​Highly experienced in crafting a creative, editorial approach to commercial projects, and bringing a pragmatic business sensibility to editorial projects, from websites to magazines to books.

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WORK EXPERIENCE

 

CATALOG COPYWRITER                                                                                                      2016 - PRESENT

WEST ELM

As the sole copywriter for all US and international editions, I shape concepts and product collections into compelling features in catalogs and online. I created and edit the Ideas + Advice section of westelm.com, building out this editorial section of the site to support the shopping process, improve conversion and SEO, and drive editorial email campaigns. I concept stories to support key initiatives, from Fair Trade and Sustainably Sourced merchandise to LOCAL artisan-made collections and interior design services.

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FREELANCE WRITER AND EDITOR                                                                                             1995 - 2016

  • Specialize in features on interior design, home furnishings, renovation and lifestyle topics for House Beautiful, In Style, Country Living, This Old House, Country Home, Redbook, Coastal Living and more. Contributing Editor for Country Living and Southern Accents.

 

  • Text author of 11 decorating and lifestyle books (with byline):

    • Decorating in Detail (2013) and The Language of Design (2010) by Alexa Hampton

    • Beach Cottages (2008), Romantic Country (2003), Smart Decorating (1999), and Quick Decorating (1997) by Mary Emmerling

    • Sailing Style (2003), White Christmas (1997), and The Natural Home (1995) by Tricia Foley

    • Entertaining Simple (2008) and Gifts from Nature (1997) by Matthew Mead

 

  • Write website copy, press releases, catalog copy and marketing materials for blue-chip corporate clients including The Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Eileen Fisher Home, Garnet Hill, Company C, Palais Royal/Yves Delorme, Sferra Bros. fine linens, Perrier Home Collection, Hunter Douglas, Exposures, and Country Living Furniture. Known for producing high quality writing on deadline, building long-term creative collaborations, and adapting easily to each brand’s unique vision and voice.
     

  • TV appearances for magazines; PR/media tours as spokesperson and decorating authority for Camden Properties, a high-end apartment developer.

 

E-COMMERCE FOUNDER, BESPOKE CUSTOM GIFTS                                                            2012 - 2015

I founded and ran BespokeCustomGifts.com, a distinctive, high-end e-commerce site bringing style and sophistication to the personalized gifts market. I handled all aspects of running the business: creating a clear brand identity; sourcing artisans and buying merchandise; directing the design of the site and photo shoots; writing copy, creating marketing materials and promoting through social media on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr.

 

  • Bespoke was featured more than 10 times on the Today Show, as well as in Parade Magazine, House Beautiful, HGTV Magazine, Redbook, Southern Living, Coastal Living, The Knot, Daily Candy, Cool Mom Picks, The Nest, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, and more.

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SENIOR EDITOR, GOODHOME.COM                                                                                         1999 - 2000

Responsible for creating a distinct brand voice for this furnishings e-commerce website backed by Hearst and Roger Horchow. Wrote and edited the online magazine as well as product copy and all elements from the home page to the help pages.

 

DECORATING EDITOR, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING                                                                     1995 - 1999

HOME EDITOR, McCALL’S                                                    

For both magazines, responsible for all aspects of producing monthly three- to eight-page decorating features—conceiving story ideas, scouting locations, producing and styling shoots, overseeing design and layout, and writing text. Covered home furnishing markets; represented magazines at advertising functions and in television appearances.

 

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, MARY EMMERLING’S COUNTRY                                                                      1994

Oversaw all aspects of this bimonthly home and lifestyle magazine’s editorial content: developed story ideas; assigned and edited all articles and columns; wrote titles, blurbs and coverlines. Worked closely with art director and Mary Emmerling to plan issues and develop concepts into features.

 

SENIOR WRITER, GLAMOUR MAGAZINE                                                            

Wrote for almost every area of the magazine, including decorating, fashion, beauty, food, service and features, including my own beauty, special events and trends columns. As an entertainment editor, wrote features, celebrity profiles and movie reviews.

 

EDUCATION

 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Ithaca, New York

Bachelor of Arts in English

Phi Beta Kappa

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ABOUT ME