Jill Martin: Her Style Tips and Fave Product Picks
TV personality and fashion expert Jill Martin is the go-to girl for all things style. She is a regular contributor for NBC’s Today Show and is known for her popular “Ambush Makeovers” and “Steals and Deals” segments, and sports interviews for the NY Knicks. She is also the NY correspondent for Access Hollywood landing all big celeb interviews. I love that Jill always shares her insights on the latest trends and how best to shop on a budget. She also offers great advice through her fashion self-help books, “Fashion for Dummies” and New York Times best seller “I Have Nothing to Wear.” I caught up with the style maven to get some fashion and beauty tips, tricks and product picks!
MM: How do you best describe your look or style?
JM: Classic. I am most comfortable in jeans, a white t-shirt and ballet flats. The second I am done covering a red carpet, the heels come off and the Uggs go on!
MM: What are some recent purchases you are loving right now?
JM: My ALC Leather Dress (from 25Park.com), Alexander Wang long sleeve white t-shirt, fab turquoise earrings from Jennifer Miller Jewelry and hot pink Jimmy Choo sandals that I got at Bergdorf’s for 70% off!
MM: What is one timeless piece all women need in their wardrobe?
JM: A great pair of jeans!
MM: Who are some of your favorite designers in different price points and why?
JM: I love designers at all different price points: Dior, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, Robert Rodriguez…and if you want a real deal, Zara has great pieces!
MM: What should every women splurge on?
JM: A great “schlep” bag!
MM: What are some things we can all do to de-clutter our closet?
JM: Go into your closet and take out your favorite things: blouse, jeans, sweater, slacks etc., and lay them on the bed. Then take out every other piece from your closet and if they don’t match up to the way you feel in your favorite items, then it’s time for them to go! I would rather you have 30 amazing pieces than 300 that are just “eh.”
MM: What are some tips for shopping smart?
JM: One-in, One-out (or for my mother, one-in, five-out). You shop smarter when you know you have to let something go.
Best Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him and Her
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fabulous gift for that special someone! Be creative this year…there’s no need to rely on old standbys. These hand-picked gifts for him and her are sure to delight any of the loves in your life.
T. Anthony Kent Slim Messenger, BUY NOW, $450
The T. Anthony Kent Slim Messenger bag is a perfect gift for the guy on the move. The super slim and stylish messenger is lightweight and made from scratch resistant pebble grain leather that will keep during the most rugged of wear. I bought one for my husband recently and he loves it for every day and for travel. You can also have the bag gold stamped with your man’s initials–love a personalized gift! T. Anthony bags have been featured in O Magazine, Allure and Bazaar.
Michael Kors Men’s Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch, BUY NOW, $225
A signature timepiece is an important part of every man’s wardrobe. This sleek design by Michael Kors is impeccably chic, and offers a lot of look for the price. Oversized chronograph styles are my favorite…this one looks hip and cool without trying too hard.
Johnnie Walker Engraved Blue Label Whisky, BUY NOW, $225
Personalization makes a gift extra special. The whisky aficionado will relish in owning an engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label! The 200 year old brewer is known for their consistency and flavor quality, perfect for the man who has everything.
Molton Brown Echo Bath and Body Gift Set, BUY NOW, $109
If your Valentine could use a little rest and relaxation (can’t we all?), indulge them with the Molton Brown Echo yuan zhi Gift Set, complete with bath and shower gel, body cream, and medio candela. Molton Brown has been a leader in the best quality body, skin, hair and home products since the 70’s. All of their materials are sourced from natural and sustainable ingredients and the blend of yuan zhi root, ylang ylang and vanilla makes a great scent for both sexes. Fans include Leighton Meester and Kristen Chenoweth.
Brookstone Bluetooth Keyboard for Ipad 2 Tablet, BUY NOW, $99
Every iPad2 tablet owner will be delighted with the Brookstone Bluetooth Keyboard. The sleek portfolio case is made out of a rubberized material with a built in wireless keyboard that lets you type with ease at laptop speed and has full access to the device’s camera and port capabilities. It’s available in fun shades like pink, orange and green as well as basic colors so it makes a great gift for anyone with an iPad2. This is the nicest one I have seen–it’s not bulky and the keyboard is super comfortable and easy to use.
Jacks & Jokers “King’s Head” Graphic Tee, BUY NOW, $60
These ultra hip t-shirts are incredibly soft and detailed with authentic graphics and logos from decks of playing cards. A totally fresh take on a tee, the fun designs are great for the King of your Heart. It’s a perfect present for the downtown guy, and the uptown one who needs to revamp his preppy collared shirt look. Jacks and Jokers tees have been spotted on celebs Adrian Grenier and Kevin Dillon, New York Yankee Nick Swisher and were featured in Hamptons Magazine.