Global Influence

When it comes to getting to know a new neighbor, I hit the jackpot with Courtney. At this moment, the backseat of my car is filled with an oversized bag of publications borrowed from her stash. She’s in the same situation, as we have a bit of an exchange thing going on. Until I met this energetic, well-traveled girl-next-door, I don’t believe anyone in my path has been as avid of a collector of print materials and photography as she has proven to be. Upon my first visit to her home, her framed Helmut Newton originals immediately caught my eye as they were resting on shelves stacked to the ceiling with the best magazines of the last two decades. Be still my heart!

As it turns out, it’s not just a love for layouts, photo shoots and production that we share. In fact, one of our most interesting conversations entailed how much we both have dealt with in terms of a generation that simply takes so much for granted. While she was earning her degree and working for a demanding designer early on, she went for a full week without sleep. I can relate as when doing something I love, or was in a position to learn, I was always willing to do anything and everything to be involved. We found common ground in a background built on hard work, never asking for special treatment and just absorbing our surroundings at every opportunity.

Any Old Iron black and muted gold skull print sequin blazer; Rag & Bone black tank; AGOLDE coated high waist jeans; Saint Laurent studded pumps; Men's vintage Rolex Oyster Datejust watch; Bulgari limited edition 18k rose gold and pavè-set diamond; Head-over-tails serpenti necklace

Alaina Mullin

For Courtney, that involved a great deal, as her father (and biggest cheerleader) designed cameras and equipment for Kodak and moved the family to Hong Kong during her tween to teen years. From there, she would move to New Hampshire to complete high school before taking on the Big Apple at 18. She was accepted into FIT in Manhattan after only one interview and worked her fingers to the bone (literally on a sewing machine) until she earned a degree in Fine Arts. Since a young age, she’d dreamt of and worked towards a career in fashion, and she finally garnered the street cred to make it happen. What was supposed to be a short stint in London turned into a long-term stay. She landed a job at Harper’s and Queen (now Harper'sBazaar) while living in an amazing Notting Hill flat with 6 others. She eventually returned to the states at the insistence of her father. No access to a working VISA meant no real income, so her European adventure came to an end. After hearing about Condé Nast job openings in 1999, Courtney found herself in a position to interview with a few of fashion’s most famous editors. Ultimately, she accepted a job assisting a fashion market editor, which meant big budgets, fancy hotels and trips to see couture shows. As glorious as the whirlwind was, she knew that she was primarily drawn to styling, causing her to shift gears and work for a Glamour fashion director. By the age of 26, she had successfully produced her first cover. She proceeded to climb the ranks within the publication and focused on specialty content such as dressing for body type, which has turned out to serve her well in recent years.

When she reached a crossroads in her life, forcing her to either enlist as a lifetime editorial workhorse for the conglomerate or build a life, she chose the latter. A husband, kids and a freelance career that still included contributing to her beloved Glamour and other top fashion magazines seemed to be the perfect fit. Soon after going freelance, she developed an explosively successful apron and accessories line with her husband that eventually lead to styling for Food Network personalities. Nashville resident Martina McBride happened to be one of the most style-conscious cooks on television at the time, so the fit seemed natural. She admits she only agreed to move to her husband’s hometown of Nashville because she was "vulnerable and hugely pregnant" with her third daughter. For someone who swore she would never leave New York City, she’s built quite a life with her husband and three lovely, young daughters in Nashville.

She managed to find a historic home in one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods by chance and today, its proven to be a haven for collectable books, magazines, and art along with toys, crayons and of course, lots of creative clothing for the ‘ladies’ of the house. She’s styled Martina through the years and launched Maren Morris and Kane Brown as trendsetters in Country music. Most recently, Courtney signed on to assist Emily Weisband in her music career launch, as she loves to "get them up and running" and move on astheir careers begin to flourish. She’s about creating a story, an imageand most of all, a legacy—both for herself and the family she treasures who just happens to have the hippest mom on the block.

Alaina Mullin

STYLING STATS

DREAM CLIENTS: Bianca Jagger in the 1970’s and Grace Jones. Wouldn’t that be a trip?

CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH: Emmanuelle Alt (the perfect mix of masculine and feminine), Katharine Hepburn (I love how she was androgynous in the 40s-60s when it was unorthodox to be), Anita Pallenberg, and Gigi Hadid.

STYLE TREND YOU HATE/WHAT YOU WOULD NEVER WEAR OR STYLE ON SOMEONE: Cowl-necks. No matter how young or old you are, they’re even older-looking. Ordinary-looking clothes—everyone has a personality and shouldn’t think they should not be able to show it.

BIGGEST FASHION MISTAKE YOU SEE ON OTHERS: Too put together/ contrived, visible panty lines, revealing too much, wrong and ill-fitting undergarments, and the “X” threads that secure jacket vents (these should be snipped before ever putting the jacket on)!

ONE THING THAT ALMOST ANYONE CAN DO TO INSTANTLY IMPROVE THEIR LOOK: Have good posture.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD INVEST IN: Great jeans—not only should the right pair fit well, but I believe they can make anyone feel confident. Shoes, especially for men. I tend to look at men’s shoes first-off upon formally meeting them (discreetly, of course).

FAVORITE DESIGNERS OF THE MOMENT: Hedi Slimane for Celine, Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Ganni, ba&sh, Raisa & Vanessa.

JEWELRY SOURCES AND LOVES: Cartier (not on purpose; just am naturally drawn to all things Cartier), Ylang 23, Ryan Storer, Randi Williams, Brooke Worthington; Fragments in NYC, and King Jewelers.

Laura Citron long black and silver polka dot dress with puff shoulder sleeves; Gianvito Rossi black suede ankle wrap heels; Celine gold ‘C’ alphabet necklace; Elle Vail gold chain link ‘K’ necklace; custom family ring by Ray Griffiths; Cartier gold ‘Love’ Bracelet; vintage Cartier wide platinum, diamond & onyx tiger stripe band

Alaina Mullin

MY LOOK

GO-TO WORK UNIFORM: Usually all black! I opt for jumpsuits, high-top sneakers from APC or Golden Goose, skinny jeans (usually charcoal or black J. Brand, R13), blazers, and printed tees.

FAVORITE PARTY LOOK: Sequin jacket w/thin-knit tank top, regular jeans or shiny black jeans, white Saint Laurent studded pumps or a great velvet suit with my fur-lined brocade Gucci slippers.

BIGGEST SPLURGE: $2K Balenciaga boots that I STILL don’t know A) how I was able to afford them as a young fashion assistant at Glamour, and B) why I bought them. I literally wore them once though they are pretty rad.

PERSONAL ITEMS YOU TREASURE: My family ring that my husband designed, a Rolex watch my dad gave me for my 25th birthday, tiny diamond stud earrings my dad gave me for my 21st birthday, my gold Italian horn necklace, and my husband’s grandmother’s engagement ring.

Samba printed silk shirt dress by Ganni; black leather boots by Celine; Rings: 18k gold, diamond & emerald flexible Panthère by Cartier; 18k gold and diamond croissant ring, French, ca. 1960s; Art Moderne architectural platinum & diamond ring, French, ca. 1935; Vintage 18k white gold & diamond wide band and faceted onyx and diamond ring, London, ca. 1970s both by Cartier; 18k gold & diamond Buds & Leaves ring by Jean Schlumberger, French, ca. 1955-1965; Vintage 18k gold, lapis and onyx geometric earrings by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier; Vintage Bulgari 18k gold, black and white enamel, and diamond coiled Serpenti Secret watch. Italian, ca. 1965

Alaina Mullin

ON NASHVILLE

BIGGEST STYLE CHANGE YOU’VE NOTICED: Since moving to Music City, I’m seeing much livelier street style and smart or daring fashion choices. More people are walking on sidewalks, and in more neighborhoods, which is fabulous (always a New Yorker at heart).

FAVORITE SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES: Emerson Grace, H Audrey, UAL, and Stacey Rhodes Boutique for clothing. For home, Wilder, Design Within Reach, West Elm, and Nest.

RETAILERS YOU’D LOVE TO SEE OPEN IN NASHVILLE NEXT: 10 Corso Como, cb2, MATCHESFASHION, and ABC Carpet and Home

FOR DATE NIGHT: Dinner at the bar at Rolf & Daughters and O-Ku for sushi.

FAMILY DINNER: Emmy Squared and Nicky’s Coal Fired Pizza.

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT: Rare Bird on the rooftop of Noelle.

HIDDEN TREASURE: My daughters love having picnics downtown near the river on the big grassy steps (probably because it’s near the most amazing old-school candy shop)!

BEHIND THE SCENES GLAM : BECAUSE WHO DOESN’T NEED A LITTLE BLING WHEN STRIKING A POSE?

FACE: Kaylee Wilson started with Prep and Prime Skin from MAC followed by Make Up Forever’s Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation (Sephora) blended with Fix It 2-in-1Prime and Conceal by Dior (Dillard’s) and The Cali Contour Palette by Smashbox (Cosmetic Market) followed by Cream Blush by Makeup Forever. Eyeshadows by Violet Voss. Lip Color is Rouge Dior in #426, sensual matte (Dillard’s). Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara by Make Up Forever.

HAIR: Ali Ryan used Liquid Volume by Unite and The Dry House signature Higher Class CBD Hair Oil for a casual, fuss-free blowout.

JEWELRY: So many incredible items were on hand thanks to Randi Williams, who brought a swoon-worthy collection of fine vintage pieces from Williams Galleries Fine Period Jewelry.

Red faux leather puff-sleeved top and pant, Who What Wear; Christian Dior slingback shoes; Vintage 18k David Webb gold choker, American, ca. 1970s; 18k gold and carved coral sautoire by Van Cleef & Arpels, French, ca. 1970s; 18k white gold link bracelet with pavè-set diamonds; 18k white gold bangle with pavè-set diamonds; 18k gold Love bracelet by Cartier; Vintage 18k gold and diamond wire work bracelet by Bulgari. Italian, ca. 1960s; Art Moderne 18k white gold & diamond stirrup bracelet, French, ca. 1950s; 18k rose gold bangle with pavè-set diamonds; Vintage 18k gold and diamond wide link bracelet by Cartier, French, ca. 1980s; Diamond bangles in 18k white, yellow and rose gold; Geometric Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelet, French, ca. 1925-30

Alaina Mullin

DAY IN THE LIFE

EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL: Night Owl. My creativity is stronger as the day goes on. Especially if I’m writing.

WHAT YOU’RE READING NOW: Joyce Maynard’s At Home in the World.

WEBSITES YOU FOLLOW/READ: The Nashville Edit, Coveteur, Refinery29, NY Post E-Edition, BBC, Decider.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Sleeping.

HOSTESS GIFT YOU LIKE TO GIVE: It depends on the person, the moment, or what I’m into at the time. On that note, wine or Champagne; a candle; a Birdkage goodie bag.

SIGNATURE DISH TO COOK FOR A DINNER PARTY: A cheese & charcuterie board—you can get super creative and have fun with them. I love to use all kinds of unique pastes and compotes.

WHAT YOU MISS MOST ABOUT NYC: The constant movement and the travel—I love to be spontaneous with travel and that’s easily done from NYC. And the slices! Grabbing a quick slice of pizza in between running around (on foot) while peoplewatching.