Olivia Palermo

From the moment she hit the black tie social scene, Olivia Palermo has captivated everyone in media. Fashion editors, bloggers, pesky paparazzi all drool over of her designer duds. Olivia Palermo has gone on to become a muse, model and the most sought-after girl for every designer to dress from Manhattan to Milan.

How did you start it? 
OliviaPalermo.com is a fashion and lifestyle site. I currently work with a small group of the best contributing writers from all over the world. I am the editor and creative director so I oversee everything. We write about emerging designers such as Katie Ermilio (who we love), we cover the collections during prêt-à-porter, and haute couture. We also provide tips on quick fashion and beauty routines.

What is the oldest item in your closet and why have you kept it so long? That’s hard to say, I have many beautiful tailored blazers from years ago from Curling, a shop in Paris. They still look fabulous and I’m sure they’ll continue to for many more years.

What was the first designer item you bought? I’m not exactly sure…maybe the Fendi Baguette?

What is one must-have item? I absolutely adore a beautifully structured bag. I always say that you need a great accessory to put a personal spin on things. And a great tailor is key.

What item are you lusting after now? The CH Carolina Herrera blue military long coat. It’s just so very elegant.

How long does it take you to get ready for a black tie event? Probably an hour and a half.

Who are your style icons (and why)? I love classic movies like Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell, the costumes always bring me inspiration.

Where do you like to shop? Zara, Piperlime is great, Christian Dior, Brunello Cucinelli, Tibi, Manolo Blahnik, Joseph, DVF, the list goes on.

Olivia’s International Hot-List

BERLIN

Restaurants: Borchardt, [my boyfriend] Johannes [Huebl] and I always go there because they have amazing German food. Grill Royal is always a great dinner spot. Pauly Saal is nice for lunch.

Shops: The Corner in Berlin is a beautiful store—they carry Tom Ford, Céline, etc. Cos is great! I always find great sweaters. KaDeWe and Andreas Murkudis are also great shopping spots.

Secret spots: The zoo. They have a lake where you can take row boats out in the summer. It’s divine!

Johannes and I enjoy staying at Soho House in Berlin, it feels like a home away from home. Their Cowshed Spa is also so fantastic! I love their manicures and pedicures.

PARIS

Restaurants: Hotel Costes for lunch or dinner. They always have a great crowd and the fashion is not to miss. The Ralph Lauren store has a very good restaurant—definitely one to stop into for a bite.

Shops: Zadig & Voltaire and Gérard Darel.

Secret spots: Johannes and I discovered Le Royal Monceau about a year ago. It has become one of my favorite hotels to stay at in the world. Everything is perfect—from what they offer, to the design, the food, the art and most importantly their high-end boutique, which is beyond amazing.

LONDON

Restaurants: I stay at the St. Martins Lane Hotel [near Leicester Square]. Roka and E&O are great restaurants, and for lunch, 8 ½ in Notting Hill. I also love strolling through the Portobello Market when it is open.

Shops: Matches, Joseph, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Topshop, Reiss, Whistle—you can always find a few things! I always stop by the Smythson store, it’s one of my favorites. I always find a reason to get something.

DUMBO

Restaurants: I’ve become quite addicted to the whoppie cakes at One Girl Cookie in my neighborhood! It’s one of my favorite bakeries in the world, so when I’m home I often go there.

Shops: There is a fantastic boutique called Zoë. They have really great pieces. I’ve bought pieces there throughout the years that I love. I find myself running in from time to time when I walk [my dog] Butler.

Secret spots: Maybe not so secret, but Jane’s Carousel is really beautiful, it’s in Dumbo Park looking over the water and the New York skyline. It’s a great trip if you’re looking for something nice to do on Sunday afternoon.