THE FASHION DISH

There are women out there who do it all, but then there’s the tour de force Jill Martin who does it all and three times more. With two books written, (one on the New York Times Bestseller list), and a third in the works, this Emmy award winning TV personality, she nabbed two this year, doesn’t ever slow down. If you think that’s a mouthful Martin’s also a frequent contributor on both Access Hollywood and the Today Show where she covers all bases from how to remain on trend, but not spend a fortune to her famed “Ambush Makeovers”.  A reporter for the NY Knicks, Martin has also covered the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Oscars. Martin’s covered major mainstream events dolled up to the nines interviewing such stars from Lady Gaga to Hugh Jackman, she’s most comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans, revealing herself to be a very down to earth woman at heart. Of course her sweet smile doesn’t hurt either.

Jill Martin took some time to answer several questions revealing where her love of fashion came from, her personal wardrobe faves, and more! Delve in and read what Martin has to dish.

Haley Sherif: What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Jill Martin: That is a funny question…growing up I wanted to be so many things. The only thing I did know – I wanted to entertain people. I used to change 20 times a day and put on all sorts of shows…things haven’t changed! Between working for The Today Show, Access Hollywood and the New York Knicks…I am like a glorified bag lady changing numerous times a day to fit whatever I am doing…I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Haley Sherif: Where did your love for fashion come from?

Jill Martin: I think what you choose to wear everyday really does say a lot about you and puts out an image of how you want to be portrayed. It is a really fun way to express yourself. Changing up your looks is always a way express a different mood or a different side of yourself. It is better to be daring and make a statement than to be afraid of dressing a certain way because you feel “like you are doing it wrong.” I hear that so much…fashion is fun (it is not brain surgery!) so started HAVING some fun with it!

HS: What is your favorite part of being an NBC contributor?

JM: I love being able to share tips and trends with so many women looking to get in on the latest must-have. My thing is I make sure everything is affordable so anyone feels like they can be a part of whatever is hot and “in.” My Steals and Deals segment that airs every Tuesday morning at 9:15am allows me to give viewers the hottest items and an extremely discounted price (often up to 90% off!)

HS: I’ve seen your “Ambush Makeover” segments, what do you love most about that process?

JM: I love giving women the gift of reinventing themselves. It is so rare you can jumpstart someone’s life in three hours. We have never had an unhappy customer (knock on wood) and so many women have told us we changed their lives. How nice is that…and it all happens in one morning…we all need a special day sometimes.

HS: How was writing Fashion for Dummies different than your latest book New York Times Bestseller, I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR! ?

JM: Writing a book (in general) is an exhausting process. If an author tells you it isn’t…they are lying! But..the reward is amazing. I was able (with my co-author Dana Ravich) to put everything I have relayed on the Today show into one place. So many women from around the country have since decluttered their closets and started a life without “stuff.” You would be surprised how cathartic it is making your closet pretty and functional…the organized side of you will drip into other parts of your life as well.

HS: What is your number one piece of style advice for women of all ages?

JM: Don’t get in on a trend just because it is the in-thing at the moment. If it doesn’t work for you and your body-type…skip that must-have!  (think skinny jeans—so many women wore these—and they are not flattering on every body type.)

HS: Who is your style icon?

JM: Jackie Kennedy Onassis – classic and beautiful.

HS: What are a few of your favorite things to wear?

JM: A flowy dress (casual) with tons of jewelry and a bright shoe.

Here’s part two of my fantastic interview with Jill Martin. See what her must haves are, how she makes an outfit transition from work to play, and more!

HS: What do you feel most comfortable in? 

JM: Jeans, a tee-shirt, and UGG slippers.

HS: Do you have a favorite accessory?

JM: I love statement jewelry. I think you can dress up or dress down any outfit with a bold piece AND it can take you from day to night.

HS: What are your must have essentials? 

JM: A few? A great pair of jeans, a dress you feel like a knock-out in, a statement necklace, Diamond (or CZ) studs, a great “schlep” bag.

HS: How can a woman make an outfit go from day to night?

JM: Jewelry is a big one…also a great statement shoe. Turqoise, yellow, bright pink,…have fun! Also you don’t have to wear all black just because you are wearing a bold color shoe. Color blocking is once again a huge trend for Spring.

HS:  With the current economy where do you recommend women shop for on trend items without breaking the bank?

JM: I would rather women save and buy a few splurge items rather than buying a lot of “sale” pieces that probably aren’t as fabulous. With that said, TJ Maxx, H&M, Forever 21, Zara…these stores all have on-trend items that won’t break the bank. Again, anything that is THAT trendy you shouldn’t be spending a ton of money on. Better to invest in classic pieces.

HS: Can we expect another book from you in the future?

JM:  Yes! Dana Ravich and I are working on our 3^rd book right now!

HS:  Describe your style in three words.

JM: Classic, Comfy, Sexy (at least I think so!)