GO TRY IT ON

Getting Art.sy with Caroline Lau!

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:03:01 -0400

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 50 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:

Getting Art.sy with Caroline Lau!

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:19:57 -0400

When word reached our 21st floor offices that our Art.sy friends were in the building, our real estate taste was immediately validated! The website that prides itself on being the way to discover art you love, Art.sy features works from galleries, museums and private collections around the world. But before you get sucked into a world of talent, meet Caroline, the Director of Operations at Art.sy.

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.

Alli Webb Describes The Perfect Blowout...Drybar!

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:28:00 -0400

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?

The Brush: It must be quality! You need a four bristle round brush. At Drybar we use aluminum brushes but that’s hard to do yourself. Also, the brush has to be big…almost too big! Brand: Ibiza
The Sections: People don’t do this enough but it’s crucial to section out your hair in as many pieces as possible (you can’t tackle the whole head at once!)
The Dryer: Again, it must be quality. You need the power and the heat. Start at the front but don’t neglect the back and make sure you are working every section dry. I was in a hotel the other day and forgot my dryer…I could have dried my hair quicker by blowing on it than using what they provided! Brand: Bio Ionics

Ok lets talk products. What should we buy for our hair—curly and straight?

Straight: L’Oreal Smoothing Cream or Moroccan Oil Hydrating Oil.
Curly: A good mousse or a root lift spray that has some hold.

What are your must-have beauty products?

Style Winder: A modern version of a curling iron – like a wand. It’s so unbelievably easy to get that Mai Thai look!
Moroccan Oil’s Glimmer Shine Spray: It gives a shine and mist that’s just enough.
Urban Decay’s Sin: It gives me that dewey, shiny look.
Nars Orgasm: It’s just the best.
Stila Eyeliner: I always want my eyes to be dark and line them on the insides—and it has to be waterproof!
Chanel Metallic Nail Polish

What are the most comfortable shoes you own, both casual and dressy?

Casual: Converse
Dressy: Jeffrey Campbell platforms in beige

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!

GO TRY IT ON: Our In-Office Obsessions!

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:17:00 -0400

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!

Meet the Vente Privee Styling Team, Marisa and Orly!

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:21:13 -0400

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!).

Meet the Gem, Amanda Pearl!

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:47:42 -0400

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:

A Flea market.

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’

Red Carpet Fashion

Paper Fashion's Katie Rodgers, Watercolor Wiz

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:31:00 -0400

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:

“Every artist was once an amateur.” –Emerson
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” –Einstein

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.

Meet Walnut Paperie, Your Craftiest Girlfriends!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:31:00 -0400

Picture this: you recently graduated college and are living with your friend in LA. Naturally, you decide to have a few parties—Christmas, Birthdays, etc.—and realize that as much as you love the night of, you love making the invitations more. This is the story of girlfriends turned business partners Brittany and Kimberly, cofounders of Walnut Paperie.

Before we get started, you should know…

“We threw parties so we could create the invitations.” -K&B
Hardest part of the business? Charging your friends.
4pm Snack: Diet Dr. Pepper

What gave you the idea to start Walnut Paperie? As roommates after college, we threw Christmas party designed the invitations, handmade a macaroon tower, and thought of as many festive cocktails as possible. From there we did invitations for a birthday party, fourth of july, you name it!

When did it turn from a passion to a business? We had our first paying clients from my sisters friends wedding, and it took off from there!

What was the hardest part of getting Walnut Paperie off the ground? Charging our friends and establishing our prices. There is just something weird about sending an invoice over to an old friend.

What is the best part of creating invitations? When a client takes the design into their hands and chooses a color combination that totally surprises us! We just did army and teal—a combination we don’t normally use—and now we are hooked!

What is the hardest part of creating invitations? Not being invited to the party!

What is your favorite event type to create an invitation for and why? Bridal showers because they’re extra girly (and we’re making them for ourselves!)

What is the key learning since starting your own business? Remembering it takes more than the design to keep this business running.

Where do you get all of the paper/material for your work? We get a lot of our essentials from Waste Not Paper, but are constantly running to Michaels and Staples.

Where do you ladies shop?

Brittany: Madewell and Zella
Kimberly: Milly, James Perse, J.Crew
B&K: Five Stripes and Les Toiles Du Soleil (we love stripes!)

What is your go-to snack at 4pm? Diet Dr. Pepper

Where would you live if you could pick up and move to anywhere in the world? Parisin a charming building in the Marais.

We’d need 3 lofts:

Kimberly and her husband
My fiance, our two long haired dachshunds and me
The WP France headquarters

What is your work environment like? It’s hard to beat sunny Southern California. We’re usually listening to music with diet Dr. Pepper and plenty of candy (sour for me, chocolate for Kimberly). Our computers are out and we share every idea.

What song are you currently listening to on repeat? The Bird & The Bee (especially loving the Interpreting the Masters album).

tenoverten, Manhattan's Tech Savvy Nail Salon

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:54:00 -0400

Last week brought Nadine Ferber’s first Manhattan success, Mick Margo, into your life changing your outfit one Isabel Marant piece at a time. Today we are tacking on another win for the local lady who changed the lives of NYC women by opening up nail salon tenoverten with Adair Ilyinsky. The business duo spent too much time tallying up their mani/pedi frustrations and put the charm back into the system. Why should a routine have to lose its elegance? Don’t thank us, thank them and make your appointment now.

Before we get started, you should know…

iPads instead of magazines to avoid nail smudges…we know.
“Come at a business idea from a consumer perspective.” -Nadine
OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil is a dry-nail saver.
NARS Dovima is Nadine’s go-to summer color.

What was the reasoning behind opening tenoverten? Our list of nail-salon frustrations continued to grow which motivated us to open tenoverten. When you come at a business from a consumer perspective it helps address customer concerns and elevate the experience.

How did the opening of tenoverten fit with Mick Margo? Nails and fashion go hand in hand—we carry the polish at Mick Margo! Now when I go to fashion shows, I am just as focused on the models’ nails as I am on the clothes. However, nails appeal to everyone where as Mick Margo has a more specific demographic.

How many tenoverten customers are returning? It’s a total destination since were on the second floor and have minimal signage. We are excited for our 2nd location to open at the Parker Meridien hotel because traffic will be different, especially with the amazing DryBar as our neighbor.

What are people’s first reaction to seeing Ten Over Ten? They’re surprised and maybe doubtful! The space is very simple and free of large mechanical pedicure chairs and drying machines. Hopefully in the end they believe you can have a more natural and relaxing experience than what is mostly offered on corners across Manhattan.

What is your go-to manicure? Short, clean nails that are square shaped with a rounded edge in NARS Dovima for summer.

What are your bad nail habits that you just can’t kick? Dry nails! I have to apply OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil religiously.

Do you find that women want to chat with each other or relax? It totally depends on the day and time but we love the social aspect of tenoverten. It’s great when customers strike up a conversation over their preferred nail colors.

I love the “Kiddie Manicure” service. Is this something you take pride in? We love when moms come in with their kids as we too have special memories of going with our moms at a young age.

Being a new mom myself, I hope to share that experience with my daughter one day soon. We are actually working on a mother’s day package right now where kids can bring in their moms as a treat too.

When did you launch your nail polish line and how does it differ from OPI and Essie? We launched the line about a year into the salon and leveraged our expert manicurists knowledge to develop a polish line with the perfect brush shape, length of cap, bottle size and of course colors (on sale at tenoverten). Our two exclusive summer colors are set to launch in May!

tenoverten offers iPads instead of magazines which is brilliant! Why do you think this is a must-have? We have 12 of them in the salon and thought it made sense instead of flipping through a soggy magazine (but we still have magazines for those who love good old fashioned paper!)

Meet Maya Lake of Boxing Kitten!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:25:00 -0400

Photos by Amelia Alpaugh

We first heard about vintage-inspired Boxing Kitten from a GO TRY IT ON insider who said we just had to check out the print-heavy pieces and meet the talent behind it, designer Maya Lake! After checking out the website and recognizing the awesome pieces on some of our favorite ladies (Beyonce and Fergie below), we were sold on the designs. Then, after reading about Maya on Refinery 29, we were sold on the designer. She wrote her college senior thesis on African American women’s fashion during the Civil Rights Movement which led to her first collection in 2008. She’s pretty amazing and we would love for you to meet her, too.

“Don’t hide behind your hair. Chop it once, at least while you’re young.” -Maya Lake

How did your college education influence your career? I was an African American Studies major in college and was writing my senior thesis on how women used fashion as a political statement during the Civil Rights Movement, to show their humanity and fit in with society. In the ’50s, students in Greensboro, NC would attend meetings before protests where they were told to dress as they were going to church-wear dresses and keep your hair tidy.

In the 60s, things changed. Dress became influenced by the Black Panthers and women wore pants, berets, leather jackets and let their hair go wild to show their cultural heritage instead of hiding it by conforming.

To compliment my written thesis, I designed 15 looks that were presented at a fashion show. I pictured two women and what they’d wear.

How and when did your first collection reflect your studies? I launched in 2008 with a Spring ‘09 collection that was based off my show senior year. It was focused on those two women: the one who conformed and the one who flaunted her cultural heritage through dress.

You are the designer! When did you learn to sew? Mother taught me at age 11 but it wasn’t until I worked in a costume shop in college where I really learned the right way to do things, new techniques.

Where is Boxing Kitten based and produced? We are in New Jersey and the pieces are manufactured in New York.

The prints are incredibly rich and powerful. Where do they come from? Mostly from West Africa, some from Holland. I gravitate towards the brighter prints and will get it in as many colors as I can if I find one I love. I physically get the prints from a distributor and there a few stores that carry a lot of stock of the prints. I would love to travel and find them myself!

Some people find prints tough on their figure. How should we wear prints? Combining prints together can be really easy to wear. Sometimes people are apprehensive to pair multiple patterns in one outfit but if go for polka dots and vertical stripes, they wear very well together. I do try and avoid horizontal stripes.

What’s up next for Boxing Kitten? I really want to continue working with Urban Outfitters and would love to work with Anthropologie—they’re a good fit for me.

Aaron at Osborn has been blowing up since we collaborated but I’d love to grab him for another collaboration when things calm down! I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a collection of menswear which is probably the next things that i’d do. I have to talk to Aaron about that!

Have you thought about designing accessories? I did do a head wrap and a pin but don’t know enough about the jewelry industry so I’ll probably stay away from it.

Who would you love to see in your clothing? If I did menswear, I would want to see Kanye West in the clothes. I love music so I naturally gravitate towards any of the guys in the music game. Mos Def has great style and I think he’d wear something.

What has been the most amazing moment for you as a designer? Erykah Badu wore a dress of ours in Giant Magazine in February 2009 and she was the first person I saw in it. Before that I was kind of like “I’m going to see if this idea works” but when I saw her I was like, “Oh, things have gotten serious! People are going to be asking for it, I have to get to work!”

Also, I was just in the Urban Outfitters in Georgetown, DC and saw my designs hanging on the racks. It was amazing.

You are not afraid to take beauty risks with your hair. What’s behind all the courage? I do whatever with my hair. I have been dyeing it since high school (it’s been red, blue, purple, pink).

Right before I left for college it chopped it off. My hair had been long forever and I was trying to teach myself a lesson in vanity—it worked! I think a lot of times women hide behind their hair and I always tell women that are scared to cut it to try it once while they’re young.

Who is your favorite designer? Betsey Johnson. Her whole story, her brand, the prints that she uses, she is so consistent and has such a definite look. I can look at a girl and say, “That’s a Betsey dress.”

What are you listening to on repeat? LCD Soundsystem

As a designer, have you had a cringe moment of someone wearing your clothes? Yes! Someone, who will remain nameless, wore a skirt from Fall/Winter ‘11 that was gathered a velvet maxi skirt. It has a mini skirt underneath and a slit in the back. She wore it backwards and the slit was in the front—during fashion week! It really my gears.

What are your top 5 restaurants:

Blue Ribbon
Freemans
Raymond’s on Church St. in Montclair, NJ
Costanera in Montclair, NJ

Meet Nadine of The West Village Boutique, Mick Margo!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:48:20 -0400

19 Commerce Street New York, NY 10014 (212.463.0515)

Ok, now I know we say this every week (well actually twice a week), but we are over the moon about today’s interview with Nadine Ferber. We first met when a mutual friend introduced us outside of her boutique in the West Village, Mick Margo. She was dressed in skinny jeans, a sweater and badass sneakers (may or may not have been Isabel Marant) pushing her baby Zoe in the stroller. We stopped to chat and after a brief exchange, our minds were made up: she may be one of the most genuinely cool women in the West Village, fashion industry, heck—maybe in Manhattan.

Read on to hear about her journey from being a twenty-something new yorker living in a “shitbox” to a thirty-something multi business owner (Mick Margo and Ten Over Ten which will be featured next week!)

You have a leg up on the 20 something’s living and working in Manhattan in the sense that you’ve got it all figured out. Can you tell us about your life in New York, prior to Mick Margo? I worked in a fast paced corporate environment from the day I graduated NYU at age 21 but always had in mind that I wanted to work for myself when the time was right. I feel fortunate that I had the experience to work for larger companies in a more corporate environment before going out on my own even though I wasn’t even working in the fashion industry. I learned so much about professionalism and overall business skills that otherwise might have been lost on me. I had great bosses who were my mentors in my first 7 years in the work force.

You have managed to open a trendy, neighborhood boutique in the covetable West Village! Can you tell us how this dream came to fruition? During that time I lived in the tiniest apartment in the far west village, which I nicknamed the ‘shitbox’ with my then boyfriend and now husband Matt Abramcyk. I always dreamed of opening my own boutique one day and would find myself wandering the streets at 6am looking for the perfect location for my dream shop before going into work.

When you walk into Mick Margo, there is such a friendly vibe which can’t be said about many NYC boutiques. How do you instill this vibe? I don’t think anyone should feel intimidated in a boutique setting, that is the whole point of a small shop’s existence in my mind. I always want people to feel as if they can come into my shop to simply browse on their way home from work, on a lunch break or during a stroll with their dog even without the intention of buying something. We try to be friendly but not overly so if you are in the mood to chat or need help picking out a piece we are there to help but otherwise take your time and hopefully something inspires you!

What goes into buying for Mick Margo? Where do you find the emerging designers you carry and why is that important to you? I buy in New York and Paris twice a year. It is important for me to find new brands to place on the racks at Mick Margo so there is some sense of discovery for my customers. I want them to find brands that they otherwise might not find and feel connected to the emerging designers by the way things are merchandises within the boutique setting. My main goal in buying for the shop is to carry timeless pieces that people wear over and over again. My favorite thing of all time is to hear my customers say they have a piece they bought 6 years ago from the shop that they still wear continuously.

Where do you see Mick Margo in the next two years I have to say, I have always seen Mick Margo as a single boutique and the vision that exists within the 4 walls at 19 Commerce St. so I have no real defined plans for expansion to speak of.

What is the most challenging part of owning a boutique? The retail environment has changed drastically since I opened the shop 7 years ago. I would say the most difficult challenge is maintaining a sense of relevance in a retail environment that is quickly moving toward a world where no one likes to pay full retail given that there are so many discount shopping sites out there and just general move toward online shopping. But I believe in the tangible – feeling the fabric of the clothes and trying pieces on is still so important.

What is the funniest Mick Margo story? Not long ago a drunk man came into the shop in the middle of the day, tried on a sweater dress over his khaki pants and button down shirt and purchased the dress for himself walking out of the store with it on over his other clothes. It had us in stitches!

What are your top 5 NYC restaurants?

What is your 4pm go-to snack? A fresh vegetable/fruit juice

If you were on a deserted island and could only bring 5 things, who and/or what would they be?

My baby girl Zoe Lee
My best friend and husband Matt
A journal
Roche Posay sunscreen (since I’m a nut about sun protection)
A kite

What is one beauty tip/trick you can tell us? Get a lash tint and then simply curl your lashes with a Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Makes you look instantly fresh and the tint lasts a good 2 weeks so you don’t have to apply mascara

What is one fashion tip/trick you can tell us? Find a cut that works well with you body type and stick with it. For example a high waist never fails me. Also I cannot stress the importance of buying clothes that fit you properly, it makes all the difference and I see people buying the wrong size for their frame all the time.

What are the 5 must-have pieces in Mick Margo right now?

The Isabel Marant Jenny boot (see below…it’s awesome)
Caron Callahan white linen blazer.
Masscob ivory silk and lace blouse.
Collection Privee ballet flat.
Stephanie Jewels delicate gold bangles.

**To get your hands and feet on the pieces above, visit Mick Margo in Manhattan’s West Village (19 Commerce St.)

Photos from Nadine and New York Magazines, Shanna Ravindra.

Get Acquainted With Joomi Lim Jewelry...A True Love Story

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:35:00 -0400

We are so incredibly excited to introduce you to the seriously dynamic duo behind Joomi Lim jewelry, Joomi and Xavier! This creative couple creates their “rock n roll chic” jewelry in Manhattan’s Flatiron district and sells them to Bergdorf Goodman, Opening Ceremony and Otte. Their success story stemmed from a very creative past (designing hair accessories for Phoebe Buffay on Friends!) that turned into a “what the hell happened to me?” future, as Joomi says! Check out their made with love jewelry and let those statement pieces do the talking!

Explain Joomi Lim jewelry! Rock n Roll Chic!

How were you discovered by the big guys like Opening Ceremony? We launched in 2009 at the former trade show Rendez-Vous when Opening Ceremony picked us up. They didn’t know who we were—nobody did—they just loved the pieces which is what I love about them. They don’t care who you are, they saw spikes, liked them, placed an order and have been big supporters since. Bloggers have also been extremely influential. I truly believe word of mouth is the most powerful form of awareness.

What is the price point of your jewels? It is so affordable which I believe is why we have seen such success. Our prices—$20 to $400—and who we sell to (Bergdorf Goodman, Opening Ceremony, top jewelers in Seoul, Tokyo and London) has been such a huge point of difference for us. We focus on high quality products at a reasonable price so when the pieces are placed next to really expensive jewelry, it’s so desirable. We work really hard to be different because everyone is a designer these days and because of its affordability, jewelry is a hot item.

You and your husband are the brand. Who plays what role? My husband Xavier and I both design. He comes from an industrial design background and brings a lot of innovative materials like titanium jewelry which nobody was doing when we launched. We also do a lot of designs on the computer and then work in titanium techniques. I manage adding the details (like spikes) to the pieces. On the business end, I handle sales and press while he handles marketing and branding.

What is your trademark look? Spikes! We are known for them. We always want to push the envelope.

How did your former life lead you to today’s success? I was a makeup artist at MAC while creating my brand Joomi Joolz which included hair accessories, T Shirts, handbags and belts. I was in my 20s and didn’t know what I was doing. The hair accessories were picked up by Friends for Phoebe! Christina Aguilera wore one of my TShirts on the cover of Rolling Stone as did Madonna in a music video.

How did you learn the art of jewelry making? It was mostly a hobby that turned into a “what the hell happened to me?” I did learn a bit at Parsons but it was really a combination of having the right contacts and the right product.

Favorite NYC Restaurants:

The Fat Radish
The Smile: You can always get a reservation or walk in and the food is delicious.
Naka Naka: Japanese food by the High Line. It’s fantastic and you really feel like you’re in Japan.

Best Cocktail: Hendricks and Tonic.

Favorite places to shop:

Opening Ceremony
Otte
Bergdorf Goodman
The Antiques Garage: It’s a flea market between 25th and 26th street

If you could live anywhere else, it would be: Paris! My husband is from there and I’m sure we’ll retire there. I’ve been with him for 7 years and don’t speak the language, I have to learn!

Meet South Africa's Boguslavsky Sisters!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:59:50 -0400

One of the reasons GO TRY IT ON has such a rich flavor of fashion is because of our international community—30 percent international to be exact. While we have snagged interviews with bloggers from the US and Europe, we are excited to expand our global reach to spotlight these fashion influencers from South Africa! Sisters Marianna and Alla Boguslavsky are separated by distance but connected by fashion, more specifically their blog BoguslavskySisters.com. Here they share the trends they love, celebrities they adore and tips on what to wear! Read on to step inside the life of two South African fashionistas and follow them on Twitter: Marianna and Alla!

GO TRY IT ON: How did fashion play a role in your childhood?

Marianna: We grew up in Riga, Latvia but our family emigrated to Port Elizabeth (PE) in 1991. I really started to focus on high street fashion, trends, fabrics and styles that suited my body when I moved to London.

GO TRY IT ON: How is fashion in Port Elizabeth different than Cape Town?

Alla: In PE we tend to be more relaxed about our fashion and only to dress up for specific occasions (or to impress someone!) In Cape Town fashion is more like a lifestyle, a culture.

GO TRY IT ON: How does South African fashion compare to European and American fashion?

Alla: In South Africa, we are lucky to have so many diverse cultures that allow a much wider interpretation of fashion and trends. In European countries similar trends seem to be followed throughout the country.

GO TRY IT ON: Where do most South African’s shop?

Marianna: Most SA shop offline but this is starting to change with online stores such as 36Boutiques and Diligo and a handful of other retailers waking up to the e-Commerce trend.

GO TRY IT ON: What is a typical weekend for you?

Marianna: Wine Farms. Beach. Sushi. My husband. Friends. Shopping.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your climates like and how do you dress for them?

Alla: South Africa is hot for the better part of the year, so I look for natural fibers like cotton, which keep you cool and try to stay away from fibres such as acrylic. In PE specifically, you get four seasons in one day. So the solution is layers – always come prepared.

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite thing about South Africa?

Marianna: The city where I live, Cape Town! From the beaches to the wine lands, it’s just magical.

GO TRY IT ON: If you could live anywhere else, what would it be?

Marianna: Most probably Europe. I lived in London and loved it and I think I would enjoy living in Paris (who wouldn’t?!)

GO TRY IT ON: What is your guilty pleasure?

Alla: Sushi and wine sessions…I have them far too often…

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite song right now?

Alla: Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite TV show?

Alla: Vampire Diaries. Damon Salvatore. Enough said.

GO TRY IT ON: Tell us why we need to shop in South Africa!

Marianna: So many up and coming designers, the little boutiques on Long Street, the Mr Price Limited Edition Ranges, the incredible sales…!

GO TRY IT ON: What trend scares you?

Marianna: Neon colors.

GO TRY IT ON: What trend excites you?

Marianna: Mint skinny jeans. OBSESSED.

GO TRY IT ON: Who is your fashion role model?

Marianna: I draw my fashion inspiration from my favorite series characters (those TV stylists know how to work it) which are Emily VanCamp in Revenge to Alexandra Chando in The Lying Game.

Tribeca's Sweet Lily Spa

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:24:00 -0400

Sweet Lily Spa: 222 West Broadway New York, NY 10013 (212.925.5441)

Remember that time you fled a stressful situation and hightailed it to a “relaxing” manicure chair which resulted in wet nails, fumes to kill, an 11 second massage (which involved slapping) and even more stress than when you walked in the door? We know, it happens far too often. A manicure is as available as a slice of pizza (especially in NYC) but here’s the crucial difference: A bad slice is still good. A bad manicure is a mood crusher—dare we say life ruiner? Ok that’s dramatic but still, it’s detrimental!

Ladies, meet Sweet Lily Spa! This Tribeca treat opened in 2002 by Donna Perillo, a self-proclaimed girly girl who traveled the world for a great manicure only to realize most involved a mad rush and unsanitary everything causing her to solve the issue herself.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about treating your hands and feet properly!

How did your passion for manicures evolve? I have always been known as a girly girl who loved to get my nails done. I’m not a big hair person but nails—I love nails! It’s paint, it’s art. Hair is too committal. Nail polish can change with your mood, outfit, etc. I love the small artistic outlet of it and it’s inexpensive. You can spend thousands of dollars on a Chanel bag and then realize you’re over it.

I worked in the film and music industry and traveled a lot. I could never understand why there wasn’t a place to get my nails done that was clean and enjoyable but not a fancy private room. I didn’t want to make a huge to-do. I just wanted a place to catch up with my girlfriends in an environment that didn’t involve ripped leather seats so I opened up my own place to solve the problem!

When and why did you open Sweet Lily? We opened in 2002 just after 9/11. People were surprised because the area really shut down south of Canal street but as a Soho resident of 14 years, I didn’t care. That area was old New York, the New York I feel in love with.

How did you go from a customer to an expert? For three years, I learned everything there is to know about nails. I had no social life and was obsessed with nails.

What is the difference between your staff and other salons? They are professionals! The hardest part of starting this business was finding skilled people. You have no idea how many nail salons hire people off the books, without a license. Once we hire the women, we have to retrain them and make sure they can think out of the box. For so long, the quick manicure was the standard and we needed to make sure our staff wasn’t caught up with that. It’s not about making money. It’s about making an experience.

After ten years, how do you ensure Sweet Lily remains as you intended? I get a manicure once a week, choose a different person each time and AM YOUR MOST ANNOYING CUSTOMER! I am continuously training them.

Nail trends are extremely hot right now! Do you offer nail art? We do have certain technicians who can do the nail art if we get a request for it but we don’t spend too much time training them to do this since it’s such a trend that will probably go soon.

What is so different about the Sweet Lily Manicure? We don’t do acrylics or gels. Gels are put under a UV light to dry (like tanning) and it’s not good for you. Removing gel trashed your nails—you have to soak it in acetone which can soak into your skin. The only pro I see of gel manicures is that it lasts two weeks so for vacation it can be nice.

You don’t have Essie or OPI. What polish do you use? Zoya. We’ve had it since we opened because it’s formaldehyde, toluene and DBT free. The colors are so beautiful and don’t smell because they’re free of chemicals. The owners daughter was pregnant and they didn’t want her to be around chemicals but she wanted to get her nails done so started a safe polish.

Who is your customer? Most of them are regulars and 30% of them are pregnant because they want to avoid the chemicals and ensure the tools are sanitary.

What’s your favorite place to shop? Bloomingdale’s uptown! it’s a one-stop-shop. If I’m walking around browsing, I’ll go to the boutiques on Mulberry and Mott.

What is your favorite restaurant? Avoce in the Time Warner building.

What is you’re most cherished workout? I love to ride a bike!

Tell us the funniest Sweet Lily story! A woman once came in acting as if she was looking for one of her girlfriends and stole someone’s purse! My manager chased her down the street for two blocks and never caught her.

We also had a homeless guy that parked it in front of our door for awhile. He just liked the women coming in!

We're @SAKS for Contemporary Week!

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:02:00 -0400

We are so excited to participate in Saks Contemporary Week. Come visit us on the 5th floor by Rebecca Taylor to try on your picks and model them at our photo booth (we have props!)

If you can’t make it, play along with us online and check out all of the looks snapped this weekened, here!

Can’t wait to see you!

Meet Patricia: The Condé Nast Traveler Fashion Guru!

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:28:00 -0400

We are so excited to bring you Patricia, the Associate Editorial Producer at Condé Nast Traveler. She is as stylish as she is quirky and gave us full access to her tales in the fashion world, starting with anecdotes about her childhood snuggle buddy (Vogue) and her most embarrassing Condé moment (it involves sushi, stilettos and a spill!) Oh and in case you didn’t connect the dots, she is the lady to take travel tips from—like in Barcelona! Read on and then add her as your GO TRY IT ON Personal Stylist, follow her on Twitter and check up on her personal blog.

How is the environment at Condé Nast Traveler different from other publications in the building? We’re the only travel publication within the company, and the staff is an incredibly passionate group of people—totally dedicated to the brand, its mission, and international travel. It’s inspiring.

Best thing about working at Condé Nast? Definitely being a part of such a creative environment. I fell in love with magazines when I was two—my mother told me I would drag her international Vogues and fall asleep with them in her closet. I was fascinated with the beauty of the printed page—but more so, the people who made those books. I wanted to know where, and how, it all took place. In college, I fell into the digital sector after launching a fashion and travel blog for my multimedia journalism class, and knew I wanted to work in that beat. I was fortunate enough to travel often and meet some crazily talented people, and after graduation, I landed a position at Condé Nast Traveler. And so working at Condé Nast is really a culmination of all my aspirations—I get to work with people as passionate as I am about this intersection of print and digital, travel and fashion.

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while at work? When I fell flat on my face walking down the runway-like corridor in the center of the cafeteria while carrying an open box of sushi! It was my first week, I was feeling really cool in my new shoes, and of course the place was packed. Anyhow, I ended up with soy all over myself and had to run across the street to the Gap for a different shirt, but my hair reeked like soy for the rest of the day.

What is the best trip you’ve ever taken? Best place to shop and eat in that city? Barcelona. In college, I dated a guy who moved to the Gràcia neighborhood after graduation, and when I visited, I fell hard. I’d been to other cities in Spain before, but was never really taken. There’s a young, forward-thinking, freewheeling culture in the city—always turned on to new tech and fashion trends and producing beautiful things (Apartamento, the Sónar Festival). I guess you could liken that to New York, or maybe Amsterdam, but I think Barcelona has a vibrancy that no other city has. For shopping, I love Ras, a design bookstore, magazine boutique, and gallery in El Raval. It’s kind of like a concrete cave, a haven; whenever I’m in the city, I set aside half a day and make a trip there. I also love the shoe boutique Nu Sabates, in El Born—I love their men’s collections. You can custom-design your shoes’ color and leather texture there, too. Have lunch at Alkimia, in Gràcia—really delicious, simple Catalan food; I love the pickled oysters and egg bonbons sopped up with nutty breads.

5 things you want to buy right now for spring fashion:

If you could close your eyes and transport yourself to one place in the world right now, where would it be? Palm Springs. I’m actually headed there for Coachella in two weeks; it’s one of my favorite places.

What song are you listening to on repeat? That old Moulinex remix of Cut Copy’s “Lights and Music.”

There is so much to do in NYC, it can be difficult to stay on top of it all. What is one go-to resource to know where to go (museums, concerts, etc.), what to eat and where to shop? New York Magazine is definitely my go-to for gallery openings, shows, and new restaurants; for shopping, I’m kind of unadventurous in that I buy all my clothes from Opening Ceremony and Topshop. And my beauty go-to is Barneys. I get my styling inspiration from a lot of international fashion publications: Purple, Self Service, and the French, Japanese, and Korean editions of Vogue and GQ.

If you weren’t working at Condé Nast Traveler you would be…Working at a men’s fashion publication. I’ve always been intrigued by the way men dress—sometimes, more so than women—and I like to break down looks, analyze the pieces, and put them together again, in different ways than the original styling. I interned at Esquire in college, and the menswear aesthetic has really stayed with me. I actually prefer a lot of my favorite designers’ men’s collections to the women’s (Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe, Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki’s Maison Kitsuné).

Meet Otte, Manhattan's Major Shopping Must!

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:30:00 -0400

When you’re running through a windstorm in downtown Manhattan, the ideal place to take cover is a warm land of bright lights and printed pants…in my case, this land was Otte (rhymes with hot).

Since Kay Lee opened the first location in Brooklyn, the NYC-based women’s boutique has since planted roots in Tribeca, the West Village and the Upper East Side— outfitting three very different groups of women.

With a new store opening on 71st St. this July and their just-launched private label flying off the hangers, this once L-train destination has quite a bit to show and tell. To introduce us to everything Otte, meet the store’s Vice President and former Google girl, Nancy Zhang! Follow them on Twitter, too!

First the good stuff, then the important stuff…

THE GOOD STUFF

IT’S 4PM AT YOUR DESK, WHAT ARE YOU EATING? Kashi Cereal (no milk) and dried fruits like Mangos

GUILTY PLEASURE: Handbags. Used to be shoes but as I get older it’s harder to wear those stilletos 24/7.

BEST THING IN YOUR CLOSET: Swarovski encrusted rainbow colored Mui Mui’s. I bought them when I was 22, definitely didn’t have the money for them but saw them in Bergdorf’s and stalked them for weeks. They finally went on sale and the sales associate (who I had become friends with at this point) hid them for me and I bought them after work. They’ve been mine ever since!

BIGGEST BUYERS REMORSE: A Jean Paul Gaultier under the sea printed chiffont blouse with military detail on the shoulders. I’ve never worn it but can’t give it away or cut it into somethign else. Every so often, I take it out of my closet, look at it and put it back.

LAST CLOSET CLEAN OUT: Almost never…I’m a pack rat. I put items in a box and revisit them every few years and then actually find things—like my red high waisted tweet pants—and break them out because they’re back in style.

MOST BAZAAR IN-STORE EXPERIENCE: When skinny jeans were really big for men, they would come into the store (we only carry women’s clothing) and try them on.

FAVORITE PIECE IN THE STORE: The Otte label rose-printed scarf! It was created by our Art Director. She printed it digitally onto silk and then the designers sketched it and the garment district created it.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

WHAT BRANDS CAN WE FIND IN OTTE? We carry recognizable brands like Current Elliott and Loeffler Randall but have very strong relationships with local and emerging designers. We carried Alexander Wang when his line consisted of a few pieces only. We serve as councilors to young designers so if they present us with a line we don’t love, we advise them on what to alter to get in our stores.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRIVATE LABEL! It just launched in the fall! We tested it first and the response was so great so we went with it. The pieces are manufactured in the NYC garment district and consist of affordable luxury and basic items ($150-$300) that compliment the print-heavy pieces we already currently carry. They are flying out the door!

HOW ACTIVE ARE YOUR ONLINE SHOPPERS? We launched Ecommerce three years ago and it has grown 40 percent, and 50 percent of our online business comes from overseas. It’s amazing to see that women in Holland and Russia are buying the same Current Elliott jeans!

HOW DO YOU SET YOURSELF APART FROM THE INTERMIX AND SCOOP’S OF THE WORLD? The market is so over saturated so for us, it’s really about editing. We want the best of what’s out there. Also, Intermix is buying thousands of one piece where we’re buying twenty - it’s a smaller and more intimate buying process because we have a specific group of customers in mind.

WHO IS THAT CUSTOMER? The West Village woman is more fashion forward, Tribeca is edgy and the Madison Ave. is more luxe.

HOW ARE YOU USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO RAISE AWARENESS AND BOOST SALES? In the last through months, we have seen thousands of dollars in sales come through Polyvore and Pinterest. Other than social media, it’s all word of mouth and events.

WHAT IS THE LAST EVENT YOU HOSTED? We like to co-sponsor events with emerging designers. For example, we recently held an event with the Dannijo girls in support of a charity called Falling Whistles.

Meet Danielle: Beyonce's Former Assistant & Current WWD, Style.com Staple!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the big leagues, ladies! Today we are going shopping (virtually—how else?) with Danielle Stewart! Her resume includes working with Beyonce at the House of Deréon (yep—she saw it all!) and her current gigs at WWD and Style.com.

However, Danielle’s most impressive accomplishment is her black belt in creative dressing. She hosts clothing swaps with her girlfriends and shops the unknown, pairing it with a Zara piece to make it fit for a Sartorialist moment.

For more, read on, check out her blog and of course, follow her on Twitter.

Five things you want to buy RIGHT NOW: Pardon my current shoe crush…

Where do you find fabulous and affordable accessories & jewelry?

Street vendors and artisans at fairs—don’t be afraid!
Sales boxes at Banana Republic or Urban Outfitters
Laila Rowe
Aqua and Sequin line at Bloomingdale’s

Can you tell us about your fabulous career path? My first job at GC Williams, a Madison Ave. high-end boutique for teens, educated me on fabrics and exposed me to the world of styling. I worked with other teens by helping them put together outfits for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and their summer vacations.

My most incredible experience so far was working with The Knowles family at the House of Deréon. I gained first-hand knowledge and experience working with the Deréon team on the Beyonce brand, traveling to France to meet with Thierry Mugler who created Beyonce’s costumes for her I AM tour.

Who has been the most influential person in your career? Stylist Pamela Shepard! She taught me how to use texture, color and pattern to create a cohesive visual that accentuates a clients’ best features while maintaining and expressing their individualism.

Who has been the greatest person you’ve met while working in fashion in NY? Carly Cushnie of Cushnie Et Ochs! I first saw her a few years ago at a concert in Brooklyn and quickly developed a girl crush!

Several months later, I officially met Carly on a work assignment and immediately understood why I was initially drawn to her. Her designs are AMAZINGLY SEXY without being tacky or exploitative, and her personality is playful and funny which makes her very approachable.

What is the most embarrassing that’s happened to you at work?
Okay picture this! I’m strutting confidently down the hallway in my 4-inch heels to a meeting for Footwear News Shoe Star, a competition for aspiring shoe designers at F.I.T., and I walk out of one shoe and trip. Sitting in the room was my boss and Sam Edelman! Yes, I know!

If you could teleport yourself to one place in the world right now, where would it be? Egypt! The Nile, the Red Sea … religion, culture, rich history, colors, beauty, and did I say PYRAMIDS.

What song are you listening to on repeat? Azealia Banks “212” and recently heard that Karl Lagerfeld had her perform for him…

What is your go-to NYC resource for where to go and what to eat?

Word of mouth
Exploring the “back streets” of different neighborhoods’ stores and restaurants.
New York Magazine ”The Cut” for great sales, the latest restaurant openings and the low down on what’s happening.

What is the best thing in your closet right now?

Vintage Bill Blass black and white striped palazzo pants and a matching sleeveless jacket that my mom bought me two years ago. It’s my first really authentic piece.
Chloe suede-trimmed acetate pumps: I’m a shoe lover-connoisseur-addict-wannabe Imelda Marcus (aka hoarder) and got them for my birthday.
Proenza Schouler sandals that I got on the ULTIMATE discount. Woot!

How do you know it’s time to clean out your closet?

If I no longer feel inspired by an item or two, it’s time to go.
If it doesn’t fit and I’m holding on to that last 5-10 lbs. of weight gained, it’s gotta go to that slimmer friend or unknown sista who searches for a find at Goodwill!
The last thing that I got rid of was a pair of PLV patent leather shoes but instead of donating to the Salvation Army/Goodwill, I sold them to a friend. It was the perfect way to put money into my shopping piggy bank.

A few of Danielle’s fashion crushes:

Trending: The Denim Skirt (We Know, Read On for Terms & Conditions)

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:20:28 -0400

Before we praise a trend that is about to win you over (just you wait and see), I have a personal anecdote to reveal.

Three months ago, after hearing chatter about jean skirts making a major comeback, I was caught uttering the following phrase, “I never wore a denim skirt. Not even the mini ones from Abercrombie and I promise, I will never wear one.” I stand before you and retract that statement!

As the winter freeze lifts and legs burst out of hibernation, the denim skirt has been included in outfits on fashion week runways (thank you Stella McCartney for making it ok!) as well as women in the metropolitan area. And now, the trend has made its case (don’t you just love the fashion industry?) but under some very specific conditions!

HEELS. This is a non-negotiable factor. You must elongate those stems with a wedge, stiletto or bootie (see Miranda Kerr above!)

ACCESSORIES. The denim skirt can’t do all the talking. Amp up the look with lots of jewelry and a fabulous bag…which brings us to our next point…

TOTE. We encourage you to wear a clutch or tote to add more sophistication to the look. If you choose a slouchy look, don’t wear it cross the body and let it hang down on one shoulder to avoid a major hippie look…and not a good one.

ATTITUDE. Allow the skirt to have embellishment whether it be distressed (above), buttoned up (or down!) like Stella McCartney’s (above) or a pretty little bow in front.

AVOID. Too tight, too baggy, too long, and any extra material like lace or tulle (no. no. no.)

This Weekend in Manhattan: Artists & Fleas Hit Chelsea Market!

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:30:06 -0400

88 Tenth Ave. @ 15th Street (Open 7 days a week from 10:30am-7pm)

One of the best things about living in this concrete jungle (sorry, I couldn’t resist) is the accidental discovery which, in this case, was the Artists & Fleas pop up shop at Chelsea Market. Located on 10th ave. and 15th Street (right under the High Line) is a large room populated with statement vintage jewelry, accessories and clothing booths which are all very hard to pass up.

Each individual booth has something unique to offer your wardrobe but I got sucked in by the lady of The Greedy Seagull which, in my opinion, was the best in show. Head there this weekend to pick up a fabulous dress or a few pieces of costume jewelry to make that basic spring dress pop!