Jillian Murray of Code Black Shares About Her Shoes

Get excited all you drama TV junkies because Code Black returns for season TWO tomorrow night (September 28) at 9 p.m. CST on CBS.

I couldn't be more thrilled to chat with star Jillian Murray who plays Dr. Heather Pinkney. She's a fellow shoe lover, after all. She filled me in on her shoe closet and what she's currently watching on Netflix. Read on!

I Heart Heels: Who inspires you most in acting?
Jillian Murray: Right now, I'm inspired by the entire cast and crew of Code Black. Everyone gives 100 percent and is so passionate. That's inspiring.

IHH: What do you do for fun when you're not acting?
JM: Anything to do with animals is usually my go to. I'm always looking into new locations to travel, just so I can experience their local animals. I just got back from a trip to Exuma Bahamas so I could meet the swimming pigs and the endangered iguanas. It was epic!

IHH: Do you have a workout routine?
JM: I actually don't have one yet. I've been looking into starting one, but my schedule is so inconsistent that I'm finding it hard. Ok, maybe I'm just making excuses!

IHH: What's your favorite thing to watch on Netflix?
JM: Stranger Things

IHH: You're obsessed with shoes, I hear. What's your newest pair and what do you want next? How do you organize them in your closet?
JM: My newest pair are my Gianmarco Lorenzi blue suede booties. I can't wait for fall weather to wear them.

IHH: Celebrity crush?
JM: My boyfriend, Dean Geyer.

IHH: After working on Code Black, would you ever go into the medical field?
JM: Yes! I would be interested in Dermatology.

IHH: Would you ever get plastic surgery?JM: I heard there was a procedure where they inject the bottom of your feet with fillers to make heels more comfortable. I'd be down to try that.

IHH: What's your secret to your perfect wavy hair?
JM: I like to let my hair air dry and then I run a curling iron through it. Then, I tightly wrap it in a big claw. I go to bed like that and when I wake up it has perfectly undone waves.

IHH: Sephora or Ulta?
JM: Sephora is heaven!

[Photo credit: Simon Cardoza]

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Here She Is: Miss America, Savvy Shields

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when Miss Arkansas won Miss America (if you were following my tweets @iheartheels, you will know...I was squealing so hard!). As most of you know, I'm from Arkansas and went the University of Arkansas, which is where Savvy Shields, the new Miss America is an art major. Since my mom took me to the Miss Arkansas pageant every year when I was little, I felt like I was winning this pageant, too. Amazingly exciting. 

This week when I was able to catch up with Savvy Shields herself (and don't you love her name?), I was starstruck. And what an honor to be able to feature her and the designer who dresses her, Joseph Ribkoff. 

I Heart Heels: Were you raised in pageants?
Savvy Shields: I was Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen when I was 13 years old, and that's when the dream of becoming Miss Arkansas was planted. I saw the impact and influence of one voice and I desired to be that voice for others some day. 

I Heart Heels: How did Joseph RIbkoff's relationship with the Miss America program begin?
Joseph Ribkoff: One of our stores in Florida got a visit from Miss Florida at the time, looking to be outfitted for her appearances. They contacted us asking if we were interested in sponsoring, which sparked the idea, "why not sponsor the whole pageant?" The Joseph Ribkoff team approached the organization and with that began our relationship. We're now presenting our ninth Miss America dressed in Joseph Ribkoff.

IHH: What are you studying in college?
Savvy Shields: I'm an art major at the University of Arkansas, and now because of the unbelievable scholarship from the Miss America Organization, partially funded by Joseph Ribkoff, I can graduate college debt free.

IHH: What exactly do you dress Miss America for both during and after the win?
Joseph Ribkoff: We outfit Miss America for all of her appearances throughout her reign. 

IHH: What type of outfit do you feel best in - are you a jeans and tee or LBD and heels girl?
Savvy Shields: Regardless of what I'm wearing, I always try to be authentically Savvy. I'm so thankful because this year I'll be wearing Joseph Ribkoff, who so graciously provided my wardrobe for the year. Their travel-friendly, wrinkle-free styles are great for my busy travel schedule. I have the perfect ready-to-wear styles right in my suitcase!

IHH: How do you go about choosing the perfect outfit? Does she have any input?
Joseph Ribkoff: As her initial outfits are chosen before the winner is announced, the Joseph Ribkoff team choose a variety of styles that appeal to various body types and personalities. Once the newly crowned Miss America visits our headquarters, which is about a month after her win, we choose the styles based on what types of styles she is comfortable in, looks good in, colors/patterns she is attracted to and specific requests she may have.

"Regardless of what I'm wearing, I always try to be authentically Savvy." -- Savvy Shields, Miss America 2016

IHH: It seems many of your silhouettes are fitted - is this a secret to flattering dressing and what are some tips?
Joseph Ribkoff: We're known for fit, however the style itself isn't necessarily fitted. Along with fit, we use color, graphics and bold patterns as a way to flatter a woman's silhouette. 

IHH: Can you tell us the details on what Savvy's worn most recently?
Joseph Ribkoff: Most recently, Savvy has been wearing styles from the holiday 2016 collection. We're sold in numerous stores around the United States. Visit JosephRibkoff.com.

IHH: Do you have a skincare routine?
Savvy Shields: I have to wash my face every morning and every night. It's my routine to start the day off fresh!

IHH: What's the first thing you did after you won?
Savvy Shields: I hugged as many humans as I could. I'm a collection of every human I've met, and I wouldn't be the girl I am today without the countless amount of people who've invested their time in my life. [So] the very first thing I had to do after I won was say thank you!

IHH: What's one thing you want to accomplish this year?
Savvy Shields: Hopefully I'll be able to inspire. In my life, when I think of the women I look up to, I consider them role models because they live by example. During my reign, I hope that I'll be able to live my life in an authentic way and share my incredible adventures, but also how I'm dealing with hard times so I'll be relatable to all. 

IHH: Were you able to watch the Razorbacks play TCU the night before the pageant? 
SS: Oh, I wish! But, I was cheering my Razorbacks on in spirit. 

[Photos courtesy of Joseph Ribkoff]

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Paris Hilton On Her 20th Fragrance, Gold Rush

Of course I couldn't contain myself when I realized instead of folding laundry for the evening, I would be chatting with Paris Hilton. I mean, NBD. (She did call me sweetheart before she hung up. Squeal.) At just 35 (umm, that may or may not be my age), she's taken the fragrance industry by storm. Her newest release of Gold Rush, available on HSN.com for $60, is her 20th one. (and the men's version is coming next month!)

The heiress now labels herself as an expert, and rightly she should. When I spoke to her on the phone, she shared with me how she's loved fragrances all her life. "I just love perfume - ever since I was a little girl," she told me (in her new, sexy and sultry voice, might I add). She mentioned playing around in her mother's boudoir and spraying all of her different perfumes. "I now have 20 - and it's a dream come true," she tells me. "I love fragrance because it puts me in a good mood."

Gold Rush is "sexy, seductive and more mature now that I've evolved and grown up," she explains. "I'm very proud of the results." Think Old Hollywood glamour with notes of lemon, bergamot and nectarine mixed with velvet orchid, violet and rose petals all on a base of vanilla, praline and cashmere wood. Doesn't that sound enticing, girls?

And the bottle, of course, is just as gorgeous as it sounds. "I love gold," Paris says. "It's so elegant and a strong color. I have it all over my house...I wear it. Anything gold, I love. [Gold Rush] has the perfect name and packaging." 

When I asked her which celebrity she would love to send it to, she responded with her "icon" Madonna - and Marilyn Monroe, if she were living. 

So how does Paris Hilton spray her perfume? "About five sprays," she says. "One on each side of my neck, my breasts, and then I spray it into the air and walk through it." There you have it, folks. I'll never do it any other way again.

P.S. Remember that time I ran into Paris Hilton at New York Fashion Week? Yep. She really is nice.

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Kristin Cavallari Shares How She Balances Life - in Heels!

One of my favorite, trendiest mamas has a new book out: Balancing in Heels. It makes me feel like we're kindred spirits. Seriously. I'm literally going out to buy this book right now on Amazon. It's about all facets of life: how to be healthy, stay fit, be a (stylish!) working mom and still be happy and sane. Um, that's something I think many of us strive for and KC is such the role model. Besides, have you seen her shoes? I was lucky enough to be able to chat with her a moment about her new book as well as some of her favorite brands - and how many hours of sleep she gets at night!

I Heart Heels: Let's talk shoes. What do you look for in a heel now that you're a mom - has it changed your shoe style?

Kristin Cavallari: No, being a mom hasn't changed my shoe style, I just don't wear my favorite heels as much. I still wear heels when I can: for work, date night or girl time, but I’ve also learned how to love flats.



IHH: What can we expect from your Kristin Cavallari by Chinese Laundry shoe line for spring/summer?

KC: Trendy shoes like lace-up sandals and heels and some of my classic staples like an open-toe bootie that can be worn with everything.

IHH: Would you ever wear a kitten heel?

KC: Never say never, but they're not really my style. The higher the heel, the better!



IHH: Healthy living makes up such a big portion of your lifestyle. How do you find time (!) to be healthy in both your eating and fitness?

KC: I make working out a priority. It helps me so much mentally and physically and keeps me sane, which ultimately makes me a better wife and mother! That's the one thing that I make sure to do for myself. And eating healthy is all about preparation, especially for snacks, so I don't grab the easiest, quickest thing. I try to meal plan a few days ahead and only keep good food in the house.

IHH: Amongst the craziness of all of your facets of life, how do you stay centered?

KC: Working out really helps me, even more mentally than physically. When I get a good workout in, everything else falls into place and I don't get stressed or irritated.



IHH: How many hours of sleep do you get?

KC: It depends on the kids. Saylor just started sleeping through the night so now around 7-8 hours a night. I'm in bed early to make sure I get enough.

IHH: What brands will you be shopping this spring?

KC: Joie makes a great lightweight denim romper that I love and Rag & Bone makes great hats for spring and summer.



IHH: If you have one, single hour to yourself with no obligations, what do you do?

KC: The only time that ever happens is the hour after the kids go to bed before I start getting ready for bed myself and I either watch a show (right now I'm obsessed with The Walking Dead) or take a bath. If I randomly have an hour during the day I don't know what to do with myself because it hardly ever happens!

IHH: What inspired you to write your new book, Balancing in Heels?

KC: I've come such a long way since the public was first introduced to me over 10 years ago, and I'm at a great place in my life, so I'm ready to let people in and share my journey of how I've gotten to where I am today with everybody.

IHH: Who will appreciate your book the most?

KC: I think girls in their late teens and women in their 40s and 50s can appreciate the book. I'm very open about everything in my life: my marriage, being a mom, etc, so I think women who are about to go through those phases and women who already have, can all relate. It's also for anyone trying to live a healthier lifestyle.


[Photos Courtesy EMC Bowery]

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Actress Alex Demartino Shares Her Passion for the Arts (and Shopping!)

Happy Monday! (Don't you hate it when people say that?) Today I've got actress, writer and YouTuber Alex Demartino (older sister of Vloggers Gabi and Niki Demartino) chatting about her upcoming novel, her ultimate stage goals and what she really thinks of social media. Wait...and her favorite shops! Duh. Read up, y'all! 


I Heart Heels:  With such a background in the arts, who do you like to read? 
Alex Demartino: I find myself sometimes reading plays for fun! I'm a huge fan of Henrik Ibsen because his plays hold some of the most complex characters in theatrical history, which interests me as an actress. I also love Caryl Churchill's interesting portrayals of women and use of realistic language and speech patterns. Lastly, I love Naomi Wallace's use of obscure imagery. It makes her plays so much more intriguing!
  
IHH: What's your ultimate career goal?
AD: To be working consecutively within the theatre and film industries. Acting and singing have always been huge passions and outlets for me since I was a little kid and I remember memorizing scenes from films and then acting them out with members of my family. I would love to make art and inspire others with it.

IHH: When do you finish your upcoming novel? 
AD: After I graduate in two months. Being a part-time actress, YouTuber, writer, and student, it can be very hard to juggle everything and find time! I don't want to say too much about my novel, but I can say that it's a modern flip on a very well-renowned tale.

IHH: And what are your goals for your YouTube channel?
AD: I never really saw myself as a YouTuber, to be honest! With how social media is now, it's so easy to write, act and star in your own material, which is great for someone like me. When people come up to me and call me a role model I'm flattered, but it was never my intention to do so. I always enjoy helping other people and I'm so happy that my channel allows me to indirectly do just that. I guess we will just see where it goes!

IHH: How close are you with your younger sisters? Do you FaceTime?
AD: Actually my sister Niki and I had a very in-depth conversation yesterday! It’s hard because all of us are so successful in our areas of what we enjoy to do. So, it's difficult to find spare minutes to sit and talk, but I do make as much time as I can. Sometimes we do FaceTime as well!

IHH: Where do you like to shop?
AD: I have a pretty eclectic sense of style. I absolutely love Urban Outfitters, TopShop and Bebe because most of their clothes fit my petite frame very well. It's always hard to find clothes for a short person with some curves! I'm also a nerd, so I love Hot Topic and their graphic tees. I always get a bunch of Disney and Game of Thrones stuff from there!

IHH: What do you think of social media?
AD: I think social media has very good and bad components to it. It’s great because people can get connected fast and get their stuff out more freely, but I think there's a huge dark side to an excess of anything. It appears that many young people measure their worth on how many likes a picture gets or how many followers they have. 

Also people tend to compare themselves a lot over social media. One always has to remember that anyone can create an image solely based on what they decide to post, creating a sort of highlight reel for himself or herself. It's extremely easy to fake a perfect life via social media, however, people take that and honestly believe it to be real. I think it's almost alarming how much importance some people place on social media. So while I do think social media is a great resource, it's by no means a way of life and more people should remember that!

IHH: Your favorite beauty item?
AD: I've been wearing a lot less makeup lately mostly because I'm lazy, but also because my skin feels most healthy when it's not caked with makeup. I love anything made from coconut oil or coconut milk. I have this body butter and facial cream that literally rejuvenates and moistures my skin after weeks where I have to wear lots of makeup. 

I do love mascara (my favorite is from MAC) because I have naturally long lashes and sometimes when I want to add a little bit of definition to my eyes, I curl and add some mascara to my lashes.

IHH: You're a writer. Describe yourself in three words. Go. 
AD: Ambitious. Opportunistic. Creative.

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Lennon and Maisy Stella of ABC TV Show Nashville Spill On Where They Shop

Musicians and actresses Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie and Daphne) from the ABC TV show Nashville are sisters in real life and pretty much the cutest things I've ever interviewed. I simply adore them. These girls are just 16 and 12 and, of course have their own YouTube channel. 

They've performed at The White House, on Good Morning America, The View - and even presented Taylor Swift with a CMA Award! Last year, they released a children's book, "In the Waves," and have even been to New York Fashion Week (hello, duh). I had the opp to ask them just a few questions this week about all of their projects - check it out! 

I Heart Heels: Being musicians yourselves, who do you like to listen to?

Lennon and Maisy: We honestly love listening to all genres. Maisy is a little more on the pop side and Lennon loves Indie.

IHH: Have to ask. What was it like presenting an award to Taylor Swift?

L&M: Presenting an award to Taylor Swift was amazing - and she is absolutely the sweetest!

IHH: And as actresses, which actresses do you look up to?

L&M: Being on the show, we honestly learned so much from the cast and look up to all of them greatly.

IHH: Where are your top 3 fav places to shop?

L&M: TopShop, any thrift store, and Urban Outfitters.

IHH: What do you love the most about working on Nashville?

L&M: We love learning from the cast as both as people and actors.

IHH: How do you stay connected to fans with your busy schedules?

L&M: We are always trying to stay as connected as possible - and give a ton of virtual love!

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Catching Up with Trisha LaFache of God's Not Dead 2

April 1 marks the release of the  God's Not Dead 2 in theatres, and I was lucky enough to ask actress Trisha LaFache a few questions - not only about the movie and how she spent the summer in my very own town (squeal!), but about her fashion and beauty lovelies as well. Guess what? She "hearts heels for life." Love this girl.

I Heart Heels: Why did you decide to get involved in the faith-based films of God's Not Dead 1 & 2? And what would you say to skeptics of this film?

Trisha LaFache: When I read the script for the first film I really liked the character of Amy Ryan and I wanted to tell her story. I have nothing to say to the skeptics. They're entitled to an opinion. Everyone is. 

IHH: I know some of the scenes were filmed in my state of Arkansas. Were you able to make it here? What did you think?

TL: I spent the whole summer there! It's a lovely place. Everyone is warm and hospitable. They're very used to tourists, I'm sure, because of the Clinton legacy, so we were very welcomed. We stayed in the River Market area...and we shot all over, including the Capitol building. My favorite store is The Freckled Frog.

IHH: Tell us a little bit about your character, Amy Ryan, in this film, in particular.  

TL: Amy is great. She's also very flawed. She's a fighter and she constantly questions everything. She's tough. She doesn't really back down to or for anyone. 

IHH: Your hair is just gorgeous! What's your hair routine because we have to copy it.

TL: Ah, thank you! I'm blessed with very good genes. Both my parents have horse hair! But I hated being a redhead as a kid. I'm Italian American and I did not fit my own beauty ideal. But my hair secret is that when I wash it, I wash it 2-3 times and then I have my very dear friend who is a stylist blow it out once or twice a week. My hair is a lot! Whenever anyone invites me anywhere, my first thought is "how's my hair?" True story. 

IHH: Name 3 beauty products you can't live without.

TL: Oil of Olay oil-free moisturizer, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum, and SkinCeuticals age defense sunscreen SPF 50. 

IHH: I think Birkenstocks are still on trend this spring. Will you embrace those or do you mostly heart heels?

TL: No you didn't, ha! No. I will not be embracing the stock. I think they're definitely still on trend here in L.A., in Venice and Santa Monica, but I'm from New York and live on the east side of Los Angeles. Put it this way, I'm the type of girl who wears 5-inch heels to a wedding, I dance all night and they never come off. Not into this two-inch kittenish heel that's trying to pop up, either. So yeah, I heart heels for life. 

IHH: If you could go shopping with a celebrity, who would it be? 

TL: Tough one. Beyoncé because I love her and I think we could be great friends. But Diane Kruger, purely for her style. 

IHH: Will you do anything to celebrate the movie when it launches? 

TL: I'm going to the premiere, which is fun, because we were so small last time we didn't really have one. 

[Photo Credit: Sean Samuels]

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Crazy About Tiffany's: A Sparkling Documentary

I'm squealing with delight about this fashion documentary coming out February 19...eeeeeek! Crazy About Tiffany's, written and directed by Matthew Miele ("Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's") is a film allllll about that simple little New York City jewelry store that opened its doors in 1837 and has continued to steal all of our hearts with a little blue box ever since. Not sure I'm familiar with anyone who doesn't hold a special place in their hearts for Tiffany & Co. Am I right? Are you as crazy about Tiffany & Co. as I am??

Crazy About Tiffany's (which I got to watch early and loved!) features candid highlights of the brand's amazing history, its impact on pop culture and unique insights from celebrities such as Jessica Biel, Katie Couric and stylists Rachel Zoe and Kate Young.

Gravitas Ventures will release the film in the U.S. and Canada in select theaters and on demand on February 19, 2016. There are also over 50 markets where you can watch the film online via Tugg!

I was lucky enough to catch up with director Matthew Miele the other day to ask him a few questions about the film. Enjoy!

I Heart Heels: What fascinates you about Tiffany's the most?
Matthew Miele: Tiffany & Co. has a pop culture reach that's primarily unknown by the general public. They influence so much in our culture beyond jewelry. Take sports, for instance. Tiffany & Co. makes most of the major trophies celebrating the pinnacle achievement in each sport, including the Super Bowl trophy. But even beyond that, one of the most iconic logos in the world, the Yankees symbol, was an original Tiffany's design dating back to the late 19th century. 

IHH: What is it that draws you to fashion films in particular?
MM: Obviously there is an audience for this type of content. But it's not fashion in particular that I'm drawn to. I'm drawn to iconic subjects. Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co., my first two subjects in the documentary world, are fashion-oriented, but iconic as well. My next few projects will also be on iconic subjects, but outside of the fashion world. 

IHH: How long were your days shooting this film?
MM: We shot this film over the course of two years, each day varying. Some days were strictly research in the archives, other days we had a full day of interviews, and others we documented how the jewelry was created. Still other days, we traveled the globe - to China for instance - to document the travel of the famous Tiffany diamond to various cultures.

IHH: Is there a behind-the-scenes moment that you can share?
MM: Since I was granted access few others have seen before, I was happy to include all of it in the film. So I encourage any fan of Tiffany & Co. to watch the film. It really allows a rare glimpse.

IHH: What was it like working with this cast? Who would you say is the "craziest" about Tiffany's?
MM: I would say that the actress Jennifer Tilly really might be the "craziest." Not that she is crazy, but because she is passionate about jewelry. She truly knows her stuff and has the collection to prove it. She was definitely inspired by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and her collection, which was equally fabulous.

[Photo courtesy pmkbnc]

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Disney Radio Star Laura Marano Hosts New Show "For the Record"

For The Record With Laura Marano launched this week - squeal!! It's a weekly one-hour show chronicling Laura's journey as she launches her music career. Laura was most recently on Disney's Austin & Ally. I'm so excited to have Laura on I Heart Heels today to answer a few questions about the show and her style. (psst...she loves shoes, too!) Check out her answers below and tune in 2:00 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET on Radio Disney and the Radio Disney app for the show!

I Heart Heels: Congrats on the new gig! What will For The Record be about?
Laura Marano: Thank you so much! For the Record is all about my album, and all the work that goes into making it. I'm taking my fans on my musical journey, and showing them exactly what it takes to be in the music business.

IHH: What song can you not get outta your head lately?
LM: I'm obsessed with Justin Bieber's Love Yourself. It's ridiculously good! 

IHH: How long does it take you to do your makeup in the morning and is there ever a product you always use?
LM: It depends what kind of look I'm going for! If I want to go full out, I usually take around 30-45 minutes. I always use Proactiv to wash my face; it's my favorite!

IHH: You're still so young and already so successful! Who do you wanna be like "when you grow up?" 
LM: I admire Pink so much; she is such an amazing songwriter and just person in general. I also love Natalie Portman - I love how she balanced her education with her career.

IHH: You worked with Sherri Hill on a dress line. Any more plans to branch out into fashion?
LM: Of course! I love fashion, and working with Sherri Hill was such an amazing experience. She's such a genuine person, and she's absolutely brilliant. I learned so much just from working with her.

IHH: Favorite shoes in your closet?
LM: My Stuart Weitzman boots - they're so comfortable that I usually perform in them! 

[Photos Courtesy pmkbnc]

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Beauty Vloggers Gabi and Niki DeMartino Share Their Style Favorites

Twins Gabi and Niki DeMartino are YouTube beauty sensations with 2.7 million subscribers...like whoa. And they aren't even out of school yet! (I feel sheepish.) On Instagram, they have 1 million followers and nearly 245,000 on Twitter. If you wanna know what's hot in beauty, visit NikiandGabiBeauty on YouTube. These bloggers have got it going on (wait. I feel so old saying that...). 

And now, my burning questions for them!

I Heart Heels: I love a great metallic slingback. What's your daily "style uniform?

Gabi DeMartino: Socks with pumps!

Niki DeMartino: Cute comfy clothes...I make sure my casual wear is on fleek!

IHH: Do you have a signature scent?

Gabi: Molecule from barneys!
Niki: Anything coconut. 

IHH: What's one beauty product you buy over and over? 

Gabi: Rimmel lip liner in the shade Tiramisu. 

IHH: Favorite song of the moment?

Gabi: Moments by Tove Lo
Niki: Sorry by Justin Bieber

IHH: You've probably been asked a million times, but how did you get into beauty and then decide to start a YouTube channel?

Gabi: We originally began with a channel called "00remakegirls" where people would comment with questions such as "where did you get your top? Can you do a makeup tutorial? How did you do your hair?" Eventually Niki and I made a beauty channel!

IHH: What do you think has made you so successful and how do you stand apart from all the other beauty channels?

Gabi: Staying true to our roots and not letting anything change us from who we were in the beginning. Stay humble!

Niki: I think the fact that we're twin sisters, but we're distinctly different in who we are as people in our styles. I'm more edgy, hipster and bold with color and Gabi is more girly and retro.

IHH: Favorite stores to shop?

Gabi: LUSH, BCBG, Tobi, Nasty Gal

Niki: Urban Oufitters or Free People

IHH: What should we look forward to from you in 2016?

Gabi: Music! Music! Music! 

Niki: Much more original music, covers and events! 

[Photos courtesy pmkbnc]

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Author Maya Sloan Reveals What It's Like Working with Kendall & KylieJenner

If you know me by now, you know I loooove a great Q&A. Today's Q&A excites me more than most because it's with a lovely friend of mine. One I had actually lost touch with once she moved away to the big city! I've known award-winning author Maya Sloan since my beach wedding, and couldn't stop squealing when I heard the news she was the ghostwriter of Rebels: City of Indra: The Story of Lex and Livia, the book by Kendall and Kylie Jenner, published this past June. 

So, of course, Maya, being the awesome, fun-loving free spirit she is (she calls me HON and I love it!), agreed to let me in on some of time spent with the Jenner sisters. And keep reading to see what she says about her next book client...juicy! Can't. Wait. Congrats a mil, Maya, and thanks for the Q&A. Hon!

I Heart Heels: How did you get involved with the Jenner girls? 

Maya Sloan: The project came to me through the publishing company Simon & Schuster. I’d already done several books for them, both my own novel and co-author/ghostwriting projects. When I heard the Jenner sisters were doing a sci-fi dystopian book, I got excited!  

The obvious choice for them would be a book about two young reality stars, the fashion world, Hollywood teenagers…instead, they chose something completely unexpected. That choice alone made me love Kylie and Kendall right away. They are their own people, with their own unique voices. It's easy to put labels on those in the public eye, but I found them to be their own people…both were charming, funny and fiercely opinionated. They were meeting with several writers, and I was one of them. I guess I passed the test and got the gig. 

"I found them to be their own people…both were charming, funny and fiercely opinionated." -- author Maya Sloan, on Kylie and Kendall Jenner

IHH: You attended fashion week with the sisters. Was it hysteria being with them throughout it? 

MS: Before meeting the girls, I truly knew nothing about the [fashion] industry. I admired the innovation and artistry of great designers, but never imagined I’d see a show…and seriously, it was a blast. I saw Kylie walk in Abbey Dawn, looking totally badass rocker chick in spiked leather and hanging garters. Then I saw Kendall in Michael Kuluva Tumbler and Tipsy, which was a wild show. This was before Kendall really broke out as a model, but you could already see that’s where she was headed. She’s got an innate elegance to her. Then my husband and I saw them both in Sherri Hill at Trump Tower. Hardcore sparkles, princess dresses. Watching them stride down the runway holding hands…they were so cute together.  I couldn’t help but cheer for them, which, I now know, is not runway protocol. Everyone is supposed to look jaded and unimpressed at fashion shows, right?  And there I am, catcalling. And Kylie kind of chuckles under her breath…I’m sure no one saw it but me. 

Afterwards she said, “Maya, that was you who was yelling, right?” And I’m all embarrassed, saying, “Yeah, sorry about that.” And she just flashes this grin and says, “No, it was great!” 

IHH: How long did it take to write Rebels with them...and what was going through your head when you landed the offer. 

MS: It took two years. And yeah, it was…surreal. To say the least. Especially since I was supposed to be a silent ghostwriter and then my name was released. My brother emailed and said, “Have you Googled yourself lately?” I did and was on the Web two million times. I thought, “Well, things are going to be different now. Better get used to it.”

IHH: Did you ever travel to L.A. to meet the girls or were meetings in NY? What's Kris like?
MS: I saw the girls many times in NY and there was a lot of Skyping. Kris wasn’t really involved…it was all Kylie and Kendall. But I did get to meet her and Bruce on separate occasions. Her skin was amazing. Flawless. I couldn’t stop staring at her and wondering if she actually had pores.

IHH: Will you continue to talk to the Jenner girls after the book frenzy dies down?

MS: Already have…seen both of them, and their manager several times. I’m really fond of them...can’t believe how much they’ve grown up in the time I’ve known them. I’ve really seen them evolve from teenagers into strong young women.

IHH: What do you think of selfies? 

MS: Wish I was better at them! Think it takes practice. And knowing your good angles. Not that it matters much for a writer. No one cares what we look like (I’m thankful for that!). 

IHH: In your past life, you were a (celebrity) nanny, yes?

MS: Yes, I was a celebrity nanny...years ago! I babysat for Harrison Ford’s grandson Ethan, Joel Coen and Francis McDormand's son Pedro, Jose Canseco's daughter Josie…a bunch of others. But the family I stayed with for many years were George and Ann Lopez. Unfortunately, they aren’t together now…but they were the best Hollywood has to offer. They treated me like family. I’m eternally grateful to them. And their daughter, Mayan…she was just the most creative, exceptional little girl in the universe. 

IHH: Any hints at all on your next (juicy) client. Celebrity?! 

MS: I’m sworn to secrecy!  But yes, it is a celebrity...and double yes to the juicy part!

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