Interview with T

Today’s interview is with the lovely and very charming and accomplished T. T instantly won me over when she described herself to me as a “homebody who loves cats”. How cool of a description is that? As someone whose idea of a good time involves my couch, wine, giant Twix bars and Veronica Mars, T’s words definitely spoke to me as a secret introvert.

T is accomplished (she’s a dentist!), loves cats, and has fabulous style and a closet to match. Enjoy meeting her!

Hermes Kelly clutch and lizard Louboutins

Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

Hi! My name is T. I am a dentist. Currently, I live in the southeast United States with my husband, four beloved cats, and one stray cat who comes to our house daily to eat and nap on our front porch. Haha.

Rose Shocking Birkin with Rene Caovilla sandals

Can you share some of your favorite bags you have, and the stories behind them? 

I love, love chevre leather from Hermes!  My father designed my very first special order, a 30cm birkin in Chevre Mysore with a Rose Shocking exterior, and Violet interior. This bag is special to me, and I use it on a weekly basis. Two other favorites of mine are a 30cm Birkin in Pink and Gris, also in Chevre Mysore, and a 30cm Birkin in Fuchsia ostrich. What can I say…I love pink! Pink bags are so fun to carry in the spring and summer.

Hermes Kelly Ghillies

I recently received my first Kelly bag, a 32cm Ghillies in Argile and Etoupe swift. The workmanship on this Kelly is truly amazing! I think I am falling in love with the Kelly. Finally, I adore my white Jige Elan. I have never considered a white Jige Elan until it came to me in a dream! When I called my sales associate to tell her about my dream, she sent me the clutch. It is my work horse clutch. I take it everywhere, including to hair and nail salons.

My first Hermes item was a 35cm black Birkin in Togo, with gold hardware. Although it was a beautiful classic piece, the bag did not suit me. 35cm is just too big for my small frame. I’m five feet tall. I was able to find a good home for that bag. Now, all my Birkins are 30cm. Live and learn.

Hermes cuff bracelets

You’re also a lover of Hermes jewelry. Can you share some of your collection? What do you love about it?

Hermes makes wonderful jewelry. I love that their silver pieces are well made, very solid, and not at all flimsy.  My favorite pieces are the Rose de Mer necklace, the Confetti necklace, and just about all of the silver cuffs. I adore Hermes cuffs, and can’t get enough of them! They have a chic and edgy vibe. I tend to dress very simple and casual, so my Hermes jewelry items help to spice up my outfits.

Van Cleef jewelry

T and her beautiful Frivole and Flower Lace earrings

What’s another  favorite jewelry brand for you?  Have you added anything to your collection lately? 

I adore Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry! Their pieces are so feminine. I just wished I started collecting them years ago, when their prices were reasonable. Now, they are just absurd.

I love, love Van Cleef earrings. I wear my pave Frivole earrings so frequently, that I wanted a second pair of earrings to alternate with the pave Frivole. I was debating between the small Cosmos and small Flower Lace earrings. I chose the small Flower Lace earrings because the lacy design helps the earrings to feel more fun and casual. I try to choose jewelry that can be worn casually, during the daytime.

Can you share some of you all time, favorite items in your closet? What about the items that you use the most? 

I LIVE in my J Brand jeans! They are so comfy, and fit me well. I also wear a lot of Vince and Malo. For the hot summer months, I love simple cotton T shirts (American Eagle makes fun, summery T shirts), and cotton blouses (Tibi and Milly are great). Come to think of it, my clothes are rather simple, and predictable – white jeans, and a comfortable top.

Can you share a piece of advice about shopping/budgeting/building the perfect closet that you’ve learned over the years?

First and foremost, try to choose items that are comfortable for you and your lifestyle. The old saying holds true–if you feel good, then you will look good. I try not to invest big bucks in trendy items. I think it is such a waste to spend thousands of dollars on a piece of clothing that I will only wear for one season. I prefer to invest in pieces that are classic to me, such as handbags, shoes, jackets, and cashmere tops. I still wear the Malo sweaters that I purchased when I was in dental school, and that was over 12 years ago!

My mother taught me, at an early age, that heathy skin makes the best accessory. I try to take care of my skin, and avoid the sun, so I won’t not need Botox, haha. My favorite skin care lines are La Prairie, Sisley-Paris, and Skinceuticals.

How about a piece of life advice?

I don’t know if I should be giving life advice. I’m still learning! I try to find what is important to me, what makes me happy, and focus on those things. At this stage in my life, I’m just too old to worry about what other people think. And I know this is kind of depressing, but I learned that nothing lasts forever. When my mother passed away at the age of 56, I learned that time is finite. I am thankful of each and everyday that I have with my family, and my cats.

What are some of your other passions and hobbies? 

When I was younger, I enjoyed going out, and traveling. Now, on my days off, I love staying at home, playing with my cats, and spending time with my family. My ideal vacation is staying home, relaxing in bed with a good book, surrounded by my cats. And listening to my husband as he cooks in the kitchen.

T’s adorable cats

I know you love cats! Can you share more about that?

I love my cats! My husband claims that I love my cats more than I love him. He might be correct, haha! Many of my cats had a rough start in life, so it is impossible for me not to spoil them.  Little Dude was thrown out of a moving car when he was a few weeks old. My husband rescued him, and gifted him to me as a birthday present. Toonie was living in a shelter. And Eileen, my youngest, was abandoned at a park because she could not walk on her hind legs. When we found Eileen, she was 3/4th of a pound. Poor baby. Although she still cannot walk on her hind legs, she scoots around very fast, and manages to boss my other cats.

Hermes Medor clutch and Louboutins

Finally…please share something surprising about yourself! 

I am a romance novel junkie! Haha. I read about two romance novels a week. Currently, my favorite authors are Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney, and Laura Kinsale.