PLATE: John Derian, $185
BUSTIER AND SKIRT, Versace, $800 and $675
HAIR PINS: Chanel, $250 for set of 3
STUDS: ABS, $35
SANDAL: Miu Miu, Price Upon Request
DRESS: Halston, $1209
Friday, July 6, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Connect with me! No, really. Do it.
You may have noticed the decline in posts and here's why:
- I'm a one woman show trying to balance it all and "have it all"
- I have made the editorial decision to only post things that I truly care about and think my lovely readers would care about, not just filler.
I am tweeting,
and pinning
up a storm! These social media outlets make all the difference in being able to do quick, lovely posts and really get the entire WTSTA point of view out in several different vehicles. Please follow me on any and all of the platforms you use - I can't wait to see what you've been up to, too!
xo
Spotlight On: Jess Moore of Stylebook App!
Recalling my chance encounters from the Marie Claire @ Work event a couple of weeks ago, I am so excited to present to you Jess Moore of Stylebook, a virtual closet app available now on iTunes! Jess has figured out a way to work for herself, combine fashion and technology successfully, and do what she loves. I chatted it up with her about the app's recent successes.
{Jess Moore, founder of Stylebook}
Hi Jess! How did you come up with the idea for the app ?
There were a few things that contributed to the idea. I think the wheels in my head
started turning when I was interning in the fashion closet at Vogue, where my job was to
track the clothing samples that were traveling between the magazine and various PR
showrooms. The system they used at the time was simple: it involved writing a detailed
description of the item and snapping a Polaroid, which I then stapled to the description
form. It was often a lengthy and difficult process, especially when you had to flip through
pages later on to find an item after it had been filed. I knew there had to be a way to
effectively digitize the process.
My next internship was at Modern Bride Magazine, where I also worked in the fashion
closet. My boss there kept photos of all of her shoes so she could keep track of what
she owned. She told me that other people in the industry did similar things to track their
wardrobes: some hung up their outfits on hangers in their closet, some drew little
diagrams, and others kept Polaroids of their favorite looks. Later, this would come back
to me while developing the idea for Stylebook.
When the App Store was first created, my boyfriend Bill and I decided to start an app as
a weekend project. It wouldn’t cost us anything and it would be fun to make something
practical that we could use everyday. I wanted to make something to plan out and track
what I was wearing to my new job in the Lucky Magazine art department. As an
assistant at a magazine in New York, I felt the pressure to look fashionable but I had a
very small budget. I needed to stretch what I had, which would require some
organization. I thought back to my experiences in the closet and how I had seen other
women document their wardrobes and the idea for Stylebook was born.
{her beautiful workspace!}
Can you explain the app to us? I would love to know more about the less obvious
features, like the calendar, sizing, stats, etc. So cool!
features, like the calendar, sizing, stats, etc. So cool!
Stylebook is a virtual closet for your real wardrobe. You can create outfit collages wIth
photos of your clothes, plan what to wear on the calendar, pack for a trip, save all your
style inspirations, and get insight into what you wear the most and least.
A few of the lesser known but very cool features are:
Used In Outfit - If you open a single item in the closet and look at the notes screen, you
can see all of the outfits you’ve made that use that item - this is great when you’re
getting dressed and want to wear a certain top or dress but can’t remember any good
outfits that use it.
Cost Per Wear - If you record the price of an item in the item’s notes screen and then
log it on the calendar each time your wear it, the app will automatically tell you the
item’s cost per wear.
Shopping - Shopping is one of Stylebook’s newest features. You can do advanced
searches to find very specific items that fit your budget. For example, you can look for
white blazers priced between $100 and $150 and it will find all matching results from the
catalogs of over 7,000 different brands. You can then add the image of that item directly
to your Stylebook closet and test it out with your existing wardrobe before deciding to
buy it.
Do you have any tips for women wanting to get started in fashion and technology or how to start a small business?
Put in the time to see your idea become a reality. Bill and I had so much fun planning
out Stylebook and working on it after work and on the weekend. If you have the
necessary skills and you’re willing to make time to do the work, you’ll be able to make a
great product. Of course, you should make sure you do something that you’re
passionate about because it will take a lot of hard work. When times get tough, you’ll be
better able to handle it if you really believe in what you’re working on.
Figure out the important stuff before you decide to work on it full-time. Where are you
going to get health insurance? Do you have enough savings to live on if you don’t make
a profit right away? Do you have a business plan? Do you need help working on the
project, and, if so, how will you get it?
{Ed Note: Listen up! Such important points!}
Last I’d say find a good lawyer and accountant. There are some things that are best left
to the professionals and they aren’t as expensive as you might think. Plus, you’ll feel at
ease if you know that you fully understand every contract that crosses your desk and
the proper tax procedures that apply to your business.
{Jess on the job!}
Explain how you work on a given day and who is responsible for what and when. I think you have an awesome job and am in awe that you've been able to figure it all out.
My co-founder Bill and I do most of the work. He does the programming and I work on
PR, marketing, events, social media, and our blog. We plan out new features, test the
software, and work with customers together. The other nitty gritty stuff like accounting
and legal we leave to the professionals.
We both think it’s important to do all we can on our own. It makes the work more
interesting and we’ve learned a lot of valuable skills over time.
My Typical Schedule:
wake up
check sales from previous day
check advertising stats
make breakfast
check email
answer customer feedback and press inquiries
read my daily blogroll
work on an interview text or artwork for style expert
make lunch
edit or take images for the window shopping blog
test changes or plan new features for the app with bill
about once a week, I’ll attend a networking event
bed time
The packing list feature is so cool. Can you explain how to use the app for a packing list and what you'd have in it?
Typically, when I go on a trip, it’s for a trade show or blogger event. So I need to pack
outfits for meetings, booth setup, panel discussions, and cocktail parties. I’m a notorious
over-packer but I try to reduce what I bring by packing versatile items that can be
repurposed into many different looks. The last business trip I took was to Austin, Texas,
for Texas Style Council and SXSW. For this trip, I made a few looks with Stylebook’s
outfits feature and then added them to a packing list. I then looked at the list of
individual items in the packing list and made adjustments as necessary. For this
particular trip I tried to to reuse my bottoms and changed up each look with dramatic
accessories. I also made sure to include a t-shirt for the afternoon I would be setting up
our booth for TXSC.
{a sampling of Jess's packing list for TxSC in Austin}
What are your favorite gadgets as a fashionable gal on the go?
Mini Steamer - My steamer is way easier to use than an iron. It gets out the wrinkles
without having to navigate an ironing board plus I like to use it to fluff up embellishments
on my blouses and dresses. That’s a trick I learned while working in the Modern Bride
fashion closet, where I often had to rejuvenate delicate veils, fascinators, and head
pieces that had been flattened while in transit.
Scanner - I scan my magazines so I can save my favorite images in my Stylebook
inspiration library. I also use it keep feature stories I want to reference later. My next
goal is find good text recognition software so I can actually search the copy.
Camera - I love my new Olympus Pen camera - I seriously always have it with me. It’s
super-compact so it fits in my bag but it still has all of the manual controls of standard
SLR.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Spotlight On: KateDesign with Maria Darby & Kate Spencer
A friend of mine reached out to me to make sure I wasn't missing the next big thing and I'm so glad she did! (Thanks Hillary!) I have a scarf collection to rival anyone's and am always on the look out for new and exciting scarf companies. When I was directed to Kate Design I swooned - gorgeous, unique pieces of artwork interpreted on the softest of cashmeres. Check out my chat with Kate Spencer and Maria Darby of Kate Design.
{beautiful, beautiful prints!}
{beautiful, beautiful prints!}
How did the two of you get together to create Kate Design?
Maria: I met Kate on a visit to St Kitts with my in-laws (they had
known her for a few years). She hosted us for New Year's lunch,
beginning midday and we just wouldn't leave we were having so much
fun! And we came back two days later to do it again! Her husband,
Phillip, makes the best sour orange rum punch. It's hard not to fall
in love with Kate and her work, so when she asked if I was interested
in helping her move into other mediums it was an easy 'Yes'! At the
time I was working for a consulting company in New York, but hoped to
eventually start my own business one day. It was the perfect
opportunity.
Maria: I met Kate on a visit to St Kitts with my in-laws (they had
known her for a few years). She hosted us for New Year's lunch,
beginning midday and we just wouldn't leave we were having so much
fun! And we came back two days later to do it again! Her husband,
Phillip, makes the best sour orange rum punch. It's hard not to fall
in love with Kate and her work, so when she asked if I was interested
in helping her move into other mediums it was an easy 'Yes'! At the
time I was working for a consulting company in New York, but hoped to
eventually start my own business one day. It was the perfect
opportunity.
{Maria, left, and Kate}
Kate, where do you get your inspiration?
Kate: I am very lucky. I always have lots of ideas. Once you are able
to draw, then you realise you can adapt most things into a design. I
like things hand drawn or painted so they are not computer accurate.
For example, in the Seahorses scarf, the seahorses are all different,
not just one seahorse repeated, but one fat seahorse and a tall
seahorse, etc. Two of the West Indies Collection designs are to do
with the sea. I look at the sea everyday and I am fearful it. I always
think of the world below... The other day I swam ashore late afternoon
and a diver said he had just seen a magnificent huge sting ray. I
shivered in fear and all night I saw that sting ray in my head. It
will be a design soon!
Kate: I am very lucky. I always have lots of ideas. Once you are able
to draw, then you realise you can adapt most things into a design. I
like things hand drawn or painted so they are not computer accurate.
For example, in the Seahorses scarf, the seahorses are all different,
not just one seahorse repeated, but one fat seahorse and a tall
seahorse, etc. Two of the West Indies Collection designs are to do
with the sea. I look at the sea everyday and I am fearful it. I always
think of the world below... The other day I swam ashore late afternoon
and a diver said he had just seen a magnificent huge sting ray. I
shivered in fear and all night I saw that sting ray in my head. It
will be a design soon!
Who is the woman you are designing for?
Kate: In many ways, it's me. I have lived in the West Indies for a
long time but often travel, either on boats or back to Europe. I like
to travel light. I have always thought that when you go on holiday to
a hot climate you only really need one warm item. Nights in the
tropics can be quite cool, if you start the night off with a strappy
dress you will definitely need a warm shawl by the end of the night,
especially if you are on a yacht. I like the drama of larger scarves
and of course they are lovely and warm on planes too.
Kate: In many ways, it's me. I have lived in the West Indies for a
long time but often travel, either on boats or back to Europe. I like
to travel light. I have always thought that when you go on holiday to
a hot climate you only really need one warm item. Nights in the
tropics can be quite cool, if you start the night off with a strappy
dress you will definitely need a warm shawl by the end of the night,
especially if you are on a yacht. I like the drama of larger scarves
and of course they are lovely and warm on planes too.
The scarves are larger than I expected. What was the thought behind
it's generous size?
it's generous size?
Maria: We wanted Kate's art to have a large 'canvas' which is of
course the fabric in this case. The scale is impactful. The size (50in
x 60in) makes them much more than a scarf really. We've had customers
tell us they use them as a blanket, drap them on the wall as art and
wear the Double layers as dresses. We are glad they are so versatile!
course the fabric in this case. The scale is impactful. The size (50in
x 60in) makes them much more than a scarf really. We've had customers
tell us they use them as a blanket, drap them on the wall as art and
wear the Double layers as dresses. We are glad they are so versatile!
{gorgeous when unfolded}
{and when knotted!}
What's a day like for you, Maria, when it comes to running a small business?
Maria: Not as glamours as Kate's! I wish I were the creative genious
living in the islands and on a boat! But in all seriousness, it's so
much fun. I love the variety, independence, flexibility and reward
that comes with just being two of us behind it. Usually I start the
morning with my coffee responding to emails. There is lots of back and
forth with our partners, Kate and I, inquiries from
boutiques/customers, etc. Then, I fill online orders to be shipped out
that day. I love a nice lunch break so enjoy meeting a friend or my
husband for lunch…then back to work! It's a pretty great set-up.
Maria: Not as glamours as Kate's! I wish I were the creative genious
living in the islands and on a boat! But in all seriousness, it's so
much fun. I love the variety, independence, flexibility and reward
that comes with just being two of us behind it. Usually I start the
morning with my coffee responding to emails. There is lots of back and
forth with our partners, Kate and I, inquiries from
boutiques/customers, etc. Then, I fill online orders to be shipped out
that day. I love a nice lunch break so enjoy meeting a friend or my
husband for lunch…then back to work! It's a pretty great set-up.
{the seahorse, wrapped}
Kate, you are British -did you attend the Queen's Jubilee?
Kate: Yes in fact! It was an unbelievable atmosphere, quite ridiculous
really. Never knew the British were so soppy! It was bloody freezing
but it made the royal barge look quite ethereal and timeless.
really. Never knew the British were so soppy! It was bloody freezing
but it made the royal barge look quite ethereal and timeless.
{Ed's note: amazing! So jealous!}
What's next for the brand?
Kate: I have so many things I want to do -- from more scarves, to
robes, to pottery and placemats, to prints. The next collection will
still reflect my signature painting style but we'll mix things up a
bit in size and texture - stay tuned!
To purchase these beautiful, unique scarves, please visit http://www.katedesign.com/.
xx
Friday, June 22, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Wowza - Songza! A Ridiculously Cool App You Need Right Now
So a couple of weekends ago I was hanging out at a friend of a friend's barbecue. I didn't know the crowd well so I got to talking to another party-goer who looked as awkward as I did. He was in the music technology industry which is so far from anything I understand so I was completely fascinated.
His app and website is Songza, which he and a partner produced rather recently - he let me in that it was growing exponentially since it's conception. I know nothing about music but he assured me it was different than Pandora and way better. I downloaded it and forgot about it.
Until this week. This app is SO cool! Instead of being like Pandora and using an algorithm to find you songs, these play lists are curated by music experts. Most people I know in the music biz tend to like classic and then really cool stuff, into which Britney and Gaga do not fall.
But this is really different. Songza registers what time it is and asks you what you're doing and what you'd like to listen to. For example, it asked me two questions tonight:
And then you just go! I was completely and totally surprised by the awesome music they chose for me - it was like having a really awesome music friend play DJ. I cannot stress enough how COOL this app is!
Here's a sampling of their other playlists I found while browsing:
You could spend hours looking at the play lists - but you surely don't have to with the way the music is edited. I mean, who can say no to something that's
a) free
and
b) played SKEE-LO in my wake up 90's music??
xx
Friday, June 15, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Dad's Day is June 17th
Daddy's Day is this Sunday, June 17th - what are you getting your dad? It's so hard to buy for men in general, but dads are triple tough. The answer is always the same: "If I wanted it, I would have bought it for myself." So, to get around this (and get around spending silly money on "World's Greatest Dad" mugs) try buying an experience for him and you to share. There are tons of companies out there and the good news is that they have outposts in cities across America. I've picked out a few of my favorites.
How about bull riding in Atlanta?
$440 buys your dad a day at bull riding school.
4 laps for $225 sounds like a deal!
A gourmet Georgetown walking tour could be something for you both to do.
$134 per person sounds like a fun afternoon.
Or a flight lesson in Dallas for only $200 might make him giddy!
Archery for two will set you back only $65
Or Dad can borrow a Harley for a day for only $200!
And finally, GREAT AMERICAN DAYS
Try skydiving in New Jersey for only $229
What are you planning on getting your father?
Monday, June 11, 2012
I'm a Look Lab Fashion Insider!
Exciting news - I'm part of an online fashion community called LOOK LAB where you can pose all your fashion questions to "experts" like me! There is a range of styles and points of view on the site so if you're not into bows and Manolos like me, then you can find perhaps someone edgier out of Milan. The service is free and open to both men and women. Have fun posing your fashion questions!
Check out some of my current responses to guys and gals using the site - for day drinking at The Standard or a Nantucket clam bake or even an amateur sailing trip - Look Lab is a fashion resource you should be using now!
xx
Kate for Less: Dress Like the Duchess
I had a very special request from a friend of mine, Ms. Blake, who thinks "Princess Chic" is now going to be her signature style. Well done, you! as the Brits would say. For the first time, I put together a lovely Polyvore page of Kate-like items - all under $100. I've used Polyvore in the past as a search tool, but never really used it to make mock FOB (front-of-book - like the trend pages in a magazine) pages. Pretty neat! Here are Kate's basic outfit elements:
1. A colorful (usually) dress. This is said to be a directive from the Queen - you want to wear colors so that people far away can spot you.
2. Minimal, classic accessories. We all know that Kate loves those nude LK Bennett pumps and I have to agree, even though many of my friends shutter at the thought of a nude pump. (Boring!) But I think that's the point - she doesn't want to look dated, ever, when looking back on photos. Diana was usually very good about this, so I think she might be following her husband's mother here.
She also hardly wears jewelry - again, I wouldn't want to look back either 2, 5, 10 years from now and be like, what was that weird tribal necklace thing? But she does get crazy with the fascinators and hats because, well, she can. And those will always look outrageous!
3. Shiny hair. I want it. I hate her for having it. I ask for it every time and get limp locks. wa.
Blake, my darling - enjoy!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday Files: Raffia
WEDGES: Nine West, $99
SKIRT: Burberry Prorsum, $1995
BANGLES: Madewell, $8.50
CLUTCH: Rebecca Minkoff, $195
WEDGES: Alaia, $1765
HAT: ModCloth, $33
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
My Baby Blog is Three Today!
Hard to believe it, but I started this blog three years ago on a long bus trip to DC. Thank you to everyone that has been part of Where The Style Things Are's success!
I put together some of my most poignant and favorite posts. Enjoy! xo
We shopped for
dresses and
one pieces after I learned to make flip books.
I lamented the state of the airline industry and gave tips to dress appropriately on flights.
I revealed my secret love of The Bachelor and posted Sh*t Fashion Girls Say so I could easily watch it 70 times a day.
I got to guest post at one of my favorite sites, The Zhush, and had several guest posts from blog friends including this one about men's fashion.
I organized a new office and went to Mexico City.
I featured friends doing great things including Annie Griffin and Lindsay Cowles.
I tried to hit every preppy interiors staple and make Ikea interesting.
I explored every inch of New York and made gift guides for every occasion.
And I got to share it all with you! So thanks for the past three years - and I'll keep at it as long as I have it in me and I have an interested audience!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Two Things To Love Today: His & Hers Shirt and Sticky Buddy
I think these two things are especially rad today:
The perfect-fitting man's shirt made for a woman (not too tailored!)
$98.00
And the infamous Sticky Buddy! The best thing $10 can buy. I LOVE this thing. I just lint rolled the entire couch, washed it, and rolled the pillows.
$10
Friday, June 1, 2012
Lupus Awareness Month Ends - With Me!
Happy Friday and First of June to you all - and happy birthday to a dear friend of mine, Megan Grinstead!
Yesterday marked the end of lupus awareness month, but I got one last appearance in to support the SLE Lupus Foundation on WABC with a longtime favorite of mine, Dr. Jay Adlersburg. He was so great and I had a wonderful time doing this segment! Please watch and remember throughout the year (not just May) to help spread awareness. I'm off my lupus soapbox after this, promise! xx
Friday Files: Stripes
SUNGLASSES: Forever 21, $5.80
DRESS: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, $295
BAG: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $143
CUFF: Lacoste, $115
DRESS: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $484
WATCH: Anne Klein, $55
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