I was excited when I heard that I was going to be the subject of an "I Am Ulster County" profile in Ulster magazine, but then I remembered my wardrobe crisis. I had nothing pretty to wear for the photo shoot. I didn't want to wear my standard uniform of yoga pants and denim jacket. I've visited DIG the Shop in Saugerties during First Fridays, and bought a nice Nally & Millie shirt there once, but I never experienced a styling session with Daisy Kramer Bolle, who has styled thousands of women including celebrities such as Shakira, Jessica Alba, Rene Zellweger, Luke Wilson, Zooey Deschanel. I knew who to call for help.
The day before my shoot, I made an appointment with her. Walking into DIG is kind of like walking into a huge walk-in celebrity closet. It's a little overwhelming. After a quick scan of the store you realize everything is beautiful, but how will you find something that is perfect for the occasion, and fits your body type. Daisy asked me what I was looking for. I didn't have an outfit in my mind, but I said something "professional, but fun" and she suggested a Karina dress.
I really don't wear dresses too often any more. (It is hard to believe that I used to wear dresses and skirts every day when I worked in Manhattan. I'd wear them with running shoes a la Melanie Griffin in Working Girl!). I liked wearing dresses back in the late 90s, but I rarely have the need or opportunity to get dressed up in my current daily life. (One of the things I love about living in the Hudson Valley is that there is no dress code).
Daisy brought over a few different Karina Dresses for me to try on, each one unique with a special name. I loved the patterns, but it took me a few try ons to decide on the one I liked the best. (For example, an empire type dress didn't flatter my figure). "I like the color, but I think it makes me look pregnant," I confessed to Daisy. "Well, if it makes you feel pregnant, it's not the right dress for you!" she stated matter of factly. I finally decided to wear the Penelope Dress you see here for the photo shoot. Since this was going to be for press, Daisy let me borrow the dress, Miz Mooz shoes, and Love Spell earrings, and necklace by Maya for the afternoon. I fell in love with the Miz Mooz high heel shoes!
I looked through a sales rack, and found a cute black dress that I decided to buy, not for the shoot, but for a special occasion. It was on sale for $40. It's a very versatile dress. I also found a cute red Nally & Millie blouse that I have already worn many times. I find that while the purchases I've made at DIG are more expensive than shopping at the mall, they really are such good quality, and very stylish, I end up wearing them over and over again thereby increasing their value to me over time. Above all, I really prefer to shop local whenever I can.
The photography shoot itself was very quick and simple. It took place at a non-descript space off Broadway in Kingston. (No make up artist or hair stylist so I winged it!) Michael Bloom was fun to work with for the short shoot, and I'm happy with the photos he took.
Getting styled by Daisy Kramer Bolle was such a fun experience. Styling is her passion, and it shows! Another item on my wishlist is to treat myself to a Karina dress this year. I will keep you posted on that goal! I'd love to have a pretty Karina dress in my closet to wear for an unexpected party or date night. DIG the Shop, 89 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY. (845) 246-3833
