Author Archives:

Meet Jennifer Olson of Club Monaco

Posted by

0

You know that girl that walks into a room and within five minutes you a) want to be her, b) want to be her best friend and 3) want to know how she is just so effortlessly cool? That girl is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jennifer Olson. In addition to being the ultimate cool girl, incredibly fun-loving and innately fashionable, she also happens to (of course) have a killer job at Club Monaco. As my neighbor down the street in St. Paul, MN, classmate and girlfriend for thirteen years, I’ve watched her blossom in her career and also develop a killer sense of style. I thought it might be fun pick her brain in the hopes that she’ll reveal some of her “it girl” secrets and help us all up our cool factor a bit.

What is your official title at Club Monaco?
Marketing Coordinator.

Tell us about a typical day in your life.
A soy latte from variety cafe + spotify + dance contests with my co-workers.

Congrats on the e-commerce launch!  What was the most challenging part of that process?  The most rewarding?
Club monaco is already popular on the east and west coast, so it’s exciting to be able to finally offer our product to the rest of the country. Gotta rep the Midwest.

Blogs I check every weekly….
jakandjil
reference library
brooklyn vegan
art ruby
cabin porn

How do you think Midwestern style differs from New York?  How did your style evolve when you moved to NY?
Though New Yorkers tend to generally be more stylish, I think people underestimate the hidden gems of the Midwest. Middle America has some of the best vintage stock in the states. Within the past few years, I’ve discovered that some of the biggest and best vintage dealers in NYC make the rounds at the same thrift stores I shopped at in high school.

Describe your sense of style in one sentence.
New age fun with a vintage feel.

Three things I’m currently coveting are…
Acne pistol ankle boots
Minnesota lakes
Animal Collective’s new album Centipede Hz

Favorite thing to indulge in:
Pina colada + adult grilled cheese from the Commodore (Williamsburg, Brooklyn).

Current wardrobe staples:
My boyfriend’s destroyed APC jeans
Swedish hasbeens jodhpurs
Celine 3 pocket clutch in blush

What is your favorite place to take out-of-town visitors in New York?
Bike rides through Brooklyn’s Navy Yard/Vinegar Hill.

The Skirt I’d wear to make an impression…
I rarely get too girly, but I’m digging the longer length in skirts & dresses. I love Aline Weber in our Adele skirt (see above).

You have the most beautiful porcelain skin – can you share any beauty secrets?
Laura Mercier is responsible for everything on my face.

The Secret Behind the Chanel, Prada and Pucci in my Closet

Posted by

0

Listen up. After much internal back-and-forth on the topic, I’ve decided to let faithful Work that Skirt readers in on my dirty little designer secret.

Ever since I left my beloved Catholic schoolgirl uniform behind after a faithful twelve years and became a slave to Elle, Harper’s and a multitude of fashion blogs for daily outfit inspiration, I’ve lusted after gorgeous designer duds. But save as I may, although I can afford to splurge on the occasional item, it’s usually not going to come with a gleaming Chanel, Prada, or Valentino label. That is…unless that very label once held an esteemed (or, well, not-so-esteemed) spot in someone ELSE’s closet. Ladies, welcome to the wonderful world of designer consignment.

Even with the fabulous Corri McFadden glamming up the consignment industry with her genius business, E-Drop Off, the act of purchasing someone else’s castaways still seems to have somewhat of a stigma attached to it. This is where that saying, “Someone’s trash is another’s treasure,” truly comes into play. I’ve found some AMAZING designer pieces through consignment…and up until now (shoot…oh well!), I bet my co-workers and friends had no clue. To prove my point, I’ve decided to share some of my favorite finds with you, all of which were purchased for at least 75% off retail (if not more) from my secret spot in the Twin Cities called Fashion Avenue. I hope it inspires you to get out there and do some designer dumpster diving of your own!

A beautiful Chanel purse I picked out for my college graduation present. I adore the tassel and long over-the-shoulder chain. Chanel is Chanel no matter who loved it before me! And a special shout-out to H.BLOOM for the gorgeous flowers in the background.

Proenza Schouler dress from the Spring 2008 RTW runway. Pretty amazing, no? I like to wear mine in the winter with a black turtleneck and tights. It’s also perfect for a spring luncheon or outdoor party.

Adorable red Anya Hindmarch peep-toe flats. I love the way they look with cuffed J Brand’s and a black & white striped tee. The bow buckle was what really got me, though (surprise, surprise).

Brightly colored Pucci scarf. Whenever I think an outfit needs that little something more, I throw this on and feel like a million bucks.

Well, there you have it. A case (hopefully) well made for indulging in my designer shopping secret! Are you willing to share some of your favorite consignment finds? Would love to hear about them (and where they were unearthed)!