Working It

Shopping and Style Tips From the Pamela Love Staff

By Nicola Fumo Mar 25, 2014, 2:24pm EDT

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Welcome to Working It, where Racked follows street style into the office. Forget pedestrian khakis and button-downs—these fashionable professionals take dress codes to a whole new dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!

Photos by Driely S. for Racked.

Pamela Love began making jewelry in 2006, quickly establishing a fan base among shoppers and the fashion industry. The designer has landed a number of high profile nominations and awards, most recently the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design in 2013.

With influences ranging from botany to Mexican folk art, we knew the distinctive brand would have a stunning workspace, and equally inspiring staff. We stopped by the company's HQ/studio/showroom—nestled in Manhattan's wholesale district, where it isn't uncommon to spot a cheaply-made reproductions of signature Pamela Love pieces—to meet the team. Get to know the crew that makes the designer's work come to life (most production is done in house!) and try to count all of the dreamcatchers (we stopped after eleven) in this edition of Working It.

Pamela Love is wearing an Alexander Wang sweater, Rag & Bone jeans, and Feit shoes. Photos by Driely S. for Racked.
At what point in the process of getting dressed do you factor in jewelry?
I never take off my jewelry so I don't really need to think much about it in the morning.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I splurge on lingerie and cheap out on socks and tights.

What was your worst fashion faux pas?
Carrying a lunch box as a purse in middle school.
What are your favorite stores to shop and why?
Narnia Vintage has the best curated vintage shop for anyone who loves eclectic bohemian vibes and Beautiful Dreamers is a really magical place.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I love creepers! I hate tight mini dresses.
Design Assistant Meghann Stephenson is wearing a vintage Balmain blouse, Acne jeans and shoes, and Pamela Love jewelry.
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
I caved to a trend and bought an expensive bucket bag. It looked great but it was so heavy and barely functional. I sold it a few months later.

What's your fa
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I splurge on things that will get a lot of use like bags, shoes, and one really good pair of jeans. Sweaters, tops, and dresses are best thrifted.

What's your worst shopping
What are your favorite stores to shop at and why?
I love the Reformation—they have the best dresses that are really feminine but still cool. Steven Alan and Mohawk General Store are also curated really well. I like stores that are relaxed an
eCommerce Manager Gretchen Jenner is wearing a BLK DNM jacket, vintage dress, and vintage Fluevog boots.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying? I really love the floral trend because it's reminiscent of the 90s, a decade that I'm obsessed with. I would never wear orange. I hate orange.

What was
What have you learned at Pamela Love about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise? All hands on deck. All. The. Time.

What are your favorite stores to shop and why?
I love Mahps and Fox and Fawn in Gre
Design Director Krys Manieczki is wearing a J. Crew jacket, Tellason jeans, a vintage shirt, custom Whites boots, a vintage Rolex, and Dad's class ring.
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
I had a shaved head with two Shirley Temple ringlets in the front when I was in high school, so probably that.

What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on? I splurge on shoes
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
A Cartier watch. I never wear it.

At what point in the process of getting dressed do you factor in jewelry?
At the very end when I put on my father
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I like boots but I will never wear any with outlandish colored soles or laces.

What have you learned at Pamela Love about the fashion industry tha
Executive Assistant and Office Manager Brittany Heaps is wearing a Will + Clay shirt, AG jeans, and Vince shoes.
What's your favorite season to dress for and why?
Fall by far! I love to layer and play with different sweater and jacket combos, but I like it warm enough to walk outside. Layers are no fun when hidden under a parka.
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
Flare bell bottoms. I swear they were cool once!
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
I bought a ton of flats last season without trying them on and testing the comfort factor—huge mistake.
Bench Jeweler Aldon Pascal is wearing a vintage Jimi Hendrix shirt, Levi's, and Church's shoes.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I like those little small brimmed hats. Luckily I am too old for sagging jeans.

What have you learned at Pamela Love about the fashion industry th
Operations and Logistics Assistant Thabata De Barros is wearing a Brandy Melville sweater, Zara top, Free People Jeans, and Jeffrey Campbell boots.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I love that the '90s are making a comeback—I'm a sucker for spaghetti strap blouses and flowy flower dresses. I don’t think I will ever accept Timberland boots