Style File - Kate Schelter

Style is a magic wand, and turns everything to gold that it touches - Logan Pearsall Smith

I am starting a new weekly series called Style File. One book I love is The Power of Style by Annette Tapert and Diana Edkins. I read it all the time. The thing that strikes me most is that many of the women in the book, whom I adore, were propelled into the public eye not because they were great beauties, though many were, but rather they possessed an intrinsic uniqueness. I am wildly fascinated by people who follow their own style compass, and as a result, stand head and shoulders about the rest of the world.


One person who has amazing style, and is beauty too, is Kate Schelter. Kate is one of those special people who immediately captures my attention when I see her in photos. I am always fascinated by her exceptional and incomparable style, so it seemed only fitting to feature Kate for the first Style File profile.

Creative Director and founder of Kate Schelter LLC, a full-service agency based in New York City, Kate specializes in branding and image consulting for a very elite clientele. Clients include Zac Posen, Lucy Sykes, Hollywould, The Daily and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Kate's work has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Oprah, E, Vogue and Elle.



How would you describe your own personal style?
I love to mix it up and I love dresses. I accessorize with unexpected pieces, the non "match-y" shoe, a great mixture of jewelry; all to tell my own story. I always start with one piece that inspires me (anything from a silk flower, a new heel, to a color in a dress) and I build upon that one element.

What are your favorite luxuries in life?
Down time with my family, snow days (really!), a house cleaner, eating at great restaurants, travel, watching Saturday Night Live with a great group of friends, fresh flowers...

What items are a must for air travel?
First class (if I'm lucky!!!), my inflatable neck pillow from Flight 001, ear plugs, eye mask and melatonin. I have a little kit I keep in my suitcase ready for last minute travel. I spend a lot of time on planes!

What accessories can you not live without?
High heels, vintage jewelry from House of Lavande, Ray Ban aviators, my perfume.

Which pair of shoes do you wear most?
Night: Manolo, Louboutin, Hollywould (the MOST comfortable shoes); Day - Converse all stars, Toms Shoes (in the summer)

How would you describe your morning routine?
Get out of bed and go! Wake up, walk my dog, Bear, breakfast, wash face with water, get dressed, work. (I shower at night.)

What are your must have beauty products?
Cetaphil face wash and body lotion, Bumble + Bumble gentle shampoo, YSL Touch Eclat, Darphin Baume Purifiant, Shu Uemura eye lash curler, Chanel red lipstick in Saturn, Bobbie Brown bronzer, and Kiehl's lip balm.

What is your all time favorite handbag?
My vintage Chanel pocket book, and my vintage Hermes briefcase. For summer: John Derian or LL Bean canvas tote.

What are your favorite indulgences?
Dining at my favorite restaurants with friends. Taxis when I wear heels.

What is your most prized possession?
My family, my dog, my wardrobe, my art collection (Damian Hirst + Hugo Guiness)

Who are your style icons?
Kate Moss, Yves Saint Laurent (RIP), Mariel Hemmingway (from "Manhattan"), Lisa Eisner, stylish NYC girls, my mom, the women in Slim Aarons's photos.