Melissa Hebeler/E!If you love polished knitwear, California-boho flair or just comfy-chic clothes, then you're no stranger to Wildfox. The Los Angeles-based brand is responsible for turning staple loungewear into sophisticated styles, and it's hard not to fall head over heels for their dreamy designs. Just ask Taylor Swift, Alessandra Ambrosio or even Jennifer Lopez—they're all big fans!
Behind all the clever printed tees and the super-soft sweaters is Kimberley Gordon, the co-founder of the brand and current creative director. So what's a day in the office of Wildfox headquarters like? Find out from Kimberly herself!
How did you get started in your career?
I started by finding a job on craigslist to do with fashion. I wasn't sure what I wanted to end up doing, but I wanted to give fashion a shot! I was really into illustration, film and my girlfriends so fashion came sort of naturally.
What is a typical day like for you?
Coming in to see the design team and going over all of their work, doing five billion random things that need to get done, arranging upcoming photo shoots, taking my little dog outside to pee, having big heated meetings with the boys, pinning tons of inspiration, then going home to my massive amount of cats and kissing my boyfriend. When I get home I like to watch marathons of Cooking TV or Sex and the City, lol! I used to blog and paint more, but we have been insanely busy and I need mental breaks!
Describe your work environment.
It's very quiet in our studio, I like to have it like a library because it helps me remember things easily and come up with big ideas. It's pretty much all girls so it's like a giant whirlwind of feminine, sort of like a teenager's bedroom with the mess in our studio. I work with a lot of my best friends so the atmosphere is fun and driven but also very serious!
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
It is like a 16-year-old threw up in here. I have pink everywhere, Britney posters, Justin Bieber, my paintings are hanging… I have some inspiring quotes and my desk is an old 50's dining table spray painted white and covered in pink trinkets. The rest of my office is filled by a pink futon and loads of clothing.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
It really depends on the day, when we have meetings I like to be crisp yet fashionable. It's important as a woman to be taken seriously. But a lot of days it's a giant pajama party here. I often see the girls put sweatpants over the clothes they wore to work and they walk around like that, it's embarrassing but definitely an accurate representation of our brand: Hangover clothing.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
I really wear our clothes a lot, but if not our clothes then I like ASOS for affordable every day wear. And Helmut Lang and Zara for special, presentable clothing.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
I really don't wear accessories, I'm a simple kind of girl. I like hats though! We have some crazy hats in the photo studio… you can see some of them in our Clueless campaign. For hats I like to go with men's style like "Country gentleman" or Rag and Bone. I also love vintage hats and have some berets at home.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate in every form while watching old episodes of The Torkelsons or crime dramas.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Beauty: Don't pluck your eyebrows.
Life: You'll feel better in the morning.
What are your travel must-haves?
My iPad, my portable mini watercolor set, UGG boots.
What are your beauty must-haves?
Kiehls gallon shampoo and conditioner, [Perricone MD] No concealer concealer, Bobbi Brown blush and a great mascara.
What is your go-to lunch? Favorite snack? Morning beverage?
When I have time it's Salmon with Kale salad, but if I don't I will eat anything. Morning beverage is definitely Intelligentsia Coffee!
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Be the first one there and the last one to leave, or you will be surpassed by someone more driven.
Finish this sentence…
My favorite thing in my office/on my desk is… my Pomeranian.
The best part of my job is… working with brilliant young women bringing a vision to life!
I never leave home without… styling my hair and putting on makeup (even to my boxing classes).
My favorite gadgets for work and play… my watercolor paper, iPad and a scanner.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… starting a line of ball gowns.
I read these web sites/blogs/newspapers/books daily… Fashion Gone Rogue, Models.com, Pinterest, and Wikipedia constantly. I listen to NPR in my car whenever I'm driving, I don't like the hassle of switching songs.