Many girls think to be rich, skinny and pretty is to have it all, especially in Southern California. But local fashion icon Nacole Gray has discovered that real beauty is a reflection of personal style, ranging all sizes and budgets. 

Nacole’s new blog RichSkinnyPretty.com follows four San Diego girls with a focus on fashion and lifestyle. Insiders know these four girls have great style, but may not yet know the haute lady behind the creative vision. Nacole adores her no-name accessories from Europe, admires Natalie Portman’s timeless red carpet looks, connects Zac Posen designs with San Diego vibes and (like us) can’t get enough of the shoe selection at Cedros Soles. But mostly we love Nacole because of her ocean-tasseled wavy hair roots. Get the skinny on Nacole in this week’s Local Style Spotlight. 

DiscoverSD: What is your role in the fashion scene?
Nacole: I am the creator of RichSkinnyPretty.com – a fashion blog that displays individual style, highlights trends, influential designers and features must-have brands. The blog exemplifies how style is in our everyday lives, with everyday people. 

It is NOT about being RICH, SKINNY or PRETTY. Instead, it’s about individual style no matter what your budget is or what size you are. Rich Skinny Pretty follows four main local girls, each with a different idea of style. It’s about real women with great closets. You’ll meet Kelly, Rachael, Ashley and Jamie, each with a unique look. 

DSD: Outside of work, where can we find you?
N: You can find me at the beaches in North County, at The Saloon or 3rd Corner in Encinitas, Lapapaya Guyo in Leucadia, Masuo’s in Solana Beach, Delicia’s in Rancho Santa Fe, Georges in La Jolla with my boyfriend or having champagne brunch at The Beach House in Cardiff on Sundays. Otherwise, I am usually relaxing at home or spending time with my family. I especially love spending time with my little baby niece!

DSD: In three words, describe your personal style.
N: Feminine, Sophisticated, Bold.

DSD: Who is your female celebrity fashion icon? Why?

N: For celebs, I love Natalie Portman’s red carpet style. She is so timeless and always wears classic pieces. I also am into Rachel Bilson’s street style. Rachel mixes unexpected pieces and makes it work.

DSD: What celebrity male has the best style? Why?

N: I’m going to have to go with Johnny Dep. He does his own thing and I love that. He doesn’t follow trends, he creates his style.

DSD: Always looking fashionable, what is your go-to outfit for relaxed day in San Diego?

N: Born and raised a Southern California girl, I am influenced by my native small beach town filled with sunny days, sun tan lotion, bikinis and salty ocean-tasseled wavy hair. Casual and simple pieces, frocks and sheaths, always paired with bold accessories and bronzed skin describes my everyday look. I always layer bracelets. A few of my favorite accessories are by Haydn Harnett, Julez Bryant, Me&Ro, Dogeared and a ton of no-names I found in Europe. I also switch up a few of my favorite oversized handbags by Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Lust4Luxe, Gucci and Kooba to name a few. Miu Miu flats are great for day. Gladiator sandals are also a definite must-have in San Diego.

DSD: Known to grace the nightlife scene, what is your favorite clubbing outfit?

N: If I am going out downtown, I will opt for structured, darker and edgier pieces like blazers, leather jackets, skinny jeans or black leggings with 5-inch pumps or gladiator heels. I might wear a simple black dress. I usually go for neutrals. Darker colors for night and accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! After studying abroad in Paris, I definitely have been influenced by the sophistication and très chic style. It really depends on my mood and the occasion. 

DSD: Where do you shop in San Diego?

N: San Diego has such a great variety of boutiques and so many options. Cedros Soles in Solana Beach has a fabulous selection of shoes! I also can always find denim and quality jewelry. Matti D and Tobi Blatt in Del Mar, and Mog & Rue in Encinitas, are a few musts. Detour in Encinitas has fun affordable accessories and casual tops and day dresses.

DSD: What fashion designer(s) best represent the coastal cool style of San Diego lifestyle?

N: One of my faves is Zac Posen and I also absolutely adore Isabel Morant. I think Balancigia and Balmain definitely represent the nightlife attire with edgy looks while Alexandar Wang captures our casual day looks with how he layers neutral and basic pieces.

DSD: What “style era” was the worst for you?

N: So embarrassing – I made a lot of fashion mistakes during high school! Freshman year was my worst, wasn’t if for everyone though? Haha. I fell victim to the trends of the time like hot pink and glitter. I think it might have had to do something with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Oopps.

Love Nacole? So do we. Seek style inspiration from Nacole and her girls Kelli, Rachael, Ashley and Jamie on RichSkinnyPretty.com.

Photos by ElizabethThurston.com and BrettSiegel.com