Purple as a Neutral

Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral
Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral
Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral
Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral
Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral
Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral

Loves, from last week, you know that I take my football very seriously, see here, and wear purple on Fridays (Go Frogs!). And you know that I thought that this skirt was going to be my new neutral (see here). So loves, it should come as no surprise that this purple is my new neutral. That’s right, you heard it first: purple as a neutral. It’s happening.

It happens in this amazing vintage YSL skirt because while the color is bold, and the length is long, it just goes with everything! Case in point: this off the shoulder top (from last season, but I found you some that are super similar), and these yellow shoes (yes, they are my new favorite). The colors stand out by themselves, but flow together seamlessly. Purple and blue are in the same family, and the yellow is a nice pop. The lesson: don’t be afriad to mix. This skirt would also look amazing with leopard print, your classics (white and black), red, a print, green. I dare you: bring me something it wouldn’t look great with!

Purple as a neutral might seem like a stretch, but I don’t think it is. Any color can be a neutral if you pair it correctly (and what have we been learning here?). Especially any bold color can be a neutral-red goes with so much, as does blue, yellow, green. There’s so reason to stick to black and white, the entire rainbow is your palette. (I also love leopard and snakeskin as neutrals. Don’t be afriad to pair them with colors!) But loves, I do love this purple skirt. As it is purple, and it is football season, it is currently my favorite neutral in my closet. While I am partial to this outfit (how couldn’t I be?), I’m pairing this skirt with almost everything I own (and yes, that includes TCU shirts).

What purple (or other color) are you wearing as a neutral?

Shop my picks below! And happy GO Purple Friday!
XO RA

Don’t Forget about free gifts at ModCloth:

Investment Piece: Purple as a Neutral

#OOTD Round Up

I recently got an email asking me where you can shop the #OOTD looks that I post both on Instagram and my Instagram Stories. If the look is a part of the post, the look is always shoppable in that post. Another place you can shop my looks? Under the “My Looks” tab on the menu, I always attempt to make sure that I stay up to date on my #OOTD postings, they usually go up right away. (I try to stay current, sometimes looks go up a little bit later, please check back or message me if there’s a look you need ASAP!) Today, you may be in luck! I’m taking some of my most recent #OOTDs, and posting them in a big round up! You can shop the look right here!

Have a question about any #OOTD? Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Let me know! And if there’s a special piece you’re looking for, I’m happy to help! Racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com

#OOTD: Fall is Coming
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

#OOTD: TBT
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

Another #OOTD TBT
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

#OOTD Summer Dress
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

#OOTD White Skirt
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

#OOTD ALL White
Investment Piece: OOTD Round Up

Many of the OOTD I post in Instagram stories have a link that’s shoppable, and I’m also shoppable on ShopStyleCollective as RachelAdelicia!

I love sharing my #OOTDs with you! I hope that you love shopping them!

XO RA

And if you spend $100 at ModCloth, you will get a free gift! Happy Shopping Indeed!

Dressing like Freedom

Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom
Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom
Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom
Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom
Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom

Sometimes the perfect outfit finds the perfect setting. If you know me, and by know I hope that you feel as if you do, you know that I feel like fashion is a form of freedom. I think that your fashion should be fun, make you feel good, hopefully do good, and make you feel free. There aren’t a lot of rules I adhere to, fashion is a function of self expression, and you should feel free to dress any way that celebrates your freedom. so when I found this wall with one of my favorite words on it, I couldn’t help but resist shooting by it, especially when I believe in dressing like freedom.

This shirt dress is a staple. It can be worn alone, over anything, and can be transformed into almost anything. I love it half open over jeans. I love these mules that are the perfect combination of classic and new. And, in the theme of freedom, I love that all of this looked amazing with the addition of lingerie. Those beautiful things that go under your clothes? Who says that they have to stay there? Dressing like freedom means that you can put them on top!

This is a vintage La Perla corset (from my fave Bloomers and Frocks) that was just too stunning to be left under wraps. The silk, the sheer, it looks amazing as a layering piece; I love it over this shirt dress. It takes some of the shock out of the lingerie, makes the look more classic, and yet, it feels like freedom. Ever worn your corset in public? If it makes you feel free, I completely recommend it! Lingerie dressing is in, but for some of us, that’s not an option with jobs, and whatnot. If that still is a look that you would like to experiment with, this layering technique is a way to retain that freedom dressing, and yet stay covered.

Is lingerie dressing the only way to dress like freedom? Not by a long shot, but it’s one way.
I’d love to know: what’s your take on dressing like freedom?

Shop my picks below!

XO RA

A great place to get both resale and vintage pieces, the Real Real has you covered!
90% off luxury consignment

Investment Piece: Dressing like Freedom

All Black Chic

Investment Piece: All Black Chic
Investment Piece: All Black Chic
Investment Piece: All Black Chic
Investment Piece: All Black Chic
Investment Piece: All Black Chic
Investment Piece: All Black Chic

“When will you stop wearing black?”
“When they make a darker color.”

We’ve all hear this exchange, seen it on memes, gifs, and on Pintrest. You may laugh, think of someone you know, or brush it off. All black is such a fashion cliche, and yet, it’s such a classic. The reason? All Black is chic. That’s why there’s a faction of us who believe in the quote above: we can’t think of a more chic combination of all black, that is, till they come up with a darker color.

What makes all black so chic? (For the record, this could be true of any monochrome look). All black chic is part line, part color, and part attitude. Part of what makes this such a classic is the power that all black dressing can mean: sophistication and elegance, part attention grabbing, part blending in. All black chic is the thing to do when you can’t think of a thing to wear; and is also the thing to do when you know exactly what to wear. What I love about all black chic is that the pieces don’t matter too much; while I’m always a fan of high quality, well tailored pants, blouses, dresses, all black chic allows you to play with some pieces, and is a way to make cheaper pieces look more expensive (this outfit is composed of a $10 top I got on Etsy and a Zara skirt).
My tips for All Black Chic:
Make sure your blacks match Loves, there’s blue based black and red based black. In the light you can tell if your pieces don’t have the same base, and it’s a distraction!
Have Fun Classic pieces look amazing in black. However, as the color scheme will elevate any look, this may be the time to play! Want to try a one shoulder look? Want to experiment with a different style pant or skirt? Now is the time for it all! The all black chic has you covered!
Don’t be afraid to add color I know, this seems like the opposite of all black chic, but loves, when you’re wearing all black a colorful accessory can be incredibly powerful! And loves, I can’t tell you how much I love these yellow shoes!

I’d love to know: what’s your take/thoughts on all black chic?

Shop my all black chic picks below!
XO RA

Audrey Hepburn Auction

Investment Piece: Audrey Hepburn Auction

From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Roman Holiday, and all the ballet flats in between, there may not be a more iconic figure than Audrey Hepburn. Other than Marilyn, I don’t know that there’s an actress on more posters, who’s style is more copied, and who’s had a more lastly impact than Audrey Hepburn. And starting on Sept 19th, you might get to own a bit of her legacy! Christie’s in London will be auctioning off over 400 items from Hepburn, from iconic ballet flats and Givenchy dresses to her copy of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s script, on Sept 27; however, the online bidding starts the 19th and lasts till October 3.

Investment Piece: Audrey Hepburn Auction

The urge to own not only a piece of history (either film, fashion, or both) is strong; and I have to admit that I’m tempted. From reports, it seems like personal scripts (an actress’s dream), to Audrey’s infamous trenches and ballet flats,as well as personal photos and memorabilia will be up for bidding. While some prices are expected to start reasonable (I’ve heard under $500), the interest in the auction, and Audrey Hepburn herself, is so high it expected that this auction will be historic in both bids and prices.

Investment Piece: Audrey Hepburn Auction

The online sale begins Tuesday, and I know that I can’t wait to see not only what’s for sale, but what I can learn (and perhaps what I can immitate) about Audrey. Are you going to bid? The advice from experts? Bid early, have a strategy, have a limit; all which can be difficult when our emotions get involved. I haven’t decided if I will try to make anything mine, mainly as I’m not sure that I will be able to control myself. But I’m thinking on it. And you may catch me out in a trench and ballet flats, just as a nod.

For more information, including the best way to bid, check out these articles:
From Christie’s

And an interesting piece on the pull of celebrity from
the NYTimes

Happy bidding! XO RA

Days in LA

Investment Piece: Days in La
Investment Piece: Days in La
Investment Piece: Days in LA
Investment Piece: Days in LA
Investment Piece: Days in LA

Loves, this is by no means the first time that I’ve posted a look by the ocean (some of my faves: here, here, and here). It seems like I tend to post a lot of beach baby posts (I am what I am), and while a day at the beach is an LA cliche, I couldn’t have an official LA week without a post at the ocean. From the surfing films of the 1960s to the Instagram posts, the beach is a part of LA (and a part of me), so while it may be cliche, the beach is very authentic to my days in LA, so let’s dive in.

We know I wear my swimwear everywhere, but I love this polka dot piece with the red pant. It’s summer, classic, and easy. This top has gone with skirts, jeans, shorts, and every bikini bottom I have. And these pants! They were an impulse purchase at HM, linen, but I love the bright color, the cut, the pockets! They go with everything from swimsuits to tee shirts to jackets. A summer pant, but as they aren’t overtly summer, I think I can get away with them as long as the weather is hot. Or we’re spending days at the beach!

Beach days are a necessity for me. The ocean calms me. And days in LA at the beach are completely versatile. If you need time by yourself, you can rely on stretches of the beach to be quiet for walks and thinking. The beach in LA is a great place to take a date (picnic!) or just laying out. Days in LA are great with friends, at the beach you can play any sort of beach volleyball (or just catch), water sports, sunbathe, people watch. The beach, and days in LA, can be as dressy or as casual as you make them. I’d love to know: what’s your idea of a perfect day in LA?

Shop my picks below! XO RA

Designer to know: LA

It’s NYFW, we’re getting treated to the upcoming fashion and new (and beloved) designers and all the trends/designs/spectatcle that we will get to enjoy and wear over the next few months. So it seems a little odd that we’re talking about LA, right? LA and NY are different: in climate, in people, in fashion. Loves, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and it is aok to love both cities (I do). But, this is unofficially LA week here on Investment Piece, and it wouldn’t feel right to leave out how special the fashion scene is here, and how many designers you know and love call LA home. My deserves our love, but let’s share some with the he West Coast too!

My favorite LA designers:
Rachel Zoe

Investment Piece: Designer to Know: LA

My most favorite things about LA Designer to Know Rachel Zoe is her strong point of view. From vests to flares to maxi dresses to fringe, a Rachel Zoe piece is easy to identify. And loves, that’s a great thing. I’ve mentioned more than once, a strong point of view is an important part of success; knowing who you are and who you’re talking to is a part of that, call it niche if you will. Rachel Zoe shows in NY often, but her vibe has her LA roots all over it. The fun fringe, the flared jeans, the platforms. All of these are LA approved.

You can shop Rachel Zoe at Rachel Zoe
Rodarte
Investment Piece: Designer to Know: LA

Rodarte, another LA Designer to Know (even though they show in NY), is the stuff of my fashion dreams. Fantasy meets fashion sweat pants, the line makes everything from gowns, leather sleeves, blouses, fur coats, and sweat pants. And I want it all, it’s just that good. In the line’s own words:
Investment Piece: Designer to know, LA
Investemnt Piece: Designer to know: LA

Rodarte is available at several high end stockists and at Rodarte

Elaine Kim

Another LA Designer to Know is a personal friend, Elaine Kim. I’ve written about her more than once (see here and here

Investment Piece: Designer to Know: LA

I just adore the laid back, classic pieces, that Elaine makes. Linen pants and trenches perfect for the beaches, drop pants and leather jackets perfect for LA nights and all the nights from here to Europe, around and back. I fall in love with every single piece, and I think LA ladies, from all over, will too.

You can shop Elaine Kim at Elaine Kim

Bree Layne
Investment Piece: Designer to Know: LA

Loves, I admit, I learned about Bree Layne doing research for this article. I made up for lost time, however, by quickly falling in love with her fashion though. Bree Layne, founded by actress of the same name, gives a nod to vintage styles, a nod to substainable fashion, and her pieces make you look like a modern Audry Hepburn. I’m in! In the Brand’s own words:

Investment Piece: Designer to Know: LA

You can shop this exciting new brand at Bree Layne

LA is a magical places full of it’s own brand of fashion and people. This list of designers to know in LA is by no means definitive, in fact, I’d love to know yours!
You can shop my collection of LA designers below:

And don’t forget about two of my most favorite LA places to shop Recess and The Kit Vintage

Happy LA Shopping! XO RA

Mornings in LA

Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA
Investment Piece: Mornings in LA

Mornings almost anywhere have things in common: the gradual waking up, coffee, lots of coffee, and if you’re early enough a moment of peace. Mornings in LA include all of that, but are a bit magical, at least in my opinion. No matter what time of the year, mornings in LA are usually a bit cool, there’s a bit of dew and fog, and if you’re lucky you can feel some of the ocean breeze. LA is a busy town, but early in the mornings there is a peace, ad calm that’s just addicting. It’s almost as if the entire city takes it time getting up, so if you’re up early you have the playground to yourself. The light is soft, you can walk and think. And Mornings in LA are the perfect time for amazing fashion.

This top is really a slip, made extra special with vintage patches. It’s from a dear friend’s line,
Velvet California, (this shirt is also a Velvet California fave). What I love about it: slips are perfect for the bedroom, for lounging, or for pairing with the bottoms of your choice (or alone, if it’s long enough) and rocking it in public–and the nod to the morning here made me happy. Any sort of car wash skirt is amazingly fun (even early in the am). The slits move, it’s like playing peek-a-boo with yourself. What I love about this one? The different colors that come through when you move. And how this couture skirt I got from Moda Operandi perfectly matched my slip. What I love about all levels of fashion is how you can combine them and make something new. And how the mornings are the perfect time to play with that!

Mornings in LA, or any where often get a bad rap. We want to sleep in, hate early start times, and think that all the fun comes at night. Loves, there’s an pureness and a new start each morning. Let’s embrace that. Let’s play with that. Let’s rock some amazing fashion.

I’d love to know: how do you Rock your mornings?
XO RA
Shop my picks below:

All pics by Katy Shayne

And a great way to get a hot look for a morning or evening:

Investment Piece: Mornings in LA

Fashion x Football

Investment Piece: Fashion x Football

Loves, we know I love a great juxatipositon; and are one of the things that I find most interesting about people (and fashion). We’ve been getting to know each other for a while now; you know that I love shoes, editorial shoots, and fashion that’s fun. You might have also noticed that I LOVE football. And loves, I don’t think that’s something that’s seperate from fashion. In fact, even when I’m in football mode, I care about my fashion. Fashion x Football, it’s a thing my loves.

I’ve written about this before: here and here. On my Instagam (@racheladelicia), you’ve noticed that on Fridays my OOTD is all purple (Go Purple Friday), and in the coming weeks, on Sundays I’ll be repping the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, I wear my team’s colors and their logo shirts; but because I love fashion just as much as I love football I don’t end my combination of Fashion x Football at that. Below are some of my favorite football looks, and some of my tips to look fashionable on game day.

Investment Piece: Fashion x Football
Investment Piece: Fashion x Football
Investment Piece: Fashion x Football
Investment Piece: Fashion x Football

My attitude towards combining Fashion x Football is very similar to my attitude towards graphic tees. I think football fashion goes with anything, in fact I love a team tee (or item) with “high” fashion, it’s an amazing juxatipositon. Team tees and skirts, jeans with team sweaters, paying homage to your school with the colors in any form, I love it all. And of course, there is something amazing about great fitting jeans and a tee. There’s are so many ways to rep your team and stay on point with your fashion. Really, there’s only one thing that I don’t love about the combination of fashion x football:

Investment Piece: Fashion x Football

I’m a woman. I love fashion. I love football. I hate the putting of sequins on team tees, and other merchandise to make it “appealing” to women. And here’s the thing, I love sequins, I have nothing against them! However, I don’t think that sequins and football mix. I proudly wear my team gear: everything from tees to bags to jewelry, shorts, socks, pants, almost everything. But I love the team, and while I love sequins, I don’t need them to rep my team. Personal preference? Perhaps so, but I have to let you know as someone who loves fashion x football, I just don’t love the sequin team items. I would much rather Rock my team tee with a pencil skirt! What about you??

I’ve tagged some of my fave “sports” gear and the classic pieces I love to pair them with!

Happy Friday and football! XO RA

Note: While I linked to items from certain teams, all teams are avaible, just click on the style you like!

Transitional Fall Style

Investment Piece: Transitional FAll STyle

If you can believe it, it’s once again when we’re supposed to turn our eyes away from summer style and turn our eyes towards fall, and all the amazing style that brings. Loves, it’s too hot. I know in both Los Angeles and in Texas, the temps are still in 90s. I dream of cozy sweaters, trench coats, the lady like structure that will be everywhere; yesterday I thought I might die of heat stroke in a sundress. And, let’s be honest: Septemeber weather is still summer weather, fall tends to roll in October. So, what do we do?

Transiational Fall Style. Not quite summer style, not quite fall style, but a combo that allows us to slowly intergrate the things we’re loving for fall with the things we loved in summer; all while hopefully managing to stay cool. The great thing about transitional fall style is that there are no rules, and you get to really showcase your own fashion point of view. Below I’m showcasing some of my favorite transitional fall styles!

Over the Knee Boots with Shorts
Investment Piece: Transitional Fall Style

One of my favorite pieces of fall style is a great over the knee boot. When the temp finally drops, they’re great with jeans, skirts, or dresses. However, while the temps are still high I love pairing them with shorts for a classy transitional fall style, a la Olivia Palermo. Boots and shorts can be a tricky pairing, the secret is to make sure your boots go over your knees, and that your shorts are tailored. Bonus points if it’s cool enough to layer a wrap over your top!

Shop my favorite over the knee boots from DSW (where you can get all the style at an amazing price):

Skirt or Dress over Jeans
Investment Piece: Transitional Fall Style
You may have noticed all over your Instagram feed, one of the best ways to Rock transitional fall style is to layer your favorite dress over your favorite jeans. (Yesterday’s wrap dress would be perfect for this, and the above pic reminds me of the Art dress worn here, here, and here). What makes this such a great transitional fall style is that wearing a dress over jeans (or any pants) allows you to keep the flirty sundresses we love in summer around, and yet lets you show off your new fall jeans.

Some of my fave dresses and jeans:

Layering
Investment Piece: Transitional Fall Style

Loves, layering may be the all encompassing secret to transitional fall style. It can be done with any pieces of clothing. Some of my faves: turtleneck under summer tops, skirts over leggings, big cardigans over everything. With this method, any piece of summer fashion instantly becomes fall fashion. And the great thing about layers-you can take them off if it gets too hot! Everyone wins!

Some of my fave layering pieces:

I’d love to know: how do you style the transition from summer to fall?
If you need more inspiration I love this outfit slide show from Glamour, and these tips from The Chriselle Factor.

XO RA