Chic in the City: Bergdorf Goodman’s @Bergdorfs

Bergdorf Goodman is the place where fashion dreams are made of and for those living outside of New York City, access to the quintessential department store is limited to virtual shopping on the world wide web.  In the age of social media platforms like Twitter and Foursquare, befriending online personalities is quickly becoming the norm. As a somewhat online personality myself, I stay abreast of the latest boutiques, designers and department stores that join Twitter. I mean everyone is doing it. I regularly correspond with Bergdorf Goodman or @Bergdorfs (in Twitterspeak) over fashion and New York. At times it baffles me how the person behind BG manages to tweet all day and night.  I pictured a girl in stilettos traipsing up and down the many gorgeous floors of Bergdorfs, snapping tweetphotos and offering advice for the loyal followers that can’t get enough of her or the store.  Turns out this gal-about-town’s sole job is to handle social media for BG.

On my recent trip to New York City, I decided to meet my New York Twitter friends – most of whom I’d never met but felt as close to as my girls here in Washington.  I headed to Park Avenue for a one-on-one with the girl behind the twitter handle @Bergdorfs, a twenty-something girl with penchant for fashion and social media. The intrigue, romanticism and allure of Bergdorf Goodman doesn’t never wears off. With floors upon floors of designers, a trip to the shoe and beauty salons is a must,  I couldn’t help but be jealous of this girl’s job.  I met up with @Bergdorfs on 5F the contemporary floor, where Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, Elizabeth & James, Theory, Acne and other fashion faves reside.  Meeting @Bergdorfs felt like a going on a blind date. We’ve known each other for so long via web that I was anxious to meet her in person.  A few thoughts ran through my mind, “what does she look like?” “will we click?” “Is she as funny and fun as she is online?” “Will we get along?”. To my surprise, the svelte brunette in studded Christian Louboutin loafers was warm, funny and exactly what I expected her to be: fabulous. We ran around 5F picking out outfits for the Bergdorfs Goodman blog 5th/58th 5F Fridays. The topic: What to Wear to your post-college job interview.

I dished with @Bergdorfs for almost two hours on fashion, her favorite floors at Bergdorf Goodman and New York. We talked over frozen yogurt at the Bergdorf Goodman Bar 5F.  I learned that she loves fro-yo with almonds, we have a few good friends and fashion pet peeves in common.  @Bergdorfs will remain anonymous to those in the outside world but it doesn’t mean we can’t find out more about her. She is definitely chic in the city, New York City, and has one of the move coveted jobs a girl could ever want. Getting paid to tweet, stay of Facebook, run up and down the posh floors of Bergdorf Goofman isn’t an easy job but someone has to do it. Check out @Bergdorfs answers to our twenty-five questions and what makes her so fabulous.

Name: Bergdorfs
Age: loving my 20s
Job: Spreading the Bergdorf Buzz
Neighborhood: 5th Avenue, 58th Street

How would you describe your look? 
Quirky chic – actually, I’m kind of a mess…but a fashionable mess.

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?
Confidence. A really good mirror. And a striped mariner shirt.

Do you have a fashion mentor? 
The City itself! Eyes constantly studying how people define themselves.

Who are your favorite designers? 
That changes daily

What designers or labels do you actually wear the most? 
That’s a very long, very complicated answer. So I’ll save you the time… but you’ll see me shopping 5F…and adding to my dream closet on the third floor (it’s a very posh dream closet).

First designer item ever bought?
I have no idea!! Should I feel bad about that? Family joke is that, as a tyke, I insisted upon sleeping in Dior jammies but who knows…

Where do you shop? 
5F, our 2nd floor shoe salon… then flea markets & stoop sales for an element of whimsy….and my Mom’s closet when I’m home (shhh!)

What are you lusting after right now? 
A week on the beach with the perfect tan and mix-n-match bikini (DVF, Le Tarte, JPG). And definitely a drink with an umbrella in it.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
It’s threefold:
1. Chats with my Mom (we skype).
2. 5F’s plain frozen yogurt with almonds.
3. My very rad dog.

To Latenight or Not to Latenight? 
 Where is it. Who’s there. And is there a password? I don’t do lines.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job? 
SPREAD THE BERGDORF BUZZ: 5th/58th Blog posts, Facebook updates, Twitter chats (obviously, I’m addicted), mini-photoshoots & video moments, video edit & photoshop, field FB & Twitter customer service sitchis, and connect our followers to what they must have in their closet.

What’s your favorite bar? 
The Clover Club

What’s in your DVD player right now? 
I don’t have a tv! But I’ve been known the watch Barbarella on my laptop… the opening scene puts me into fits of giggles. Plus the costumes are absolutely epic.

How much is too much to spend on a pedicure? 
Honest to blog: I have no idea – polish changes regularly. I have much too much fun playing with the colors on the Beauty Level.

When’s bedtime? 
That all depends on the day, the job & the night. In a perfect world, 10pm on a school night – but that never happens!

Brunch: pro or con and where? 
PRO!!! Cowgirl Hall of Fame is where the girls & I dish it (chicken fried steak & mashed potatoes with a blood orange margarita)… but when we want to feel extra special, we toast our mimosas over plates of lemon ricotta pancakes & lobster egg benedicts – while enjoying the amaze view from BG Restaurant (sigh)

Most expensive thing in your closet?
 Confession: it’s a piece of art given to me by someone long ago. Contrary to most, my nyc closet is huge – so I enjoy looking at the etching while getting dressed. Makes me feel savvy.

What do you hate most about living in NYC? 
Distance from my family. And lack of quality sweet tea.

Subway, Cab it or Drive? 
I am a subway master. I also am keen for a nice long walk. But I really wish I could just say skateboard.

Style icon who represents your style the most? 
Iris Apfel’s mixology with a dash of Charlotte Gainsbourg

Vogue, Elle or Bazaar? 
Monocle. Am a bit of an addict…but you already knew that.


An insider tip about where to go in NYC for the outsider? 
Take the road less traveled and do as New Yorkers do – go to galleries, soak in the sun by the Hudson, enjoy Manhattan’s skyline from the boardwalk in Brooklyn Heights, skip the tourist trap lines & have a delicious slice at Pomodoro’s – and check out our curiosities on the Seventh Floor!!

If you could be anything what would it be? 
 I’ll let you know when I figure that out… but it’s not far from what I’m doing right now!

Would you rather be a superhero or a villain? 
What powers would you have? Superhero – and with just a touch, I would transform places a la Tim Burton…or Jasper Fforde.

What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?
Take pictures and more-than-likely tweet it.

Photo Credit: Andy Nguyen

Chic in the City: Jennie Kim

It isn’t everyday that you ran into a woman with beauty, originality, intelligence, grace and style. Everyone has a story in this town and is on a quest to change the world however, there are a few among us who can do so with style and pizazz. Meet Jennie Kim, a DC socialite with an original style that would put Genevieve Jones to shame. During the day she is foreign affairs officer at the State Department, but at night, this Ivy League – Stanford University – educated fashionista makes the eclectic fashions in Vogue and Elle come to life.

You won’t find Jennie in a Lilly Pulitzer dress like every other girl come spring. Jennie knows that being different is not a bad thing; she sets herself apart of the sea of pinks and greens with bold and sophisticated ensembles from designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and L’Wren Scott.

What makes Jennie Kim such a style star is her ability to accessorize. She is famous for hair accessories. Whether it’s a red flower pinned in her side swept locks or a ’20s inspired hat with a blue dress, this fashionista knows how to have fun without ever looking gauche. Jennie Kim makes looking Chic in the City effortless.

Name: Jennie Kim

Age: 25
Job: Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1. How would you describe your look?
Whimsical

2. What should every woman have in her wardrobe?
A good tailor

3. Do you have a fashion mentor?
My big sister

4. Who are your favorite designers?
Miuccia Prada, L’Wren Scott, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld

5. What designers or labels do you actually wear the most?
Moschino, Castle Starr, Paul & Joe, Barbara Bui pumps

6. First designer item ever bought?
Black grecian-style cocktail dress by Celine

7. Where do you shop?
Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Net-a-Porter, Forever 21

8. What are you lusting after right now?
The new MacBook Pro.

9. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Gossip Girl

10. To Latenight or Not to Latenight?
Not.

11. In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I help develop and implement U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan.

12. What’s your favorite bar?
Smith Point. Sorry I’m not sorry.

13. What’s in your DVD player right now?
Disc 1 of the John Adams HBO miniseries

14. How much is too much to spend on a pedicure?
I think it depends on how bad your feet are.

15. When’s bedtime?
Around midnight.

16. Brunch: pro or con?
Brunch = We be drinking in the morning = Pro.

17. Most expensive thing in your closet?
I have no idea.

18. What do you hate most about living in DC?
When your friends move away

19. Metro, Cab it or Drive?
Walk.

20. Style icon who represents your style the most?
I wish Sarah Jessica Parker, but it’s probably more like a poor man’s Carrie Bradshaw.

21. Vogue, Elle or Bazaar?
Vogue, hands down.

22. Ravens or Redskins?
Redskins!

23. If you could be anything what would it be?
5’7.

24. Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?
Superhero. What powers would you have? I’d be like Batman without the family trauma. I’d be a happy Batman.

25. What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?
I don’t feel like doing this right now, love.

Chic in the City: Sophie Pyle

It’s a Saturday afternoon on a crisp cool fall day in Georgetown during one of the biggest shopping days of the year. The Taste of Georgetown is slowly winding down in the lower part of Wisconsin and M Street and shops on upper Wisconsin are putting away their wares. Two eight year old girls are standing on the sidewalk beckoning my friend Sasha and I to stop by their cider and baked goods stand for a little snack break after a long day of shopping. After a quick cider and cookie indulgence, we feel revived and ready to make our trek up Wisconsin Avenue to a friend’s house for college football, but not after we make a quick detour into Sassanova, a shoe store with a personality of its own. We walk in to the store and are welcomed with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne and assorted candies. “What a nice treat,” I say to Sasha. The smell of candy, champagne and brand new shoes is so intoxicating that I don’t even know where to begin. I turn to ask the sales lady for help and am hit with a happy feeling. Could it be the champagne or seeing a familiar face? “Hey Sophie,” I exclaim. My friend Sophie Pyle, a fashionista, design guru, and soon-to-be reality star, comes over to help Sasha and I shop.

After a few minutes of looking around, Sophie, Sasha and I switch gears and chat about our lives and events coming up for the fall. It’s so easy to see why so many people love Sophie so much. The sometimes reserved 21 year-old is the definition of “the girl next door.” She feels comfortable watching football with the boys in her favorite striped Aviator Nation sweat suit. Sophie always looks her best, whether she’s hanging out in her house, hanging out at City Tavern Club or out on the town filming upcoming scenes for the “Blond Charity Mafia,” a new reality show about three Washington socialites. Taking into account how “The Hills” has transformed Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag’s lives, Sophie is calm and ready for the attention, both positive and negative.

“I don’t feel any different, and certainly not like a television star, probably because it hasn’t aired yet,” she says. “The loss of privacy is the biggest change I’ve had. I got frustrated at Uncork the Cure and thought I was crying privately in a restroom, but it ended up in the Washington Post! I hope to channel the attention toward positive things, like maybe a fun job or other unique experiences. I have no idea what is in store for me in the next year,” she adds, explaining a rumor published in the Washington Post about her storming off the set of the show.

Sophie knows what she wants and goes after it. She is creative and knows the ins and outs of the Washington social scene. The University of North Carolina student has interned at the National Press Club, worked at a lobbying firm, sold shoes at Sassanova and filmed a reality show on her semester off. With such an impressive resume and a glamorous lifestyle, you might say Sophie is a socialite. Not so fast! She is quick to squash any references to her being a “socialite,” and jokes about how she is the brunette in a sea of blondes on Blonde Charity Mafia. “I am not in ‘the mafia.’ I will attend a philanthropic event, bar night, or political fundraiser here and there, but that is about it,” she said.

Name: Sophie Pyle
Age: 21
Job: Sassanova, Pyle & Associates, Lifetime
Neighborhood: Georgetown

How would you describe your look?
Preppy with an edge

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?
A raincoat

Do you have a fashion mentor?
I love everything Blair Waldorf wears on Gossip Girl

Who are your favorite designers?
I like Gwen Stefani’s LAMB line, Betsey Johnson, Loeffler Randall, Diane Von Furstenberg

What designers or labels do you actually wear the most?
Betsey Johnson, Seven, Joe’s Jeans, Rebecca Taylor, BCBG, H&M, Banana Republic, Zara

First designer item ever bought?
In high school I saved my money to buy my first pair of seven jeans.

Where do you shop?
My favorite stores are H&M, Banana Republic, Betsey Johnson, We One You Two, Anthropologie, and of course Sassanova!

What are you lusting after right now?
I hate staring at this beautiful pair of snake-embossed Loeffler Randall boots all day at work.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
A hairband. I put my hair up and down probably 20 times a day.

To Latenight or Not to Latenight?
Latenight.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I sell and learn about shoes and accessories at Sassanova, or I scoot around town for the reality show. I also work at my dad’s lobbying firm Pyle & Associates, which is mostly PR, press releases, and after-hours political fundraisers.

What’s your favorite bar?
I like to start off at Rugby, because my friends work AND play there, then end up somewhere with a dance floor like Smith Point, Gin & Tonic or Third Edition.

What is your favorite restaurant?
The City Tavern Club. It is a great place to have a cocktails, go on a date, or throw a 21st birthday party. My mom met my dad’s parents for the first time at CTC when they were in their twenties, and it’s the first place I saw Santa Claus when I was a baby!

What’s in your DVD player right now?
Mean Girls

How much is too much to spend on a pedicure?
$41; I got an amazing $40 pedicure in San Diego that I still dream about.

When is bedtime?
1 or 2 am, I am a night owl.

Brunch: pro or con?
Pro

Favorite thing in your closet?
My favorite piece is a black, knee-length cashmere coat from Brooks Brothers. My parents bought it for me en route to a January Saturday Night Live taping in New York City.

What do you hate most about living in DC?
The brick sidewalks, especially when I’m trying to walk home from bars in heels!

Metro, Cab it or Drive?
Walk.

Style icon who represents your style the most?
I love Anne Hathaway and Blair Waldorf

Vogue, Elle or Bazaar?
Vogue

Ravens or Redskins?
Redskins

If you could be anything what would it be?
Probably something that everyone loves, like a wheel of French cheese

Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?
What powers would you have? I would want to be a superhero with superhuman strength, then it would be much easier to haul a keg into my house when I want to have a party.

What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?
Play solitaire on my iPhone

Chic in the City: Andrea Rodgers

George Bush might run the nation’s capital but Andrea Rodgers is the city’s unofficial mayor and first lady. Better known as Miss A to the Georgetown community and the blogging world, Andrea has made a name for herself as a philanthropist, dating and relationship columnist, and socialite.
Since the inception of Late Night Shots, Andrea has been a confidant, friend, sometimes mother figure and a voice of reason for hundreds of Washington, DC’s young socialites. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Andrea has always lived the fabulous life under the limelight with grace and style. Whether spearheading efforts to raise money for The Courage Cup, a non-profit dedicated to helping at risk urban youth, or planning and hosting some of DC’s most well attended charity events, the gorgeous blonde is always chic.


The Holland-born and North Carolina raised Steel Magnolia is one of the most caring and dedicated women in the city who uses her popularity to help those in need. By raising money through the many charities she has founded or lead, Andrea has always had a weak spot in her heart for those less fortunate. As the leader of the Blonde Charity Mafia, a group of blondes in the charity circuit, Andrea has tirelessly raised thousands of dollars to some of Washington, DC’s best charities. At this year’s Courage Cup, she came dressed to impress in her navy Black Halo dress accessorized with her faithful pup Gatsby, also stylishly decked in a blue polka dot bow.


In a city full of power players, it’s sometimes difficult to set yourself apart from the heavy hitters but Andrea has definitely done just that. Her Ask Miss A is a go to resource for not only the relationship challenged and the love struck but also serves as a go to for DC events and interesting tidbits on etiquette and fitness. Andrea is a wealth of knowledge for those looking to make their mark DC in a positive way. She is on the board of Innocents at Risk, volunteers with DC Cares for Habitat for Humanity, and belongs to the Junior League of Washington and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Even with a busy schedule, Andrea manages to go from the board room to the polo fields in some of the most sought after frocks.  Andrea gives a glimpse into what makes her so Chic in the City.


Name: Andrea Rodgers

Age: 37

Job: Dating & Relationship Columnist / Socialite / Philanthropist

Neighborhood: Alexandria, VA

How would you describe your look?

Ladies Who Lunch Chic

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

Good basics. I feel the art of building a wardrobe has been lost. Ladies today seem to follow the trend of the moment, and buy outfits rather than pieces that will last and work with what they already own.

Do you have a fashion mentor?

My mother who was a European fashion designer for my Grandfather’s label back in the 60’s and 70’s

Who are your favorite designers?

Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Dior

What designers or labels do you actually wear the most?

Noviello-Bloom, Kay Unger, David Meister, Pink Tartan

First designer item ever bought?

Wasn’t bought, but inherited a classic Burberry pleated skirt which my mother received from my grandfather back in the 60’s. It’s my favorite piece of clothing.

Where do you shop?

Online. I don’t have time to actually go to a store. Usually Saks, Neimans or Nordstrom online.

What are you lusting after right now?

Saw some great things at South Moon Under recently, but I’m not lusting after any one piece.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

A big purse. I think my purse weighs 25 lbs. I am a true “Girl Scout”. I always have clear nail polish in case of a run, a nail file, cuticle cutters, a sewing kit, Tylenol, bandaids, pen & pad, and a Swiss Army knife at all times.

To Latenight or Not to Latenight?

The only Latenight I do is LateNightShots.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?

I blog; meet with clients; fundraise; plan events; manage event host committees, nonprofit boards and websites.

What’s your favorite bar?

I don’t really go to bars, so I don’t have a favorite.

What’s in your DVD player right now?

Gone with the Wind

How much is too much to spend on a pedicure?

More than $40. I’m pretty frugal.

When’s bedtime?

Depends on my schedule, and if I’m inspired to write late at night.

Brunch: pro or con?

Con. I don’t want the calories, and don’t like drinking during the day. I have too much to do. I prefer to watch the Sunday news shows with some fat-free yogurt and fruit.

Most expensive thing in your closet?

A Chanel purse.

What do you hate most about living in DC?

I don’t hate anything about it.

Metro, Cab it or Drive?

Drive

Style icon who represents your style the most?

Elle Wood from Legally Blonde

Vogue, Elle or Bazaar?

InStyle

Ravens or Redskins?

Neither. I’m a supporter of Team Blonde which supports the Alzheimer’s Association in Blondes vs. Brunettes.

If you could be anything what would it be?

A Bond Girl.

Would you rather be a superhero or a villain? What powers would you have?

Superhero – I have no idea, maybe I’d fly so I wouldn’t have to sit in traffic.

What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?

I’m pretty open. I have no idea.

Chic In The City: Kate Michael

Washington, DC boasts some of the greatest minds of our time but the younger generation of leaders is bringing style to the city. One of the most influential women in the younger social scene is former Miss District of Columbia, Kate Michael, a gorgeous brunette with a sense of style reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. The twenty-six year old blogger, freelance writer, philanthropist, socialite, model and Green Collar Jobs Program Analyst (yes she has a day job on top of all everything else), is a force to be reckoned with. Since winning Miss DC in 2006, Kate has been working tirelessly on her literacy platform to help District residents learn to read.

Kate is a familiar face in the Washington social scene and a socialite must always look her best for those spur of the moment photo ops. Kate’s statuesque figure makes any outfit she wears on the town look extra special. She wears the clothes and never allows the clothes to wear her. That’s why many local designers and boutiques have made her the face for their advertising campaigns. Recently, Kate became the newest face for Fashion Fights Poverty. Some might follow trends but her style is all her own and is consistent. Whether she is just hanging with the guys at Rugby to watch the Redskins or sushi and drinks with the girls at Mate, the girl once described by designer Zac Posen as a “Zac girl” during an Elle magazine photoshoot, always looks chic. She’s got brains, beauty, style and class and Kate certainly is chic in the city.

Name: Kate Michael
Age: 26

Occupation: Green Collar Jobs Program Analyst (DOES), Blogger, Freelance Writer, Model

Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom

How would you describe your look?

City Sophisticated

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

At least one black pencil skirt and a sexy red dress

Do you have a fashion mentor?

Not exactly. There are those whose styles I like, but I think fashion – and knowing what looks best on your particular figure – is personal.

Who are your favorite designers?

Badgely Mischka, Valentino, Nicole Miller, Escada and Givenchy are some of my favorites.

What designers or labels do you actually wear the most?

My closet is full of cocktail dresses by Black Halo, Nicole Miller and Reiss. To work, I like Theory and DVF.

First designer item ever bought?

It was probably a DVF wrap dress… but the first truly memorable item was an Escada evening suit purchased at the flagship store in NYC.

Where do you shop?

These days, largely online. Some of my favorite stores and websites include Reiss, Cusp, Club Monaco, basics from Victoria’s Secret online, and finding some steals on http://www.gilt.com/.

What are you lusting after right now?

I think the Badgely Mischka Belted Ombre Dress would be an absolute stunner at the office or a daytime political function.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

The one FASHION ACCESSORY I must have is Dior Show mascara. Otherwise, it’s probably my blackberry.

To Latenight or Not to Latenight?

Depends on my mood – but usually YES!

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?

I search for economically and environmentally sustainable employment training and job opportunties for District residents.

What’s your favorite bar?

This changes constantly. This very second… Tattoo.

What’s in your DVD player right now?

Roman Holiday. It’s my favorite movie… I watch it over and over.

How much is too much to spend on a pedicure?

$50

When’s bedtime?

I try to hit the pillow by 1 am…

Brunch: pro or con?

Brunch = food and friends together. Pro!

Most expensive thing in your closet?

I have a pageant gown or two valued at ~$3,000. They are about the only reason I need condo insurance…

Vogue, Elle or Bazaar?

Elle – I have to go with the mag that gave me a full page feature (Jan. 2007) But I love the articles in Vogue, too.

What do you hate most about living in DC?

I have to leave the city to go to a real Chick-fil-A.

Metro, Cab it or Drive?

Metro whenever possible.

Style icon who represents your style the most?

Audrey Hepburn – classic and chic.

Ravens or Redskins?

Redskins, of course.

If you could be anything what would it be?

Hmmm… other than a Victoria’s Secret model? I might like to be Editor of major newspaper or magazine.

Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?

What powers would you have? Superhero. I love doing good and looking good. I would erase innocent pain and suffering.

What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?

I don’t know… take off my shoes? 🙂