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Susan Cernek

Susan Cernek

Fashion Development Director, Glamour. New York

Born and raised in New Hampshire (as she puts it, the “live free or die” state), Susan Cernek has always been influenced by fashion and its historical traces. She interned at the Met during the Jackie Kennedy exhibition, wrote her art history thesis on Tom Ford and the Gucci advertising of the mid 90s, and jumped into the editorial world where she acted as an assistant to the fashion director at ELLE. Since 2008, she jumped mastheads and now helms the title of Glamour’s executive online editor of fashion & beauty, where she oversees their daily cutting edge content. A lover of all things ‘nautical’ (“My husband and I are obsessed with all things nautical—it started when we were in the process of tying the knot and continued during our honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast”), but recently, she’s gone for a new spin on her sartorial choices. “Lately I’ve been dressing like an ‘80s or ‘90s soccer mom from Greenwich or Bel Air” states Cernek, including “elbow-pad blazers, roomy button-downs, Timex watches, ripped skinny jeans, muted palettes and lots and lots of Coach”. She’s a resident of the East Village where she lives with her husband, and as she puts it “he hoards books and I hoard shoes.” Seems like a fair trade.

These are the kind of incredibly chic trappings that come with serialized RSVPs to CHANEL shows. The scarf gets whipped out on the hottest summer days—the polar bear sighting is as unexpectedly whimsical now as it was at 'the iceberg show'. Sadly, the boomerang has yet to take its maiden voyage.

Read More

All, CHANEL

Shoes, Gucci

The necklace was a birthday gift from an incredibly chic friend and the Rorschach art series, a Cernekova original (as inspired by one of Spencer Finch’s pieces — they make for good dinner party conversation).

Read More

Necklace, CHANEL

I remember seeing Phillip’s very first collection in his showroom — I fell for that one and every one since. I can only wear this jacket eight or nine days out of the year (the most sublime NYC days) since it’s so lightweight but it doesn’t matter — the fabric, fit and unexpected white enamel buttons are as charming as the man himself. The bow-tie — from another dapper designer, Alexis Mabille — is often worn as a belt since quarter-sized rhinestones at the neck is a little too flashy for me, most days. I feared that the 'clown shoes' might have been too trendy of a purchase, but like all my other Miu Mius, they’ve stood the test of time. They are the perfect party shoe since not only are they festive but the extra inches let me see over the crowds.

Read More

Coat, 3.1 Phillip Lim; Bow-Tie, Alexis Mabille; Heels, Miu Miu

I decided about three days before I got married that I wanted to copy Sienna Miller’s 2010 MET Gala hair — which didn’t leave me a lot of time to shop around for hair accessories. Everything I looked at was too fussy for my taste, so I decided to make them myself. I found the gold leaf chain at one of the zillion trim stores on 6th Avenue and turned it into a narrow headband and matching bracelet. The beaded barrette was fashioned out of trim from M&J trim — I hot-glued it onto a clip. Miraculously, they stayed put — and in one piece — the whole night, even during our Dirty Dancing lift ‘n’ spin routine. Just kidding!

Read More

My great aunt was big into travel — she sailed around the world on cruise ships all throughout the 20's. This globe-accented chain is her version of a charm bracelet: she had a diamond or ruby placed on all of her favorite ports. It’s safe to say that this is the most glamorous thing I’ll ever own.

Read More

Bracelet, Vintage

Even with all their wild, glittering color, these pieces never look garish — only clever. This is my go-to piece on lazy Mondays since it can make a paper bag (or in my case, an A-line black cotton H&M dress) look like a million bucks. The squares of color-saturated leather are invites to Hermès’ ready-to-wear shows — they’re just too beautiful to throw away.

Read More

Necklace, Tom Binns

This is what I call our 'Darth Vader' organizer. It houses knick-knacks I can’t part with: Vuitton notebook from the Richard Prince show, wedding invites, a keychain from Colette, an old wallet, and in this case, emerald pumps (from the 2005 or 2006 collection filled with the metallic “bon-bon” heels).

Read More

Heels, Rochas; Keychain, Colette; Wallet, Comme des Garçons

Metallic woven Alexa bag is a fall favorite — it’s dark enough to work with winter-ish shades, but the fabric lets me stretch the summery vibe out a little longer. The vintage suitcases house my clutches, hats, gloves, scarves and off-season jewelry. Yes, there’s such a thing as off-season jewelry. Would you wear puka shell necklace in January? No, no you would not. For the interiors-curious, the paint color on the bricks is Ralph Lauren’s Studio Grey.

Read More

Bag, Mulberry

Lately I’ve been dressing like an 80's or 90's soccer mom from Greenwich or Bel Air; elbow-pad blazers, roomy button-downs, Timex watches, ripped skinny jeans, muted palettes and lots and lots of Coach. Before Net-A-Porter started stocking the classic, unembellished leather satchels, it required some serious vintage sleuthing to find those fuss-free shapes. I found these three on Etsy two years ago and have been swapping them in and out, nearly every day since. Design-wise, there’s nothing to improve upon — they are absolutely perfect: clean, simple and refreshingly uncomplicated. Kind of like a good cocktail.

Read More

Bags, Coach; Blazer, Vintage; Chambray Shirt, Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren

Blue Heels, Christian Louboutin; Green Sandals, Luisa Beccaria.

My husband and I are obsessed with all things nautical—it started when we were in the process of tying the knot and continued during our honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast (where we picked up these trinkets). I’d like to say it was that enthusiasm that prompted the fanatical hunting I had to do in order to track down this cuff, but I think it had more to do with Phoebe Philo’s timely brilliance. It turned me into one of those crazy ladies: I saw the cuff in the Paris showroom one season, spent the next two months thinking about it, then started calling Jeffrey and the Bal Harbour store, approximately three hundred eighty two times a week. Finally, after a month or two had gone by, a woman at Jeffrey called and said they got one in and did I want it? Seven minutes later, I was in the store, handing over my credit card and slipping it on my wrist — I’ve barely taken it off since. I look forward to wearing this from now until I’m playing shuffleboard in my seventies.

Read More

Bracelet, Céline

Boots, Etro; Bag, Gina, Geroge & Lucy

Carrie Donovan and her signature double cuffs made an impression on me, early on: delicate, itty-bitty jewelry isn’t my thing. Big cuffs or cocktail rings are more my speed. The snake cuff (which I was thrilled to find at Tokio Seven, a haven for new-vintage fashiony finds) only comes out at night as it has a tendency to frighten small children. As for the watch, I think a masculine timepiece on a woman is as sexy as any Agent Provocateur threads.

Read More

L to R: Necklace, CHANEL; Knot Cuff, Céline; Snake Cuff, Gucci; Deco Cuff, Lia Sophia; Watch, Toy Watch

This peplum blouse was my second best purchase on a trip to Brussels, after the Pierre Marcolini chocolate-covered marshmallows. Paintings are by Daniel Eatock — they’re hung in our bedroom and it’s a beautiful sight to wake up to. My closet is right next to them — I think it helps set the mood for color. I only do head-to-toe black when I’m feeling lazy — the chicest women I know are unafraid of color. That and I happen to be married to a graphic designer who admires a rich Pantone hue on his partner in crime.

Read More

Blouse, COS; Necklace, J.Crew

The sandals are like a poolside cabana party - or a scandalous string bikini - in shoe form. Why there aren’t more shoes with barely-there red satin straps at the ankles, I’ll never know. I tend to wear them with something borderline snoozeville - like a simple vintage Donna Karan khaki safari dress - so that the loud exclamation point at my feet isn’t too obnoxious.

Read More

Sandals, Dior

Jacket, Emanuel Ungaro; Heels, Christian Louboutin

I’ve done the research and I’m happy to report that it’s impossible to have a bad day when wearing blue velvet graffiti heels. Give me a blazer, heels and jeans and I’m a happy girl. The number of grey blazers in my closet borderlines on the obsessive — but this one is my favorite by far. No superfluous tailoring details means you can go crazy with everything else — say with a multi-color necklace or the aforementioned blue velvet graffiti heels.

Read More

Heels, Christian Louboutin; Blazer, Alexander Wang; Necklace, Tom Binns

Straight-on-top, curved-down-below styles are the only shades I’ve found that don’t make me look like an unhinged reality TV star contestant. I’m of the belief that you either have a hat head or a glasses face. For better or worse, I was born with the previous so that means my optical options are limited.

Read More

Sunglasses, Karen Walker; Necklace, Vintage

Skirt, Alexander Wang; Rings, Various Designers; Clutch, Oscar de la Renta

Blazer, Vera Wang

These are the kind of incredibly chic trappings that come with serialized RSVPs to CHANEL shows. The scarf gets whipped out on the hottest summer days—the polar bear sighting is as unexpectedly whimsical now as it was at 'the iceberg show'. Sadly, the boomerang has yet to take its maiden voyage. All, CHANEL

The necklace was a birthday gift from an incredibly chic friend and the Rorschach art series, a Cernekova original (as inspired by one of Spencer Finch’s pieces — they make for good dinner party conversation). Necklace, CHANEL

I remember seeing Phillip’s very first collection in his showroom — I fell for that one and every one since. I can only wear this jacket eight or nine days out of the year (the most sublime NYC days) since it’s so lightweight but it doesn’t matter — the fabric, fit and unexpected white enamel buttons are as charming as the man himself. The bow-tie — from another dapper designer, Alexis Mabille — is often worn as a belt since quarter-sized rhinestones at the neck is a little too flashy for me, most days. I feared that the 'clown shoes' might have been too trendy of a purchase, but like all my other Miu Mius, they’ve stood the test of time. They are the perfect party shoe since not only are they festive but the extra inches let me see over the crowds. Coat, 3.1 Phillip Lim; Bow-Tie, Alexis Mabille; Heels, Miu Miu

I decided about three days before I got married that I wanted to copy Sienna Miller’s 2010 MET Gala hair — which didn’t leave me a lot of time to shop around for hair accessories. Everything I looked at was too fussy for my taste, so I decided to make them myself. I found the gold leaf chain at one of the zillion trim stores on 6th Avenue and turned it into a narrow headband and matching bracelet. The beaded barrette was fashioned out of trim from M&J trim — I hot-glued it onto a clip. Miraculously, they stayed put — and in one piece — the whole night, even during our Dirty Dancing lift ‘n’ spin routine. Just kidding!

My great aunt was big into travel — she sailed around the world on cruise ships all throughout the 20's. This globe-accented chain is her version of a charm bracelet: she had a diamond or ruby placed on all of her favorite ports. It’s safe to say that this is the most glamorous thing I’ll ever own. Bracelet, Vintage

Even with all their wild, glittering color, these pieces never look garish — only clever. This is my go-to piece on lazy Mondays since it can make a paper bag (or in my case, an A-line black cotton H&M dress) look like a million bucks. The squares of color-saturated leather are invites to Hermès’ ready-to-wear shows — they’re just too beautiful to throw away. Necklace, Tom Binns

This is what I call our 'Darth Vader' organizer. It houses knick-knacks I can’t part with: Vuitton notebook from the Richard Prince show, wedding invites, a keychain from Colette, an old wallet, and in this case, emerald pumps (from the 2005 or 2006 collection filled with the metallic “bon-bon” heels). Heels, Rochas; Keychain, Colette; Wallet, Comme des Garçons

Metallic woven Alexa bag is a fall favorite — it’s dark enough to work with winter-ish shades, but the fabric lets me stretch the summery vibe out a little longer. The vintage suitcases house my clutches, hats, gloves, scarves and off-season jewelry. Yes, there’s such a thing as off-season jewelry. Would you wear puka shell necklace in January? No, no you would not. For the interiors-curious, the paint color on the bricks is Ralph Lauren’s Studio Grey. Bag, Mulberry

Lately I’ve been dressing like an 80's or 90's soccer mom from Greenwich or Bel Air; elbow-pad blazers, roomy button-downs, Timex watches, ripped skinny jeans, muted palettes and lots and lots of Coach. Before Net-A-Porter started stocking the classic, unembellished leather satchels, it required some serious vintage sleuthing to find those fuss-free shapes. I found these three on Etsy two years ago and have been swapping them in and out, nearly every day since. Design-wise, there’s nothing to improve upon — they are absolutely perfect: clean, simple and refreshingly uncomplicated. Kind of like a good cocktail. Bags, Coach; Blazer, Vintage; Chambray Shirt, Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren

Shop the Look

Pas de Calais

Linen Jacket

$425
-Shop-

MM6

Blue Oversized Oxford

$285
-Shop-

Crippen

Connery Jacket

$985
-Shop-

Blue Heels, Christian Louboutin; Green Sandals, Luisa Beccaria.

My husband and I are obsessed with all things nautical—it started when we were in the process of tying the knot and continued during our honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast (where we picked up these trinkets). I’d like to say it was that enthusiasm that prompted the fanatical hunting I had to do in order to track down this cuff, but I think it had more to do with Phoebe Philo’s timely brilliance. It turned me into one of those crazy ladies: I saw the cuff in the Paris showroom one season, spent the next two months thinking about it, then started calling Jeffrey and the Bal Harbour store, approximately three hundred eighty two times a week. Finally, after a month or two had gone by, a woman at Jeffrey called and said they got one in and did I want it? Seven minutes later, I was in the store, handing over my credit card and slipping it on my wrist — I’ve barely taken it off since. I look forward to wearing this from now until I’m playing shuffleboard in my seventies. Bracelet, Céline

Shop the Look

Jennifer Fisher

Spike Cuff

$150
-Shop-

Giles

Skinny Archer Cuff

$77
-Shop-

Jennifer Fisher

Plain Cuff

$150
-Shop-

Boots, Etro; Bag, Gina, Geroge & Lucy

Carrie Donovan and her signature double cuffs made an impression on me, early on: delicate, itty-bitty jewelry isn’t my thing. Big cuffs or cocktail rings are more my speed. The snake cuff (which I was thrilled to find at Tokio Seven, a haven for new-vintage fashiony finds) only comes out at night as it has a tendency to frighten small children. As for the watch, I think a masculine timepiece on a woman is as sexy as any Agent Provocateur threads. L to R: Necklace, CHANEL; Knot Cuff, Céline; Snake Cuff, Gucci; Deco Cuff, Lia Sophia; Watch, Toy Watch

This peplum blouse was my second best purchase on a trip to Brussels, after the Pierre Marcolini chocolate-covered marshmallows. Paintings are by Daniel Eatock — they’re hung in our bedroom and it’s a beautiful sight to wake up to. My closet is right next to them — I think it helps set the mood for color. I only do head-to-toe black when I’m feeling lazy — the chicest women I know are unafraid of color. That and I happen to be married to a graphic designer who admires a rich Pantone hue on his partner in crime. Blouse, COS; Necklace, J.Crew

Shop the Look

IRO

Joanna Top

$395
-Shop-

3.1 Phillip Lim

Overlap Seam Tee

$250
-Shop-

The sandals are like a poolside cabana party - or a scandalous string bikini - in shoe form. Why there aren’t more shoes with barely-there red satin straps at the ankles, I’ll never know. I tend to wear them with something borderline snoozeville - like a simple vintage Donna Karan khaki safari dress - so that the loud exclamation point at my feet isn’t too obnoxious. Sandals, Dior

Jacket, Emanuel Ungaro; Heels, Christian Louboutin

I’ve done the research and I’m happy to report that it’s impossible to have a bad day when wearing blue velvet graffiti heels. Give me a blazer, heels and jeans and I’m a happy girl. The number of grey blazers in my closet borderlines on the obsessive — but this one is my favorite by far. No superfluous tailoring details means you can go crazy with everything else — say with a multi-color necklace or the aforementioned blue velvet graffiti heels. Heels, Christian Louboutin; Blazer, Alexander Wang; Necklace, Tom Binns

Shop the Look

Lover

Lunar White Blazer

$795 Sale $325
-Shop-

MM6

Dove Grey Peacoat

$725 Sale $290
-Shop-

360 Cashmere

Cashmere Felicity Coat

$425
-Shop-

Straight-on-top, curved-down-below styles are the only shades I’ve found that don’t make me look like an unhinged reality TV star contestant. I’m of the belief that you either have a hat head or a glasses face. For better or worse, I was born with the previous so that means my optical options are limited. Sunglasses, Karen Walker; Necklace, Vintage

Skirt, Alexander Wang; Rings, Various Designers; Clutch, Oscar de la Renta

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Karen Liberman

Rose Cut Diamond Ring

$1,100
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Karen Liberman

Rose Cut Diamond Ring

$1,100
-Shop-

Karen Liberman

Rose Cut Diamond Ring

$775
-Shop-

Blazer, Vera Wang

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IRO

Dorsey Jacket

$625
-Shop-

IRO

Diddley Jacket

$779
-Shop-

Roseanna

Tippee Tweed Jacket

$565
-Shop-