Now and Then – Investment Piece

Now and Then: Silk

a woman in a blue silk set in front of a brick house
a woman in a green silk wrap dress with pink roses stands on a stone staircase

So I know that the series of “Now and Then” is supposed to highlight current trends that you might be able to buy vintage- which to be fair is almost every trend as everything comes back around. I usually don’t have a dog in the fight. From new to vintage, there are styles I buy new, some I buy vintage- and that’s about it. From new styles to vintage styles, I shop all decades, I shop all styles, and I usually don’t tell you what to buy.

However. This is a Now and Then in which I actually have an opinion and am going to tell you what to buy. And the topic is silk.

It’s not that that new silk isn’t an option (one of my favorite “new” silk designers or sellers is /a>,where the following blue set is from!:

But here’s the thing. From shirts. To unmentionables. To dresses. If you have an option, if it’s on the table, I always recommend: buying vintage silk. It’s not only a bit cheaper. It’s usually a better quality, it’s usually a bit better.

And I know I’m not supposed to say that. I’m supposed to show you all of the most expensive silk that’s new and hot. Yet, I can’t help but tell you that if you want great silk, in classic cuts- from shirts to dresses, you’re best off shopping vintage first. (And if you can’t find what you’re looking for let me know and we’ll find it in a modern cut!). Some of my favorite silks are vintage, not only because of the quality (which is an issue), but because of the selection. The patterns. The choices.

One of my current favorite vintage silk designers is Flora Kung (more to come about her!) but vintage can be found in so many ways. I’ve linked some of my favorite vintage silk pieces- from Flora Kung to shirts to dresses to nightgowns. Truly, I think that whatever silk you’re searching for you can find it in a vintage from. If not- we can find it together! OR you can search Equipment!

I know this segment is Now and Then but what if then is the better choice?
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!

Now and Then: Denim Jacket

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket

A closet staple no matter the season? A denim jacket. I have at least 6. From more “formal” (if formal denim jackets are a thing) to personalized to short sleeved:

Investment Piece: Denim Jacket
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, trend to try, embroidery, high fashion, CA, TX

Various sleeves, various shades, various types. I wear them with everything from dresses to my workout leggings. My denim jackets are the pieces I reach for time and time again. Recently I got an ad for a “new” denim jacket- oversized, short sleeved, just a tad destroyed. And all I could think of was all the different ways that I could wear it. The second thing I thought of? Whether or not I could find a similar jacket vintage.

One of the things I love about trends, fads, fashion in general is that things come back around. Styles that were popular when I was young are all of a sudden on trend again. (Yes, this is an excuse to hang on to all the things that you truly love) So, when there’s a basic (or a trend) I always debate to buy new or vintage. There are pros and cons to both- and in this case, fantastic denim jackets (with all the sleeves and embroideries and styles) you can find both new and vintage. Both now and then.

The only question is: what you find and what you want! Below I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite denim jackets. Some are new. Some are vintage. All are chic and all are on trend. It’s just what you like- now or then!

I would love to know: how do you wear your denim jackets? Do you prefer to shop new or vintage?
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!

Now and Then: Strapless Dress

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Everything comes back. Or is it that nothing ever leaves?
I’m endlessly fascinated by what comes back around, or what is en vogue- now and then. Take these strapless dresses. One is a vintage Laura Ashley from the 1980s:

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

And one is from last year (a Mara Hoffman, one of my favorite brands):
Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Even though these dresses were made about 40 years apart it is stunning how alike they are. Both strapless. Fitted through the hip and thigh, with a more full skirt. Yes, different colors and different fabrics. But almost basically the same dress.

(For styling purposes, I paired each with the same belt)

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

Trends do come and go- but what about when they come back? Do you buy vintage or new? There is always excitement with the new. Maybe there’s a twist, different fabric, more exciting patterns, and new is always attractive. But. Vintage- sometimes there’s just a draw, times that you can’t beat the vintage seams, and often you can get deals on vintage dresses.

Personally, I like both. Often I can find on-trend items vintage that are a bit orginal. And often, the on-trend new items are a bit more modern. Both vintage and new have colors and patterns I love. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding between new and modern. Now and then.

Yes. Many times I get both modern and vintage. When I love something I really love it – in all its forms. And especially with dresses like these- how could you choose?

Investment Piece: Strapless Dress

I highly recommend strapless dresses for spring/summer. They can move effortlessly from casual errands and lunches to cocktails. They’re the perfect amount of covered, and perfect for the hot weather. Now or then. Modern or vintage. How do you strapless dress?

I’ve linked some modern versions (and similar Mara Hoffman dresses) and some vintage Laura Ashley’s 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!

Now and Then: Puff Sleeves

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

I am endlessly fascinated by how trends come back. Today’s example: puff sleeves. Usually when I think of puff sleeves, I think of little girls. Sweetness. Innocence. But they are back in a big way- from dresses to statement tops.

Part of the appeal of puff sleeves, to me, is that they can make such an impression, but can also be so simple. A dress with puff sleeves? Instant looker, even if the rest of the dress is just a dress.

**** ok. I don’t believe in “just a dress”. I mean to say simple. Elegant.

And as many puff sleeves that you can get today, there are just as many puff sleeves way back when. 1930s? Puff sleeves. 40s? Puff sleeves. 70s? Puff sleeves? 80s and 90s? Puff sleeves (I even wore some of those!)

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

The joy of having things in both now and then is that you can find, choose, get the exact version of the trend that’s perfect for you. All while staying on trend. It’s win/win! From 1930s to super modern, there’s a puff sleeve out there that’s just for you. I’ve linked puff sleeves below that are both vintage and modern.

This is a trend to play with, enjoy. Wear puff sleeves from back then and right now. See what fits. What you love. Maybe there’s a puff sleeve to pass down to the ladies who come after us.

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves
And if you were thinking that you had seen these puff sleeves before- you’re right! This was the dress that I wore for my birthday last year, seen here. My own little version of now and then. (I’ve also talked about puff sleeves here. Some trends never die, they just come back endlessly. Lucky us!)

What kind of puff sleeves are you wearing?
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: Puff Sleeves

Now and Then: Pleated Jeans

Investment Piece: Pleated Jeans

I shop vintage. I shop new. (I’m equal opportunity that way!) One thing that sometimes fascinates me is the new trends that you can find vintage (often for less!). There are nights that I will spend down rabbit holes looking at both new clothes and vintage clothes- often in the same style.

Because I love both vintage and new, and want us all to have ALL the options I’ve decided to let you in on some of my searches- and this month I’m looking at pleated jeans! The truth is that I used to hate pleated pants. HATE them. Would avoid them at all costs, HATED them. Over the years, my opinion has changed. I know love flowing pleated trousers (I guess never say never). And. I’m coming around to pleated jeans- they do add a bit of sophistication so if you’re wearing your jeans to any work or “event”, they pair beautifully with blouses. Or tank tops.

My main tip with pleated jeans is to make sure that they aren’t too tight. In between sizes? Size up. Ensure that there’s a wider leg. To balance out the pleats you need a bit of volume.

Maybe, like me, you’re coming around to pleats in your pants I have great news! Pleats (in such chic silhouettes) are available both new and vintage!
The advantages of buying new? The cuts can feel a bit more modern, there’s often more stretch in the fabric, and you are guaranteed to find your size.
The advantage of buying vintage? Often SO much cheaper, they’re already broken in, and let you stand out just a bit.

The reality? So you didn’t have to, I spent a bit of time looking at both new and vintage pleated jeans. Most of them looked EXACTLY the same. It truly comes down to what you’re looking for: new or vintage. Now or then?

I’ve linked some of my favorite new pleated jeans below. And a few vintage ones that I love (I know with vintage they may not be your size! I would recommend searching Etsym or if you need help finding vintage jeans please reach out and I’ll help!)

Are you rocking pleated jeans? From now or then? I would love to hear about it!
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!