carlota espinosa

Fashion Pulse Daily recently had a chance to chat with Carlota Espinosa, Vice President of Fashion at HauteLook, an online shopping site that offers it members incredible fashion and beauty deals from established and up-and-coming designers. HauteLook will also have a presence at New York Fashion Week this season by hosting a Fashion Week Lounge and a selection of invite-only fashion events such as collection previews and presentations. We learned about how much HauteLook values the online community, a tip on the upcoming sales on Hautelook, and Carlota’s spring 2010 runway predictions – enjoy!

1) What was your experience in the world of fashion before becoming VP of Fashion at HauteLook?
I began my career as a producer for Fox in Los Angeles and later as a producer for Style File on Good Day LA. I covered all the award shows including the Oscars and the Golden Globes. I also covered New York Fashion Week. In October of 2007 I left Fox and came to work with Adam Bernhard to help launch HauteLook.

2) As the Vice President of Fashion, what does your role entail?
I am passionate about fashion and feel everyone should be able to look and feel stylish. My role is to convey that message through every medium, from the website to special events.

3) Being an online company you obviously understand the importance of social media and bloggers; what made Hautelook decide to sponsor a blogger’s lounge during fashion week?

This summer we were brainstorming on how to offer bloggers and media a really great space to go and relax during the hustle-and-bustle of the shows. We decided that having a presence at Fashion Week would be a really great way to remind everyone that style and affordability is possible, and that HauteLook is a great destination for those who love fashion. It seemed perfect for us. As our company has grown, we understand what a crucial role bloggers have played. They’re often the first to write about our sales and through their viral messaging, we get so many new customers and members. We wanted a way to give back to them for the incredible impact they’ve had on our business.

4) What is the number one thing that makes HauteLook distinct from its competition, all of the other private sale sites on the web?
The main thing that makes HauteLook different is that we’re the destination for the casual chic, wearable style. I like to think that HauteLook sells your favorite brands, the ones you already have in your closet, and the ones that you go to time after time. We offer an accessible style that is quintessentially West Coast —pieces you can wear to the beach and then wear at night with a great pair of heels. For that reason, we like to offer shoppers both established and emerging brands, chosen by us to match how our members like to shop! Our partnership with brands also gives shoppers a wider selection of products (and more sizes) during the sale, and at those fabulous discounts!

5) What are some of the brands/sales coming up in the next month or so on HauteLook that customers can look forward to?
Well, we’re always offering great sales every day, but some of the sales we have lined up for apparel include Calvin Klein, William Rast, Michael Stars, and Luca Luca (among others). For beauty, shoppers should keep an eye out for Cover FX, Lorac, Basq and Go Smile. And if you’re look for a little something to spruce up your home we’ll have DL&Co. and Marlo Lorenz.

6) What are the top three items that you’ll be wearing this fall?
I definitely cannot get enough distressed denim. My friend John Eshaya makes the best skinny versions for his line JET and I am dying to grab some more pairs to round out my fall essentials. I am also looking for the perfect pair of boots, that I’ll end up wearing through winter. The perfect pair of boots is essential to any woman’s wardrobe and my hunt is on for the ideal pair to wear with a great skirt or with a pair of skinny jeans. And of course, yummy cashmere sweaters are on my wish list year round, perfect for layering through fall and bundling up during winter.

7) What do you predict will be a hot trend on the runways from Spring 2010?
I hope there is a return to feminine dressing. There’s been a lot of androgynous looks of late. And while I love the menswear appeal, I’d love some really feminine silhouettes in both dresses with cinched waists, tailored fits, and some skirts!

8) What is a trend you wish would go away?
Shoulder Pads! The look didn’t work in the 80’s and it still doesn’t.

9) What was your latest fashion indulgence?
I can’t live without my most recent buy: a pair of luxe shooties. They’re the perfect shoe/boot hybrid and I can wear them all year round, whether it’s with a great dress for a night on the town, or with a great look for work, they’re so versatile!

-Julia DiNardo

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