Manolo Blahnik » Feather Factor

Interview with Tiffany M

Nov 072012

Today’s interview is with the very charming and down to earth Tiffany. I really wanted to interview Tiffany because she is someone that I identify with in more than a few ways. Tiffany is a lover of beautiful items who is still experimenting and trying out new items and styles for herself – something I can definitely relate to. As you will soon see, Tiffany has many beautiful accessories – but they have come from hard work and some trial and error. She has some great advice about how to select and identify items that will stand the test of time in your closet, and shares some of her experiences along the way as well. Enjoy meeting Tiffany!

Tiffany’s Manolo Blahnik “Swan” heels

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

I’m a newlywed enjoying married life in Northern California. I just graduated graduate school, got married to the same man twice (local and destination weddings), and now I am doing an internship until I land something full time. Continue reading »

Interview with Audrey

Aug 152012

Today’s interview is with one of the coolest women out there – Audrey. Without giving too much away (you’ll read about it soon enough), I will say that Audrey is incredible. She’s had a career in the music business, lived all over, studied classic ballet and has Manolo Blahnik naming a shoe after her. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I am thrilled to have Audrey on for this week’s interview and I know you will all enjoy meeting her!

Hermes bracelets

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

Who am I? I’m Audrey. Really a study in contrasts. You may see me in a worn out t-shirt and cut-offs or a Chanel gown. I’ve lived the Palm Beach life and the girl next door, and survived both. I prefer a toned down life style but can bounce from one to the other in the blink of an eye.

I always go with the flow and life has taken me on some wonderful rides. I’ve lived up and down the east coast and back again. From Philly to Atlanta to NY to Florida, my feet still haven’t hit the ground.

I consider myself an old hippie and worked in the music business “back in the day”. I’m a beauty school drop out and have been in retail, outside sales, marketing, and politics, everything from A to Z and back again. I play classical piano, studied with the Ballet Russe and taught aerobic classes, gone to top designer runway shows and purchased Hanes three pack men’s undershirts to go with those designer duds. You will just as likely find me shopping at Hermes or Chanel as throwing on my rollerblades or attending a loud rock and roll show.

I’ve worn lots of hats, am a jack of all trades and a master of none if you will.

And I’m not done yet.

Red Hermes bags of every shape and size

You’ve had such a wide array of experiences. Can you share a little bit about your time in the music business…and how you ended up in the beauty trade? Any highlights?

I started out working retail in the music business simply because I loved music and going to concerts so much. People would come into the store and know one lyric from a song without knowing the artist and I would be the one who would know the song and the artist – trivia that was useless info to most people. I ended up taking a job with a sheet music rack jobber and had accounts that spanned almost the entire east coast.

Hermes SO Black Birkin in Alligator

What about the beauty business? What did you do there and what was the most surprising thing that you learned from it?

There is no rhyme or reason for how I ended up in the beauty industry except that I liked to have jobs doing things I loved being involved in and music and beauty related products seemed like fun things to be involved with on a daily basis. And to have someone pay me to play with these things all day, what else could be better!

And just for reference, my first make-up was a light pink lipstick by Mary Quant. And my first concert was The Doors at Madison Square Garden, Section A, Row 19, Seat 13. Second concert was Jimi Hendrix at the Fillmore East, the famous 1969 New Years Eve show.

I was in the beauty industry back in the 80’s when everything seemed to be larger than life; big permed hair, big shoulder pads, gobs of make-up. Today it’s more about straight flat hair and less is more in the make-up department. And it costs infinitely more today to look like less was done!

Roger Vivier Tartan clutch

You’ve been married a few times! What’s some advice you’d give about the secrets to a successful and sustainable marriage?

Communication, communication, communication. Everything else falls into place when it’s there. It’s not easy – really a learned skill that we’re not inherently born with. It takes practice and you need to get into your own groove to learn how to do it correctly. Blaming, attitudes, sarcasm, that tone of voice: all of those things get us into trouble and we end up reacting to the tone rather than the actual issue. We need to learn how to communicate cleanly and from the “I” perspective and not a “you” angle. ”You” statements will get us into trouble every time. We need to own our points of view and reactions without dumping.

Long necklaces stored on heavy duty belt rings

Now, you’re in politics. Can you describe how you got involved in this space? What have been some great and not so great surprises about it?

Not something I ever thought I’d get into and really not something I was ever interested in. I live in a small village and was just interested in keeping the place beautiful. It’s small enough here that you can reach out and touch the environment and the residents. I just started attending meetings and saw it was a level where I could make a difference. And when I decided to run for office, I was told that newcomers had a hard time getting elected. I’m not a quitter and was not deterred by that info and now sit here in my 11th year and still love it! Must be doing something right, they keep voting me in!

Chanel classic flap bags

Now onto fashion! You’ve been buying from major designers since the 80′s – what pieces do you have from back then that still work today?

I still have some Armani and Chanel blazers from the 80’s. They’re classic and have not gone out of style. I’ve had to change some of the shoulder pads but that’s it. I also kept some of the wild platform shoes from the early 70’s, you know those crazy styles like Elton John used to wear. They no longer fit me but are great conversation pieces!

Rainbow of Manolo Blahniks

Audrey at Manolo Blahnik

What are some of your favorite brands – and favorite pieces in your wardrobe?

My style is pretty much unchanged through the decades, only the brands change here and there. Jeans and white sneakers are my staple running around gear but will usually be teamed with an Hermes bag. A big pair of sunglasses and red lipstick and I’m out the door.

My favorite brands are still Armani and Chanel but some of the newer fresher designers are favorites as well. The Row, Roland Mouret, Roger Vivier, Goyard, all have gotten my attention lately. Barneys Co-op and Bergdorf’s 5th floor always have the best new blood and great styles and I shop there more than anywhere. I’ve been buying Manolo Blahniks since the 80’s and pretty much have morphed my Chanel handbag collection into an Hermes addiction.

Hermes Croc Kellys

Can you share some of your favorite bags and shoes?

The Hermes Birkin is probably my favorite bag although I do use the Kelly on more of a regular basis, it’s just more user friendly and practical for running around day use. I have shoes in every color and heel height but always seem to go back to basic black or nude. They go with everything and make getting dressed in a hurry a snap.

Striped Roger Vivier shoes

How there been any fashion items/trends that you were really in love with at the time – but now you look back at them in regret?

Probably the giant shoulder pads era, those pictures are downright scary! Dallas and Dynasty made them look appealing, at least at the time. And big curly perms, I can still remember the smell of the chemical. And when your hair started to grow out and you had the straight roots with all the curls on top of those giant shoulder pads? They are two looks I hope never get revived!

Some beautiful Blahniks

A little spy shot of Audrey with Mr. Blahnik

You know Manolo Blahnik which I think is so cool (he seems like such a charming guy!) Can you share some more about him?

Manolo is very sweet and very caring. He’s definitely a very colorful personality and he works too hard. He has a special place in my heart, not because of what he does but because of who he is. He promised me they’re going to name a shoe after me and I’m told it will be out this fall.

Oh, and he really likes milk shakes.

What is a piece of advice on budgeting for fashion that you’ve learned the hard way over the years?

I’ve learned to back away from impulse purchases, which is pretty much what all shopping is. I try to walk away from and leave the store without the item. If I’m still thinking about it an hour later then I go back and get it. 90% of the time, I’ve forgotten about it and am off to something else.

Hermes silks and cashmere

What are some of your other passions and hobbies?

I’ve been big into athletics all my life. Started out with 15 years of classical ballet training, studied with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. I’ve been a gym rat ever since, weight resistance is so important not only for muscle strength but it also keeps our bones strong and healthy. Eating very well is also important, something I’ve been conscious of forever so it’s not hard for me to maintain. Cheating is OK from time to time because most of the time I’m filling up on whole grains and leafy greens. I’m also big into roller blading and organic gardening.

Roger Vivier Metro bag

The inside of another Metro bag – signed for Audrey by Ines Fressange!

Finally, please share something surprising about yourself!

I have a passion for fast cars. Each new one I get seems to be faster than the last one. That car only comes out when the weather is nice and I’m in the right mood. Otherwise it’s a generic SUV that blends in with the rest of the crowd. I’m really quite shy and do not like to go out of my way to attract attention.

Audrey is one of the coolest people ever isn’t she? She’s totally that casual chic woman you see running around wearing white trainers and a Hermes shoulder bag during the day. Who is then able to effortlessly evolve into the elegant creature you see later at night at the ballet, with her Manolos and Vivier clutch…driving away at the end of it in her very fast car no less! Thank you Audrey for sharing some of your life and experiences with us (as well as your very fabulous closet), and thank you all for reading!

Mr. Blahnik

Mar 062012

I have to give thanks to you all for the kind comments yesterday – so appreciated and they were all so lovely to read, so thank you, thank you, thank you again.

I’ve been a little obsessed lately over reading interviews with Manolo Blahnik. He’s really such a cool guy and I love that he lives in Bath, which is one of the most charming places ever and one of my top geographical candidates if I could choose anywhere in the world to whittle away an afternoon.

image: WWD

I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahniks in 2006, but for all the wrong reasons. I wanted a pair of Manolos because I saw them on Sex and the City, and they were associated with an exciting lifestyle. I chose the pair that I thought would be the most classic – the Carolyn model for those of you who are familiar – and not the one that I loved the most. I bought black because it was the most practical over other colors I loved, and worst of all I ended up with the wrong size because I let the salesperson convince me that the last size in stock fit me, even though it didn’t. I ended up barely wearing the pair and eventually giving them to a friend.

In the years since that first pair, I’ve come to realize that sort of purchasing mentality is actually very anti-Manolo – who as you will read below, stands for the fashion that is beautiful, that suits the individual, that is never trendy or too nouveau, and that has longevity. He gives a very charming interview too, with plenty of zingers. Here are some of my favorite quotes below, as well as their source interviews – I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

image: Martha Stewart

via the Wall Street Journal

“I find the idea of the super rich quite disgusting. I recently turned down a lot of money to create a mass-market type product. I don’t want to make that sort of money if I am polluting my brand.”

“Everywhere people are hijacking names. The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress was copied within about 10 minutes. All of this copying and people begin to ask the question “What is real?” and an even bigger question then becomes ‘What is good design?’”

“Nowadays I’m in favor of something very discreet. I’m tired of the whole toe-cleavage thing. One should not even see the beginning of the toes these days; all one should note is a tiny pressure where the shoe ends and the skin begins, or the hint of a crease.”

“You have either got style or you haven’t. Maybe you can acquire a bit of polish, but really style is about the way you move, the way you wear your clothes. It shouldn’t matter where the dress is from—if you are stylish, you can wear everything from trashy to wonderful. Romy Schneider epitomizes style for me.”

image: Come What May

via Harpers Bazaar

“If I had my way, sex would be long gone from my life, although I can’t banish it from my shoes. Men tell me that I’ve saved their marriages. It costs them a fortune in shoes, but it’s cheaper than a divorce. So I’m still useful, you see.”

“Ooh, no. I can’t change too many hundreds. I would feel too guilty. The other day I saw in a magazine that they’d put the wrong price on my shoes. It was unmentionable. I was mortified. No, since the crash, I make less complicated shoes — not so many jewels and embroidery. But really, women still need beauty, don’t they? You hardly have couture now, so shoes are what women do instead. Maybe that’s why they buy so many, because compared with a £20,000 dress, they’re not so bad.”

image: The Cut

via Harvard Business Review

“I’ve never been a great strategist thinking about what sells or doesn’t sell. I do fashion, yes, but I think it’s obscene to change drastically from one season to the next. Of course, I’m aware of the climate now. And maybe the shoes are expensive for some people. But they are made by hand with really beautiful materials, so you cannot produce them for $150—no, impossible. But they last; you’re not going to buy them now and throw them away in a few months.”

“I don’t like large companies, where they have these endless meetings to do one little detail. I can’t deal with these things; I’m too old for it now. We’re a family-owned company—my sister, my niece, a few people more. I design all the shoes myself, and I wouldn’t have it otherwise. I don’t want to be influenced.”

Isn’t Manolo just awesome? So much that he said really spoke to me and it’s funny how a lot of it is applicable to much more than just beautiful shoes. What do you think of his philosophies? Anything that spoke to you, anything you really disagreed with?

Interview with KD – My Very Stylish Friend

Mar 052011

K*D is one of those super stylish people with REALLY GREAT taste. As in, everything she picks out is lovely, beautiful, tasteful and elegant. She has one of the best closets I know of and is a true appreciator of beautiful things. I always feel bad because it feels like I’m stalking her sometimes – “Hey, where’d you get that dress? Where’d you get that bag? What kind of shoes are those?” The working title for this post was “Really Stylish People With Lots of Beautiful Things.” Pretty direct, huh?

First of all, what do you do for a living, and where do you live?

I’m a web producer and I live in Oakland, CA.

What is the first “luxury” item you bought and do you still have it and use it?

My very first luxury item was the Louis Vuitton mini Speedy bag. I still have it, but I outgrew it long ago. It can fit a wallet, small phone, and one set of keys, but nothing more.

What are your top 5, all time fantasy wardrobe items you own?

The single greatest item of clothing I have ever owned would have to be my gray Alaia coat. It has a full pleated skirt made of the thickest, heaviest wool and it drapes perfectly. I remember the first time I saw it at Saks and fell in love. I said goodbye to it that day because of the hefty price tag, but I searched online to find a photo and I saw this on Jak & Jil:

The more I stared, the more I was convinced that I had to have it. I ended up buying it at Saks, but I returned it because I still couldn’t justify the cost. After doing more research, I learned that it’s possible to find Alaia cheaper in Europe than here in the States, and after many long-distance phone calls I finally found it at Dover Street Market in London for 30% less.

My second choice would be a Jen Kao leather & fur skirt from her fall 2010 collection. It’s hand beaded and it weighs a ton! It’s a whole lot of fun though. I wore it to my high school reunion and danced the night away. Photo courtesy of Jen Kao:

When I was on my honeymoon in Paris, I was able to make a quick trip to the Alaia boutique. He has a small store that sells past-season collections up to 70% off. I found a cream-colored skirt that has lace between each panel of wool forming a full, pleated skirt. It has a very vintage, timeless feel to it and reminds me of the good times my husband and I had.

Number four would be my Vena Cava silk jersey dress with art deco print. It’s not the most extravagant item in my closet, but it drapes beautifully and it’s the perfect, effortless answer to a warm day.

Last but not least would be a Diane von Furstenberg laser-cut skirt. It’s very whimsical and so much fun!

What are your top 3, favorite jewelry items you own?

My favorite would be my engagement ring for obvious reasons. My second favorite is my Cathy Waterman feather pendant that I had custom made with fossilized coral. The coral has a pretty pattern that looks like little flowers, but it’s a very subtle effect and it makes you look twice. Last but not least would be a large jade cocktail ring. It’s oval and set in yellow gold with a halo of diamonds. Very old school, and it has a lot of sentimental value because it was passed down from my mother’s own godmother.

I know you are a shoe fiend – your favorite pairs of shoes, and your most practical ones?

Do the two have to be mutually exclusive? If there was a fire and I could only save one pair of shoes, it would probably be the Valentino studded kitten heel pumps from fall 2010. It’s my newest pair and therefore at the top of my mind. After I save that, I would regret letting a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs green linen sandals with multi-colored beads perish, because I love those things to death. Then I would mourn the passing of my ancient Prada fish sandals. I visited them regularly when they first came out in stores, and when they went on sale I was overjoyed to find a pair in my size. I have such fondness for shoes I purchased as many as 6 years ago, like a beige pair of Manolo Blahniks with a vine pattern, but except for the Valentinos, my newer shoes don’t really have the same place in my heart. Maybe I just need to wear them more and make some memories.

What are the 5 items you wear the most?

Hmm, good question. By default it would be my jeans, which include Joe’s, Citizens, and Sevens, followed closely by a gray Karen Walker aviator jacket, my Searle funnel-neck coat, a black tank top from Benetton that’s the perfect layering piece for sheer tops, and my Shipley & Halmos high-waisted pencil skirt.

Your favorite cheap finds?

I have an orange H&M top with pleated details that gets a surprisingly large number of compliments. What’s more surprising is that I haven’t seen it on everyone and their mother. I must conclude that orange just isn’t a very popular color.

Speaking of cheap orange finds, there’s also an Inhabit cashmere sweater with orange and gray stripes from a sample sale in 2007. Sounds like a hideous color combo, I know, but the shade of orange isn’t garish and it’s just so soft and comfortable! It’s also machine washable. What more can a girl want?

What in your opinion are the “crucial” investments to make? What are the ones you’ve made, and what do you think you overpaid for (items, brands, etc)?

I don’t really have a list of must-haves. When I shop, I focus more on whether the print, style, or color of an item draws me in right away. Something has to make me stop in my tracks, do a double take, say “Wow!” if I’m going to bring it home. This strategy has worked really well for the most part, and some of my all-time favorite clothes still feel timeless and fresh year after year.

I paid dearly once when I went shopping specifically for a trendy item that I wasn’t in love with. It was 2004, and every celebrity and model was wearing a Chanel jacket. I drank the Kool-Aid and decided it would be a perfect, timeless addition to my closet, a real investment. I picked one out in a grayish-white with pink trim, and completely ignored the fact that I had no strong gut feeling about it. I was just happy to check it off my list. Six years and two wears later, I still have no idea what to do with it.

What are your go to brands?

I swoon over Alaia, Lanvin, Jen Kao, Burberry Prorsum, and Boudicca. My go-to store for special occasions is Elizabeth Charles.

For mall stores, I prefer H&M, Zara, and Anthropologie.

If you could only have one of each, what would be your pick for:

a. LBD?

This is a really tough question. I have five little black dresses and they’re all very different, but I’ll take the classic DvF silk jersey halter to be on the safe side.

b. Outerwear?

Ok, this one is easy. My Alaia coat, no doubt.

What do you wait for to get on sale?

Shoes!

I know you’ve been focusing a little bit more on your home décor lately. Any photos you want to share or unique finds?

I have a pottery addiction. It started out with Whitney Smith’s cute little dogwood flower bowls, plates, and belljars, and now I’m in the midst of placing an order with Molly Hatch for some of her bowls and tea cups.

She has a lovely website here: http://www.mollyhatch.com/

What % of your take home income do you save a month ?

Probably less than I should, but I suppose you can’t really save too much for retirement.

Anything else we should know about you?

My obsession with clothing and shoes is only rivaled by my love of cured meats.