Jessie

Marketing Director GoTryItOn.com

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Explain the idea behind GoTryItOn.com.

The foundation of GO TRY IT ON is really a personal challenge that every women faces. When you’re shopping or getting ready to go out, you seek the opinion of someone who isn’t psychically with you. Marissa, the founder of GO TRY IT ON, made a habit of sending text messages of her outfits to her sister and best friends. She realized this craving for honest feedback, is something that should be available in some kind of social network for people to help each other by sharing their tips on style.

Today, GO TRY IT ON is about bringing an offline conversation, online. All of the elements involved in finalizing your purchasing decision in a store, are available on GO TRY IT ON. Two key factors of my life are why GO TRY IT ON is perfect for me: I live alone in NYC and half of my life is in Chicago. GO TRY IT ON allows me to “get ready” with my mom and best friends. Also, our community is 30% international so the fact that I get to see what women like me are wearing in Stockholm, Paris and Buenos Aires, etc. is such a testament to fashion and tech working together to bring us closer and make us more stylish! None of this would be possible without either element.

And! As of the end of February, members of GO TRY IT ON can suggest an item from curated collection of products when they are reviewing an outfit. And despite the fact that I’m bias, the products are awesome!

Do you see noticeable differences in style from the French girls that post their pictures to that of the New Yorkers?

It’s really fascinating, the style between 25 year old’s in New York vs. Paris really isn’t all that different. It’s kind of like fashion week. It starts in New York, goes to London, then Milan and ends in Paris, but all the collections–while different and unique–are a reflection of the same season, available fabrics and of course, trends and less about where they are shown or sold. And, as mentioned above, technology has opened up every city across the world to each other. Blogs and apps like GO TRY IT ON make fashion visible worldwide and retailers like H&M and Zara make it accessible and affordable worldwide.

What advice would you give to look more “New York” versus typically Parisian.

I think looking New York and Parisian both have to do with staying on-trend while incorporating your own personality and those staples that keep you comfortable and you. Zara is one of my favorite stores. It is so current, so wearable and extremely affordable. I shopped there while studying in Spain and do now in NYC. Don’t shy away from bold makeup. I think Parisians are so great and rocking a red lip and more cutting edge accessories on a casual basis–like a Saturday brunch.

Who are your fashion Icons?

My mom and grandmother are huge influences in my life. They are both risk takers when it comes to fashion, and are two of the strongest, most independent women I have been lucky enough to have in my every second life. They have never let trends dictate their closet and only wear what they feel good in. My mom loves prints and color and won’t alter her outfit for her surroundings or audience which is one of the things I look up to most. Other women whose style I fantasy date are Diane Kruger, Ashley Olsen, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller and Jenna Lyons.

Your go-to piece of clothing?

Winter: Ralph Lauren Military boots which my mom wore all through college or my Fryes which I bought at 18 and haven’t taken off since. I lived in this long cable knit sweater from H&M, JCrew jeggings and an Asos fur scarf all season.

Summer: Anything SHORT. Short shorts, rompers and dresses with a flowy top. I love dresses, always have.

• Northern Spy Food, “Doesn’t take reservations but the roasted cauliflower and kale salad are the best in the city.”
• Bianca, “The cutest, quaintest hole in the wall Italian spot with downtown NY charm. Go next door to Vaughn for a drink while you wait.”
• Johns of Bleecker, “Best pizza in the city—take a guy there, you’ll score major points.”

• Blind Barber, “Cocktails and bartenders are equally delicious—and the music is pretty awesome too.”
• Elsa, “The layout is that of a restaurant but they only serve drinks. Get the SM Jenkins Cocktail, and then order two more.”

• La Colombe, “In addition to the coffee being the best in New York, the staff is nice and the customers (ahem, Jake Gyllenhaal) are a delight.”
• Saturday Surf, “The outdoor patio in the back is the perfect Soho escape from tourist infested Broadway—and the guys who work there… just go.”

• Opening Ceremony Basement, “You’ll get your NYC fashion fix on the main floor but head downstairs to actually feed your wardrobe. It’s still pricey but there are some awesome finds and the staff is great.”
• Eric’s Shoes, “Head to Park Slope (it’s really close, just do it) and stop into this boutique for awesome leather in both boots and heels.”
• Mick Margo, “A great spot in the West Village owned by a true NY fashion girl, Nadine Ferber, who I admire because she is as cool as she is nice.”

• Ten Over Ten Nails, “Also owned by Nadine—go here when you want a manicure that isn’t rushed and is done by someone who doesn’t slap you. There are iPads instead of magazines so you don’t ruin your polish. Brilliant!”
• Benefit Counter at Bloomingdale’s, “Trust me—I’m a wax snob. They are good. Make an appointment when you walk in, shop around for a bit and then get waxed. One downer—the in-public wax. (Lets just hope the person you’d be embarrassed to see isn’t shopping at Bloomingdales…)”

• Cesar’s Shoe Repair
• Flormont Tailors