Q/A

Q&A with RL

What are your favourite discount labels?
I Heart Ronson* and A.N.A. (both @ JCPenney), Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy, Payless Shoes, DSW.

*JCPenney has a great low cost line by Charlotte Ronson called I Heart Ronson, which has put out some amazing dresses, shorts, pants, tops and rompers.  Her items often have a vintage, glam-rock vibe and are great for a night out on the town.  At other times, the line’s items have this modern day “Little House on the Prairie” feel that make you want to wear them to frolic in a meadow full of wildflowers.  Furthermore, every time I’m wearing a piece from this collection I get multiple compliments and people are in shock when I tell them the piece is from JCPenney.

What is your dream job?
Vintage boutique owner and/or personal stylist.

What is your favourite personal trendsetting story?
I wore a two-piece, belly-bearing dress to my senior prom.  I claim that I was the first to wear a dress of its kind (at least in central Pennsylvania!).  Because I was unable to find the proper dress in stores, I had to design and make the dress with my aunt’s help.  One year later, two-piece prom dresses were all the rage and were being sold in stores across the country.  You’re welcome America!

What are your favourite online shopping websites?
I love Victoria’s Secret for swimwear, bras and panties, super comfy t-shirts and long cardigans from their Tee Shop line, and of course sleepwear and lingerie.  Generally, if you spend $100 or more the shipping is free and they have amazing sales that seem to run year-round.  

I also like JCPenney for business casual work clothes and shoes, as well as casual pieces to mix into my wardrobe.  I like to browse the juniors sections for trendy items, often with a vintage-inspired feel.  A pro of the JCPenney site is that you wan make returns and exchanges at the story.  They also quite frequently offer free shipping.

What are your favourite fashion magazines?
InStyle, Lucky, Vogue, People Style Watch. To spend an entire day pool-side in the sun with a stack of these magazines is my ultimate guilty pleasure!

What are your favourite pieces of jewelry from your collection?
I have a jade Buddha necklace that was a gift from my boyfriend - I wear it almost every day.  Another favourite is a yellow topaz and white gold ring that I designed, which was a graduation gift from my parents.
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Q&A with SM

What is the best fashion advice your mother has ever given you?
My mom has always advised me not to wear beige because it makes my pale skin glow.  Unfortunately, I don’t always listen to that advice.

What is a past personal style disaster?
A mini-skirt and pink Ugg boots.  I harbour such shame for that outfit.  To my credit, I was wearing Uggs before anyone else.  Sadly, that fact isn’t the least bit redeeming.

Who is your celebrity style icon?
Taylor Tomasi Hill, Style and Accessories Director at Marie Claire US.  She’s a celebrity to me.

What are your favourite high end labels?
Chanel, YSL, Céline, Hermès.  If it was socially acceptable to say “I die!” I would a thousand times over…because I do.  Such elegance.

What is your favourite thrift store find?
A pair of vintage Chanel two-tone pumps.  For $20!  Courtesy of City Opera Thrift.  It was like Christmas on a blistering summer day.

What are your favourite online shopping websites?
Gilt Groupe and RueLaLa.  They have amazing sales on some of the best designer goods out there.