THIS SAN Francisco transplant spent her college years at Tufts, and recently returned to work as community manager for www.yelp.com's Boston outpost. Whether she's heading out to a new local hotspot, hosting an event for her army of yelpers, or prancing around the city in search of new and interesting establishments, Tichy always sports a stylishly hip-yet-understated look - not to mention the world's best accessory: a huge, beautiful smile. We caught up with her for her thoughts on personal style, wardrobe challenges, and local fashion delights.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My most prized pieces are unique and bold, often with playful patterns, textures, and colors, combined with the more simple and classic. I try to have a variety of looks, from girlish and cute to more sophisticated and elegant, to urban and edgy; my wardrobe is all over the place! It's fun to experiment, but there are times when I recall outfits I've worn and ask myself, what the hell I was thinking?
Q: Do you find yourself dressing up or dressing down more?
A: The first thing I did when I got my job at Yelp was donate my suits, so in the everyday I definitely lean more towards the casual. I'm always looking for excuses to gleefully don an evening gown, though.
Q: What is your most difficult wardrobe challenge?
A: Like most women, I am on an interminable quest for the perfect pair of jeans. I've been ruined since Diesel stopped making Dazes and all the vendors on eBay sold out of my size.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the perfect accessory to any outfit?
A: A solitaire ring. And no, that's not a hint to the boyfriend! It doesn't have to be a diamond; something dazzling yet understated. For fall, I'd urge people (men included) to procure several vintage silk scarves. Great way to spiffy up a suit by wrapping one around the neck, or having one peek out of a breast pocket. Or if you're feeling hipsterish, rock it cowboy-bandana-style over a T-shirt.
Q: Can you tell us something about your style, shopping habits, or wardrobe that might surprise us?
A: My whole closet is organized by color. Something a little less OCD? Well, my current obsession is long puffy sleeves. And two of my fall staples, a Scottish-plaid wool jumper and a beige linen dress, I bought at the Goodwill in Central [Square] for $2!
Q: What are your three favorite stores to shop in Boston, and why?
A: Ooh, that's a toughie. A gal's gotta have a well-rounded collection, so I'd say Turtle in the South End for their overall stylish sensibility and support of local designers; Urban Renewals for thrift shopping; and Café Society in Brookline for interesting era pieces.
Q: Tell us about your worst shopping experience in Boston.
A: I fell in love with this gorgeous silk bustier. After putting it on in the dressing room, I realized the zipper was misaligned and stuck fast. So I attempted to pull it over my shoulders, to no avail. As I had it over my head, I yanked and yanked and leaned over so far I lost my balance and flew tearing through the curtain, ripping the shirt and falling down at the feet of the horrified owner.
Q: When it comes to fashion, who inspires you?
A: Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist has an amazing eye. The details he notices on his subjects are astounding, yet he doesn't lose sight of the beauty of the composition of the entire outfit. When I dress, I often think about what he would remark on.
Q: Any fashion pet peeves?
A: Whale tails. I want to scream every time I see one! Oh, and gratuitous signature label wearing: just tacky and obnoxious.
Q: Are you a sneakers or pumps kind of girl?
A: I'm a pragmatist. It depends on the occasion.
Q: What's your guilty splurge?
A: Most recently it was a cropped black-leather bomber jacket. But I hope the next one will be a 1940s tan crocodile frame purse with gorgeous brass hardware from History in Cambridge that I absolutely do not need. @
[Photo by Tim Gray]
