Wear This Not That

Today on Fashion Crimes, we are joined by Masha Titov, a fierce, badass woman who started a lingerie line called TITOV that has limited drops, inclusivity of sizes, and NO underwire (good riddance! Am I right?!). As a production manager at Yeezy, Masha was working long hours traveling to manufacturing facilities. In the middle of a 109° day, wires digging in and boob sweat in all, she took off my bra at work. Embarrassed and annoyed, she made it her mission to create lingerie that doesn't distract her from her busy life. She's inspired to bring women lingerie that feels special and like it was made for them.

TITOV has been featured on Boston Globe, NBC, ELLE, Boston Magazine, Boston.com along side with hosting pop ups in collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff (we love a good Rebecca Minkoff moment), private pop ups in Milan, Italy during fashion week, and virtual events supporting great causes like I Support The Girls. She's here today to share why she decided to start a lingerie line and speak about her dreams for the future of her TITOV; you won't want to miss it!

In This Episode:

• [03:43] Masha's quest to make the bras that are comfortable, supportive, pretty, unique and don't give you the dreaded uni-boob that sports bras do (thank you!).
• [08:07] The exhausting process Masha goes through to source elastics from manufacturers
• [12:29] Masha prides her company on exceptional customer service.
• [18:42] How long TITOV Label has been in business and how people are finding out about TITOV.
• [24:05] What Masha's vision for the future for TITOV Label is and what she would like to achieve.
• [27:22] Debunking myths around how to wash and maintain the life of her bras.
• [33:05] Where to find Masha on the Internet.

Key Takeaways:

• A bra with no underwire doesn't have to be mundane or boring, Masha proves that with her lingerie line, TITOV Label, where she creates comfortable, supportive, and unique bras in an assortment of sizes.
• Masha's number one priority in her business is customer service. Her label provides exceptional customer service that she prides herself on.
• Properly taking care of your bras will extend their life. Masha provides tips to keep her bras in good, lasting condition.
• Offering exclusive sizing is important to Masha, providing everyone with the opportunity to become a customer.
• How Masha is networking and promoting her business. She credits Pinterest as a good tool to get new eyes on her products.

Links Mentioned:

TITOV Label Website - https://titovlabel.com

TITOV Label Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/titovlabel/

TITOV Label Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/titovlabel

TITOV Label Twitter - https://twitter.com/titovlabel?lang=en

TITOV Label TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@titovlabel?lang=en

TITOV Label Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/titovlabel/

Quotes:

• "I like to say he (Nolan) has seen more boobs in his lifetime than most straight men." - Holly
• "I would say that's like my number one, it's always my number one. I will drop everything to answer customer service." - Masha Titov
• "If you're thinking about being a fashion designer, if you're thinking about your product, a story, anything, if you try it, the universe will align" - Holly
• "A big, big thing. Don't hang your bras off the straps when you store them." - Masha Titov
• "I put on the other day, like my crazy outfit, just to go to the coffee shop. Cause I was like, you know what? I have no other excuse to wear this stuff." - Nolan

Holly and Nolan recap their adventures in New York City where they break down the shopping, the purchases, where they went, and who's doorstep they darkened. They express their Covid related frustrations about timed sample sales, (rude), store closures,(super sad yet annoying), odd hours of operations at stores,(SUPER RUDE), and lack of bathroom availability in NYC. SOOOOOO RUUUDDEEEE.

A few celebrities were spotted during their dinner one night (Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Richie!), and Nolan debates whether or not to buy a $300 bottle of perfume he's had his eye on for years! Finally, stick around for this week's biggest fashion crimes and hear what Holly and Nolan are planning for their next NYC adventure.

In This Episode:

• [08:26] Holly and Nolan's adventures in New York City.
• [15:52] The frustrations towards sample sales and the pressure Holly feels shopping at these timed sample sales.
• [21:30] Celebrity sightings! Who they encounter in NYC.
• [28:09] Nolan gained a lot of experience in the high jewelry world.
• [33:10] Holly and Nolan's biggest fashion crimes they witnessed in this episode.
• [37:03] How Michael Kors and Nolan are connected.
• [39:40] Planning for their next trip to New York.

Key Takeaways:

• Holly and Nolan take on New York City! They're diving into their time there and telling us where they shopped and what they did.
• Covid has shifted the experience of shopping at retail stores in NYC and the surprising sparsity of access to bathrooms.
• Which celebrities Holly and Nolan spotted on their adventures.
• This week's biggest fashion crimes - spoiler alert, Holly spotted one in a gas station in South Carolina. Surprising?
• How Holly and Nolan are approaching their next trip to NYC.

Quotes:

• "I said, "don't look, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, and Matthew Broderick are behind us." And wouldn't you know, she (Holly) whips around like we are at f*cking Disney world" - Nolan
• "I just bought the perfume. I've wanted for two and a half years like you have no idea. I'm so excited, it was like I just won an Oscar." - Nolan
• "No, I don't want that suit. Cause I'm sure it comes with a drinking problem that can only be solved with Johnny Walker and a lot of tax evasion." - Nolan

Joining us this week on Fashion Crimes Podcast is Vienne Brown, thigh high stocking designer extraordinaire and founder of Vienne Milano. Vienne Milano is the first luxury hosiery brand and online boutique dedicated exclusively to thigh high stockings, created in Italy. Vienne has been featured on Fox, Good Morning America, Spark and Hustle by Tori, and New York Fashion Week.

She's here to talk to us about all things thigh high! She's breaking away from the drab pantyhose fashion of years past and creating fun, affordable, and luxury thigh highs tailored to fit anyone, regardless of size or gender. Tune in for this fun conversation and see why we're so intrigued about these luxurious thigh highs.

In This Episode:

• [05:48] Holly asks Vienne the ultimate question, are thigh high stockings back in style?
• [10:00] Can women who are curvy wear thigh high stockings and have them stay in place?
• [12:12] Vienne shares her inspiration, design ideas and products available for purchase.
• [13:40] Why she chose to have her stockings created in Italy.
• [16:14] Thigh highs can be worn by both men and women.
• [18:40] Advice on giving to those who are wanting to get started in the lingerie, hosiery, or thigh high stockings business.
• [20:42] How she is growing and expanding her business to incorporate other products.
• [28:29] How she transitioned her career in the direction of creating thigh high stockings.

Key Takeaways:

• Breaking away from the stigma that thigh high stockings are only for a certain size or gender - Vienne Milano stockings are for everyone, regardless of size or gender!
• Vienne provides high quality, affordable thigh high stockings- you don't need to break the bank to own a pair of these fun stockings
• Thigh highs do not need to be drab and boring! Vienne proves how much fun you can have by incorporating thigh highs with your fashion
• Why, as an American business, are Vienne Milano stockings made in Italy? She shares her story of why she fell in love with Italy and why she chose to have her stockings created in Italy.

Links Mentioned:

Vienne Milano Website

https://www.viennemilano.com

Vienne Milano Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/viennemilano/

Vienne Milano Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/viennemilano

Vienne Milano Twitter

https://twitter.com/viennemilano?lang=en

Vienne Milano Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/viennemilano/_created/

Quotes:

• When you're in the business of fashion, you're not selling sanity, you're selling someone vanity. What can I provide that can make a woman feel good and look good? That's why I'm in the business of vanity. - Vienne Brown
• "I love anybody who's trying to make American women more glamorous" -Nolan

Interested in shopping on a budget? You definitely won't wanna miss this episode as Nolan schools us this week on the ins and outs of thrifting and reselling. There is an art to how he digs, finds, keeps and resells. Even though we absolutely love a thrifting moment, he educates us on the amount of patience and diligence you need in order to be successful in the thrifting world. Plus, we chat about how Nolan really scored big on threadUP and some of the other reselling sites he frequents.

We cover all of the questions about thrifting and how to know if you're doing it right.

• When you're thrifting, how do you know what to look for?
• How do I know what will resell?
• What is involved in the care in cleaning of secondhand clothing?

Later, we discuss The RealReal and why Nolan became besties with someone who works there (DUH). Tune in as we talk about pairing thrift shop finds with expensive pieces to make yourself look like a million bucks without the high price tags.

In This Episode:

• [01:50] Nolan loves a thrift moment; he opens up about his latest shopping trips.
• [10:50] threadUP is an online consignment store. Nolan says it's pointless because they take forever.
• [13:10] When you're thrifting, how do you know what to look for?
• [17:00] All about The RealReal and why Nolan became besties with someone who works there.
• [26:05] You can pair something you find in a thrift store with an expensive piece and look like a million dollars.

Key Takeaways:

• Thrifting is not for everyone because it requires so much patience to go through everything.
• You can easily spend over two hours in a single thrift store.
• If you're thrifting for yourself, buy whatever you love and make sure it fits.
• Style tip: pair a men's shirt over a bikini to the beach; it's chic and trendy.

Links Mentioned:

Derek Lam

https://dereklam.com

threadUP

https://www.thredup.com

The RealReal

https://www.therealreal.com

Quotes:

• "Thrifting is a skill that you can develop, but I would say it takes a long time." -Holly
• "I love a thrift moment." -Nolan

We are bringing in the sunshine this week with personal stylist, boutique owner, blogger Kaitlin Langley. First, Kaitlin talks about the inspiration behind her brand and what it's like working with her tween daughter. Then, we jump right into Kaitlin's essential fashion advice: Find undergarments that fit CORRECTLY. Bras not only change the way you look in your clothes, it changes the way clothes can look on your body. If you haven't been fitted recently, then what are you waiting for?

Also, we talk about the importance of getting your first pair of Spanx. (A MUST for your wardrobe!) Tune in as Kaitlin speaks about how she grew her business during Covid and what things she educates her clients on when revamping their closets – including why you should actually WEAR the things you buy! She is amazing, we love her- listen now as she joins our posse!

In This Episode:

• [03:30] Kaitlin reveals the story behind her brand and talks about working with her daughter.
• [12:40] The importance of finding undergarments that fit correctly. Plus, you NEED a pair of Spanx.
• [16:45] Kaitlin speaks about her fashion evolution and the inspiration behind starting her own business.
• [34:00] How Kaitlin chooses her inventory by engaging with clients through Facebook.
• [43:15] Being a personal stylist is all about educating your clients.

Key Takeaways:

• It's okay to spend a ton of money on a pair of jeans; you just have to make sure they fit correctly.
• All your fashion purchases do not have to be over the top. However, make sure that you are not lowballing yourself.
• When you buy something nice, wear it! Your fashion should never live in your closet.
• You should never feel bad about buying yourself something expensive.

Bio:

Hi Friend! I'm Kaitlin, I'm a tween mom, personal stylist, boutique owner, and blogger! You might be able to tell from my year-round colorful wardrobe that I live in Florida. I hope to bring a sense of authenticity to my readers with the goal of providing tested tips and tricks for busy moms and boss babes!

I love working with companies and brands to share products with all of you. However, I will never share or promote a product/business that does not align with empowering women and making a positive mark on the world. Every product I share is a product that saves me time, benefits our family, or that I love so much. Want to collab? Shoot me an email [email protected].

Links Mentioned:

Website

https://kaitlinlangley.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kait_lang

Spanx

https://www.spanx.com

Quotes:

"Evolve or die."

"I wanted this bag my entire life. I'm going to carry it every day."

BFD ALERT: Personal stylist, published author and personal development coach Lauren Messiah, (not to mention Holly's mentor and total BOSS chick) joins the show. She is a personal stylist known for her method of combining her entrepreneurial personal development courses to help develop one's style and goals. We get to the history of how she started her career, rising up and creating her business that has surpassed the million dollar mark. She spills the tea on the common problems people have when getting dressed, and which pieces in your wardrobe you should invest in. She speaks from experience knowing that when you dress for the job you want, it pays off BIG time in your career. Unfortunately, most people do not understand their true essence and potential through fashion. She teaches that people can use style and fashion as a tool to get them ahead in life. Tune in as we talk about how leveling up your style can be uncomfortable, but certainly pays off in the long run. Catch all of her programs on social media and her new YouTube series Style Therapy Makeover Experience.

In This Episode:

• [03:25] First, Lauren inspires us and gives us the scoop on who she is and what she does.
• [14:00] In Lauren's book, Style Therapy, she teaches people how to be the best-dressed in the room.
• [18:00] Women need to make an investment in their fashion to help their career. Nolan points out the MAJOR double standard.
• [20:30] Lauren explains what it's like to be in her SCC program.
• [26:35] So many people are do not understand their true essence and potential through fashion.
• [31:50] The importance of finding your niche in business.
• [41:25] Going a level up will not be comfortable; get out of your comfort zone when it comes to fashion!

Key Takeaways:

• Don't waste your money on a Michael Kors bag; instead, go big or go home.
• You need to invest in nice clothing and bags because it's going to help you in your career.
• Even during the pandemic, you need to get dressed up; it's critical for your overall wellbeing.
• You have to buy the bag, and you have to wear the blazer to get in the right environments.

Bio:

Lauren is a personal stylist known for her signature method of combining personal development and style. She founded and created on-demand styling systems:

Style Confidence Collective and Personal Style University™ and authored books: 'Style Therapy™, 'The Book of Style' and 'The Style Solution™'.

Named Google's #WomenToWatch on Youtube, Lauren has been featured in Marie Claire, Vogue, Elle, VH1, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, WWD, Refinery 29 plus many other print and digital media outlets for her style expertise.

Links Mentioned:

Website

www.laurenmessiah.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurenmessiah/

Quotes:

"Find things that fit with you and fit with your goals, and then you can fully express yourself."

"Find the thing that makes you different and stand out."

It's the best time of the year, Award Show Season! Currently, we are recovering from the fashion tragedies that took place at the Oscars. Sadly, someone tried to kill Glenn Close by putting her in a terrible outfit but that's besides the point. She did redeem herself by doing 'Da Butt' so we gave her a pass. There are some elephants in the room that Nolan addresses, including Carey Mulligan and gold Valentino Couture. Later, we chat about the major fashion crime at the Oscars; yes, we're talking about Laura Dern. I mean, she kinda looked like Plumette from Beauty and the Beast but in a chic way? Listen now as we do a deep dive into our favorite and not-so-favorite looks from the event.

In This Episode:

• [06:35] The best looks at the Oscars this year (even though the bar was so low).
• [14:30] Nolan addresses the elephant in the room; who attacked Glenn Close?
• [19:35] We have a love-hate relationship with Halle Berry and her fashion choices.
• [27:30] Laura Dern is fabulous; however, her outfit was a major fashion crime.
• [29:45] There are two more elephants in the room: Carey Mulligan and gold Valentino Couture.
• [36:10] Holly and Nolan dive into the rest of their favorite and not-so-favorite Oscars looks.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't let your age stop you from being fashionable; there are so many incredibly dressed women at every age.
• You need to have lipstick on if you're going to the Oscars; that's a given.
• If you know Glenn Close, please tell her to fire her personal stylist.

Links Mentioned:

Oscars Red Carpet 2021: See All the Fashion & Dresses Here

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/oscars-2021-fashion-red-carpet

Quotes:

• "I have a straight girl crush on [Angela Bassett], and she can do no wrong fashionably to me." -Holly
• "I am just recovering from the fashion tragedies that took place last night." -Nolan

We are so lucky to score two fantastic guests for this special episode! Amanda Pearl Brotman is the founder and designer of AMANDA PEARL, a sustainable accessories and jewelry brand. Plus, Kelly Kratus Nelson, the Director of Operations for AMANDA PEARL, also joins the show. First, Amanda and Kelly speak about their revolutionary brand and the inspiration behind providing luxury jewelry at affordable prices. Amanda explains the difference between unethical diamonds and ethical diamonds. Tune in as we chat about celebrity press that AMANDA PEARL has received, while we reveal our favorite pieces from their collections! This is next level, people~you won't want to miss it!!

In This Episode:

• [03:30] All about Amanda and how AMANDA PEARL started.
• [10:55] The difference between ethical diamonds and unethical diamonds.
• [12:40] How Kelly Kratus Nelson fits into the picture.
• [18:30] The moments that stick out most for Amanda and Kelly while growing AMANDA PEARL.
• [26:55] Do not buy fake jewelry; instead, save up and buy a designer piece.
• [30:00] Kelly and Amanda talk about their favorite pieces EVER!
• [40:00] The future endeavors for AMANDA PEARL.

Key Takeaways:

• Unethical diamonds have been underground for billions of years; digging them up is destroying the landscape.
• Ethical diamonds are chemically and optically the same as diamonds mined in the earth, but they're made with technology.
• Buy jewelry that you feel comfortable wearing; your pieces shouldn't be living in a safe.
• Most likely, you are paying way too much for jewelry; shop with AMANDA PEARL – they have cut out the middlemen.

Bio:

AMANDA BROTMAN: Founder / Creative Director

New York-based Amanda Pearl Brotman is the founder and designer of AMANDA PEARL, a sustainable accessories brand whose aesthetic is a study in dualities, creating a truly modern sensibility and approach to jewelry.

Born and raised in the Seattle, Amanda's childhood was both full of culture and the arts, and the freedom to explore the wild outdoors. Twelve years studying and performing with Pacific Northwest Ballet instilled an unerring discipline and sharp attention to detail, which was tempered by her ceaseless curiosity about the natural world.

Constantly pushing boundaries, Amanda left for NYC where she received a degree in Art History and Visual Arts from Barnard College. After a tenure at Marc Jacobs, in the technical design and production departments, Amanda brought her experience to Erin Fetherston's womenswear label, where she was Collection Director, before decamping to launch AMANDA PEARL.

Amanda is settled in NYC with her husband and boys, but still considers the Pacific Northwest 'home' – drawing upon its stunning natural beauty and innovative spirit as inspiration for her work.

Amanda won the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award for her handbag designs and was most recently a finalist in the fine jewelry category.

KELLY KRATUS NELSON: Director of Operations

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Kelly has called New York City home for almost a decade. In 2014 she joined the AMANDA PEARL team first as an intern while completing her degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, and later as the Operations Coordinator.

She credits the strong females in her family, and her education at an all girl's high school, to giving her the knowledge and experience of the magic that happens when women support each other. Her desire and commitment to the AMANDA PEARL team is not only because she believes in the product, but because she feels aligned to the vision that Amanda continues to create.

Kelly resides in Brooklyn with her husband and (to the dismay of her family) two cats.

Fun Fact: At her wedding in April 2018, Kelly's "Something Borrowed" was Amanda's veil, and her "Something New" was the Ripple Climber Full Pavé Earrings in white gold.

Links Mentioned:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/amandapearl

Amanda Pearl

https://amandapearl.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AmandaPearlCollection/

Quotes:

"You want to wear it. You want to enjoy it. Life is short. I'm not designing things to stay in a safe." -Amanda

"I'm very hard on jewelry, so it's kind of nice to be able to shower with it." -Kelly

One of our favorite people ever, Stephanie Gardella, joins the show. She is the Chief Operating Officer, Resident Philosopher, & Nelipot at Ultimate Living & Hard Night Good Morning. In this episode, we go deep into Stephanie's fashion crime history. She loves utility wear, isn't a risk-taker, and HATES to shop. Also, Stephanie only has a few pairs of shoes, and she doesn't care about bags. The excellent news is Stephanie loves jewelry! We give Stephanie lots of fashion advice that she can start implementing today. That way, she will no longer be a walking fashion crime. Tune in as Stephanie gives us a little lesson in essential oils and explains what exactly Nelipot means.

In This Episode:

• [02:15] All about one of our favorite people ever, Stephanie Gardella.
• [06:10] Stephanie loves utility wear, and she's not a risk-taker when it comes to her fashion choices.
• [09:45] High-five if you're part of the Stepmom Club!
• [14:25] OMG – someone that hates wearing shoes?!
• [21:30] Stephanie doesn't care about bags, but the good news is that jewelry is her thing!
• [23:50] We give Stephanie action steps on becoming a more fashionable version of herself.

Key Takeaways:

• The more you change your frames, the more you change your look.
• Everyone looks good in a pair of high-waisted jeans; if you don't have a pair yet, then you need to get one!
• Great style does not mean you need expensive clothes.
• You can blend your essential oils to match perfumes; you can get a high-end essential oil and turn it into a blend – it's so much better for your skin!

Bio:

Stephanie is the Chief Operating Officer, Resident Philosopher, & Nelipot at Ultimate Living & Hard Night Good Morning.

Links Mentioned:

Eileen Fisher

https://www.eileenfisher.com/

Stephanie on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stephgardella

We are coming up on over a year of this new Covid lifestyle. Not only has the pandemic turned everyone's lives upside down, but it has totally turned the fashion industry on its head. In this episode we chat about the best 2020 fashion trends...(our favorite was obvi the face masks!) We love when a designer does a face mask; however horribly impractical they are. As we scroll through the biggest sellers of the past year, (birks and sweats to name a few) and what the industry is doing to reinvent itself. Just like most businesses, the fashion industry was hit, and it was hit HARD. They lost billions and billions and billions (you get the point) of dollars. Sadly, many of our favorite brands had to shutter because of it. ☹ Tune in as we talk about vegan "leather", the New York Fashion Week name change and Anna Wintour wearing sweats and shades working from the middle of her living room.

In This Episode:

• [01:50] Masks are by far the best fashion trend of 2020.
• [03:25] Sadly, some of our favorite brands had to shutter because of the pandemic.
• [07:40] Moving forward, what can we do to help out the fashion industry?
• [16:50] Vegan leather?! Stop calling it that - it's plastic!!
• [23:25] Leave New York Fashion Week ALONE!!

Key Takeaways:

• To help struggling brands, give them shout-outs in your content! It will help introduce people to their business.
• Vegan leather is actually plastic – both are bad for the environment! Stop thinking you are better for buying "vegan leather."
• Sneakers are the ticket right now – that's what 2021 is all about.
• If you're shopping, please support small businesses.

Links Mentioned:

Tom Ford

https://www.tomford.com

NYFW

https://nyfw.com/home/