Business Babe: Hattan Home

Here's a not so secret, secret... Mrs Hattan Home (Lindsay) is one of my favorite humans ever. And I'm not just saying that because she's a Piqued PR client or because I'm mildly obsessed with her store and buy way too much from it. She's genuinely a kind hearted business babe. Who's down to earth, not catty with a killer eye for decor and accessories. Also, I kinda love the fact that she was an actress, turned foot model (yes, that's for real) then interior decorator/ organizer before finally creating Hattan Home. Before I spill all of her secrets, read below to find out more...

You lived in NYC for 10 years as an actress, how did you transition to owning your own online decor shop?

Moving to NYC was the easiest decision I ever made.  What they don't tell you is that leaving is impossibly difficult and utterly heartbreaking.  My now husband joined the Coast Guard in 2011 and got stationed in Delaware.  So I essentially had to choose either NYC and acting, or the love of my life.  True to form LOVE WON!  After major soul searching, i knew I wanted to open a home decor shop. Since we'll be moving around a lot, I decided to live my dream now and not wait for the perfect storefront or circumstances to come.  Hattan Home came to me like a bolt of lightening and is definitely a blessing from above.

The name "Hattan Home" really ties back to your time in NYC, what does it mean to you? Why do you feel it was important to incorporate this into your shop's name.

I simply adore the word Manhattan, if I had to leave I wanted a way to have it always be a part of me. ( If we ever start a family one of my kids will have the middle name Manhattan!)  Manhattan is all energy, and color, a smorgeousboard of inspiration, Hattan Home is too!

What are the attributes your merchandise must have in order to qualify as Hattan Home approved?

Well these days I will buy pretty much anything gold or acrylic because it's gorgeous and it sells.  Quality is very important, I read an article from Jonathan Adler where he said he only wanted to make heirloom quality pieces that relatives would fight over when you die.  I'm definitely moving in that direction.  I adore contrast, hot pink, gold foil, bold color, luxurious stationary, and often I source from vendors in Australia because I love to have items that other shops aren't offering.

What are a few of your favorite home decor items on the website right now?  

Hands down my favorite items are the Mrs. Darcy pillows and the Bonnie and Neil pillows.  These Aussie designers just nail it on color, pattern, uniqueness, and quality.  The turkish towels are fabulous in all seasons and can be used as tablecloths, bath towels, kitchen towels, and hand towels.  All the candles smell impossibly delicious, and the matches are some of the cutest that have ever existed!

What is one accent piece of home decor that you feel can liven up any room? 

A gold or silver metallic pouf like the ones we sell in the shop!  It adds energy, shine, and versatility.  Other favorites are sheepskin rugs and giant mirrors, preferably reflecting light from a window.  Candles, fresh flowers, and impeccable housekeeping are a must as well!

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#OOTD

Paige Jacket, JCrew Tee, James Jeans, Coach Boots (similar), Rebecca Minkoff Purse (similar), Posh Collections Necklace, Moon & Lola Monogram, Southern Proper Hat

Photography by Haley Cairo

Sorry for the picture overload on this post but if you didn't know already, I'm obsessed with my dog. Fur reals, crazy dog lady status over here. Another thing I'm obsessed with? This Southern Proper hat from Tuckernuck. It actually surprises me how much I wear baseball caps lately as I'm basically the opposite of sporty. However, it's a great way to hide a bad hair day or just finish off a casual look.

Want It, Need It

Way-In Dress, Paper Crown Skirt, Parker Skirt, Furbish Studio Stocking, Journey of a Dress Book, C Wonder Cape, Ted Baker Heels, Joie Sweater, Hattan Home Place Cards, Glam & Paper Card   

I decided this holiday season I'm going to make ginger jars work. It's going to be pink, green blue and white with a dash of red. While I was vacationing in South Carolina last month I DIY some Christmas ornaments inspired by ginger jars. Side note: should I post a blog on that? 

Anyways, I'm loving the holiday collections that are starting to make their way into stores. 

Luxe Living

West Elm Coffee Table, Rugs USA Rug, Tribecca Home Sofa, Waiting on Martha Print, Sugarboo Art, Jonathan Adler Vase, Furbish Studio Pillow, Faux White Taxidermy

While my personal style regarding interiors (and I guess my wardrobe) tends to be bright and preppy, I can appreciate a modern rustic vibe. There's something calming about a room full of neutrals with hints of textures from nature and clean, crisp lines. 

Business Babe: Pretty Please

Pretty Please Nail Polish is now near and dear to my heart, you see the sweet Mrs Hattan Home decided to surprise me and send custom "Piqued PR Pink" nail polish. What a treat! Ever since then I've been a fan of their nail polish business because nothing is better than a one of a kind gift. And just think, the possibilities are endless... Pretty Please custom nail polish would make great bridal party gifts, work gifts, even baby announcements! Read the interview with their founder below:

Where do you find your inspiration?

When I first started Pretty Please my inspiration came from the classics. I picked colors based on what I thought would appeal to the masses and colors that would stay relevant from season to season. Now that the basics are taken care of, I can have a lot more fun. I look to photography, fashion and fun manicures I spot around the city to pull inspiration, but at the end of the day I try not to focus too much on trends and just select pretty colors that I love.

Tell us how you became an entrepreneur...

After graduating from college with a degree in Fashion Design, I moved home to Maryland with plans to open a clothing boutique. I created my business plan, found real estate, and was moving forward when a bump in the road made me stop and reevaluate my plans. Taking that pause helped me to realize that I needed more experience, both personally and professionally, before I was ready to run a business. Years of experience later, I was getting ready to revisit those plans, this time in New York City, when I went looking for a unique gift for my mom.  I came up with the idea to name a nail polish in her favorite color and went to buy it for her online. When I couldn’t find personalized nail polish anywhere, I saw a hole in the market and decided to create the nail polish myself. It was a process, but I ended up with the right business, at the right time. 

What is your favorite color (nail polish) to wear this fall and why?

This season I have been gravitating towards Pretty Please Nail Polish in color #13 (Ink Blue). It feels sophisticated but it has an edge. It looks so pretty against both gold and silver jewelry. 

 Describe your own personal style.

 I tend go for tailored basics (white t-shirt, fitted  blazer, jeans) and then depending on where I’m going, I add in something unique to spice up my look, like patterned heels, a layered necklace, or sparkly earrings. I usually lean towards “less is more”. 

Future plans for Pretty Please?  

We have a few exciting changes underway. In the near future you can look out for International shipping to Australia and Canada. We have a limited edition shade, coming soon, that’s sure to have you sparkling through the holidays (hint, hint). We are also working on adding a “Bottle Boutique” to the website which will offer customers who aren’t in the mood to get creative, the option to purchase our top sellers with pre-existing names. I guess I will have that boutique after all!

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#OOTD

Trina Turk Vest, LK Bennett Blouse, JCrew Skirt (similar), Tory Burch Heels (similar), Paige Denim Jacket, Trend Tribe Necklace, Bling Babe Earrings

Photography by Haley Cairo

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I wear this outfit WAY too much than should be allowed. I've worn it out with friends, to church and this Her Main Line event at Jcrew. It's pretty much me in a preppy nutshell.  

But what I love most about this look? And it's definitely not those pale legs (note to self: get a spray tan asap) is that I've accessorized with two of my fav young female entrepreneur ran businesses. 

First there's Jessie Holeva, you may recognize her from various TV style segments or her blog Trend Hungry. She's a girl who's got her hustle down and I'm always inspired by her daring looks that are wallet friendly. Her newest labor of love is Bling Babe, a collection of the most divine vintage jewelry. 

Then there's Samantha Cooper of Trend Tribe. Samantha is another lady involved with Levo who recently started Trend Tribe, a platform for college students to learn business, marketing, entrepreneurship skills and make a little extra cash. The jewelry is budget friendly and super fun. 

I'm so lucky to call both of them my friends and inspiration to keep on moving forward! 

Want It, Need It

Old Navy Pants, Michael Kors Pom, GiGi New York Wallet, Old Navy Vest, Elements of Style Book, Elizabeth & James Sunglasses, Nixon Watch, Vans Sneakers, Naven Dress, Kate Spade Handbag  

When do you start shopping for Christmas presents? Is it too early? But what if everything is sold out, or requires extra time for monograming. And then there's the holiday parties. You know pictures will be taken at each and you can't look back at Christmas '14 and see yourself wearing the same red dress in every picture.

Oh the struggle is real. So really when do you start shopping and outfit planning? Would you judge me if I start now?