The TEll// By Thrift & Tell
Welcome to THE TELL//BY THRIFT & TELL: a celebration of fashionable women who dress as smart as they shop.
This week’s guest on THE TELL// is Pamela Munson, founder of her eponymous line of straw accessories: Pamela Munson. Before launching her own brand, Pamela spent years working in fashion, at esteemed heritage brands like Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her line, founded in 2017, reflects Pamela’s own personal style: feminine and understated. You won’t find big flashy logos on her straw pieces, but rather beautiful grosgrain ribbon and pearl adornment. Having worked for luxury brands for years, Pamela mixes investment pieces in her closet with accessible brands like J.Crew and Zara. (Pamela, if your Chanel bags go missing, you know who took them!). Beyond being a talented designer and entrepreneur, Pamela is also a loyal T&T supporter. She and I met recently and to my delight she said, “you’re Thrift & Tell! I love Thrift & Tell!” I am grateful for her support and so thrilled to have Pamela be part of this series. Please stay tuned for interviews with more inspiring entrepreneurs to come.
//Your style in 3 words: Classic, Feminine, Understated
//Staple Outfit: Cigarette pants with a feminine blouse
//Style Icon(s): Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana. Both had impeccable taste, wore clothes well and used wardrobe as a means of storytelling.
//Your First Big Purchase: A Goyard duffle. I bought it when I was dating my now-husband. He thought I was insane for spending so much on luggage.
//Do You Still Have It? Yes, of course! But I usually opt for something more practical and discreet.
//Best Fashion Advice You Ever Received: Wear what makes you feel good and fits well. If you’re not comfortable, it will show.
//Types of clothing you invest in: Coats, Dresses, Shoes.
//Types of clothing you save on: Casual clothes.
//Your greatest extravagance: Massages.
//Brands That Will Stand the Test of Time: Chanel, Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels
//Favorite High Street Brands: Zara and J. Crew
//Favorite Designer Brands: Oscar de la Renta and Andrew Gn
//Favorite High-Low Brands to Mix: It’s all about striking the right balance.
//Favorite Places to Shop Consignment: The RealReal
//Favorite Places to Consign Your Own Closet: The RealReal and Michael’s on the UES
//Currently Collecting Dust in the Back of your Closet: All of my Chanel handbags! I worked for Chanel for many years and amassed quite a collection. Now that I have my own handbag brand, I’m usually wear-testing samples.
//Your Closet Tried and Trues: My tried and true look hasn’t changed in 20 + years! You’ll generally find me in Tods driving mocs, Tretorns, or ballet flats, denim (love the softness and ease of Mother), feminine blouses and Ralph Lauren cashmere cable knit sweaters.
//Best investment you ever made in your style: Gorgeous Coats. Living in NYC, a coat is often the only piece of clothing you see.
//Style Choice From Your Past That Haunts You: Prom dresses, (prom) hair and makeup. Thankfully, social media didn’t exist then.
//“It seemed like a good idea at the time” a.k.a Purchase you most regret: : I can’t think of one. I generally do a lot of research and obsess before I make a big purchase.
//Closet From Which You Would Like to Borrow: Aerin Lauder
//Last Time You Splurged? My last big splurge was an Oscar de la Renta fur coat while I still worked for the brand.
//Currently Saving Your Pennies For: Would love an Hermes Cape Cod 29 mm watch in a fun color.
//A Deal for the History Books/Your T&T Personal Best: An Andrew Gn dress at Bergdorfs on Final Markdown.
//Advice to someone looking to define their own style: Dress for yourself, always. I think it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. There is such an emotional element to dressing.
//Trend you wish would go away? Headbands.
//You feel great. What are you wearing? A dress.
//Occasions when you splurge: I usually splurge for special occasions, events, or important meetings.
//Occasions when you save: Not enough.
//Most prized possession: My engagement ring, Cartier Tank my parent’s gave me after college and all of my grandmother’s jewelry.
//Home Decor Style: Traditional with a twist.
//Favorite place to hunt for home decor: Homegoods.
//Go-to for unique items, whether it be clothing, accessories, home or art: I love William Wayne and Co. on the UES. I always manage to find something whimsical for our home.
//Your fashion motto: Wear what you love and is appropriate.
//Your life motto: Seize the moment!
Fill in the blank:
//A woman should invest in- herself. //You’re never too old to—start again. //A woman can never have too many- straw handbags! // Bury Me In: D. Porthault linens. //True or False: More is More- true. //Fashion is- fleeting. //Style is: timeless.
Currently Loving:
//Music: Queen
//Print: Siblings Without Rivalry.
//Food: Italian, Japanese, Mexican.
//Drink: Iced Skim Cappuccino.
//Film: I just took my children to see Frozen 2
//TV: I love Dateline and can’t wait to watch the new season of The Crown
//Podcast: I’ve actually never listened to a podcast but everyone keeps telling me about ‘How I Built This.’
//Instagram Handle: @kensingtonroyal, @sussexroyal, @garyjanetti
//Designer: I think Brock Collection is really dreamy.
ABOUT PAMELA
Pamela Munson is a straw accessories brand inspired by classic style reminiscent of a bygone era. Each piece is handwoven with signature design elements that propose a modern balance of strength and femininity. Designed in New York, Pamela Munson views straw as a natural, sustainable and seasonless material.
A good part of Pamela's childhood was spent cruising around Florida, the Bahamas, and Long Island's East End and she draws upon this special time with her family when creating each collection. Pamela graduated from NYU with a degree in English. With more than 15 years in the fashion industry at CHANEL, Oscar de la Renta, and Bergdorf Goodman, she fuses her business acumen with passion for creating straw handbags and accessories. Since launching the brand in May 2017, Pamela's designs have been carried to beautiful beaches and chic poolsides around the world.
Pamela currently live in NYC with her husband and two daughters, Beatrix and Agatha.
FIND PAMELA MUNSON
Photos used courtesy of Pamela Munson
