LUCIA TAIT INTERVIEW
We talked to Lucia Tait, a partner at Coup de Coeur, a stylish service that provides guided shopping tours in Manhattan.
The company custom designs a schedule that matches each clients personal wardrobe needs. Because of their unique relationships with boutiques, department stores, and designers, its therefore much more than just an insiders guide to the city's retailers. Lucia Marcelle Tait attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and graduated in 2004 with a BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications. After working in marketing at the luxury travel magazine Elite Traveler, she moved to luxury retailer Vivre to focus on web styling, merchandising and copywriting. It was her love for NY style and urge to bring her experiences and knowledge to others that inspired her to create Coup de Coeur Shopping Tours with friend Amanda Doll Sheppard last year.
Challenges of starting this company?
The biggest challenge was fine-tuning exactly what service we were going to offer. In the beginning, we would say ‘yes’ to everything but we learned we don’t want to be everything to everyone, we want to do one thing really, really well. We don’t come to your home and overhaul your wardrobe nor do we shop for you and send you clothes…we take you shopping to develop relationships and levels of service with stores you may already know or expose you to new discoveries. We do all the planning and get her style advice along the way. Whether you are shopping for a specific item or a wardrobe update, we meet your needs and have fun doing it!
Who are your clients?
We shop with New York’s visitors and residents. Our clients are people who come to NYC and really want to get insider expertise and have an amazing shopping experience. They are also New Yorkers who don’t have the time, resources or knowledge to coordinate a day of shopping and find what they need. There are so many celebrity stylists and personal shoppers…but we do something different, it is a true niche and unique to Coup de Coeur.
Favorite stores?
Henri Bendel – Many people know Henri Bendel for their amazing accessories, but in the past few seasons they have edited their RTW selection in to something very differentiated and fun. Not only do they have emerging and contemporary labels like Josh Goot and Jenni Kayne, they stock runway looks from Herve Leger, Missoni and Peter Som.
Rare Vintage – A new discovery for me, Rare Vintage is the perfect place to go when you have an event that you need a formal or designer look for and don’t want to be caught it the same dress as someone else! The owner has a great eye and travel around the world to find gorgeous designer vintage pieces and anything else that strikes her fancy.
Elizabeth Charles – I mention this store on our site, but I have to again right now because I just picked up an amazing Maplebrown dress (they stock all Australian designers and I am half Aussie!) there a few hours ago! I always walk away with something pretty and sophisticated and discover new brands I come to love!
Favorite websites
I love net-a-porter.com because if you place an order before 1PM, they messenger it in NYC for same day delivery. You can essentially arrive at work, order a dress and receive it in time to run straight to a party! I also love travel sites like concierge.com, area-daily.com and tablethotel.com. And of course ninunina.com!
What makes NY the fashion capital of the world?
New York is the fashion capital of the world because we get an amazing international/global influence. Really, each world capital has something cool and stylish to offer, something they do 'the best', but I love NYC for the energy, industry and global perspective.
Stores we must check out?
True Boutique is a new store in Nolita that has a full size range (00-12 in many emerging labels who extended their regular run just for the store) and an on-site tailor for immediate alterations. Michele Negri is a new Madison Avenue store for men and women that has a classic aesthetic and focuses on Italian fabrics and fit. This is their first US store, the brand began in Florence.
Chicest girls in New York in your opinion and why?
The girls of ‘Gossip Girls’, on and off set! The show is my guilty pleasure and my indulgence was recently justified by New York Magazine so I feel good about it…it is very addicting. Their looks are so young and fresh but still polished and overloaded with high-end brands and little eccentricities (headband anyone!?!). It is great to see what the stylist comes up with, like it was with ‘Sex and the City’. So many girls are chic all over New York, but the ones who not are the ones who choose complete looks with all the ‘it’ accessories and brands.
Henri Bendel is teaming up with Coup de Coeur for Mother's Day,on Sunday May 11th, to bring mothers the ultimate shopping experience, including a special private brunch, discounts, and beauty consultations. Email Lucia at info@coupdecoeurny.com for more information and reservations.
