Street Style Rachel Gang
Rachel Gang is the owner of Helen Olivia Flowers, a boutique flower and home décor shop, located on N. Pitt Street in Old Town, Alexandria. Although Rachel has only owned Helen Olivia for three years, her experience in the wedding and events industry began when she was 16 years old as an intern.
She developed her love for flowers while working as an event planner in the busy Washington, D.C. events industry. Along with her husband and team of designers at Helen Olivia, Rachel works with brides and corporate clients to create unique and captivating designs. Her work has been featured in Traditional Home Magazine, HGTV, Borrowed and Blue, and Style Me Pretty.
In per personal life, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband Chuck and their two adorable Chihuahuas.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? Working, most of the time!
Neighborhood: Ft. Hunt
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 2 years
What is your hometown? Potomac, MD
What brought you to Alexandria? Buying Helen Olivia
What would surprise people about you? I’m fluent in Spanish
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Time travel! Or the ability to fly over traffic…
Favorite cocktail: Pinot Grigio
Last book read or movie seen: The Astronaut
Guilty Pleasure: Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Raspberry Swirl Frozen Yogurt
Phrase you overuse: Lord have mercy
Facebook or Instagram? Both, but addicted to Instagram
Latest binge-watch: West Wing, from beginning to end
Bucket list travel destination: Thailand
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Please don’t make me choose…
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Polished casual
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Off the shoulder black Eileen Fisher poncho
Favorite trend ever: Maxi Dresses
Favorite current trend: Ankle Boots
Beauty product you can’t live without: Instant dry nail polish. My nails are always a mess from floral design and it’s perfect for important client meetings or a date night.
Favorite fragrance: Lanvin Eclat
Heels or flats? At the shop: Dansko clogs; for a night out: cute wedges
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My whole house — I just finished decorating after our move!
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: New planters and a new rocking chair for my patio
Favorite way to entertain: A laid back barbeque with friends
Clutter-free or well-lived in? 100 percent clutter free
Wallpaper: yes, totally modern or no, so dated: I’m more of a neutral paint girl, but I could definitely see myself wallpapering a bathroom in the future.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: My elliptical
Most fun way to exercise: Tennis
Group exercise or solo: Solo
Fitness/Health goal: Complete the Whole30 / give up Diet Coke
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Pilates
Proudest fitness achievement: Loosing 15lbs last summer
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The trail along the river that runs from Old Town to Mt. Vernon
Last purchase in Alexandria: A new top at Coco Blanca
Best coffee: I have a bottomless mug card at Brueggers, so I’m there at least twice a day for coffee.
Favorite charity: The Campagna Center
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Scottish Walk — we always sponsor a house every year. We get really into it at the shop and listen to bagpipe music the whole day!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
