Rachel Rates It

Monday, January 27, 2014

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm all over the map when it comes to my music likes. I like everything really. Although lately, I have been so caught up in the EDM scene that it's been nice to step away and enjoy something else. This past year I went to a James Blake concert at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, as well as a Kanye West concert at Staples Center. Both concerts were amazing! James Blake's voice was so angelic and enjoyable. He is flawless live. Kanye was really incredible! His entire set was so visually beautiful and artistic. I never really was that interested in his music, but it was really brought to life for me at his concert. Lets not forget about Coachella, of which I can't wait for this year's festival! Music plays an important influence in peoples lives and at last nights Grammys that was celebrated. BUT OH THE FASHION, the beautiful fashion... My favorite 2014 Grammy looks were:
TAYLOR SWIFT- She was my #1 pic! Her dress was impeccable! It was perfectly tailored and although a simple classic cut it was edgy and eye catching.
RITA ORA- I felt she really pulled off this dress as a red carpet look. It was not an evening gown, but still dressed for the occasion. The gold iridescent material was stunning on her.
I'm not surprised that both the looks I chose were radiating. I love me some sparkle!
What were some of your favorite looks? XO





Comfortable Chic

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Being comfortable is one of the main concerns for me when I get dressed.
You know what they say "confidence is the best accessory."
Wearing something you love can make you confident too!  I know when I love the fit of something, I always feel good and want to show off my bod hahaha
This dress is one of my favorite "on the go" looks, its so simple and very comfortable but still alludes sexiness. Although barely any skin is visible, the fit is very body hugging and shows your curves. XO

Dress- TOPSHOP, bag- Forever21, shoes- Chinese Laundry.


OOOOOOHHH

Tuesday, January 21, 2014





On sunday, I went to the Melrose trading post and purchased these fun sunglasses and this awesome recycled crop tee. The stand that I purchased the crop from had a bunch of different tees that were all refashioned into crop tops. I instantly fell in love with this one, it's so cute! Today I paired it with my favorite faux leather skirt. This skirt is so versatile, I can pair it with almost anything! XO

Shirt- TOY STORY tee recycled by PURR, skirt- Topshop, shoes- Forever21, Sunnies- purchased for $5 at the melrose trading post. 

#sexytime

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Spotted this cute little mural on Melrose, while shopping with my cousin Tracy today. It immediately caught my eye; "enjoy the present" it says. What a cute reminder, wrapped like a present! The words just reinforced my thoughts for the day. I wore my "fuck everything that doesn't make you happy" tee because, firstly, Melrose is exactly the place where people wont give you the stink eye for wearing a shirt that says fuck on it and then secondly, it translated my mood. Got the shirt at Jac Vanek's sample sale at the connected festival this year and have been sportin' it everywhere since!  I'm also in love with today's sexy little arm candy combo! This look is edgy/sporty and great for everyday wear.
I took a few shots of tracy as well, she's such a little princess.
Hope your enjoying this lovely sunday.
XO


 
 
 
 
 
 

Shirt- Jac Vanek, pants- Pacsun (old), shoes- ASH, bag- Forever21, Sunnies- GUCCI, Watch- Diesel

Photo cred- Tracy Jung @kraykraytracy and myself :P

INSPO

Wednesday, January 15, 2014


Beyonce oh Beyonce
I've been listening to her new self titled album for the last two weeks. I can't get enough! I love every single song! The songs themselves are alluring, sexy, lively, and beautiful. But the videos that accompany them top it all off; they are captivating! They are visually stimulating and artistic.
She is so very inspiring in so many ways. Her music is uplifting and seductive, her style is chic, transforming, and provocative and her voice is powerful and genuine. Now that I've let you in on my little "girl crush," here are some shots I've pulled that inspire me. In these her style is effortless and fun. She dresses down just as well as she dresses up :) what do you think? who are your style inspirations? let me know..
xo



Rachel Rates It

Wednesday, January 8, 2014


This week I'm rating Gingergrass, a charming little restaurant located in Glendale/Silverlake.
My boyfriend first took me there and this is how I discovered the trendy little spot.  
Only having gone a handful of times now, I feel that I am capable of giving you some insight about the place. It has a minamilast decor, which I enjoy. Because I'm always cold, I always sit inside, but they do have a lovely outdoor sidewalk terrace as well. The daily specials are written on a large chalkboard hung above the cashier/ kitchen area. It's a cozy little spot.. you almost feel like you've stumbled upon a secret treasure. 
As for the food, it's more fusion vietnamese rather than traditional vietnamese. I personally enjoyed the Pho, the Wok tossed noodles and Wok tossed lemongrass chicken. I also tried the grilled shrimp skewers and although they were tasty, the portion size was very small. The seasonal grilled vegetable rolls were interesting, but I wouldn't order it again. This last time I went I tried a daily special, the molasses brussel sprouts, and I did not like them. They were undercooked and the molasses brought out the bitterness of the vegetable. One thing I absolutely love there are the shrimp chips! They are a perfect starter and are made perfectly. The crunchy little chip reminds me of my childhood and this is perhaps why I enjoy them so much :P
The service is good, the food is quick, tastes great and the environment is clean and comfortable.
Overall, I give the place a thumbs up. Check it out and let me know what you thought and what you enjoyed so perhaps the next time I may try your suggestions! XO




The edgy school girl

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

 


In trying to not go shopping and buy more clothes, I decided to break out something I haven't worn in a long while. I got this Leopard skirt many years ago and I forgot how much I loved it. Wearing the knee-high socks made me feel like a schoolgirl. Having said that, what an edgy school girl uniform this is! Loved it, what do you guys think? XO

Top- ANGL, Skirt- Victoria Secret PINK (old), Socks- H&M, Shoes- BCBG, Sunnies- GUCCI

Vanity Vamp

Monday, January 6, 2014

As I mentioned I moved back to Hollywood. I have a small studio apartment, in which I'm still trying to figure out how to organize my stuff. I recently updated my bathroom vanity area. I organized my jewelry and makeup so that it's more easily accessible.
This was a fun task and it helped me clean out a bunch of old stuff I no longer needed. I encourage you to de-clutter your life, it's something I'm trying to do this new year.
For Hanukkah, I received some really cute mirrored jewelry boxes from my grandmother (found at Target). They are different sizes and different prints so they add dimension and character to the space.
I put my most precious and most worn pieces in these jewelry boxes, while my other (mostly fashion jewelry) is in an organizational pocket hanger in the closet.


From Pinterest, I got the idea to use my old candle containers to store my nail polishes. It was really simple to clean them out and remove the labeling. I just soaked them in boiling hot water. These candle  holders (from Bath and Body Works) have silver tops, so they tie into the decor well. 
For my makeup, I always loved the acrylic makeup organizers and these I purchased from the Muji store in Hollywood.  I bought the two drawer sets and  stacked them. I don't have too much makeup just yet, so four drawers worked perfect for me. I used a mason jar to hold my makeup brushes and simply placed my perfume on top of the acrylic containers. The one thing I think it's lacking is a fresh bouquet of flowers. How do you think it turned out? Let me know what how you've organized your space! XO


Leopard and Sunshine

Friday, January 3, 2014



I hope you all had a fabulous NYE celebration! I know 2014 is going to be just great! How are you all keeping up with those new year resolutions? As for me, I'm absolutely believing in myself and trusting my choices. Today I decided to wear this see-thru white lace top with a nude bra and after all the "bling" of the new year, I'm still sportin' that sparkle! I mean who doesn't love to shine? Not to mention the beautiful sun is out in full affect today.
I was in dire need of some new flats! I purchased these new leopard flats on new years day and have been wearing them since. I love that I can wear them with anything.
Happy Friday! XO

Top- Forever21 (old), Jeans- Mossimo slim skinny from Target, Shoes- BP from Nordstrom, Earrings- Topshop (on sale), Sunnies- GUCCI
Hayley Larue Design