Tinsley Mortimer, a New York socialite, handbag designer, and most recently, author – will be visiting Neiman Marcus NorthPark in Dallas this Friday on her book tour for Southern Charm. My friend, Auna Jornayvaz, just hosted the event in Denver last night! “Dallas is lucky to have Tinsley stop by… not just a fashionista, but an author too,” she said, “We had such fun in Denver sipping on Hypnotiq cocktails, which is my new favorite drink and mingling with fabulous women. After reading her book, I have a new appreciation for pink dresses and southern drawls. Most definitely a can’t-miss beach read.”
Tinsley’s first novel is based on her own experiences in the New York social scene as a southern belle who always remained true to her own style. In fact, I was always in love with “The Tinsley” hairstyle (as it was deemed by Vogue) which was a full head of long loose curls and a side part pinned to one side. It was exciting to have the opportunity to ask Tinsley a few questions regarding her signature style and her new book.
N/S: Have you always known you wanted to write a book? How did Southern Charm come to be?
Tinsley: I think each of us has a book in ourselves! Columbia University required so many papers that I started to be very comfortable writing and came to really enjoy it. I originally planned to write a style guide about how to dress like a girly girl, but it was the suggestions of several publishers that I write a novel instead. They thought that the backdrop of the world I know so well in New York would be perfect for a great story.
After the suggestion was made, everything just clicked! Southern Charm’s inception was my experience growing up southern. When I entered the social scene in NYC, over and over again I was told that I had southern charm. I think that by taking what was natural to me, being myself, not trying to fit into a mold is what ultimately opened up possibilities for me. Since the editors wanted me to write a book about my world, I thought to myself, how did this all happen, what was it that made me noticed? After thinking about it, I realized that growing up in the south, having southern charm was probably was the defining factor…..thus, my book Southern Charm.
N/S: What was the most difficult aspect of writing the book? The most rewarding?
Tinsley: The most difficult aspect was keeping a balance between writing an entertaining and believable story, but not making my characters too snarky or vile. The most rewarding aspect of writing Southern Charm was seeing the characters I knew so well in my imagination come to life on the pages of the book.
N/S: Who are your own personal style icons?
Tinsley: I love the classic style and beauty of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. I think I fall somewhere in between.
N/S: How will you be celebrating summer style? What key essentials are you looking forward to- from dresses to shoes to trends?
Tinsley: After the book tour, it will be so nice just to relax in really casual clothes. I am totally loving colored jeans for summer! Alice and Olivia have the most amazing ones!!! I want them in every color. I will probably be wearing tennis shoes this summer, since I plan to play a lot and work on my game.
Aside from those, I will be wearing high wedges with cute little dresses, like those from Juicy Couture, Tibi, Milly, and Shoshanna.
N/S: I remember reading Vogue and you switched styles with Florence Kane in “Trading Places” – was it difficult to stay true to your signature feminine style in NYC?
Tinsley: Honestly, I have never had a problem staying true to my girly style, though I might sometimes like to rock a little different look with an Herve Leger dress and edgier shoes. I have never consciously tried to stand out. I am just more comfortable wearing color and pretty clothes, particularly dresses. Black is not good on me!
N/S: Would you compare your novel to Plum Sykes‘ Bergdorf Blondes in any way? Do you think it would appeal to someone who enjoyed that book?
Tinsley: I believe Southern Charm would appeal to Bergdorf Blondes’ readers since both books allow peeks into the inner social world of New York.
N/S: What’s a day in the life like for Tinsley?
Tinsley: Most days my schedule is very hectic. I do not have a personal assistant, so I am constantly on my blackberry. And, creative chaos is the perfect description of my life!!!
N/S: What has been the most exciting and enjoyable aspect of your book tour?
Tinsley: I have loved meeting all the uber stylish and beautiful ladies who have been so kind to come. Everyone has been extraordinarily nice to me, and we have been having such a blast in every city. Every signing is like a little celebration, complete with delicious Hpnotiq Harmonie cocktails - they have created the most femimine, beautiful party settings I have ever seen with amazing signature cocktails like the Southern Charm and the Minty Julip! So girly and yummy!
N/S: What are some of your top 3 tips for summer beauty? Do you have a signature fragrance?
Tinsley: I wear Diorrisimo by Dior all the time…..such a light feminine scent.
Top three summer beauty tips would be:
1. never leave the house without sunscreen
N/S: What are you most excited about for summer? Any travel plans other than your book tour?
Tinsley: I plan to visit my sister and her fiancee in Switzerland and France this summer, so I’m really excited.
N/S: How would you describe your own personal style to someone who’d never met you?
Tinsley: Colorful femininity!!!
N/S: Is there a particular quote you live by or just a favorite in general?
Tinsley: There is not particular quote, but I believe in positive energy and that what you put out there in the universe comes back to you! I also believe in being true to yourself. I think if you don’t let others affect you and can feel confidence in yourself there is no end to what you can do!
MEET TINSLEY THIS FRIDAY IN DALLAS! Purchase her book “Southern Charm” here.
