Profile: Kristen Lee

Soon after I met Brady, she introduced me to her friend and partner, Kristen Lee. Kristen and Jack, also 2, started joining Brady and Marlowe for music class at our house each week and I am so glad they did! Kristen lives in the Hills with her son Jackson and husband Joe in a great Ed Fickett mid-century home, built in 1959.

Before opening TENOVERSIX, Kristen worked as a designer and stylist in NYC, where she met Brady. Eventually, they both moved to LA, opened their first store, and established themselves as a great team with a bold and distinct sense of style.

Kristen and Jack spent the day with Rip + Tan and opened up their beautiful home to us. It was such a pleasure to experience their unique home and design sensibility – I hope you enjoy! XXJKE

 

Beauty

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

It’s very fast and involves a clean face and quickly pulled back hair.

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Body Wash, Tata Harper Rejuvinating Serum, Ilia Lipsticks, OLO Fragrance, and Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Essential Oil.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

Shower.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

My Bed.

 

Health

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

I eat a (mostly) vegetarian diet, get outside as much as possible, and drink Kombucha and fresh juices.

R+T: Do you workout, what do you swear by?

Yoga. I used to have a daily practice, and now that I have very little time for it I am really feeling the difference… Time to get back on it!

R+T: What do you do to relax?

Read, drink wine, and listen to music.

 

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

Keep things simple, and layer with things you love. I like a neutral palette with pops of reds, pinks and blues. Lots of plants and flowers…and lots of artwork.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

Our artwork and books, reclaimed wood kitchen table, vintage ‘50s Danish black leather sofa, and big Geneva speaker.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

In NY, The Future Perfect. In LA, Lawson-Fenning and Heath Cermaics.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

The kitchen.

 

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

Small gatherings…

R+T: What are your tricks for entertaining?

Good drinks or wine, Blues or old Country music, and a smattering of good bread, cheeses, nuts, and veggies.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

I buy a bunch of fresh flowers every weekend at the farmers market. I love wildflowers and anything with a weird shape.

R+T: Do you do them yourself or do you use a florist?

Myself. I try to spend a little time arranging – kinda fun.

R+T: Who is your favorite florist?

Holly Flora in LA is very creative. Bloom in NY is so classic.

 

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

Eclectic.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Right now, in terms of what I wear the most: Rachel Comey, Comme Des Garcons, Alaisdair, Suno, Jesse Kamm, Rodebjer, Acne and Vena Cava. (most are available at TENOVERSIX)

R+T: What is your uniform?

Anything…as long as I have on a good shoe, a structured bag, and interesting eyewear.

R+T: What is your newest purchase?

My Alaisdair Drape Coat.

 

Food

R+T: Do you cook?

Yes.

R+T: What is your favorite recipe?

Red Beans and Rice with Veggie Sausage, cold white wine, and hot, buttered French bread. (An update on my Mom’s recipe)

R+T: What is your child’s favorite recipe?

He is going through a picky stage…

 

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

There are too many to list, but to name a few: Rothko, Baldessari, Pollack, Chris Burden, David Smith, Warhol, Gerard Richter, Cy Twombly, de Kooning, and Cindy Sherman.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

A Nan Goldin photograph of a bed.

 

Marriage

R+T: How do you balance work, motherhood, and marriage?

Still figuring this out…

R+T: What is your secret to your marriage?

Laughter and respect.

 

Current Projects

R+T: What’s your creative outlet and what project are you working on now?

I’m up to my ears in buying for Fall ‘13 – for two stores – but seeing everything for the next season is always exciting. I want to wear it all!

R+T: Any new projects on the horizon you want to share with R+T?

We have a new store opening in Dallas, which will be really beautiful. We also have a couple of commercial interior design projects going on, and are opening a new coffee shop called Weekend Coffee.

R+T: What is your favorite part about your job?

It’s creative, ever-changing, and allows for a flexible schedule.

R+T: How is it working with a close friend?

It’s great – fun and easy.

 

Kids

R+T: What are your favorite places to shop for kids?

Well, not to plug here, but my go-tos are TenOverSix (for BOBO CHOSES), Jenni Kayne (for Nico Nico), Sweet William in NY, and American Apparel for great basics.

R+T: What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go on the weekends with your kids?

We love going out for good, strong early coffee and pastries…and family hikes.