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Welcome to a special Weddings Week edition of Working It, where Racked takes street style to the next level—the office. The litmus test of a true fashionista is how she (or he) rocks her style on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and a button downs—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Today's stop: The corporate HQ of The Knot Inc., which produces The Knot magazine, plus 17 regional versions, and The Bump pregnancy guide in 10 local markets. They also have a digital arm that runs TheKnot.com, WeddingChannel.com, Weddings.com, GiftRegistry360.com, TheNest.com, TheBump.com, and Ijie.com (which means "Love Knot" in Chinese; basically TheKnot.com for China that incorporates home and baby). If all of that weren't enough, the media company has over 15 books in print and mobile apps to boot. We caught up with four of their lovely ladies.
Anja Winikka, Site Editor of TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com: As editors of The Knot, we are all constantly doing press (someone has to speak for the wedding industry!), so I’m no stranger to "TV dresses." I started this job with practically an all-black closet and now I own more hot pink ruffled tops than I’d like to admit. But when I just dress for a normal day in the office, I always try to tone it down. I’m a Brooklyn girl at heart (by way of Kansas and Arizona) and tend more toward a more downtown, relaxed, boho style for myself. Also, my boyfriend plays guitar for the indie band Country Mice, so my nights off are usually spent going to live shows, whether his or friends of ours. I like to wear outfits I can transition from the office to the Lower East Side. Lots of prairie dresses, military jackets, vintage tees, roughed-up jeans, leather boots and the occasional crazy pair of heels.
I love shopping close to home at the little boutiques in Park Slope like Lucia and Something Else on Fifth (where I actually bought this dress), and of course at Beacon’s Closet and the Brooklyn Flea. Also working in Soho is super convenient because we’re literally right next door to Topshop, Madewell, All Saints, H&M and Bloomingdale’s. Perfect for last-minute events!
Winikka is wearing a military jacket by H&M, bird print sundress by Everly, and cowboy boots by Steve Madden.
Kristin Koch, Senior Editor: Lately I’ve been in a bit of a tomboy phase, and I’m kind of obsessed with the whole the Jenna Lyons/Alexa Chung tomboy prep look. But when it comes to dressing up, I tend to be drawn to more classic, ladylike styles. In general, I prefer simple, understated, classic looks, but comfort and ease are key for me because I’m always running late and never have much time to think about what I’m putting on before I run out the door. I am forever obsessed with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style (and hair).
I’m almost always wearing my grandmother’s ring, an oversized watch I "borrowed" from my boyfriend, and gold bangles. Other than that, I either prefer no accessories or big impact ones, like a chunky statement necklace (love Roberta Freymann’s), big earrings, or a cuff. Some of my favorite designers are Chanel (duh), Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta...and for my budget, Tory Burch, Milly, DVF, Rag & Bone, and J.Crew.
Koch is wearing a Madewell shirt, a vintage skirt, Kate Spade necklace, J.Crew shoes, her grandmother's bracelets and ring, and red cuff from Hermes.
Sarah Newell, Lifestyle Editor: Why stick to just one style? I like to change up my look depending on my mood (and more likely, the weather). When not in all-black, my personal style bounces between retro 50’s (Mad Men-esque), old school preppy, and flower child bohemian. I’m loving the menswear trend (nerd chic!) with pleated pants, rolled cuffs, and plaid shirts. But, I love ANYTHING with sparkles. Put me in something gold, sequined, glittered or rhinestone-encrusted and I’m happy as can be.
My style icons are Alexa Chung, Iris Barrel Apfel, Faye Dunaway in Thomas Crown Affair, Zooey Deschanel, and Katie Holmes. As for pieces: I love Prada’s bright stripes (and Zara’s much more affordable version), Tibi’s dresses, Kate Spade’s preppy fun skirts and swing jackets, Rag & Bone’s colored jeans, and Emersonmade’s jackets and silk prints. I can’t live without my LaFont Reedition eyeglasses! They’re my favorite accessory.
Newell is wearing a denim shirt by Madewell, graphic mini skirt and gold bangle bracelets by J.Crew, gold moccasin shoes by Kate Spade, and a necklace that was gift from a friend.
Jennie Ma, Editor of The Knot China: I try to have fun with my clothes. Getting dressed is my favorite part of the day! What I wear is definitely a reflection of how I am feeling. Some days I go darker, other days more flirty. That's what I love about fashion. It's a complete extension of myself and my mood.
Fashion is also a huge part of my family. My sisters both work in fashion and we love swapping clothes and giving each other styling advice. My mom (and even my dad!) always joins in on the advice. Our idea of a fun family excursion is to all go shopping together!
I get most of my inspiration (and pieces) when I travel. Some of my favorite things are my leather bag from Colombia, pants from Shanghai, shoes from Italy, jewelry from India, etc. But when I do shop in the states, my favorite brands are Lanvin, Jason Wu, Phillip Lim, Chanel, J. Crew, and Topshop. I love anything that is feminine, and I love interesting cuts and shapes. Right now though, I'm really into slouchy pants. Not only are they super comfortable but they are so refreshing to see after so many years of skinny jeans. I love pairing them with a fitted shirt, and it's great since the pants are so casual, I can get away with wearing something a bit more extravagant on top and on my feet!
Ma is wearing a shirt by Moschino, pants bought from a small boutique in Shanghai, shoes by Louis Vuitton, belt by J.Crew, and watch by Chanel.
· The Knot [Official Site]
· All Working It Posts [Racked]
· All Weddings Week posts [Racked]