I grew up in Lake Forest, IL with a large blended family of 6 siblings! I have the fondest memories of my childhood there! I made friends that have lasted a lifetime. I was so lucky to be from a town where community and family were so valued. Every night at dinner, I would decorate the table with a theme. This all started when I was in the 4th grade...no one could sit down till the place cards were complete and the theme was finalized. Word soon spread about my "themed dinners" and the Chicago Tribune featured me in there Mothers Day Food section when I was in the 8th grade. This is when I knew I needed a creative outlet in my life. After graduation from Wittenberg University I took a job at one of the most special places to me "the old" Ritz-Carlton on Newbury and Arlington. I worked in Catering and focused on Weddings.
It was here in Boston that one of my dearest friends introduced me to my amazing husband Alex. We of course had to have our wedding reception at the Ritz-Carlton. I will never forget leaving for the church and the General Manager shut the hotel down and had all of the staff line the staircase that I was to walk down..chef's, engineers, housekeeping-- everyone from the hotel gave me the fondest farewell. I am tearing up thinking about it... you can imagine my state on my wedding day! We decided to move to the Main Line a year after our wedding. My husband grew up in Berwyn and we thought it was the perfect place to raise our family. We now live in Wayne, PA with our two golden retrievers, Tucker and naughty Quinn and our 5 month baby boy, Parker!
Did you always want to open your own store?
You know I always knew I wanted to do something creative... I found myself even working retail into my event planning at the Ritz. I partnered the Ritz with Vera Wang and we had the most incredible fashion shows in the Ballroom. I also partnered them with Cartier. Something kept calling me to get into retail. One of my close friends had a store in Greenwich, CT and I have a lot of friends who started clothing lines and a jewelry line. I wanted to have a store where I could showcase all of my friends amazing lines as well as bring in lines that you would not need to go to new york city to find.
What was the inspiration behind gramercy?
For those of you who know me, know that I always love a party. Part of the element of having a good time is feeling confident and amazing. I wanted to offer a place where women can find a signature piece that will make them feel great about themselves. The layers of clothes should be like your home and should feel like your friends. I also was inspired by places I have been... when I buy for each season I envision that special piece in my favorite places... I think this cover up would be so perfect in the restaurant of Round Hill for lunch, or this top with white jeans... how perfect for a night at the Straight Wharf in Nantucket. This sweater would be so great to wear on those fall days with a great pair of flats and skinny jeans. I just can't help envision the outfits and clothes in amazing locations...it gives me goose bumps thinking about it.
Do you prefer spring or fall lines and why?
I have to say I always favored spring because I loved my store being filled with an array of colors and the chicness. But this year, I am equally as excited for Fall! As I just finished my fall buying I have brought in the most gorgeous cashmere from Italy and London. The sweaters are literally to die for in the most divine colors and embellishments. I also have focused on amazing coats. I love the idea that you can be in your workout clothes all day but if you have an amazing coat on, you are just as fashionable! Cover your Lu Lu with a coat with ruffles!:)
You have become very involved with Lankenau Hospital, tell us about that.
I was very lucky to have been introduced to Lankenau Hospital by my friend Vanessa Halpert. My involvement with hospitals goes back to Lake Forest Hospital where at my grandmothers encouragement I started candy striping at the age of 14. After finishing my responsibilities I would end my shift with singing to some of my beloved seniors...ohh goodness, always trying to turn every situation into a party...But seriously, I am so blessed to have found a hospital like Lankenau where I did deliver my son and I look forward to helping raise money for all the areas of need. (plug: Amy Smilovic, owner and designer of Tibi is coming to speak about how she got into fashion at a Fashion Show benefit for Lankenau Hospital on April 25th at Overbrook Country Club... please come!:)
You are a new mom- how has your life changed?
Oh my goodness... I feel like my life has just started. From the moment they handed him to me at the hospital. I have never felt love like this before. He is my best friend and my buddy. It is all a juggling act now... but I love every minute. Getting things done takes a little longer but I have someone to share it with every step of the way! My life revolves around making him a kind loving soul, I feel so lucky to have little Parker boo!
Favorite color, accessory, scent and day of the week?
My favorite color is Lavender, my favorite accessory is my "Tucker" clutch by Kage in my right hand and I love love my baby Parker on my left hip, my favorite scent is Beth Terry, Mare in the Fall and Kai in the Spring and Summer, favorite day of the week... Saturday because I know it means time with Family and Friends and nothing makes me happier! xoxo
