We spend some one-on-one time with the Editor of Teen Vogue to talk fashion icons, the magic of luminizer and glamorous first steps…
My first fashion memory was when I convinced my babysitter that my mom only allowed me to wear dresses. It was how I got away with getting all dressed up in full “lewks” every day during pre-school — that is, until my mother discovered my made-up fashion tale and forced me back into wearing pants.
And very first fashion obsession…
High heels! As a child they were forbidden from my wardrobe — rightfully so — but it only made me want to wear them more. (Mariah Carey wore them — why couldn’t I?)
I received my very first pair as a Christmas gift. They were plastic “play” shoes, strictly intended for playing house (at home!). One day I snuck them into my backpack and switched into them at school. I wore them with brightly colored socks and shorts and totally owned it — except for the fact that it was clear to everyone, including my second grade teachers, that they were toy shoes, and very much not intended for public consumption. I got in trouble, of course, but I remember feeling like it was worth every glamorous step!
Favorite interview I’ve ever done…
That’s a hard one! Interviewing people is my absolute favorite part of the job. I would have to say BeyoncĂ© is at the top of the list though. #1. Because she’s BEYONCÉ. Obviously. And #2. For being such a mega-star, even when I first met her back in 2008, she was the most humble, open, and generous person. I was so nervous before the interview, but she instantly put me at ease. I’ll never forget that she even asked her rep to give us five more minutes. That’s the ultimate gold star for any reporter!
My fashion and beauty icons…
Two words. Zoë Kravitz. She is otherworldly! The epitome of effortless cool. And stunning — even without a stitch of makeup.
Jenna Lyons. In my opinion, she singlehandedly put smart-girl style on the map for my generation.
The ICONIC Dominique Deveraux, Diahann Carroll’s first major television role on Dynasty in the Eighties, whom I recently discovered on YouTube. She was one of the original, unapologetic, totally over-the-top, ultra-glam, power divas of her day. We have absolutely nothing in common, except for my new Brother Vellies wooden shower slides with pink fur trim, which I think totally channel her vibe. If only her drenched-in-diamonds character were on TV today, she would be the BeyoncĂ© of internet memes.
My beauty regimen…
Pretty much consists of a handful of desert-island staples — Belif creamy foaming face wash+serum, RMS Un-Cover Up Concealer, Dior Brow Styler, Glossier Boy Brow, and DevaCurl Styling Cream — and an endless rotation of beauty closet products that I’m testing. At the moment, I’m crazy about YSL Vinyl Cream in 411., which basically leaves your mouth looking like you’ve just devoured a strawberry Popsicle. The perfect unobtrusive stain to dab on just the center of your lips.
Best beauty advice received…
“You need some luminizer. Try mine.” Life-changing words from Phillip Picardi, back when we worked together in the beauty department at Teen Vogue and he suggested I use RMS Living Luminizer. I’ll never need another.
And best career advice received…
Bite off more than you can chew, and chew as fast as you can. It’s something I heard along the way during my intern days that stuck with me. It’s an excellent reminder that the more you challenge yourself, the more you grow. A healthy work ethic and a can-do attitude is what I value most when I’m hiring.
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