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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!
Online sale hound Hukkster was founded by Katie Finnegan and Erica Bell after the two J.Crew-merchandisers-turned-management-consultants found themselves up to their eyeballs in daily deal sites and shopping promotions. Their brainchild, a site and app for iPhone and iPad, allows you to save items you like from any shopping site and alerts you when they go on sale. Amazingly, Katie notes that, "The average time from Hukking an item to receiving a sale alert on that item is only 10 days!" Holy smokes.
Take a look inside the Soho HQ of this fashion-tech team and check out their office style, plus hear their best personal Hukks and the items that weren't worth the splurge.
Erica Bell, Co-Founder, wears a Helmut Lang blazer, Zara top and shoes, Theory skirt, a custom ring from Etsy, and bracelets from Forever 21, Hermes, and custom.
What's the best thing you've Hukk'd?
My Helmut Lang blazer from Shopbop. It's the perfect wear-with-anything blazer and I got it for 20% off.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
The vintage black Chanel pumps that I wore on my wedding day, my SALT eyeglasses because without them I'm lost (literally), and my overworn J.Crew men's purple cashmere sweater because I'm always cold and it's so cozy.
Your smartphone is on fire! What three apps do immediately re-download?
Hukkster (of course), Uber, and Seamless. As an entrepreneur, my free time is limited and I really enjoy efficiency.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
In high school I worked at Office Max where I had to wear a navy polo shirt and khakis. We also wore vibrant yellow name tags. I still have the name tag but the polo shirt and khakis have been destroyed.
What have you learned at Hukkster about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
It's very rare that a product I Hukk doesn't go on sale. It might only be a couple dollars back, but that's money I can use towards something else on my wish list so I've become very methodical about Hukking everything I want at the beginning of each season.
Katie Finnegan, Co-Founder, wears a J.Crew jacket, top, skirt, and heels, Cartier watch, Hermes bracelet, vintage ring, and Rebecca Minkoff flats.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
If you aren't in love, don't buy it. If you don't love it now when it's brand new, when will you?
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
A sexy and surprisingly comfortable pair of Manolo Blahnik patent leather Mary Jane pumps, a Donna Karan dress my sister doesn't know I'm "borrowing," and a sweater from my grandfather.
Your smartphone is on fire! What three apps do immediately re-download?
Mailbox because it keeps me sane, Spotify because I need music at all times, and Hukkster, of course.
What is an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
A great pair of strappy, nude Louboutin sandals that are just too high and too uncomfortable for me to wear. They just sit there—it's sad.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
I went to Catholic school and we had a very strict uniform. Those outfits were pretty brutal, especially the wool blazer requirement regardless of the heat outside (might I mention the building did not have A/C). We personalized the outfit a bit by rocking Doc Martens, but by my senior year the administration got smart and added a uniform ORTHOTIC shoe to the requirement as well.
What have you learned at Hukkster about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
My dad is in the retail industry, and I thought there was nothing that could shock me. Since starting Hukkster, even I have been shocked by the frequency of promotions. The average time from Hukking an item to receiving a sale alert on that item is only 10 days!
Erin O'Neill, Director of Operations, wears a J.Crew blouse and belt, J Brand jeans, Cole Haan heels, and Ralph Lauren earrings.
What's the best thing you've Hukk'd?
My black Burberry trench. Patience pays off when the Friends & Family sales at the department stores roll around and they ease up on some of their standard brand exclusions.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
My new pink Joie Kidmore sneakers which I recently Hukk'd, a long, pleated Parker dress I've probably worn to too many weddings and events, and a Wallace+Sewell wool and mohair scarf that was once my grandmother's.
Your smartphone is on fire! What three apps do immediately re-download?
Hukkster, of course, and HipChat, which is the online chatroom our team uses to stay connected. I'd also re-download Sonos, a genius music playing app and speaker system, and the CitiBike app.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
Some of my favorite white tees are boys Hanes. I say splurge on anything that makes you feel absolutely amazing—if you feel super confident when you put it on, it's worth considering even if it costs a little more than you'd like to admit.
What is an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
I bought an expensive, silk white blouse recently that is fine but nothing unique. It's functional but there is nothing extraordinary about it – in hindsight I would have been better off going with a lower priced but similar option from Zara or J.Crew Factory.
What have you learned at Hukkster about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
Don't be suckered by promo codes and markdowns: Retailers often mark-up the items and then offer discount codes or slash the price so that it is in effect the same level but appears reduced. Instead, figure out what you want and what you are willing to pay, and use a tool like Hukkster to track the item for you and tell you when is the right time to buy.
Zach Carroll, Front End Developer, wears a Hanes tee, CPO Provisions pants, and Vans shoes.
Your smartphone is on fire! What three apps do immediately re-download?
I'd re-download Evernote because my entire life is organized with that app, Hukkster, and 2048 'cause I'm addicted.
What is an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
Now that my work attire is casual, I regret spending so much on this one tailored suit that I just don't need anymore.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I've been seeing a lot of people wearing the Nike Flyknit shoes and I really like those. I also see a lot of guys wearing button downs with all the buttons including the very top one buttoned—I don't think I could pull that off.
Sophia Lauricella, Marketing Associate, wears a Sandro top, Maje jeans, Rebecca Minkoff sandals, a necklace by Jennifer Zeuner, a Sofia Ramsay ring, Michael Kors watch, a bracelet handmade by her room mate, and Essie 'Chills and Thrills.'
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
People always say, "Don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach," and I think the same goes for non-grocery shopping.
Your smartphone is on fire! What three apps do immediately re-download?
Twitter, which I'm constantly on even when I'm not tweeting from @hukkster, Venmo because I'm notoriously cashless, and Hukkster (no this is not a shameless plug) because why would I want to pay full price?
What is your worst shopping habit?
Whenever I have an event or something to go to, I always go out and buy something new, instead of shopping my closet.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
When I was in high school, I worked at a pizza place for about 3 years. They made us wear these awful bright purple polo shirts that were way too big. It was not a good look.
John Rutledge, Senior Software Engineer, wears V-Moda headphones, an Express shirt, Citizen of Humanity pants, Cole Haan shoes, and glasses from 20/20 Eyewear
What's the best thing you've Hukk'd?
The best thing I've Hukk'd is my Samsung 65in LED TV. It was a big purchase item so I wanted to be sure I bought it at the best time and for the best price.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
My Belstaff overcoat, Theory suit jacket, and my "Austin City Limits" t-shirt which has some sentimental value.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I splurge on nice shoes, but cheap out on socks. Ironic? I'll let you be the judge.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I like the recent trend of shoes with bright colored soles. It's strangely refreshing to catch the subtle flash of red or electric blue from the person walking in front of you. The evil combo you couldn't pay me to wear are Crocs and a fanny pack. Those trends may be long dead, but I mention them in the hopes they stay that way.
Natalie Podrazik, Senior Backend and iOS Engineer, wears a Pim & Larkin top, J.Crew jeans, United Nude shoes, bracelet from Etsy, and Kate Spade bag
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Tim Gunn's advice to "remember your silhouette" has stuck with me the most. I'm a big fan of circus-tent-style tops these days, but only when paired with something form-fitting—otherwise I just look like I'm parachuting.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I promise myself to always get my loved ones gifts they want but would never buy for themselves, so I splurge on others. Summer dresses are my low-cost binge. Is it possible to have too many? Sun dresses are like the bodega egg-and-cheese-on-a-roll of summer retail: cheap, satisfying, too many out there to see them all, but you're welcome to try.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I am loving the past-knee-length pleated pastel skirts in the city. They are so flattering, glamorous, and timeless. The exposed-belly trend is just one that I can't stomach.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
I've had jobs where I had to dress business casual in the most plain-vanilla kind of way possible. Like, if your khakis did not have pleats in them, you were the office anarchist. Nowadays, I just wear what I like.
Patricia Gabel, Senior Marketing Associate, wears a Sandro blazer, an All Saints dress, Steve Madden sandals, House of Harlow necklace, and vintage rings
What's the best thing you've Hukk'd?
My West Elm sofa! It's navy velvet and it's the perfect statement piece in my tiny studio.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Expensive doesn't always mean better quality. Sometimes big brands can get nice fabric at a better cost because they're buying so much of it at once and that means they can afford to sell it to me for less.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
A Marc by Marc Jacobs leather jacket from the year I spent studying abroad, a printed MiH Jeans moto jacket sample that never made it into production, and my favorite Mara Hoffman swimsuit, because it's summer and I'm in love with the beach.
What is an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
I bought a Louis Vuitton backpack in high school. Don't ask.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I'm loving the mix and match earring trend, especially when the earrings are super delicate! I love the subtle edginess of it. I'm not a big fan of overalls—they look great on Olivia Palermo, but not so great on me.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
I was a museum tour guide in college and I had to wear a crazy brown vest over my clothes. It wasn't even mine. We had to hang it up after work so the next person could use it!
· Hukkster [Official Site]
· All Working It posts [Racked]