Every year at the end of May, we dust off the grill, pack our latest summer purchases and skip town to indulge in great food, cocktails and conversation with a handpicked group of our favorite people. From the stiffest cocktail to the most charred burger, Memorial Day weekend is the opposite of New Years Eve…never a let down! But the real reason we look forward to this three day affair is really because it’s the welcome wagon for summer!
Pulled together below are three outfits for your summertime style. Some are reflections of our outfits this past weekend (ASOS trousers in red & Zara lace dress in white) and some are foreshadows of soon-to-come purchases. Happy shopping and happy summer!
The Casual Look

The Work Look

The Evening Look


With a Windy-City gal on our team, we felt it was our responsibility to introduce you to one of the best boutiques in the Chicago area: GAVIN! Located in Evanston (the hometown to Northwestern and only 10 minutes from downtown), this must-hit boutique carries all the must-haves like Elizabeth & James, McQ, J Brand…you know the drill. But even better than the items hanging on the rack are the GAVIN girls who greet you with that sweet Midwestern smile and allow you to play and lounge (see below)—which lets be honest, is really what us shoppers want!
Here to tell us a bit more about what’s in stock and trends she just can’t wrap her head around (scuba style) is GAVIN buyer, Michaela Jones! Visit GAVIN at 1939 Central St. Evanston, IL. or shop online now!
How would you describe the town of Evanston? Evanston has something for everyone. It’s a nice break from the city without being too suburban. It has great food, people and now it has GAVIN.
How did GAVIN Begin? Three years ago we decided we were sick of having to go to the city or local department stores for good clothes.
What are the GAVIN shoppers like? GAVIN has such a diverse group of customers. I have some Northwestern students and then I have my 62-year-old mom. Most of my customers have a work life and party life so they get little bit of both from us.
What is the funniest GAVIN moment that has happened to you? When I first started working here, I tried on all the clothes when it was quiet in the morning. There was this dress I was dying to buy but wanted to try it on commando to make sure I wasn’t showing too much junk in the trunk. Completely naked, I’m pulling the dress over my head and see a police officer standing at the counter. As he is trying to tell me why he’s in the store, I am bright red and laughing…I’ve never tried anything on without another employee in the store.
What was the last piece that came into the store that you had to have? Elizabeth and James Silk Floral Pajama Luxe pants for $325.
What’s the most exciting GAVIN moment to date? Being featured in Lucky and Marie Claire!
What designer would you love to carry, that you don’t (yet?!) Tibi!
Name five pieces in the store that we have to have, right now!
What trend do you absolutely love right now? Florals—layer them all up!
What trend can’t you do? Scuba wear. I’m all about the sportswear look but I just want to understand why anyone would want a skirt, pants, or dress in literally scuba material.
Are you more excited for Summer to begin or for it to be over so you can wear what’s coming in for fall? I am excited for my summer filled with pleats and maxi dresses but my countdown for fall has begun. We have so many beautiful bags coming in by Botkier and Rebecca Minkoff and as usual, our sweaters and dresses by Rag and Bone and Helmut Lang will be amazing.
What are the five best shops in Chicago (besides GAVIN)?
What are the best restaurants in Chicago?
What song are you guys listening to on repeat? Oblivion by Grimes


She’s the First is an organization that sponsors the education of girls in the developing world (8 countries to be specific) so they can be the first in their family to graduate high school. GIRLS WHO ROCK is the organization’s biggest fundraiser held during Internet Week. Each year, GIRLS WHO ROCK sponsor students from one country. This year’s event benefitted India’s Shanti Bhavan school. The event was held in New York’s Gramercy last week and raised over $23,000 (more than the last two years combined). The crowd rocked out to musical performances by American Idol contestant, Haley Reinhart, to name a few.
On that note, we’re thrilled to feature She’s the First co-founder and President, Tammy Tibbetts, whose years at Seventeen Magazine sparked her interest in less privilege teenage girls around the globe. Before you read on, you should know that every donation made to GIRLS WHO ROCK will be matched. Please visit here if you’d like to contribute to this wonderful organization.
“Of the 8 countries we sponsor, 1 in 5 girls graduate high school.” - Tammy Tibbetts
What was the best part of this year’s GIRLS WHO ROCK event? When we skyped in the girls from Shanti Bhavan in India during the show. It had to be the most powerful moment of Internet Week — to actually be able to see the girls whose lives we impact, halfway around the world…that was magical! (See the photo below!)
What is the most powerful aspect of GIRLS WHO ROCK? It is proof that if you want to make a difference in the world you can do it in your spare time, at any age. I am so proud that GIRLS WHO ROCK was such a meaningful learning experience for 20-something women (and some guys!) in New York City. GIRLS WHO ROCK volunteers are all-stars and it was magical to watch them work together. This is what Millennials are made of!”
Can you tell us about one of your students whose lives She’s the First has changed? Yes! Jancy was one of the first students we sponsored in November 2010. She is graduating from a high school this year in Bangalore, India. It’s so thrilling to see the program come full circle.
What has been the single most rewarding experience you’ve had with She’s the First? We work with a lot of college campuses and Notre Dame held a tie dye cupcake bake-off in 2010. The following year, it evolved into a national grassroots campaign raising $22,000 in 8 days.
What are your favorite restaurants in NYC:
Favorite places to shop, on foot: Buffalo Exchange! Miracle’s happen there. I got a $400 Betsey Johnson dress for $40 which I wore to GIRLS WHO ROCK last week!
Favorite places to shop online: Zappos!
Best Celebrity Citing: Both happened on first dates!
Most memorable subway experience: I was sitting there and a very well-dressed homeless man (wearing a suit) was sketching people’s faces without them knowing. He began to sketch a stunning woman who sat across from him. Everyone on the train knew what he was doing expect for the woman he was drawing. As she was getting off the train, she finally noticed him. As she stepped off, he handed her the drawing. She shook his hand, smiled and subtly handed him some money. It was really beautiful.

The students from Shanti Bhavan connecting to the event via Skype.

American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart performing!

Yesterday morning, our routine coffee outing had quite the caffeine kick: Bethenny Frankel! We were so excited to attend the preview of her shapewear collection, Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers, and meet the personality that keeps us in check every Monday night!
Before we get into the collection, we want to give you a little insight as to why you need this in your lingerie drawer. The Bridget Jones moment: It’s Friday night and you’re in the “getting ready” prep phase at home. Depending on the order you do things, hair and makeup are done. You hop into your outfit (because it’s that easy!) that was flawless in your head, and then you realize your body isn’t as well kept as you thought. After digging through your lingerie drawer, you find a piece of spandex that would not only terrify whomever you’re attempting to please later that night but more importantly, makes you feel like a librarian (no offense).
This is exactly why Bethenny designed Smoothers n’ Shapers - yet another Skinnygirl Solution. It holds you in, has sex appeal (what lace doesn’t), is user friendly (as Bethenny so perfectly described it) and is under $65. We were gifted with our own piece from the collection—which weren’t the crotchless panties she promised—and can’t wait for you to squeeze into it! Check it out this month at Macy’s or find it now at SkinnygirlShapers.com, BareNecessities.com and HerRoom.com so you can finally take your clothes off!



When word reached our 21st floor office that the Art.sy team was in the building, our taste for real estate was immediately validated! The team started off as 1, the founder Carter Cleveland who launched from his dorm room, grew to a few more in a shared space in Flatiron and how employ over 20 in an office overlooking Manhattan! Art.sy calls itself a new way to discover art you love and features works from galleries, museums and private collections across the world. Now, before you leave us and enter a world of talent at Art.sy, meet Caroline Lau, Director of Operations.
Top 5 favorite restaurants in NYC:
Last item of clothing you bought: Does jewelry count? I hope so, because I love my bracelet by Lady Grey.
You have a free Saturday in NYC and the weather is perfect. How will you spend it? A long run along the Hudson, aimless wandering by foot, and a home-cooked meal with friends.
You have been with Art.sy since the beginning! What drove you to get on the startup train? Art.sy’s founder, Carter Cleveland, had been working on the project long before I joined, out of his dorm room at Princeton. But I have been fortunate to see Art.sy through many stages of growth, both in terms of the team and the product. I came on board simply because I’m passionate about our goal at Art.sy—to make fine art accessible accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.
What has been the single most exciting moment for you at Art.sy and why?
There are too many exciting moments to count, but a particularly memorable moment was Art.sy’s “graduation” from General Assembly—the campus for technology, design, and entrepreneurship in Flatiron that had served as our home. We were heartbroken to leave that vibrant, creative community, but eager to set out on our own and enter a new phase for Art.sy. Here’s the view (also below) from our new office on the 25th floor!
How can you sum up your team at Art.sy? I’m constantly inspired by the breadth and variety of experience represented by the people here, and the way they come together to create an amazing team and culture.
Being surrounded by art all day (virtually) must ignite a desire to have it in your home. What is your apartment like? It’s a problem for all of us at Art.sy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a joy and a privilege to be surrounded by so many beautiful works all day! My apartment is actually quite sparse because I over think every purchase. Perhaps rather impractically, I’ll eat off the floor for years until I find a table I can’t live without. My latest acquisition is:


You have to be at dinner at 8pm. It’s now 7pm and you’re just jumping out of the shower…plenty of time. You get the hairbrush out, apply some product (maybe), plug in the blowdryer and get to work. In a matter of 10 minutes (maybe) you’re sweating (there goes the shower), you have a headache and are even more frustrated than when you left work at 6pm. You give up, move onto makeup and wardrobe and head out with a head of hair that is half wet, half curly, half awful.
This concept was anything but foreign to Alli Webb, a curly-haired Floridian whose lifelong desire to have straight hair drove her to Beauty School which landed her in L.A. as a hairstylist. With a business or two in between, she now owns Drybar, the no cut, no color, just blowdry salon that provides your hair (and sanity) a luxury experience for $40 (that is not a typo). Today, with salons all over the country (and two in NYC!) Alli has taken over the beauty world one round brush at a time!
FIRST THE HAIR!
What is the recipe for success when it comes to a blowout?
Ok lets talk products. What should we buy for our hair—curly and straight?
What are your must-have beauty products?
What are the most comfortable shoes you own, both casual and dressy?
How do you feel about dry shampoo? I’m totally obsessed with it! It is an easy and quick way to add volume and texture and isn’t great to wash your hair everyday (I wash mine every 3-4 days…but I’ve gone longer). The brand: Toni and Guy Dry Shampoo.
What straight hair trick do we need to know of that’s easier than we think? Straight hair is always a challenge because it wants to hang. At Drybar, we will blow curl into the hair with a round metal brush. If you’re at home, try a Sea Salt Spray to rough it up a bit and give your hair a little grit. Don’t comb it completely either.
With wet hair, put it in one inch sections from the crown up and twist it around. Work your hair into two big parts and twist those sections for ten minutes - do the whole head and then leave it.
NOW THE HERO!
How did you end up in beauty school and then a mother of two, running a full fledged hair business out of your LA home? I had naturally curly hair and always wanted it straight and blown out. I’d think, “God I feel so much more put together!” In my mid-20s I went to beauty school and became a hairdresser. Then living in LA, I became a wife and a mom of two and felt like I was losing brain cells sitting at home. That is how Straight-At-Home was born!
Tell us about Straight-At-Home and the role your girlfriends played! I was sitting in my house with my naturally curly best friend (you know, the one who I planned my pregnancy with!) and asked her what she thought about me doing blowdries for my mommy friends. Lets face it, at the time you would pay $100 to get a hairdresser come to your house. My girlfriend loved the idea which drove me to posting an ad on mom blogs and the calls flooded in. I was running around LA with tools in the back of my car and at a certain point, couldn’t keep up with the demand. And that’s how Drybar evolved!
Why do you think Drybar has taken off like it has? You look at actresses on the red carpet and go, “I want that hair!” Women come in before an event and say, “I want to look this good every week” and the addiction begins. We’ve had reporters sit and observe and they see the transformation and confidence that exudes from the women walking out the door.
$40 for a blowdry is pretty unbelievable. How did you land on this price? It was the price I charged for Straight-At-Home and I thought it made so much sense. The only other $40 blowdries out there include a bad experience.
The environment is so positive and social. You even have a spirit director! How do you instill this? We are very particular about the people we hire. Everyone from the receptionist, to the bartenders to the stylists must have the best attitude. You could be the best hairstylist in the world but if you have a diva attitude, you’re not for us. Our spirit director (my sister in law) just makes you feel good and that’s how we want everyone to feel. Someone tweeted that Drybar is the happiest place on earth and it made my day!



Working at a fashion startup allows us many freedoms unknown to the corporate world. Both in and out of the office, we are constantly entertaining each others creative ideas, inspiring them to share. Our office is the home to freedom, passion, intelligence, discovery, concentration, silliness and consistency.
It is the consistencies (both edible and audible) that are crucial to survival and have become…addictions? Yes, healthy addictions.
1. Lifesaver Mints: The bite-sized delectably minty fixation. Our team grabs at these more than any of us realize. They’re better better than gum—it’s not polite to chew—and don’t run out of flavor!
2. Polar Seltzer Water: The drink that keeps on giving. Regular water can be flat and tasteless. Diet coke rots your teeth. Perrier is too fancy. Polar Seltzer Water? Now we’re talking! We haven’t researched the downside of drinking more than 5 a day but for now, we’re not concerned.
3. Double Bubble Gum: It rots your teeth, loses taste after 15 chews and is an utterly impossible habit to kick. We’ve been scolded by our dentists and continue to disobey their orders. Kids, don’t listen to us on this one.
4. The beat that keeps us dancing (and inspires moves and rhythm we didn’t know we had).
Happy Tuesday!

vente-privee, the French born flash sale site which has acquired over 14MM European users, launched in the US six months ago and invited me to their studio to meet and greet the stylists! I nearly sprinted from a meeting in Soho to their West side studio to with a not so sturdy umbrella, flats unwelcome to rain and at least two bags strapped to my body. This very NYC moment was elevated to a happy place after stepping into the all-white vente-privee studio bustling with photographers positioning tiny shoes to digitally fit the chalk board covered in hopscotch sketches, all to create a story (see below!) Who knew a flash sale site had so many moving pieces?
From there, I was brought into a chic space and introduced to Marisa and Orly, the ready-to-wear stylists whose talents behind the scenes drain the wallets of us consumers at our desks! You may recognize their style voice because, after all, they’ve been helping you get ready on GO TRY IT ON! (Oh and a little tidbit, they’re styling you everyday while on-the-go between cab rides and photo shoots…talk about fast fashion!)
“We breath new life into old inventory,” –vente-privee team
Be honest, do you play dress up with the merchandise?
O: I can’t help myself; if someone asks me how it fits I have to be able to give an accurate answer!
Do you guys rock out to music when styling?
O: There’s always music playing in the studio, and it’s usually the personal fave of the photographer in that day—anything from 50s jazz to a hip hop party. It’s really fun and free environment that keeps us alive and alert.
We spend about 40% of our time in the studio, shooting but when we’re in the office, our headphones are in and Pandora is on.
What song are you listening to on repeat if the choice was yours?
M: Valerie by Amy Winehouse
O: Lights by Elie Goulding
What was the last piece of clothing you purchased?
M: H&M peep-toe platform heels
O: Zara floor-length, sequin dress (I had a wedding that same day!)
What is your 4PM go-to snack?
M: Trader Joes trail mix and madelines from Starbucks.
O: Orange Soda and if I’m really craving it, chocolate covered almonds.
What are your top three NYC restaurants?
M: Babbo, Clinton St. Baking Company, Prune
O: ABC Kitchen, Pipa, Peasant
Tell us your fashion pet peeve!
M: Kitten Heels
O: When people love something but say, “I could never pull that off.” It’s fashion, you should do whatever you want which is why I love GO TRY IT ON – it’s a safe place to be creative.
What have you styled and were like this is horrible? This is going to be a real Challenge!
M: There are definitely those moments but it’s funny, those sales are usually the ones that do really well. There really is something for everyone.
What were you doing before VP?
M: I was at Urban Daddy for a year and a half, working for a men’s buyer
O: I worked for the buying office at Macy’s in the fine jewelry department for a year.
And how long have you been at VP?
O & M: We’ve both been here for about 6 months.
Do you ever work with the styling team in France ever?
M: We communicate with the vente-privee France team about certain brands they’ve worked with and learn from their 11 years of experience, but we’re still doing new things everyday to figure out the American DNA for vente-privee.
Do you style all categories of clothing?
M & O: There are 6 categories and we both specialize in ready-to-wear.
What is the process of your whole job like, start to finish?
M: We first work with the brands to understand their style and learn what they want to get out of their sales event with us. Then we meet with our creative team and collaborate on a concept for the shoot. After the shoot, the images go through retouching and then the copy and e-commerce elements created in our downtown office et folded into the final sale page. In the meantime, the full inventory of the sale is sorted and prepped for our members to “drop in their carts” and shop away.
What is your favorite part about your job?
M: Sitting down with our creative team after we meet with the brand because we brainstorm how to make the collection as beautiful as possible.
You can check out the adorable shoes above and many more great sales events on venteprivee.com. To hear more from Orly and Marisa, be sure to add them as a stylist on GO TRY IT ON – and if you haven’t already, sign up now to become a member at venteprivee.com/register (it’s free!).



This story goes like this: Amanda Pearl Brotman (the adorable lady above) has just graduated college and was on the oh-so-not-chic job hunt. She sought out a creative outlet aside from editing her resume and working the interview circuit. This is when she started making handbags from her West Village apartment. After a few years of working for designers, she launched her own line called Amanda Pearl which has been worn by Emma Stone and oh—the cast of Gossip Girl!
Before we get down to business, please digest some light yet crucial do’s and dont’s from Amanda, herself.
What are your top five favorite restaurants in NYC?
Besides Amanda Pearl, where do you shop for bags and jewels—both on and off a budget?
On a Budget:
Off a Budget:
What do you crave at 4pm? Coffee, sweets, and peppier music!
What accessory trend can’t you stand right now? Hugely over-sized bags and heavily applied hardware and straps. S&M is not typically a good look on a handbag.
What is your fashion pet peeve? Minis with heels.
What is the most incredible piece of jewelry you’ve seen on a celebrity in the last month? I was super wowed by Busy Phillips’ Irene Neuwirth Opal and Diamond earrings at the 2012 Oscars (see below!)
Who are you dying to have wear your designs? Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Michelle Williams, Carrie Brownstein, Tina Fey, Rooney Mara, Kate Moss.
What urged you to create evening bags from your West Village apartment? I had collected the materials and needed a creative outlet while on the job hunt after graduation. I got to work sewing and embroidering what I envisioned for my fabrics and beads. The businesses formed a few years later after gaining experience working for other designers.
How did you evolve your brand from bags to jewelry to bridal? The segue to jewelry was a really natural one, as the collection itself was meant to be really jewel-like, and I was already using semi-precious stone beads and pearls and things on the bags themselves. Adding Bridal was also really natural, as the core of my collection is perfect for celebrations and special occasions, and the pieces are meant to be collected and held on to, which one tends to want to do with their bridal accessories.
What do you prefer to design, jewelry or handbags? Jewelry! It is like choosing my favorite child because while I do like to design bags, designer jewelry is more hands on. I can take them from idea to realization (and on my body) in a shorter order than the bags. I like the near-instant gratification!
What has been the single most exciting, pinch yourself moment for you? When my name was announced as the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award recipient for Accessories. It was the first time I realized that it was more than just myself and my family that knew “Amanda Pearl”, and that was pretty darn exciting.
How has your business changed the way you shop for jewelry and handbags? If I shop for a bag it has to be something really dissimilar from what I make, and if I shop for jewelry, it’s pretty much always going to be a vintage piece to add to my collection.
Can you tell us about your trip to Kenya and how it changed your outlook on your business? After my trip to Kenya I was even more aware of the need to be very thoughtful about what I contributed to the world, especially in terms of my business. I didn’t want to create “throwaway” things but pieces that would stand the test of time, and be made in a way that was as Earth friendly as possible—things that would even highlight the beauty of nature and our environment.
I was anxious to create collections that could bring attention to and earn money for organizations that are doing important work in conservation as well, and have since raised money or donated to organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Waterkeeper Alliance.
Amanda Pearl Pieces:

Irene Neuwirth Opal and Diamond Earrings worn by Busy Phillips’


Paper fashion is the product of Katie Rodgers’ artistic gift and keen sense of everything pretty. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, she worked as an apparel designer by day and would illustrate when a free moment presented itself. Her nonstop urge to splash a white surface with color turned her talents into a business. Today, Paper Fashion is the home to her work which finds beauty in just about everything—some familiar, some not. If you’re looking to decorate your apartment’s blank walls with affordable silhouettes or just an excuse to get lost in beauty, visit Paper Fashion!
GO TRY IT ON: How did turn your talent into a profession?
PAPER FASHION: I worked from 9am-5pm as an apparel designer, then went home to illustrate and work on my blog—all night. I finally decided to take the plunge and work full time as an illustrator.
GO TRY IT ON: How did you get your name out there?
PAPER FASHION: My blog was huge a huge factor but I also think having a passion while being consistent and creative is important, too. Sometimes I illustrate prominent and inspiring people in the industry which also helps me get noticed - sometimes from the subject themselves!
GO TRY IT ON: What inspires your content?
PAPER FASHION: Furniture design, color, nature, fashion, people…the list goes on! It’s important to reevaluate how you look things, too. Sometimes you’ll see something different the second time around.
GO TRY IT ON: In addition to illustration, you love quotes! Where do you find them?
PAPER FASHION: I just love that feeling of finding a great quote, and thinking, “I feel the exact same way.” There are two I love right now:
GO TRY IT ON: What prints do you see people responding the most to?
PAPER FASHION: Chanel Iman, Chloe, and the Hummingbird.
GO TRY IT ON: Paint a picture of your work environment for us!
PAPER FASHION: Simple, colorful, and very me! I tape inspiration to my workspace wall, and rotate them out frequently. Oh, and string lights are a must.
GO TRY IT ON: If you could work with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
PAPER FASHION: The Eames. Hands down. People say working in their office was like being at Disney World! I think they were such interesting people.
GO TRY IT ON: Where do you shop both on and offline?
PAPER FASHION: In store shopping is rare but I’ll go to Black Ink and Anthropologie. Online shopping is much more doable! My regulars are:
GO TRY IT ON: What is the best thing in your closet right now?
PAPER FASHION: My giant Hermés scarf with colorful ballerinas all over it! It was a gift that has lots of sentimental value.
GO TRY IT ON: What is the last thing you bought?
PAPER FASHION: A Kate Spade Gramercy watch. It’s simple with a tiny neon pink pop!
GO TRY IT ON: Who is your go-to person for fashion advice?
PAPER FASHION: My friend Melissa!
GO TRY IT ON: What song are you listening to on repeat?
PAPER FASHION: Baby I’m Yours by Breakbot & Irfane
GO TRY IT ON: What is your go-to snack at 4pm?
PAPER FASHION: Frozen grapes.

