Tête-à-Tête with Tim

Yesterday afternoon I was assigned to go talk with America's favorite style guru, and host of Project Runway Tim Gunn, who stopped in Pasadena. Gunn, the three-year Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne, parent company to Kate Spade, offered colorful advice on style, attire tips and of course, what to expect from the colorfully monochromatic brand this season. Gunn's San Gabriel Valley landing attracted dozens of stylishly coiffed women and men - armed with complimentary champagne -- all whom literally filled the Colorado Blvd. shop to the doorway.

"This is a very fabulous Kate Spade-looking room," proffered Gunn, who spoke at length on style tips and color choices, dropping his infamous lines, "Make it work!" and "Don't disappoint me!" to an enthusiastic crowd. Seriously, everyone was all smiles as they caught a glimpse of the famous Parsons and fashion icon who's mentored countless now-major designers. I sat down with Tim for our tête-à-tête, where he discussed his first visit to Pasadena, being the Liz Claiborne CCO, finding the silver lining and responsbility among this economic downturn and getting the right value for the dollar. Mid-interview, Gunn even offered a quick compliment on my feather earrings. I found Tim to be one of the most genuine interviewees I've had, contrary to working (I'm guessing) around fashion divas, Tim offered a firm handshake or two and caring smiles before and after our interlude. He was one of the first high-profile interviews to also tell me back, "thank you, it was a pleasure talking with you." I'll post it here when my story comes out next month. Until then ...

Smart People in Business

Check out this great story from Shop-Eat-Surf on my brother-in-law Brad. I'm posting this story written by Shelby Stanger. It's from a month ago, but a goodie.

Core Careers: Brad Lyle, Sole Technology's Director of Sales 
By SHELBY STANGER | March 10, 2010 06:00 AM

Today in our Core Careers series, Sole Technology Director of Sales Brad Lyle shares the three most important lessons he's learned in his career, how he keeps his team positive in a tough retail climate and his tips for prioritizing.

What were you like as a child and teenager? Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?

I was always pretty mature for my age, very focused on enjoying life. I was the guy all my friends' parents (or girlfriends) wanted around - a good influence I guess, which really just meant I didn't get in much trouble and stayed focused on finding good waves for fun. I always had a pretty level head.?? I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My dad was always in sales, so I planned to follow that same path, but I also knew early on that I couldn't sell something I didn't believe in or have a passion for, so being able to realize that goal in our industry is a blessing I am grateful for. We are lucky!

How did you get started in the industry?

A good friend of mine, Cordell Miller, was a pro surfer/shaper in the early 90's who needed help running the business aspect of creating a surfboard label. He made me a partner in the business and the rest is history. So surf hardgoods was my start, but like anything, the relationships I established then were instrumental in getting my shot at Sole Tech, where I still enjoy coming to work every day.

What are three key lessons you have learned during your career?

1. As a leader, it's all about them (them, being the team you lead). Nobody can do a great job alone, and if your role is to lead, then it's critical to achieve your own success through your team's success.

2. Have a plan. A good idea is just that. A good idea, with a plan to execute it, leads to a good end result.

3. Always follow the part of your gut that says, “This is the right thing to do.” When you do that, you're probably making the right call and will sleep well. If not, you'll at least learn something valuable!

Can you explain what you do now?

I direct sales for all of the Sole Technology brands here in the US - Etnies, eS, Emerica, Altamont, and 32. It is an honor and privilege to work in a company with a family vibe, great brands that really stand for something, and an owner I know and trust. To do things for the right reasons - that perspective makes all wins exciting and all challenges worth fighting.

What is the biggest challenge at work at the moment? How are you handling it?

Adjusting to a new reality for the state of our market, and the state of retail in general. I am doing all I can to create a low stress environment for my team and focus on the top priorities; keeping good perspective every day, and partnering up with specialty retailers that keep the spirit of our action sports culture alive. In the end, we need them to remain profitable in their support of our passions, so leading the effort of our team, to facilitate that, is a top priority in my work.

What qualities do you value in your direct reports?

Dedication to our brands and retail partners, seeing the big picture, taking action, and doing what's right with integrity - knowing I can count on them.

You have a lot of demands on your time. Any tips on how you juggle meetings, email, projects and managing employees?

Prioritization! Having a proactive plan to address the biggest priorities first, in the time frames needed, and keeping commitments aligned with what is realistic. You can't do everything, but you better deliver what's necessary, in all aspects of life and business.

I try to tackle the really quick things (like less than a minute) on the spot, delegate what's appropriate, and plan the rest. I also try to be clear when, "No," is the most appropriate answer, but to do that, you must know clearly what is more important and stay focused on that, and then some things are urgent and important. Knowing when to drop everything and handle a true emergency can sometimes have a great impact to many things beyond the obvious. So yes, it's a balancing act to say the least, but I love it!

What has been your biggest accomplishment at your current job?

Establishing and maintaining an A+ sales team in the US to keep all of our brands in a strong position with our valued retail partners. That's a bit broad I know, but really that's what I’m most proud of - my team and their accomplishments through some tough retail periods that haven't been easy to navigate.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Live each day like it could be your last. Life is a gift, not to be wasted.

What do you want to be doing in five years?

The same thing as now - striving to have a positive impact on anything I do, whether it be loving my wife, raising my kids, growing our brands, serving our retailers, or something I haven't even dreamed of yet, you can bet it will be doing something I believe in, with 100% effort to a balanced list of priorities. I would love to have the professional portion of that be here at Sole Technology after five years of growth and prosperity.

Where can we find you when you are not working?

In the ‘burbs taking care of my family, in the water, on the hill, or on the golf course. Aliso Viejo, CA is home and I love it!

Tavin: A Taste of World Bazaar in Echo Park

If you haven't had a chance, check out a recent post of mine on one of Echo Park's chicest boutiques. Tavin.

Elle Decor and More Happy News

This month offered some unexpected and charming surprises, from getting my own bungalow in the land of heaven (no, literally my neighborhood is called "bungalow heaven"), acquiring my first flat screen monitor (thank champagne with Amelia for that one), getting to redesign an entire home on my own, to having something I'd written, published in a national magazine, Elle Decor. For as long as I can fricken imagine, I'd always wanted to break into national consumers and technically I have, so I'm letting myself feel a little proud of somehow convincing Editor in Chief Margaret Russell that my scribbled commentary on the changing media landscape was worth her beans to be selected and placed among the lucky few in her kingdom of glossy.

Very soon I will be at the editorial helm of one of the Seven Sisters, or the like. Until then, you can read up on my latest post at your daily thread.

As I write this, the phone is ringing (don't worry, not on my desk) and I'm experiencing the irritating feel of 68 degree office a/c - all the while thinking of the beautiful weather I'll encounter this weekend and all the fun I'll have scouting Apartment Therapy and Craigslist for a buffet/credenza and working on my house. Just last night, a friend helped me set up my kitchen counter and island situation. TGIF (thank God I've Friends) Click here to check out my new home.  

Keep in touch,
sarah

If You Give a Writer an Onion

Something set me off the other night. I was literally chopping stuff for dinner and enjoying a glass of wine, feeling really mellow. When, without warning, I suddenly stopped chopping; put both hands on the chopping block and started feeling a flood of frustration and curious thoughts about the past. Feeling so relaxed, I had unknowingly dropped all emotional guard and became a flood of emotional states--past and present. Without a second to flex whatever physiological muscles I had to hold it in, my eyes let out. Something inside me that I had resisted for so long, suddenly and so mercilessly flooded my surface. I wish I could blame my pathetic tears on the half-chopped onion.

I’m not the best orator by any means, but put me in front of a typewriter and I can conjure up and convey feelings in ways as comfortable as one is with breathing. I’m sorry if you’re a man and you’re reading this, but the thing I was most frustrated about at that moment was, well, the men I’ve had in my life—to be more precise, the way I had allowed myself to imagine the WAY MEN SHOULD BE. Here is what the uber romantic Romeos in my life have dished thus far:

“I think we should see each other for a few hours this weekend.”

“I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s embarrassing to think about Sarah while out in public. In short, you make me horny.”

“I’m not really a good dancer, but a guy says that because it impresses the girl.”

“Have you rid yourself of that tan line?”

Here’s what I was frustrated about. Not just the let down, but the build up about men. At 27 years old, I’ve decided guys, like the stupid nice and giving ones you see in movies, in fairy tales, or the ones you make up in your journal during high school, simply don’t exist. They're a castle in the sky. (I’m talking to you ridiculous Twilight and You’ve Got Mail gals). Bottom line: we’re going about it all the wrong way.

Think of it this way. Does the idealized woman portrayed in the form of Angelina Jolie to Salma Hayek—mother or lover—exist? Aren't these obviously exaggerated itemized qualities (perfect smile, sex life, to mother of your children) as unreal as the prince who kisses his bride to blissful consciousness? Women, perhaps, for a variety reasons, I feel dote more on this standard than do men (we are more emotionally, than visually stimulated than men).  From the day they’re old enough to read Sleeping Beauty, they begin to nurture this incredibly impossibly romantic and passionate notion about men. Having recently witnessed a handful of long-term relationships—including my own—come to an end, I feel I can speak from effing experience. Let me explicate: They do exist, just not in the fabricated (stupid) sense women expect. They might exist for a weekend, a month in Europe or maybe even a few years or decades. A time structure shouldn’t take away from your experiencing that “now happiness” that even decades later, you will still recollect and secretly smile about in your car when a certain song comes on.

Why can’t we depend on that thing that has truly proven itself over the existence of our species—change.

I won't recoil if you call me a jaded Jennie, as my NYC friend recently did. But I’ve felt some dramatic changes in me in the last year and I’m starting to fall into the belief of having multiple “true loves.” And who says that’s a bad thing? Life is a gift and variety is definitely a part of that. They say reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll be among the stars (blah blah blah). I’m learning part of “reaching,” is actually half the fun. Forget the moon, ladies, let's grab as many stars as we can--and maybe avoid chopping onions for a while. 

Workspace: A Year and Four Months Later

My mom was right. Time does move faster as an adult than as a child. She used to say stuff like that to me all the time (usually while I rolled my eyes at her) and I never believed her. I guess she just wanted me to stop fretting over the present moment, which obviously is the opposite of my problem today. I'm SO focused on what will (read: should) happen in the next week, month, year, five years, etc.

So what has happened in a mere year? I present my workspace from a year and four months ago. Can you tell just from this photo I took today how much has changed in my life? Probably not. Let me happily expound.

 Big news first, in exactly 19 days, I will be moving into my very own place, a Victorian house in Pasadena's Bungalow Heaven that was split in half and made into two apartments. It's actually my boyfriend's former place (ahem, his place of 10 years). Suffice to say, I know the place pretty well, including the neighbors, who are all great. My new workspace will offer me a window view - instead of me using my mirror for a view of the outside world.

I'm happy too that it will be quiet - a prerequisite for any apartment if a writer is moving in. My current place is often made noisy by the walkway right outside my window (kids running and neighbors pulling heavy equipment) and by neighbors who feel it's perfectly acceptable neighborly decorum to honk for their friends. Added that my neighbor, whom I share a wall with, has totally convinced me to never buy surround sound, unless I like blowing my neighbors' ear drums. Note: No matter how loudly you try to blast KCRW on laptop speakers, hip hop playing from a car - parked outside on the street - with a subwoofer will always win out. However, the new place will be a standalone house, oh yes! No more apartment living.

The coffee cup sits on an appetizer plate, which my sister gave me a dozen of for Christmas. Works great as a coffee cup plate. I already have a serious collection of plateware, so these are just frosting on the cake!

On my corkboard, I put up a card recently given to me by two new editors I started working with this past year. I won't go into too many details, but I was especially appreciative of one comment, "You have brought a great new voice and energy to ..." There's a process to keeping yourself motivated to pitch amid rejection after rejection - posting inspirations are just one very small way I keep my focus and drive.

At right, you'll notice a stack of Domino magazines. Seriously, I never knew how fun it'd be planning out your interior decor would be until I got the opportunity. I'm bookmarking to my heart's delight at Apartment Therapy and The Nest too. Most recently, I signed up for Netflix, it's terrifically easy and has a collection of vids that blows Blockbuster out of the water. I only signed up after my laptop went out of commission. I was using my boyfriend's laptop, which had Netflix available. Only after I returned it and he started getting recommendations for rommantic, foreign, feel-good movies, did he suggest I get my own account. Next on Netflix: Becoming Jane. Sigh.

Speaking of decor, my boyfriend has suggested the idea that my Umbra fotoholder makes my desk look cluttered. OK, sometimes it gets outta hand. Sometimes it feels like I'm making an exhibition of my bills, concert tickets, letters I need to respond to, I even have Forget-Me-Not seeds that I need to plant, handing from Umbra. Is there a better, cleaner way to put all your etc. papers away? What are your solutions? 

Come Undone: ReKnit Redesigns Sustainability, One Thread at a Time

Here's a recent story I did on an incredibly resourceful and creative mother-and-son duo. You can also read it here on your daily thread. 

Many of us have, at some point, been challenged with what to do with an outdated or unwanted sweater. We’re talking about the one that’s brandished with a pattern only the cast from Saved By the Bell would wear. Maybe someone special gifted you with something, er, not so special. Options are limited. Donning it is ruled out. You can’t leave it in your closet, dresser … pile of clothes on the floor collecting dust mites, and you can’t chuck it (definitely an eco-no no with our overwhelmed landfills. If you have time, you can always drop it off at your nearest Goodwill. What are your options when it comes to disregarded duds? 

Send it to ReKnit, a a Boston-based project started by graphic designer Haik Avanian and his mom. For $30, Avanian’s mom will unravel all the fugliness from your sweater and repurpose it into something new and rack worthy.

Or shall we say accessory-drawer worthy?

Each month, visitors can vote on the next item to be made. Sweatbands anyone? Starting in February, she’ll be reknitting accessories in the form of two different styles of cut-off gloves. Order soon, since ReKnit limits orders to the first 30 (he only has one mom, after all). Find shipping labels to send off your sweaters here.

“The idea is definitely to have seasonal items so that they're useful for the current month,” says Avanian.

“Reknitting has always been a part of my family and culture,” he says. “We've always been as resourceful as possible, in both tough and economic times.”

He hopes their yarn-y project will offer inspiration to others who might be thinking of resalvaging yarn or other fabric from old clothes (“It's really not that difficult of a skill to learn”). “I definitely think that there's room for repurposing in the world of fashion. People are slowing becoming aware of this option now out of necessity.”

“We're hoping people see the potential in re-using clothing made from yarn, and maybe start similar projects within their families and communities,” he says. “It's a small habit, but many of these small habits can add up to a whole sustainable lifestyle over time.”

Visit them on Twitter to vote on what you’d like to see in March. Current runner-ups include a hat, iPod case, socks and … sweatbands.

The Julie & Julia Effect

Just finished watching and enjoying "Julie & Julia." And of course, from a writer's perspective, it is happily inspiring. Julie Powell went from cubicle secretary to published author reviewed in the New York Times. The book, turned into a movie, and now, she's likely doing fine in life. And still writing. Although I may not want the same outlined career path as Powell, the thing I'm most attracted to with her story, is that she went for it, and wrote CONSISTENTLY even if she didn't have a "technical" deadline from any editor. She did have a deadline for herself. One morning she simply choose to actually start meeting her deadline for life everyday. I'd like to call this the "Julie & Julia effect" and challenge myself to start making my life's own deadlines - everyday.

How is that not genuinely inspiring?

Cubicle-occupant-turned-author Julie Powell

A "Whole Life" of Writing is Just Fine By Me

For the January issue of Whole Life Times, I was excited to be asked to be featured on the contributors page. For this issue, I wrote on throwing an eco holiday party and best of green card makers in Los Angeles. I always enjoy meeting and visiting with new local movers and shakers. Hearing people's stories about starting their own businesses, sometimes from nothing (including skills), always makes me feel inspired (more than usual) and driven to go for the things, which I know I would regret not having at least tried to accomplish in life.

I know I want to continue growing as a professional writer, maybe even an author one day. But more importantly, I know that desire is not enough. Somebody at some point, once told me being a writer requires, like many professions (we'll say especially in the creative professions) much practice - if you want to be good and have work that's substantial (er, substantial enough to pull in a living wage, haha), you have to put in the work. Author and New Yorker writer Malcolm Gladwell in his book, "The Outliers," says if you want to become truly good at something and maybe even succesful - whether that's piano, cooking, sewing a button or even writing a magazine article - you need to put in 10,000 hours of practice. That's a whole lot of time spent writing. Well, at least that's one theory in life I'm willing to test out.

Happy Monday everyone.

Worth Your Gamble

This afternoon, a girlfriend and I took a one-hour tour of a 102-year-old craftsman home in Pasadena. I've lived in Pasadena for a little more than two years, and was excited to know that I was no longer disregarding my beautiful neighboring landscape that is historic Pasadena. The Gamble House today, remains a manse to be proud of. It was originally commissioned as a winter home for David and Mary Gamble of the manufacturing firm Procter and Gamble (yes, the Ivory Soap one). It's important to remember these structures not only as noted architectural icons of our past, but that they literally stand the test of time. Our docent mentioned that this house was built following the San Francisco 1906 earthquake, it was built like a fort with an adjustable frame and was bolted into the ground. But still, 100 years is a 100 years, not to mention California continued to have earthquakes throughout the 20th century. Aside from a chimney lost, it's incredibly impressive to realize a home constructed in 1908 is as structurally sound as it was when it was first built. 

Even more impressive was that the Gamble House design and construction took just 10 months (one month ahead of schedule) - quite an achievement, but definitely not its architects (Charles Greene and Henry Greene) only one.


I picked up some amazing knowledge about this house, which made me want to learn more about architecture. There's always more than meets the eye when it comes to architecture.


- The owner had an fixation with Tsuba, a sword guard seen in Japanese culture. The frame where the key hold went, as well as tables and other furniture fixtures were designed with that Tsuba shape. In fact, the wood-building of the outside structure has a Japanese flair.


-Los Angeles air used to breathable and healthy. The house includes "sleeping porches," it was believed that sleeping outdoors and breathing in the night air was beneficial. 


-During that period electricity was still in its infancy. Mary Gamble's living room electric lamp had a beautiful moth-shaped design hanging over the lamp shade (made of glass). The reason behind that obstruction was that it was thought to guard against the evil of electricity, or so the docent says. 


An interesting history lesson it seems, but also a nice walk down history lane. High recommend. You can check out the tour here.