Clothing Designer Mary Simonsen Shares Skinny Tricks & Style Tips

Recently I interviewed fashionista/clothing designer, Mary Simonsen. Not only is she sweet & gorgeous, she’s also insanely talented ( ummm…her “Marilyn style” dress needs to get on my bod ASAP ). And when I discovered she maintains her rocking body from swimming, I’m totally inspired to hop in the pool ( at least I will when it’s warmer out!! ) & get my swim on.

Anyway this babe is killing it her amazing dress & handbag line. Her stuff is to die!

Check Mary out…

+ Hiiii. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mary Simonsen. I am a local clothing designer for my own private label “Buttons & Minx” as well as the designer for the handbag collection “Rocio Martinez.” My first line, Buttons & Minx is a collection comprised of handmade one of a kind silk, silk-chiffon maxi dresses, & backless sequin tunics. My brand is known for creating simple silhouettes with current trends in fabrication such as color, texture, & design.

The “Marilyn style” dress is a staple piece in my collections. This simple & timeless silhouette is especially flattering to all body types; it can be worn in both casual and nighttime settings. The Marilyn dress is also versatile because it can be worn several different ways including basic halter top, front criss cross tied in the back, one shoulder halter, etc. All fabrications I use are of the highest quality as most of my silks are imported directly from Italy and India!

+ Quick skinny tips?

Drink a lot of water & take hot Epsom salt baths. It helps to detox your body & remove water weight/bloating.

Also try to get a workout of even just fifteen mins a day. Not only does this burn fat as you’re doing it but it allows you to metabolize the next few meals much quicker.

+ Weekly workout schedule?

I don’t really have a weekly schedule. I’m not really the type of person to schedule everything I do. My life can be hectic & the industry I’m in is very unpredictable. But I do like to get in a workout at least three to four times a week. I usually turn to swimming ( I was a competitive swimmer for over ten years ). If you have any injuries like I do, swimming is the least straining exercise on the body.

+ Favie go-to healthy food?

Avocado!! I eat it with a splash of low fat balsamic vinaigrette & a little pepper. Yum!

Also, I make a great protein shake with fresh blueberries ( great antioxidants ), raspberries, bananas ( great source of potassium, which most women are naturally deficient in ), oranges, & low-fat yogurt.

I also try to juice as much as possible. My fav: apples, carrots ( with the skin because that’s what holds the nutrients ), ginger ( a little bit goes a long way ) & last but certainly not least…BEETS! Beets are a super, super food.

They’re also a fantastic way to do a natural temp lip or check stain : ).

+ Motivation to stay in shape?

Good health & a woman has much more self-esteem if she feels her body is in shape & she looks good. Self-esteem is so important!

+ World’s best beauty product?

MAC mascara- it’s called ‘Haute & Naughty Lash.’ It makes the eyes pop so it looks like you’re wearing false lashes. I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras & this one is by far my favorite.

+ Natural beauty remedy that you do?

I try to avoid using foundation as much as possible or anything that topically covers the face & clogs pores. I use to wear foundation everyday but after I found a great facialist I realized I needed to get over my fear of bare skin. My skin is more radiant & blemish free after banning foundation.

+ Top five fashion must-haves:

1.} Motorcycle boots

2.} An ASOS leather jacket

3.} A faux fur coat

4.} A handbag with a pop of color

5.} MAC’s red lipstick with an orange tint

+ Quick, easy, health recipe:

Homemade chicken, veggie soup. Use pre-made chicken broth or make your own from scratch. Add in chopped carrots, celery, sweet potatoes instead of regular, & any other veggies you like. Enjoy!

+ If you’re interested in Mary’s Designs e-mail Mary.Simonsen@yahoo.com.