shopbop shoptalk

Studio Style: Tova

We’ve all heard the stories of models hurling cell phones, partying to excess, or making diva remarks like, “We don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.” But this month’s Studio Style paints a much more down-to-earth picture. Meet Shopbop model Tova:

 

Suzanne: At Shopbop we talk a lot about model-off-duty style, this cool mix of unexpected pieces that looks effortless yet stunning. How would you describe your style?

Tova: I guess you could say my style’s main theme is boho comfort, mostly earth-toned basics that are interchangeable. I love matching something oversized with something tight. There's something sexy about a man’s shirt or manly boots on a woman. I always add style to my basic looks with jewelry and accessories, like the scarf in my photo (which is my favorite, and was bought in an airport).

S: How does your boho style fit with your lifestyle?

T: I have a daughter, so when I am not working she and I are playing, cooking, going to little cafés, going for hikes, and laughing—lots of laughter. So my outfits have to be comfortable and flexible, ready for whatever pops up in our ever-changing schedule.

S: You have that Erin Wasson sexy-tomboy vibe going on. Who are your modeling idols and why?

T: I love Kate Moss's style—she always looks so effortless! And I admire Mary-Kate Olsen’s bold, unique choices.

S: As a model, you have to be ready for anything. What has been the craziest or most memorable shoot you have done?

T: I've been modeling on and off since I was 14, so there are plenty of stories and memorable moments. But I always get the most enjoyment out of shoots that are creative, when everyone involved is allowed to do what they do best, to work toward a communicated vision. It’s always fun when you have a good team to shoot guerilla style—driving to some random, out of the way, possibly unsafe location, and shooting for the sake of art. Those shoots are exciting.

S: I heard that you just bought a house in L.A. Tell me about it and what you love about life in SoCal.

T: I live in L.A. in an area called Silver Lake. It is a beautiful, artistic, older area with lots of artists, musicians, and young families. It’s very vibrant, colorful, and peaceful. My daughter and I just moved into a beautiful little house with guava trees, avocado trees, and orange trees in the yard. I feel so blessed and thankful for my life, and living here is no exception. The weather is wonderful, the sun is warming, the sky is blue, and as I write this the wind is making beautiful music with our wind chime.

--Suzanne

The Chic Side of Maternity Wear

At Shoptalk, we’ve tried to cover maternity wear for the stylish gal (here, here, and here), but we have a confession: none of us are or ever have been pregnant. Shopbop’s Warehouse Manager Sarah has come to the rescue. Not only is she uber-stylish, she’s also eight months pregnant. Here she shares her secrets to keeping that rock star look with an expanding middle.

Sarah in two variations on her favorite pregancy look.

I am a tee and jeans gal to the core, and I realized when I became pregnant that I am specifically a TIGHT jeans gal because it did not take long before my wardrobe was totally useless. I still wanted to look rock-star cool while pregnant (i.e. not adopting the all-day, every day pajama look), and I needed to get the structure of my denim elsewhere because it was almost immediately replaced by comfortable stretchy bottoms.

Lucky for me, many of the season’s looks are cross-functional as maternity wear (like the Velvet Giani Dress) and pair up well with my new staple, leggings. And, the hard edges of the right accessories save me from looking like I’m permanently in loungewear. My flat Golden Goose boots and my new Frye engineer boots are still comfy all day and have the edginess that I crave. Throw on a big ring (mine’s House of Harlow), a signature necklace (a fringed one by Fallon), and my S.W.O.R.D leather jacket (unzipped, of course), and I can still roll with the fasionistas at eight months pregnant.

Of course, when I get home I’m turning to the softest sweats ever and asking my husband, Ben, to bring me a grape popsicle.

--Sarah

P.S. I did buy some hot mama Current/Elliott jeans during my pregnancy, which I can’t wait to wear when I can finally carry my little bundle outside of my waistline!

Fashion, Friends & Food! Shopbop at the Who What Wear Book Signing

Back row, from left: Michelle Finocchi from Cynthia Rowley; Cynthia Rowley; Elena from Shopbop; Michelle Goldstein from Shopbop. Front row, from left: Hillary Kerr from Who What Wear; Morgan Wendelborn from Shopbop; Katherine Power from Who What Wear.

When we heard Katherine and Hillary of Who What Wear were going to be at the Cynthia Rowley store in Chicago signing copies of their Who What Wear book, we just had to drop in and hang out! They had SUCH an amazing turnout at the store, it was packed.

After a long day for them (and a long drive in the rain for Shopbop marketing guru Michelle and me), we wanted nothing more than a nice dark booth in the back of a restaurant. I was so excited to be able to sit down with Hillary and Katherine for longer than the length of a fashion show, and Graham Elliot was the perfect place for a little wine, a little shoptalk, and a lot of fun. We had the perfect group: Hillary and Katherine, Cynthia Rowley, Elena, and some close friends. Cynthia looked stunning as usual, Elena’s charm lit up the room, and Katherine and Hillary are so fun—I can’t wait to see them all again! We swapped stories about New York Fashion Week, our favorite shows, and even planned some collaborations, so stay tuned!

Much love to WWWD and Cynthia Rowley!

--Morgan

Studio Style: Nina

The Shopbop studio stylists seem to wave a chic little wand and voila!—a limp tee and a rumpled pair of jeans transforms into something high voltage. What’s the secret behind their stellar personal style? That’s what we’re here to find out. Meet Accessories Stylist Nina:

 

Suzanne: Your picture makes me want to go out and buy an infinity scarf! Are scarves your signature accessory? What are some cool, unexpected ways you’ve styled a scarf?

Nina: I have always been crazy about scarves. I actually have an entire drawer dedicated to them. I collect them everywhere I go, so yes, they are definitely my signature. I especially love dots and stripes; they pull my outfits together all the time. I often use scarves in my hair—knots on top, long scarf down my back. I also use vintage pins to keep a scarf hanging perfectly around my neck.

S: If you had to pick a designer that most closely aligns with your personal aesthetic, which would it be and why?

N: Boots are also a big part of my style: Frye, Golden Goose, and Jeffrey Campbell tie for my favorites. These brands tend to have some tougher-looking styles, but they are classic and durable enough to wear year after year.
 
S: Distressed combat boots are a huge fall trend, but their toughness can be tricky to pull off. Any advice for ensuring they look fashion-forward and still a little feminine?

N: The key is to not let the boots wear you. That basically means you have to let the boots be a part of you. If you don’t want all the attention at your feet, accessorize! Statement jewelry is always a great way to bring feminine right back. When wearing tough footwear, pull one other bold item from your closet to balance it out—a great top or pair of leggings, a cocktail ring, etc.

S: I’m obsessed with the accessories pics in our Fall Obsessions! Tell me about the story and any other juicy tidbits from the shoot.

N: The story for Fall Obsessions was sort of an homage to the end-of-summer road trip, a weekend trip with friends to a small town where you won’t find a five-star hotel, but you will find a great old kitschy motel. I was a big fan of the old neon motel sign shot with the Stuart Weitzman leopard pumps and the Lanvin sunglasses by the pool. I wish I had some dirt to share, but with twenty shots in an afternoon you yearn to jump in the pool, but alas you cannot.
 
S: It seems most women have one special accessory that’s their prized possession. Do you have one beloved piece?

N: I have had many over the years, but I swear after I call something my favorite, I lose it. Terrible, right? I am a sucker for large silver rings old and new. My favorites right now are one I found in the bottom of a box at a flea market fifteen years ago and my newest find: the Elizabeth and James Pollen Ring.

Nina Wears:
* Scarf: Brochu Walker
* Tee: Velvet
* Jeans: Calvin Klein
* Ring: Elizabeth and James
* Cuff: JADEtribe
* Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

--Suzanne

Studio Style: Cris

For the past few months, we’ve been giving you a peek inside the creative minds of our studio stylists. But the chic chicks who dress our models aren’t the only style cognoscente working behind the scenes. Meet Shopbop photographer Cris Comello:

Suzanne: I love a man in a dashing hat! Is it vintage?

Cris: Yes, this vintage bowler is my prized possession, simply because it’s one of the only hats I can wear that makes me look good. It's a strange phenomenon, but I simply can't wear hats. A life-long struggle, ugh.
 
S: You’re one of these dudes who seems to just ooze cool. How would you describe your personal style?

C: Stylistically, I keep it really simple. I love cool denim (G-star, Diesel, Nom de Guerre, Kicking Mule Workshop) with V-neck T-shirts during the day and black button-downs at night.

S: Interesting eyewear is also your signature…

C: Having been around photo studios for close to 25 years, my eyes have become a little sensitive to flash, so I rock some Ray-Bans to ease the strain.

S: What is life like as a fashion photographer?

C: The thing I particularly love about Shopbop is the creative energy and ability to produce such a high volume of great work. Even though we aren’t working with the kind of budget Vogue does, we have found ways over the years to continually produce high-quality work. On a personal note, some of the friendships I have made here are lifelong. It's special to collaborate with our stylists, models, and design team. I think we are all extremely proud of the end product.

S: Let’s talk dream shoot: anywhere, anything, with anyone. What would it be?

C: Dream shoot? Prolly recreating a Raver party-inspired shoot with all types of circus animals and fire-breathers. Really sweaty, tight shots and lots of energy. Extremely edgy and silly all at the same time—that's my flow!

--Suzanne

studio style: morgan

The shopbop studio stylists seem to wave a chic little wand and voila!—a limp tee and a rumpled pair of jeans transforms into something high voltage. What’s the secret behind their stellar personal style? That’s what we’re here to find out. Meet Senior Stylist Morgan:

 

Suzanne: Rockin’ the updated ’70s! Very nice. How did this look come together?

Morgan: Well, I got these old Levi’s from my close friend Paige (one of the shopbop founders!). They are so comfy and a little geeky, which I love. I would say my style is kind of dorky/tomboy/sexy with a little bit of grownup thrown in, so I always wear these with high-heel booties, or in this case, big red patent platform wedges.

The blouse is also vintage. Sheer blouses are so cool because they cover you up (depending on how sheer—we all know when we need an under layer) but are still sexy and sophisticated. We’ve got some great ones on the site now. I’m OBSESSED with this Dolce Vita top—the sleeves are so blousy but fitted at the wrist, so you don’t look like you’re wearing a costume.

S: I’m obsessed with your signature ring pendants! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without them. Tell me about them.

M: Hahaha, they totally are! I NEVER take them off! I started with just my dad’s wedding ring on a chain (it doesn’t fit him anymore). It’s the most chic man’s ring I have ever seen. My mom gave me a vintage ring, and I’ve also got one of my boyfriend’s old rings. I also wear a pendant from my twin sis that says GMS on one side and GNS on the other. It’s what we text each other every day for Good Morning Sister and Good Night Sister. We laugh about it all the time. And again, my girl Paige gave me this Alkemie horse head necklace because she knows how much horses mean to me. Gotta keep friends and fam close to your heart!

S: If you could have drinks with any designer, who would it be and why?

M: She’s not a designer, but Emmanuelle Alt from French Vogue is my style idol. She pulls off such a badass look (leather jackets, studs, tons of black, over the knee boots, leopard print) without ever looking over-styled. I love the aesthetic in her work, too. She is so good at juxtaposing different pieces to make new looks. Cowboy boots and swimsuits, military jackets and fringe—it really inspires me to try unexpected pairings in my own look while still staying true to classic pieces.

If I had to pick a designer, it would be my sis (Pencey designer Kate Wendelborn). When we get together we always talk about what we’d want to wear that doesn’t exist. She sketches it out beautifully; I do a lot of awkward hand motions.

S: What would you wear?

M: I’d wear black leather pants, sky-high heels, my Miu Miu studded clutch, and a sheer black blouse!

Morgan wears:
* Blouse: Vintage
* Jeans: Levi’s
* Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples
* Shoes: Tara Subkoff
* Rings: Flutter and Bing Bang
* Bag: Foley + Corinna

--Suzanne

studio style: bobbie

The shopbop studio stylists seem to wave a chic little wand and voila!—a limp tee and a rumpled pair of jeans transforms into something high voltage. What’s the secret behind their stellar personal style? That’s what we’re here to find out. Meet Bobbie:

 

Suzanne: You’re wearing our hottest new shorts trend—bike shorts!  Can you give us any tips for how to keep them looking fashion-forward and not like we just crossed the finish line at the Tour de France?

Bobbie: Bike shorts are so easy for summer. For casual looks, style them with slouchy cotton tanks, embellished sandals, headscarves, sunglasses, and lots of jewels. For a dressier look, try pairing them with the unexpected, like a silk top and heels. It gives you an effortless, not-trying-too-hard look.

S: Tell me about your bracelet.

B: I love earthy jewelry. I scoop up wooden bangles whenever I can, and I picked this one up at a market in Ireland. One of my favorite pieces right now is a necklace I made from Alkemie rings. I loved the rings, so I added them to a chain I can wear every day.

S: How would you describe your personal style and how has it evolved since working at shopbop?

B: I've always had an interest in fashion. I started sewing and reworking my own clothes when I was in middle school. I love the unexpected—like ratty cutoff bike shorts with a button-down shirt—and I love thrifting and working my finds in with designer pieces. Styling on a daily basis has shown me what works and has also surprised me at times. There are so many options. My advice is to wear what you feel comfortable in; don’t pay too much attention to the dos and don’ts.

S: What sorts of things inspire you when building looks?

B: My BFF comes over before we go out and we try on everything in my closet—some bizarre combinations!  Sometimes we get terrible results, but often we put things together in ways that inspire me for the next day at work.

S: Favorite new shopbop brand and how you’ll wear it?

B: David Lerner and Patterson J. Kincaid! I love pairing the oversized Patterson J. Kincaid tops with the David Lerner leggings. It’s totally my go-to outfit.

Bobbie wears:
* Denim Vest by Pencey
* Clean Drape Tank by James Perse
* Wake Bike Shorts by Leyendecker
* Wooden bangle from Ireland

--Suzanne

customer service chic

Shopbop’s Customer Service reps are the voice of shopbop. They field questions from shoppers every day about everything from style advice to fit tips, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re a pretty stylish bunch. Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Meet Kayleigh:

Tonya: First things first: what are you wearing?

Kayleigh: I’m wearing Seven jeans, a KAIN Label tee, Tory Burch flats, and a Gorjana necklace.

T: How would you describe your personal style, and how has it changed since you started working at shopbop?

K: I’d probably describe my style as casual chic. In addition to working as a CS rep here at shopbop, I’m also a full-time student! Because my days are so busy, I need a collection of great basics and staples, but to keep things current I’ll work in a few on-trend pieces. Since I’ve started working here, I’ve become more open to adding different styles and brands to my wardrobe.

T: What is the best tip you give to shopbop shoppers when they call in for advice on building an outfit?

K: We love helping customers choose outfits, but it’s always helpful to know style and brand preferences. This way we can help build a custom look that still reflects your style.

T: I love how your outfit is office-appropriate but still unique. Do you have any advice for staying fashionable at work while avoiding the dreaded button-down-and-trousers?

K: Don’t let drab staples limit you! I like to sneak in unexpected bright colors, scarves, or a great piece of jewelry to keep things interesting.

--Tonya

Studio Style: Natalie

The shopbop studio stylists seem to wave a chic little wand and voila!—a limp tee and a rumpled pair of jeans transforms into something high voltage. What’s the secret behind their stellar personal style? That’s what we’re here to find out. Meet Natalie:

 

Suzanne: When I first saw your pic, I instantly thought “how Elizabeth and James!” And it turns out you’re wearing the Summer Cohen Shirt. What do you like about their style?

Natalie: Elizabeth and James pull off the boyfriend button-downs the best. Their flannels fit a girl just like you want them to, a loose laid-back look that hits in all the right places.

S: Any tips on how to best wear the borrowed-from-a-boy look?

N: Whenever I decide to add a boyish element to an outfit I always like to add a girly piece to counter it. Adding a unique scarf gives a boyfriend blazer a touch of femininity.

S: How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved since you started working for shopbop?

N: I would describe my personal style as put-together and girly. I like my look to be wearable, but to always have something that makes it stand out. I’m a fan of giving simple pieces like jackets or slip dresses variety by adding a vintage silk scarf or a perfect piece of jewelry.

Since working at shopbop, I’ve become more creative with how I style, envisioning pieces together that I would never have considered wearing together in the past—like pairing a badass shoe with the girliest dress.

S: If you could have lunch with any designer, who would it be and why?

N: It is difficult to choose just one, but I would have to say Cynthia Vincent. I have always loved Vincent’s collections and believe they embody elegance. Her pieces are very sensible but always have a delicate composition that gives them just the right touch of distinction. Her looks make me feel very feminine, stylish, and comfortable all at the same time. I’d love to ask her how she does it.

--Suzanne

customer service chic

Shopbop’s Customer Service reps are the voice of shopbop. They field questions from shoppers every day about everything from style advice to fit tips, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re a pretty stylish bunch. Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Meet LaToya:

T: First things first: what are you wearing?

L: I’m wearing Camilla Skovgaard’s Metallic Ankle Buckle High Heel Sandals, J Brand jeans, a blouse by Madison Marcus, and my grandmother's vintage bracelet and pearls.

T: I love the mix of vintage and modern. Is that how you would describe your personal style? How has your style changed since you started working at shopbop?

L: I would describe my personal style as sassy with a 1950s flair! My look has definitely evolved quite a bit since I’ve been at shopbop. In the past I would have described myself as a brand snob but not anymore! I’m constantly trying different designers for customers, and that’s opened me up to a whole new world of styles, fabrics, and fits.

T: What is the best tip you give to shopbop shoppers when they call in for advice on building an outfit?

L: I think the best tip is always to dress for your body type and enhance your best feature–that way you’ll always look good. It’s also important not to be closed-minded when it comes to trying new styles, because you could be missing out on that PERFECT pair of jeans that hug your butt just right. Who knows, those jeans could help you get that man of your dreams.

T: You’re at your desk every day, on the phone. Do you have advice on how to stay cubicle chic?

L: Work is a great time to break in those new shoes, since you won’t be on your feet all day!

--Tonya