"Nothing is better than being able to tell someone “it’s vintage,” when they ask where you got something. "
HI BABES! I’m so excited for my very first “From Her, To You” post!
When I first started blogging, I knew I wanted to use it as a platform to connect with other women. From Her, To You will be a series where I share the amazing stories of other badass babes. Collaboration over competition, always!
Anyways, meet my newest girl crush: Mary Sommerfelt, the owner + founder of Bryant Park.
I met up with her a few weeks ago to have her show me her studio/office space and learn more about what she does. Of course when she greeted me she was in the most trendy, adorable outfits. It was one of those outfits where you’re like I would have never thought of putting that together, but some how she makes it look so effortless and fucking cool. I guess that’s just part of her magic of being a wardrobe mixologist.
Lucky for us, Mary shares her talent with the rest of the world through her vintage curated shop, Bryant Park. Not only does she source for thrifted + vintage pieces that we can shop, but she even shows us how to style the pieces. Mary is total style goals and I can’t wait for you babes to meet her through our little Q&A!
Tell us about your background + how you got into thrifting:
MARY: I’m from Columbus , Ohio originally and have lived in Charleston, South Carolina for the past two years but just moved back home! I feel like I’ve had so many past jobs, but I started out my career interning for Seventeen Magazine in New York, then my first job out of college was with Abercrombie & Fitch in Visual Merchandising / Styling. While in Charleston, I worked at a bridal shop and worked in marketing for a jewelry designer.
I’ve always loved finding unique pieces or unique ways of styling. I never really liked wearing what “everyone” else was wearing, so having vintage pieces was always a good way to avoid that. I also have never been someone to completely DIVE in to a trend. I like to wait it out and see if it actually makes sense investing in. That’s why vintage clothing is cool, because fashion always repeats itself. Often times you can find pieces that are super “on trend” but from years ago!
What is the meaning behind the name, Bryant Park?
My dad is from New York so I grew up traveling there with my family. Bryant Park was always one of my favorite spots in the city (didn’t hurt that fashion week used to be held there too!) When I interned in NYC, I lived right on the Ave. of America’s in Herald Square. My subway station was 42nd St.- Bryant Park so I’d be there every single day, multiple times a day – but ALWAYS seeing new people. On the weekends, I’d grab my venti coffee and just sit and people watch & get inspiration in the park. It was “my place.”
How do you describe your personal style?
That’s really the toughest question for me because I mix up my style a ton! I would say my style is somewhat sophisticated (as in I LOVE a blazer) but never too serious (as in I LOVE graphic tees and Nike’s) I also don’t ever try to be too feminine… if I’m wearing a dress I’ll throw on a hat, sneakers, or boots to give it a slight masculine feel. I’ve kinda always called myself a “wardrobe mixologist” because I love experimenting with style and new ways of pairing unexpected items together!
What do you look for when picking out pieces for Bryant park?
I really created this as an extension of myself and my own personal style. The main question I ask myself when buying a piece is “how many ways can this be worn?” Now, not everything is going to be an item that is extremely versatile, but I LOVE finding those unique, special pieces as well that deserve only one way of wearing. I really want to offer a wide array of basics that girls can style tons of ways, and true vintage statement pieces where you are guaranteed to get compliments on. Nothing is better than being able to tell someone “it’s vintage,” when they ask where you got something.
What is your favorite part of thrifting and your least favorite?
My favorite is the hunt! I truly thrive on the chase for incredible fashion. I love finding pieces that immediately spark my ideas of how I’m going to style them, which happens almost immediately when I pick up something good.
My least favorite is that it IS actually physically draining / exhausting. I try every single piece on myself, no matter what the size to make sure it doesn’t just look good on a hanger. It’s a process, but it’s super rewarding.
Where do you get your inspo from?
I’m a true magazine girl at heart and always have been. I’ve been subscribed to W and Vogue since I can remember. I also use Instagram as a social mood board as well. I save soooo much inspo there. I follow all of the fashion week accounts and stalk them religiously for the street style!
I’d also say my interest in music goes hand in hand with my fashion inspiration. I think music affects my mood so much that depending on what is currently on my playlist will determine my style for the day.
Tell us what your loving for fall & trends your excited about:
I am obsessed with the pistachio green trend. I am on a true hunt for some good green!
I’ve seen lots of pops of pink at Copenhagen fashion week and I am in love. The color pink is like my guilty pleasure. I have a few pink pieces that I’m super excited about!!
I think it’s a standard for me that I’m also always on the hunt for oversized blazers and square toed boots (regardless of the season).
What's next for you & Bryant Park?
My goal for Bryant Park is to be a revolving door of selling my finds / styling. I love having the ability to pop – up places because it gives me the ability to actually add my personality behind my brand and build relationships with customers that genuinely appreciate my finds. Who knows, maybe I want a storefront! I also really want to build relationships with other creatives and stylists who may need pieces for shoots and always have everything still shopable!
Where can we shop Bryant Park & how can we stalk you?
My site is currently under construction (www.shopbryantpark.com) but anything can be purchased off of Instagram (@shopbryantpark) via DM or setting up a styling appointment with me!
I used to be a personal stylist and it is SO much fun to come to clients, play dress up and help them find what is best for them. I also am participating in pop-ups around Columbus! If you have any recs of where I should pop up, let me know!
_______
Also be sure to follow her personal account, @marysommerfelt for some serious outfit inspo.
P.S. I’m so excited to finally launch this series “From Her, To You”, which will be a way to showcase the stories of amazing women. Whether your a girl boss or just have a story you want to share, feel free to reach out to me if you want to be featured or know someone who should be!
