Interview: Lys from Just Because and Cooking in Stilettos

In your line of work, does fashion play a huge role?

At the day to day – yes and no. On the PR side of things – most definitely. While working remotely on a campaign, I can be casual.

However when I’m travelling with a client or at an event, I have to have my fashion game in check. I have to balance assertive yet sassy which can be challenging at times. I tend to tailor my outfits for what needs to be done.

If I’m working the door at a club, I’m dressed a little more sassy than if I’m accompanying a client to a gig where I might have to deal with the promoters or the media. They say you have only one opportunity to make a first impression and I tend to follow that rule.

Pick 4 dishes you could eat for the rest of your life (continuously)

Does Ice Coffee count? Just kidding. This is so tough because I’ve become quite the cook in training.

Butternut Squash Ravioli. I had this once in Andover, Massachusetts and it was di-vine. My goal is to make my own ravioli one day but if its on the menu, chances are I’m going to order it.

For all it’s greasy deliciousness (and to play on my Philly gal at heart motto), I’m a sucker for a good Cheesesteak – preferably Geno’s or Jim’s Steaks please. BUT – caution, in moderation.

Arroz Con Pollo is also one of my faves. It’s one of the dishes in my arsenal that I can whip up in a snap.

And for the sweet tooth, a Pumpkin Creme Brulee.

Why is fashion and style such an important subject for you?

Fashion and style is so important to me and has been since I was young. As I tend to be shy, my fashion is my way to express myself and come out of my shelf. Also, my mother is very stylish and I always admired her fashion sense. There were times growing up where I would often “shop in her closet”.

I went to a Catholic school growing up and in the high school level, we were allowed to wear whatever we wanted for a blouse/sweater/jacket and shoes and the only constant was this horrible forest green and blue plaid pleated uniform skirt. All the girls would wear whatever was in style and it was a sea of clashing colors, patterns but such individuality in a normally demure environment.

I enjoyed my mother’s sophisticated fashion and would often pilfer some of her snazzy outfits for class right down to the stilettos (it was the late 80s but still to me it was more chic than the Madonna neon-esque/Stacey Q outfits).

I guess my high school wasn’t too pleased with our class because because the next year after I graduated they went to a standard gray and burgundy uniform with white blouse and black shoes with white knee socks.

Ever since high school, I’ve tried to emulate a classic style with a bit of pizazz, much like that of those that I admired: Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and, of course, my mother.

Name your 3 best buys/investments, and why do you consider them so?

My laptop is one of my best investments. Recently, my prior laptop passed suddenly and, sadly, I didn’t back up and lost everything – emails, files, everything. It was a nightmare so I wound up finding a Gateway that works extremely well and it’s made the transition easier. And yes, I’ve learned “Back Up Everything!”

Because I have to go with the fashion aspect too (and I won’t bore you with all my cookware must haves), my new baby – my Cole Haan Village bag. I have been lusting after this bag and fondling it for about 6 months. While it normally runs about $375, I was able to score it for MUCH cheaper with cash back and coupons. Love that. It holds everything and doesn’t totally kill my shoulder.

Finally, there was the Nine West Liatris pumps that I bought from 9West that I absolutely adore. They look like Loubous, they feel fabulous and can pop an outfit like there’s no tomorrow. When I travel, often these come with. And they didn’t cost me a full month’s rent. Even better!

What are the 3 worst fashion trends….EVER?

This one I detest with every cell of my being – the Bubble Skirt – and that’s because I fell victim to its trendy call back in the 80s. It would have been much easier had it faded into obscurity but my friends have video of me and that daggone black and white checked bubble skirt. And it wasn’t like the revamped bubbles that we saw this past year, it was more of a bubble over a straight line skirt. The nightmares it brings about is rather frightening.

The Grunge look is also not one that I can say I was a fan of. I love when femininity is embraced in clothing and women look gorgeous – playing it down and not embracing one’s inner fashionista to have an “I don’t care” attitude about fashion makes me sad. However, I adore the 40s/50s style that has been showcased recently and I hope it stays.

Big shoulderpads – we’re talking Dynasty-Joan Collins-esque linebacker shoulderpads. You know the ones where it looks like the woman can take a linebacker down with the right shoulder alone. I pray those don’t come back.

However, much like music, fashion seems to run full circle – what’s old is new again.

Do you have a signature touch? A fragrance, a style, etc.

I think my signature is the constant stiletto. I’m a bit of a shoe “freak” and I always find that the right shoes can punch up an outfit. Sometimes I can be wearing something neutral with a pair of brightly patterned wedges or you might see my cobalt blue peep toe pumps under a pair of jeans. I don’t wear flats as often as I should. I have a bit of a height complex – when I take off the heels, my friends often remark “Wow, Lys, you’re really short”. I love how heels lengthen a leg and complete a look.

What is your go-to, fail-safe outfit and why?

My fail safe outfit is my favorite Kiyonna teal blouse, a pair of black wide leg garbo-esque pants, my teal pendant and my cobalt blue stilettos. It’s chic yet comfortable and never fails to garner attention.

FB: That sounds REALLY hot, Lys!

What’s the ONE gadget or piece of technology you cannot live without?

My Blackberry because it keeps me connected, sometimes so much so. It helps give me an insta-answer when needed, helps me deal with client issues immediately and, when I need a laugh, I can easily hit a website that will give me a giggle or shop online. I do have to learn to unplug sometimes.

FB: Oo.. Crackberry. I haven’t gotten there yet.

You have $1000 to spend. Where would you go and what would you look for?

More than likely, I would want to purchase the Christian Louboutin Mini-Bout, but I would go to Saks or Neimans and try them on, find the right size/fit and then go home and order them online, maximizing my cash back and coupons (if any).

If I didn’t have to spend the rest, I would put the remainder in the ING account and let it accrue interest, but if I HAD to spend it, more than likely I would use the remainder to purchase some sassy Stuart Weitzman shoes at the Saks Off Fifth Outlet here in Orlando. (Hopefully they would have the Sensual). If they didn’t have any fabulous shoes at the Outlets, I’d then make my way over to Williams Sonoma or the Le Creuset outlet and buy yet another pot. I firmly believe that my kitchen has to be as sassy as it’s chef, right? Or at least I’ll keep saying that to justify my purchase of some other pot that I’ve been keeping my eye on.

What’s on your “Must-Buy” list right now?

To be honest, I’ve exhausted my “Must Buy” list and put myself on punishment. About six months ago, I fell for not only the Cole Haan bag, but also a pair of Gucci sunglasses and a pair of Stuart Weitzman Fever pumps. All of which crossed my path at such great bargain prices, I snapped them up quicker than Naomi Campbell grabbing a blackberry. I’ve been bad – so very bad. But I’m really craving the Stuart Weitzman Sensual pumps in the black/white ombre and I’m hoping to have those by fall if all goes well.

My new goal, after paying down some more credit card debt, is to start saving for actual Loubous. I love most things Christian Louboutin. I think his shoes are gorgeous and one thing about shoes and bags and accessories – no matter what size you fluctuate to, the shoes and accessories will ALWAYS (well mostly always) fit.

Name 3 of the most frustrating things about going shopping

As a plus size gal, I find that the sizes in one store are often not the same as other stores. I wish there was more uniformity in sizes. I know with some designers to have an idea to size up or down and, like Clinton & Stacey say on What Not To Wear “Don’t pay attention to the number on the tag. Pay attention to the fit.”

FB: It’s not just for plus size either honey.. I do the same!

Also, I find that sometimes the sales help is not as “helpful” as one might like. Often, when I get bad service, I will take my business elsewhere. It doesn’t take much to greet someone when they walk in, not really stalk them as they browse and then just be cordial when ringing them up. I used to work in retail when I was younger and it is one of my pet peeves when customers are treated poorly. I’m not saying to let the customer get all “diva”, but just show some consideration – treat them how you would want to be treated.

Finally, the markup on items that are often made poorly. Nothing gets veins popping than putting on a shirt that cost me $49.00 at Lane Bryant only to see that the seaming is coming undone. Often when I go shopping, it’s “window shopping” because I find that some of my best outfits are created from my closet and seeing some of the new items gives me inspiration. However, when I find an item of clothing that I adore, must have and then see a HUGE markup on the price and it’s not made so well, that is very frustrating. Customers like myself are loyal to a store that treats them well and that includes the price and make of an item.

What’s behind your blog name?

I started Just Because…(www.jusanothagal.blogspot.com) for that exactly – just because. It’s a home where I can rant, rave, whine, praise, get on my Orlando politics hat, musical flashbacks, fashion/beauty spotlights – whatever I feel like – just because… It’s my personal blog and, while some people have taken issue with it, it’s my personal opinion and I refuse to censor myself for anyone.

Now the other two blogs are near and dear to my heart. Fashionista + (www.fashionistaplus.blogspot.com) was started by myself and my business partner, the uber fabulous Reese, to give an outlet to the plus size fashionista. F+ has been completely redesigned and I love how it gives me a spot to indulge my fashion whims. I love shopping and running across the gal who finds the *perfect* look and they just light up. If I can find a deal, spotlight an item or give some advice to someone, all the better.

Finally, the new kid on the block, Cooking In Stilettos (www.cookinginstilettos.blogspot.com) was named by my gals. As I said earlier, I’m a budding cook and love to entertain. I needed something to spotlight that creative outlet and connect with other foodie and entertaining blogs that I admire. And, those that know me know that I can’t be bothered to take off the shoes when I just get home, I just start cooking – and often with stilettos.

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