Category — Interviews

Swimsuit shopping is an undertaking, to say the least. With swimwear deals flooding our Shop It To Me emails recently, it’s the perfect time to score big, and get late-summer use out of some new pieces.

Luckily one of our fabulous Trendsetters, Susan, Director of Social Media Marketing for InStyleSwimwear.com and contributor to their blog Beauty and the Beach, was excited to answer some of our questions surrounding the must-knows of swimwear! See what this sun-loving gal spilled to us in a recent interview.

Shop It To Me:  Swimsuit shopping can be a bit daunting. What are some tips you can give to fit and flatter your body type?

Susan:  The first step to finding your perfect swimsuit is knowing your body and its overall shape.  For example, if you’re pear-shaped (narrow shoulders, smaller bust, fuller hips and bigger bottom), you want to choose swimsuits that help balance you out.  Choosing an embellished top (think fringe bandeau tops or tops with ruffle detail) paired with a dark solid-colored bottom will help emphasize your top half and minimize your bottom half.  Also don’t get too caught up on the size tag, as all brands and styles run differently.  You may be an extra-small in one brand or style and a medium in another.  Next time you’re shopping for a swimsuit, refer to this simple swimsuit style guide for every body shape.

SITM:  You were just in Miami for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, what does the future hold for swimwear trends?

S:  For 2013, fringe is literally EVERYWHERE, so hopefully you’re not tired of seeing it already!  Also we noticed a ton of bustier-style tops with sweetheart necklines which will be perfect for the beach or paired with your favorite pair of denim cutoffs.  We also spotted a ton of nautical-inspired pieces; although the nautical look is a classic trend in swim and resortwear, we saw some pretty cool updated versions.  In terms of color, pastels were definitely having a major moment, especially soft shades of mint, yellow and peach. See some sneak peek photos from the week below:

SITM:  What are some classic swimwear styles to invest in that won’t go out of style?

S:  Every woman must have at least one LBB, a.k.a little black bikini, in her swimdrobe.  Like the LBD, a LBB is sleek, sexy and 100% timeless; furthermore, they come in a wide variety of styles and silhouettes!  You should also have at least one bikini that features a classic print, such as polka dots, stripes or animal prints.  You never have to worry about them going out of style and they’re perfect for mixing and matching throughout the years!  Finally, even the most diehard bikini-wearers should invest in a cute one-piece—trust me, you’ll thank me later!

SITM:  What’s the most expensive or crazy swimsuit you’ve ever seen?

S:  I’m pretty sure I once saw an itty bitty diamond bikini in an old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.  I think it was worth $30 million or something… and I think Molly Sims was modeling it!

SITM:  What’s your favorite affordable swimwear brand?

S:  One of my favorite brands, Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens, makes a really great younger, more affordable “Silver” line.  The styles still feature that amazing Vitamin A fit but they have a much lower price point.  Furthermore, many of the styles are reversible so you can get multiple bikini looks for the prices of one.  Check out the line here.

SITM:  What are some swim-worthy items you’ve come across recently in your Shop It To Me email?

S:  Here are some great items, clockwise from top-left: Marc by Marc Jacobs bikini, BCBGMAXAZRIA tank dress, Juicy Couture floppy hat, Steve Madden sandals, Tory Burch clutch

SITM:  What are some of your favorite of-the-moment items from InStyleSwimwear.com?

S:  Here are some great products that we have available now:

Ula La Ruffle by PilyQ (great LBB example) | Periwinkle by Vitamin A Silver (great example of classic polka dot print AND it’s by Vitamin A Silver—the brand I mentioned as my favorite affordable brand) |Trancoso by ViX (another great animal print example)

Be sure to follow InStyleSwimwear.com on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

If you haven’t pulled the trigger on our latest feature, which is choosing how you want your Shop It To Me email organized — by retailer, by clothing category, or by brand — fear not! Our Trendsetters (aka shopping experts) and our own staff (also experts in shopping) weigh in on this ultra-personalized featured and how/why they’ve organized their emails this way.

• “I organize my Salemail by store. That way I can see any special promotions the store is running in case I want to buy multiple items from the same spot.” -Natalie of Shop It To Me
  
• “I organize my sale by retailer because it’s the most like the experience of shopping in store.  I have my favorite retailers for certain items so it’s nice to have it broken up this way in my Salemail.”  -Caitlin of Shop It To Me
• “I organize my Salemail by retailer. I definitely have my favorites and love knowing which items I can shop with free shipping and free returns!” -Kelly of Shop It To Me

• “Personally, I chose the Clothing Category preference because you never know what you’ll come across when you think outside of the box! I have found the most amazing shoes and accessories from brands I’ve never heard of before and love sharing my discoveries with my readers!” -Patty of A Work in Progress
• “I organize my salemail by Category because I love hunting for the right dress for that night out on the town, regardless of which store it’s from!” -Alice of Shop It To Me
• “I currently have my Salemail organized by retailer. However, when I have an event or am searching for something specific I love being able to change it to Clothing Category to easily see what I’m already shopping for!” -Laura of 24-7 Style

• “I group my salemail by brand. I’m super specific and definitely have my faves (Joie, Adriano Goldschmied, Equipment, J Brand) so its great to be able to quickly scan through.” -Krista of City Chic
• “I think it’s best to organize Salemails by brand and/or by clothing category. Wallets, beware!” -Hallie of Corals + Cognacs
• “I’ve always had it organized by retailer… but I might try organizing by brand and see how that compares.” -Lisa of Pennlive.com

Choose your organization method here, now.

Contrary to popular belief, celeb stylists aren’t competitive with each other.  In fact, we’re all pretty good friends and support one another in this chaotic job we have.

Recently I learned my friend and blogger extraordinaire ElShane was behind Carly Rae Jepsen’s fresh and stylish tour looks.

ElShane and I met years ago while she was a fabulous NYC publicist for DVF and I was a baby editor at Elle.  She’s now living in LA and tapping stars like Carly with her fashion magic wand. So I asked her to share the inside scoop on how to get Carly’s look.

Annie Ladino: How did you meet Carly Rae Jepsen?

ElShane: Pure electronic fate! Her manager had been following my blog and thought we’d be a perfect fit. With my eye for candy-colored, edgy-inspired looks, and Carly’s innately fun and fresh vibe, we joined forces to create epic greatness!

Annie: She’s been compared to Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin and I can see a little of that in her wardrobe.  Do you have any influences when putting together her tour looks?

El: The best part of working with Carly is that she looks amazing in everything! We love mixing bright pop hues with hints of her whimsical, bohemian nature; it allows her to dive into her most creative, powerful self on stage.

Annie: What are your favorite designers for Carly?

El: Carly is the queen of street style; she can rock highs and lows effortlessly, creating looks her fans to aspire to wear. Brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and TopShop are the perfect mix of feminine and rocker chic. We’ve also been experimenting with incredibly on-trend Australian brands like Finders Keepers and Zimmermann.

Annie: Most people don’t see the behind-the-scenes part of styling and are only exposed to the end product.  I’m curious to know if there have been any wardrobe malfunctions or last-minute switches?

El: The job is never over until the final note is sung! With the introduction of chains, lace, and paillettes into performance looks, it’s pretty much a sure bet that something will go wrong right before stage time. Thankfully double-stick tape, safety pins, and miniature sewing kits are my three best friends.

Annie: From your blog we can all see how bold and fashion forward you are with your personal style.  Personally, I admire how adventurous you are. Is there anything you shy away from on the red carpet with Carly or any of your clients?

El: Absolutely! For myself, I love experimenting with volume. Since I’m not in the spotlight, I can control what angles I’m shot from. A voluminous dress on the red carpet can be an instant fashion disaster if shot from the wrong angle. I do everything I can to keep pieces that are not 360-degree-angle friendly off of my clients!

Annie: Anything Carly’s exposed you to?

El: She taught me everything about personal character.  Nice girls always finish first. She’s the real deal…

Annie: Anything in your prop kit you can’t live without?

El: My sewing kit. For a gal who majored in Journalism and History, I’ve pricked myself more times than not. But I can make a mean last minute hemline…

Annie: We know you’re a Shop It To Me girl, what’s been in your Salemail that you’d snap up for Carly Rae?

El: Check out my picks for Carly Rae below:

Clockwise from top-left: Rosamosario corset | Red Valentino skirt | Citizens of Humanity moto jacket | Dion Lee dress | rag & bone hat

In Yahoo’s video series “Secrets To Your Success”, Kathryn Eisman talks with trailblazing women and imparts their working wisdom to women like you.

In this week’s episode, Kathryn jets to Hawaii to interview Cindy Sakai and Sarah Kalicki Nakamura, certified Dream coaches, who help companies create more profitable, efficient and enjoyable workplaces. Kathryn gets the scoop on the qualities all good bosses have and on creating a company culture that encourages trust and inspires people to use their gifts in innovative ways.

To keep it chic in the Honolulu heat, Kathryn opted for a sleeveless neon dress from Nanette Lepore (now sold out) and nude platform heels from Sergio Rossi.

To succeed with this look, we serve up these similar styles:

Dresses from left: French Connection ($124.60), DKNY ($227.50),  Shoshanna ($308)

Shoes from left: Jessica Simpson ($58.90), Pour La Victoire ($190), Cole Haan ($199)

Watch Kathryn in this fab look at Yahoo Shine.

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Shop It To Me team — Caitlin! As our marketing intern (and childhood friend of Ilana, our office manager), she’s rapidly filling her days with exciting marketing projects, learning the ropes around our super-cool HQ and keeping up with our collectively odd sense of humor (or perhaps she’s just being polite). Get to know her more…

What are some items you keep on your desk at work that keep you sane during the day?

My planner.  It helps me keep track of all the different things I have going on. Whether it be work or social commitments, it gives me one place to organize it all and not worry about forgetting anything.

If you could have one time-saving super power, what would it be and why?

Insta-cleaning.  I love when things are neat and organized but I find that when I’m busy I rarely have the time to clean as thoroughly as I would like.  If I could snap my fingers and have things instantly organized my life would be amazing!

What’s your favorite recent purchase?

My green Lacoste Melbourne sunglasses.  When I bought my Ray Ban Aviators I was a die hard fan, but these shades have become my new staple.  I like that they’re more original than the classic aviators and go with almost anything.

Do you have any tricks when it comes to making your commute less painful?

Good music.  I try to update my iTunes pretty frequently so that I always have new music to get me excited for the day.

To assemble the perfect uniform, Kathryn turned to Shop It To Me, her personal assistant for shopping (read: all of the pieces she’s wearing were on sale in her sizes from her favorite designers!).

For a look that’s as appropriate at the office as it is the ballpark, Kathryn says, “Combine earthy tones with pops of soft pastel colors.” She also recommends sporting pieces with subtle retro details like a scalloped trouser cuff, fringe neck tie and two-tone chunky heels.

(All styles shown below found via Shop It To Me.)

On Kathryn – Tie-neck Blouse: Tory Burch Lane Blouse ($158)

Similar Styles:  Tucker ($183), Diane Von Furstenberg ($199.50), Alice+Olivia ($158)

On Kathryn – Colored Pants: Rachel Roy Tropical Mandarin Cropped Pants $208.60)

Similar Styles:  Tory Burch ($118), Diane Von Furstenberg ($199.50), Diane Von Furstenberg ($149)

On Kathryn – Shoes: Nine West Women’s Platform Pump shoes in natural/yellow leather, $71.90

Similar Styles: Juicy Couture ($95.99), Tory Burch ($243.75), Vera Wang ($177), LOFT ($39.88)

To knock your wardrobe out of the park, sign up now for Shop It To Me!

We’re a hard-working and passionate crew here at Shop It To Me, saving you time and money finding your favorite designer goods. Take a peek behind the scenes to meet our fast-paced, energetic and quick-witted office staff, starting with Ilana, our baker extraordinaire Office Manager. While she isn’t filling our tummies with decadent home baked goods, she’s taking care of logistics, planning events and amusing us with random facts and funny photos. Get to know her more…

What’s your favorite time-saving site or app?
Is it cheating to say Shop It To Me? I don’t really use many apps, I’m all about handwritten to-do lists!

What are some items you keep on your desk at work that keep you sane during the day?
Votre Vu hand lotion, an All Blacks (New Zealand Rugby Team) mug, and my beautiful old-fashion composition notebook. I used to bring snacks but I would always finish them all by 9:00 am so I had to stop bringing those in.

If you could have one time-saving super power, what would it be and why?
Definitely teleportation… I would never have to sit in traffic again!

What’s your favorite recent purchase and some favorite brands?
I just bought a Vince cashmere ombre sweater on sale at a consignment store, and a really cute beaded clutch from Forever21 that looks like it cost a lot more than $25! My favorite brands are Rebecca Taylor, Vince and Sperry Top-Sider

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Do you take any shortcuts or time-saving tricks in your routine?
It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get ready. I always grab a Balance Bar for breakfast (S’mores flavor is the best!) so that doesn’t take any time, and when I first wake up I turn on pump-up music so I have no choice but to get moving.

Do you have any tricks when it comes to making your commute less painful?
I always read CNN and ESPN on my phone while I’m on the bus which is fun and feels semi-productive.

Do you have any “weird” habits or talents you’re willing to share?
I’m an air-drummer in an air band called the Tuhtle Boiz! It might be a stretch to say I’m talented at this so maybe it’s more of a hobby…

Tax season can be, well, a taxing time of year — especially for accountants. We recently caught up with a few busy CPAs to get their time-saving tricks, style faves and professional tips. They definitely know how to get more from their 24!

What are useful ways you save time during tax season when you don’t have a minute to spare?

Tiffany:  I put my phone in another room so I don’t hear the constant “ding” of new emails or Facebook posts and feel compelled to look. In between files I will take a moment to check emails and do replies. At this time of year, I don’t leave the house this unless it’s to meet a client. So, any personal errands I need to handle are scheduled on the way to or from.

Ken:  I come in very early…between 6 and 7 AM to avoid most of the morning rush-hour, and I’m on the clock / billable sooner. I also leave late. I will avoid all the rush-hour traffic headed home. When I’m going to be in my office, I’ll bring breakfast and lunch.

Chrissy:   I plan out my outfits the night before so I’m organized and efficient in the morning. I also use NextBus to track the train and bus I take to work, so I can plan when to leave. I like to listen to the TV news while I’m getting ready. If I miss the weather report, I’ll check it on an app before I leave the house.

What sacrifices do you make when you’re so short on time?

Daina: I have definitely been skipping the gym and eating out more.  During busy season we usually order food for dinner every night and eat at our desks (which makes the consequences of skipping the gym much worse). Also, there is less time to just relax and enjoy the day.

What are the workhorses of your working wardrobes? Any favorite styles or outfits of the moment?

Chrissy: I love everything from Theory and J Crew. We’re business casual and I love to wear skirts with patterns and colors, paired with simple cardigans and statement jewlery. I just bought a Tory Burch Marion Ribbon Tweed jacket in blue which I am dying over. I wear it with a dark blue skirt and white shirt or jeans and a blue and white stripped shirt. I love the floral trend right now and all of the colors we are seeing. I think that dressing clothes you love makes you feel better about yourself and more motivated to work.

Simona: I love to mix vintage and contemporary pieces but have always been drawn to classic looks for work/meetings, i.e. sheath dresses, pencil skirts and cashmere sweaters, and of course great pumps in all styles, (all I ask is that the heel is a minimum of 3 1/2″ but prefer 4-5″ including a platform) and fabulous bags. I favor vintage (having been collecting since the age of 10ish influenced by my Grandmother, Raizy Pearl.  You can read about her within “About Raizy Pearl” on my website, raizypearlvintage.com.

Any other advice you can lend to readers?

Daina: This was my first year working (and surviving) busy season and I found that there were little things that helped me through this busy time. I tried to work out as much as possible, even if it was just doing 8 minute abs in my living room.  In addition I found it important to have some social time each week, even if that meant sacrificing a little bit of sleep.

Simona: During tax season I make an effort to eat clean (only complex carbs mostly comprised of fruits/veggies, and a lot of lean protein) and get to the gym as much as possible.

Other related posts:

Tax-Day Giveaway: Nominate a stylish accountant to win a designer bag!

Survey Results: What’s most “taxing” in your daily routine?

Survey Results: How you plan to spend your tax refund.