STYLE PROFILE - Jewelry Designer Sophie Blake
Today's STYLE PROFILE features jewelry designer Sophie Blake of Sophie Blake NY. I was first introduced to Sophie and her beautiful jewelry line when I styled Uyen Tang for this recent magazine ediotrial and featured the Zoe cuff. I love Sophie's jewelry because it is so contemporary and edgy. The pieces are inspired by architecture, geometry, and art and all the pieces are handcrafted in New York City using cutting edge jewelry making techniques and the highest quality of materials.
Name: Sophie Blake
Current Title/Company: Founder/Creative Director Sophie Blake NY
Location: Originally founded in New York and now in Fairfax, Virginia
1. What does a typical day look like for you?
I don’t think I have a typical day (smiling) but I usually start with my cup of coffee since it really wakes me up and gets me going. I usually scan Fashion News, check emails and then I start to prepare to do’s for the day.
Whether it’s finalizing an order, getting on the phone with suppliers, or working on new designs, every day comes with a new challenge and you work through it one step at a time. I also book appointments, prepare for trunk-shows and work on restocking or re-merchandizing styles.
I think the common misconception people have about designers is that they design all day. The truth is it would only work if you’re designing for someone else. Independent designers wear many hats. We are the creative, the marketing, the sales, operations all encompassing.
2. How would you describe your personal style?
My style is clean, sophisticated contemporary. I like solid colors, bit of color blocking. I love to mix textures, leathers with knits, suede with cotton. Comfort is also important I have to feel comfortable in my clothes. I shop for pieces that are versatile and work with multiple outfits, taking a style from day to night. My go to brands are Vince, Theory, Rag and Bone, IRO, Cop Copine and BCBG. My favorite boutiques to shop in DC and Virginia are Anthom and Redeem.
3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?
My Rag and Bone black skinny jeans, I can wear them with almost everything. My Vince open back booties (my most recent purchase) and my Midnight blue leather jacket, I purchased it from a small boutique in Rome and I love the softness of the leather along with the nostalgia of traveling through Italy with my husband.
4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?
Yes, for beauty I am an absolute fan of Trish McEvoy skincare collection. The product is amazing for your skin and makes your face glow. I’ve been using her products now for 2 years and I haven’t found anything as effective as her serums. Since I can’t live without my eyeliner my go to eyeliner is the Givenchy pencil liner. It’s great for a dramatic dark outline.
My style secret is shoes and accessories. You can have the most basic wardrobe but your shoes can transform the outfit, same thing with accessories, especially jewelry. For jewelry however I suggest not to over-stack and over-layer, instead pick one bold piece like a cuff and a pair of small earrings to complete the outfit. If you wear a necklace don’t wear earrings to match but add a finishing touch with a cocktail ring.
5. How do you spend your "me" time?
I love to travel and whenever I get the chance I try to explore a new place. I also love to spa and explore new restaurants, if it’s going with my girlfriends to get pampered or having an amazing brunch downtown. Getting wrapped up in work is quite easy, so making sure to take that alone time or time with your loved ones to re-energize brings balance to the chaos.
6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?
When you’re starting a business you’re bound to make mistakes along the way and it’s important to forgive yourself for making them and to learn from them to improve for next time. Focusing on the positives and the small wins ultimately bring you closer to success. As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and it’s important to know that building a business takes time. If it seems that others are doing it faster than you, the chances are they’ve been training for it for years.
7. What is your mantra?
Stay true to yourself and focus on making a change on step at a time. Be honest with yourself, know your limitations and know your strengths and weaknesses, it will help you when building a business and a long lasting brand.
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Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.