Rachel Roy: What Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe PLUS Travel, Style and Beauty Must-haves
Rachel Roy is a dynamic fashion designer whose pieces have been seen on every leading lady from Michelle Obama, Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Garner, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson. I met Rachel at a recent event and was blown away by her support of entrepreneurial women and charity. The gorgeous native Californian, whose personal beauty shines through every one of her designs has worked in the fashion industry since her teenage years as a sales girl– which she calls her early market research! Before designing her own line, she styled magazine shoots, music videos and was creative director for Rocawear. Since the launch of her Rachel Roy line in Spring 2005, Rachel has had a whirlwind of success including being inducted into the CFDA, appearing on Oprah, and launching RACHEL Rachel Roy, a diffusion line sold exclusively at Macy’s. Rachel shared with me what she has been up to lately and offered some of her best tips and products picks!
MM: You have a very interesting background. How has that influenced you as a designer?
RR: I’ve always loved fashion and taking risks in both what I wear and what I design as this has been a guiding principle for me. I’ve never let fear paralyze me but rather let my passion drive me. One of my goals is to help other women realize this as well.
MM: We are so excited about your new collection, what was your inspiration for FW 2012?
RR: My fall 2012 collection is inspired by the documentary Women in the Dirt which highlights the works of seven award- winning women who have made their mark in the field of landscape architecture and are changing our world. From this, the idea of modern landscape architecture and the influence of nature was really interesting to me– balancing the clean lines of landscapes and natural colors and interesting material combinations and details.
MM: What are 3 items you always have on hand during fashion week?
RR: Yoga mat- I practice yoga two to three times a week. The meditation helps me stay centered. Music- it’s one of the quickest routes to dream and always inspires me. Candles- the comforting and continuous glow of a Jo Malone candle while I work is a must.
MM: How do you unwind after such a whirlwind week?
RR: Take a breath, thank my staff and then off for some R & R. First I sleep and then I have a proper meal since I have been living off coffee and sugar for the past two weeks preparing for the show. I’ll spend some quality time with my daughters, visit the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel for one of my favorite facial treatments, and lounge at home and watch re-runs of The Office or Modern Family. Then it’s right back into designing the next collection!
Holiday Gift Guide: 12 Stylish Picks
The holidays are drawing near so I’ve searched high and low for the best gifts at all price points. Here are my picks for presents I would love to give OR get. I think you will find something for everyone on your list!
1. allPop Art Portrait, BUY NOW, $149 to $369
I am a huge fan of personalized gifts and love the allPop Art custom portraits. Whether you want to “Warhol-ize” or “Lichtenstein-ize” your best friend, uncle, or favorite pet, it’s a fun and meaningful present. Just send in a photo of your choice and allPop will turn it into a customized piece of art. I recently purchased an allPop gift certificate for a dear friend who was thrilled to receive it. It’s also listed as one of Oprah’s “favorite one of a kind personalized gifts.”
2. Striiv Fitness Device, BUY NOW, $99.95
The Striiv fitness device transforms your gift giving into a fun and hi-tech way to get fit! A lot more than just a pedometer, the fitness device offers motivational tools, interactive features, and an easy to read LCD screen. It is sleek and small, easy to carry on your keychain, belt loop, or bag, and every step you take counts as a donation to charity at no cost to you! Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.
3. Jacques Levine slippers, BUY NOW, $98
Who doesn’t need a new and great-looking pair of slippers? The new Jacques Levine collection is fashion forward with these ballet-style slippers. They are elegant and luxurious and look so great you will want to wear them outside! Jacques Levine is recognized for their feminine touches, and soft kidskin construction. Available in several fun colors and patterns.
4. Stephanie Johnson ML Traveler Make-up Case, BUY NOW, $74
With all of the great products to give and receive, your beauty junkies need something stylish to tote around their beauty bounty. These cases come in so many chic patterns — I personally own the “Lima” made of purple, gray and black faux python and use it as my every day make-up bag. The bag also has two removable mesh compartments in the center so products stay organized and are easy to find. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Ginnifer Goodwin and Penelope Cruz among others are all fans too!
5. L’Occitane Hand Cream Bouquet, BUY NOW, $50
L’Occitane makes so many fab products so it’s no surprise that these are my favorite hand creams. This special holiday edition makes a great gift set with six delicious scents, including Coca Flower, Desert Rose, and Vanilla Flower. They are travel size, and I love that they are easy to divide among different handbags.
