We are so excited to share our December Accessories Brand Spotlight with designer Ashleigh Stone, Founder of Poolside, the incredibly chic handbag company with the most fabulous straw bags and totes around. Ashleigh was so kind to let us borrow a few of our favorite pieces to style with in previous shoots and we are still dreaming of them to this day! Below we catch up with her on all things fashion, business and life! 

CS: When was the brand founded and what was the catalyst in starting?
AS: The brand was founded in Summer 2016. I've always loved classic embroidered French market baskets, and I thought it would be very successful to allow people to customize them with a nickname or an inside joke. We started the brand by offering a few culturally relevant phrases, as well as the option to customize. The brand was approached by Moda Operandi via Instagram, and we grew our brand from there. I’ve always been inspired by vintage fashion and classic pieces with a twist, and our first cheeky market baskets were just that! Now, we offer so many different different basket bag styles, as well as clutches and more. The collection is inspired by vintage accessories and married with modern trends. Our development team travels the globe all year round to research new materials and weaving techniques. 

CS: What is your dream for the brand in the next 5 years?
AS: My goal for the next five years is to expand the brand into a real vacation lifestyle brand, including new verticals such as ready to wear, jewelry and more.

CS: Do you have a favorite collection or piece to date?
AS: After eight years in business, it is so hard to choose! I love all of our shell baskets like this season’s origami shell clutch. I’m excited with how we’ve been able to continually reinvent our shell designs. I also love our classic straw beach totes with my name embroidered across the front

CS: What's your favorite thing in your closet right now?
AS: For winter, I love dressing in monochromatic winter whites and tans. I pair those looks back to our viral winter style – The Teddy Tote! For vacation, I am obsessed with The St. Tropez Tote, which is an amazing structured basket that has interior pockets and just looks chic with any outfit. I wear that with matched sets and mini dresses

CS: What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
AS: My mother always told me to trust my gut, and, after building this business for eight years, I can honestly say that it’s the best advice that proves true time after time.

CS: Is there one unforgettable defining time in your career that changed you?
AS: Leaving my career in finance was extremely formative for me. It forced me to think about life differently, and to try new things. It allowed me to connect with my passions and to ultimately pursue my dreams.

CS: Who is your style icon?
AS: This is always a hard question for me! I don’t know if I have any ONE person that I look up to from a style standpoint. My mood board can be found here. 

CS: If you weren’t a designer/business owner, what would you be doing?
AS: I would be a CEO or CMO at a start-up that I’m passionate about.

CS: If you could be from any other decade (or era), which would it be?
AS: Hmmmmm probably the 1940s, followed by the 60s/70s. The 1940s for the formal glamour. The 60s/70s for the mini skirts and grooviness.

CS: If you could have any three classic icons over for dinner – who would they be?
AS: This is so difficult! Grace Kelly, Jackie O and Lapo Elkann.

CS: Best gift you’ve ever received?
AS: When my husband tells me that I’m a good mother. No physical or non-physical gift or item has ever meant more to me!

CS: What does the word “Classic” mean to you?
AS: Something that never goes out of style, and that can complete any look or experience. A special item that you find yourself returning to time and time again. That certain "je ne sais quoi."

Quickfire

Sign:
Taurus

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate:
Dark

Coffee or Tea:
Hmmm both!

Favorite Classic Movie:
Sabrina & To Catch A Thief

Never without:
My baby daughter, a tape measure, and sunglasses

BLANK is the new BLANK:
Staycation is the new vacation

Color you couldn’t live without:
Black (I’m a New Yorker) -- it’s just so functional

Your favorite accessory:
Bags - Any one of the bags from my collection
Jewelry -  Brinker & Eliza for fun and Marlo Laz for fine
Shoes - Birkenstocks (have worn them every day for the past 4 months)

Your favorite wardrobe piece:
Classic and interesting white button downs!

Favorite city:
NYC

Last trip you were on:
Australia for Christmas last year.

Last book you read:
Thank You For Voting by Erin Geiger Smith

Favorite Restaurant:
Bluestone Lane for brekkie and ISODI for dinner

Hotel you’re dreaming of:
Palazzo Avino, Palm Heights SBC or Cuixmala

Design is:
A process

Fashion will always:
A way to express yourself

Art can:
Change your life

If you were a color it would be:
I’m too indecisive to answer!

If you were a texture it would be:
Probably soft fleece material - cozy and comfy!

I’m a firm believer in:
Everything happens for a reason.

I’m deeply grateful for:
My health and my family.

The world needs more:
Selflessness.

If you had to pick one Classic Six piece, what would it be?
Donna button down shirt