Creative Fashionista Spotlight: Christine of Court & Hudson

If you think that you breath social media just because you know how to use facebook and twitter, you may not. It takes more than that. Our featured Creative Fashionista for today is a Jill of all trade and social media is one of the things she does best. She´s the director of communications for Refinery29, a leading online global style hub which most of us must be a fan of. And on top of that, she´s a star blogger, a crafter, a devoted wife, and a wedding stylist. Learn some social media skills and steal some style tricks from Christine of Court & Hudson.

Hello Christine! Tell us a little about you and your blog.

Hi all! I’m Christine, I live in Hoboken with my husband (who everyone says looks like Owen Wilson!) and work in NYC as Director of Communications for Refinery29. When I’m not working, I’m blogging over at court + hudson, which is basically my spot for all things fashion, personal style, DIY, food and décor. No, my name is not Courtney : ) but in case you’re wondering about the blog title, Court St and Hudson St are two of my favorite streets in both Hoboken + NYC!

What inspired you to start a fashion blog?

Before I had c+h I was actually a wedding blogger. I documented my own wedding and those of other creative brides. But ultimately I had to let go of that blog to follow my true passion and interests, which fashion was a great deal of. I’ve always loved style inspiration and creating very visual things and c+h gives me the outlet in which to do that!

You´re a Jill of All Trades – social media maker, wedding stylist, crafter, design enthusiast and blogger. You are also a wife. How do you manage to juggle everything?

I’m not going to lie, it’s hard! Very hard! But you have to love what you do. I’ve always been a dabbler – I have my hands in a little of everything – and I just prefer knowing how to do a little of everything, so I make time. Sometimes my friends and family think I’ve fallen of the planet, but with everything, there is an ebb and flow. My husband is also back in school getting his Masters, so It’s just a matter of thinking ahead and planning so we make the most of any and all free time.

Can you tell us a little about the nature of your job as the communications director for Refinery29? What does it take to get ahead in such field?

Working in PR and social media you need to constantly be looking for information, as you are expected to be ahead of the trend and have your finger on the pulse (excuse the jargon, but it’s true!) I definitely recommend to anyone looking to get into PR or social media to do your research. PR is not all about parties and products and social media is not about knowing how to use Facebook and keeping up on Twitter. Both require a good deal of strategic, big picture thinking to ensure your programs and campaigns achieve what you set forth to do.

What´s your signature style?

I very much consider myself to be a chameleon, which is also how I define my style. However, there are elements of my style that usually exist in whatever style I’m dressing in – I like oversized, nothing very body con, perfectly placed accessories and color!

What´s your best-kept personal style secret?

Dress for yourself. The second you stop dressing for other people, the more confident you will be.

What are the five fashion essentials every well-dressed woman must have?

1. The perfect fitting white tee – everyone looks good in a white tee, it’s just a matter of finding the fit to flatter your figure. You can dress it up or throw on jeans and a silk scarf for a simple, yet polished look.
2. A killer pair of pumps – black, hot pink, red soled – it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that when you put them on you feel that you could conquer anything!
3. A tailored black blazer – this should be an investment. It will NEVER go out of style and it’s worth the few extra dollars to get it tailored to fit you perfectly.
4. A statement necklace – remember that little white tee? Imagine that, a statement necklace, and a flirty maxi skirt – instant glam. That’s what a great statement necklace will do.
5. Red lipstick – maybe not a fashion essential, but any well dressed woman will tell you, a red lip is the key to ultimate sophistication. Even in that plain white tee and skinny denim jeans.

Enough talk! Show us some of the most creative outfits you´ve worn.

Pastels– I LOVE color and I have a feeling pastels will slowly start taking over my wardrobe. For some, this outfit might seem a little risky as there is A LOT going on. But it’s all about balance. Two colors, textures that don’t overpower the color, and enough grounding neutrals (cream in the top and nude pumps) to keep the outfit balanced. It may be one of my favorites to date.

Printed Pants – I wore these pants to a 1-year-olds birthday party and my friend’s mother (60ish) asked where I bought them because she wanted to get a pair. The reason. They were paired with a simple top and blazer that made the pants feel fun, yet never overpowering and loud. Maybe not the MOST creative, but it does show how you can infuse funky into a more classic wardrobe.

Crayola – The outfit was actually inspired by a photographer who stopped by the office one day. That photographer happened to be male, but I love how these four bold colors translated into a feminine outfit that could never be taken too seriously. Don’t be afraid to take chances when it comes to color, people respect risks.

Neutrals – there ARE some days that all I feel like wearing is all black or all beige. But when that’s the case I want to ensure that some individuality is evident through the addition of texture and tone on tone pattern as reflected in the top of this ensemble. Paired over a flirty vintage dress, it feels fresh and perfect for spring.

Trends – there are a lot of trends in one outfit here – a cape, coated denim, and leopard. But somehow it works. The palette is neutral and the classic print of the cape will carry it through more than one season.

And finally, if you could whisper a fail-safe style tip to every woman´s ears, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to take chances. As Mae West said, “You only live once, and once is enough if you do it the right way!”

Thank you so much Christine! Have a fabulous week.