For my first interview of a stylish mom, I thought I would introduce you to Mary Amons of the District Sample Sale. In addition to being a founder and chair of the event, she started a charity called Labels for Love which benefits women's and children's causes--and she's a full time mom. Read on...Name: Mary Schmidt Amons
Occupation: Mom, wife, and founder of Labels for Love, Inc.
Children: 5 (!)
Your "uniform”: In summer, it's tennis wear, because I'm usually running around all day, with little time to focus on my outift. When I’m working or want to dress comfortably, I tend to gravitate to my favorite pair of jeans (skinnies this past year), always boots in the winter (my shoe collection tends to be more summer/spring focused due to my boot fetish) and a cool top with some funky jewelry to add some style.
Your secret fashion sin: (eg., do you still wear scrunchies when you think no one is looking? Any one thing in your closet you can’t bear to throw out, fashion police be damned?) I asked for my husband’s opinion on this (never a good idea when actually looking for what you want to hear!). He called me out on my comfy jammie pants that I have had for years (all 5 rotating pairs from Scoop, each a different color (faded and a little saggy in the rear now)…he mistakenly takes it as a subliminal message that there’s no shot.
Favorite current fashion bargain: I have found some very cool pieces at Forever 21, while shopping with my daughter. Good, one season t’s and basics. I also was bummed when C-Mart decided to open another location, and everyone figured out the secret. I have found some amazing top designer bargains there. Bluefly and Yoox are two favorite websites, as well as my twice-weekly dose of Shop It to Me.
Favorite fashion splurge: Boots – all styles! Henry Beguelin, Chloe, Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten are my favorites.
Favorite stores: Alex Boutique, Barneys, Muleh, Relish, and all of the fabulous boutiques that support the District Sample Sale! They are all amazing, and DC is so fortunate to have access to great shopping, and fabulous store owners who offer personal attention and fashionable advice!
Biggest shopping challenge: Avoiding impulse buying, as well as gravitating to the same pieces that already exist in my closet. I have learned to stay away from the 3 week old Last Call racks at Neimans. It only gets me into trouble. A good friend gave me a piece of advice once: if its on the sale rack, it's there for a reason. I’m getting more realistic in being able to recognize a real bargain, but who doesn’t love a deal?
Beauty secret: Besides botox? (it’s rid me of migraines, so it’s a medical necessity now!) It's staying active, playing tennis, laughing with my kids, eating healthy (raw, when I can), drinking good wine (a must!), wearing proper sunscreen, getting away with my husband, and most importantly, nurturing my inner spirit, as it is directly reflected on the outside.
