Designer: Rachel Roy

Check out the detail on one of my own R R pieces. 

Got to have it.  No question. 

I. Want. This. Dress.

Rachel Roy is easily one of my favorite designers.  I first learned about Rachel when I worked at Oak Hall in Memphis (www.oakhall.com).  I sold her original high-end line, Rachel Roy.  The proud owner of ten of her dresses, I venture to say it would be near impossible to find something of her's I would not adore.  In fact, I'm wearing one of her dresses in the pictures on this site and my "official" site, www.elisev.com. Since my Oak Hall days, Ms. Roy has started a diffusion line, Rachel by Rachel Roy, which is also fabulous (available at Macy's).  Rachel's empire has more recently expanded to include shoes, and she just introduced eyeshadow!  Um, yeah.  I'm gonna need that eyeshadow, like YESTERDAY. (My friends know I LOVE makeup, specifically eyeshadows, and even more specifically, the smokey eyes look.  Rachel is famous for her perfectly imperfect smokey eye). Enough about her designs and business.  Have you seen this woman?  She is jaw-dropping beautiful.  More importantly, she is also beautiful within.  My 105 year old grandmother says, "pretty is as pretty does."  Well, I would say Ms. Roy epitomizes this idea.  Besides being gorgeous and talented, Ms. Roy is a philanthropist, working with several charities including OrphanAid. My friends know that I believe very strongly in giving back, so I love Rachel's quote, "I truly believe that charity = clarity.  Through giving back you gain clarity, peacefulness, happiness, and balance in your own life."  Wow.   And right when I thought I could not admire her more, I read this quote on her website: "My biggest influences are strong, creative women that chart their own path, lead their own lives and drive the course of history."Amen, Sister Rachel, amen.  For everything Rachel Roy, check out www.rachelroy.com.

My first post: Elise's Fashion 101

I suppose it's obvious, but I've started a blog.  Since I am a student (pursuing my MBA), I thought it only fitting to have my inaugural post be a lesson in fashion.  So here it is, Fashion 101, according to Elise at least....

Elise V’s  Fashion 101

It’s about quality, not quantity.  I would rather own ten versatile and good quality pieces than a hundred cheaply made ones.  Invest in timeless and versatile pieces.  Spend less money on trendier items. 

Every woman should own a pair of “nude,” or camel pumps that she can wear with a business suit or a pair of jeans.  My favorites are by Christian Louboutin. 

Every woman should own a classic LBD (little black dress).  It should be versatile enough to wear to religious services, the office, or out on a Saturday night, depending on how you accessorize it.

You can never have too many white blouses.  When in doubt, a white blouse works with nearly any skirt, under any suit, or just by itself with a pair of jeans. 

Hang on to your belts and costume jewelry, even if they have gone out of style.  Chances are, they’ll come back in style at some point.  The same does not apply to clothing.  Even if the trend is repeated, by the time it comes back around, there will inevitably be some element that is different, or you will need a different size. 

If you tend to hoard clothes, practice the “one in, one out rule”: each time you purchase something new, give something else away. 

Never show all your assets at once.  It’s tacky.  If you are showing cleavage, don’t wear anything too short.  If you’re wearing a mini skirt, be more conservative on top.

You don’t have to match perfectly! Your shoes, bag, and belt do NOT need to match.  Your earrings do NOT need to match your necklace. 

Your hair is an accessory.  Try something new.  If you wear your hair the same way all of the time, you are missing out on an easy way to change up your look.  Try an up-do (It doesn’t have to be perfect! You aren’t going to the prom!), a side ponytail, or a braid.  If your hair is straight, before going to bed, braid hair while it is damp.  The next morning, take out the braid and you’ll have waves. 

Balance your outfit.  If you are wearing something blousy on top, balance it out with a skinnier bottom, and vice versa, to give yourself some shape.

Do not buy something only because it is on sale.  This is a chronic problem among many of my clients.   If I had a dollar for every time I have heard, “but it was on sale,” I would be the proud owner of this season’s new Chanel bag.  If you have ever purchased something on sale, and then never worn it, or discovered you already own something just like it, then I am talking to you.  Getting a deal on something you really want and need, fabulous!  Buying something simply because it is on sale, foolish. 

Do not wear “Nude” pantyhose…ever!  They are acceptable for your grandmother… and no one else.  Sheer black hose, yes.  Opaque tights, absolutely.  Nude hose should be illegal.  Burn them. 

I don’t care how thin the sales woman says you look, or what anyone else tells you; if you don’t feel confident and empowered in a prospective outfit, don’t buy it. 

I would rather be overdressed than overlooked. Always err on the side of looking nice.  It never hurts.