A cup of coffee with Ann from Holier Than Now

After day dreaming through her awe-inspiring post, I was hooked. I’m referring to the beautiful collages by Ann from Holier Than Now.  Thousands wait in anticipation daily for her newest trend collage.  It’s very easy to get lost in the beautiful colors, style font and gorgeous imagery as they are to be admired.

Ann has been featured in NY Times, Beautiful Stranger TV, Independent Fashion Blogger, Style Sample Magazine and many more.  She’s a mom, wife, and an innovations/trend guru – talented, successful personally and professionally, ultra chic and to top it off, lovely.

Ann and I met for coffee last Friday afternoon at Soho’s newest gem -  Ground Support.  The shop offers a light airy feel, rustic smooth cedar benches and a fresh breeze from the open doors on both side of the shop.  We met, ordered our bevies – Somma, Iced Americano and for myself, Iced Green Mint Tea  -  and sat down on a bench placed in front of a glass window, facing out to West Broadway. We chatted and stalked some amazing New York  style.

**Small tip – if you are looking to see New York fashion at its best form, I’ve found midweek to be the best when New Yorkers are at work/play. You’ll find the tourist flood the streets on the weekends and most New Yorkers flee to the Hamptons.

Meet Ann, from Holier Than Now.

Truly beautiful blog. What inspired your start?

Ann: Thanks, you are too sweet!  I’m an innovations/trend consultant.  I took time off when my son was born, but I wanted to keep my head in the game so I started the blog as a sort of scrapbook of trend ideas.   I also wanted to delve into social media and online marketing and the blog was a great way to get hands-on experience.

How would you sum up your personal style?

Ann: Pajama/beach/outer space hybrid who tries to look professional when necessary.

Were you wearing your mom’s heels at the age of six or was fashion something that come later to you in life?

Ann: I was cutting up magazines and making collages in 1st grade!  I was never that obsessed with my own wardrobe but I loved design and branding from a very young age.  My room in high school was wallpapered with Chanel ads.

What are some of your favorite things about New York?

Ann: There is always something to do in NY and curiosity – not money- is the key to a good time.  I’ve lived here through so many phases of my life and I still enjoy just walking around, window shopping and people watching more than anything.

Whose closet, living or dead, would you like to swap with?

Ann: My friend Gabby Cornick has the best wardrobe – simple, chic with touches of fabulous jewelry and accessories.  Effortless.  Aside from her, Anna Della Russo – but I wouldn’t realistically be able to wear her couture around the house!

What are your three Spring fashion musts?

Ann: Tailored shorts; high wedges in black, brown and nude; a relaxed but polished silk tee.

What’s your advice to women who want to stay on trend but are on a tight budget?

Ann: Spend the time to shop vintage and get things tailored, and check out Love by Forever 21.  I really believe in creating a capsule wardrobe of good basics like Theory pants and then throwing in a few cheap and trendy pieces.

Top 3 sites that you recommend for great shopping?

Ann: Etsy, ASOS and Lori’s Shoes (all online).

To me, music, style and design go hand in hand. What are you listening to?

Ann: If my musical taste and style are a reflection of each other, I am in trouble, because I listen to a lot of Steely Dan.  My sister is a music critic and I get all my new stuff from her blog (lizzyville) – she has amazing taste.

Okay, lay it out for us….you and your hubby are going on a classic night on the town for dinner and drinks – where are you going and more importantly, what are you wearing?!

Ann: We are either going to Raoul’s and I am wearing a black dress and some kind of ridiculous wedge shoe, or we are going to this dive bar The Cherry Tavern , in which case skinny black jeans and a tank, but probably also the ridiculous shoe.

Thank you for your time! We look forward to seeing more beautiful posts.