De-wardrobe!

Are you dizzy by looking at those colors and layering on me? 
No, you shouldn't. And you knew that those mix-n'-not-so-match style permeates you every season is an omnipresent current trend. 

Now, pull yourself together coz if you don't, you won't be able to maximize the way you dress your past season clothes. Ah..... Sometimes, complication is the solution. { I know, we still want new things every season... and that's why you should buy COLORS and stock them in your wardrobe.}

I am basically a GREENIE for clothes, I buy, I recycle, I reuse, I gift my clothes to my friends and ultimately, I magically work everything remaining in my wardrobe into my daily ensemble. 

Marni gold dress (detail at the back of this dress here), Neil Barrett black pleated sheer tunic, Marni pink cropped pants, Proenza Schouler large satchel, Elfi Altendorfer safety pin large bracelet and purple stone necklace, Vintage flower brooch, Jill Sander cut-out platform ankle-strap heels, Barton Perreira cat's eye sunglasses 

[I guess for the bracelet this chunky, there is no need to do the piling or compiling...whatsoever]


Pile bracelets rule No. 1 
Pile your jewels as close to their colors as possible 


Pile bracelets rule No. 2 
Work the classic pieces with cheap baubles 

Pile bracelets rule No.3

If nothing works, give it up.  {wear it as is.}

I love this Hermes white CDC with gold HW as it goes so well with the natural beads bracelets, and rest of brass or gold tone trinkets. 

MY outfit du Jour 
A day of me being a minimalist! 







CNC (costume national) black low-back dress with ruffle details, Mcginn cropped blazer with satin lapel, Monalo blanhnik snake-skin kitten heels, Hermes Mykonos lizard CDC,  Oscar de la Renta sapphire earrings, Flying lizard necklace, Elisabeth Cole dagger 18K necklace, Alaia red laser-cut tote 2011, Prada LTD tortoise sunglasses 2011




The Oscar de la renta has both green and blue sapphire which echoes my Hermes Mykonos (blue) bracelet. Meanwhile, the bracelet (CDC) is lizard skin which matches Monalo snake skin heels. 


Maybe I can find a way to pile that Hermes Mykonos CDC.
Have more fun after a hump day!
xoxo Rachel 

Nick Verreos Hosts "Project Style: Antelope Valley" LIVE Style Off--The Recap!!!

The Antelope Valley BRINGS IT!!!!

Nick and His ManBag: Nick Verreos Arrives at The Antelope Valley Mall, Palmdale California

Last weekend was my final Hosting of the "Project Style" Live Style Off events. I've been EVERYWHERE and have met SO many amazing Top Trendsetters--from all over Southern California as well as West Virginia! And not to mention: I've had a BLAST meeting all the fans, families and yes, some future "Project Style" competitors (They should really think of coming up with a "Mini-Me" Project Style for 12 and under!). But I digress, this time, I was off to the Antelope Valley Mall, in Palmdale to host "Project Style: Antelope Valley"--the Live Style Off.

Who's That Boy: Nick Verreos, Hosting Project Style: Antelope Valley

The weather was gorgeous naturally, as I drove about 6o miles north of Los Angeles toward the Mojave Desert. I arrived and got to see the wonderful signage/posters they had throughout the fabulous Antelope Valley Mall, as well as...

They even framed a photo of me in their "Guest Services" kiosk. I felt, well, VERY Special! (I "Heart" Antelope Valley Mall!)

Nick Verreos with a future "Project Style"Top Trendsetter--LOVE the knee-high sneakers and multi-colored printed top! Ten out of Ten "Nick Points"

My Palmdale "Posse": Nick Verreos with fans of Karla Deleon (and me now!!)

As always, the rules for the "Project Style" Live Style Off were simple: In the past five months, Antelope Valley's "Most Fashion-Savvy" went on shoptopia.com, submitted videos, and were voted as Finalists of their "rounds" and made it to this Live Style Off. I gave them each $200 Antelope Valley Mall Gift Cards and ONE HOUR to go shopping for a complete new look. They had to shop, style and dress themselves and showcase the results LIVE on the Stage in front of a panel of expert judges from the Antelope Valley Mall--for a chance to win a $1,000 Gift Card!!!

The Top Five Trendsetters (Left to right) Zoe April Stotz, Amanda Beard (she couldn't be there so her lovely sister modeled and shopped for her), Kimberly Backe, Frank Nadolny, and Karla Deleon--Here they are after they've gone shopping and styled their outfits, getting ready for the live Style Off, in front of A LOT of people:

Finalist Karla Deleon modeling her faux fur vest, blue blouse, shorts, floppy hat, tights and wedge heels, Project Style: Antelope Valley Mall Live Style Off

The Top Two Were:

The Boy: Our one male Finalist, 14-year-old Frank Nadolny--I think Frank ROCKED his style--he mixed his love of skateboarding, street and music into his look. I also liked all the colors and polished sense of sporty style. Frank had a bunch of fans in the audience--including his FAB family--but in addition, there were some Cheerleaders from his High School that even did a Cheer for him and Project Style (scroll down to the end of the blog to see the VIDEO!).

Kimberly Backe: I dubbed her "Mini Katy Perry" because she looked just like her! She chose a very fashion-savvy-meets-young style for her Live Style Off, combining directional elements as well as traditional Southern California style.

And The Winner Was...Kimberly!!! But let me tell you, Frank was a very close second! And like I said to ALL our Finalists--they are all Winners! I was so excited to see how the Antelope Valley Finalists really BROUGHT IT, in terms of all the eclectic and very diverse styles and especially how AMAZING the audience in the Mall was! I have to say: Antelope Valley ROCKS!!! Hope to see you Next Year!!!!

Click below to watch the HHS Cheerleaders do a little cheer for Frank:

Runway Report: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2012

Nonna Chic

Farmer's Market Goes Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Spring 2012 Milan Fashion Week just ended and one of the highlights was of course, the Dolce & Gabbana Show. As you know, D&G is finito, done. And with that, naturally there was lots of editorial, buyer and press interest on what designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana would show for Spring 2012. Here's a given: We know that Dolce & Gabbana really know how to play with a theme. They pick one and run with it. They might be holding a Campari with Soda as their running...but they're running nonetheless. You MUST watch the video (Below after the photos) to get the whole effect of the show. Let's just say that only Dolce & Gabbana could create a theme that could only be referred to as "Grandma Chic" or Nonna Chic!

Grandma's Here...And She's Looking for Cocktails: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

For Spring 2012, they showed lots of printed EVERYTHING--from bra tops, pleated dirndl skirts, rompers, swimsuits, and Ladies-Who-Lunch sheath dresses and suits. There was also lots of heavy applique lace...

Plastic skirts, suits and even coats, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Lace and even POM POMS, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Sequin Ragazze: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, LOTS of sequins, in every variety--from heavy be-jeweled ones to cluttered multi-colored ones. Sequins and LOTS of them, are a HUGE Spring 2012 Trend and they were right there! Front Row and Center! The accessories were also the Stars. Take a look at the crochet, lace and plastic pumps. No really, take a look, because the FIERCEST of Fashionistas will be, no doubt, wearing them next Spring/Summer:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, there were the purses. I have a feeling that Domenico and Stefano sent their Design Assistants to peruse a whole lot of "vintage"/second-hand stores from New Jersey to Wisconsin--to find "inspiration" in these purses. They are so "old School" Church Lady"/Grandma, all that she's missing is her mini-bible from 1963:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Click Below for the Full Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Runway Show:

outfit inspiration: Christine Centenera

BABE GALLERY #44540298340923