Inspiration is essential in developing a company.  Through the many peaks and valleys that entrepreneurship is sure to provide, it's important to surround yourself with beautiful images, people and ideas that inspire you.  

Over the recent years of creating this line and company there have been a few people and images that have continued to bring out the best in me. I want to share a few of those with you.

 

RALPH LAUREN

(Photo by Bruce Weber)

Because at the heart and soul of every true American prep is Ralph. Because he can basically do no wrong and because his designs are timeless. Think about it - if you’re reading this I’m sure you have multiple Ralph Lauren Polo pieces hanging in your closet. And I’m sure they could be anywhere from 5,10 to 15 even 20 years old and you’re still wearing them! He has veered away from trend setting and has given us immortal (as long as the fabric quality holds) pieces to last a lifetime.
When developing my line I told myself that it was imperative to design pieces that will withstand the trend test – pieces that will be staples for years to come. No one does that better than Mr. Ralph Lauren.

 CAROLINA HERRERA

Much like Ralph Lauren, Carolina has inspired me with elegant, classic and accessible pieces over decades of designing. Her signature white tailored shirt paired with any number of materials and styles is why I am (and you too probably) the owner of no less than a dozen classic white tailored shirts. Her flattering silhouettes and First-Lady-worthy gowns should leave all of us thankful to Mrs. Herrera for blessing us with her talents. She is truly an inspiration.

 SARAH VICKERS

If you are a preppy, New-England-loving, classic All–American dresser and you are on social media you’ll need no introduction to Sarah Vickers and her designer husband Kiel James Patrick. Take a look at their instagram and you’ll be transported into another world –a world where the hydrangeas are continually blooming and your dog is always in the perfect pose and your Starbucks iced-coffee is always filled. It’s a beautiful life and these two pull it off better than anyone. What started as nautical-themed bracelets is now a New England empire with their first retail store opening earlier this year.   While these two are inspiring to anyone, not just designers, one image on Sarah’s blog “Classy Girls Wear Pearls” was the sole inspirational piece of my entire summer line. The pleated skirts represented above caught my eye and at that moment I knew that my initial launch was going to be focused on bringing an elegant, pleated skirt back to the game of golf.
Follow her blog here: www.classygirlswearpearls.com
Find their store here: https://kieljamespatrick.com

 

This image in particular has been an inspiring piece to me through my development process. While our culture has changed over the years and our every day norms have become significantly less formal (i.e. men no longer wear suit and ties to baseball games) it has remained my goal to bring back a forgotten level of elegance to the game of golf. We’ll never go back to the ankle-length skirts of the 20’s and 30’s, but there is so something so feminine and romantic to these pieces that it is hard to deny their beauty.

 

 

Well, not the Spring Break Boys specifically, but what the Spring Break Boys (and others) have done for the game of golf in the past few years. Do you know that the top 10 golfers on the PGA tour right now are young 30’s or under? Whether intentional or not, this “rebranding” of golf is so fun to watch and to be a part of. These golfers on the tour represent fierce competitiveness but also strong camaraderie. Whether older or younger today’s tour headliners are giving us a wonderful example of why golf is so great. It’s truly a gentleman’s sport and these guys on tour are doing an incredible job of representing the game.  It's an exiting time to a be a part of golf!

TOM AND WILSON

Lastly, and certainly not least, I have gotten so much inspiration from my two boys – my husband Tom and my 160 lb. puppy Wilson. I am never alone and if I am down I am quickly encouraged. Their positive outlook on life (yes, both of theirs) is contagious and inspiring. Through them I am encouraged to not only be a better business owner/designer/golfer but also a better contributor to society, a better wife and better dog-momma.