We know I love juxatipositons and creative dressing, so it should come as no surprise that I love a great swimsuit that doubles as a statement bodysuit. Yes, loves, this is a swim suit paired with a leather skirt. Leather swim anyone? The trick with this styling is to get either a swim suit that’s completely classic, or one that stands out. I love the mesh panels on this Norma Kamali number, but let’s be honest, it’s probably not the best choice for rough swims. However, it is perfect paired with a leather skirt. It’s the best combination of soft and edge, and just sexy enough! And these shoes! I love the heeled espadrilles, the lace up. This look makes me feel like summer, and is perfect for cocktail parties, date night, and upscale pool parties.
I’d love to know-how do you creatively wear your swim suits?
XO RA
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 16: Jenna Lyons outside of the wedding ceremony of musician Solange Knowles and music video director Alan Ferguson at the Marigny Opera House on November 16, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brastead/WireImage)
As you may know by now, Jenna Lyons is stepping down as president of Jcrew, a position she’s had since 2010. While I don’t know Jenna personally, this move seems personal, mainly due to the impact that she has had on my waredrobe. Jenna Lyons is a definition of cool, the effortless kind that is able to take basics and reimagine them-denim with black tie, cigarette pants and sweatshirts, wide leg pants and ballet flats, blazers and all the stripes.
Jenna Lyons made Jcrew cool, and as a fashion lover and Jcrew fan, she was everything I aspired to. From the outfits to the work ethic, to the celeb following, Jenna made it ok to make things your own. (And as someone who sometimes forgoes her contacts, I loved that she made glasses cool as well!)
Jenna and Jcrew offered us classics, sometimes with an edge, that fit seamlessly into our closets. I am an unabashed fan of Jcrew, I like to think it fits my sense of humor and the fit! (You can read about my take on Jcrew Styling <a href=”http://www.investmentpiece.com/outfits/jcrew-style/”target=”_Blank”>here</a>) I love their new arrivals, and have a few items on my wish list for the summer!
It’s not my job to analyze or second guess what Jcrew “should have ” done with Jenna Lyons. What I can tell you is that Jenna helped shaped my fashion sense, that I’m grateful for her tenure at Jcrew and I’m looking forward to see what she does next!
Jcrew Shirt pictured with vintage Todd Oldham pants, Armani shoes. Shot by Katy Shayne
You can read much more eloquent tributes to Jenna at Manrepeller, Vogue, and an in depth look at Jenna Lyons on Into the Gloss
Did you guess wearing fish nets with jeans? I did. But who says that fish net tights are our only opprotunty to be netted? My new fave layering piece is this thin, fish net, top. Great under sweaters, button downs, and tanks. I love it a bit risky with just a bra underneath, or layered under a blazer. It’s edgy meets subtle. And paired with vintage jeans and these detailed Givenchy pumps? It’s perfect for the last few cool nights!
This netted top is thin enough to wear through the summer and I can’t wait to layer it under slip dresses and as a swim cover up. And on the cooler nights it will toughen up sweaters and blouses. The best part might be that you’re following a trend, but you don’t look like everyone else! Wins around!
I’d love to know, would you wear a netted top?
XO RA
Jeans are vintage from my love AAVintedge, You can see my version of fish nets and jeans here, and see this leather jacket styled differently here
But loves, I actually like to think that this floral, tiered skirt from Beehive is fresh. I love it paired with the slight gingham of the top (and the off the shoulders!). And this silhouette on this floral skirt is amazing, there is so much movement! Not to mention that the colors are bold and fun.
I love this top and wear it with everything from white to jeans, and over slip dresses. Though this floral skirt is bold, don’t be afraid to mix it- it goes with gingham, stripes, blue, and a great white shirt. You can wear heels and take this floral skirt to a party, or wear sandals and go about your day!
Your grandma’s floral skirt this is not, and I can’t wait to wear it all season! Happy Friday!
XO RA
You know you can find one of my fave’s Beehive online here And on Instagram @beehiveboutique
Loves, you know that some of my fave places to shop are The Kit Vintage and Platt Jewelry Boutique. You can read my full write ups here and here. Nothing about my love for these two special shopping places has changed, but their address in Los Angeles has, and I would be remiss not to share it with you! You can now find The Kit Vintage and Platt Jewelry at 7427 Beverly Blvd.
The Kit Vintage Boutique is located inside Platt Jewelry in LA; the jewelry itself is magical, the store is owned by Larry, Robyn’s husband and you can try on the estate and art deco gems (what he specializes in) when you try on clothes. I’m waiting to see what happens when I just don’t take the jewels off! Robyn has hand curated a great selection of, again, mainly more formal clothes–but one of the things that I love about shopping here is that Robyn knows the providence of it all. She loves it, and there is something just breath taking about knowing the dress is Valentino’s lawyer’s wife’s. Or Mike Tyson’s girlfriend’s from 1992. Or worn to a specific Hollywood party in 1956. Part of what I love about vintage is that the pieces have history–and Robyn knows hers.
Platt Boutique was founded by a brother/sister combo and the staff is one of the kindest/most knowledgable I have ever met. They have a great selection of pieces, at all price points, and work with you to ensure that you get the perfect piece for you!
The new space is open with brick walls, high ceilings, and great lighting. There is more space, which means more goodies for us, and more selection on the floor. While the address is updated, the great service is the same, meaning that you will still encounter knowledgable, friendly staff who are excited to help you find the perfect vintage dress or jewelry.
Go visit and tell them that Rachel sent you! Happy Shopping!
XO RA
Are you a blue jean baby? I know I am. Jeans are a go-to, part of my uniform, and my “suit”. There are all sorts of fits, cotton blends, and ways to wear jeans; but let’s be honest, jeans are a big part of our lives.
I wrote about the perfect fitting jean here, and not much has changed from this article. I personally love a great mix of vintage Levi’s and “modern” jeans. I need a high waist, I care about pocket placement, and if the jeans are new like a little stretch (but just a little). My favorite styles are boyfriend (these are by The Rebel Stylist) and a straight cropped (the pair featured here are Jcrew). I am not afraid of a flare, and love details!
What I love about being a blue jean baby? They go with everything. Everything. This dressed up sweatshirt to a “going out top”, blouses, blazers, sweaters, heels, sneakers, and flip flops. I have yet to find something that doesn’t go with jeans.
I’d LOVE to know: what are your fave jeans? What do you wear them with? Are you a blue jean baby?
XO RA
Sweatshirt pics by Stephen Spillman. Find him on Instagram at @spillmanphoto, Vintage jeans via The Rebel Stylist.
Spring is springing and one of the biggest trends to try this season is embroidery details. From shirts to jeans to anything inbetween, embroidery is a great way to personalize your outfit and stand out in the process! See my favorite options below!
Shirts/Dresses/Jackets
You can get a great embroidered piece anywhere this season. Zara, Topshop, Jcrew, high end designers like Valentino, Gucci, and Prada. From patches to sayings, there is a way to pop at every price point. I love all the flowers, etc, but also love the more cheeky options!
Jeans
These beauties from Zara are detailed and a fave, you can find similar ones at every price point. What I also love? Brands from Madewell to MIH to Mother now offer “personalization” services, where you can choose to add a saying, patch, colored stitching, etc. Great fitting jeans and standing out? I love it!
Personal
My favorite thing about the embroidery trend? It’s completely personal. Don’t like what’s offered at every store? Get your jeans/tops/jackets/etc embroidered yourself! This service is usually offered by local dry cleaners, and also by businesses such as Ft. Lonesome. Come up with your own meaningful saying or design and have it done!
I’d love to know: what are your thoughts on the embroidery trend?
Loves, I have a confession to make. I took these photos back in Novemeber. One thing lead to another, Holiday editorial calendar, and I never posted them. Which is sad, because I love this shoot. I love the heavy equipment. I love the pink boots (old Steve Madden) and the pink earrings. I love the slip dress whose straps are invisible. I love the tractor, and the play on attractive (A Tractor). I just love everything about it.
The Dress: Goes with everything, super easy to layer with, and is a staple.
Boots: Statement but almost a neutral, love them with jeans, and dresses.
The earrings: Statement,and that movement!
And this backdrop! Another confession? I’m not 100% sure what this digger machine is called, so we’re going with tractor. (Go ahead, explain it to me), but how great is this juxatipositon? How fun?
I promise not to hold photos from you again, especially when they’re this great!
Shop my picks below and have an amazing Monday!
XO RA
These earrings are from one of my faves in Austin: Garment Modern, shop their Instagram (@garment_modern) and their site Garment
We tend to think of “throw on and go” for our dresses, jumpsuits, etc, but what about our bodysuits? It’s the same idea, yes? A bodysuit is a no-think option, can be a staple and a statement, and makes outfit planning so easy! Growing up, I was a dancer (and still occasionally throw on a leotard with everything, example A, B, and C), so I love the idea of a great bodysuit. And this layered option from Zara I’d just perfect. I love the illusion of two shirts, I love the stripe, the color, and the detail. It goes amazing with vintage Levi’s, but just as great with skirts and pants. And these shoes! I love the elastic, the block heel, the grey (in my world grey is a neutral!)
While this look is semi-casual, it works for date night, the movies, dinner, lunch, errands. And the details of the bodysuit mean that not much else is needed! I was able to throw my hair up in a bun, put on red lipstick, and call it a day! That’s what I love about bodysuits, they don’t make you work for it. And these shoes! Great with jeans, skirts, dresses, just neutral enough, and just enough personality to stand out. And loves, let’s talk vintage Levi’s. I know that they can be a scary thing. I love them. Nothing can quite match what they do for your back side, and if you have a super high waist like me, nothing fits just as perfect. They aren’t as tight as modern jeans, which makes them a nice alternative. I got these from LotStockandBarrel but I also love The Rebel Stylist and AAVintedge for amazing vintage denim!
I’d love to know, what are your feelings on bodysuits? Do you consider them “throw on and go” staples? What do you wear them with?
This bodysuit and shoes are from Zara. Shop my picks for great bodysuits below!
Happy Friday!
XO RA
And Wedding Season is coming! Don’t worry: Rent the Runway has you covered!
Loves, as you may know Neiman Marcus (the luxury department store) is for sale. While the sale won’t change the quality, name, or brand of the store, it does signify a change in our shopping experience. Truth be told, this news hit me harder than it should have. My childhood was shaped by Neiman Marcus. My family is from Dallas, and Neimans was a place to mark milestones. My grandma used to take us for tea, it was a place to shop for special occasions, and Neiman Marcus may have a hand in my love for expensive shoes. My mother has strong memories about attending fortnights at the store, two week long affairs, in the theme of a country, where the Dallas Neiman Marcus Flagship would go all out–decorate the escalators like dragons (China), give away free Guinness (Ireland), have lederhosen clad dancers (Germany). Neimans would fly in celebrities: Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Sophia Loren, and taught Dallas Society how to party. Neiman Marcus for decades played a huge part in discovering new designers, hosting fashion shows, and being the authority in luxury.
Recently, I had the opprotunity to hear Tom Alexander speak-he was manager of all things Neiman Marcus at its height, and a noted historian. Just to hear him tell stories about the events, the celebs, the stories was simply amazing. He’s recently published a biography of Stanely Marcus (founder of the store), it is for sale at any Neimans and is worth a read. I was not only fascinated by the stories he had to tell, but Stanely’s son conducted the Q&A and we got a glimpse into Neiman Marcus’s plan for the future.
Neiman Marcus wrote the book on luxury; salespeople knew your name, size, taste, gave a personal touch, and the high end items! But loves, the way you and I shop is changing. Online shopping has not only changed how impersonal shopping has become, it has also changed our expectations in terms of availability, and delivery (and let’s be honest there’s not a person alive who doesn’t love coming home to a “present” on the doormat). So where does this leave luxury retailers? If we can get anything from anywhere delivered in 5-7 business days, is there still a place for Neiman Marcus and similar stores?
I was relieved to hear that Neimans believes the answer is yes. People love personalized service. I’m usually a woman who doesn’t need a ton of help to shop, but I do have to say that it is lovely to get a call or text from my girl at Neimans to let me know about promotions or things that just arrived that are my style –and many websites don’t offer that. Will this service have to become more “web friendly”? Sure. However, the belief that it’s still available, and the customer who still appreciates it, makes Neiman Marcus confident that they can provide the level of service that they are known for, and move into modern shopping.
I love Neiman Marcus, unapologetically. In fact, I long for the day when the fortnights, celeb and designer fashion shows come back, and we return to an era when department stores mean luxury. What about you? Do you love Neimans like I do? Shop my picks from Neiman Marcus below, and I cannot recommend the books enough-history, celeb gossip, and shopping! And don’t forget the cookbooks, they remind me of meals with my grandma, and are great from everything from treats to dinner parties!
