Investment Piece – Page 99 – Everyday Editorial

Inspired by :Fosse/Verdon

Investment Piece: inspired by fosse Verdon
A recent obession of mine? Fosse/Verdon. So much so, that I can’t help but let my fashion by inspired by it.
In one scene, Gwen Verdon (played by the incomparable Michelle Williams) wears the most perfect pantsuit. This is my version of that.
Investment Piece: Fosse Verdon
Investment Piece: Fosse/Verdon
Investment Piece: Inspired by Fosse/Verdon

We’re all story tellers. I’m a big believer that fashion is just another way we can tell our stories.
Don’t believe me?
What’s your favorite movie? Play?
Can you picture your favorite character? Does it matter what they wear?

(Hint: yes. Yes it does)

This is by no means the first time that I’ve been fascinated by a TV show’s costume department (see here And here), and not the first time I’ve let you know I think fashion is a story telling medium. As an actress and a fashion blogger when things like stories I love (Fosse/Verdon) and fashion collide, I simply can’t contain myself. We can’t jump in the story, but we can jump in the fashion, and that’s almost just as good!

Investment Piece: Inspired by Fosse/Verden
Side Note: Fosse/Verdon (which is on Tuesday nights on FX) is a must watch. We could chat about what we give and give up in relationships. What we sacrifice and kill for creativity. How when we don’t heal ourselves we hurt others. What men take from women. How Michelle Williams is gonna win an Emmy. How I’m constantly amazed at the creative output of Lin-Manuel Miranda (he’s an executive producer). We won’t. But we could. For days. My only advice?
Watch Fosse/Verdon.

Maybe twice.

Investment Piece: Inspired by Fosse/Verdon

What I can chat about today? The pantsuit. A novel thing in the 70/80s. Still a statement. The stories you can tell in a pantsuit are endless. The powerful CEO. The up and comer. The woman leaving. The one arriving. (And yes, in recent years the pantsuit has had some political meaning. Embrace that)

Even more interesting in your pant suit story? You can make one with seperates in your closet. These pants? Elaine Kim (use code RACHEL4EK for 15%off your first order at Elaine Kim). Blazer? I’ve had it for years (I think I got it on eBay). Shoes? Old Jeffrey Campbell, I can never seem to get rid of them as they might be the perfect wedge. And of course, a scarf and a belt. (If we’re channeling early 80s we have to be accessorized). But really, any blazer, any pants, any scarf will do.

Even if you’re not confronting your genius/hurtful husband.

I’ve linked similar items for you below. Want more content that combines my acting and fashion worlds? Let me know! Want more inspired by content? Let me know! Just in general- let me know.

I’ll be over here in my leotard!
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: Inspired by Fosse/Verdon

Sunday Chronicles: Packing

More than once, I’ve been accused of packing (let’s say) generously. And yes. Maybe I do.
But is there anything wrong with that? What if there is method to my madness? What if packing isn’t something we should shame each other for, but something to commend each other for?

I had thoughts about packing and I walked us through them here:

And if you loved the outfits I made out of all that I packed, you’re in luck!
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: Packing
here

Investment Piece: Packing
And here

Let’s not be ashamed of how we pack and what we make of what we pack! I’m getting so comfortable with that situation, and as I travel often, I feel like maybe I can speak for all us when I say: pack what you want. Let the fashion fall where it may!

Wiahing us all a week of generosity and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Fancy Dress

Investment Piece: Fancy Dress

Note: this post contains affiliate links. And is part of my partnership with Armarium. All opinions are my own. And while I might earn commission from these links, that doesn’t affect the price for you. Thank you for your support!

I won’t even address the fact that I’m in polka dots. Again. I can’t help it! And if they didn’t want me to wear dots, they would quit making them. Facts.
Investment Piece: Fancy Dress

And now that we got that out of the way:

Loves. This dress. It made me feel like a princess (but the self rescuing kind). And yet, I could also see it with flats and at bbqs. (This kind of princess loves drinking on patios and won’t apologize for it. I think this dress would look great doing that, too!)

Without prompting, I can speak for hours about what I love about fashion, and the power that I think fashion has. I’m a firm believer that everyone needs a party dress, a fancy dress if you will, to celebrate moments (big and small) in their lives. Birthdays? No exception.

Invsestment Piece: Fancy Dress

I fell in love with this Zimmermann dress the first time I saw it. And knew that I wanted to wear it on my birthday. (And also to walk in Paris, to summer soriees, and anything else my life could come up with) The thing about fancy dresses is that we tend to put them in a box. We think they can only be used for that party or that event or that soiree.

At that point we have two choices:
Yes. Buy the dress and wear it once
OR
Rent it and wear it once.

(Actually there are three choices, buy it and wear it wherever you want!)

This time, I choose to rent–and yet, I still got to wear it more than once. Birthday dinner. The ballet for Mother’s Day, and this shoot. I absolutely love renting with Armarium and I think you will too (see here). Like this option? Use code RADELICIA for 20% off your first rental.

Want to own this beauty for yourself?
I found options here

(A quick sizing note: I’m a size 0/2 and went with the bigger size here. In retrospect, I wish I had gone with the smaller size–it was a little hard to keep up! Armarium has stylists on call, so if you ever have a question like that, reach out to them!)

There’s no bad option. And there’s no bad fancy dress. Where do you wear yours?
Xo RA

Where to Shop: Elaine Kim

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

Loves, I take my duty to share with you amazing brands and places to shop seriously. So seriously, in fact, that when a brand/store gets on my radar that I am in love with, I get giddy about telling you. And Elaine Kim is not only a brand you should know, a store you should shop at, but if you’re lucky enough to meet Elaine-she’s a person you will love!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

This brand is an amazing blend of cool and classic. They have amazing pieces (I’ve worn their leather sleeves this way) that can be worn edgy or more traditional. Think classic pieces: trenches, dresses, pants, with amazing details and fabric: linen, leather, leather lining, step hems. Every piece in the collection flows together, and yet it all fits into your waredrobe seamlessly!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

Elaine takes a hands on approach, if you visit the 3rd St brick and mortar you may find her there. She is amazingly creative and kind, as is all her staff. Everyone is the store cares about your taste, feedback, and is willing to help with anything you need. From putting together outfits to picking accessories, Elaine and her staff work with you to find the perfect fit!

Investment Piece: trench (as a dress)

You’ve seen me in a lot of Elaine Kim. And there’s more to come. This season I’m loving this coat, which I’ve worn as a dress. There’s a vest that I’m wearing every which way you can imagine. All kinds of pants. But what I’m most excited to share with you is that Elaine and I have chosen to partner. Shopping at Elaine Kim, both in LA and at her pops ups (which happen all over), has become such a joy for me that I want to share it with you. You can use the code RACHEL4EK to get 15% off your first order. Yes, both online and at her LA store. There are so many great things that deserve your attention, and perhaps a place in your closet. You’ll see more and more of them here, and I hope you’d take a sec to shop her!

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim

The even better news? Great clothes aren’t the only things to find at Elaine Kim, they also have amazing shoes and accessories! I actually fell in love with Elaine Kim from a pair of boots that I bought 4 years ago (and I still get compliments on them!) The shoes and jewelry are just as high quality and seamless as the clothes’ from pieces that can be worn edgy to classics that will carry you through seasons, these offerings are just as exciting! (Another thing I love: Elaine features and gives space to other artists, creators and women run businesses, it’s win-win!)

Investment Piece: Elaine Kim
So, how can you get your hands on Elaine Kim? You can visit their website Elaine Kim, follow them on Instagram @elainekimstudio, or visit the store on W 3rd St in LA. I know you’ll love them like I do!!

Happy Shopping!

XO RA

It’s All Fun and Games

Investment Piece: It's All Fun and Games

It’s all fun and games….till the fashion gets involved. Or, if you’re doing it right, it’s all fun and games when the fashion gets involved. Because, loves, fashion is supposed to be fun. The games are up to you!

There are times when I get these ideas in my head that I can’t shake. Outfits. Shoot ideas. Pieces I must have. Sometimes the solution is simple: buy the shoes. Sometimes, the outfits or the shoots take more planning. This outfit? Easy. I fell in love with this Marni top (found at Recess LA) that is both metallic glory, and somehow reminds me of a bowling shirt. There are so many ways to wear it: jeans, skirts, over a bathing suit, over a dress. But I love them with these tux pants.

It’s fun. It’s perfect for playing games in. And yes, that is a shower cap worn as a hat. And some of my fave sandals.

All fun and games.

Investment Piece: It's all fun and games

We’ve covered the fun, now for the games.

I was convinced that I should shoot this outfit in a bowling alley. The shirt, the hat (which also looks amazing worn with all your hair up), the pants. It was to be editorial and fun and kitchy and high end, all at the same time. Here’s the thing about shooting in a bowling alley: you have to have one where you can shoot. Not that there aren’t bowling alleys, but issues like persmission, lighting, fees, and timing kept getting in the way. In the meantime, I wore this outfit to drinks. I wore the pieces seperately in various ways. The shhhower cap became a necessity when I needed to rinse off ad not get my hair wet.

And yet, I couldn’t get the idea of shooting this as a bowling outfit out of my head.

There’s a chance I watched Grease 2 too much as child. That’s most likely a subject for a different sort of therapy session. We’re focusing on the fun, games, and fashion.

But this outfit needed games, right?

We’re always given what we need. I should trust that by now, but sometimes I don’t. When I met my photographer for this shoot I knew that we might get to use an outdoor space, and that there might be some lawn bowling equipment. We lucked into someone having a hula hoop (and letting us use it). Then, by chance, we went by a restuarant that allowed us to shoot on their game deck and ping pong table. Some outfits just seem to find what they need.

It’s all fun and games, right?

This top is vintage Marni, and these pants are Jcrew from several seasons ago. However, I’ve linked similar items (and these shoes!) below for your fun and games!

XO RA

Don’t forget to shade yourself when you’re out having fun:

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

Investment Piece: It's all fun and games — It’s all fun and games…

And Thank you to KYN Photo for playing games with me!

Birthday Wishlist

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!

It’s my birthday! (Cue all sorts of champagne bottles popping!) However, I’m a giver, and this means that we can all celebrate. Every year on my birthday I make a little Wishlist. Sometimes I save up and get it all, sometimes it’s a jumping off point for what I want my summer wardrobe to be. Sometimes I use it as inspiration to find vintage or other picks that have that feeling. My birthday Wishlist can be a lot.

This year, I had a little bit of trouble deciding “what” I wanted. The past few years, I’ve had big items in mind, and after saving and shopping, I got those. I’ve also been feeling a little uninspired with some fashion choices, so it was a little hard to figure out what to pick. Below are things I love, or things I might like in other forms. The great thing about this Wishlist is that it’s not set in stone, but it gives me some things to keep in mind as I’m making fashion choices. And, of course, it’s a Wishlist, and my birthday, so it’s great to shop from!

I would love to know: what’s on your Wishlist? What’s inspiring you for your summer wardrobe? Where are you currently drawing fashion inspiration? I would love to hear about it!

Remember it’s my birthday-I give you permission to treat yourself!
Xo RA

Investment Piece: Birthday Wishlist
The “It” shoe of the summer? A barely there sandal. You have a ton of options, I keep coming back to this one. A sign we should buy it?
Get it here

Investment Piece: Birthday Wishlist
A white dress is fresh for the summer, and I love this one. This is one of those pieces that I might just draw inspiration from (so many similar vintage pieces!), but I really do love the shape of this one!
Get it here

Investment Piece: Birthday Wishlist
Same with this little plaid number. I love it, I love the feel of it, and who knows where shopping for summer plaid might take us?
Get this one here

Investment Piece: Birthday Wishlist
Have you heard about my quest for the perfect white crop Jean? What if these are them?
Get yourself a pair! here

Worried that my Wishlist isn’t very big? I’m still shopping and looking around, what about you?

Dots and Sets

Investment Piece: Dots and Sets

Dots are a timeless pattern. I love them. You love them. They are everywhere. Here they get a little sass with a short set, you can’t quite tell but those sleeves are a little sheer, and some feathers. Perfectly vintage. Perfectly modern. The shorts would be perfect at the beach or a bbq, and with the skirt this is party ready.

Investment Piece: Dots and Sets

Sets. They’re great to wear together, to wear seperately. Sets can take the work out of planning an outfit. The skirt part of this vintage one would be perfect over any white dress, or even jeans. The shorts can stand alone. Together, or alone, they can be as dressy or as casual as your day needs.

Sassy, feathers and the pop of leg. Classic, those dots. If there is a superhero in your closet, I bet it’s a set like this one.

Yes, it’s vintage- from one of my favorites, FeatherstoneVintage, but I’ve found some similar options for your shopping pleasure below! The shoes? PVC from Steve Madden, exact ones linked. I’ve worn them with everything-they make your legs look like they go on for days!

Dots and sets. It’s how I roll!

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: The Busiest Month of the Year

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles: Blog Birthday

People will tell you that the holiday season, aka Novemeber-January, is the busiest time of year. These people are wrong. The busiest month of the year? May. For me at least.

May is full of birthdays. My birthday, my mom’s birthday, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends. I can go through this month day by day and list someone who has a birthday. Some days have 2-3 people I know who have birthdays.

And then there’s graduations.

And Mother’s Day.

End of the school year, beginning of wedding season, and that’s just the top of the list.

May feels like one of those months that keeps going and going and going and going.
The question isn’t “will we be busy”? The question is “What are we going to do about being so busy?”

These commitments aren’t things I can back out of, or most of them aren’t. So, I’ve learned to be very intentional with my time during May. Yes, there are a ton of things I HAVE to do in May. But there are things I don’t. I say no to the events that will push me over the edge, and I don’t let myself feel guilty about it.

Each week, I make sure that one of my “plans” is a night home for me. I’ve learned that I’m an introvert, and I can’t go all the time. I need time alone, doing nothing to recharge. That is a gift I give to me, and you, so that I can keep doing all the things that I do.

I try not to stack events. Yes, it happens sometimes, but being booked from early in the morning till late at night isn’t the best for anyone. So, I spread my busy out. I try to say yes to the events that are the most fun for me, and with the people that I really care about seeing. Does this strategy always work? Nope. But it helps.

Most importantly, when I’m this busy, I try to keep the big picture in mind. These events are happening because I’m lucky enough to have people in my life that are worth celebrating. A month of crazy is a small price to pay for all of them.

What do you do when your schedule is overwhelming? I’d love to hear all the tips you got!

Here’s to a week of schedules and amazing shoes!
XO RA

May Armarium Picks

This post is a part of my partnership with Armarium. At Armarium you can rent the designer looks you love, at a price that’s within your budget. Use code RADELICIA for 20% off of your first order, and 10% off your orders following that!

Every month I share some of the rentable looks I love that match some of the events I have coming up! May is an incredibly busy month for me–there are so many birthdays, a gala, ballet, graduations, and quite a few parties! See below what I’m thinking of renting, and don’t forget to rent yourself something!

Birthdays
May is the biggest birthday month I have, from my own to my mothers, to 6 family members, and a ton of friends-I can list a birthday for everyday this month. Which means, many events, parties, and celebrations!
I’m thinking :

Investment Piece: May Armarium Picks
This for some birthday dinners.

This for some parties.

And I just love this dress, and may need to find a place to wear it.

Graduations
May means graduations. And Mother’s Day Brunches and teas. What I love for these events?
Investment Piece: May Armarium Picks
This lady like dress, and it’s by a designer I’ve been dying to try!
And

This sunny number.

Ballets and Galas
Investment Piece: May Armarium Picks
Isn’t this the most perfect spring gala dress?

And I love this one.

Over any LBD, with pants, or a skirt, I just want to wear this blazer.

And finally, these pants are perfect for a matinee!

From gowns to purses, Armarium has everything I need for all my events. Use code RADELICIA to take 20% off your first rental,and 10% off after that!

Happy Renting!
Xo RA

Skirting the Season

Investment Piece: Skirting the Season

Investment Piece: Skiritng the Season

Shorts?
It’s not that I don’t like them, but they can be tough.
Jeans? Pants?
Not when it gets too hot.
The way I get through?
Skirting the season.
From midis to maxis, there’s a skirt for everything you have this season. I wear mine with everything from graphic tees to “going out tops”. Sneakers to heels. There isn’t a thin you can’t be, or a story you can’t tell in a skirt.

Personally, I like mine with a bit of movement (and it also helps you keep cool). We know I love a great juxatipositon, so pops of color, contrasting patterns,and the like are right up my alley.

I would love to know: how do you skirt the season?
Xo RA

I’ve linked similar items below for your shopping pleasure! This skirt is from H&M. I know. But, I have to admit there are collections from H&M that I just love! Their Conscious Collections, some of their new items, it’s all worth your time. And this skirt? Amazing. It even has pockets! And it’s a poly blend, but feels great, and the movement is a dream. I’ve worn it with everything from my bikini top to Blazers. I might gush, but skirts? They’re my secret weapon!

Note: this post does contian an affiliate link. While that does not affect prices for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Shop the look here