Kate Benson

Founding Managing Director

Martens & Heads!

In the record-breaking heat of this summer, New Yorkers want to keep things fresh, simple and easy. In a city where back to black basics have always run rampant, sometimes it’s hard to get dressed when everything in your closet is giving off steam. What’s the best way to maintain that airy sensibility this summer? Be bold, wear color and when the banks and heat waves, are breaking, keep things light and frugally chic.

Take it from the Duchess of Cambridge, the Royal who has been deemed “The Recessionista.” She may be living a fairy tale, but she is more grounded than most – viewed during day outings and broadcasted events, the newly minted noble has been seen repeating outfits and wearing labels such as Reiss, Top Shop and Zara.

This frugal attitude is not dissimilar to our own First Lady, Michelle Obama. In the best and most chic representation possible, Michelle celebrates young American designers, such as Jason Wu, Rachel Roy, and Thakoon, as well as contemporary and affordable labels like J. Crew and the Gap.

While the world is overheating, and the economy is near collapse, it is comforting to note that the women who are leading our world, are representing themselves in clothing that won’t break the banks – and doing so in good taste, of course.

As an executive recruiter it is necessary that to keep this in mind when looking to discover new hidden talents. Whether we’re searching for a lead designer or a CEO, it’s important that these individuals be attuned to what is occurring throughout the global landscape, so that they can bring the fashion, retail or luxury house that they may soon represent, to the forefront and into the future.

That is not to say that talent is relative to the time or what is occurring politically, economically or socially in our culture. However, it is necessary to have some perspective to bring to your occupation.

Especially now, many of our clients want to know how they can expand and grow professionally, while still being able to save –it’s a nice idea right? How, in other words, can one be frugal while remaining relevant and impeccably chic? Lucky for them, there is a slew of amazing talent out there, all of whom are starting to recognize the value of a dollar, and the opportunity that their talent can afford.

Life may seem a bit overwhelming with all of the changes in our climate and the roller-coaster economy. So maybe we should all do as the royals do, and stretch our fashion dollars.