Lake Garda

This weekend was very special.. it was my mama's Birthday! To celebrate we went on a little trip to Italy and stayed near Lake Garda, in a lovely little village called Salo. I had been to that area before (around Milan) when I was about 14, but had never visited the lakes. The countryside was absolutely breathtaking, so I thought I would share a few photos with you :). Keep in mind we had torrential rain for three days so the sky looks very gloomy in most of these.

Our hotel (just as we leave the sun came out, typical).

This is the view from the top of a castle on a peninsula.

We also spent a day in Verona and saw the opera Turandot. 

About an hour before we had to get back the clouds disappeared and we were able to sneak in a little bit of lunch by the water. 

I hope you all had a lovely weekend my lovelies! xxx

San Francisco FIDM Open House 2010: Nick Verreos makes an Appearance!

San Francisco FIDM Lovin'

Turquoise in SF: Nick Verreos poses with FIDM SF Open House attendees

This last weekend, I had the pleasure of flying to San Francisco to make another one of my "Special Appearances" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's San Francisco Campus. It was "Open House" time there, when anyone (high school students or post grads) interested in pursuing a career in fashion design , graphic design apparel manufacturing or any of FIDM's other 20 majors, can come, visit the school, meet advisers as well as former Alumn, such as myself to give them advice and inspiration.

SF Buddies: Nick Verreos, Didi Simon, Carlo Parenti

I just can't get enough of SF! It seems like I am there every other weekend--whether it's hosting a Macy's Special Event, or for FIDM. After arriving and checking in to my Hotel Monaco San Francisco room, I met up with my San Francisco buddies, Didi Simon, Carlo Parenti and Jason Fioresi for dinner at Lime Restaurant. We had an amazing dinner full of delicious food, dishing the dirt and fashionista talking!

Ready. Set. WORK! Nick Verreos poses with Storm Miguel Florez, Annalise Ophelian, Nat Josef and Sarah Deragon, Lime Restaurant San Francisco

At Lime, I met an entire table of Project Runway fans (above photo)--OK, they were fans of Nick (did I just type in Third Person?). Of course we took lots of photos!

Nick Verreos and Trudy Noren--in Verrieres & Sako white jacket (FIDM SF Alumni!)

The following day was the FIDM San Francisco Open House and I was ready! The ever-so-fabulous Trudy Noren, the FIDM San Francisco Events DIVA, met me as I reached the 5Th Floor to give my "This is how I got started in Fashion" hour-long lecture.

The place was PACKED (standing room for those late-comers kiddies!) and I think EVERYONE really enjoyed my lecture, visit and well, just being there!

SF Open House Meet-and-Greet: Nick Verreos and FIDM Open House attendees

Afterward, I spent over an hour signing and posing with all the attendees--high school students, post-graduates, as well as Mom's and Dad's (yeah, they LIKE me too!).

For some reason, there were SEVERAL Levi's employees in the FIDM SF Open House and they all were LOVING my Levi's Super Skinny 510's! And wanted photos of them! (see above) I had a blast at the San Francisco FIDM Open House and cannot wait to return. There were SO MANY attendees who told me how much my story was so similar to theirs and how inspired they were. I was truly moved. Seriously! Clutching my Pearls moment!

Beard Boys: Sui Generis Owners Gabriel and Miguel, with Nick Verreos, Sui Generis Consignment Store, San Francisco

I had to catch my early evening flight back to Los Angeles but of course, I wanted to get some shopping in before leaving: So I had my friend Didi take me to my favorite San Francisco boutique, Sui Generis, a Menswear "Haute Vintage" Consignment store. And yes, darlings, I found some deals--in fifteen minutes!!! A couple of Etro and Pucci scarves and a Martin Margiela jacket later, I was dropped off at SFO ready to make my flight back to LA-LA Land.

Bye San Francisco and see you soon FIDM SF!!

End of Summer Sandals.

I hope you all prepared for new school year.... moms for kids and students for themselves. Others for their annual bonus!! ^O^   I guess we won't have a small vacation before our Italy trip in October then.

I feel that I have to plan kids' schedule smartly so I will have time left for myself, for them and still get to have a restful weekend!! However, I am hardly punctilious about their school work but more of my childrens' manners. I think that's my #1 rule of cultivating my children growing up.  Agree?

Last weekend, I put away couple summer tops that I think I won't be wearing them anymore. And soon I'll have to store away temporarily this Chole sandals until next year.... unless I can incorporate socks w/ this sandals to make it works for fall.  We'll see then. 

My birthday is around the corner and I can't believe that I can't find a decent Chanel bag for $3000 anymore. ~~ *sigh*  

Any suggestion, girls? What would you be willing to spend on for $3000? 

See how much I like this orange tee. 

1. Top:

Humanoid orange 3/4 tee 

Ralph Lauren brown leather vest

2. Bottom:

Max Co. tweed cuffed shorts

3. Accessory:

Chanel 09' beige medium/large classic flap w/ gold HW

URBN brass metal w/ beads necklace 

Hermes Ostrich belt w/ GOLD textured buckle

Karen Walker Dandy tortoise sunglasses

4. Shoes:

Chole tan ankle wrap sandals

I am a very fall/winter kind of person!!

MY ODJ. 

1. Top:

some brand stripes dress

Zara striped blazer (altered to be vest)

2. Bottom: Y-3 legging w/ stripes at calves

3. Accessory:

Steve madden for Steve metal belt

HM floral print scarf

A. Wang Rocco Duffel bag in Gray

4. Shoes:

Chole ankle wrap sandal in tan 

Can't get enough stripes!!

We were at my kids' school this morning..... so they can get the feeling of the atmosphere when school starts this Thursday!!

Let's welcome FALL!!

xoxo Rachel

Europe 2010: Nick and David's "Excellent Adventure" Continues: Positano and Capri!!

Caprese Salads, Bruschetta and Limoncello in Positano...and almost DROWNING in Capri!!

Positano, Italy:

Positano Heaven: View of Positano from the beach

Last month, David and I went to Europe--first as part of my Florence Italy lecture for the Miami University Summer In Italy Program, and then for some much-needed R & R. On my last post, I wrote about our Florence stay, and now we are off to the gorgeous cliff-side town of Positano in the Amalfi Coast. We had gone there, for our first time, last year and almost DIED, at how beautiful it was. So we had to return.

To be honest, we wanted to try another beach-side resort, even in another country. We looked at Ibiza, Mykonos, even Croatia. But because of our limited time in Europe and odd airline and ferry travel departure day regulations, we succumbed to Positano once again! We checked in at the most lovely Eden Roc Hotel, nestled halfway between the highest part of the cliff and the beach. The staff was UNBELIEVABLE: Always helpful, always sweet and always calling us "Mr Nick" or "Mr David". Love them!

Beach Bunny: David Paul enjoys the Positano Beach

After our first night arrival, we spent the following THREE relaxing days at the beach. Nothing to do, but soak in the hot Italian sun, swimming, eating Buffalo Mozzarella and Bruschetta, and drinking Limoncello. Exactly what I wanted to do: No work, little stress, and no Blackberry (OK, maybe a little bit!).

No Fanny Pack and Teva Sandal Zone: Nick Verreos in Positano

Positano is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. And yes, it's expensive kids, you're paying for that view! The bougainvillea-lined streets are serene and perfect for post-dinner walks. Also, what I love: You don't see many tourists sporting fanny packs and Teva sandals, thank you very much. People DRESS UP at night. The women don their best dresses, great jewelry, sandals or heels (yes, heels!) and men wear "Summer blazers" and even (gasp) tucked-in pressed dress shirts (who knew!).

Capri Day Trip: (and the almost Drowning!)

View of Positano from our boat to Capri

On one of our "Beach Days" , David and I decided to go to the island of Capri and spend the entire day there. Every time I open a Vogue Magazine or a Women's Wear Daily/WWD and see one of one of those obnoxious "Postcards From The Maldives" with some designer like Michael Kors, Donna Karan or Behnaz Sarafpour, I just want to SCREAM, but now here was my chance to take one of those odiuos photos...from Capri!

Hey Sailor: David Paul enjoying the boat ride to Capri

There are many ways one can get to Capri but we decided on Lucibello and doing their more "private" boat ride option. The boat, which only had about 4 other couples, left Positano very early in the morning and then cruises around the famous island exploring the spectacular coast for about three hours including the famous Grottos like the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto), as well as the Arco Naturale (natural stone arch) and the Punta Carena (lighthouse).

While on the boat, we noticed SEVERAL HUGE yachts just off the coast. I was waiting for Heidi Klum and Seal and their kids to come running out of one of them!

During our sightseeing boat ride, we arrived at the Green Grotto (above). The Captain stopped the boat and announced that we could go swimming here while he could then meet us on the other side of the Grotto afterward. So David and I--as well as another couple--decided to dive off the boat.

Pre-Almost Drowning Happy: Nick Verreos ready to go swimming...

About 60 seconds in the gorgeous turquoise blue water, I had a PANIC ATTACK! My 30 years + of swimming expertise all but escaped me and I began to drown! I wish I was being "Nick dramatic" but no, I couldn't stay afloat! So, I somehow paddled my way (with all the force I could muster) to the rocks lining the arched cave and held on for life. Where was David you might ask? Huney he had NO CLUE of what was happening as he had swam beautifully under the Grotto and was awaiting the boat to jump up. The other couple in the water yelled "Where's Nick?" and that's when they all realized what was happening. The Captain threw a small boogie board. I jumped off the cliff, caught it and climbed onto the boat. As I looked down, my entire leg was BLEEDING! Yes, I had CUT myself unknowingly, on the underwater rocks. Pretty.

Shop-a-holics: David Paul and Nick Verreos (can you spot the Band-Aids?) in Anacapri, Capri

About ten Band-Aids and an hour later, we finally made it to the Island of Capri. My visions of looking like a fabulous Greek-Venezuelan version of Jackie Onassis vacationing in FABULOUS Capri all but left my mind as I docked looking like a hot, almost-drowned, scratched-leg mess! But I made the best of it.

View of Marina Grande (the main port) from atop the Capri hills, Capri

The Island of Capri was stunning. David said that it reminded him of a "very nice" Catalina Island (off the coast of California). I wouldn't know since I've never been to Catalina Island but I am sure Catalina doesn't have Prada, Cavalli, and Valentino Boutiques. Just sayin'.

We took the funicular (cable car) up to the city of Capri (very Rodeo Drive on an Island!) shopped and even took a hang-on-for-dear-life bus ride to another city, Anacapri. There, we did more sightseeing and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The city of Anacapri is very high atop the island so the views were spectacular! Hours and hours of lounging and walking around the gorgeous island and we almost forgot that we had to catch our boat back to Positano.

One more mental snapshot of that gorgeous Capri view and we were off, back to our boat, and back to Positano to finish off our "Lazy Days in the Amalfi Coast"...

And get ready for our EasyJet flight to Paris, our next--and final--stop.

Click Below for Videos from our Boat Ride to Capri and the hilltop view from the hills of Capri:

See you next time as I recap our très chic trip to Paris and the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective Exhibit!

Fun Tartan, Little Fun Lace, Mild Make-up and BIG Fun Attitude!

I particularly like no-eyeliner look of smoky eyes so I did it again. ^^

source: Luck Magazine. 


Bobbi Brown Taupe (upper eyelid) + Mac Gold (lower eyeliner)

2010 A/W Trend! Inevitably we will see some things again and again every year..... While I browse through Lucky mag. my eyes were drawn by this classic and simple cape.

(left below) The camel cape w/ brown trim is by Lauren Moffat. 

 Navy w/ red trim is so fun and eye-catching too!

She also has this timeless tartan textile outwear and skirt available on her website!

Lauren Moffat's design is simple yet classic.  You can also find unexpected colored textile which she made into fun skirts and dresses! Her pieces give you both Vintage and Modern look in one. Find a chance to visit her blog, would you! ^^

Inspired by her pieces, I dug out my tartan dress which I bought last year. It is so cheap that I didn't realize it is very much for "teenagers".....until I read the label. I didn't even know about the movie "NEW MOON" back then. lol. Well, I adore the pattern so much therefore, here it shows again!

This look was created last year and I had 2 dresses underneath w/ a wool vest on top...it was COLD!

You see, the tartan/plaid pattern is so classic that you'd never get tired of it! 

Original Post: Back to fashion lace leggings.

Now DH and I had caught up w/ this series movies too. ^O^

1. Top: 

HM lace w/ butterfly sleeves tee

bp. tartan dress
HM double breasted navy jacket

2. Accessory:
Flying Lizard Design necklace and "S" "R" monogram heart necklace

studded belt
studs earrings

FALKE stripes tights

Chanel black matte reissue 226

3. Shoes:

Kron by KronKron

Kron by KronKron heels has matching stripes w/ FALKE tights. 

Since "Lace" is still BIG this A/W 2010, here is another look I wore on Friday to SF city. 

1. top:
Lace long sleeve tee Target.com) 
Neil Barret sheer voluminous blouse
Diane Von Furstenberg beige wool vest (08')

2. Bottom:

Joie black jester silk cargo pants

3. Accessory:

Hermes Gris T. 35cm Birkin

Hermes earrings (I took off horn)

Orange Boss gray scarf

4. Shoes

Hermes Kelly riding boots 

NOW, GUESS WHAT!!!? You tell me!! ^^

Have a fun Sunday.....

xoxo Rachel