Rachel by Rachel Roy

You may of first been "introduced" to Rachel Roy through her husband, Roc-a-Fella co-founder Damon Dash, but these days her name has become synonymous with emerging fashion. The young, high profile New York designer has come a long way. Over the last couple of years her label has expanded and now offers a more affordable line appropriately titled, "Rachel, Rachel Roy." The likes of Joy Bryant, Padmi Lakshmi and even Michelle Obama wear her designs (probably from her original line Rachel Roy New York). But despite her star being on the rise, she's still a dedicated mother of two who hasn't lost sight of what's important. Posted below is "Behind the Lens" - the three part video series filmed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Douglas Keeve. In it Rachel Roy reflects on her past, present and future and there are plenty of cute scenes with her adorable daughters, Ava (9) and Tallulah Ruth (1). After you've checked out the videos visit www.rachelroy.com to view photos of her new and more economically friendly fashion line.

Designer Rachel Roy launches her new more affordable line, "Rachel".

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Rachel Roy Fall 2008

I don’t know ladies. Rachel Roy’s collections usually have me tickled but I wasn’t sure where her and her team were going with this one. The theme was clearly Native-Americans meet your colonial incarcerators! Slightly odd. While I applaud the use of different textures from tweed to satin, I’m confused by some of the silhouettes namely look 10, 14 and 17. I do however love look number 4 (pictured right). Everything from the color, to the proportion of the dress is perfect. I also love the accessories she used for each piece, they added nice touches to the entire collection. All in all I appreciate where Rachel Roy was trying to achieve but it wasn’t always successful.

Coats for Fall: Volume

Rachel Roy backstage at the J. Mendel Spring 2007 Ready-to-Wear show.

Left to right: Lantern Sleeve Jacket, $475, www.net-a-porter.com; Ashley Capelet, $58.50, www.delias.com; Supreme Jacket, $188, www.fcusbuymail.com; Karli Covert Twill Jacket, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Left to right: Amelia Coat, $49.80, www.forever21.com; Hooded Wool Coat, $78, www.styleviolet.com; Diane von Furstenberg 'Saffra' Coat, $625, www.nordstrom.com; J.O. 3/4 Contour Coat, $278, www.cache.com

Bell and wide sleeves are all over the stores these days but how the hell do you wear them? Some of the sleeves look a little too short for winter however, the key is to wear them with a long sleeved sweater or even better, elbow-long leather gloves. If you'd rather keep your coat’s sleeves long but still want to dabble with this trend go with a coat that doesn’t cinch at the waist like the coat above from Cache. Also consider a bubble hem coat. Now, some might say you need to balance a voluminous jacket with tight, skinny jeans but I say pair them with wide leg pants for the ultimate in chic.

Rachel Roy Spring 2008

This socialite-come-designer continues to prove that her passion for fashion is unwavering and her talent genuine. A mature collection, Rachel Roy explores the use of volume and shape as well as the contrast between masculine and feminine. Some of the pieces looked like they’d been delicately spray painted with pastel colors while others were made from bold metallics like the yellow-gold pencil dress and the charcoal-silver shorts suit. This is definitely a collection for sophisticated ladies who spend most of their time other fashion-forward women. You won’t see these kind of outfits on everyday chicas walking down the street. Overall Rachel Roy left me wanting more… can’t wait to see what else is up her designer sleeves.

Workwear 101: Ladies Who Lunch

Rachel Roy at David Yurman’s 25th Anniversary in a dress of her own design, and a Fendi bag.

Eve arriving at the CBS, Paramount, UPN, Showtime, King World TCA Party at The Wind Tunnel and Mya at the Life Ball 2007 Party at the Shambala.

I’ve been meaning to do this series for a while and I get quite a few emails from people asking me what they should wear to work. Well, it really all depends on where you work and what type of office environment is encouraged. As a general rule of thumb don’t let hemlines go any further than just above your knee; let dresses and suits fit well but not so tight that your uncomfortable and fidget all day; and finally heels are great but if you can’t walk in them give in to kitten heels or flats – they look just as good.

This installment is for those of you who work in more relaxed environments, but you’re still required to make an effort. You have numerous lunch meetings with clients and colleagues and for practical reasons you like to wear outfits that take you easily from the work day to evening. Dresses are perfect for you and though at first glance the above dresses may look too flashy, you can easily throw on a shawl and/or belt to bring the outfit down to earth. See the above ladies for inspiration then get the look below...

Left to right: Woven Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Floral Trapeze Dress, $76, www.topshop.com; Rose Print Dress by Aquascutum, $560, www.brownsfashion.com; Border Print Halter Dress, $29.99, www.target.com

Left to right: MIA Venice Pump, $28.79, www.endless.com; Loren Wedge Slide, $19.99, www.payless.com; Cuamba, $250, www.aldoshoes.com; Stonze, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com

1. Casper Cardi, $59.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 2. Chain Bangle, $12.50, www.delias.com; 3. Charm Necklace, $12.50, www.delias.com; 4. Star Embroidered Purse, $16.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; 5. Charm Earrings, $12.50, www.delias.com; 6. Victoria's Fall Spy Brown Bag, $39, www.anyknockoff.com; 7. Prong Bracelet, $19.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 8. F9681 Sunglasses, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Color Block…

Beyonce arriving at Melbourne Airport on April 25, 2007 in Australia.

Maggie Betts with Rachel Roy, in Diane von Furstenberg at the Environmental Lecture and Luncheon at the Museum of Natural History.

Rashida Jones arriving at the 2005 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California.

Rihanna arrives at the 20th Annual Kid's Choice Awards held at the UCLA Pauley Pavilion on March 31, 2007 in Westwood, California.

Now is as good a time as any to confront your natural aversion to bright colors. I know it may seem a little frightening to wear luminous yellow or hot pink in the evening (never mind at work) but trust me, it is possible. Why not wear a bright coat over neutrals to ease you into the trend like Ms. Roy or invest in stand-out accessories like a clutch bag or statement earrings. If you’re up to the challenge then make like Beyonce and wear color with pride during the daylight hours. Leave the leopard print bag at home though ;)

Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy, wearing her own design, at the American Museum of Natural History Winter Dance event.

I’m sure some of you will debate the success of this outfit but I love the volume of Rachel’s top paired with the skinny jeans. It’s from her collection but I know most of us can’t afford it especially at the prices she sets. I love Rachel’s hair. Hair pinned-up is so timeless and classic. Wear your hair high so the focus is your voluminous top. Be sure not to clutter the look with jewelry. Leave out the earrings and necklace and let your hair do all the talking.

Steal Rachel’s Style…

Top: Secret Top by Marie Marie, $62 (On Sale!), www.girlshop.com
Jeans: Daphne Low-rise Skinny, $24.99, www.delias.com
Shoe: Elegine, $99.99, www.aldoshoes.com
Bracelet: Plastic Bangle with Filigree Embellishment, $3.99, www.girlprops.com
Bag: 2-Pocket Lock Satchel by Merona, $24.99, www.target.com

Can you believe this top is just $62?! I love it. It also comes in dark navy but I love this green. Wear with or without the belt and add a simple black bangle if you can’t go without jewelry. This outfit is perfect for Happy Hour.

Rachel Roy Fall 2007

I’m still mad that I missed Rachel Roy on Oprah, so I was sure to catch her runway show earlier this week. By ‘catch’ I don’t actually mean I was there, but I admired longingly from afar! As usual her clothes were exquisite. Questions about the level of her participation aside, the collection was light, playful and the attention to detail was painfully meticulous. I’m surprised that Style.com hasn’t featured this collection on their site especially since they have supported her career thus far. In any case, the clothes had that air of sophistication while still being edgy enough to separate you from the crowd. I’m still a HUGE fan of Ms. Roy.