Lady in RED

Sunday, October 11, 2015

My lovely fiance told me something the other night that really stuck with me today. He said " I don't follow the rules; rules only limit people." I so desperately wish I wasn't so safe and that I'd take more risks. I do feel limited.. I feel a bit lost lately. I'm not motivated or passionate about my work and I do nothing about it for fear of failure. It's time for a change guys! XO





Dress // Topshop
Shoes // Louboutins
Sunnies // Dior 



Fall in LA

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

I don't know why I haven't posted this OOTD, but here it is! It's fall now, and I'm still not able to really sport a sweater or coat in LA, so I would consider this look a fall inspired one. Although, I've been in Seattle all weekend, and it rained while I was gone. It's ironic that while I was in Seattle, it didn't rain at all. I guess I brought the sunshine with me! Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post about my Seattle trip! XO 




Top // Sabo Skirt
Skirt // Zara
Necklace // Forever21
Shoes // Windsor Store

Sexy LBD

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

This month is a hectic one! It's been about a month since Gabriel proposed to me and I've been Pinteresting like crazy hahaha. We have started looking at venues and thus it has begun. I don't know how I still managed to fit shopping on my agenda, especially now that I have so many other expenses to think about. I'm a true shopaholic I tell ya, all I think about it is what I can buy! I scored this sexy LDB the other day at Charlotte Russe for 20 bucks! It's super comfortable and most definitely makes me feel sexy. You can never go wrong with a LDB and this one was a fashionable steal! XO




Dress // Charlotte Russe
Shoes // Zara
Bag // Chloe 
MUA // Jazelle Morales 

Rachel Rates Palm Springs

Saturday, September 12, 2015


I've been to Palm Springs many times but every time, I was at a loss for what to do. The reality is there isn't much to do in Palm Springs. It's great for a weekend of relaxation and sunshine. Even so, It's still nice to explore whats good to eat and drink. 

On this trip, I visited two hotels...
The Saguaro- The last two times I've gone, I've stayed at this hotel. The colorful decor is a sight. I kinda love it, because it makes me happy. As far as the service and food provided there, it isn't anything to brag about. I've eaten at both Tinto and El Jefe, and I will say if you have to choose, go for Tinto, otherwise eat elsewhere. The food at El Jefe is awful.  The pool is always packed, especially for holiday weekends and music festival weekends. They host many pool parties! I also like that they provide bikes for rental but let's be realistic who is gonna wanna bike ride in 105+ degree weather. 

The Parker- I love the retro decor! The hotel has a bunch of little areas to just hang out. I loved the hammocks in particular. I tried to order a lemonade from their super cutesy lemonade stand but it only sells to hotel guests, which I thought was super lame. I didn't get to take the iconic picture in front of the parker, for there isn't much room to do so, it's smack dab in the valet area; where about 6 valet attendants stand waiting to assist arriving guests. I haven't stayed here (it's typically more expensive) but I've eaten at Norma's which although is pricey is quite good. The patio area is so cute but I recommend siting inside to avoid siting in a puddle of your own sweat. It's hot out there and there are no fans. 

Other Hotels: 
The Ace - I haven't stayed here either, but I have visited the grounds. It's trendy,hipster and fun!
The Riviera- Loved the decor, everything else not so much. Bad service, and my room wasn't cleaned well, which made for the first and last time I'll stay there. 
The Omnia- Great hotel! This hotel is more family oriented, so expect to be among children. It has a lazy river pool which is awesome but also attracts children. 
JW Marriott- I haven't personally stayed here but I've heard great things. 

On this trip, we yelped searched the hottest/ best eateries and ended up at Birba for dinner. While we arrived an hour early for our reservation, we sat in the cocktail area while we waited. After waiting, we were disappointed with our table. They sat our party of 3 at a table meant for 2. Also the misters, were right above us and ran almost the entire time, until we asked for them to be turned off. The entire meal I was damp and could barely see. The food took 45 mins and the service was not good. The server although friendly was not attentive. We weren't impressed, and probably will not return. 
Koffi was another yelp recommendation however that we did end up enjoying. We tried their Tea Freezes, the peppermint one was quite refreshing! 

This trip we also visited #THATPINKDOOR which for a fashion blogger is obligatory. It's a bit funny to think that someone's front door to their home has become a photo opportunity. 

Speaking of Obligatory photos, the Cabazon Dinosaurs is a must. It's easily a pit stop to Palm Springs and a fun little area to hang out after grabbing a famous Hadley's date smoothie. 
















Into the Weekend..

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Labor day weekend is here! What are your plans? I've planned a girls weekend with my sister and cousin! We're headed to Palm Springs for a fun little getaway. There are so many cutesy areas in Palm Springs. We are staying at the Saguaro, so stay tune for a colorful photo diary. I love the retro feel of palm springs, I can hardly wait to shoot there! In the meantime, I thought I'd blog a recent ootd that I've posted on my IG.



Top // H&M
Jeans // Bershka
Heels // Windsor Store

I'M ENGAGED!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Sorry I've been so MIA... I fully intended on blogging my trip to Hawaii, I just got so distracted with all the hoopla!!!! So if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you already know I got engaged. Otherwise, I guess now you know :P 
I was completely caught off guard; I had no freakin' clue; what a surprise it was! This trip was made to celebrate my boyfriend's two friend's birthdays. Gabriel would never take away from anyones special day, and this is why I felt he would not propose to me on this trip. He has always been the type to pull through and make your special day even more special and never to subtract from that. He really is so thoughtful and I'm truly over the moon! We've come a long way and I'm so excited for what the future has in store for us. 

THE STORY:
We had rented a private property for the first three days of our trip on the Big Island, Hawaii. The property was amazing, it was off the grid and surrounded with roughly 11 acres of beautiful land. While we all wanted to explore the trails and gardens on the property, it was a bit difficult to do so on the first two days because of our activity schedule and the rain. On the third day, I woke and made breakfast for the gang and then proceeded to get ready to take these blog photos. I felt pretty and was really happy that I got to finally take some decent pics of myself haha. After my mini photoshoot, I went to check on the boys and asked them what the plan was for the rest of the day. They wanted to explore the trails and check out the grounds. We all went as a group and my sister took her go-pro along, which I didn't think anything of. Gabriel and I held hands and led the group, he started off with I love you more than anything in the world and I kissed him, but paid little attention to his speech. I was too concerned with why everyone was walking so slow and remained at a distance. Until Gabriel finally shouted BABE to get my attention as he pulled out a ring box from his back pocket. He got on one knee and asked me to marry him and I replied "of course!" I was so surprised and in shock, I had no idea. I always wondered how he would ask me, and it turned out perfect. 










Rachel Rates Saks Off 5th

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Saks Off 5th opened at Beverly Connection this past weekend. I didn't get to attend any of the grand opening festivities but that didn't stop me from going the first chance I got. As I walked in (on the second floor entrance,) I immediately hit the shoe area. So many beautiful shoes, but unfortunately not too many I liked in my size (6-6 1/2.) I didn't find my "sole-mate" as the beautiful neon pink sign above the shoe area states, but don't fret the handbags were just footsteps away. I'm a sucker for a good bag! They had so many that caught my eye, but in the end I decided on a classic beauty by Zac Posen. The store itself is smaller than I expected. I wasn't too impressed with the women's clothing area, small selection and not the best layout. The sunglasses are however another story, god do they have an enormous selection! I fell in love with a bunch of sunnies; spent the longest in this area! I tried on every single style from every designer you can think of.. Chloe, Prada, Wildfox... it was great. I didn't end up purchasing any (because I already have too many) but I will keep this place in mind the next time I'm thinking of buying myself a new pair. The store is truly a label mecca!  
Overall, I think the store is great but I'll stick to just buying what I love rather then buying it because it's discounted. Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale, I just tend to buy things more impulsively when they are on sale. XO



Dress // Windsor Store
Shoes // Target
Bag // Zac Posen 
Sunnies // Dior
Rings // Forever21
Bracelet // Urban Outfitters & Swarovski 

LACMA does it again

Sunday, August 9, 2015

So I just read this article on Racked about YouTube star Michelle Phan, and I thought it was super cool. I'm not really familiar with her work, but it definitely sparked my interest. She's younger than me and such an amazing human being, if what I read was true. She herself is a blogger sensation who has decided to provide the tools cost-free to those who also wish to pursue some form of blogging/vlogging. All week long, you might have noticed on my IG or Twitter (if you follow me there) that I've been questioning the power of blogging and why I want to pursue this. This article was very inspiring. Michelle Phan has used her success to help others succeed. She is encouraging so much creativity and empowering so many to do what they love. I only hope that if ever I get to this multitude of success in my life, that I can be as selfless as her. 

These photos have nothing to do with the above thoughts, but I do love the palm trees in them. hehe 
I had lunch at Lacma the other day, and decided to snap a quick ootd. Levitated mass is a rather cool installation. Another cool photo opp at Lacma, I must say!  The Stark bar at Lacma however is eh and over-priced. XO



Romper // older no brand info
Shoes & Bag // Forever21
Sunnies // Amazon (dior knock off)

What's in my Bag?

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Happy national lipstick day ladies!
Today I'm spilling what's in my bag...
This particular bag is obviously on the smaller side, so I tend to carry much less than I normally do. This is truly my list of essentials!
* Here I went for a card holder rather than my full wallet. This mint green faux crocodile card holder is from Target, whoop whoop they have great prices that I just can't pass up.
* Gotta have my sunnies and phone at all times. I've been using this Milkyway Iphone case because it perfectly accentuates the gold back to my phone. I've had this one for awhile and still love it to death but I 'am currently looking for an alternate.
* As far as makeup goes and for the sake of this mini bag, I opted out of carrying my mascara and eyeliner and went for just my compact. This Nars compact is great, it comes with a mirror and has great coverage for last minute touch ups. I always carry a lipstick, lip gloss and a lip balm no matter what. As far as today's rotation: YSL Gloss Volupte #19 , Tom Ford #14 Sable Smoke Lip Color, and Sin-Min's Horchata lip balm. The gloss is the perfect touch of shine and provides just a touch of color. The lipstick is a great nude shade to vamp it up and the lip balm keeps my lips hydrated throughout the day while smelling yummy hehe. I actually got this lip balm in a goodie bag and I'm obsessed with it. What are your fav lippies? XO



Girl Power

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Why do I love fashion?

This has got to be the question that every fashion blogger can answer, right? I've been thinking this over, and I love it simply because it makes me feel better about myself. When I put on something that I love, I truly feel great. I love that fashion has that power.






Top // REFORMATION
Shorts // vintage Levi's
Shoes // YSL


In My Culotte

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

A modern day culotte is a knee length pant that hangs like a skirt. It's been so hot in LA these last few days, that these pants seemed like the appropriate choice. I love the allusion of a skirt but the idea that you can function as though you would in a pant. This was my first time wearing them, and I have to say I'm a big fan! Culottes are quickly becoming the next fashion trend and I think these are great for the summer. XO






Culotte // Topshop
Top // Forever21
Shoes // LolaShoetique
Sunnies // Dior
Bag // Chloe

#WINDSORGIRL

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Hey guys! I'm really excited about this post. This particular ootd was reposted on Windsor Store's Social media and I was announced this weeks winner of their weekly IG contest. When I received the news, I was ecstatic. It felt very satisfying that my blogger efforts weren't being unnoticed. I frequently have been getting down on myself and this was just the boost I needed. I know it's just a small step forward, but it helped me realize that I need to stop doubting my abilities and work harder at this. It's important to believe in yourself, and follow your dreams. I know it's cliche to say, but it's so true. XOXO






Dress // Windsor Store
Shoes // Lola Shoetique (older purchase)
Bag // Chloe

That's so 70s

Saturday, June 27, 2015

I bought these jeans in Barcelona and I'm super stoked on them. Denim is the hot thing right now and  the 70s patchwork denim trend is making it's way back too! Actually this season, the 70's are back in full effect and I love it! This comeback is so rad, I can't get enough of all the crochet, the suede, the bell bottoms, backpacks and now the patches too. I really like the cutesy patches on these, and not to mention the great wash. That watermelon patch though (emoji with heart eyes!) What's your favorite fashion comeback? 
XO






Jeans // ZARA
Top // Brandy Melville
Shoes // Target
Alphabet Bracelet // BCBG
Bag // Chloe

Hayley Larue Design