Rachel Bailey's outfit: Trixxi black sequined quilted bodice with baby pink tulle skirt, Kenneth Cole black knit tuxedo jacket with black leather sleeves, BCBG black metallic sling-back pointy-toe pumps, gold and crystal bangle, and Michael Kors watch — all from Nordstrom Rack; gold crystal bib necklace from Aldo; Bijoux Terner black sequined ruffle clutch, above left, she got on a cruise ship; imitation Chanel pin, above right, from aliexpress.com. ( Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun photos )
Fashion is directly connected to self-esteem for Rachel Bailey, 33, who showed off her “vibrant” sense of self at the Chimes Gala.
But the Social Security Administration executive officer said it wasn't always that way.
“I always felt like I was too small, that I was too thin, that I needed to gain weight. I was teased a lot: ‘Oh, you're so skinny.' Of course, that doesn't build your esteem,” Bailey said.
“As I got older, I noticed that there were clothes that flattered me and instilled confidence. There were styles that looked great on me and made me feel beautiful,” the Owings Mills resident said.
Bailey credits that realization to her mom, Naomi Bailey, pastor of the Philadelphia Church of the Apostolic Faith in downtown Baltimore.
“She would tell me I was beautiful. She'd take me shopping, and help me pick out clothes,” she said.
These days, the tables have turned a bit. “Now, she's asking me to go shopping with her, and she gets my advice on what looks great on her,” Rachel Bailey said.
HER STYLE: “I am very flashy, vibrant. I like everything to be big, classy, shiny, and still subtle and cute.
SHE'S A BARGAIN FASHIONISTA: “The main place I love, love, love is Nordstrom Rack. I love quality clothes but I love a great deal. I also shop a lot of outlets, and sometimes T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.”
HER FAVORITE ACCESSORY: “My ‘Chanel' pin. You can put that on just about anything and it will dress it up and it will make it look fabulous.”
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