Tory Burch Answers Your Style Questions, Plus Win a Quilted Mini Handbag

by Dana Oliver (Subscribe to Dana Oliver's posts)
Posted Sep 16th 2010 at 5:41PM

Tory Burch. Photo: Michael Buckner, Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Tory Burch is one busy woman. She designs and helms an international fashion company, is mother to three growing boys, a stepmother to three sophisticated girls, and all the while is an in-demand invitee to New York City's most exclusive fetes. Her line eponymous line of trend-setting fashions was founded in 2004 and predicated on a simple tunic. Since then Burch's business has grown to several international stand alone boutiques that are filled with the famous Reva flats, a full ready-to-wear line, covetable accessories, and most recently cool new jeans.

Fortunately we had a chance to catch up with the designer following her '70s-inspired Spring 2011 presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Burch chatted live with our Twitter to fans to answer all of their burning style questions.

Read on to get the scoop on Burch's philosophy on fashion, her go-to fall shoe, and what she enjoys most about being a designer. Plus, we're giving one lucky StyleList reader a Tory Burch Alice Mini Bag (details on how to enter are below).

How do you celebrate the end of a successful Fashion Week?
TB: My design team and I have a lunch right after the show -- it's a longstanding tradition. We went to La Bottega yesterday.

Do you have any Fashion Week rituals that you can share?
TB: I carry a red ribbon in my bag. My grandmother gave one to everyone in our family. It's my good luck charm.

What is your fall fashion must-have?
TB: Lug sole boots with a heel, like our Halima. I love the sexy-utilitarian mix.

Tell us your favorite songs from your Spring 2011 show playlist?
TB: There were so many! The Roots, Janelle Monae, Speech Debelle. Here's our playlist!

What is your personal fashion philosophy?
TB: No rules!!! I love bold colors and mixing patterns and prints. I've learned which silhouettes work for me.

If you could have five items from your current collection, what would they be?
TB: Here's six -- Sacher jacket, Lyle boots, denim legings, McLane tote, Petula dress, oversized square sunglasses.

Alice Mini Bag by Tory Burch. Courtesy Photo

I can't stand the way skinny jeans look. Can I wear straight jeans or is that too old fashion?
TB: New or old -- it's about what works on you. I think straight leg jeans look incredibly chic.

Are tall boots still going to be in season this fall? I love that look.
TB: Tall boots are a fall must-have. This season they're going over-the-knee, too.

What's the inspiration behind your Spring 2011 collection?
TB: We focused on what makes women look and feel beautiful and elegant sportswear with a '70s feel.

What's your favorite part about being a designer?
TB: I'm lucky to be a part of this industry, and I am always thrilled when I see someone wearing Tory.

You can never have too many handbags! That's why we're giving away a quilted Tory Burch Alice Mini Bag.

Here's how to enter:

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what you would wear with the Tory Burch Alice Mini Bag.
The comment must be left before 12pm ET September 22, 2010.
You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
One winner will receive a Tory Burch Alice Mini Bag (valued at $350).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
Click here for complete official rules.

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Filed under: Fashion, News, Designers & Brands
Tags: designers, designers and brands, fashion tips, giveaway, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Tory Burch, Twitter

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READER COMMENTS

(12)Add A Comment

Kammi, 9-16-2010, 5:55PM

I am a fan of Stylelist on Facebook. I am a subscriber of Stylelist via Email and RSS. I am a subscriber of Tory Burch via Email. I am a fan of Tory Burch on Facebook. I would def use this Tory Burch Alice Mini Bag with anything of my clothes when I go out during the day or night with family and friends.

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Theresa, 9-16-2010, 5:58PM

Aw love the handbag! I would wear it out and about...shopping trips, running errands, to work...and definately somewhere to show off to all my friends :)

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Laurie, 9-16-2010, 6:07PM

I LOVE that handbag. I think it would look great in the fall wearing anything. But, I think it would especially look good with some great looking jeans and a black T!

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Rusne, 9-16-2010, 6:24PM

Beautiful hand bag !! I love Tory Burch...I will wear with my hand made Black Mohair Cardigan and straight leg jeans :)

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AMGraham, 9-17-2010, 11:15AM

I would wear this bag with my straight leg jeans, calf-hair leopard print embellished flats, a crisp white oxford, and a military inspired jacket.

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Evelyn, 9-17-2010, 5:27PM

I'd wear skinny jeans with a loose blouse and some heels!

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Talia, 9-17-2010, 7:33PM

I would wear this bag with all my clothes! With my fall clothing and frye cowboy boots

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Laura, 9-17-2010, 10:38PM

What wouldn't I wear this bag with!?! It seems like a great staple! I'd love to wear it featured over a chunky oversized sweater in some neutral tones, with great skinny jeans or cargos, and lace-up boots with a utilitarian feel or platform clogs! Or paired with a great knee-length dress, cropped military inspired coat, some sheer tights, and a heavy boot with socks peeking out from the top!

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Ariana, 9-18-2010, 10:27AM

I would wear a navy blazer with black lapels, a full but short black skirt, gray knee high socks, and red loafers

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Jenna, 9-19-2010, 7:57PM

I would wear it with a pair of leggings and a big sweater

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Huguette English, 9-20-2010, 6:12AM

Love this handbag. I would wear it with a nice dress or jeans and a sweater. Thanks for the chance!

henglish at nb dot sympatico dot ca

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Deepthi, 9-20-2010, 8:34AM

I love Tory Burch's classic designs and to be honest I would wear this bag every chance I can. The Alice mini bag would work perfectly with skinny cargo jeans or leather leggings, paired with a cream colored chiffon top, black blazer and Reva flats to add luxury to a relaxed casual outfit. ~thanks!

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