15 Things You (Maybe) Didn’t Know About Me
Some chic, some chaotic… all true.
NOTES FROM THE CLOSET
15 THINGS ABOUT ME
I’m obsessed with accessories. I’ll think long and hard before I buy an expensive dress, but give me a good necklace that I know will transform ten (not so expensive outfits) and I am in.
My style icon would be a combination of Iris Apfel, Franca Sozzani, and Cate Blanchett.
If I could make a TikTok with anyone, it would be with Isacc Mizrahi. In the 1990’s he was the king of colorblock and today his social posts just make me laugh.
If I was stranded on a deserted island, the three things that I would bring with me are La Roche Posay sunscreen, a Dior parasol, and a large pair of Linda Farrow cat-eye sunglasses.
The classic movie actress style that I most identify with is Katherine Hepburn. Not for her style so much as for her individuality and independence.
The fashion designer that I wish was still designing today is a tie between Romeo Gigli and John Galliano at Dior. Both had a romantic, medieval feel to their work.
The best career advice I ever received was to throw your education, your hobbies, and a void in the community into a blender and that’s your sweet spot. That’s your convergence of joy and success.
I made my first dollar working in retail at a children’s snowsuit store
The three qualities that got me where I am today are hard work, focusing on my talents, and being open-minded to pivoting.
A book that left a lasting impression on me was 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marques.
The first album I bought was Pink Floyd The Wall (it was an eight track!).
If I could live abroad, it would be London, England.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, it would be cross country skiing.
In my fridge you will always find kimchi and feta cheese.
On my tombstone it will say “Elle est bien dans sa peau”. It translates to “She sits well in her skin.”
HANGER APPEAL
SPRING DRESSING IS AN OLYMPIC SPORT
Ok, I’m a gemini so I understand the multiple personalities of spring, one day it’s tulips and toes-out, the next it’s practically arctic chic. It makes getting dressed bring out all my trust issues. The solution is layers.
A leather jacket under a puffy vest? Yes please. Super chic.
Scarves are never optional in my opinion but definitely not in spring. Toss one over a blazer and suddenly you’re warm, polished, and a little bit European (even if you’re just going to Trader Joe’s).
Spring dresses…?. Pair them with knee-high socks and boots. You can show a little bit of leg but still stay warm.
The coat is still the outfit (don’t argue with me). A fabulous lightweight coat or trench pulls everything together.
Build a “peelable” look. Every piece should work alone and together, so when the sun comes out, you can strip layers without worrying what is underneath.
WHAT’S FEEDING ME
INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE
I’m currently inspired by the trans community and the elders of that community, specifically this wonderful creator. Thinking about their bravery and what they went through in decades past where being trans was even less safe than it is today. My kids are such a gift to me and they open my eyes to so many things. Ivy continues to open my eyes to the depth and nuance of humanity. This inspires me to accept my own nuances and complexity….the journey of life.
I’m currently watching Love Story about John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bissette, which I came kicking and screaming to. I really don’t like “chick flicks / romances” (shocker) but I needed something to watch because Michael just came back from Asia and with the time change, he’s falling asleep at 8 PM and he has no interest (anyone else there can’t start a series without their spouse?). On rotation for eating is boring but delicious: sourdough toast, cottage cheese, tomato slices and lox, every couple days I swap out the lox for an avocado (I think the routine is keeping me sane). I wish I was reading The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, the sequel to A Handmade’s Tale but sadly instead I’m drowning in design spreadsheets (also now this will be a series so maybe I won’t read it? Who am I kidding, I won’t). On my playlist is a lot of 90’s alternative (think Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Smashing Pumpkins) which definitely has me jumping around the house (100% counts as cardio).
CURRENT CRUSHES
WHAT’S IN MY CART
The ups and downs of spring weather are wreaking havoc on my skin. My hands look like something pulled out of a crypt and in addition to the toe fungus saga (you all know!), it’s the season of dry, scaly feet.Both of these sad roads lead to one thing…moisturizer! I’m obsessed with this Kiehl’s Ultimate Hand Salve. I also love Aesop, and what about these Aquaphor gloves…kind of crazy but effective.
Moving on to the feet. I start with the Conair roller for callouses then slather on the Gehwol Med Salve (stinks like crazy but works miracles!) and then I put on these little half socks with silicon heels. I know sleeping in socks is for serial killers but you got to do what you got to do.
And if all else fails…just wear these cutest socks ever!
DEAR CARLA
From fashion SOS moments to everyday dilemmas, ask me anything right here.
XO
CARLA
Love your list and agree with most of the items.
I get so many compliments on the faux leather dress that you made for your own collection. From strangers! I have it in brown. I always give them the designer's name. I wear it for important meetings. You should make it for QVC. I also have it in red and black cotton.
I have the Q black faux leather dress that I wear as a coat. And many more pieces.
Keep designing, and sharing!
Thank you.♥️♥️♥️
Love love love the list but in my haste read the last one as "build a peeable look" - turns out on closer read, a peelable look may also be pee-able in that one should never be so gussied that peeing becomes a strategic challenge. Lol. Thanks for all you do 😘