MsFit Feature: Jill and Stacy Simon

The fabulously fast-fashion fashionista sisters behind the Tobey Grey Boutiques took a moment out of their fast-track day to talk to us about their boutique, their fitness lifestyle and their fashion go-to’s. Jill and Stacy Simon have been in the fashion game for years, and through a boutique name change, having 3 babies (Jill has a daughter and son and Stacy has a daughter), and with the addition of two new boutiques, these girls have their hands full… literally.

I’ve known these girls for years, and there’s no one more friendly, beyond hilarious, genuine and more devoted to their craft than this duo. As a fellow fashionista, I had to ask the girls to fill me in on their favorite summer trends and what pieces from their boutique they’re loving the most. Here they are…

 

J.BRAND DARK WASH HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS

 

TOBEY GREY FAUX LEATHER TOP AND J.BRAND DISTRESSED JEANS

 

DL1961 INSTASCULPT JEANS

These jeans instantly miscrosculpt your legs, butt and midsection with their 4-way stretch denim design. This is genius for anyone, but especially new moms… anything that sculpts and slims is a must have!

 

 

TOBEY GREY DRESS

This dress is every girl’s dream… it looks sexy and has a great fit and at the same time, feels like you’re wearing a t-shirt.

 

TOBEY GREY FIT & FLARE DRESS WITH A J.BRAND LEATHER JACKET

This dress flatters all body shapes and any leather jacket is a wardrobe staple. A black leather jacket is perfect, but something like this neon pink variation is an unexpected pop of color.

 

TOBEY GREY DRESS

This is one of our best selling dresses. It comes in a variety of colors, but orange has definitely been a best seller. It may not be everyone’s initial choice, but they’re pleasantly surprised when they try it on.

 

TOBEY GREY CASHMERE SWEATERS

There is nothing better than these cashmere sweaters for those late summer nights and they go right into the fall season.

 

 

CLOVER CANYON DRESSES

Prints! Prints! Prints! I love Clover Canyon dresses! They’re comfortable, always look stylish and you’ll definitely stand out in a crowd.

 

And now, for the girls’ MsFit Feature…

Jill and Stacy

 

JILL SIMON~

WHAT’S KEEPING YOU BUSY THESE DAYS?

What doesn’t keep me busy these days is a better question… Trying to find a balance between working full time at Tobey Grey and taking care of an extremely active 3 year old and 4 month old. I’m trying to work on finding a little me time, but recently I’ve been feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

 

WHAT ARE YOU LOVING IN FITNESS AND FASHION RIGHT NOW?

Fashion has always been my first love, that’s why I love my job so much. I get to help people look and feel great every single day. To me, there is no better staple in anyone’s closet than a great fitting pair of jeans… I’m personally a distressed jean kind of girl and what most people don’t realize is that they can be dressed up too. Also another go-to is a nice pair of dark skinnies… they go from day to night and are extremely easy to wear. As much as I love fashion, right now in my life, any piece that is easy but still looks good is important. Our private label line Tobey Grey is also a favorite… we use amazing fabrics to create the most current and in style pieces and the prices are incredible. In terms of fitness, I wish I could say I have an obsession. I’ve heard so many great things about Pure Barre and Soul Cycle but unfortunately haven’t tried either one. I’m working on making my fitness routine a priority. I’m pretty high energy so a lot of people have recommended I try yoga but to me, nothing beats a great walk with the kids.

HOW CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU?

I am constantly updating my Instagram @jillsimon6 mostly with pictures of my two kids and can be found on Facebook too under Jill Simon. For the latest in anything fashion related I’m at @tobeygreyboutique or on Facebook at Tobey Grey Boutique. Also, check out our website, www.tobeygrey.com.

 

STACY SIMON~

WHAT’S KEEPING YOU BUSY THESE DAYS?

I am busy every day taking care of my daughter and also keeping up with the latest trends in fashion. I love looking at magazines and blogs to see what’s hot. I even go on Facebook daily to look at peoples’ outfits and try and find ideas for creating our Tobey Grey line. On top of buying and designing Tobey Grey products, I am actively looking at new locations to expand our stores!

WHAT ARE YOU LOVING IN FITNESS AND FASHION RIGHT NOW?

I agree with Jill, I think jeans always make people feel good about their bodies. I think women all need a nice pair of jeans that fit their bodies correctly. I have a lot of women who come in with loose jeans on and leave with a new pair of fitted ones and look like they have lost 30 pounds. It’s crazy what jeans can do for a body! Also we are in the works of making a yoga jean which I think will be huge for women that can actually do yoga and work out in jeans that don’t stretch. Sounds crazy, but it’s very cool..

HOW CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU?

You can email me at stacysimon21@gmail.com with any questions… Or find me on Tobey Grey’s Facebook page…

 

MSFITS, DON’T FORGET: EVERYTHING AT TOBEY GREY NOW IS 40-80% OFF! AND…. ONCE THEIR FALL MERCHANDISE  HITS THE FLOOR, WE HAVE A SPECIAL PROMOTION TO TELL YOU ABOUT… STAY TUNED!

Ms Fit Feature: Amy Kimball

WHAT IS KEEPING YOU BUSY THESE DAYS?

I just finished a very busy Spring event season with weddings, private parties and non-profit fundraisers—the whole gamut! And on top of that I just launched a new product called “AK Events Party in a Box” which is currently being sold on Etsy. It’s custom-designed elements in one simple box that will help you take your party to the next level, just like you hired a professional designer—without breaking the bank. I launched the July 4th Box on Etsy but ended up selling out privately, so that was very exciting. I’m now working on the designs for the upcoming holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years Eve as well year-round boxes including birthday, dinner and cocktail parties. I’m really excited about it and am expanding my site to include retail.

I am also now prepping to start the Event Planning course I teach at Boston University at the College of Communications for Italian Exchange students from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Coure in Milan. This is my third year teaching and I absolutely love it. The students are wonderful, so committed and eager to learn and I adore being able to share my passion about design and event planning with them. I didn’t know I would love teaching so much, but a call out of the blue three years ago from Professor Steve Quigley at B.U. changed all that. I look forward to this adventure every July.

WHAT ARE YOU LOVING IN FITNESS AND FASHION RIGHT NOW?

With this busy schedule my favorite fitness routines are the ones that keep me sane, I am a Bikram yoga devotee—it truly balances me, if I feel overwhelmed or stressed before going in, that all changes in 90 minutes. I joke it’s because I have to focus on just breathing to stay alive in that heat that my mind clears. I also love Pilates which after injuring my back last year has been key to strengthening and healing my body. And last but not least is my newly found obsession with golf. I wish my ability matched my absolute joy of playing… but maybe someday!
As far as fashion I love all the bright colors of summer. It was a really long winter so any opportunity to brighten it up, I am hooked. All of sudden pink has found it’s way back into my life on almost a daily basis, it’s kind of cracking me up— even if it’s just a touch with a scarf I feel like it’s such a happy color that lightens up the person wearing it as well the people around them. I also just love the maxi-skirt with flat sandals trend. It feels so laid back and there are so many fabulous colors and patterns to choose from, they look flattering, relaxed yet sophisticated on everyone, I’m only 5’3 and I still work ‘em!

HOW CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU?

If you want to keep up with me, please check me out:    Website/Blog: http://amykimballevents.com/wordpress/

Twitter: amykimballevent
Facebook: Amy Kimball Events 
Instagram: @amykimball

And if you’d like to scope out the AK Events Party in a Box on Etsy, check it out here…

MsFit Obsession ~ Maya Brenner Letter Necklace

My current obsession these days are the Maya Brenner asymmetrical mini letter necklaces… I don’t know what it is, perhaps just L.O.V. E. at first sight. I’ve had a few initial necklaces in my day, ones with my own initials and one custom made as a push gift with diamonds with the initials of my first born, LLG which I wear almost every day.

What I love about the design of these necklaces is that they’re so demure, so unassuming, so dainty and sweet, and whether you’re in the market for a personal logo, or one for your newborn babe, or even (what I’m really loving), the first initial of all of your kiddos, it’s the perfect size to pair with almost any other neck candy under the stars.

They come in white, yellow and rose gold and you can add any amount of letters to the chain you want… I have so many versions I’d make of this necklace (LLG, MPG, JMG, MFFS, LOVE), it’s hard to choose… maybe I’ll resurrect the Mr. T look… only much more demure of course.

You can find them here:

 

 

 

 

xoxoA

Who What Wear at Ben Mezrich’s Book Signing

After schmoozing with some amazing women at The Good Ones event, Jessica, our awesome photographer and I quickly hopped a few streets over to the Colonnade Hotel’s roof deck pool for our second event of the evening… heels still on, fashion radar on high, ready to take on the rest of the night…

This party was to celebrate truly one of the most talented authors of our generation, Ben Mezrich and his new novel for middle grade kiddos, called Bringing Down the Mouse. This fun and inspiring story parallels his New York Times bestselling book, Bringing Down the House which inspired the movie, 21.

The guest of honor was flanked by kiddos who were excitedly getting their books signed (not bad for a summer reading story), Ben’s beautiful wife, Tonya, friends and family, and even some members of the Red Sox including owners John Henry and Tom Werner with a surprise visit from the great Pedro Martinez.

Beautiful weather, such a fun crowd, great drinks, and of course, some really great style to show off… Ms. Who What Wear…

Tonya Mezrich, Co-founder of Mike & Ton, wearing Shoshanna dress, Amrita Singh necklace, Ippolita earrings, and Rachel Zoe shoes.

Bianca de la Garza, host of her own television lifestyle and entertainment show coming in January, wearing an Alice and Olivia dress, Yves Saint Laurent clutch, Oscar de la Renta earrings, Jennifer Zeuner necklace and Brian Atwood shoes.

 

 

Ok.. we were having too much fun and just started snapping random pics…

Betsy Lee, me, Jessica, Abby Cushman

Getting a head start on the book

Tonya Mezrich & me

Jessica, Bianca de la Garza & me

For my boys, LL and Maxi

Jessica, Abby Cushman, Restauranteur and Nightlife King, Ed Kane & me

Jessica, Pedro Martinez & me

Jessica, me, the man of the hour, Ben Mezrich & Abby Cushman

 

And then… these Ms. Fits were off to our last event of the night hosted by photographer Todd Mazer to showcase international artist Jaybo Monk. By that point, the cameras came down and it was time just to chill and take in all of the beautiful art…. then call it a night…

It’s all over when the heels come off…

 

All photos by Jenna Darcy Stebbins of www.jennadarcy.com

Who What Wear at The Good Ones Event

Last Wednesday night, Jessica and I had the pleasure of being invited to the best thing to hit Boston’s social scene since Uber. The Good Ones is a meeting of dynamic people for fabulous events to chit chat about inspiring passions to get to know one and other and perhaps even make a new friend. They throw wonderful events with fun themes, this week’s being a color blocking and fun jewelry fashion theme, at trendy locales, this one was at the restaurant I’m obsessing over right now, Liquid Art House.

We had so much fun getting to know some amazing women and can’t wait for more The Good Ones events. Check out this week’s Ms. Who What Wear Feature showcasing who was wearing what to where…

 

Ruta Laukien, Founder and President of Liquid Art House, wearing a dress from Miami, silver cuff also from Miami, Betsy Johnson shoes and Diane von Furstenberg bag.

 

Carolyn Kim, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer at The Good Ones, wearing Three Floor dress, bangles and jewelry by Heloisa Fitzgerald, Marni shoes and bag by Claudia.

 

Jennifer Brooke, Founder and Creative Program Development at The Good Ones, wearing a 5th and Mercer jumpsuit, all jewelry by Heloisa Fitzgerald and Alice and Olivia shoes.

 

Candice Wu, Fashion Designer at Candice Wu Couture, wearing a skirt by Karina Bresnahan, bracelet by House of Cach, Shoes by Matty’s, Cicada earring called “Freddy” designed by Candice Wu.

 

Binita Patel, Owner of Binita Patel Photography and Co-founder of Pink Lotus Events, wearing a dress from Target, BCBG shoes and necklace and bag from Aldo.

 

Mai Ling Norton, Owner at Mai Norton Photography, wearing a Nina Ricci top, DKNY pants, Stuart Weitzman shoes.

 

 

A few more pics from the event…

Jessica and Carolyn Kim

Heloisa Fitzgerald jewelry on display

Liquid Art House interior

For more information on The Good Ones, check them out here, and join!

All of our beautiful photographs shot by the talented Jenna Darcy Stebbins    www.jennadarcy.com

Ms. Fit Feature: J.C. Monahan

 

We had the pleasure of meeting  J.C. at last month’s MFA Summer Party. She was dressed in a gorgeous red Monique Lhuillier gown, but it was her personality that shined brighter than the lights of the dance floor. Two minutes after meeting J.C., I felt like we’d been friends for the last twenty years; her smile, her sense of humor and her warmth is exactly why she’s become so popular as an anchor on Boston’s Channel 5 news. As a working mom of two girls, a philanthropist and such a girl’s girl, we thought J.C. would make the perfect Ms. Fit… and we were right. We love you J.C. and all that you bring to the city of Boston.

Read on for J.C.’s feature…

J.C. at the MFA Summer Party

 

J.C. MONAHAN, Co-anchor of Newscenter5 at 5:00pm and co-anchor of Channel 5’s “Chronicle”.

WHAT’S KEEPING YOU BUSY THESE DAYS?

Being a working mom means keeping a very busy schedule. With summer here (finally!), my two girls have made their “summer list” and they expect to have everything crossed off by the end of the season! Right now, we’re practicing cartwheels, roasting marshmallows and running our outdoor “café”, where my two year old, Victoria, is a world renowned chef.
The warmer months means lots of great charity events. I recently took the field at Fenway Park for batting practice to help raise money for the Jimmy Fund. I did my best Gisele impression (haha) modeling fashions for The Ellie Fund, an organization that helps breast cancer patients. David Ortiz hosted a fantastic Dominican-themed evening to raise money for his Children’s Charity and there was the beautiful, June night at the MFA summer party. And the season has just begun!

And let’s not forget the great concerts coming our way this summer. You’ll find me trying to keep up with Beyonce’s moves at her concert with Jay Z and, for my daughter, blocking the screams of pre-teens at the One Direction concert. Wish me luck on this one!
WHAT ARE YOU LOVING IN FITNESS AND FASHION THESE DAYS?

I recently started running, inspired by the event at last year’s Boston Marathon. After completing this year’s Boston Marathon, I wanted to keep the fun going so I signed up for the BAA10k. Winding through the Back Bay, over the BU bridge and back again, with beautiful views of the city, it’s a fantastic course that reminds me why I love Boston so much.
To give my knees a break (my body is not meant for running), I started taking spin classes. My co-anchor is obsessed and he’s trying to get me addicted as well. I must say, I see the appeal. Good music, dim lights and a lot of positive energy. It’s a great way to start the day.

Fashion is always on my radar. I have a conservative style, but I try to incorporate a few fashion pieces into my wardrobe each season. I look forward to fall fashion the most. I find designers use the best fabrics… cashmere being my favorite. I’m looking forward to trying the “cape” trend. Men’s tailoring for women means I can pull some of my old suits out of the closet, but the jury is still out on the 60’s trend. It’s fun and flirty and I can see it working on others (my sister is perfect for the look) but I think I’ll be sitting this one out. Only time will tell!

You can see more of J.C. every night on Channel 5.