Q&A: the Cut’s Stella Bugbee

As Editorial Director of New York Magazine’s fashion blog The Cut, Stella Bugbee oversees the writers and editors who cover a daily mix of runway fashion, street style, beauty, celebrity and politics. Since things like previewing Altuzarra’s collection for Target, testing out a slew of beauty products and attending NYFW are all in a day’s work for Bugbee, we asked about the pieces she’ll be investing in for fall, her fashion week M.O. and the biggest trend going around the office at The Cut.

Q: What pieces will you be investing in for fall?
A: I usually purchase one great pair of shoes per season. This Fall I have my eyes on a pair of Balenciaga loafers. I also need a bag but I’m so picky about them that I am holding out for one that really speaks to me, which may not happen this Fall. I picked up a beautiful Proenza Schouler jacket at a sample sale and I am debating buying the Prada skinny scarf in red. I ordered a few key items from Apiece Apart (my favorite brand for everyday).

Q: Where’s the best spot in NYC for a break from fashion week?
A: Invariably I kill time in Jeffery which is a very bad habit. But I like to grab breakfast at Cookshop and tea at Pain Quotidien. I also love the Apple Store for good wifi or a phone charge between shows.

Q: Whose street style do you admire?
A: My favorite people to watch at fashion week are what I like to call “The Normals”: quietly chic editors who don’t always get photographed but who have subtle combos or navy and black and are impeccably put together. Having said that, I also really love watching all the bloggers try to one-up each other. I am not one of those people who hates on the “street stylers.” I think the whole sport is great fun and theater.

Q: Where are your favorite vacation spots?
A: My husband is from Hawaii and that will always be a favorite. But Italy and Mexico are close seconds. Domestically I love warmth so I gravitate to the Hamptons or places like Palm Springs.

Q: What’s something you thought you’d never want to wear that you now wear?
A: Makeup! I was a very au naturel girl for many years but I’ve grown to LOVE LOVE LOVE a good eyeliner, lipstick or foundation.

Q: Do you tend to edit your closet or keep everything?
A: I edit religiously and to a fault. Many times I regret having given something amazing away, but I also find that I only like wearing 5-10 items at any given time. So it’s best to move the old stuff out and keep things in high rotation. I strive for simplicity, which is not to say plainness…just that having fewer things makes me happier.

Q: Which 3 pieces were you most excited to curate for your sale for The RealReal?

A:

Q: Do you have a signature scent?
A: Nope! I’d like to get to that point but I am constantly trying new scents for work. I love perfume more than anything in the world! I have a few that I always come back to:
–Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
–Byredo Encens Chembur
–Comme des Garcon Dover Street Market

Q: What have you been listening to lately?
A: Beck’s Morning Sounds, Jimmy Cliff, Early 90’s Hip Hop

Q: The last good book you read?
A: Women in Clothes by Sheila Heti, Leanne Shapton and Heidi Julavits

Q: Biggest trend going around the office at The Cut?
A: Birkenstocks are still holding strong, but the biggest thing is Mansur Gavriel’s bucket bags. We ALL have Mansur bags in different colors. It’s practically mandatory.

Q: Aside from The Cut, where you do you look for fashion news and inspiration?
A: The many chic women of NYC inspire me. And small fashion mags like The Gentlewoman.

Instagram photos courtesy of @stellabugbee.