The Overhead Compartment with Rachel Roy

Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel. Created and developed by Stacy Steponate Greenberg.

Sophisticated, sexy, elegant and practical, those words are among the first to jump to mind when describing the clothes of designer Rachel Roy. Beginning with her days at Rocawear, where she started as an intern and quickly rose to Creative Director of Women’s & Children’s division, Roy has always had a vision to ensure women feel they are the best versions of themselves. And she has always succeeded. From the high end stores that carried her line to clients that have included Michelle Obama, Diane Sawyer and Kim Kardashian, this busy mother of two has had everyone looking stylish. Her latest is the Curvy Collection, which embraces the plus-size woman, although Roy believes all designers should include extended sizes, breaking down the barriers of the sizes and making no distinction between sizes. As if a new clothing line isn’t enough, along with various philanthropic endeavors Roy also has a new book out called Design Your Life: Creating Success Through Personal Style, a style guide with tips and personal insights: everything from updating your closet with what you already own, to what essential pieces to get, to helping define your own look, and looking and becoming great from the outside and inside regardless of your age. The Overhead Compartment was thrilled to undergo a little retail therapy perusing the wardrobe and asking style tips from Rachel Roy.

DESIGN YOUR LIFE is available now everywhere books are sold.

The Overhead Compartment with Rachel Roy beings now…

OC: Your new book Design Your Life is a style guide filled with practical and inspirational tips. What is the one message you hope readers will take away?

RR: I would love my reader to take away the confidence and conviction to live her true life, and to design the life she wants to live, and that’s not determined by anyone but herself.

OC: You have had a highly successful clothing line and launched a new line called Curvy Collection. What’s the concept behind the new line?

RR: The concept was quite simple – be able to offer our RACHEL Rachel Roy collection in extended sizes. It’s been the number 1 request since the day we introduced the RRR collection and we spent a great deal of time researching the fit to make sure we got it right.

OC: What sort of feedback have you been receiving?

RR: Everyone has been so supportive. We’ve been spending a lot of time in stores with customers, hearing their stories about how the collection works for them. I love seeing everyone posting on Instagram what pieces they bought and how they are wearing it. It’s always a thrill to see people love what you do.

OC: How do we make women of all shapes and sizes feel better about their bodies?

RR: For me it’s about making collections that fit their lives and bodies. And also to continue sharing with one another things that can help you better your life. That was the inspiration behind my book.

OC: What’s one piece of clothing every woman should have in her wardrobe?

RR: A trench coat that doubles as a dress and an overcoat. It’s 2 minute dressing that is equal parts strong and feminine.

OC: What’s one piece of clothing every woman should discard from her wardrobe?

RR: Anything that doesn’t fit well and make you feel great.

OC: What’s the biggest mistake women make when getting dressed?

RR: Dressing for other people. You should dress to make yourself happy.

OC: You have designed clothes for some of the biggest personalities and celebrities, how is that different from dressing the every day woman?

RR: It’s no different. Every woman wants to feel good in their clothes, to have them fit, to have them contribute to making their lives a little bit easier, to help give them the courage to go out into the world and do well.

OC: What was it like working with the First Lady?

RR: Lovely. Easy and effortless. She knows what she likes.

OC: Other than your own line, do you have a favorite designer?

RR: Georgina Chapman of Marchesa.

OC: As the mom of two girls, what lessons do you hope they take away from your success?

RR: To remember you are not what life hands you. You are the life you make.

OC: Do they want to follow in your footsteps?

RR: My youngest daughter does. She loves the ritual and process of getting dressed up and carefully selecting a look based on where she is wearing it. She also loves the design process. She is always over my shoulder when I’m working at home – always with her sketch pad and markers drawing. I also take her on trips to local factories in Los Angeles to see the clothes making process.

OC: How did you find your own style amid the many other designers out there?

RR: Simply by staying true to my point of view and living an authentic life both personally and professionally. There is no other way.

OC: What is the key to looking good when traveling?

RR: Fabrics that don’t wrinkle, long layers that tie like a trench coat or cardigan.

OC: Do you have any super tips on packing?

RR:  – Pack in outfits so the thinking is done once you arrive.
 – Roll instead of fold what you can
 – Leave a toiletries bag packed in a carry on so it is always ready to go!

OC: What was the most interesting city your work has ever taken you to?

RR: New Delhi.

OC: Favorite place for leisure travel?

RR: Bermuda.

OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without

RR: Telling my daughters I love them.

Rachel Roy, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!

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