AN UPDATED ATLANTIC-PACIFIC Q&A //
Dress: Paskal. Earrings: Loeil. Bag: Topshop. Headbands: Zara (sold out, also love this one). Sunglasses: Celine. Shoes: Zara.
I felt like it was time for an updated Atlantic-Pacific Q&A! It has been almost a year since I did an extended Q&A (you can see it here), so I am adding a few new FAQs below! As always, if there are more questions, please feel free to ask away in the comments or e-mail me (blair@the-atlantic-pacific.com)! You may also find these past posts to be helpful: my career path, my blogging journey, my tips for starting a blog, how I edit my photos, my favorite NYC photography locations, and my quick NYC guide.
Let’s get started and cut right to the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions…
I am 34 years old. I live in NYC and also own a home in Florida. I am 5’7″ and typically wear a size 25 in denim and a size 0/2 (I wear a US Size 4 in ASOS and Topshop). I have been running Atlantic-Pacific since 2010, but did not do so full-time until 2018. Prior to all things Atlantic-Pacific, I worked at Gap Inc. in San Francisco for five years and then Tory Burch here in NYC for another five years. I do not keep a large team and am not represented by an agency. I do have an amazing business partner though – Andrew – who does all photography as well as 100 other things related to Atlantic-Pacific. Other than that, I love dogs and I hate being cold.
Now moving on to the updated Atlantic-Pacific Q&A…
QUESTION: I know you mostly dress up, but do you have a favorite denim brand?
ANSWER: While I mostly wear skirts, dresses, and suiting, I do love a great pair of denim. Madewell is the denim brand that I wear the most and these high-rise skinnies are my favorites (note: I own them in a few different washes, hem finishes, etc. as they are an often repeated style for the brand).
QUESTION: Do you ever experience burnout? If so how do you curb it or move through it?
ANSWER: I absolutely experience burnout. I think it is really important to give yourself a break and carve out time (even if it is small amount) for yourself. During the times I am feeling burnt out BUT can’t slow down or take a break (because let’s be honest that isn’t always possible) I re-visit my to-do list and prioritize. This often involves eliminating meetings, tasks, and projects that aren’t 100% necessary or 100% necessary RIGHT NOW. Being creatively stunted for me is the worst kind of burn out. When that happens, I try to find ways to get re-inspired. I’ll visit a museum, pour through my past favorite editorials and runway shows, exercise, etc. Many times when I am feeling a bit down, be it creatively or just mentally, I’ll find a coffee date with a good friend, or phone conversation with someone I miss, is often the best way to re-charge. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those you care about, they can always help!
QUESTION: I love your low bun! How do you do it and what are your favorite hair care products?
ANSWER: I actually talk ALL about that here!
QUESTION: Will you be doing another collection?
ANSWER: Yes. More to come on details, timing, and partners soon!
QUESTION: What are five things I can do to be more successful?
ANSWER:
- Write out a plan. Create a 6 month, 2 year, and 10 year plan and create tangible ways you can work towards each of your milestones. Evaluate how you are doing every month and always work towards your goals.
- Be self aware. Self awareness is key in being successful. Gather feedback from co-workers, clients, and even friends. Continue to better understand your strengths and weaknesses and improve upon them. Recognize early and often that you will never be capable of being great at everything. Many successful people I admire know their true strengths and only focus on those. They find partners and people to surround themselves with who excel at what they may lack.
- Don’t mistake activity for achievement. Being busy isn’t a badge of honor. Make sure the meetings you take, projects you are working, even your daily tasks, are all as productive and efficient as they can be. Everyone has other things going on and places to be!
- Be direct and decisive without being abrasive. In any business, the more clear, simple, and concise you can be, the better. I firmly believe that once you feel you have adequate information, make a decision quickly and continue to move forward. Don’t over analyze.
- Be nice. This should be number 1 on the list. Every single day I’m astounded that people don’t understand this.
QUESTION: What perfume do you wear?
ANSWER: I love switching up my scents. Right now I am wearing this one from Jo Malone.
QUESTION: Tips for going into a party where you don’t know anyone?
ANSWER: So, I find myself in this situation quite a bit! I am often invited to events where I don’t have access to the guest list and I am unsure of who will be in attendance. My go-to move is to find someone wearing something I really like, compliment them on it, and asking where it is from. In a fashion environment this can be a really easy way to start an organic conversation about brands you love, places you shop, etc. If the piece is interesting, the story behind it is often interesting as well. On the other hand, if someone I know is throwing a party and I don’t know anyone, another easy way to strike up a conversation is to introduce yourself and ask said person how they know the host. Usually a story will come out of this and more often than not you will realize you have mutual friends in common. But typically, I just try to wear a big smile and keep off my phone so people know I am actively trying to stay present! P.S. if you see me at an event, please come over and say hello – unless I ask you about your outfit first 🙂
QUESTION: If you didn’t end up in fashion where could you see yourself?
ANSWER: I studied political science (you can read about it here) in school and am from the Washington D.C. area so most of my first true job interviews were within the defense contracting space. I come from a military family and also had some direct military interviews lined up as well. But, Gap Inc. was my first interview and first job out of school!
QUESTION: Where did you purchase your BLAIR phone case, clear bag, and pearl headband?!
ANSWER: All of those products are in this post!
QUESTION: Who are your style idols?
ANSWER: To be honest there isn’t one person that I look to for inspiration, and the people and brands I find inspiring change quite frequently. Right now I am really inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross and the designer Christopher John Rogers (who was just named as a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist).
