Next: Gen Art's Kelly Ryan O'Brien Click Here Why Rebekah's it: She's the Marketing Director for Rockit Ranch Productions and was recently named a partner, working along side entrepreneur Billy Dec. Spot her for a Cause: On September 22nd, 2005, over 500 influential Chicago females will gather at one of Chicago’s favorite places to “see and be seen”, Le Passage, to benefit the American Cancer Society from 9pm to midnight. The first 50 females to donate to the ACS will receive a Razor Phone from T Mobile. Click Here for all the details and to sign up.

Rebekah Iliff with partner Arturo Gomez

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IT GIRL: REBEKAH ILIFF

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What makes a person "It"?  REBEKAH ILIFF: My first reaction when someone asserts that word to me is to cringe.....I just think there are an abundance of negative connotations surrounding "it"......however, and on a positive note, I personally take it to mean someone who stands apart, is "ahead of the bell curve," and is not afraid to be a leader---whether it be fashion, business, art, etc..... 

FM: Describe your signature style.  
RI: I always describe my style as "innovative poverty elite"--which basically translates to "I buy a lot of accessories and cheap pieces, attempting to create something stylish without spending a load of cash." 

FM: Define the style in Chicago.  
RI: People in Chicago are so beautiful....you have more natural beauty here than in any other thriving city.....at least in my opinion.  So I find it somewhat frustrating that the style is so conservative---people here are a little trepidacious when it comes to fashion.  But I have lived here for a while and I really believe that Chicago is slowly catching up!  With all the amazing local designers and stores, and the growing number of fashion events such as Marshall Field's fashion week and Gen Art's Shop Chicago, it's only a matter of time before Chicago comes into its own with regard to style. 

FM: Give us an inside look into your career with Rockit Ranch Productions.    
RI: This is the most dreaded question....oh no!  I've never attempted to put it on paper before.  In short, I always tell people that I do "a lot of running around," --  but to give you a "professional" answer, I am currently the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and recently was named a Partner.  This includes everything from overseeing accounts (both restaurant and consulting) and producing large events, to running around with celebs and vips, approving press releases and creating promotional materials.  I'm all over the place, it's fun! 

FM: Which woman (past or present) has impeccable style and why? What women in which city worldwide have the best style?   
RI: I hate to be so predictable, but I have always admired Gwyneth Paltrow for her classy, non-boob or crack showing, style.....she just always comes across as confident and pleasant without even trying.  As far as worldwide is concerned, the Parisians have it down----subtle clothing with fabulous accessories and amazing shoes...always!

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice? 
RI: I have drawers full of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces...I think sometimes it's a bit out of hand!  

FM: What are your favorite shops in Chicago?   
RI: Keeping the "innovative poverty elite" term in mind, I have to say that Recycle and Una Mae's Freak Boutique are two of my favorite stores for vintage.  But now that JAKE has recently opened right next to Le Passage, I am doomed...their pieces are amazing!

FM: How about worldwide?   
RI: I can't spell them. 

FM: Where do you love to travel?   
RI: I love New York in three day doses....Savannah, Georgia for some good family time and amazing cooking....and Europe because it's not America.  

FM: And, what do you always pick up for your wardrobe while on vacation. 
RI:  Usually I find great accessories because they are easy to pack.....scarves, earrings....things of that nature.  Once in a while I'll find a really great piece of art that is worth the trouble!   

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought?   
RI: I think that money is definitely a catalyst for style....but you can't buy real, raw style.  Have you seen pictures of Paris Hilton from 2000?  Exactly.  What money CAN buy is a great stylist.   

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?  
RI:  I always have a functional pair of high heels (not impossible!), and slimming black jacket, and a comfortable pair of jeans that aren't skin tight! 

FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more?   
RI: My advice is to wear something that isn't too far from your usual "style comfort level"--- if you try to dress for the occasion according to what you think everyone else will be wearing, you are setting yourself up for disaster.  Events and galas are so much more fun when you feel like yourself.  No-No:  Don't be a lemming.  

FM: Do you have any style icons?  
RI: Not really.  I have women who I admire for their style, but not one in particular that I hold to that extreme...icon is such a strong word! 

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?  
RI: I was a professional ballerina....who knew? 

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty?   
RI: Most recently I have really started to notice what is meant by "inner beauty"-- I used to laugh at that term...but it's actually true.  If I am happy, and peaceful, and balanced it exudes in everything that I do....I want to be healthy, both mentally and physically, and personal beauty inevitably becomes a result of those feelings.  So cheesy...but true! 

FM: What are your standards for style?  
RI: My standards are fairly simple.....tasteful and "place appropriate"---it's okay to be sexy, but always in a tasteful way...and it's okay to be sporty...but in a tasteful way.  I find it disheartening and frustrating that provacative style is the standard.  It has created this ridiculous standard for women and quite frankly, is unflattering on anyone other than a 6', 115 lb. model.....and even then, it's questionable. 

FM: What tips would you give women in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and business?   
RI: For me personally, I love my work, so sometimes it's hard to step away and take personal time---but in the end it is always necessary.  You have to have "alone" time at least an hour a day with no interruptions, demands.....whether it's working out, taking a walk, or reading a book...you have to find time for your own personal passions--and time to think and reflect.