, class seasons, and football seasons; it seems that with summer ending, a lot is beginning. What does that mean for me? Opening parties, tailgates, fundraisers and galas. Which means I have a lot to wear.

I’ve picked things for all these kick off parties. Some can be dressed up or dressed down. Some are gowns. All are amazing (I think). These are what I’m renting this month:

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Not your average gown, I love this Hip Pad Dress and can’t wait to wear it to a gala!

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Together or Seperate, perfect for start of season meetings. Get this Suit and show them who’s boss.

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
I just love this silhouette. It’s classy and a little risqué all at the same time!

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
Yes, this is technically a gown. But it would also look great with sandals or flats. Cocktail party? Rent it here

Investment Piece: September Armarium Picks
I can’t get over how beautiful this dress is. And how great w all would look in it.

What do you have going on this month? Might I suggest anything at Armarium? Remember to use code RADELICIA for 20% off your first rental!
Xo RA

Labor Day Sales

The way I see it, we can either be sad about today marking the unofficial end of summer (though it will still be hot!) or we can be excited about all the sales we get to shop today!

I’m going with the latter. I hope this long weekend has been full of end-of-summer fun, love, and that these sales excite you as much as they do me!

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!

ShopBop
A little of this, a little of that

Jcrew
Your entire order is 40% off with code Sunset!

InterMix
Up to 30% off of sale styles!

Free People
From staples to stand outs!

I’d love to know: what did you do this weekend? What are you shopping?

Happy Labor Day!

Summer’s Greatest Hits

It’s Labor Day weekend and it feels like something is ending. I talk a lot about the seasonal transition from summer to fall, and while it’s partially due to how big a change that is, it’s also because these are two of my favorite seasons and there it is both bittersweet to have one end,and exciting for a new one to start. But it does feel like summer is over, right? Even those of us who aren’t tied to the school year system. Fall isn’t offical till September 23, but starting Monday there will be urges for us to put away our whites and get sweater ready.

What are we to do?

First, I’m not giving into sweaters (love them, though I do) while it’s still 100 degrees out. And I’m not letting go just yet. Knowing me, I’ll find a way to let summer influence my transitional dressing (see here and here). I’m also looking back and enjoying my Summer’s greatest hits one more time!

I hope that you have a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend. There will be thoughts up on wearing white on Sunday, and my sales picks on Monday!
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!

I really have lived in this Outdoor Voices Dress. And worn my hair like this at least twice a week.
Shop it here

Investment Piece: Summer's Greatest Hits
Nothing says summer like a mini dress. And I love this one.
Shop it here

Investment Piece: Wild Wild Wrap Dress
Dresses for days! Shop this one here

Investment Piece: Momma Said Stand Up Straight
I’ll be wearing white all weekend, what about you?
Get this look here

I also spent my summer in Elaine Kim:
Investment Piece: Summer's Greatest Hits
You can use code RACHELADELICA for 15% off your first order!

There have also been countless days in swimsuits, cutoffs, sundresses. I feel like every season has a theme for me. This was the summer of ease, I feel like no outfit was so out there, and I repeated a lot. What about you? What can we take with us into fall?
Xo RA

The Ex Files: Jumping to Conclusions

Investment Piece: #bootleg

And we’re back. That’s right it’s Ex Files, dating horror stories, my final attempt to live my life a la Carrie Bradshaw. (And let’s not pretend horror only lives in fiction. Some of my ex files: The Ghosting, Tinder on an Airplane, The One Who Wouldn’t Take No, and of course The One Who Asked for his Money Back. More can be found under “Ex Files” in the search bar).

However, I have to admit, this month telling you a dating horror story was a little bit difficult for me. Not because I don’t have stories, because I got STORIES. But. There comes a time when you’re mining your love life every month when you realize that there are times that the horror story is partially due to your actions. (CLEARLY this is a rare instance, but when it happens, aren’t we the better person? The one that can take responsibility and learn and grow?) So, on that note: here is Jumping to Conclusions.

Jumping to Conclusions
One of my most favorite sayings is “Never assume. It makes an ass out of you and me”. It’s also how I remember to spell the word (my spelling issues are for another blog). But the thing about assumptions? They are usually based in something–if nothing else, fear.

Evan and I had been dating-on and off, for over a year. Had he been an asshole? Yes. Should I have listened to my friends and the red flags and let him go? Yes. (Stories for another day) But, once again, I had let myself get sucked into Evan’s charm. (Really he was just moody, but he was a writer so it seemed romantic, and my first “real” relationship in LA so it all seemed so BIG). Good and bad news about me? I’m loyal–way too loyal at times. And truly believe that once you agree to try again with someone you really try.

So, Evan and I were trying again. Friends of mine had invited us to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert. And Evan and I had agreed to go. However, as the days leading up to our “group date” sped by, Evan disappeared. Not answering texts. Not answering the phone. Not a peep from the man.
And. I. Was. Pissed.

Starting over is amazing, and can work. But, the thing is, you’re not always able to let go of some things. And it can hurt doubly when someone knows how to hurt you and it feels like they are doing those behaviors on purpose. Disappearing and leaving me hanging when we had plans? It very much felt like Evan was hurting me on purpose. Also–it’s so embarrassing when a guy does this to you in front of your friends.
So, I handled the situation like any hurt 20-something year old would.
I called Evan and left him a scathing voicemail letting him know what an asshole he was, and how done I was.

Days went by.
As one does, I cooled down.

Then I heard from Evan.
Why had he gone radio silent? His lung had collapsed (after fighting a cold that turned out to be a very serious infection). Evan had been in the hospital and unable to contact anyone.
I felt so horrid for jumping to conclusions.
We made up.

And while this may have been a relationship that wasn’t for me, this experience did teach me not to jump to conclusions all the time–or at least, not leave them a voicemail about your assumptions.

I’d love to hear all your horror stories! Have you ever been the bad guy?

Wishing us all a week of no jumps and amazing shoes! Xo RA

Transition Choices

Last week we chatted about the end of summer sales and all the things that I think you should buy at them. Missed it? Catch up here.

I still stand by those sales picks. There’s so much that is “end of summer” that you can wear into fall. So much of fall that you can start wearing now. And in between, transition pieces that are just magic.

Transitions are some of the most magical, wonderful, difficult things we do. Both fashion and life-wise. It’s the balance of being here now and taking the first steps to the future. Fashion wise? It means dressing for days that getting shorts and colder but are still hot. It’s really a mix of wearing summer and fall clothes together. Since last week we talked summer choices, this week I wanted to talk about fall pieces that you can wear in transition. All these are “on trend” for fall, but also perfect for this moment.

For each of these transition choices I’ll say you can wear it now over a bathing suit and later with a sweater. I’m not lying. But beyond that, the magic of transition comes in all the things you can do with that in the meantime. From layering to standouts, each one of these could be worn a million different ways. I can’t wait to see what we pull together!

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!

Statement Shirts
Investment Piece, fashion, style, Gucci, metallic, high fashion , CA, TX
From white button downs to sheer numbers to statement sleeves, there are interesting choices to be had now and later. Can you layer any of them, with sweaters and each other? Yes. Wear over bathing suits? Yes. Tie up, let down, and everything in between. What will you pair yours with?

Light Knits
From skirts to tops to cardigans, light knits are in for the beginning of fall. Good news? Still light enough to wear now, and we can layer them later. (Yes, you can do a sweater over a knit!) There are so many ways to make these interesting, what will you do?

Midi Skirt
Investment Piece:Decisions
Yes, you’ve seen them everywhere for forever. But they’re a trend with classic leanings for a reason. Mix patterns and textures. Tops. Shoes. They’re a great base for anything you could ever want to wear!

Pair them together, apart, now and later.
What Transtion choices are you making?
XO RA