Rachel-Jean Firchau

For as long as she can remember, Rachel has had an affinity for fashion, and in the past few years, this passion expanded into the world of menswear. Her favorite thing to see on a man is a well-fitting suit, and she takes note of people's shoes like it's her job. Rachel is the face and voice behind Rachel Off Duty, a west coast personal style, lifestyle, and travel blog. When she's not writing, Rachel spends her free time practicing yoga, salsa dancing, cooking, and watching New Girl. She holds two bachelor degrees in Public Relations & Advertising and Communication Studies, and she owns more clothes than she's willingly ready to admit.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND IS IT IMPORTANT?

WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND IS IT IMPORTANT?

F ALL THE MYTHS, HACKS, AND FLAT-OUT LIES THAT ARE TOLD ABOUT HOW TO FIND YOURSELF ON THE PRECARIOUS, ELUSIVE PATH TO SUCCESS, “WORK-LIFE BALANCE” STICKS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD SOMEONE TELL YOU TO AIM FOR INCREASED “WORK-LIFE BALANCE” AT SOME POINT IN YOUR CAREER, AND FRANKLY, IT PROBABLY MADE YOU […]

THE ART OF THE STAYCATION: ENJOYING RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE

THE ART OF THE STAYCATION: ENJOYING RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE

ITH SUMMER’S END SLOWLY LOOMING AROUND THE CORNER, IT’S TOUGH TO GET BACK INTO THE MINDSET OF ALL-WORK-NO-PLAY, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF YOU STILL WINDING DOWN FROM WARM WEATHER VACATIONS AND ENDLESS BEACH DAYS. BUT LET’S FACE IT: VACATIONS ARE EXPENSIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY INVOLVE FLIGHTS, AND THE SUMMER TRIPS WE PAINSTAKINGLY SAVE UP FOR […]

WALL ART YOU CAN BE PROUD OF: THE BEST WAY TO LAY OUT YOUR ART

WALL ART YOU CAN BE PROUD OF: THE BEST WAY TO LAY OUT YOUR ART

OW A MAN DECORATES, OR, IF YOU PREFER, “CURATES” HIS LIVING SPACE IS A TESTAMENT TO HIS TASTE. A WELL-CURATED AND THOUGHTFUL ROOM IS RELAXING, ENGAGING, PERSONABLE, AND, QUITE FRANKLY, IT MAKES OTHER PEOPLE ENVIOUS (AN ADMITTEDLY AWESOME ADDED BONUS). BEYOND ALL OF THAT, A SPACE THAT YOU’VE TAKEN THE TIME TO PUT TOGETHER YOURSELF […]

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: VALENTINE’S DAY

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: VALENTINE’S DAY

alentine’s Day is around the corner. If you’re in a relationship, you’re probably beginning to wonder what the hell to do (or, if you forgot, here’s your friendly reminder). It’s tough. You see the cliche formula everywhere: chocolate + flowers + stuffed animal + dinner reservation = all the effort you need to send off […]

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: HOW TO COMPLIMENT A WOMAN

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: HOW TO COMPLIMENT A WOMAN

s a woman, I think I can speak for all of us when I say I’ve received my fair share of compliments–both solicited and absolutely 100% unsolicited–in my lifetime. Some comments have been sweet, some shocking, and others, well, downright repulsive. The cards are stacked against men these days in the eyes of us girls, […]

GENUINE LOOKS: TRANSITIONING INTO FALL

GENUINE LOOKS: TRANSITIONING INTO FALL

t’s hard to reconcile the end of the blistering months of summer with the inevitable arrival of fall. You were just beginning to get used to the heat, the ability to wear shorts all day without issue, and the effortless luxury of being able to go out at night sans jacket without screwing yourself over. […]