Friday

Photo Diaries: Behind the Scenes! Filming at the Bollare Fashion Public Relations Showroom for Nacole Gray's eHow.com Style Web Series


I filmed my first sequence of videos for my style web series airing on eHow.com STYLE at one of my favorite communications and style firms, Bollare in West Hollywood. Why Bollare? Alle Fister is the powerhouse behind the firm and is one of the most respected publicists in the industry. She has created a firm that represents an array of carefully hand-picked amazing brands. Plus her
team is knowledgeable and genuinely excited about their client roster (which is a must! Don't be fooled, with so many PR firms to choose from, be weary when you have a feeling that a publicist is pitching a brand they don't believe in). Plus the showroom played the perfect backdrop for my fashion tip videos. Absolute perfection!



Yes, sign me up. What girl wouldn't want to play dress up with their gorg showroom that houses amaze pieces by fab designers like Smythe, Triarchy denim, Virgin Saints and Angels, BlankNYC, Big Star, Shoemint and Line & Dot? You totally agree, right?

With Bollare representing so many amazing fashion brands, it's tough for a girl to just choose one look for hosting. I opted for a neutral dress with a fun print detail by Line & Dot. Major bonus? I met the sales manager behind the super-femme line, Vicky Kang, while shooting and even snagged a photo with her (shown below). Hello, I wouldn't miss this photo op.



My series is made just right for the everyday girl, whether or not you live in Los Angeles. I show you how to achieve everyday style with a mix of budget-friendly picks and super chic finds. Catch one of my videos below and check out the rest of my series on eHow STYLE.

We created a video series based off of research directly gathered from what a girl like you is searching while online looking for styling tips and DIY ideas.

I feature affordable yet on-trend pieces so it's easy for you to get inspired! Dig through your own closet or add a few key pieces by shopping in order to put together these looks no matter where you live.

Not only do you get tips, plus you'll get an exclusive glimpse inside this West Hollywood showroom.

Here I am wearing the Line & Dot dress (shown left). I paired it with chic black sandal heels by Shoemint during filming. My advice ladies? Every girl needs this shoe in their closet this summer!


Check out how to wear liquid leggings in my video below. My styling advice? Pair this trend of the moment with a loose-fitted tank, structured blazer by Smythe (the collection gets it right with sleek blazers and coats perfected for stylish layering) and animal-print booties for an edgy yet chic look. Next in my series? I take you shopping at celebrity favorite, Madision boutique on Third and Robertson in Los Angeles.

    

Next in my series, I take you shopping at celebrity favorite shopping destination, Madison boutique on 3rd and Robertson!



Sunday

RSP Exclusive! Top Style Tips for Spring 2013 with Sydne Summer of Sydne Style, E! News and Access Hollywood


Overwhelmed with all the trends this spring? Not to worry, we enlisted help from our favorite trusted style resource, Sydne Summer. We're sure that you've seen her on E! News or Access Hollywood covering the red carpets and the Los Angeles celeb style scene or maybe you've been following SydneStyle.com. We sure know that we have. That's why we have asked Sydne to share her tips and expertise here at RSP.

We asked her to sum up her personal favorite trends of the moment and she even gave us a few style pointers just for our RSP readers. Oh, and since we know how you much you love those lifestyle deets, we found out those too. Did someone say dirty martini? Count us in.

Don't worry about what you will be wearing during the season ahead, read below and you'll know exactly where to start!

RSP: What is your role in the fashion industry? 
Sydne: I'm a fashion blogger and stylist. My blog is SydneStyle.com. You can also find me on YouTube at YouTube.com/SydneSummer, as well as on TV, chatting about style of course, on E! News, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight and more.

RSP: FYI, we're super obsessed with Sydne's "Staple Series" where she shows you how to wear a key item in three different ways. Our editor, Nacole Gray's fave? Check out how Summer wears a neon-printed jacket from BCBG.

RSP: Describe your personal style in three words:
Sydne: Feminine. Polished. Classic.

RSP: Shoe of the moment?
Sydne: Steve Madden Realove sandals

RSP: Handbag of the moment?
Sydne: Sole Society Kaylin (they just launched a handbag line)

RSP: What's your favorite item in your closet right now?
Sydne: A lace peplum top (it combines two of my current favorite trends!)

RSP: If you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be?
Sydne: Olivia Palermo

RSP: Favorite places to shop? 
Sydne: BCBG, H&M, Zara

RSP: What is one personal styling tip you live by?
Sydne: Dress for your body before dressing for the latest trends.

RSP: Where can we find you out in L.A.? More importantly, what are you wearing when you are there?
Sydne: I'm obsessed with sushi so on the weekend you can find me Jinpachi or Robata Jinya (or for special occassions Sushi Park). For dinner with the boyfriend I'll usually wear skinny jeans, a fun top and pointy pumps.

RSP: What are you drinking?
Sydne: Wine or a dirty martini, not that dirty

RSP: What's in your evening clutch?
Sydne: Too Faced Glamour Gloss, iPhone, blotting papers

RSP: Now that we know about your personal style, can you please give RSP's readers a few pointers?

What look do you recommend for a first date?
Sydne: Skinny jeans and a bright color top. It gives the impression that you're laid back but still shows off your figure. Plus, men respond well to color.

RSP: What is your favorite trend of the season and what's the easiest way to incorporate it into everyday style?
Sydne: I love all the white leather I saw on the runways for Spring. I think it's so fresh and modern. I suggest investing in a faux white leather skirt then pairing it with denim, white or black for the next few months.
You can catch all the hottest trends every Tuesday and Thursday in my new A-Z Trend Guide web series!

RSP: Thank you, Sydne. We will be watching! Shopbop Free Express Delivery And Easy Returns

Thursday

Nacole Gray for the Official Rip Curl Global Blogger Campaign 2013: Alana Blanchard Signature Bikini

Our founder was selected for the official Rip Curl Global Blogger Campaign for 2013. Born and raised in travel destination Cardiff by the Sea; fashion blogger, style expert and stylist Nacole Gray is forever inspired by her small beach town and ocean tasselled wavy-hair roots. Hey, don’t underestimate its low-key vibe, Vogue magazine shot a spread with Blake Livley in the very neighborhood Gray grew up in. Spending her summers at the beach, Gray defined her signature look with mix and matched bikini tops and bottoms, sun-kissed skin and wavy long hair—always keeping her look natural and simple. Even though Gray manages her acclaimed style blog and styling clients in Los Angeles, she escapes back to her relaxed hometown in order to relax and collect her thoughts by spending her days at the beach. Her love for the salt and bonfire scent in the air, sound of crashing waves  and sunsets over the water define only a few of the many reasons she is a self-proclaimed beach girl at heart.

“The ocean is highly recharging and inspiring for me. I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after spending time at the beach; I leave with a fresh outlook and full of new ideas. It has always played an integral role in my creative process. One of my favorite songs, “The Girl and the Sea” really says it all: ‘When she was young we'd ask her what she'd like to be and she'd close her eyes and dream... ...now we're no where in her thoughts as she dives beneath the waves.’”


Nacole's review for Rip Curl: “I was immediately drawn to the exotic and bright print of the Alana Blanchard signature “Tribal Goddess” bottoms with its flirty fringe detailing. I usually wear neutrals (mostly black) however I happily break this rule for the beach. Instead I opt for orange, tangerine or coral—the perfect complement for golden skin. My style tip? Mix and match a printed bikini bottom with a solid-tone top. This is a simple way to show off your personal style and aesthetic. Rip Curl makes it easy to create your signature look with so many prints and playful colors to choose from. I feel ultra femme, exotic and flirty in this bikini—I’m ready to dive in the waves, lounge in the sand and finish my day in the sun by throwing on a cover up for din with an ocean view.
Not only do I feel confident and sexy when I wear it, but it’s comfortable and easy to wear. The halter gives the support I need and the cut of the bottoms show just the right amount of skin. My last finishing touch? I completed my look with tribal inspired accessories by Child of Wild and delish arm candy by JNB. With an on-trend print, perfected design and “look-at-me” color combo, it feels like summer already thanks to Rip Curl.”

Photography by Siegel & Thurston Photography.
Hair by @JennTandarich

Keep up with Gray:
Facebook: /RichSkinnyPretty
Twitter: @RSP_Style
Instagram: @NacoleGray
Pinterest: /NacoleGray Shopbop Free Express Delivery And Easy Returns

Monday

Nacole Gray for Rip Curl Wearing the Alana Blanchard Signature Bikini: Photo Diaries of the Rip Curl Official "My Bikini" 2013 Blogger Campaign

Gray was born and raised in a small beach town. With her wavy ocean hair roots, it's no wonder she knows a thing or two bikinis. With that said, Rich Skinny Pretty Founder and On-line Editor, Nacole Gray was selected for the official Rip Curl 2013 global "My Bikini" blogger campaign. Gray is wearing the signature Alana Blanchard "Tiki Goddess" bikini bottoms and halter bikini top.

Her styling tips?

Mix and match a printed bottom with a solid top and accessorize with exotic jewelry. Her picks? JNB and Child of Wild. Plus skip the make up ladies, it is the beach after all.

Check out the collage above of her photo diaries but come back at the end of this week when Rip Curl officially launches the campaign. Feels like summer...doesn't it?

"When she was young, we asked her what she would like to be and she closed her eyes and dreamed...she thinks about her thoughts as she dives beneath the waves."



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Wednesday

Interview with L.A. "It" Girl: Brittany Eustis, Nightlife Style Staple and Entertainment Relations Maven, Formerly of Brent Bolthouse Productions


In the Los Angeles party scene? Then you will very well recognize this nightlife staple, Brittany Eustis. Maybe you saw her at the Coachella Neon Festival (yeah, she ran events right under Brent himself at Brent Bolthouse Productions) or maybe you crossed paths with her at an A-list party, either way, you would most definitely remember her if you did. And with good reason. Britt exudes personal styleconfidence, authenticity and has one sexy rock n' roll-meets-Americana look you just can't resist. Want to know more? Of course you do...

Lucky for you, you came to the right place.

What do we want to convey with RSP? It's about being able to capture what the "everday" girl is wearing and being able to tell that story...to us fashion isn't about the idea of being 'Rich, Skinny or Pretty,' that consumes magazines, runways, red carpets and advertisements. Instead it's about the everyday girl and girls who live and breathe the industry. So who better to feature? Get acquainted with Britt right here, plus we even scored a few styling tips. You're welcome!

RSP: Current position? 
Brittany: Awareness/Fundraiser for Wildlife Waystation and Independent- Entertainment Relations/Outreach

RSP: Describe your personal style in three words:
Brittany: Americana, Rock 'n Roll, Tom Boy

RSP: What's your favorite item in your closet right now?
Brittany: My 1979 Rolling Stones Tour T-shirt

RSP: If you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be?
Brittany: Man I really don’t know….Johnny Depp or Ryan Gosling probably?

RSP: Favorite places to shop?
Brittany: Thrift stores, Truck Stops and Barney’s

RSP: What is one personal styling tip you live by?
Brittany: If I think its bang who cares if anyone else likes it.

RSP: Where can we find you out in L.A.? More importantly, what are you wearing when you are there?
Brittany: I'm an east side kinda girl so Los Feliz/Silverlake and I usually dress how I feel so its gonna be a surprise but definitely say hey if ya see me.

RSP: What's in your evening clutch? 
Brittany: Phone, ID, cash (ladies always have $10 on you), credit card, Altoids, and C.O. Bigelow lip balm or Burts Bees

RSP: Now that we know about your personal style, please give our readers a few pointers.


RSP: So, what look do you recommend for a first date?
Brittany: My first date rule is don’t try too hard. Put on something that you feel cute and comfortable in. NO HEELS unless the date calls for it. The dude isn’t asking you out cause he wants a fashion show. Plus its always better to be able to wow him on like the 3rd date. *wink cough wink

RSP: What defines a "night-out" look?
Brittany: Black and Fitted

RSP: Describe a head-to-toe look for an L.A. workday?
Brittany: Chucks, Jeans, Shirt, Hat, Glasses and a Bangarang attitude

RSP: What is your favorite trend of the season and what's the easiest way to incorporate it into everyday style?
Brittany: I'm not a huge trend follower, I tend to lean more towards classic pieces. I find the easiest way to incorporate anything into my everyday style is when I look at a piece and I think “this would go with at least 3 things I have.”

Bisous ♥

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Saturday

Rich Skinny Pretty Four-Year Anniversary: Celebrating our Editor and Founder, Fashion Blogger and Style Expert, Nacole Gray


With our four-year anniversary around the corner we thought it would be an appropriate time to celebrate our milestones, favorite collaborations and announce upcoming news. First, we would like to take the time to say thank you to all of you for following RSP over the past four years. You have embraced the concept and "get" the sarcastic undertone. You also appreciate the range of style we feature. We aren't about what our editor is wearing every day. Hence we don't take photos of her outfits day to day as fashion bloggers typically do. Instead we feature a range of style and take an editorial approach by interviewing an array of fashion pros as well as featuring your "everyday" girl.


Gray explains the defining moment she created Rich Skinny Pretty four years ago, "I appreciate and I am inspired by the everyday girl's personal style. While living in Paris, I spent my time admiring the girl who wore vintage duds on the streets of Montmartre while equally adoring the socialites in head-to-toe designer threads at Hotel de Crillon. Even though they were polar opposite from one another and both significantly different from my own personal style, I still appreciated their aesthetic. With that said, that's the point of RSP. I'm not telling you to dress like me nor am I trying to personally inspire you. Instead, I want to present you with a range of style. Some looks you may find too safe or boring, others too trendy and mainstream while others may be too "out there" for you. Either way that's the point. I want this to be a place for you to explore, a place where you can be exposed to style choices, brands, pieces and personal taste that you may have overlooked in the past or ignored and yet you may realize that these looks now resonate with you."

"I think each person has something to embrace, appreciate or respect even if it differs from our personal taste. I will never forget styling a look book for Internet muse reigning supreme, Audrey Kitching. The overall premise was punk meets powder puff. This couldn't be further from my personal style--if you look in my closet you will find a-line skirts, blazers, ruffles and blouses. O.K. there is a lot (like a lot) of black and some leather in all fairness. However, I would classify this as edgy, not punk. Yet, even with my classic and feminine style (with a delicate hint of edge), I loved every second of styling that editorial. That's my definition of fashion and what I want to convey with RSP. It's not all about me or what I like. It's about being able to capture what 'everyone' is doing and being able to tell that story...to me fashion isn't about the idea of being 'Rich, Skinny or Pretty,' that consumes magazines, runways, red carpets and advertisements. Instead it's about the everyday girl and girls who live and breath the industry. So who better to feature? Thank you for listening as I translate that story for you."

So here's our editor's top picks over the past four years...cheers to many more!

1. Ashley's Photo Shoot in Encinitas (Yeah, Vogue magazine shot Rob Machado and Blake Lively two years after this shoot. Inspired by us possibly? Just saying.)
Read it here: "SUMMERTIME, WHEN THE LIVING IS EASY."

2. Our orginial four girls: Jamie, Kelly, Ashley and Rachael shot at an everyday dive bar and a local favorite destination, The Saloon. (Got to give love to your roots, right?)Read it here: "YOU BELONG TO THE CITY, YOU BELONG TO THE NIGHT."

3. Kelly's first photo shoot. (Kell was voted as our reader's favorite "everyday girl" during our Los Angeles Smashbox Studios "So You Want to Be a Fashion Stylist" giveaway)

She's not about designer labels or celebrity inspiration. She shops what she likes and dances to her own beat. We're assuming that's why the majority of you appreciate her personal style.

Read it here:
"WHO'S YOUR DADDY? IS HE RICH LIKE ME?"















4. SD Polo Opening Day Fashion Show and Editorial
The girls getting ready for the show wearing Prada, Viktor&Rolf, Lanvin and Derek Lam. Read it here: "I DON'T CARE WHAT MY TEACHER'S SAY, I'M GOING TO BE A SUPERMODEL, WAIT AND SEE."

5. Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge at WWD MAGIC
Gray with the Brent Bolthouse Event Team at the Loreal Gifting Suite.

6. HUDSON Jeans Blogger Campaign
"I think she has it down. That's why she's with us. She understands fashion, she understands the lifestyle." - Ben Taverniti, Creative Director of HUDSON Jeans 


7. Audrey Kitching Look Book for Coco De Coeur
Gray styled Audrey Kitching and Bebe Zeva for the "American Grunge" campaign photographed on Hollywood Blvd.

8.Wealth TV Style Panelist
Gray provided commentary on Wealth TV's "Behind the Bikini."
9) Sydne Summer, Style Expert of E! News, Extra and Style United featured Gray's style. Summer shares,  "In California, just about every other woman walks down the street in a t-shirt and jean shorts. But it takes a certain type of woman to make the pairing look chic. Nacole Gray has that extra something special. Her trick? Adding classic, feminine pieces to casual staples."
.



10)  Style Expert and Contributing Writer for 944 magazine





What's next? Nacole Gray is collaborating with Rip Curl on their 2013 Official Blogger Campaign (I mean it makes sense, duh. Born and raised in a small beach town this girl knows a thing or two about bikinis...it's a no brainer.) What else should be on your radar? Gray is developing a style video series with eHow.com and will be collaborating with her favorite fashion public relations firm, Bollare in Beverly Hills.







Thank you for following, we look forward to what's to come next...
Bisous ♥
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Tuesday

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends: Three Wardrobe Picks with Style Expert, Elizabeth Kott of Closet Rich and Formerly of Rachel Zoe Digital



In addition to managing RSP, our editor and founder, Nacole Gray consults, writes and styles for a range of clients in the fashion realm. As a style expert for Enlightened.org (a new e-commerce site which enables you to give back to the causes dearest to you as you shop your favorite brands) Gray has not only curated products that align with current trends but she also sits down with fashion influentials who support this revolutionary way to shop.

Most recently, Gray chatted with the founder of Closet Rich and formerly of Rachel Zoe Digital, Elizabeth Kott. It's safe to say she's an authority on fashion and personal style. Which designers are on her radar and which key fashion essentials does she have listed for spring? Read on to find out...

Why do we especially love her? Kott explains, "I'll never forget when a fellow peer in a college gender studies course told me the fact that I was 'wearing 5 inch platforms meant I couldn't possibly identify myself as a feminist.' To me, the idea that I couldn't care about the greater good and put effort towards looking good while doing so, was preposterous! Closet Rich was developed to shift this way of thought." Hmmm, sounds like her way of thought totally aligns with ours.

Read on to find out which items she recommends for the season ahead. Shop her Spring 2013 picks and find a cause to donate to. That's right, look cool like Elizabeth and make the world a better place all at the same time, thanks to Enlightened.org.

"I adore how Enlightened is supporting the same idea behind Closet Rich - it's like, ya go ahead and treat yourself, AND while you're at it, go ahead and help a cause that speaks to you too!"

Ready for Kott's top picks for Spring 2013? Take notes ladies...



Rick Owens 
Black Leather Biker Jacket



Keep warm as we transition seasons in this edge-driven jacket. Buy it on Enlightened.org and every time you wear it, remember you earned for your fave cause - feels good doesn't it?











Balmain 
Sophia Retro Sunglasses    


Add a hint of mysterious allure with these sunnies and feel extra good knowing that you donated to the cause of your choice.













Carven 


Slip on these of-the-moments platforms. Notice this season's must-have lucite detail?











Bisous ♥