#garmental

by Suzanne Kopulos 

Getting to know . . . Garmental's Suzanne Kopulos

As someone prone to a) online window shopping and b) falling down web rabbit holes, I should warn you that I've banned myself from checking Garmental.com at the office. You may want to do the same.

The site, which offers outfit-of-the-day posts (that are entirely sourced from current inventory at Chicago-area boutiques and are impeccably laid out against a white backdrop, a la an InStyle magazine spread), combines daily style inspiration with news about Chicago and national sales, street style photos, interviews with shop owners and fashion bloggers, general trend coverage and a hint of celeb fashion. There's even a Polyvore-esque aspect that lets you mix and match your own looks.

Again: Do not check this site during business hours if you are required to actually perform work.

Founder Suzanne Kopulos is smart (she has a law degree) and an inveterate shopper who knows what looks good. (She's also a Ford Model-repped stylist who has worked with Oprah, Beyonce and Tim Gunn.) Knowing that 2012 is shaping up to be a big year for Garmental, we decided to bother her.

Crain's: What time do you wake up?

SK: I like to be up by 6 or 7 a.m. so I can check in on business and fashion news around the world before I begin my day.

How many cups of coffee per day?

I'm an admitted coffee addict. It can be anywhere from six to 10 cups of regular coffee or a Venti Americano from Starbucks. I either take it black or with a drop of half and half.

What sources do you mine for inspiration, both fashion and otherwise?

I scan my feed every morning through Flipboard and Twitter. Typically I am reading headlines from Women's Wear Daily, the Wall Street Journal, Mashable, Tech Crunch, Inc, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Wired and then blogs like Refinery29, the Cut and more. I'm basically on social-media outlets all day looking for information and discovering new brands and boutiques. I always make sure to get my sports fix, so I have "The Dan Patrick Show" playing in the background every morning.

Do you collect anything?

Vintage jewelry and costume pieces are my absolute favorite. My mother, aunts and other relatives collected and kept amazing jewelry over the years. There is nothing better than wearing something my great-aunt wore during the '40s or '50s.

What are your thoughts on footwear?

I'm average height, so heels are an absolute must! Plus, they will always make a woman's figure look better. Since I'm a city girl, I always carry heels and flats in my bag to switch out for walking and meetings. My favorite pair of heels right now is my nude patent leather pumps by Jessica Simpson because they go with everything and were right around $100. Can't beat that!

What's:

Your favorite fashion decade/era? Right now. Today's looks are a great combination of the best fashion trends over the last 50 years. It's really exciting because you can rock a high-waisted wide-leg jean with a classic Chanel inspired jacket. I think fashion is at its best!

Your favorite place to get a drink in Chicago? The Screening Room at Public.

The best restaurant you've tried lately? Girl & The Goat.

Your favorite travel destination? Anywhere with hot sun and sand — probably the Mediterranean.

Your daily uniform? I basically live in two looks for everyday casual. Leather jacket and black tank or cashmere jumper, waxed J Brand jeans or gray Levi's, diamond studs or big gold vintage necklace and stackable rings, platform pumps.

Your best fashion discovery of 2011? Local boutiques selling local designers on the rise, like Jules and C/FAN.

Your guilty pleasure? Bravo TV.

And finally:

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Amazing business opportunities and fashion week, of course!

What should we expect from Garmental next year?

Expansion! We are really excited at where our brand is headed and even more motivated to be the local niche source for all things style, fashion and shopping on a local level with national appeal.

Follow Brigid on Twitter at @Brigid_Sweeney.

Read in full here:

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111221/BLOGS01/111229954/getting-to-know-garmentals-suzanne-kopulos 

Ravishing Rouge

from Samantha Chicago

Milly leopard jacket , $445

Haute Hippie one sleeve shirred dress , $464

Shoshanna Lee onyx tassel bracelet , $70

Autumn Cashmere wrap w/ Swarovski crystals , $237

Why I ♥

Embrace red during Christmas and holiday celebrations! Adding the leopard fur exudes sophistication and style!

Style

Sophisticated

Occasion

Holiday Frills

Graham & Spencer blazer , $284

Joie Coraline tank , $28

C/FAN Jacqueline skirt  , $238

Graham & Spencer clutch , $187

Why We ♥

Balancing the super fun frills of the skirt with a metallic jacket adds structure to the look and is still super fun for a holiday soiree!

Style

Girly

Occasion

Date Night

Styling by Suzanne Kopulos

Photography by Margo Kuchuris Wiseman

Haute Hues

from SARCA

6 Shore Road dress , $195

Mawi necklace , $580

Ruthie Davis Prefab heel , $875

Why We ♥

The perfect combination for a hot holiday look! The statement necklace with bold jewel accents is perfect for this bold hued dress. Plus the braided rope belt is a great alternative to the typical tie up!

Style

Sexy

Occasion