Fashion industry veteran Sasha Charnin Morrison gives you a glimpse inside the world of fashion and stylists with her amazing book, Secrets of Stylists (published by Chronicle Books). As the current fashion director at US Weekly, Morrison has over 20 years experience working in the biz for such publications as Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Allure, Vanity Fair, and more. She has her finger on the pulse of trends and celebrity fashion, all with an amazing sense of humor. She loves a very high heel and if you follow her on twitter or tumblr, you'll see the many nuggets of fashion eye candy she'll share each day.
She's a fashion lover and she's also a hip mom. In addition to my Q&A with her on Coquette, I got to ask her some mom-specific fashion questions which had me cracking up. Because yes I can relate. Where else these days would I wear my Chanel flats to?
Natalie: How many kids do you have and what ages are they?
Sasha: I have twin boys who are almost 10.
Natalie: Describe your style when you are around your kids? Has your style changed much since before you had kids?
Sasha: I have this running joke with my best friend. Our kids are BFF's and we are always at "drop off" together. And when we look at really super cute or really beautiful clothing-evening dresses to jackets to shorts to beaded skirts we always say "that would be GREAT for Drop Off." We don't really care for date nights, etc. We’d rather be with the kids so we don’t have social occasions or go out to clubs or dinner parties. No, we would wear the new Celine bag in neon pink and the Valentino pointed toe ballet flats with the extra-large patent bows to DROP OFF.
But my style is this: I have a shoe usually a flat boot-motorcycle boots from Chanel or Valentino in lace-that goes to "drop off" this winter. Or a flat Lanvin ballerina. Black leggings or tights. Some layering up top-tank dresses from Wilt or a jersey dress from Rachel Pally and a cardigan in cashmere or wool from Nannette Lepore or Gap. My Norma Kamali fleece sweatshirt coat in black and my Michael Kors fox fur trapper hat. This has become a uniform. Because after I run up the stairs for drop off at school, I am sweating like a pig and need to strip off a few layers. And this looks is the easiest, most urban look that I put together. I dress it up with a Vera Wang statement necklace when I need that. And then when I get to work, the heels go on. Azzedine Alaia platform hiking boots or YSL sandals. Depends.
Natalie: What the easiest thing a mom can do to get out of a fashion rut (aka sweat pants/gym clothes)?
Sasha: It’s hard for an entire overhaul for a lot of women. Most don’t have time or know where to start. Accessories are the best solutions for a rut: a bright and colorful bag-does not have to be expensive. Forever21 has great bags. Gap. H&M. Zara is online now.
Scarves, a pointy toe kitten heel pump. Bright or patterned tights or pantyhose. Get some great cardigans with jewels or ribbon trim from Vera Wang’s collection at Kohl’s. Layer that over a basic dress.
Wear a dressier version of the sweat look. I mean, there is so much crossover of active sports clothing into street clothing: leggings, tanks, tunics, etc. Some moms want to get dressed and not fall into this trap. Buy what you think you can leave the house in without getting sweat stains all over. DVF is a great resource for lovely clothing: wrap dresses, drop waist colorful dresses, tunics, maxi dresses, coats, very chic. Rachel Roy also designs for women who love to look polished with a little style. Buy a great coat, a bag with maybe some color. Invest in nice tights and patterned hose for a change of pace. Buy a nice pump that’s walkable from Cole Haan or Nine West.
Natalie: What are some of the best handbags you have found that work with a mom's busy lifestyle?
Sasha: The ones that have plenty of pockets and that you can open and find your stuff. I love Prada, Celine, YSL on the high end. The bags are so well made for an active lifestyle. I can find everything. Gap, Zara, Ann Taylor on the lower end answer the same prayers. You have to audition several and see which one works for all of your many demands.
Thanks for the great mom fashion advice Sasha! To read more about Sasha Charnin Morrison's new book, Secrets of Stylists
