Jennifer Cooper, E!With a fresh new season to embrace, we're ready for a warm weather shopping spree like never before!
And what better place to preview the hottest trends than Bloomingdale's in New York City?
The major department store is a must when it comes to stocking up on all of our fashion favorites, so it's no surprise that there are some very savvy experts working hard behind the scenes to ensure the store is always delivering for their customers.
We caught up with Operating Vice President of Fashion Direction for Women's Ready-to-Wear Brooke Jaffe for some one-on-one time to get know her a bit better.
Here's what she shared with us:
What was your very first job?
I was an NBC page!
How did you get started in your career?
I had the incredible opportunity to be the assistant to the Accessories Director of Vogue. I learned so much about the entire industry and was exposed to some of the most talented people. I was very lucky.
Who are some of your career heroes?
My sister Alix is a big inspiration because she has always been so passionate about her career. All the women I have worked for: Michelle Kessler Sanders (my first fashion boss) and one of the coolest women I've ever known , Cindy Weber Cleary, Fashion Director of InStyle and friend, Alice Kim, my boss at InStyle who really showed me the ropes and the meaning of trust. Francine Klein, EVP/GMM of Fashion Accessories, Cosmetics and Fine Jewelry at Bloomingdale's has been a mentor to me for the last six years and has taught me so much! I feel lucky to have been surrounded by such fearless and intelligent females!
What's a typical workday like for you?
No day is the same and I love the constant energy. I attend several appointments in the market, looking at new styles for the upcoming season. I attend creative meetings internally where we brainstorm trends, determine ad styles and think of creative ways to share fashion with our customers. I love that I have the opportunity to work with every department of the store including visual, public relations, marketing, store managers, etc. It's a fast-paced business and there is always something new to explore. I sit with fellow fashion office members and we share what we are seeing on the streets, runways and social media to determine what is most relevant for our customer.
Describe your office décor. What was your inspiration? Did you decorate it yourself?
In my role, there isn't a lot of desk time because we really need to be out and about looking at new fashion all the time. When I am at my desk I like to take time to look at magazines, so you will see big cork boards where I can hang my current inspirations which becomes my ever-changing art!
List five things that are on your desk right now:
VOGUE, W, InStyle, Marie Claire, a Magic 8 ball and an extra-fine precise grip black ink pen.
What do you typically wear to work?
I am having a moment with skirts right now, so usually a skirt (my Theory leather pleated kilt), Wolford Velvet Deluxe black hosiery in black, Chanel leather over the knee boots (don't remember life before these) and either my Helmut Lang leather jacket (which feels like second skin at this point) or a black blazer.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
Bloomingdale's.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
To listen and consider what others are saying and then give feedback.
Finish the sentence:
Today for lunch I had…a chopped salad from FLIP (in Bloomingdale's 59th Street location.) I order it with a turkey burger with no bun. It's my fave.
The first website I log onto every day is…after Bloomingdales.com, it's Style.com.
The beauty product you can always find in my purse is…Hoola powder by Benefit Cosmetics and 12 different lip glosses (always been my thing.)
My must-have work gadget is…my iPhone!
My usual Starbucks order is…grande dark roast with a tiny splash of half and half, sometimes with 2 pumps of sugar-free vanilla.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually…walk through 59th street and see what's new!
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…auditioning for Saturday Night Live.
The best part of my job is…the amazing people I get to work with!