Category Archives: Shines a Light series

Name: Rebekah George
Location: New York, New York
Job: On Air Beauty & Fashion Expert
Motto: Every women can look gorgeous and live gorgeously. All it takes is the right tips and tricks.

How would you describe your personal style?
Comfortable chic is how I describe my style. I tend to lean towards sophisticated clothes with a trendy edge. But I don’t compromise comfort for style. My clothes also have to serve a purpose – meaning my shoes need to get me to wear I need to go when I am racing to meetings and my clothes need to take me from various places throughout the day – traveling through an airport for my next segment or racing straight from the airport right to a meeting.

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?

1. Nude Heels: They elongate your legs and go with every outfit, dressed up or dressed down – no matter what the color.

2. A Black Blazer: This dress up jeans and pulls together any outfit.

3. Skinny Jeans: These mimic every style. Skinny jeans allow you to go preppy, edgy, trendy, whatever style you want!

You have quite an impressive resume!  Tell us what its like to be a television host, spokesperson, Fashion & Beauty Expert!
Why thank you! I would describe myself as busy! Between traveling regularly, doing blog posts for my website, appearing on QVC, hosting everything from webisodes to infomercials, and pitching new ideas for segments, I am always on the run but it is exciting.


What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of? Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
I have to pat myself on the back – I’m really good with my sun protection. I have been since I was a child – I can thank my mom for that. I wear SPF 30 on exposed areas everyday rain or shine; in more intense months, all over my body. I take extra precautions covering up with clothes such as sun hats when walking around town. I also wear an antioxidant under my sunscreen to further protect. In summer I tend to layer on sunscreen – starting with a lotion and topping with a spray and then touching up with a mineral powder during the day.

What are 3 Beauty Products you cannot live without?

1. Renova- for fighting wrinkles.

2. Mascara – To me this is like my Amex I never leave home without it,sometimes I even where it to the gym.

3. Bronzer – This gives you coverage and color, it is a multi purpose product that can be worn all year. We underestimate the power of bronzer.

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
Billy Nautical Wide Brimmed Hat. This is great because you can wear it with jeans or with your bathing suit on the beach. I also love how it is collapsible so I can put it in my bag and pull it out whenever I need it.

Name: Kimberly Goodwin
Location: New York City
Job: Founder/Designer, Snapping Turtle Kids, Inc.
Motto: Everything happens for a reason, just have faith.

How would you describe your personal style?
I love classic pieces but like to put my own twist on it with unique accessories and jewelry. My favorite thing to do is to hunt for vintage jewelry at the antique market in New York City. I love discovering that one item you just can’t live without!


If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
- A great statement necklace that could dress up any outfit
- A fabulous pair of heels
- The perfect fitting jean

Tell us a unique fact that very few people know about you!
You would never know it if you met me but I actually went to Culver Summer Camp which is the summer camp to Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN. I LOVED it. I started going when I was a nine and was the first female Regimental Commander at the camp which was a big deal. I learned how to make my bed with “square corners”; we had daily cabin inspections and marched in a parade every Sunday. Aside from the military aspect, it was such an unbelievable learning experience, I learned how to ice skate, sail, and water ski. To this day I still think of Culver as one of my favorite places.


We love your line Snapping Turtle Kids.  Please tell us more about it!
I was on maternity leave from Lucky Magazine and we were having a family day at the beach in Nantucket. I thought I was prepared having packed everything but sure enough after about 30 minutes she needed a diaper change. I realized very quickly how hard it was to take off a wet suit, change a messy diaper and then put back on a wet suit on a crying infant. It was a nightmare.  At that point I decided I was going to search for swimsuits with snaps and didn’t have any luck so I decided that I would start my own line as I really saw a need in the marketplace for this product.


What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
- Cetaphil moisturizer
- Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder with SPF 20
- Lavanila Vanilla/Grapefruit deodorant- it is fantastic and doesn’t contain aluminum
- Lip gloss—anything light and pinkish … Sorry that’s four!

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of? Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
In the winter I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 under my powder that also has an SPF of 20. In the spring/summer I use Alba SPF 40 sunscreen that doesn’t feel thick and greasy as a base under my tinted moisturizer. At night I like to use an anti-wrinkle cream for my eyes called Celfix that my dermatologist recommended.  As for splurges – I love to treat myself to facials every couple of months. My skin is really sensitive so I bought the Clarisonic brush and use that to exfoliate 3 times a week. I think it really works!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
I love the Connolly Wrap Dress in royal blue. It looks amazing with a chunky statement necklace and a great pair of wedge heels.

Name: Amy Cardin
Location: Westborough, MA
Job: Mother, Physical Therapist and Marketing Director at All Access Physical Therapy, Independent Consultant for Arbonne*
Motto: It’s never too late to change your life.

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with an eclectic twist.

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
- Perfect fitting dark jeans: don’t be afraid to splurge as the perfect jean literally changes the way you carry yourself!
- Metallic ballet flat: transitions seamlessly from work, to carpool and kids practices and games, to dinner or drinks with friends.
- Bold accessories: a fun and colorful scarf or dramatic piece of jewelry can dress up the most basic of outfits.

Can you give our readers any advice based on your personal experience?
Always listen to your gut, your inner voice. I have never regretted a decision I made when I listened to my gut even when it may have been a difficult decision or an unpopular one. I have regretted decisions I made by listening to the influences of others. We have a gut instinct for a reason and learning to trust it is an invaluable lesson.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
- Cover Girl Lash Exact Mascara in Black
- Arbonne Makeup Primer
- Arbonne Créme Concealer

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of?
Arbonne’s RE9 Advanced skin care line is a 5 product line that has everything I need to combat the aging process and protect my skin from the sun, including a collagen supporting serum and a daily moisturizer with SPF 20.

Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
Making yourself a priority isn’t selfish. Taking time to recharge your battery and refuel your soul make you a better mother, girlfriend, wife, employee, co-worker, friend. Carving out time for a Nia class or a run outside, having an acupuncture session, spending time with a close friend, or taking time to lose myself in a book leave me both relaxed and energized, focused, and better able to tackle everything on my to do list.

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
The beaded Saline tunic in white, over a pair of skinny jeans, with a metallic sandal, and lots of silver bangles.

*To purchase Arbonne Cosmetics from Amy, click here.

Name: Pauline Eveillard
Location: New York City
Job: President and Founder, Fouta Lifestyle
Motto: Travel if you wish, taste strange dishes, gather experience in dangerous adventures, but see that your soul remains your own. (The Pillar of Salt, Albert Memmi)

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with an edge.  It’s important to feel comfortable in your clothing, but I make sure to challenge myself with a piece that might not be “typical” for my wardrobe.  Take risks!

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
-       A black dress that you can wear from work to an evening out.
-       A stylish pair of sneakers that aren’t for the gym.
-       Whether silk, cotton, or cashmere, a colorful scarf is always with me.

Can you give our readers any advice based on your personal experience?
It is important to self-evaluate, and to recognize your strengths and weaknesses in professional and personal realms.  You are not required to master all fields, but follow your strengths, while also challenging yourself to always improve.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer: covers redness and dark circles, and moisturizes!
- Pangea Organics Lip Balm: so smooth in all-natural flavors. This is with me every day.
- A fragrance that you feel confident in: I’m currently into Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit, eliciting my French roots.

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of?  Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
I protect my skin when it’s January and raining outside, and I recently splurged on Sunday Riley’s Cashmere SPF 30+.  I apply it with my regular face cream and I’m confident that I’m fully shielded without any chemicals.

We love the concept of Fouta Lifestyle.  Please tell us more about it!
Fouta lifestyle grew out of a need for a multi-purpose, stylish, everyday lifestyle essential. It is a 100% cotton fabric made in Tunisia that was originally used as a towel in the hammams. Now, it has transformed into a versatile accessory that is used as a blanket, towel, shawl, wrap, or throw. I carry a fouta will me at all times, especially when traveling.
Fouta lifestyle is also about promoting the country of origin.  I lived in Tunisia for a year on a Fulbright and instantly fell in love with the country and foutas.  So ultimately, fouta lifestyle is about sharing Tunisia and foutas with you!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
I went on vacation in Australia and wore the Lulu Windbreaker the entire time. Perfect with a bathing suit, shorts, white jeans, or a fouta! I’m also a huge fan of the Emily Zip-Jacket, which is super fun with a bathing suit.  I love the sporty chic style of Mott 50, and I am keeping my eye on the Faith Shirt Dress and Sundress for this summer!

Name: Carla Sullivan
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
Job: Mother; Founder, MiniMunchers.com; Board – The Promise Foundation
Motto: Be Happy, Life is TOO short, Enjoy every moment…

How would you describe your personal style?
Preppy with a NYC edge.

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
A great pair of jeans (that fit you to a T), nude 3 inch heels, and a signature necklace that you NEVER take off.

Tell us a unique fact that very few people know about you!
I was a tv reporter in Fargo, North Dakota.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizer, YSL SHOCKING mascara, & Chanel lip gloss.

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of?  Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
Washing your face morning and night is key! Anti-aging serum beneath my moisturizer (which has an SPF25) every day. I splurge on a facial once a month to really clean my pores – it makes such a difference. Retinol products are fantastic for rejuvenating the skin – but you have to be super careful with the sun if you are using them.

We love the concept of MiniMunchers.  Please tell us more about it!
MiniMunchers was born as a result of my love for eating out and not wanting to get a sitter EVERY time I wanted to do so. As a long-time resident of NYC, I realized that parents really do make dining with their children an event – and want to know the best places to take their children that are kid-friendly. On top of that, people that don’t have kids that might have visitors from out of town with kids – want to show their friends/family a good time. So MiniMunchers.com was born! It is the most comprehensive website for restaurants that are kid-friendly in Manhattan. We offer families the complete kids menu and many of the restaurants are reviewed as to how kid-friendly they are. We also have great offers from partners in our “goodie bag” for products and events that are family/kid-friendly as well as great editorial that includes recipes and tips that are fun and informative and most importantly Kid-Friendly!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
I adore the Faith – Shirt Dress. I think this would be adorable with a pair of Jack Rogers flip flops (in a hot yellow or pink) and a fun beaded necklace from KEP designs.

Name: Christine Arzeno
Location: Upper East Side, New York, NY
Job: Editorial Business Manager at Vogue
Motto: Happiness comes from within

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is definitely classic, clean and simple.  I tend to gravitate toward black and neutral basics, then accessorize with beaded tops or colorful scarves, and mix gold and silver jewelry.

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
A functional black leather purse.  I love my new Coach Pinnacle Leather Allie.  A comfortable pair of heels.  J. Crew’s Martina suede wedge are perfect for the office and beyond.  A simple black dress that takes you from day to night.  Topshop has affordable options, their sleeveless skater dress can be dressed up or down.

Can you give our readers any advice based on your personal experience?
Based on personal experience my best piece of advice is to always go with your gut.  Forget about what other people think or say and do what is right for you.  Do what makes you happy.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
This is a tough question for a beauty product enthusiast.  A hydrated, natural-looking, even skin tone is a must for me.   Therefore, I would have to say chap-stick, primer and concealer are the 3 products I cannot live without.

I use Aquaphor healing ointment on my lips every day.  I also use Makeup For Ever’s HD Primer alone and under makeup.  I’ve been using Almay’s clear complexion and line smoothing concealers since high school, but have recently added Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 20 concealer to my daily routine.

What are your special interests outside of the office?  What are you passionate about?
Outside of the office I am most passionate about my friends and traveling to visit my family, whether it be to Connecticut to see my Mom or South America to see my Dad.  I also love music, art and dance.  Going to concerts and museums are my favorite weekend activities.  For the last few months Zumba classes have become a weekly occurrence.  Such a fun dance workout!

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of? Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?
My daily sun protection regimen resides in my moisturizers.  I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 followed by a thin layer of Tarte’s Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. I also recently discovered Eucerin’s SPF 15 Body Lotion.

I am lucky enough to sit next to the Vogue Beauty Department at work and recently picked up several anti-aging products by Le Mieux from the beauty closet.  I’ve been using the TGF-B Booster Serum and the Bio Cell Rejuvenating Cream twice a day and have already noticed a difference.

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
Besides the Mott 50 tote bag, which I carry with me everywhere, I would have to say my must have item is the Infinity Scarf.  I wear it wrapped around my neck to keep my warm outside and then unravel it and wear it over my shoulders indoors.  It’s a great alternative to a boring cardigan, and it goes with everything!  I am also partial to the Christine dress, which I own in black and wear with flat sandals and Ray-Ban Wayfarers on summer afternoons.

Name: Shauna Fernandez
Location: Tavernier, FL
Job: Events Coordinator and Buyer, Sandpiper Clothiers
Motto: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.” – Audrey Hepburn

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?

An LBD (little black dress), perfect fitting jeans, and nude heels.

How would you describe your personal style?

Girly-girl meets tom-boy. I’m an adventurous sports enthusiast that never denies the chance to rock heels.

Tell us a unique fact that very few people know about you!

My life goal is to organize a beach cleanup for the entire east coast, from Key West to Maine.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?

Benefit Benetint, dry shampoo and any mascara.

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of? Any occasional splurges or secrets to share?

Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15, Janet Sartin Vita-C Lift Serum, Designer Skin Angel lotion

What are your special interests outside of the office?  What are you passionate about?

Outside of the Sandpiper boutiques, anything that has to do with being on the water -sports or lounging.  I’m passionate about the ocean and my hysterical family!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?

The Emily zip jacket. It’s amazing with shorts or jeans, and always perfect worn over a bathing suit!

Name: Lana Zepponi
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Job: Interior Designer
Motto: Life is a song – sing it!

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?
- A black shawl or wrap. It’s timeless, comfortable and can be worn inside as an accessory and outdoors as outerwear; plus, it tends to make every outfit look a little more elegant.
- Big earrings. You don’t have to wear a lot of jewelry when one or two important pieces make a statement.
- Medium-high chunky heels. A little extra height is slimming and medium height with thickness means support all day. If I find a pair of heels I can work comfortably in, they quickly become my favorite shoes.

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m a believer in both less is more and quality above quantity. This mentality holds true for me in both design and fashion.  My closet is minimal but well curated. My style is simple, but I shoot for elegance and originality.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?
- Black eyeliner. I feel like this step in my makeup regimen is when I transform into a “dressed” person!
- Vaseline. It’s not so much a beauty product but it’s currently my favorite chap stick/lip gloss. There’s something pure and old fashioned about it.
- ghd Sea Spray for Matte Waves. This hair spray makes my hair do the same thing it does when I go to the beach. It instantly gives volume to waves and it smells great too.

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of?
Along with limiting exposure to the sun, I use Cetaphil Daily Face Wash to cleanse followed with Neutrogena SPF 15 moisturizer. I believe in the basics and often ask older women how they’ve stayed so young looking. My friend Stacy McSpadden and I call these women our “skinspirations”! Staying out of the sun and well hydrated have been the top answers. A woman in her 80s who looks 60-ish shared that she washes her face with just water, rather then soap, so as not to dry out her skin. I still prefer to cleanse with a face wash but it made sense after talking with her to keep it as mild as possible.

What are your special interests outside of the office?  What are you passionate about?
I have the pleasure of working in a field I’m excited about, so my love for art and design usually spills over into weekend activities. I’ve also found a wonderful network for volunteering in Memphis through the Junior League and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, which keep me busy. But when it’s time to relax, I enjoy spending time with my family at Moon Lake in Mississippi.

Tell us a unique fact that very few people know about you!
I love to sing. Maybe more than anything else!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?
The Queenie high waisted skirt in the abstract floral print! It transitions perfectly from work to evening. The full-length zipper in the back is a fun unexpected detail.  I can wear it with a black short sleeve t-shirt and sandals, or a silk tank and heels.  Both ways, I wear a pair of oversized, dangly Indian-inspired earrings. It’s edgy and fresh!

Name: Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti

Location: Manhattan

Job: Founders of How to be a Redhead

Motto: “You can dream it, you can do it.”

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?

Our ‘must-haves’ are always pieces that can be transformed from afternoon meetings to evening networking parties in the city. We love a great pair of tall, leather boots, great fitted dark jeans, and a piece of fur, either a vest or scarf.

How would you describe your personal style?

Stephanie’s personal style is edgy with a mix of a bohemian flare. You could find her rocking a colorful shirt, bright accessories, and combat boots.

Adrienne’s personal style is classic with a mix of 30’s-40’s flare. You could find her rocking high-wasted black pants, a bright red belt, and an off-white silk blouse.

What 3 beauty products can you not live without?

Black mascara. Our redheaded eyelashes are so blonde, that we need black mascara to define our eyes. The same is applied to our light blonde eyebrows; we always pencil in our eyebrows with a light brown. Lastly, there is nothing like red lipstick! We prefer a dark, auburn red for the winter months and bright, pink-ish red lipstick for warmer months.

What does your daily sun protection and anti-aging regimen consist of?

As natural redheads with sensitive skin, sunscreen is an essential part of our everyday regimen. Every morning, we apply lotion, powder, bronzer, and lip gloss with 15+ SPF in each. Our motto is to wear SPF everyday, even the days when the sun isn’t out!

What are your special interests outside of the office?  What are you passionate about?

We both live a joyful lifestyle full of laughter, yoga classes, eating foods from around the world, and traveling. We are passionate about How to be a Redhead because we believe its goal is to empower every redheaded woman (natural or bottled); it’s extremely rewarding to hear from our readers that How to be a Redhead makes them feel beautiful!

Tell us a unique fact that very few people know about you!

We are Italian redheads and we aren’t twins!

What’s your ‘must-have’ item in the Mott 50 collection?  And how would you accessorize it?

The maxi dress! We’d accessorize it with a staple bright colored necklace and a pair of platform wedges.