from left to right:
Raquel Allegra tank dress | $212 at Shopbop
Raquel Allegra butterfly shredded jersey top | $335 at Net-a-Porter
Raquel Allegra stretch lace sweatshirt | $470 at Net-a-Porter
Raquel Allegra tie dye dress | $285 at Barney’s
Raquel Allegra jersey and silk tie-dye maxi dress | $605 at Net-a-Porter
Raquel Allegra tie dye midi skirt | $195 at Net-a-Porter
Raquel Allegra poet dress | $425 at Far Fetch
I’ve only just recently become slightly obsessed with Raquel Allegra; I mean, what’s not to love – the modern tie-dye, subtly patterned silk, layering pieces and artful shredding. While I love it, I’ve yet to buy a piece, because I honestly don’t get the price. I “get” it, but I guess I haven’t found a piece I’m willing to pay the big bucks for yet. You know? I’m constantly looking for her stuff on ebay, as a way “in” to the brand, but I’ve found that the pieces available there are in the super-small sizes, and still REALLY expensive. Seriously? What are these ebay sellers smoking lately???
Anyway, I’m a huge fan, and hopefully someday I’ll find a piece I’m willing to pay for (there are lots of pieces on sale right now, Forward has an especially good selection). The layering pieces (tank dresses, skirts, etc.,) actually seem on par with James Perse in terms of price/quality – they seem like a worthwhile investment.
Check my Designer Directory for a list of boutiques that sell Raquel Allegra if you’re like me, and stalking the sale items 😉
What do you think about Raquel Allegra? Have you purchased anything?
For more Raquel Allegra click
I wasn’t very familiar with Raquel Allegra, so I just checked her out on eBay. I also like her layered style, but here’s my issue. I’m too old to wear holey clothes (my workout wear is exempt). It might look great if you’re under 30, but it doesn’t suit my more sophisticated style. Don’t get me started about eBay sellers. They’re “smoking” greed!
I like a lot of Raquel Allegra pieces too…one issue I have is that many pieces are very delicate, which doesn’t suit my lifestyle (I have a toddler, lol). Also, I bought a knee length charcoal grey slip dress by her a few years ago, and loved the fitted style, but found that it died my skin a dark color and also left a mark where I sat (at a friend’s house- not cool)…I think the hand dying might have something to do with that. I much prefer pieces from James Perse and Enza Costa for a similar layering style. Just today I bought the James Perse raglan sweatshirt dress and oversized pullover hoodie…love both! Oh a pair of Yosemite leggings- also awesome!
Yes, they definitely look delicate – and like the shredded pieces would turn into rags over time. but apparently that’s the idea…which i’m not a fan of, especially when they’re so expensive. and that’s crazy about the dye rubbing off!! i wouldn’t have expected that.
I’m DYING for a pair of the yosemite leggings, but they never seem to have the basic black long ones in stock in my size. how do you like them?
did you get this hoodie? http://www.jamesperse.com/women/tops/oversized-fleece-hoodie/viewProduct.do?productId=prod1590007&categoryId=cat620009 – i tried it on and wasn’t crazy about it, but i may be kind of “over” a lot of oversized stuff lately.
yeah, i don’t think raquel allegra goes well with “sophisticated” LOL – especially not the shredded pieces. I just really love the tie-dyed ones, and the simple patterns.
I don’t know, RJS, I am 53 and I would wear pieces (not a whole look, but that’s not me…another whole thread altogether, maybe, Grechen?). I could see a tie-dye silk top with a pencil skirt and chic open-toed booties. Very simple and avant-garde for those days when I want to appear artsier than I really am (stick people don’t count). I have examined some of her pieces in higher end boutiques, and I agree, though, Grechen. I wouldn’t spend what they’re asking for Raquel Allegra. Maybe if I heard a good rationale…Nah…And the pieces on ebay are totally overpriced and tiny. It makes me mad!
But one of the things I love about the Raquel Allegra pieces is that they’re oversized, which allows for a lot of “give” in terms of sizing. And I find that James Perse pieces are not really “oversized”, but more of a “cut with ease” type of sizing. I also like the longer lengths, given that I’m 5’10” tall. I’m always searching for chic, oversized pieces, but VINCE is often too expensive, and so are the other brands I like from independent shops. But I’m always searching!
MV, I agree. I spent more time today, looking at her pieces. I could easily wear a delicate top. I’d probably pair it with another layer over it, like a slouchy cashmere sweater. I just turned 56, and I’m far from being a fashion frump. But I also don’t wanna look “Forever 21.” It’s my Libra balance, between attractive and age-appropriate. If you have any style suggestions, I’d appreciate hearing them. You sound very savvy:).
Grechen, I love tie-dye. That whole hippie look still appeals to me. Even though I’ve never been to a Grateful Dead concert.
Thanks, RJS, for your kind words! I love fashion, but I consider myself to be “always learning.” And this is a good forum in which to pursue knowledge among friends! I like your idea of a long cashmere wrap for cover. I could also see a longer piece worn as a tunic over GOOD leggings (have you been a part of Grechen’s blog long enough to read her thoughts about leggings? If not, look it up in the archives. WELL worth reading!). Always, good, personal jewelry pieces are a part of my look, too.
Grechen, the Yosemite leggings are awesome- insanely soft and so comfy. I got the navy ones with curved seams sewn in in a contrasting color- very flattering. Yes- that’s the hoodie I got! Love it and can already see I will be wearing it a lot. I purchased my regular JP size (2), and it is perfect…just a little oversized. I am 5’8″ with a long torso, which may be why I like this so much? I imagine smaller people may feel it’s just too big overall. I’m definitely going to be living in it!
MV, I appreciate your response, and I second what you said about jewelry. I lean towards indie designers in everything; and like Jane Diaz, Jeanine Payer, and Jill Platner pieces. I’ve only been reading Grechen since last week, although it seems longer. I’ve spent hours catching up on the archives. I have mixed feelings about leggings. Unlike you, I’m short. So I have to be careful with length. Maybe I’ll experiment with leggings this fall. They look like they’d be fun to wear, especially with a longer sweater.
I don’t want to speak for Grechen (Chime in anytime you’d like!), but the “rule” is just CYA (I’m sure you know what that means, although a little different in this context!). 😉 I love the jewelry designers you mentioned. Went on a real Jane Diaz tear awhile ago!
OK, OK, I take it all back! Lala’s comment about “oversized” and “long torso” got me to check out the JP site again, and I’m glad I did! I love the oversized hoodie! And now I found my dream sweater: http://www.jamesperse.com/women/tops/sweaters/cashmere-boat-neck-pullover-tunic/viewProduct.do?productId=prod1640054&categoryId=cat40005
yeah, amazing sweater…
some of the JP stuff is a bit oversized, but you’re right generally that it’s more fitted/only slightly slouchy than raquel allegra, or vince.
that oversized hoodie is pretty good, i tried it on in a size 2 which wasn’t really oversized on me, so i’d size up to get the desired look i guess. but it’s long enough to CYA for sure 🙂
i will address this with my outfit today 🙂
Mamavalveeta- that sweater is gorgeous- tried it on yesterday and fell in love. It’s quite delicate, but that’s not an issue for everyone…