STYLE PROFILE Michelle Smith -Co-Founder And Designer of MILLY

"The MILLY collection epitomizes bold, advanced contemporary fashion with a feminine edge. Designer Michelle Smith transforms classic silhouettes by merging American sportswear influences with distinctive Parisian atelier techniques. Smith's eye for impeccable detail, use of luxurious, cutting-edge fabrics and precise tailoring have made MILLY a cult favorite across the globe."

I am a HUGE fan of Milly {outfits here, here, and here, and here } and honored to be able to share this interview and style profile of Michelle Smith, co-founder and deigner of Milly.

Milly is also a sponsor of the “Know Your Value” nationwide tour, and tickets to the event in Washington, D.C. are available for purchase on msnbc.com/knowyourvalue.

Quote from Mika Brezinksi-  co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, founder of “Know Your Value” and author of “Grow Your Value.” 

“Michelle really knows how to tap into a woman’s personality and her needs.  She designs beautiful pieces that are fun, whimsical, serious—if necessary, but ultimately realistic. Her clothes are not hard to wear, and she genuinely loves making women happy through their style.” – Mika Brzezinski

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

I get up early, wake up my kids and get them ready for school and head out for an early workout, while my husband Andy (the CEO of MILLY) makes them breakfast. Once we drop them off at school we might stop by the MILLY boutique to see how things are going which is down the street from our apartment. Then we’ll head to our office, which is in the heart of the Garment District in NYC.

 

I am are currently deciding on colors and fabrics for my Spring ’16 collection- which is one of my favorite parts of the design process. I deliver a new collection every month, and I make sure that I have time to sketch for a few hours every day to ensure the designs get completed on time.

 

Depending on the day, my fit model might come by to try on all of the pieces from the most recent collection. I try everything on, too, to make sure every detail is perfect. I’ll also work with our buyers to  finalize which pieces we'll buy for the MILLY ecommerce website, the MILLY boutique in New York City on Madison Avenue and the MILLY Boutique in East Hampton on Main Street.

 

After that, I might meet with the marketing team to discuss an upcoming event or collaboration idea, or I might meet with our web merchandiser to select images from a recent photo shoot.

 

 2. How would you describe your personal style?

Bold, Feminine, Sexy, Uncomplicated and Modern.

I design the MILLY collection to be like my dream closet, so everything I design is what I love wearing. While I love to wear black, I am always drawn to luscious colors and intricate prints. I’m a big fan of a high heel and some leg—you’ll rarely see me in pants, unless it’s jeans when I’m with my kids on the weekends.

 

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

I love a statement coat no matter the season, it dresses up everything. 

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

I keep it simple: a swipe of Chanel mascara and eyeliner, some lip gloss and go. And there’s nothing a good blowout can’t cure.

 

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

I love SoulCycle spinning classes! I have one instructor who really gets me pumped up and I love the music. I’ve made friends in my classes which is a great motivator!

At the end of the day, my husband Andy and I usually leave work together. We like to head home to catch up with our family and hear about everyone’s day over dinner. I love to read bedtime stories to them before they head to sleep.

 

6. What fashion trends are you excited about this Spring and Summer?

My spring 2015 collection is a study in contradiction- it will feature dramatic, sculptural shapes created from intricate, almost weightless fabrics.  There will be a very modern, kinetic energy flowing through the collection. It’s hard for me to keep secrets leading up to the show so I post #millyspoileralerts on Instagram. (Follow me @millybymichelle…)

 

7. What is the most important thing you have learned by running your own business?

You are your own best advocate and that you need to constantly evolve. MILLY has expanded from ready to wear and handbags to MILLY Cabana swimwear and MILLY Minis childrenswear. I now have my own stores in New York, Japan and throughout the Middle East as well as my own ecommerce site, MILLY.com

8. What is your personal mantra? 

Passion is the most important thing. If you do what you love, you have a much better chance of being successful.

 

9. Do you have a favorite power look? If so, please describe it.

Every woman needs a well-cut jacket.  Jackets give the shoulder a nice, strong line, and look more powerful.  I always keep a jacket at my desk which pulls my look together, almost like psychological armor.

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 PROFILE-Judy Kurtz

Judy Kurtz-The Hill's "In the Know" columnist and Fox 5/WTTG-TV ContributorWashington, D.C.

Today's style profile features Judy Kurtz. Judy writes The Hill newspaper's "In the Know" gossip column, covering the District's nightlife and social scene, celebrities, and politics. The Washington, D.C., native is also a contributor on Fox 5/WTTG-TV, where she dishes the latest Capitol Hill buzz multiple times a week. Kurtz is a former television reporter and entertainment writer. 

Judy was one of the first people I met when we moved to DC a few years ago. Judy and I met at Let's Talk Live and Judy was wearing a stunning red dress which I immediately complimented her on. From there we started talking about fashion and we have been friends ever since. 

Follow Judy Kurtz on Twitter 

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

There’s no such thing as a “typical day” in the gossip world!

At any given moment, I’ll be filing stories for the web and for my print column, heading to the Capitol to interview lawmakers, covering a red carpet or social event around Washington, talking entertainment and politics on television and radio, or some combo of all of the above.

Snapping a photo before going on-air at Fox 5.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say my style is feminine and classic with a bit of girlish spunk. I like to look polished and professional, but I also have no shame in sporting some glittery pink nails and heart-shaped earrings when I’m out and about, hitting the town to cover galas and other soirees for my job.

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

Dresses are my go-to outfit because they do a lot of the job of coordinating for me!

I’m not a big “labels” person, but I adore a Kate Spade bracelet my husband recently got me as a gift. It has colorful hot air balloons on it, which is the theme of my one-year-old’s nursery, so it makes me smile every time I look at it and think of both of them. 

Reporting from the 2012 Republican National Convention

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

I always carry an extra pair of comfy wedge heels in my purse just in case I need to dash off somewhere at a moment’s notice or I need to chase a senator down the Capitol’s marble halls in order to snag an interview. Sometimes my life seems like one giant shoe change — constantly switching from the more wearable shoes to the pumps and stilettos — but my feet thank me for it at the end of the day!

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

My “me” time these days mostly involves a whole lot of running after my rambunctious toddler. I also try to get to Zumba as much as I can, as well as spend time with my family. And there might be some clothes shopping and dressing my poodle, Coco Pebbles Chanel, in ridiculous outfits going on every once in awhile…maybe.   

6. What is your mantra? 

“Begin each day with a grateful heart.”

 Kurtz and her husband attend the Meridian Ball in Washington. Photo credit- Daniel Swartz/Revamp.com

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 PROFILE- Sheila and Laura of she + lo

Today's STYLE PROFILE features the super talented founders and designers Sheila Nazarian and Laura Darrah of she + lo. 

Offering everyday handbags with an edge, she + lo launched its Fall 2014 collection in August in such retail and online stores as Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Shopbop.com, RevolveClothing.com, as well as select boutiques across the U.S.

Follow she + lo on Twitter and Facebook. 

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

L: There rarely is such thing as a “typical day”… Being co-creative directors of She + Lo, we are involved in all creative aspects of the business on a daily basis, including designing our new collections, producing our campaigns, directing our photo shoots, social media, attending PR events, or traveling to present at Market Week.  

S: Every day brings something totally new. Laura and I are always in contact so no matter where we are, we are able to discuss what is going on within the company.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

L: My daily style mixes an element of casual and dressy… I live in denim and tees, mixed with a pump or heel.  

S: I am definitely all about comfort mixed with staple pieces. I always have to have jewelry on- it's a must.

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

L: My grandma’s watch… she was a wonderful woman, I don’t go a day without wearing it. Rag & Bone denim (because they are a perfect fit), James Perse tees (b/c they are so cozy), and my new Vans high tops (a gift from my husband).  

S: My nude Patrizia Pepe leather jacket and my Vinces.

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

L: I have and always will be addicted to Davines dry shampoo spray. I have fine hair, so it does miracles… plus it smells SO good!

S: My secret to getting my favorite nail color is by applying 2 coats of Essie Ballet Slippers & 1 coat of Essie Waltz. The color is perfect.

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

L: On Pinterest researching home décor/renovation ideas!

S: Catching up on my favorite TV shows!

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

L: To deal with the high & lows with grace. One day can make you feel great about your brand, and the next can make you feel like you are dodging a bullet… it’s both the exciting and terrifying parts of running a company!  

S: Completely agree with Laura! It's all about balance- Lo and I are really great at tackling projects together- it makes running a business much easier when you have someone you work with that you can completely trust. 

7. What is your mantra? 

L: We have only one shot at life, so live it to the fullest, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail!

S: The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

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.  

Shop she + lo handbags

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STYLE PROFILE-Blythe Harris of Stella & Dot

Happy Monday!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the Stella & Dot Design Studio in Soho. It was so much fun checking out all the jewelry and I got to see what goes on behind the scenes as well as a sneak peek into the spring/summer collection.  Below is an interview wtih Blythe Harris, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Creater of Stella & Dot. I hope you enjoy the interview and photos from my visit. You can also shop some of my favorites Stella & Dot below. 

Name: Blythe Harris

Current Title/Company: Chief Creative Officer and Co-Creator of Stella & Dot

Location: New York and Sausalito

Stella & Dot is a boutique-style jewelry and accessories company reinventing the home-based, flexible entrepreneurship opportunity for the modern woman through its social-shopping business platform. Stella & Dot offers its on-trend, celebrity and editorial-coveted product line exclusively through a growing network of trained independent consultants (Stylists) across North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and France. With a mission to give every woman the means to style her own life,  our innovative social shopping concept brings together the best of ecommerce, social media, personal service and passionate earning to create the ultimate home-based business.

 

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

 Like most working moms my day starts by getting ready quickly and then getting my kids ready and off to school. I then head to our Sausalito design studio. Stella & Dot has design studios in both Sausalito and New York so a lot of my day is split between working with both teams. I oversee the entire creative vision for Stella & Dot and now our newest brands KEEP Collective and EVER, so I my week is carefully organized into cross-functional meetings, creative reviews, and design only days. So this week, I will meet with the Art department to review selects and look book layout since we just wrapped our Spring ’15 shoot in New York, then I’ll review specs with our NY jewelry team since an important Fall ’15 deadline is approaching, and then go back and meet with our merchandising team to review line plans for both KEEP and Stella & Dot’s upcoming seasons. Lunch is usually a quick soup or salad at my desk, and then more cross-functional meetings to ensure all our upcoming design stories are aligned with marketing. I always try to leave the office early enough to have dinner with my children, then it’s bed time for them, and I’ll catch up on a few more emails before watching my guilty pleasure TV shows.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

Casual, boho chic - I don’t have a ton of time to get ready in the morning so I usually wear a version of the same thing almost every day to the office- jeans usually Marc Jacobs distressed denim, Rag & Bone tee, my Isabel Marant booties, a leather jacket. I’m really into prints at the moment and have been wearing a lot of Thakoon and Suno as well.  And I always add either a statement necklace or 2-3 delicate necklaces layered.

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

My Marc Jacobs or IRO leather motorcycle jacket because it’s a great way to finish the look of any outfit, Isabel Marant booties because they are so comfortable and go with everything, my Stella & Dot engraved necklace with my kids’ initials, and my grandmother Dot’s vintage jewelry. My grandmother has been an inspiration personally and creatively throughout my career as a designer.

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

I’ve been our new skin care regimen, EVER, which comes out in 2015. I may be a bit biased, but I don’t need concealer anymore and my skin just looks brighter. I’m also a big fan of dry shampoo and MAC eye brightening pencil. It’s a life saver! Beyond that, I always try to get plenty of sleep, exercise, and drink lots of water but I’m not sure I follow my advice all that well!

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

Going for a run or hike in my neighborhood or doing art projects with my kids. 

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

 Never accept mediocrity and don’t be afraid to take risks.

7. What is your mantra?

Be bold and always find time to daydream.

Follow Stella & Dot on Twitter and Instagram. 

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. 

Shop my favorite Stella & Dot items below 

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STYLE PROFILE - Jewelry Designer Sophie Blake

Today's STYLE PROFILE features jewelry designer Sophie Blake of Sophie Blake NY. I was first introduced to Sophie and her beautiful jewelry line when I styled Uyen Tang for this recent magazine ediotrial and featured the Zoe cuff. I love Sophie's jewelry because it is so contemporary and edgy. The pieces are inspired by architecture, geometry, and art and all the pieces are handcrafted in New York City using cutting edge jewelry making techniques and the highest quality of materials. 

Name: Sophie Blake

Current Title/Company: Founder/Creative Director Sophie Blake NY

Location: Originally founded in New York and now in Fairfax, Virginia

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

I don’t think I have a typical day (smiling) but I usually start with my cup of coffee since it really wakes me up and gets me going. I usually scan Fashion News, check emails and then I start to prepare to do’s for the day.

Whether it’s finalizing an order, getting on the phone with suppliers, or working on new designs, every day comes with a new challenge and you work through it one step at a time.  I also book appointments, prepare for trunk-shows and work on restocking or re-merchandizing styles.

I think the common misconception people have about designers is that they design all day. The truth is it would only work if you’re designing for someone else. Independent designers wear many hats.  We are the creative, the marketing, the sales, operations all encompassing.  

2. How would you describe your personal style?

My style is clean, sophisticated contemporary. I like solid colors, bit of color blocking. I love to mix textures, leathers with knits, suede with cotton.  Comfort is also important I have to feel comfortable in my clothes. I shop for pieces that are versatile and work with multiple outfits, taking a style from day to night. My go to brands are Vince, Theory, Rag and Bone, IRO, Cop Copine and BCBG. My favorite boutiques to shop in DC and Virginia are Anthom and Redeem.

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

My Rag and Bone black skinny jeans, I can wear them with almost everything. My Vince open back booties (my most recent purchase) and my Midnight blue leather jacket, I purchased it from a small boutique in Rome and I love the softness of the leather along with the nostalgia of traveling through Italy with my husband.

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

 Yes, for beauty I am an absolute fan of Trish McEvoy skincare collection. The product is amazing for your skin and makes your face glow. I’ve been using her products now for 2 years and I haven’t found anything as effective as her serums. Since I can’t live without my eyeliner my go to eyeliner is the Givenchy pencil liner. It’s great for a dramatic dark outline.

My style secret is shoes and accessories. You can have the most basic wardrobe but your shoes can transform the outfit, same thing with accessories, especially jewelry. For jewelry however I suggest not to over-stack and over-layer, instead pick one bold piece like a cuff and a pair of small earrings to complete the outfit. If you wear a necklace don’t wear earrings to match but add a finishing touch with a cocktail ring.

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

I love to travel and whenever I get the chance I try to explore a new place. I also love to spa and explore new restaurants, if it’s going with my girlfriends to get pampered or having an amazing brunch downtown. Getting wrapped up in work is quite easy, so making sure to take that alone time or time with your loved ones to re-energize brings balance to the chaos.

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

When you’re starting a business you’re bound to make mistakes along the way and it’s important to forgive yourself for making them and to learn from them to improve for next time. Focusing on the positives and the small wins ultimately bring you closer to success. As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and it’s important to know that building a business takes time. If it seems that others are doing it faster than you, the chances are they’ve been training for it for years.

7. What is your mantra? 

Stay true to yourself and focus on making a change on step at a time. Be honest with yourself, know your limitations and know your strengths and weaknesses, it will help you when building a business and a long lasting brand.   

Follow Sophie Blake on Twitter and Instagram

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.