The 5 Questions We Ask Everyone: Fashionista, Ashley Thompson

CC Staff — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:39:30 +0000

If it’s one thing we’ve learned here at CC, it’s that all people are fascinating (Yes, even your econ professor). Let’s face it – people love to glimpse into the lives of other people. Disagree? Then please explain why you’re currently looking at your friend’s brother’s girlfriend’s cousin’s photos on Facebook. Or reading about the latest Chris Brown/Rihanna dramz in this weeks’ tabloids. Yeah we thought so.

Fact is we connect to others by learning about them. And everyone has something to share (even if it a story about a particularly embarassing fall…in a dress). So to give you yet another reason to procrastinate, we started ‘The Five Questions We Ask Everyone’ (and five just for that one person) because we know whether we’re schmoozing with an A- list celeb or your local bartender, you’ll be equally entertained.

Style expert and entrepreneur Ashley Thompson, 29, enjoys a life immersed in the international fashion scene as both a forecasting fashionista as well as the owner of New York City’s well-known shopping hotspot, Owl’s Lab. Some of those sporting her goods include industry icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Maggie Gyllenhaal and more.

Owl’s Lab has been featured on TLC’s “What Not To Wear” and in publications such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Lucky, US Weekly, In Touch Weekly, New York Post, New York Daily News, E! Online and Daily Candy. It also holds the title of one of the Top 100 Boutiques in New York City (Lucky Magazine, August 2007) and is listed as one of NYC’s five “Best Bets” boutiques alongside Phillip Lim and other notable women’s fashion destinations.

Ashley knows fashion, so we wanted to get to know Ashley.

5 Questions We Ask Everyone:

1. Most hysterical/ridiculous college memory/most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I went to UCLA and was in a sorority, so there were plenty of funny memories! I was always harnessing my obsession with fashion by dressing up in ridiculous costumes for all our theme parties. We’d go out to restaurants for dinner before the events dressed like the most outrageous things: football players, Disney characters, animals, you name it.

2. Five things you can’t live without

La Mer cream

My Blackberry!

My Mac laptop

A bag of jewelry with me at all times

A big handbag with plenty of room

3. What’s your motto/advice you live by?

Plan your work and work your plan. That’s my motto! You can’t go wrong if you have a solid plan. Also, I always tell people to stay positive and know they are in charge. Don’t let anyone get into your head and tell you that you can’t do something.

4. Your favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?

I just went to Bette Midler show in Vegas and she sang “When a Man Loves a Woman.” It’s such a classic, I could sing it over and over again in the car! “Sweet Home Alabama” is my pick for best karaoke song.

5. Ten years from now you will be….

I will have more clothing stores, a clothing line and kids!

5 Questions just for Ashley:

1. What are some tips you have for girls who want to update their wardrobes without buying all new clothes?

The best way to update your wardrobe without going overboard with your budget is to buy cute and in-trend accessories. You can always take a really cool new belt and a couple simple pieces and create a whole new look. Long necklaces and scarves are great for creating a fresh look. When I want to get stylish without working too hard at it, I usually pair a tunic with leggings and combine some fantastic accessories to get my outfit just right.

2. How did you get into the fashion business?

According to my mother (and what I can remember from my childhood), I’ve been dressing up since I could walk. I used to have a “costume closet” near our stairs where I’d store things I’d find at vintage boutiques and from my Mom’s closet. My mom bought me a sewing machine at one point because I was so into fashion. I think it has always been who I am, and I am extremely thankful that I have always had a passion that I have been able to chase.

3. What is your go-to outfit?

In the Fall/Winter, Skinnies, a tunic, a layered knit and jacket with lots of accessories. In the summer I prefer, a long skirt with a boho style tank or a maxi dress with gladiator scandals. I have always been a bit of a hippie at heart. I like my outfits to be easy, so I usually add layers.

4. What advice do you have for girls who want to get into the fashion business?

Follow your heart and your dreams. Get an internship and go to a school where you can learn your trade. Also, just never stop talking, writing and thinking about what you want. It’s ok to be really passionate about something to where you sometimes drive your family and friends crazy; later they will realize that it was that drive that made you successful. Don’t let anything get in your way!

5. Which celebrity style do you covet most?

When I’m having one of those days where I can’t get dressed and I’m throwing clothing around my room, I think about what Rachel Zoe or Jennifer Aniston would wear. Rachel Zoe is uber trendy and Jennifer Aniston is overly classic, so if I harness a mix of both fashionistas, I can get a good mix.

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The 5 Questions We Ask Everyone: Fashionista, Ashley Thompson