How much of a model is your mother for you when it comes to fashion and makeup?
Ivy: One of the biggest if not the biggest. I think we have, you know, maybe a little bit of a different taste in style sometimes. But her, like just institutional knowledge and fashion is so, so helpful. And also the fact that she radiates confidence in her closet. You know, it’s her happy place, too. That kind of allows me to feel more confident, not only in myself, but in the way I express my gender through clothing.
Carla, what’s your backstory? How long have you been involved in fashion?
Carla: Oh, goodness. My my whole adult life I was a clothing designer by trade, and I did that for about 20 years and then parlayed it into jewelry design. Once my kids came along, I couldn’t go off to Asia on a regular basis to inspect garments. So that’s how it kind of rolled out.
And yeah, I have always understood that I can express myself without words through my wardrobe. I think that’s where the parallel between Carrie [of “Sex and the City”] and I manifested: We both understand the power of nonverbal communication. And, you know, I’m a bit of a chameleon that way. I can gravitate towards a very minimalist, clean look one day and then the next day go full-on frills and bows. I won’t box myself in. It’s the way I express myself.
Carla, it’s probably fair to say your closet doesn’t look like most of our listeners’ closets. What would you like to share with the average Texan about fashion?
Carla: I think what I would love to share is that you’ve got to listen to your gut. And the best way to do that is to, if you’re interested in fashion, take a look at what’s going down the runways – but don’t use that as doctrine. Instead, use your own, you know, weather vane. If something doesn’t feel right to you, don’t force yourself into it just because you think everybody else is wearing it. If something feels really up your alley, I give every woman permission to buy the same pair of pants in 10 colors, if it makes you feel good.
Ivy, as you continue to explore fashion, what do you think we can expect from you that’s a little different from your mom?
Ivy: That’s a really good question. I think, honestly, my mom knows more about styling than me. So I’m kind of just in a phase where I’m figuring out, you know, what really fits me …….
