Ask Rachel ⋆ That's Chic

Jessica Salera wrote on October 27, 2018 at 7:30 pm:

Hi Rachel! First off, i absolutely LOVE your vlogs. I really appreciate the creativity and a kind of vulnerability you display on them. Anyways, I’m starting a new job soon that requires very clean cut & professional attire. I was wondering if you have any tips to abide by these guidelines, but still remaining true to your own personal style.

Hi Rachel!

First off, i absolutely LOVE your vlogs. I really appreciate the creativity and a kind of vulnerability you display on them. Anyways, I’m starting a new job soon that requires very clean cut & professional attire. I was wondering if you have any tips to abide by these guidelines, but still remaining true to your own personal style.

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Find your favorite silhouettes and stick to that. I love blazers, so they're always a go to for my office attire! Have fun through accessories 🙂

Dani wrote on October 24, 2018 at 3:42 pm:

Hi Rachel, do you mind sharing what its like to be consulting several brands like how it works, the process etc.

Admin Reply by: Rachel

It's like managing a bunch of external ideas and trying to help them funnel it into one vision. Is the paraphrased version. I don't know, I'm just good at what I do and I'm super opinionated. People pay me for my viewpoint, so there's no process. It's a "hey can you help me?" "yeah sure, I can do that for $$$$ a month" Not really professionalizing it, but hey, I'm a free thinker.

SH wrote on October 24, 2018 at 9:29 am:

Hey Rach! I very much love the content you make from fashion, beauty and even health. My question is how do you balance a healthy lifestyle? as simple as that question seems, as hard is the act itself. I am very fortunate to have lost a lot of weight but recently feel out balanced? Every time I eat I simply obsess over calories and how it will affect my body. I am asking YOU because damn you have a strong and most importantly healthy body. Can you share tips?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I mean, it's always a work in progress. Mindfulness is a practice, not really a state of being. Unless of course, you're super super enlightened, but even I am not close to that. I have my hiccups and guilt pleasures! Maybe if you're obsessing over calories, try looking at food groups and seeing what works for you? Doing a crazy diet like Whole 30 helped me see my relationship with food and what works for me and what doesn't. Like wine, it makes me feel awful, but yeah, I'll still mindfully have a glass every now and then, sometimes, lushfully. Health is a balance, not a chore. Don't deprive yourself, but don't give into yourself too. Enjoy and know your limits!

Chloe wrote on October 17, 2018 at 8:33 pm:

Hi Rachel, I was thinking about starting a vlog but not sure how to get into it, was wondering if you had any tips? P.S. Love your content 🙂

Hi Rachel, I was thinking about starting a vlog but not sure how to get into it, was wondering if you had any tips?
P.S. Love your content 🙂

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Just start filming. Then try editing it. There's no other way than to just do it. And until you just do it, you won't have an understanding of what/how you want to film for the next video. Your first try doesn't have to be published. Just spend one whole day filming and then edit what you have. I promise that experience will put an otherwise daunting idea into a tangible perspective. x

Mia wrote on October 12, 2018 at 10:32 pm:

Hi Rachel, I recently started my first semester of university and was wondering what your experience was like? How did you balance school, work(if you had one), and social life? I've definitely had a lot of goals in mind that I would like to accomplish before my first year ends such as landing an internship and finding the opportunity to study abroad so I wanted to know if you had any advice on those aspects as well. Best, Mia P.S. you don't have to answer this if its irrelevant to you now.

Hi Rachel,

I recently started my first semester of university and was wondering what your experience was like? How did you balance school, work(if you had one), and social life? I've definitely had a lot of goals in mind that I would like to accomplish before my first year ends such as landing an internship and finding the opportunity to study abroad so I wanted to know if you had any advice on those aspects as well.

Best, Mia

P.S. you don't have to answer this if its irrelevant to you now.

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I think the art of juggling will always be relevant and the best way to go about it is to plan, plan, plan! The BuJo and Google Cal helps me so much. Ex: if I feel like I haven't seen a friend in a while, I will always text even if I'm too busy to see how they're doing. If I want to work on a special project, I break down the major key steps and find places in my cal to execute it. That way ideas and intentions aren't lingering around and you can start time-blocking your time spent. xx

Chloe Collins wrote on October 12, 2018 at 9:15 am:

Hey Rachel! I'm heading to Vietnam at the end of the year and I'm trying to find ethical clothing stores? Do you know any ethical places? I'm going to be there for a month - starting in the North and ending in the South. Thanks!

Hey Rachel!

I'm heading to Vietnam at the end of the year and I'm trying to find ethical clothing stores? Do you know any ethical places? I'm going to be there for a month - starting in the North and ending in the South. Thanks!

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I'm so sorry I don't! Maybe Kaarem? Sorry I know it's a lot late answer this. I hope you had fun there xx

April wrote on October 7, 2018 at 11:20 pm:

What camera do you recommend as a simple point and shoot or someone starting a blog?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Canon G7X MIII has been amazing for me! I also love the Fujifilm x100 series xx

Claudia LI wrote on October 5, 2018 at 3:07 pm:

Hi rachel! I know this is a very weird question but I have this whole 5 year plan and my goal is to be living in los angeles by the time im 25-ish. The only thing holding me back (aside from missing my parents) is my fear of not meeting new people and having no friends. do you think it's possible to start a social life from zero at that age in la? is it crazy hard?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

With social media, I think it's been a lot easier to meet people. Move to a bustling neighborhood. Arts District is a good one because everyone is walking and it's very close there. But yeah, it can be hard, finding a community (even if it's at work ... where I met most of my core friends now), definitely helps in starting to expand your friendship circle! Best of luck here 🙂 You're gonna have an amazing time xx

a friend wrote on October 5, 2018 at 2:59 am:

Hi Rachel! For the life of me, I cannot believe that you aren't a Gemini. In that spirit, I'd like to propose a video idea that celebrates your fluid and effortless dualism (akin to your angel/devil halloween video): Work vs Leisure (a lookbook). I love you - you're magic!

Hi Rachel!

For the life of me, I cannot believe that you aren't a Gemini.
In that spirit, I'd like to propose a video idea that celebrates your fluid and effortless dualism (akin to your angel/devil halloween video): Work vs Leisure (a lookbook).

I love you - you're magic!

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I love this idea! I mean Gemini is the Sag's sister sign, and I am around a lot of them. Including my boyfriend! Hah. I'm sure that rubs off. Love you too! xx

Anne wrote on September 20, 2018 at 8:09 pm:

Hello Rachel ^^ I've just finished watching your "GOOD EVENING RACHEL" video. At the end of the video you finish up your look with some Jo Malone perfume. I was wandering if you could do a "Perfume collection" kind of video >.< Bises (from Marseille)

Hello Rachel ^^

I've just finished watching your "GOOD EVENING RACHEL" video. At the end of the video you finish up your look with some Jo Malone perfume.
I was wandering if you could do a "Perfume collection" kind of video >.<

Bises (from Marseille)

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I can definitely look into it, but I'm selfishly secretive about my favorite perfumes 🙁

Question wrote on September 12, 2018 at 6:26 pm:

What did you blur out in your video where you free wrote an entry about weston??

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Wow, I'm appalled that the entitlement that you want me to share my very personal diary entry openly to the internet to read? What the actual fuck?

Elyse wrote on September 10, 2018 at 6:10 pm:

Hello Rachel, When did you become interested in fashion, becoming a youtuber, and find your sense of style I really want to become a stylist, or something in the fashion industry; do you have any tips? My birthday is also December 10th.

Hello Rachel,

When did you become interested in fashion, becoming a youtuber, and find your sense of style I really want to become a stylist, or something in the fashion industry; do you have any tips? My birthday is also December 10th.

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Happy belated birthday twin! When did you become interested in fashion? Always, have always been interested in expressing myself with pretty things Youtube: 2014 Find my style: When I stopped caring what other people wanted to see and overthinking 'lewks'. Being a style: helps if you genuinely enjoy solving visual problems. most of the best stylists I know don't even have great style. they just wear jeans and a shirt.

Vi wrote on August 13, 2018 at 6:43 pm:

Hi Rachel!! Your creativity and uniqueness is so cool and inspiring! Which is why it surprised me that you were an econ major because I thought you majored in something more artistic because of how creative your blog and youtube channel are. Did you wish you studied something else or are you glad you have an economics degree? Were you happy in college? The reason I am asking is because I am currently in college and was studying business, but I switched my major to Information Technology because I was so miserable at the business school. Hopefully, I'll enjoy tech more than business, but overall I aspire to be in a creative field. I just wanted to hear about your experience and any advice you could give me about college and your career. Love, Vi 🙂

Hi Rachel!!

Your creativity and uniqueness is so cool and inspiring! Which is why it surprised me that you were an econ major because I thought you majored in something more artistic because of how creative your blog and youtube channel are. Did you wish you studied something else or are you glad you have an economics degree? Were you happy in college? The reason I am asking is because I am currently in college and was studying business, but I switched my major to Information Technology because I was so miserable at the business school. Hopefully, I'll enjoy tech more than business, but overall I aspire to be in a creative field. I just wanted to hear about your experience and any advice you could give me about college and your career.

Love,
Vi 🙂

Admin Reply by: Rachel

TBH, I only went to school for my parents. I couldn't have cared less about school. Don't regret going nor not studying anything else. Creativity is hard to teach, the only way to nurture that is to find an outlet to express yourself to know what you are good at and enjoy doing. Figure that out and master it, then you're ready to figure your place out in the creative world. But stay in school! Have hobbies on the side. HOBBIES ARE SO IMPORTANT.

Sadie M. wrote on August 12, 2018 at 12:20 pm:

Hi, Rach! I miss your videos so much! I wanted to ask you, did you move to America or were you born here? I would love a video where you get in touch with your heritage!

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Thank you Sadie! I was born here 🙂 visiting Vietnam was a beautiful way that I was able to get in touch with my heritage, but my parents raised me very Vietnamese. So that always feels like home, even if I've been homogenized into the city of LA, a good bowl of pho and che for dessert makes me a happy girl.

Michelle wrote on August 11, 2018 at 1:31 pm:

Hi Rachel! I'm a high school student still learning about herself and I think I know myself and my own brand. But here's the thing, I want to change my brand, I don't want to be known as someone who just laughs a lot and really loud.. I don't know how to change this brand though, but i really really reaaaally want to change who I am as a person. How do you think I should approach this? Sincerely, Michelle

Hi Rachel!

I'm a high school student still learning about herself and I think I know myself and my own brand. But here's the thing, I want to change my brand, I don't want to be known as someone who just laughs a lot and really loud.. I don't know how to change this brand though, but i really really reaaaally want to change who I am as a person. How do you think I should approach this?

Sincerely,
Michelle

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Aw Michelle, I know it's hard for you to envision and swallow this very overused phrase, but... damn girl, you're still so young. You're just exploring yourself! Don't put so much pressure to be in a box, play around, shit, you wrote this to me in August, you probably changed so much already. The cycle keeps moving, enjoy it. It's life!

Béatrice wrote on July 24, 2018 at 10:01 pm:

Hi! I just saw the furniture you bought for your apartment ( coffee table and dresser)and I'm in love! Where did you get them?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I like using Chairish, Craigslist (dresser), The Real Real (coffee table), flea markets, estate sales, and now, Instagram 🙂

crystal wrote on July 17, 2018 at 5:48 am:

you have BDE

Admin Reply by: Rachel

OMFG BEST COMMENT EVER TY

Jordy wrote on July 14, 2018 at 4:56 am:

Hi! I was wondering what kind of instax/polaroid camera you use?? Also any suggestions on film cameras - I play around with disposables, but lately I've been thinking about investing in one

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I have the big one re: polaroid. And I love my Olympus camera. Etsy has some good ones 🙂

Bennette wrote on July 5, 2018 at 9:46 pm:

LOVE ALL THE MUSIC IN YOUR VIDEOS. What platforms do you use for finding music?? What are your secrets for finding music on the internet? What are you listening to?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

No secret! Just soundcloud and Youtube. I'm lucky that I can tell when I like a song in 1 second so I'm able to scrub through a lot fast. I'll find a song I like (probably can't use) on Soundcloud and keep digging through playlists it's been on, or look at related tracks. I spend HOURS and HOURS. It's a labor of love and is definitely not easy hahah.

Kay Foreman wrote on June 28, 2018 at 7:18 am:

Hi!! I absolutely love your blog, this is the free version right? I was trying to upload a theme and wordpress wanted me to upgrade to the business plan to do so. How were you able to create your own theme and code without paying?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

TBH, I HAVE NO IDEA SORRRRRY 😅😅😅

cassie wrote on June 7, 2018 at 8:08 am:

What are some of your favorite recipes? (besides your chia seed pudding cause i have that for breakie now bc of you!!!) would you do like cooking segments in your vids or even on your insta story lol? you inspire me to be a better version of myself and that includes eating healthy, but i have noooo idea where to start...

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I love following Oh She Glows and Tastemade for recipe ideas! I gauge from the ingredients if I'd like it or not. Like, I'd never cook anything with heavy creams and stuff so I try to find whole recipes. I also look for Whole 30 / Pescatarian recipes a lot! Hope that helps 🙂

Alexis wrote on June 6, 2018 at 3:55 am:

Hiiiiii. Longtime follower, first-time poster..talker? Anyways, I was wondering if you knew where the signet rings/angel-cherub gold pendants trend came from? If no, how did you get into it? I'm curious because I loooooove antique jewelery and it seems to be "in" right now. (Even, when my friends think it's ugly LOL.) Interestingly enough, I used to wear that cherub necklace as a child!! But, I can't find any blogs that talk about this style. (Maybe I should start my own blog) And I know you've had that steez for a while! Soo, I am just wondering if you had any insight to share with this curious mind.

Hiiiiii. Longtime follower, first-time poster..talker? Anyways, I was wondering if you knew where the signet rings/angel-cherub gold pendants trend came from? If no, how did you get into it?

I'm curious because I loooooove antique jewelery and it seems to be "in" right now. (Even, when my friends think it's ugly LOL.) Interestingly enough, I used to wear that cherub necklace as a child!! But, I can't find any blogs that talk about this style. (Maybe I should start my own blog) And I know you've had that steez for a while! Soo, I am just wondering if you had any insight to share with this curious mind.

Admin Reply by: Rachel

TBH, I don't follow trends. I just like what I like, and I stopped wearing them because it got so trendy. I found mine on The Real Real of course lol, I also find things I like at estate sales and etsy. Idk, I go into rabbit holes, I wish I can give you guys more info of how I discover things because I get asked so much but it's just the natural flow of a curious mind. Def start a blog!

Joan wrote on June 5, 2018 at 11:32 am:

Hi Rachel! I am doing a very heavy degree related to politics and law. Yet I've always found myself drawn to art and fashion. Do you have any idea as to how to start a fashion blog or do what you do? Lots of love Joan

Hi Rachel! I am doing a very heavy degree related to politics and law. Yet I've always found myself drawn to art and fashion. Do you have any idea as to how to start a fashion blog or do what you do?

Lots of love
Joan

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I think there's an incredible opportunity in law for the creatives. Look into that. Maybe combine the two? How should people appropriately dress for law anyway? Or like, fashion law? Wonderful niche you're in! xxx

Elsa wrote on June 3, 2018 at 3:36 pm:

Hi Rachel! Your Youtube channel has been my favorite past time lately (although I must admit it's my second time watching all your videos). I'm a blogger myself and I have no income whatsoever. I'm curious what you did if you were in a situation like mine when you started blogging? Like how did you create good quality content by yourself? Or did you work with photographers? I have already invested so much time and energy (and money) towards my own domain and web design that it's impossible for me to pay for anything else at the moment. Do you think that I have to buy the right equipment and hire the right people to take quality photos? Was that something you struggled with? Thanks for the tremendous amounts of inspiration! You are the chicest of them all!

Hi Rachel!
Your Youtube channel has been my favorite past time lately (although I must admit it's my second time watching all your videos).

I'm a blogger myself and I have no income whatsoever. I'm curious what you did if you were in a situation like mine when you started blogging? Like how did you create good quality content by yourself? Or did you work with photographers?

I have already invested so much time and energy (and money) towards my own domain and web design that it's impossible for me to pay for anything else at the moment. Do you think that I have to buy the right equipment and hire the right people to take quality photos? Was that something you struggled with?

Thanks for the tremendous amounts of inspiration! You are the chicest of them all!

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Yes of course, I started blogging 13 years ago, there was no money then hahaha. Do it for fun, yes it's a lot of work, but if you're tired of it already, then maybe it's not something that's truly passionate for your and the thing that is driving you to do it, might be the wrong reason. Also, I've almost always been a one girl team. With the help of a friend or annoyed boyfriend to take a photo. Best of luck! Just try to have fun with it. Don't over think it because no one wants to read a super calculated blog anyway! x

Amy wrote on May 31, 2018 at 1:26 am:

Hi Rachel! I’m a college student currently taking website design class:)) Ur new website looks so cute so I really want to ask if it’s a platform (like square space) or u built and designed it urself☺️ ❤️ Amy

Hi Rachel!
I’m a college student currently taking website design class:)) Ur new website looks so cute so I really want to ask if it’s a platform (like square space) or u built and designed it urself☺️

❤️
Amy

Admin Reply by: Rachel

It's on Wordpress! Alan helped me build it and I put together the wireframes, flow, fonts, and color palette. The rest was collaborative 🙂 thank you XXX

Cynthia wrote on May 30, 2018 at 7:19 am:

Hi Rach!! Night owl here and reading ur Q&As. How did you and Wes met? I’m at my late 20s and feeling the pressure/urge and reluctance to social and meet new boys. Kinda clueless now for love life. Any tips/advise? Ps: Try re creating this blocked concentrated late night environment during daylight. Maybe the feeling of steel time makes you high on creativity so maybe getting into a mood would help. Xx

Hi Rach!! Night owl here and reading ur Q&As.
How did you and Wes met? I’m at my late 20s and feeling the pressure/urge and reluctance to social and meet new boys. Kinda clueless now for love life. Any tips/advise?
Ps: Try re creating this blocked concentrated late night environment during daylight. Maybe the feeling of steel time makes you high on creativity so maybe getting into a mood would help. Xx

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Hello fellow night owl! Wow that's actually a really good idea. I'll have to try that one of these days. Wes and I met through mutual friends and were distant friends for a few years before we started dating. In some way, we were lucky enough to skip the era of dating apps. But man, I have noooo idea! I'm so out of touch. It seems like my friends who are in their late 20s and single rn have stopped focusing on their singleness and have been making impressive, personal strides in their spirituality and career. The feeling of 'expiring' as a woman can be ever pressing, but I think can be conquered within. I really do personally believe that when someone is truly ready to meet someone (and not for the sake of companionship), the energy opens up and love finds its way. ALSO, men have their single-sniffers out....

lili wrote on May 30, 2018 at 4:04 am:

hey rachel! wondering if you ever hired an assistant? i think you mentioned it in one post or video, but i can't remember. are you still looking to expand? if you have hired an assistant, what's been his/her main tasks?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I did!!! she has been amazing and honestly the best help I've had. we got along really well but when an offer for a full-time position fell into her lap, I encouraged her to take it because it would be an amazing experience for her to gain insight into molding her future freelance career. I would be interested in another assistant again, but man, the internet can be so cruel. Publishing a post asking for paid-help, then having comments not only invalidate me as a creative but also paint my character as entitled and unnecessary, fill me with enough doubt and negativity to outweigh the enthusiasm that found my inbox. Is making a person feel horrible about themselves a successful goal? Does that make you sleep at night? Honestly, I'm really fucking curious how people can be so spiteful while filling in the blanks of someone else's life. SORRY, end...

Li wrote on May 25, 2018 at 5:26 am:

Hi Rachel, I was inspired by your bujo video at first, which I think it is the best tutorial I have seen on the YT. And then I started to look some of your other very inspirational videos and I felt resonant with your individuality and attitude to life/fashion. I assume it always needs some courage to be a freelancer, may I ask what makes you decide to be a freelancer? What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you have met so far? Only the best, Li

Hi Rachel,

I was inspired by your bujo video at first, which I think it is the best tutorial I have seen on the YT. And then I started to look some of your other very inspirational videos and I felt resonant with your individuality and attitude to life/fashion. I assume it always needs some courage to be a freelancer, may I ask what makes you decide to be a freelancer? What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you have met so far?

Only the best,

Li

Admin Reply by: Rachel

HI Li ~ aw thank you. I'm so happy you enjoy my work! I became a freelancer because I worked in the industry for a bit before I started YT full time. Working for myself can be challenging because you never know when the next project is coming in. Since I have a more 'personal' brand, I also have to be mindful of the projects I take on... and I say 'no' to a lot of projects and opportunities. But the other side of freelance, I do that still because I know I'm good at what I do, and I might not always have the avenue to push it myself on my own platform (YT, blog), but I can translate what I know for another brand. It's complicated. I'm always hustling... it ever stops. Sorry, it's a pretty vague answer for a vague question. I hope it gave a bit...

Rayven wrote on May 25, 2018 at 2:04 am:

Hey Rachel! I'm just starting to get into jewelry pieces. I'm looking for minimalist-ish quality pieces that won't break the bank account. Would you mind recommending your go-to jewelry shops?

Hey Rachel!

I'm just starting to get into jewelry pieces. I'm looking for minimalist-ish quality pieces that won't break the bank account. Would you mind recommending your go-to jewelry shops?

Admin Reply by: Rachel

I like the DTLA jewelry districts. It is pricey because you're buying real gold, but it's an investment that is definitely worth the money and will never go bad on you! x If you don't live in LA, look up wholesale jewelry marts around you 🙂

leelee wrote on May 23, 2018 at 9:04 pm:

hi raychel! i'm always so stoked when i see a new blog post or video from you. do you find that a blog post or a video takes longer? curious as to why you don't publish blog posts more often (assuming bc it's a shit ton of work?!). but just know your followers looooove them and check for them every day. 🙂

Admin Reply by: Rachel

Mostly because I dislike writing and never know what to say. But then editing photos, making sure they're resized and decompressed, figuring if GIFs and stuff would look good, designing out the post... all takes time. Edit a video is even more work as you can imagine! I work alone... on top of keeping up with a heavy inbox flow and press events during the day, I get burnt by the time I'm on my computer :((((((((