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!

Designer Fashions for Your Gadgets

Spring is right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is here…and a girl needs functional fashion during one of the chicest times of the year. Lucky for you and your attached-to-your-ears-and-fingers phone, top designers like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture and more have come out with super-cute smartphone clutches!

Nothing says you’re a saucy stylista like toting the Michael Kors iPhone Wristlet in Red ($79.95). This red patent-leather clutch wallet features pocket space for several IDs and credit cards, along with an opening for all ports (making it easy to charge while inside the clutch). Plus, it’s compatible with iPhone® 3G, iPhone® 3GS and iPhone® 4!

Designer Yigal Azrouel Teams Up with FITiST for a Fashionable Fall

Two things we are all about at PageDaily are fashion and fitness. That’s why we just couldn’t help but share that one of our favorite designers Yigal Azrouel has teamed up with FITiST, a unique new fitness membership plan incorporating multiple studios and classes, to create a “Fit for Fall” plan that’s a great deal. Instead of just having a membership to one gym or many memberships to studios that offer different kind of classes, the invite-only site allows you to manage your memberships to some of New York’s hottest workout destinations on one platform.

With “Fit for Fall” you get 6 Indoor Cycling Classes, 4 Performance Classes and 4 Yoga Classes for a total of 14 classes a month for $350. These are some of Yigal’s fave workouts when he isn’t surfing. Plus, he’s hooking FITiST members up with $100 to spend at his Meatpacking boutique and one of his signature scarves, for free! Stylish perks for staying fit? Yes please!

A Day in the Life of Pamella Roland

Pamella Roland debuted her namesake collection in 2002.  The line, best known for its saturated color palette as well as precise and flattering cuts, has been a bestseller ever since.  Hollywood’s elite, including Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank and Jennifer Garner, are known to be fans.  Roland plays a major role in every facet of the business, from the creation of each piece, to the direction of the global sales effort.  Here, she gives us insight into what her jam-packed typical day consists of.  Game on!

8:15 am: Rise and shine; just arrived back in New York after a few days at my summer home on Lake Michigan—sent a good morning text to my husband, Dan, my son and my two daughters.

8:30 am: Take Manolo (my dog, not the shoe designer) for a short morning walk.

9:00 am: Pilates—great way to kick off my day.

10:00 am: Grab a smoothie and head next door to the Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa to have a blow-out.

10:30 am: On my way to my showroom; check-in with my assistant to go over my day and pressing items; listen to a CD with music ideas for our presentation during the ride.

11:00 am: Meeting with my design team to go over the status of all looks for Spring ’12—still quite a bit of work to do, but things are coming together!

12:00 pm: Meeting with my Sales Director to get an update on Spring ’12 Market appointments in New York, RSVP list for our presentation, Fall awards season/red carpet, and Paris market appointments in October.

12:30 pm: Meet with lead artist from Laura Mercier to confirm makeup direction for our Fashion Week presentation.

1:00 pm: My good friend, fashion photographer, Nigel Barker, stops by to discuss details of a new sizzle reel, shooting photos at our Fashion Week presentation, and our Spring look book shoot.

1:30 pm: Eat lunch at my desk—salad and raspberry iced tea from Mangia; check my many e-mails simultaneously.

2:00 pm: Catherine Bove from Chopard stops by to discuss which pieces we will use for our presentation.

3:00 pm: Send a tweet, update our blog, and post on Facebook regarding pre-show preparations.

3:30 pm: Text my son to see how school and hockey practice went.

3:45 pm: Call my daughter, Sydney, to see how her day went at Hope College.

4:00 pm: Have a small Amway Nutrilite snack bar to tie me over until dinner.

5:00 pm: Conference call with my PR team to go over notes for this season’s collection release.

6:00 pm: Call with our music consultant, Kevin Edwards, to go over the tracks I liked from the CD he sent over.

6:30 pm: Fittings with my design team and several of the models we have already confirmed for the presentation.

7:15 pm: Have a latte for some energy.

8:00 pm: Join a couple members of my team at Park Avenue Summer for dinner; recap various meetings from today and discuss what we have going on tomorrow.

9:30 pm: Get a call from some friends who want to meet for a drink at SoHo House—I shouldn’t, but I join them for a nightcap; on the way I call my daughter, Cassandra, to see how things went at the law firm today.

11:00 pm: Back in the car heading home to my apartment; call home to say my good-nights to my husband and my son.

11:30 pm: I finally have time to finish going through my e-mails, just to wake up and have many more!

11:45 pm: Call my mother as she has e-mailed me several times today—I get my night owl ways from her.

1:00 am: Lights out, but I still flip channels for a bit to wind myself down from a busy day.

Pamella Roland collection is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Lindsay Brooke Weiss (Cohen) is a fashion and accessories editor and on-air style expert. She was previously Haute Living’s editorial director, Niche Media’s fashion and accessories editor and fashion editor for L-Atitude.com. Lindsay has been a frequent contributor at styledon.com and is a regular guest stylist on NBC’s “Gossip Gram.” For more articles from Lindsay, check out her site!

Stephanie Hirsch: Her Art & Style

Stephanie Hirsch is someone to admire – she is an entrepreneur, author, designer, and now contemporary artist. Spiritual and a dedicated mother of two, she shares with us her inspiration behind her work and lifestyle favorites.

Melissa Meyers: You were a designer, author, and now an artist. Tell us how your past has influenced you.
Stephanie Hirsch: Whichever medium I have used to express myself my goal has always been to inspire people. Being a fashion designer (especially a swimwear designer), I designed with the intention for a woman to put on one of my creations and feel confident and strong, while wearing barely anything. I wrote my book “Mother Nurture” to inspire moms around the world to go on their own journey with their child, to help guide them to be the best person they could be. Now through my artwork, I inspire people with my interpretations of different sayings or mantras through beading and embroidery.

MM: Describe yourself as an artist.
SH: I try to stay connected to the light through different sayings and mantras. I interpret the emotions of these mantras through beading and embroidery. I always try to find the humor and enlightenment and to shed a positive light on our inner struggles.

MM: What inspired you to create this type of art?
SH: I was in a dark place in my life and had lost my creativity and zest for life. I always used mantras and sayings to keep me connected to a positive state, but at that time nothing would bring me back. I needed to literally and figuratively bring these mantras and sayings to life to help me get my sense of joy and passion back.

MM: Each piece has a special message. How many of each do you create?
SH: I have created 25 pieces so far.

MM: Describe the creative process and how each piece is made.
SH: First I sketch my idea in pencil, then I transfer my sketch onto a 5 x 7 canvas. I either sew or glue the beads/rhinestones onto the canvas to create a design and use colored pencil to mimic embroidery. Once the mini canvas is created I send the finished piece to India where each canvas is hand-done and takes approx. two-three months to complete.

MM: I know you have an impressive following. Who is the Stephanie Hirsch client or collector?
SH: A person who has an emotional, passionate response to the message I am conveying. It could be because they are going through or have gone through an experience and the message speaks to them. It is purely an emotional experience. Jennifer Miller is a client and very supportive fan, so much that she will rotate pieces of my work in her Southampton location all summer.

MM: Can we commission you to do a custom beaded canvas?
SH: YES!

MM: What are the prices?
SH: $1500-$5500

MM: Where can we check out your work?
SH: Clic Bookstore & Gallery, 23 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY, and the Alexandra Von Furstenberg store, 9001 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA.

FASHION:

MM: What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
SH: My Elise Overland black pencil skirt. It is tough but sexy. I can dress it up or down and I always look pulled together.

MM: Favorite store?
SH: Barney’s New York.

TRAVEL:

MM: You have traveled extensively to India and to many exotic islands. What were some of your favorite trips?
SH: Bali, India, Morocco, and the Negev Desert (Israel).

LIVING:

MM: Do you have tips on decorating your home with art?
SH: Whichever artwork you choose for your home should inspire and make you smile.

MM: Can you tell me one of your new must-have home décor item, style accessory, or hostess gift?
SH: A big box of candy from Sylvester & Co… no one is ever disappointed!

Buy Now, “Mother Nurture”, $3.24

“Religion is for people that don’t want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those of us that have been there.” There is no better saying that captures the emotion of Stephanie Hirsch’s artwork. Her work delves into the deeper or double meaning of words and sayings with both humor and enlightenment. “Initially, sayings can be static,” Stephanie says, “but once we apply our life experiences they can have infinite meanings.”  To convey her messages, she bridges the gap between fashion and art by utilizing beads and embroidery, which give her artwork a three-dimensional depth. The metallic sheen of the medium also serves to remind us that the mantras can shine a positive light on our inner struggles, both literally and figuratively. ——– Stephanie Hirsch is an entrepreneur, designer, author and artist. She created the inca resort lifestyle brand in 1996. The boutique design house featured collections of luxury swim and resort wear. With Stephanie’s trendsetting designs, inca became a globally recognized brand. Entirely self-taught, Stephanie’s designs have been praised for her unparalleled attention to detail along with its flattering and superior fit, and it has also brought her wide acclaim and international recognition as a fashion designer. Following the birth of her son Hunter, her journey as a mother led her to write the book Mother Nurture: Life Lessons from America’s Best and Brightest. The book is a conclusion of her interviews with the mothers of 52 highly successful people around the world and was published in 2008 by Harper Collins. Stephanie has also collaborated with the premier indoor cycling studios SoulCycle. In bringing her design expertise and shared vision to reinvigorate the soul, she created their fitness line of comfortable yet stylish cycling apparel. She now turns her attention to art, using her unique vision and flair for style in creating beautifully embroidered and beaded canvases. Check out more of Stephanie’s work at www.stephanie-hirsch.com

Win a Madame Mathilde Necklace!

Spring is just around the corner, and what could be better than entering the season with a statement . . . a statement necklace, that is! Jennifer Niles’s new accessories line, Madame Mathilde is fashionable, fun, and flirty. Just tell us what you can’t wait to wear this spring and why, and you could win this Crystal Drop Deco Clip Necklace. 

To Enter:
• Subscribe to PageDaily.com.
• In the comments section below, tell us what you can’t wait to wear this spring and why.

Contest Details:
• Madame Mathilde Crystal Drop Deco Clip Necklace
• Sterling silver chain with deco rhinestone clip
• Only one winner will be chosen
• Fan Madame Mathilde on Facebook, and get 20% off at madamemathilde.com
• Value: $225
• Contest ends March 1, 2011

Prada Handbags at a Discount? Hot New Fashion & Design Sources

By Katrina Caspelich When we hear Prada bags, our ears perk up. When we see Fergie sporting statement jewelry, we notice. And when names like that are connected with new websites or new fashion designers, we share. At the recent Fashion in Flight-The Collective fashion show and charity fundraiser in Austin, Texas, we found some new sources—and some PageDaily picks to go with them! The Jewelry Designs the Celebrities Wear: Ana Reign Designs A Russian native now based in Los Angeles and Austin, jewelry designer Ana Reign creates playful, one-of-a-kind statement pieces from large semi-precious stones, fresh water pearls, and sterling silver. Her impressive celebrity following already includes Fergie, Alisha Keys, and Shakira. Buy Ana Reign Black Onyx Silver Ring, $1,300, email ana@anareign.com or call 310.497.3739 Buy Ana Reign Onyx and White Jade Necklace, $3,100, email ana@anareign.com or call 310.497.3739 Prada Bags at NYC Chic Prada handbags at a discount? No, you’re not dreaming! But nycchic.com is the fulfillment of Dallas-native Shereen Koshnoodi’s dream. She collected designer bags as a young girl, moved to New York for college, then married her love of handbags with a career in e-commerce, selling designer bags for less. That’s one dream we’re happy to share! Buy Foley & Corinna Glazed & Patent Large City Tote, $400, at nycchic.com New Fashion Line:  Davie As a child in her native Texas, Karina Sanchez spent summers locked in her room sketching. After a stint designing for a successful high-end T-shirt company, she has created Davie, a line of simple yet whimsical clothing. Buy Davie China Doll Yoke Short, $84, email davieclothing@gmail.com Buy Davie Flounce Top (in Jet), $64, email davieclothing@gmail.com Up-and-Coming Jewelry Designer: Tenielle Tenielle designs elegant, yet modern jewelry from Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, chains, bronze, and silver. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Toronto, Canada, she’s been building her business since 2008, when New York’s Henri Bendel store singled her out as an emerging talent. Buy Tenielle One Stone Chain, $290, email info@tenielledesign.com New Hot Designer: Dora Mojzes Based in Miami, the Hungarian-born Dora Mojzes uses a variety of fabrics, modern lines, and flattering silhouettes in her women’s clothing line. Her pieces are wearable and feminine. Buy Dora Mojzes Blazer with Garter, $310, email info@agentoito.com Buy Dora Mojzes Golden Sequin Leggings, $135, email info@agentoito.com New Designer Jewelry: Margot Wolf Margot Wolf has spent the last 4 years metalsmithing. Inspired by nature, she uses rich colors and timeless designs to create a collection of feminine, unique pieces. Buy Margot Wolf Armour Ring, $185, call 210.843.6592 Green Fashion: My Green Pillow The environmentally conscious Ami Brogan founded My Green Pillow in 2009 to develop products that reuse, recycle, and repurpose clothing. Currently, she’s working with universities to transform their used t-shirts into soft pillows. Buy My Green Pillow I Love NY Pillow, $15, at etsy.com New Fashion for . . . Glamour Dog This Dallas-based dog store is unlike any other. What started as propose-cute—graphic designer Casey gifts toy Maltese puppy with “Will you marry me?” on the nametag to fashion designer Cynthia—has quickly become a successful business. Buy Glamour Dog Exotic Fashion Swarovski Crystal Dog Collar, $32.95,at glamourdog.com New Clothing Designs:  Adriana Cobo Adriana Cobo studied fashion in Milan and worked in Italy and Spain before returning to her native Ecuador in 2006. Her first venture? Bambini, a line of children’s clothing. That same year, a women’s line, Galaxy, filled with architectural lines and futuristic volumes, was born. Buy Adriana Cobo dresses, call Valerie Beiner at 305.374.6777, ext. 201 New Designer Fashions: Tashia Senn Tashia Senn designs a ready-to-wear collection of high-end women’s eveningwear.  This 2009 FIT graduate turns to her world travels, the natural elements, and the diversity of cultures for inspiration. Buy Tashia Senn dresses, email sales@tashiasenn.com New York Eveningwear: YS Couture Yordanos Stefano, a native from Asmara, Eritrea, specializes in women’s luxury eveningwear and bridal gowns. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco in 2000, she is now based in New York. Buy YS Couture wedding and bridesmaid custom-made gowns, $500–$10,000, email info@yskcouture.net or call 415.971.3583 Have a fashion or lifestyle question? Tweet @PageDaily or post it on the PageDaily  Facebook page. For more new fashion sources, read Up-and-Coming Designers Katie Gallagher and Amanda Eufer.

Up-and-Coming Designers Katie Gallagher and Amanda Eufer

By Katrina Caspelich Up & Coming Designer Katie Gallagher of Veil Only one year out of college, up & coming designer and Rhode Island School of Design-graduate Katie Gallagher spared no time launching her all-black collection, Veil, during New York’s Fashion Week this past September. The collection launched the new designer into the spotlight with buzz amongst editors, buyers, and fashionistas alike. A former intern for threeASFOUR and Anna Sui, Katie fell for fashion as a teen. “When I was in high school I used to vintage shop a lot and hack up the clothes I’d buy and turn them into something new,” the designer explains. This New Designer’s Upcoming Fall/Winter Collection Unlike her debut, Katie Gallagher’s fall/winter collection features hints of white, gray, and cream in flattering, well-tailored pieces with layered textures. Katie favors leather, silk, lycra, and jersey. The line is sold at Eva, Seven, and Oak in New York, and at I.T. in Hong Kong; and orders can be placed through sales@katiegallagher.com. Her line starts at $200 for some of her tops and leggings to a high of $5,800 for the Banded Jacket seen above. Getting to Know New Designer Katie Gallagher When not designing, Katie spends time with friends and explores New York City and manages to find time to run, do yoga, and paint. As for the new designer’s personal fashion sense, Katie lives in her Comme Des Garçons coat and black tights, and Haider Ackermann and Rei Kawakubo are among her favorite designers. What’s next for the young, up & coming designer? Producing her spring/summer 2011 collection for retailers. Fun fact about designer Katie Gallagher: She enjoys sipping concoctions with violet syrup, rose water, and ginger. PageDaily Pick: To order Veil by Katie Gallagher Banded Jacket, $5,800, email sales@katiegallagher.com Up & Coming Designer Amanda Eufer of EuforiA With her jewelry line, EuforiA, focusing on statement pieces, up & coming designer and native Texan Amanda Eufer lives by the phrase, “Go big or go home.” Having started with sugar-coated rings, this feminine yet edgy collection expanded to necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for those unafraid of bold accessories. Amanda Eufer fell in love with fashion early on, when her mother would teach her about the sewing, materials, and patterns she used to make Amanda’s dresses for figure-skating competitions. With a degree in apparel design and production from Oklahoma State University, she interned at Marc Jacobs before working as Joanna Mastroianni’s assistant. There, this up & coming designer learned sketching techniques, draping, construction, sales, and styling. Now, Amanda works as a PR manager for a fashion and lifestyle public relations firm. Getting to Know New Designer Amanda Eufer Right now, this accessory-crazed new designer is loving the “all-black” look mixed with a fun statement piece. She favors rhinestones, pearls, and studs. When not hard at work on her EuforiA jewelry line, Amanda Eufer paints, takes photographs, and hangs out in restaurants sipping wine with friends. Fun fact about designer Amanda Eufer: She hates flying and prefers driving if possible. PageDaily Pick: Buy EuforiA by Amanda Eufer Unchain My Heart Necklace, $375, at euforia.us Have a favorite new designer you think will hit it big? Tweet @PageDaily or post it on our Facebook wall. For more great tips, tricks and product picks, read PageDaily Fashion.

Up and Coming Designers

By Katrina Caspelich Ramy Brook A former advertising executive and fan of Lanvin, Kaufman Franco, and Stella McCartney, Ramy Brook has taken her love of fashion and turned up-and-coming designer with her own clothing line. Brook creates the clothes she wants to wear to the glam parties, dinners, and luncheons she frequents in New York. Think low-cut silk tops and dresses retailing for $195 to $495. Aimed at women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who want to feel sexy, these designer clothes are feminine and flattering, and individual pieces come in an array of shades from soft neutrals to bright colors. Her favorite? A go-to top that works for all occasions. No more “I have nothing to wear.” When not at work or with her family, Brook runs, plays tennis, takes spin classes, and pursues her newest hobby, Mahjongg. Fun Fact about Ramy: For a night on the town, she opts for dinner with her husband at Italian eatery Nicola’s Restaurant on New York’s Upper East Side. Camille Vizzavova of Eddera A former model, Camille Vizzavova has more than her looks going for her. She has her own jewelry line, Eddera, and a celebrity following. Think Victoria Beckham and Maria Sharapova, who both own Vizzavova’s favorite piece—the Greek Leaf Headband. She hopes everyone will splurge on Eddera jewelry, since it goes day to night. Vizzavova fell in love with fashion as a teenager. Requests for her handmade jewelry sent her to train seriously under Adalbert Smoliar, retired head jeweler for Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris. Before moving stateside in 2001, Vizzavova designed for Boucheron and Chopard. Now based in Los Angeles, she’s taken up surfing and plans to add bags to Eddera’s line of jewelry and hair accessories. ____________________________ Fun Fact about Camille: She’s not only a professional gemologist, she also makes and designs the jewelry herself.

Ramy Brook VR2 w/chiffon, $325

Ramy Brook VR2 w/chiffon • Stretch silk charmeuse with silk chiffon accents • Comes in petites, and sizes 1 and 2 • Comes in an 16 colors (here in slate grey) To order Ramy Brook VR2 w/chiffon, $325, email info@ramybrook.com, or call 1-877-900-7269 Read the Full Story: Up-and-Coming Designers: Ramy Brook