From her very first pair of jeans (F.Y.I., light wash and flared), Rachel DiCarlo knew she was destined for a career in fashion. Over the course of her impressive career, she’s had what she considers the exceedingly good fortune to work with some of the industry’s great icons at pivotal moments in fashion’s recent history: from her first gig in P.R., at Calvin Klein, when Kate Moss and Marky Mark ruled in their undies; to the Gap, at a time when the importance of cultivating one’s personal style was on the rise and she dressed Wall Street traders in GAP khakis for the first-ever “Casual Friday”; to American Eagle Outfitters, where she’s spent the past decade as its V.P. of public relations, helping denim take its rightful place in the style pantheon as an everyday wardrobe staple. Today,she’s sought after by magazines and TV alike for her on-point style expertise, but she’s never let her sartorial success go to her head. “I am grateful every day. I am always learning and growing—the journey never ends and that’s the way I like it!”
Occupation: Vice President of Public Relations, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. overseeing public relations for American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie. “My current role is ever-changing. The beauty of being in PR is that I never have the same day twice. There are so many aspects I love about my job, from doing events to seeing our products on the pages of magazines and in the press. And I meet so many interesting people.”
Denim forever: “My earliest experience with fashion and denim was when I was six years old. My first pair of jeans was a light-wash flare with an embroidered eagle on the back pocket. I guess it was foreshadowing that, one day, I would be working at A.E.O. I also remember every outfit I had and how I felt in each one. I loved a good halter top and jeans; I did grow up in the 70s, after all.”
Her work ethic: “High integrity with high performance, optimistic, self-motivated, disciplined, and a big advocate of teamwork.”
The secrets of success: “For me, the key to success is being positive and staying inspired. I have been blessed with a high energy level, too, that allows me to accomplish a ton in a single day. Also, communication and being a good partner are critical. No one works alone. It takes collaboration and teamwork, and I believe in being nice and respectful of others.”
Her personal style: “Classic with a twist. My style is rooted in classics, but I love to mix in pieces that are of the moment. Everyday staples include my Helen Ficalorainitial necklaces from my husband and children (so I can keep them close to my heart all day long); my Hermèsbelt; my black Balenciagacuff; and my Gemini necklace and bracelet.”
At-the-office look: “Jeans are the foundation of my wardrobe, so everything starts with denim. I live in my black, high-rise skinny jeans, my high-rise jeggings, and my destroyed “Tomgirls.” I also love monochromatic dressing, so head-to-toe gray, black, or burgundy is my go to.”
Her must-haves: “C-Thru Lipglassby Mac. Bulgari Au Thé Blancfragrance. Fresh Rose Face Maskand Rosewater Uplifting Sprayby Beautycounter. A.E.O. Jeans. My Ralph Lauren fur vest and black Nike sneakers. My iPhone, coffee, Evian, Mexican food, quinoa, beets, avocados, arugula, and dark chocolate.”
Her vision of beauty: “To me, beauty is about confidence and being filled with energy. A smile is your best accessory.”
The balancing act: “I decided a long time ago that it’s impossible to keep family and career separate, so I’ve changed my thinking to reflect my new mantra: It’s all one life! Each day is a balancing act, but I think scheduling is key and being focused and present in each moment really helps, along with location, location, location. My office, home, and my kids’ school are all about 10 minutes apart so I can be wherever I need to be in minutes.”
Inspiration all around: “Staying inspired is super important to me. I love to be a part of nature and be active, whether it’s running, biking, or going for a long walk. I enjoy reading, meditating, going to art museums, travelling, dancing, listening to music, watching movies … all of which are better with coffee in hand, of course. However, my greatest influence is my family. I’ve been blessed with a supportive and loving husband and two amazing children who inspire me daily and make me laugh.”
Best advice: “When life or work becomes routine or you feel complacent, do something you love to get inspired. It really changed the way I think and I now have the awareness to make an unfulfilling situation better. I know you can’t always go to a beach or travel, but adding a cup of joe to a meeting can turn it into a party and immediately puts a smile on my face.”
Personal maxims: “I have several: ‘You get more bees with honey than your do with vinegar.’ ‘Stay inspired to help creativity and happiness flow.’ ‘Success takes hard work.’ ‘There is no short cut so put your best effort forth every day.’ ‘Follow your heart and success will follow.’ ‘Smile.’ ‘Laughter is the best medicine.’”
Post originally appeared on allureaccess.com