STYLE PROFILE- Ali & Bri of Rack It Up

Name: Alexandra (Fishlinger) Calame {right}, Briana Pashcow {left}

Current Title/Company: Co-Founders, Rack It Up {www.rackituponline.com}

Location: New York & D.C.

Rack It Up was created in 2012 by two great friends, Alexandra Calame {Ali} and Briana Pashcow{Bri}. They created their website for all the busy women out there who couldn’t shop flash sales during the work week. They were tired of their inboxes being filled with sale alerts for items sold out in our size & tired of flash sale pressure purchases. Ali and Bri wanted to create a place where women could go to track the clothes they want for the price they want!

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

Ali: My morning always starts with checking my email in bed…is that bad?  After I run through a quick email review then I’ll get myself ready for the day.  I then open up my computer to post on the RIU blog and start with some early morning social media.  I’ll check our RIU Facebook and Twitter, and then check our RIU “contact us” email to answer any questions from users on the site.  By this time it’s 10 am and Briana and I have already called/texted/emailed and g-chatted about 10 times.  But, that’s what we love about technology it keeps us connected even though we aren’t in the same place all the time! The rest of my day usually varies with meetings or conference calls or other types of events.  

Bri: My day starts with coffee…a large pot of coffee. I am not a morning person at all so until I’ve had those first few sips I am a total zombie. Then, I head to my computer and open my email accounts. Working on a website is, obviously, very tech based so every hour of my day is consumed with emailing, designing graphics, facebooking, tweeting, pinning & instagraming. Ali and I are also constantly brainstorming ways to update and enhance the site, making design & functionality decisions with our development team, jumping on conference calls and when we’re in the same city- NYC- running around to meetings & networking events.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

Ali: I like clean classic looks with a little bit of an edge.  I always prefer pants to a skirt or dress because to me it’s just more comfortable. I am a bit of a shoe and accessories addict.  You can wear the same black skinny jeans and blouse 10 times and make it look different by adding new jewelry and shoes.  

Bri: Feminine & classic. I don’t often dress for comfort so it’s rare to find me in pants or a pair of flats. I love feminine cuts and prints. I can’t get enough of pencil skirts right now & the higher the heels the more I’m in love with them.

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

Ali: I have a classic white Burberry trench coat in my closet that my dad gave me one Christmas.  My dad is sort of my “style icon” since he is always trying to push the envelope with his fashion choices, but he stays true to his classic style. He’s a great shopping partner (and gift giver!).  That year he got my mom and I matching coats, mine in white and my mom’s is black.  

Bri: I hope to one day say my investment pieces like a Celine handbag or my Christian Louboutin pumps {a girl can dream!} But my current favorites are the multifunctional staples. I have a perfectly tailored black blazer that I can wear with pretty much anything. I also love my leather jacket this time of year. It adds the perfect amount of edge to my outfits and I can wear it with a dress or sequin skirt for a night out or wear it with jeans and a white tee to go grab coffee.

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

Ali: Style wise you should never judge anything on a hanger. Until you try it on you have no idea how it will look. Also, dress for you, not for someone else.  Wear what makes you happy and makes you feel like a rock star because ultimately you shouldn’t care what other people think.

Bri: I’m a big fan of curled hair whether it’s soft beachy waves or just a little curl on the ends for that salon blow-dried look. It just polishes off any outfit even on those casual days in your jeans or comfy leggings. Having my hair done in the morning just makes me feel more put together and ready for the day.

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

Ali:  I try to spend most of my down time hanging around with my husband and my dog Jackson.  We both are really close to our families and friends so we like to spend weekends and free nights catching up with them.  I am also a reality TV junkie, so any time I can catch up on the Real Housewives I’ll take it.

Bri: When I have down time I love to spend it with my boyfriend & our pup Chloe. A typical Friday night includes cooking dinner together, movies & wine in our apartment. But I’m also a big girls girl so I love nights out with my girlfriends complete with high heels, red lipstick & extra dirty martinis.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

Ali & Bri: Two heads are better than one. We think it would have been a lot more challenging to start a business individually. So “cheers” to anyone who is doing that!  Since we started Rack It Up we have come to realize that if you truly believe in something and work hard enough you can make it happen. In the world of startups, we’ve come to accept that daily challenges and complications are simply a right of passage. Also, you have to learn how to carve out your own niche & find your voice in the market while staying true to yourselves and your brand.

7. What is your mantra? 

Ali: “Do what you love & love what you do”

Bri: “Behind every successful woman is herself”

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rackituponline

Twitter: @rackit_up

Instagram: @rackit_up

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rackitup

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day. 

Style Feature on Northern Virginia Magazine

Need a cute outfit idea for Thanksgiving travel or an upcoming networking event? Check out my feature over at Northern Virgina Magazine.  I am sharing some of my fashion and style tips, favorite places to shop with clients, and even the perfect outfit to wear when meeting the boyfriend's parents for the first time. 

STYLE PROFILE- Neat Method DC

Name: Catherine Zinn {right} and Raelynn Johnson {left}

Current Title/Company: Owners and Luxury Professional Organizers / Neat Method DC

Location: Washington DC metro area

Welcome to the new Style Profile series where once or twice a month I will profile stylish and creative women in business. Since I started STYLE'N over three years ago I have had the pleasure of meeting so many creative, stylish, and intelligent women along the way and I am excited to introduce some of these fabulous women {and friends} to you as well.  If you're a regular reader of STYLE'N you know that I like to spotlight my favorite items and collections from various jewelry and clothing designers.  I will definitely continue to share more of those posts but this new series is about profiling and learning more about the stylish women behind these successful brands and businesses. And first up in this new series is Catherine Zinn and Raelynn Johnson, the owners and luxury professional organizers with Neat Method DC.  

I hope you enjoy the new series. I may tweak it as I go along so please feel free to provide feedback and your suggestions about the types of questions you would like me to ask in the future. Thanks! 

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

C&R: Our day always begins with coffee.  Whether we are networking with a potential partner, working from home or preparing for a big organizing job, our first order of business entails a warm caffeinated beverage.  The rest of our day is always dictated by  a bulleted list and our calendar.  We are typically juggling networking meetings, social trips to the Container Store (our second home), and helping others live the NEAT life.  event You can find us out and about in every DC neighborhood.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

C: Comfortable, casual and classic

R: Modern Chic, polished and trendy

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

C:  My American in Paris dress that is the perfect combination of classic, edgy and formal. I also adore my Louis Vuitton bag and Zara nude heels.

R: My black suede Cole Haan pumps that yield plenty of toe cleavage.  Also, my black blazer from Club Monaco with gold and leather accents. Lastly, my cream colored blouse from JCrew that can be dressed up or down.

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

C: Wash your makeup off every night, no matter what (I use cleansing oil to remove impurities followed by a foaming cleanser).   Also, invest in pieces that are timeless and can be mix-and-matched for years to come.

R: Every girl should own a great statement necklace. Beach wavy hair is the perfect compliment to any outfit (use texturing spray infused with sea salt).

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

C: My "me" time is always spent with my English Bulldog, Mr. Juice, a glass of wine and a magazine.

R: Catching up on any Bravo reality TV shabookand reading with a side of salted dark chocolate.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

C&R: Be patient, disciplined and learn to think outside of the box.

7. What is your mantra? 

C: Just keep going.

R: A place for everything and everything in its place.

You can follow Catherine and Raelynn on Twitter @NeatMethodDC and learn more about Neat Method and their organizing services at www.neatmethod.com

My Top 7 Favorite Leather Essentials For Fall

I am excited to share my feature today on CocoaFab as part of their "Style Chat" series. Today I am sharing my top 7 leather essentials along with a few styling tips. You can also check out my style tip on how not to wear leather. What is your biggest no-no when it comes to wearing leather?

Shop my favorite fall leather essentials

MUST HAVE BAR ACCESSORIES

A well-equipped bar is key to making great cocktails. From unwinding with a Manhattan after work to sipping mimosas over brunch, these accessories are must-haves for every home bar. 

Must Have Bar Accessories 

1. Bar Spoons {Kaufman Mercantile, Urban Bar}: stir without disruption for beautifully clear cocktails. 

2. Muddler {PUG!}: mash fruits, herbs, and/or spices to release their flavor right into your glass. 

3. Pitcher {Marquis by Waterford}: whip-up a large batch ahead of time so you can relax with your guest(s).

4. Tray {Aerin}: keep your bar organized so you're ready to enjoy a great cocktail any time. 

5. Juicer {Chef'n}: there's nothing better than a splash of fresh-squeezed citrus. 

6. Cocktail Picks {Christofle}: garnish with a couple olives or skewer a few pieces of fruit. 

7. Ice Bucket {Monique Lhuillier Waterford}: keep ice cold and convenient. 

8. Jigger {Urban Bar}: enjoy a well-balanced cocktail, every time.

9. Strainer {Calabrese/Urban Bar}: remove ice, fruit, and pulp for a smooth cocktail. 

10. Shaker {Urban Bar}: mix drinks and chill to perfection. 

Sarah Mehta is Founder & Principal of Savormaker, a Washington, DC-based boutique food + lifestyle consultancy that enhances home dining experiences. Combining her love of good food and flair for luxurious style, Sarah helps clients eat well, entertain effortlessly, and truly savor everyday moments. For details, visit savormaker.com.