I got the chance to sit down and talk to aspiring event planner and retired account executive for Wathne, Jessica Millspaugh. Wathne for those of you who don’t know is a private luggage and purse manufacture company in NYC, designing bags for Ralph Lauren and Oscar De La Renta.
Jessica graduated with a degree in Merchandising Management and after a few intern jobs found herself working for one of NYC’s top purse manufacturer. She was surrounded by a handbag lover’s paradise whose job titles included shopping for new purses and creating new styles. Jessica invited me into her home to talk and take a look at her collection of bags. Most of the 60 clutches, handbags, beach bags, and shoulder bags are a one of a kind, never being made after the sample was produced. She even sent me off in style after giving me a Ralph Lauren Blue Label Leather shoulder bag, making this the best interview and the nicest person in fashion I've met.
Barneys, Saks or Bergdorf? “I would spend most of my time at Bergdorf’s if I had the money but I defiantly love Saks, they have a wider price range. I go wherever my card will take me!”
What is your dream job?
“Throwing and planning parties”
Do you think fashion can be taught or is it something your born with? “I think it can be taught, I grew up wearing only t shits and shorts but the older I got and the more I traveled and exposed myself to different thing the more I learn about style. It’s the more you know that makes you in the now.”
What do you think is the most stylish drink: "Taittinger Rose Champagne. I don’t think a girl has to carry a martini to say she’s classy."
Beauty Secret: “Don’t Pick”
Favorite Designers: "Oscar De La Renta, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Hermes accessories."
Best Bar in the city: "I love hotel bars. Jane, Hudson and the Standard are some of my favorites."
Where do you get your fashion inspiration? “I’m not to big of a trend person, I want to look timeless and eloquent for the rest of my life. My mom defiantly had an influence on me growing up, she was New England without being Vineyard Vines. I like form fitting, sleek and fun without being trashy. I am more about Quality than following a fad.”
Best fashion accessory? “A man’s watch. That or diamond studs.”
Favorite place to shop in the city? “I’m a department store whore. I can get what I’m looking for in one place. From sweat pants to a gown for my next black tie event, department stores have it all and in every price range too.”
Heels or flats? "Heels"
Fashion Icons? “Julia Roberts. I also love Faith Hill, she always dressed just right, sexy without being revealing. And Victoria Beckham. VB looks like a Barbie doll but in a good non- fake way, I love her clothes.”
Favorite magazine: “Women’s Health and all wedding magazines, that’s the event planner side of me, I love getting new and innovative ideas on throwing the party of a lifetime.”
Most stylish part of the city? “Chelsea. You can see anything and everything there. Good and bad.”
Worst fashion trend? “There is so many! Dickies should have never been invented. Anything neon is a no-on for me. Overalls with one strap button, and anything mustard colored….yellow should be happy.”
If you had to wear one color everyday for the rest of your life what would it be? “White”
One thing (fashion) you can’t live without? “J Crews tank tops.” (She has over 40 by the way)
Below:
Pink and Black Ralph Lauren (benefitting Breast Cancer) Yoga Mat with matching bag.
The RL clutch / shoulder bag is a one of a kind crocodile with the RL logo as a folding closer.
The Black shoulder RL bag is also a one of a kind made with Calf skin and tortuous shell. Jessica was once offered 10,000USD for this bag.
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