Layer Up in Style

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10 Rules to Live By

By Jasmine Cooper

1. Forgive people even if they never apologize. Forgiveness isn't about them, it's for you. Forgiveness gives you the freedom to move on.

2. Do not give up on your dreams. Failure is inevitable, but triumph is always obtainable if you work hard enough. Dreams do come true. Look at how far you have come this past year.

3. If it seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Look at things for what they are, not just what you want them to be. Seek advice from wise counsel.

4. Do not run from something amazing because you are afraid that it will end in heartbreak. Be courageous and dive in. The greatest things in life happen on accident or by chance.

5. When it comes to choosing a career, stick to something that you are good at and enjoy doing. It won't feel like work if you are having a good time.

6. Run from negative people because they will bring you down. Haven't you heard the saying that, "One bad apple spoils the whole tree?"

7. Give it all you've got. You will only regret the chances that you did not take. The higher the risk the higher the reward.

8. Remind your friends and family how much you love them, often. You never know when someone needs a kind word or hug.

9. Fall in love with being alive. There is nothing more beautiful than the beauty of life itself. There will be highs and lows, but though it all there is always a reason to smile. Focus on the positive things in your life, rather than the negatives.

10. Laugh at yourself. This world would be a much better place if it were filled with more laughter. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and keep going. Don't beat yourself up about things that you cannot change.


Much Love,
Jas the Stylist

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Kathryn (Kat) Mansur

Kathryn (Kat) Mansur is a public relations specialist with one of the brightest smile ever. I love seeing her work because she is passionate about what she does. I could go on and on about all of the things that Kat has done, but I'd prefer to let you get to know her for yourself in our interview below! Enjoy!

Where do you work? What is your occupation?

Public Relations - Full-time beauty publicist that also works in fashion events and social media.

I am contracted full-time through an agency based in Los Angeles, Light Years Ahead (www.lightyearsahead.com) where I work remotely as a publicist for national beauty/lifestyle and consumer product clients.

I also work in Kansas City on several projects and events. I am the Director of Media for Kansas City Fashion Week (www.kcfashionweek.com), co-founder of Go Blog Social (www.goblogsocial.com) and serve on the board for several non-profits focused on fashion and art including Kansas City Fringe Festival “Fringe Fashion” and The Arts Asylum.

I also occasionally write for my personal blog, Everyday Chic Style (www.everydaychicstyle.com), which is all about living a stylish life, while on a budget.

Who have you worked with and/or worked for? Who would you like to work with and/or work for?

I started my career as an intern and assistant in New York City. This is where I truly learned about the PR industry and garnered my passion for working in beauty and fashion. I worked at a fashion PR agency/showroom and as a production assistant, where I had the opportunity to work on the Tiffany & Co. Holiday advertising campaign and a multitude of major fashion brands. Although it was a starting point, these experiences truly shaped my career path and my skills.

From there, I worked for a small PR agency based in Kansas City where I was the first PR Coordinator to join the two-person team. This opportunity challenged me to multi-task and manages multiple projects for clients in the hospitality, retail and entertainment industries. I helped launch store openings, coordinated on-site events, managed social media and worked with the media.  My favorite client to work with at the time was Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, because it involved styling opportunities for photo shoots and TV segments.

Nearly two years into working at the agency, I was offered a unique opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Working with entrepreneurs and start-ups interested me and motivated me to become self-employed. I never expected for it to happen so early on in my career.

Now, I work with national beauty and skincare beauty brands through an agency I am contracted through based in Los Angeles. My favorite part of the industry is getting to test new beauty products and learning about the upcoming trends. Beauty and fashion really go hand-in-hand and it has been a fun industry to work in. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel for beauty launches and attend expo trade shows, which is a definite perk! This job also allows me the opportunity to work on the other projects I love, like Kansas City Fashion Week.

What was your motivation behind starting your career?

I’ve always seen the potential for Kansas City’s fashion industry to evolve, and knew I wanted to focus my career in this market. After experiencing agency life and gaining the skills I needed to go off on my own, I kind of just took a giant leap of faith. It seemed like everything fell into place once I set my mind to just go for it.

How do you balance your business and personal life?

It’s tough. Some days (and weeks) I work long hours and then have to go to events in the evening. Especially during KCFW events, I am home only a few short hours! Luckily, my fiancé is incredibly supportive of everything I do. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without the support of my friends and family! An easy tip to balance business and personal life on a daily basis is to stick to a schedule. Pencil in time for things like going to the gym, grabbing coffee or drinks with a friend, etc. It’s important to do those things and if you don’t make time, it won’t happen.

Where do you find inspiration?

Working from home, I often get creative “mind blocks.” I turn to Pinterest for instant visual inspiration. I’m kind of obsessed! I also have a real life inspiration board that I (literally) pin clippings from magazines, inspiration quotes and other pretty things. Being surrounded by things I love is always a source of inspiration. And when that doesn’t do the trick – I head out for fresh air, a little coffee and sometimes, a shopping trip!

What is your biggest dream or aspiration?

Is it crazy to say that I feel like I am living my biggest dream? I have a few other big things I’d like to do and achieve, but right now am appreciative of everything I already have. I’ve also become more interested in giving back to the community and would like to devote more time to charitable work.

What fashion story describes you in a nutshell?

I’m all about accessories. So, a LBD, statement necklace and pair of heels in a bold color are my go-to.

Who is your style icon?

I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn; she is a classic to me. Olivia Palermo, Miroslava Duma and Jenna Lyons are current favorites that I love to follow and often attempt to re-create their looks, which are the perfect mix of modern and feminine.

How would you describe your overall style?

Modern, yet ladylike with a mix of classic and trendy pieces.

Name your favorite pair of shoes.

Just picked up the J. Crew Etta pump (in metallic gold) and can’t stop wearing them.

Who is your favorite designer? Why?

Must I pick one? I love the personality of Oscar de la Renta and the fact that his gowns are the most gorgeous. I also have a personal love for DKNY, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and other designers that keep in mind the modern, working girl.

Do you prefer couture or ready to wear pieces?

Although I love looking at couture, I lean toward Ready-to-Wear, as it’s more fun to pull looks from the runway to real life.

Do you prefer modern or vintage styles? Why?

A mix of both. I love a classic look that has a hint of modern flair; it just feels fresh and not overdone.

What is your favorite fashion publication? Why?

I am constantly reading magazines for work and my favorites are Allure (for beauty, of course), ELLE, Marie Claire, and Vogue.

Where is your favorite place to shop?

I do a lot of online shopping. Zara, Piperlime and ShopBop.com are favorites. I occasionally stop by J. Crew and Ann Taylor, but also love a good Target find!

What career advice do you have for TheeFashionStories readers?

Find what you are passionate about and go for it!

If you could relocate, where would you move? Why? 

I love my hometown of Kansas City and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else at this moment. I still hold a special place in my heart for New York City and do my best to travel there at least once a year. I also often travel to Los Angeles for work and love it, but couldn’t imagine calling it home.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects that TheeFashionStories readers should be on the lookout for?

Right now I am gearing up for the planning of Kansas City Fashion Week’s spring events. I also am the getting ready to make a few exciting announcements for Go Blog Social’s next conference.

How can TheeFashionStories readers contact you?

You can contact me via Twitter at @kathrynelise or Instagram @kathryn_elise. I am also available by email at kathryn.mansur@lightyearsahead.com.

Thank you for an awesome interview Kathryn. You are an inspiration to many. I hope to one day be as successful as you are. It is awesome to see someone thrive doing what they love. I wish you more success and great times. You are fabulous and this interview was  pleasure!

Much Love,

Jas

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Whitney Manney

Whitney Manney is a young designer with bold designs and eclectic taste. She is a full time designer/owner for her brand WHITNEYMANNEY. She also works at a local dance studio as the office manager. She graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2012 with a BFA in Fibers.

In five years Whitney Manney she sees her brand expanding. The plan for WHITNEYMANNEY is to remain independently owned. The label will eventually be sold in stores nationwide. WHITNEYMANNEY will have a permanent studio/showroom where there will be in-house seamstresses, photographers, stylists, marketing teams, etc. with plenty of creative space. There is no stopping Miss Whitney Manney and her brand WHITNEYMANNEY. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about the lady behind the brand.

What was your motivation behind starting your blog, business, career, etc.?

I always knew I was going to be an artist of some type at an very early age, and like most artists I was good with various mediums. Around the age of 13, I became interested in fashion. I taught myself to sew through deconstruction and went from there. The more I started to learn and perfect my craft the more I fell in love with the art of fashion. I used to sell remade denim skirts and handmade purses in high school! I loved the idea of supporting myself from something that came from my own mind and the work of my hands. Also, my parents were both entrepreneurs and I have several family members who are business owners so it runs in my blood.

What does confidence mean to you?

Confidence to me means putting together the first look that I spot in my closet no matter how bright or "crazy" it may be, putting on the brightest pink lipstick, loving my natural hair, 4 inch heels and walking out the door with my head held high and not feeling ashamed at all. The foundation scripture of my label is Proverbs 31:25 '…strength and honor are her clothing' I apply that not only to my design work but in everyday life. Dignity and respect are two qualities that I like to carry with me in everyday life.

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