occupation: model
"I dress really girly, but kind of tomboy at the same time. Kind of punk too. It’s a combination of everything." Rachel Ballinger
An effortless and unassuming beauty with a preppy bent, Rachel’s a little Cher from Clueless and one of my all time favorites, a dead ringer for Ali MacGraw, who has as much natural style off of the screen as on (a sad rarity these days). Her resemblance to Ali is as much the thick, uncomplicated eyebrows and the 2009 version of hippie boots tucked into the jeans as it is about the Scottish plaid pants (but done punk) that is reminiscent of the ’70s style icon to me. Rachel’s got a knack for investment pieces, like her Givenchy bag, and has the help of one of our own in making those heart-racing decisions, Ian Bradley, whose taste is similar to hers in making the classics fresh and modern. She was literally breathless, when pulling out all of her boots which are a definite fetish. From homegrown looking eskimos to clunky ankle boots to the edgy classicism of Margiela to a veteran’s passion for all things black, they are like an expose of Rachel’s personality. Rachel is just that kind of quiet example of someone who doesn’t crave attention, but deserves to have it.

"I don't really like being one sense of style. I like to be all different kinds. I think I'm going a little more preppy this fall." Gap Shirt and Pants, Lee jacket, See by Chloe Boots

Rachel cites 'Clueless'" as one of her style inspirations. Urban Outfitters Shirt, Trash and Vaudeville Pants, Urban Outfitters Sweater

A taste of Rachel's obsession with black boots. Aldo Zipper and Buckle Boots, Emma Cook Crepe Sole Boots, Platform Lace-Up Boots from Opening Ceremony

Rachel is originally from Toronto, Canada, but moved to New York when she was nine. Betsey Johnson Archives Collection Top, Cheap Monday Jeans

H&M Motorcycle Boots, Prada Boots from her boyfriend, Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Elastic Strap Boots

Opening Ceremony Dress, J.Crew Sweater, RVCA Vest, Margiela Boots, Belt from a friend

"It’s a good day when it only takes me ten minutes to get ready, and that’s usually when I get my best outfits. When I don’t really think about it that much." Dress from Squaresville in L.A., Belt from mother's closet, Prada Boots, a gift from her boyfriend

Rachel gets her nails done at Go Girl nails in the East Village. This style is called minx.

Rachel's favorite StyleLikeU subject is Nicollette Santos because she "has fun with her style." Gap Pants, See by Chloe Boots from Net-a-Porter

Gap Pants, See by Chloe Boots from Net-a-Porter

Surprisingly, Rachel does not own a computer. And she doesn't read fashion magazines, so her main source of fashion inspiration are her friends and people who she encounters on the street.

Rachel has had the opportunity to model in Tokyo and London, where she has gotten some of her best finds. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shirt, Cheap Monday Jeans, Bow Necklace from Claire's in Tokyo

Prada Boots, which were a gift from her boyfriend
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