3.28.2010

Style Secrets: Rachel Leigh

A girl never forgets her first designer purchase; remember that, dolls. See that well-coiffed fashionista skipping along the sidewalk, Chanel 2.55 dangling from her dainty wrist; or the skinny jeans wearing hipster whose feet are stuffed into classic black pumps, proudly displaying the signature cherry red sole synonymous with Christian Louboutin? Ask either how they obtained their decadent designer wares, and, without question, a brilliant tale recanting how these pretties came to be in their possession will come tumbling out of their lusciously lacquered lips. As for me, the name Rachel Leigh will forever stand out in my mind, for my very first designer purchase came courtesy of Ms. Leigh via her Romantic Headband.

Darlings, you know I’m not the biggest advocate of impulse buys; but that is precisely how the Romantic Headband came to be in my possession. All it took was one glance upon the delicate, winter white lace constructed headpiece, and I was instantly overwhelmed with whimsical musings of settings wherein such an accessory would stop people in their tracks; which ran the gamut of charming tea parties complete with bow-adorned gloves a la Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to chic soirees held on Park Avenue involving handsome suitors, and the wardrobe of Cecily von Ziegesar’s Blair Waldorf. And thus, the purchase was made.

So of course I was thrilled to have the chance to discuss style with the lovely Rachel; because just as one never forgets her first designer purchase, it is absolutely impossible to allow the style secrets of the person behind such a gorgeous creation to escape one’s memory!

What is your number one style secret and why?
RL: My style secret is entirely about having confidence (understanding your personal style is part of this) and looking polished.

Regardless of weight or body type, it's about understanding and embracing who you are, dressing to accentuate your assets and conceal your weaknesses and more than anything, carrying yourself with confidence.

Whether your look is feminine, girly, edgy, or tomboy, looking polished is integral to having great style.


I rely on leggings and pants with a skinny-fit to keep myself looking and feeling polished on a daily basis. How do you keep yourself looking polished, darlings? And tell me…what was your first designer purchase?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Rachel Leigh for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.
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59 comments

Anika said...

Ahh yes, the fond memories associated with those first designer purchases. I believe mine was a beautiful dress by Sass'n'bide. Gorgeous and still stunning, even more so now :)

And I love Rachel's words. So true...understanding and embracing your body, and then having confidence and looking polished. Perfect words to live by.

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

My first designer item was a LV cherry blossom speedy... will never forget! :)

Don't forget to re-follow me!

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Rock Couture said...

I love the interview...so inspiring!

xoxo Tracy

(I passed an an award to ya) You rock Erika...

Devea said...

Confidence is definitely the key, no matter what you body type. So true!

Emily said...

this style secret is one of my own!
I like to accentuate my waist, that's how I look and feel polished :) My first designer purchase was a handbag..and I'm having trouble remembering who it was by..

Jessica Samantha said...

Rachel Leigh gave some good advice! :) But it's something we all have to work on.

{Being confident with what we want to wear, I mean...}

Joanne said...

Love the idea of confidence as an important style secret! The most brilliant outfit can come undone without that air of confidence layering it all.

Leah said...

I agree with her style secrets... I'm a big advocate of working with one's imperfections and being confident in what you're wearing.

My first designer purchase was my Louis Vuitton Palermo bag which I bought almost 4years ago.

Happy Sunday Erika! xoxo

Sara said...

I love her style secrets, I have to agree with her %100. I honestly do not own anything designer. If I could chose, it would probably be a scarf or something that I could wear with anything.

xoxox~Sara

Unknown said...

hi
erika

nice style secrets i like her
she looks cute ,
what is her profession

http://movies-24.blogspot.com/

Francy said...

I love her advice! Confidence is so important. My first designer purchase was a vintage Versace skirt about four years ago :-)

Charlie said...

great interview...and some good advice!



VAMPIRES-AND-CARDIGANS.BLOGSPOT.COM - Dont forget to enter the Giveaway!




xx

michelle_ said...

I totally agree !
The best secret of fashion is to wear something you yourslef looks good, not what others look good in !

My fisrt designer purchase was a lous vuitton denim bag..was bought by my dad :)

Cindy Whitehead said...

your interviews are always great!

B a la Moda said...

I agree with what she is saying. Feeling confident is the best way to feel pretty!

xoxo
B* a la Moda

meraldia said...

Great advice!

FASHION SNAG said...

Sometimes the impulse buys, like your designer headbands, turn out to be your favorites. Most of the time they don't though. My first designer purchase was a pink Juicy Couture purse. hehe =) xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Anonymous said...

i like her view of style
some secrets are true,
nice advice

http://stylechanges.blogspot.com/

COCAMIA said...

Really great advice about personal style and who you are! So very important!

Sharon Lei said...

I totally agree with Rachel!! Not all trends are made for every body type... and so although I love seeing the new trends that are happening all around me, I don't follow trends blindly.

My first designer purchase was about 4 years ago when I got my very first Louis Vuitton bag (batignolles horizontal) :) about a week later my hubby surprised me with an LV wallet :) It's the only wallet I've used since, no matter what bag I'm using. I'm not that girl that needs to have her wallet match her purse.. hee hee. :) I'm still waiting on purchasing my Speedy 30 from LV. I've been wanting it for so long... and my sweet sister and sister in law gave me a Gift Cert to get it.. so hopefully it will be in my posession soon!!

I did get a fun surprise from my hubby yesterday. He got me a new Tahari purse! I can't wait to use it.

I hope you're having a beautiful day Erika!! HUGS.

xx Love & Aloha

p.s. do you like bows?? and what's your favorite color? I know this is random :)

Jen said...

My first designer purchase was an LK Bennett dress I wore for my mum's wedding. It's the most glorious shade of royal blue, a classic shift covered in pretty ruched details. I adore it!

K said...

Sigh. I have yet to purchase anything designer. But then...nothing has really screamed out to me "blow all your savings on me, since I am a once-in-a-lifetime piece!" Maybe one day.

English Rose ♥ said...

She gave fabulous advice - you never forget your first true love or designer outfit!

Merci beaucoup for stopping by - have an immense week darling!

Stay safe and chic ma chérie,
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

ellie said...

I have yet to purchase such..I'm afraid..but great advice btw.

Sherin said...

Rachel Leigh sounds like a wonderful woman. her style tip is fabulouos.

Sniff said...

Haha...I remember my very first designer purchase very well. After watching the very first season of SATC, I ran off and got myself a beautiful pair of Manolo Blahniks. I still have them!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

A kate spade bag! I love Rachel's jewelry!

Anonymous said...

skinny jeans are my staple too, they just seem to pull almost any outfit together!

and by the way: award waiting for you over at my blog!

class act said...

I don't blame you at all--I'm a total sucker for headbands. Nordstrom always has an amazing and unique selection of headbands/clips/barrettes/ etc. Look for the designer "Tasha"

Josie said...

I love her! What a fab interview.
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

S.Elisabeth said...

Lovely tip! Confidence definitely is key to style.

And hmm mine was a an off white sweater dress by Michael Kors. It's my favorite and half the time I'm terrified to wear it in case it might stain!

Elle said...

Love, love Rachel Leigh's jewelry - especially any piece with a bow :) I wish I could remember my first designer purchase, but thinking about it I'm not quite sure... how sad!

Elizabeth Marie said...

Totally agree about confidence!!!! Great interview loverrrr

la petite fashionista said...

i agree-- style is all about how you carry yourself! I keep myself looking polished by having fun with fashion and not trying to be something i'm not :)

Sarah Whitney said...

Her answer was spot on! Lurve it, 100% agree. And my first designer purchase? Well, it doesn't really count... but my friend and I went into the back room of this store at the mall where they secretly sold knock off louie bags hahah. (We were liek 15 OKAY?!) SO SKETCH! The store got shut down a while later.

Unknown said...

great interview!!

Robyn said...

Still haven't made my first designer purchase-- do I get kicked out of the "fashion blogging club" for admitting that? >.< nooooo...

I want to save up for a Linea Pelle or a Rebecca Minkoff bag. I love me some beautiful leather!

Great interview, Erika!

~Robyn
ChiChiSaysRobyn.blogspot.com

Krislyn said...

i have yet to own something designer - but i envision tons of alexander wang in my closet soon. love how simple and subtle his designs are. :D

maddy said...

Impulse buys, or at least the ones I dont regret buying and end up returning, always end up being my favorite buys!! Love Miss Leigh's "style secret". Hope you had a fabulously fantastic weekend love!

stay classy!

Susu Paris Chic said...

I just love discovering your oh so vivid and skillful way around with words. It is like eating a luscious fashion cupcake.

I stay polished with careful color thinking. I like mixing and matching, but there always has to a guiding line, a reason to it.

Joanne Faith said...

I think my first was a dress I bought by New Zealand designer 'Ruby,' I bought the dress for my school ball & so it was very special to me. :)

Since then I have bought dresses by Stolen Girlfriends Club and the Cassette Society (NZ and Aus), and several more Ruby pieces.

I keep polished by twisting my hair up if it's not completely tamed, and wearing tights under a slightly high-waisted skirt and tucked in top. :)

http://www.joannefaith.com
I hope these qualify as designer...they're all NZ/Aus based!

Fashion Court said...

OMG, that is so cool that you got to interview her! i remember my first "designer" purchases when i was younger..which of course consisted of juicy couture, dooney and bourke and coach. my taste has definitely changed now!

FrouFrouu said...

Fab interview, her advice is spot on fo sho.

SabinePsynopsis said...

Great tips from the lovely Rachel! I'm still working hard on looking polished (and getting the 2.55).

Anonymous said...

I am not always the biggest fan of designer but at the age of 17 Converse was designer enough for me and i'm still rockin the fruits of weeks of being a check out chick

Audrey Allure said...

sounds like a beautiful headband! and love rachel's answer, i totally agree :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Rachel's style secret is perfect. It is so important to wear flattering clothes that accentuate your assets. And most importantly, it's always a must to have confidence!

Maddy said...

My first "designer" puchase was a pair of Gucci sunglasses. It was luxurious enough to feel like a rockstar without the price tag of a typical Gucci item. I still love them and wear them out whenever the sun starts shining :)

I love Rachel's advice about looking polished, no matter your style. This might sound odd, but I have to constantly groom my eyebrows. If I skip an appointment, I feel out of sorts and I instantly feel less polished. So perfectly groomed eyebrows = a big must for me!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Great interview! I think every girl remembers her designer first.

Romany said...

You're a brilliant writer. Really. Incredibly well-written, this is.
Oh that's lovely that she encourages confidence in one-self, that's what it's all about after all.
For me, it's not so much about what clothes I wear - I think a good hairdo makes me look and feel as polished as I can.
Great post!
Romany
xx

Angela said...

My first designer piece was a LV Petite Noe and then a Chanel 2.55 as a b-day. I still remembered picking it out and taking it home. : )

Rick said...

great interview, Erika. and your description of "red cherry" Christian Louboutin soles was magnificent! :)

My first signature piece was when I purchased a Hugo Boss blazer from its flagship store on/near NYC's 5th Avenue many years ago. It was an obscene costing, blazer but it was really nice (classic look, and of course I still have it). Bruce Willis was in the store shopping that day, which was really cool! thanks for trip down memory lane!

Unknown said...

Hey Erica,
I just read that Alice in Wonderland is one of your favourite movies.
Then you so have to see the new one with Johnny Depp! I am sure you will love the dream world and the costumes:-)

Alicia Lund said...

such a great interview! ;) my first designer item was a gift (LV Speedy 30) still LOVE it to this day!!!

Sierra said...

Sounds like an amazing headband and what a great interview - confidence is amazing!

Iva Messy said...

SUCH a great interview Erika!! ;) Hope you had a really good start to your weekend!! Have a nice evening :)

Chicago Chic said...

This is some GREAT advice! "dressing to accentuate your assets and conceal your weaknesses and more than anything, carrying yourself with confidence." I couldn't agree more! :)

xo
Rachel

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Polished is so key!!! I hate when people do not polish it well... I'm like there's a huge difference between looking rocker-edgy and just plain grungy.

J. said...

I think my first designer purchase was a red satin pair of evening shoes from Christian Lacroix...I love them and still have them!

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