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Interview with Hera

Hi everybody! Today’s interview is with a dear friend of mine, Hera – who I have been wanting to feature for some time because she not only has an amazing designer collection of Hermes, Van Cleef, you name it – but also because she is a super duper sale hunter. She’s that girl that tells you she bought her amazing Alaia coat for 75% off while you clutch your heart because you just paid full price for it last season at Barney’s. To top it off – she is beautiful and a sweetheart, with amazing taste. So read on…and have fun getting to know Hera!

Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live? 

Hi! You can call me Hera. I don’t have a regular job and am just working on a few personal projects. I mostly live on the East Coast but I travel a lot, most of the time to Hong Kong and Europe.

You have a lovely accessories collection. Can you share some of your favorite brands?

Sure! I love, love, love Van Cleef & Arples the most. I have other pieces from Cartier, Chopard and Tiffany but honestly, Van Cleef is my all time favorite. No one can work diamonds as well as they do.

   

How did you first start collecting accessories?

My dad was the one who got me into designer stuff. He bought me my first Dior and LV bags and started the whole bag thing. To no one’s surprise, I just started my journey pursuing Birkins last year.

What particular clothing items do you like to buy?

I love to buy dresses. I feel like 90% of my closet is dresses. I love Dior – I love their cutting, it is very form fitting. When in doubt, I go to Dior.I find dresses from Fendi and Zac Posen very chic and feminine too. Otherwise I go back to my sweaters from Loro Piana, paired with plain skirts. Silk/cashmere blend sweaters from Loro Piana are my biggest weakness.

What was the first bag you ever purchased?

I got my first “real” designer piece – a bag from Dior – as a gift. It is the classic Lady Dior bag in pink lambskin. I am surprised to see it around, my bag has to be from at least 14 years ago!

What is your current favorite item? What about your most worn items?

I wear hoodies and tees a lot when I am by myself, and I always have my Hermes Kelly Long Wallet, a pair of Chanel slippers and a few pieces from VCA. I try to trick myself into thinking that I am actually very casual and down to earth…ha!

What is a holy grail item that you are saving up for one day?

I am not saving up for anything right now. But if there is something that I would break an arm and leg for, it would be these Van Cleef butterfly earrings! Aren’t they just divine? 

Can you tell me what the best deal you’ve gotten on a designer item is? 

I got a few Valentino dresses for $120 each, that look drop dead gorgeous. There was a Pucci skirt that I got for $5, it was unreal. I got this beautiful corset from Dior for $100, some Louboutisn for $200 and Rene Caovilla for $250. I can go on and on about it. 

What about the best jewelry deal that you’ve ever scored?

Van Cleef. I was taking a plane to Asia and I was just walking around in the airport before boarding. I first spotted an Alhambra watch… I thought the black satin strap was quite cute. But then my dear husband said I that should go with the Socrate ring instead, if they were around the same price. It so happens that they put the wrong price tag on for the Socrate ring and it came out to be around $2500 or soSo no brainer – I got the Socrate ring.

It was a while ago and I can’t remember everything that was there, but they had everything 40% off, and I saw some Alhambra pieces. I even got some diamond Alhambra earrings. I’m not too into anything other than diamonds, I didn’t really get mother of pearl or turquoise… which I also remember seeing.

That was seriously the craziest jewelry batch that I’ve seen, and it didn’t last long. I went back again and bought a few more pieces when I was travelling again, and there was nothing left. I should have bought literally all the pieces (they had about 20+ pieces), but who knew?

What about something that you really wanted for a long time – and now that you have it, you wish you hadn’t bought it?

I have to say a Chanel suit. These suits are just so gorgeous, especially the ones from cruise collection. I have some seriously thought about the pink ones especially, though I feel like I am a little too young for a Chanel suit. I should stick to their tops/dresses.


Can you share some fashion/style/shopping advice that you’ve had to learn the hard way that you’d like to pass on?

Oh yes – be true to yourself. If something doesn’t feel right/good on your skin, don’t get it. You need to love and enjoy what you are wearing. Women look their best when they are confident, and buying the best fitting and most comfortable clothing. It shows when I wear something that I am not comfortable in – like I keep fixing the shoulder strap, or fixing the skirt, whatever. Don’t get anything that is not comfortable or something that you think is weird on.

What % of your items do you buy full price, vs sale? How do you figure out what to wait until sales to buy?

I would say 95% of everything I buy is on sale. I am more of a plain person and love plain colors, so it doesn’t matter if it is 10 seasons ago or current, it’s still going to be the same darn cashmere/ silk sweater. I still get my sexy Gucci top…just a few months later and for 60% less…I am happy. 

To me, it is all about how the clothes fit on the body, not how trendy/ up-to-date my clothes are. I even got my wedding gown on sale for $1000 at Saks. The question then was, should I wait for further reductions or just stick with 50% off?


What are some of your favorite affordable brands and what do you buy from them?

I love Abercrombie and I buy their tees, hoodies, and sweatpants. They feel good and I feel very down to earth when I wear A&F. I also like Ann Taylor a lot. I get dresses from them. The dresses are simple with some twists and their cuts are actually quite good.

Finally – tell us something surprising about yourself 🙂 

I secretly listen to tons of rap and pop music when I am alone (because my husband only listens classical) and I read the lyrics out loud!Haha isn’t she adorable? I love Hera’s delicate sense of style and her amazing bargain hunting skills. An inspiration to us all – to avoid paying full price when possible. Thank you Hera for sharing your lovely clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry with us.

36 Comments

  • Reply
    Cindy
    October 12, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Ahh that was a great interview. I must say though, I have diamond fever now! And a mad urge to go shopping in search of some amazing finds. I can't believe Louboutins for $200!!

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet
    October 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Wow, Hera has an amazing Van Cleef and Hermes collection!

    I'm pleasantly surprised that she loves Abercrombie & Fitch. Always nice to read when someone who has so many luxury items is still quite down to earth and wears mall brands. 🙂

  • Reply
    Lindsay
    October 12, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Gotta love my fellow bargain hunters! Seriously love her bling. The first ring reminds me of Samantha's vintage flower ring that Smith bought her. 🙂

  • Reply
    Teresa
    October 12, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    so interesting knowing about this girl's passion.. love the pictures! wish to have her not-regular-job and traveling-a-lot life haha

    xx
    teresa
    http://www.trend-ish.com

  • Reply
    Pippa
    October 12, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Lovely interview 🙂
    She is a lucky lucky girl!
    xx

  • Reply
    Ginger
    October 12, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Wow very impressed !! She has a very fine and chic taste !!!
    Lamia
    http://ginger-chocolateandhoney.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    October 12, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    a woman after my own heart! I love that she bought most of her designer things at amazing prices. What an amazing collection. As for her VCA jewelry, I'm just in awe (and so very very envious!!).

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    October 12, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    a woman after my own heart! I love that she bought most of her designer things at amazing prices. What an amazing collection. As for her VCA jewelry, I'm just in awe (and so very very envious!!).

  • Reply
    skippysays
    October 12, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Katherine how do you find these amazing women?? You always have the best interviews with the mot amazingly chic ladies. Plus, she seems like a total sweetheart too 🙂
    http://www.saysskippy.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Style Journey
    October 12, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    What a great interview. She really has great taste in clothes, shoes, jewelry and handbags. With that being said, even the designer stuff that was on sale is way out of my price range. It was pretty to look at though! Heather

  • Reply
    amy b.s.
    October 12, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    talk about amazing accessories!

  • Reply
    makeupandpearls
    October 12, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    awesome interview! her VCA and hermes items are tdf!

  • Reply
    Bella
    October 12, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Where does she find these sales!!! I presume in the States somewhere? That is just amazing
    Bella xo
    http://www.chicinvancity.com/

  • Reply
    Trips & Treasures
    October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Always enjoy reading this ! I always wonder who buys all that expensive designer stuff, your blog is a great way to find out.

    Love her hermès collection, alhtough I'd personally go for more neutral colors

    http://www.tripsandtreasures.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Trips & Treasures
    October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Always enjoy reading this ! I always wonder who buys all that expensive designer stuff, your blog is a great way to find out.

    Love her hermès collection, alhtough I'd personally go for more neutral colors

    http://www.tripsandtreasures.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Jaclyn
    October 12, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    This has to be the most amazing collection of jewelry, shoes, and bags. What an amazing career. I love that pink dior bag too.

  • Reply
    Rubiiee
    October 13, 2011 at 12:46 am

    Thank you so much for the comment! I hope you continue to stop by and read more =]

    I really like the style of your post, and I have to say I am quite impressed with one of your interviews. SO MANY BALENCIAGA BAGS!

    I'm following now :]

  • Reply
    Clara Turbay
    October 13, 2011 at 1:05 am

    I like so much your blog. check out mine and if you like follow me.

    http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Make Mommy Chic
    October 13, 2011 at 2:55 am

    Katherine, my two favorite things on Wednsdays mornings are: 1) having breakfast with all the boys in my family and 2) checking to see the glam person that you've interviewed. Thank you for brightening up my hump day!

  • Reply
    Deidre
    October 13, 2011 at 3:15 am

    WOW you seriously are a good bargain hunter! I am totally not patient enough for that kind of thing. Good for you.

  • Reply
    stylish with a budget
    October 13, 2011 at 3:23 am

    thanks for sharing!!

  • Reply
    Aesthetic Alterations
    October 13, 2011 at 3:28 am

    You're right–Hera has a stunning collection of VC&A jewelry–and each piece looks radiant against her skin and delicate frame.

  • Reply
    urbanjunglefashion
    October 13, 2011 at 4:31 am

    I always love these interviews! They are one of my favorite aspects of your blog! Here final answer was soooooooooo funny!

  • Reply
    Daria
    October 13, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Oh, that's such a lovely interview! Was really interesting to read 🙂

    xxx
    Daria

  • Reply
    Christina
    October 13, 2011 at 8:11 am

    Wow she's got amazing bargain hunting skills! That's great! :]!

    -Christina

  • Reply
    Miss Kwong
    October 13, 2011 at 9:28 am

    refined style!! a blue birkin?? awesome!

    Follow me on:
    Miss Kwong – Art and Fashion

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    October 13, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Wow she has some gorgeous jewelry! I am so with her and building up the designer collection (bought on sale of course). Sigh I so want a price mistake that would save me $7000!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    Erika
    October 13, 2011 at 10:31 am

    very interesting style.

    kiss

    Erika

    http://www.myfreechoice.net

  • Reply
    Annabelle
    October 13, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    That is some seriously gorgeous jewelry! I'm so jealous. Apparently I need to step up my bargain-hunting skills.

  • Reply
    newpetite
    October 13, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Gosh! i want to learn how to score some deals from her!

  • Reply
    silviasiantar
    October 14, 2011 at 2:15 am

    OMG SHE'S AMAZING!!!!! thanks for your comment on my blog. I'm 152 cm tall:(

    anyway I enjoy reading your blog a lot. will sure pop by another time! let's keep in touch okay. following you now.

    silvia
    http://www.poisepolish.com

  • Reply
    Anna
    October 14, 2011 at 4:10 am

    Where do you find all those bargain quality stuff??? I'd like to think she's just super lucky 🙂

  • Reply
    The Blonde @ Stylish3
    October 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    WHERE do you find all these people? Do all these fabulous friends of yours let you raid their closets sometimes?

  • Reply
    Anna G
    October 16, 2011 at 3:34 am

    Where does she live? I wish I woulc find more designer brands on sale. I guess that's a reason for outnet.com and yoox.com Also her wedding dress is so beautiful.

  • Reply
    Kholá
    October 30, 2011 at 3:54 am

    What a lovely blog 🙂 I found you via Purse Forum. Your wedding looks gorgeous and I loved this interview. Keep it up!

  • Reply
    Alshaikha GhadeeR
    November 12, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    wow ur jewelry collection is to die for
    any blogs?

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