Inside Zappos : March 2009
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Thursday, March 26th the 2009 Las Vegas Corporate Challenge had it's official kickoff games and events. The day started with the executive relay race, which Zappos very own Alfred, Fred, Keith and Millie participated in.
Later that evening Zappos led the way in the kickoff parade of banners down Fremont street. At the end of the parade, our very own Zappettes (Liz, Kathleen and Alane) were on stage singing the national anthem while the torch was being lit.
The corporate challenge goes from March 27th - June 13th and there are many events that Zappos employees are participating in, so go out and support your teams!
For SXSW Interactive 2009 Zappos decided to get out from behind our usual booth and hit the streets with a card game called The Zappos 5. The goal of the game is to collect five of a kind but the catch is, you need to have three cards marked with a day 1 stamp, one card with a day 2 stamp and one card with a day 3 stamp. So in order to do this, players had to be very creative with their networking and trading abilities with other SXSW attendees or be very cleaver and stalk us individually in order to get more than the allowed cards that one Zappos Dealer can deal at a time.
We weren't quite sure how people would play the game or to what great lengths they would go to in order to complete a Zappos 5 hand, but one unusually intrepid Zappos 5 player took it way beyond any of our expectations.
Tom C., we salute you.
The development director for the Michigan AIDS Coalition in Metro Detroit is hosting a new event at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit on April 25, 2009 called Design for Life: Denim.
One of the sponsors for the event, Carhartt, donated 100 denim jackets and gave them to 100 different companies from a variety of trades (architects, auto workers, hair stylists, chefs, national artists, politicians, etc.) in order to create a piece of art out of these jackets.
The rules are, there are no rules, no guidelines, the end result can be wearable or non wearable - anything goes.
So, with that in mind, there was an infinite amount of things that we could have done with the jacket - and after we turned down the idea of bedazzling and beading it - John F. and Jamie N. came up with the brilliant idea of giving the jacket to charity and making a denim jacket replica out of Zappos boxes that we had lying around the office.
John, your talent and creativity never ceases to amaze all of us. I'm sure someone will be happy to bid on this piece of art at the silent auction.
Our CLT department decided that it would be fun to have a department-wide masquerade day, and those who own Venetian masks can wear them to work, and those who don't would be given a piece of paper with a mask pattern on it and some markers in order to create their very own masquerade mask.
The teams all seemed like they had a great time wearing and making their masks and I could definitely see this becoming a CLT tradition – like crazy hat day.
That Abbie Morris, a Lead in our fabulous CLT department, owns 15 pairs of slippers? Neither did I, and I find it both scary and interesting at the same time. Abbie also owns 40, yes FORTY, bandannas WOW! In an effort to keep this on one page, today we will focus on Abbie's slippers, though I cannot wait to spend some time focusing on the mass of bandannas that she sports. Abbie likes to create fun and a little weirdness with stats like these:
1.She will proudly go shopping in her slippers (like a hobo).
2.She has been addicted to slippers for all her life.
3.Her sister is worse than her (wow, I didn't know weirdness like this runs in the family).
4.It drives their mom crazy (big surprise there).
5.She is impulsively driven to buy them. . . if she likes them, they are hers, even if that means skipping an actual bill that needs to be paid (now THAT is an obsession).
I couldn't put this stuff into better words myself, so now I will share what Abbie herself has to say about this blatant craziness.
“A few years ago I could be defined as the girl who had a pair of slippers and a bandanna to match EVERY outfit. It I didn't, I simply wouldn't wear it. I own over 40 bandannas and probably 15 pair of slippers. I used to have a lot more but I've worn them out. That reminds me, I really need to get some more. My favorite pair has to be my Ohio State slippers that I purchased at Zappos.com (shameless plug). I'm from Ohio and my grandfather played for Ohio State so naturally I have to represent! Aside from those I have Marvin the Martian, Ugg, Old Friend, Acorn, long haired multi-colored (with and without sparkle silver accents), slipper socks of all kinds, solid colors in black, red, blue, and off white, Ohio State(used to have UC), and countless others that I couldn't begin to name!”
Wow, what an adventure! Please enjoy the three pictures we have included that show Abbie with three of her favorite pairs of slippers, the Marvin the Martian slippers, multi-colored with sparkle accents, and her Ohio State slippers. Abbie, we hope your Ohio State slippers don't run into my Siena slippers, I wouldn't want there to be an upset.
On March 13th, some of our already famous Photo Dept. members participated in a fashion show for our valued customers. They strutted their stuff down the runway and modeled some fashionable Merrill clothing. Katie B., Kaya F., Michele K., Mark S., Shane R., April S., Mindy B., Jimmy M., Ashley P., Taurie M. and Amanda E. all took their turns walking it out. They modeled different styles and collections. All had fun and it was a great time for our wonderful customers to enjoy some food and our great Zappos culture.
Every year, Zappos puts out a book that publishes what our employees and partners think the Zappos culture means to them. It's already time for another edition, but this year we want to do something a little different...we want our customers to get in on the action too!
At Zappos, part of what we're all about is forming personal connections between our employees, partners and customers. So we thought we could use the Culture Book as one of the ways we'll get to know what you think about us.
Specifically, we're asking everyone (customers, employees, or partners!) to submit photos that relate to Zappos.
Things we'd like to see:
- What you think of when you hear "Zappos"
- Your favorite pair of shoes from Zappos
- Your favorite piece of apparel from Zappos
- Something fun and a little weird
- Something that will make us smile
- Something you're passionate about
- Your interpretation of one of our core values (http://about.zappos.com/our-unique-culture/zappos-core-values)
- Your bunions :)
- Anything inappropriate
- Anything excessively photo-edited or Photoshopped. Feel free to add informative titles, descriptions, your name and where you took the picture (in the email, not on the picture). If you're submitting a photo, you're giving us the right to use it in our book and you're verifying that it's your original photo (and not someone else's).
- RGB or JPG format only please
- It's going to be printed in a book, so the higher the resolution the better! 300 dpi 5" x 7" or higher.
- Files should be a minimum of 1200 x 1600 pixels. It'd be a shame if we love your picture but can't use it!
- You must own the full copyright
- No trademarks (e.g. logos, brands, entities with copyright or trademarked)
Please send your images and questions to: cbphotos@zappos.com by
March 31, 2009 (Tuesday). Look forward to seeing them!
It was last quarter of 2008 and we were in need of some good old-fashioned morale boosting. The photo studios were quiet, the fun was at a standstill, and the core values were on the back burner of everyone's minds. We knew that the team members thought the world of each other but they just weren't really saying how much they genuinely care or how working with them made their days better.
What we really wanted to know is: If they had to put a core value with the way they felt about their team members, what core value would it be?
So, Betsy D. (Photo Operations Manager) and I decided to host "The WOW Awards." We set out a ballot box with voting ballots (designed by Jon B., Senior Image Coordinator) next to it. On the voting ballot, they were to write the team members name and the Core Value that they exemplify. It was completely anonymous. After 3 months of open voting, we collected the ballots and had 10 WOW Award winners for each Core Value. We hosted an Awards ceremony with handmade trophies for each Core Value and a certificate (designed by Kyle S., Senior Image Coordinator) to hand out to all WOW Award winners.
All the ballots were placed up on the Photo Studio wall by Katie B. (Senior Photographer) so that all the ballots could be read by everyone. Everyone brought appetizers and hors d'oeuvres as well as games to play. We even had a room set up with an X-box, which was a big hit. Here is Matt W. (Senior Photo Assistant) happily accepting his WOW Award for Core Value #8, Do More With Less. His trophy was decked out in 8-track tapes, a Fisher Price camera, and other miniature items, like dollar bills. Thanks to everyone for voting! We look forward to our 2nd WOW Awards so get out there and vote!
Photo and blog submitted by Erin R.
Inside the Zappos Headquarters we like to give everything a touch of what we like to call Zappos pizzazz. Our conference rooms are decorated with Vegas inspired themes, our Coffee machine is modeled after Rosie from The Jetsons and our milk machine has been turned into robot cow, so why not turn our bathrooms into something exciting?
Well, that's exactly what Alicia L., Stacy H., Lauren A. and Susana P. did. They decided that our bathrooms just didn't match the rest of Zappos - in fact, they were the least fun and exciting rooms in the office - something had to be done about that.
With a few cans of midnight blue paint and a touch of inspiration from our very own galaxy and possibly Space Mountain, we now have an out-of-this-world bathroom scene. The first time I walked in there I found myself glad that at least gravity is functioning properly!
Great job Ladies! I wonder what theme the men's restroom will have?
The Merchandise Planning team enjoyed a team event at the new "M Resort" in Henderson. The evening started out with wine tasting at the Hostile Grape followed by dinner at the Studio B buffet. It was a fun filled evening with great friends, food and fine wine and beers. Definitely a recommended way to build team and wine spirits...I mean family spirit with your team :)
Have you ever rolled out of bed late, threw on some clothes, then rushed out the door to get to work? Once you arrived, did you realize one sock was black and the other was blue? Maybe you ended up wearing those plaid pants with a striped shirt...?
Here at Zappos, we like to celebrate these types of things. As part of our spirit week, today we had mismatch day at Zappos. If you can imagine it, it was being worn today: Two different color socks with two different shoes and plaid shorts with polka dot shirts seemed to be a couple of the most popular styles.
So just remember, next time you're walking by someone and you think to yourself, "What are they wearing?", don't be afraid to tell them "nice outfit" - they may have planned it that way.
In this second edition of the Interview, our CLT Department Spotlight, we take a closer look at Danika J..
Danika has been with the company since January of 2008 and has been on our Order Verification team since July of 2008. Danika is part of the Rdesk / OV mixed use row we like to call “OR” or “RV”. Her favorite words are “dive”, “mine”, and “meow”, usually in that order, unless preceeded by three “dives”. All I can suggest is don't ask questions. Now, withour further adieu, I present Danika J.!!
1. If you were in The Breakfast Club which one would you be? The Jock, The Brain, The Princess, The Criminal, or the Basketcase?
The Basketcase, hands down! Freaking people out is more fun than a barrel of monkeys (no offense to all the barrel-dwelling monkeys)
2. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
If Don Johnson can pull it off, any man can. It’s the 21st century, anything is possible.
3. Tom or Jerry?
Hanna-Barbera cartoons really aren’t my thing. I’d have to go with Jerry; he’s better looking, very clever and not as hairy.
4. What “bad habit” would you gladly keep if it weren't socially unacceptable to do so?
Cracking my knuckles, back and feet
5. If you could describe Zappos in three words, what would they be?
Shoes, shoes, shoes
6. What sauce do you dip your chicken nuggets into?
Sauce is for wussies. I prefer my chicken nuggets naked!
7. If you didn't have to work, what would you do?
travel, dance, party and repeat
8. What is the deal with I before E?
I wish I knew. But I do know this – there is no “I” in T-E-A-M. Any questions?
9. What magazines to you subscribe to?
TV Guide, it’s cheaper than TV
10. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I had to write a resignation letter for a part time job at one of the local libraries that I worked at as a college sophomore.
11. What is your idea of fun?
A road trip to the middle of nowhere, to party all night!
12. What is one thing that not a lot of people know about you, but you wished more people could know?
I can sing karaoke that rocks the house, and I absolutely love to dance
13. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Telepathy, so I would be the master of finishing everyone’s sentences....mwahaha!!
14. Do you have a pet? If so, do you speak to it and what kind of things do you say to it? (If it is in “pet language” spell it out as best you can)
If you’re referring my real life pet dogs, and NOT my imaginary pet sea monkey, I say “Awww my fuzzy wuzzy sweet pea cutie pie”.
15. Where would you bury a hidden treasure?
How do you bury treasure that’s already hidden? Seriously though, wherever Jack Sparrow would go hide treasure, that would be it.
Russel and Brent decided they would humor us by Dressing like each other last week, and they definitely succeeded in doing just that! Brent is known for sporting tailored dress shirts, designer jeans and Boots. Russel is known for his vast collection of Sweatshirts, sneakers and his signature Large Calf muscles.
Brett Stuffed the back lower leg of his jeans to give himself that Original Russel form, While Russel made sure his Shirt was freshly pressed and fitted. They were both extremely flattered by everyone's response to their impersonations of themselves, and we were wowed by how well they played their roles!!!
In a photo shoot I used my Creative Zollars to try to get over my hatred of the camera. We earned Creative Zollars by getting over our quotas every day. I decided to use mine to create a 40's to 50's Photo shoot. I went on Zappos.com and selected from our inventory, old fashion dresses and shoes that reflect the flare of today's fashion.
I researched different movie stars from the 40's and 50's and used what I found to make my shoot come to life. While researching their style, I also took note of the poses of the stars that I liked. With the help of photographer Theresa S. and stylist Kaya F., they transformed me into a 1940's starlet. They then Photoshopped the portraits so that everything from Zappos would be in color and everything else would be monotone.
It was a fun experience!
Special thanks to Theresa and Kaya.
Blog by: Carol D!
My Mythology - Creating our own living legacy at Zappos.
One of the joys about working at Zappos is the freedom to be ourselves through our own personal style. Style shouts! Individuals identify themselves through their personal style. Taking the chaos out of the closet and using clothing as a celebration to create personal mythology or legend is something I have been fascinated by.
What is someone trying to say through their style?
Join me in the discovery. Each week I will take an employee from Zappos and find out their personal psychology through their favorite outfits.
Today we study the mythology of Angela C. Content Manager for the Casual Content Team.
How would you define your look?
Casual, easy and laid back.
What inspires your style?
Time and comfort.
Who is your favorite designer?
I am not big on brand names (or people names) but right now I am really feeling Stoned Cherrie and Klûk & CGdT. They are both South African.
What fashion item would you never leave the house without?
Earrings!!
Who are your fashion/style icons?
Usually I am inspired by the reflection in the mirror … but today I can settle for Angelique Kidjo.
What are your favorite labels?
PF Flyers and Converse are life changing, American Apparel and Banana Republic make some fantastic tees and I really like Irregular Choice. I wonder what IR’s clothes would look like?
How would you define your mythology that you portray through your style?
I dress for comfort and ease. I also tend to overdress (like scarves in the summer) but that is a blog for another day.
What is your favorite decade for style?
1920’s + 1970’s
What is your favorite fabric?
It is a tie between linen and cotton. Both because they are breathable and don’t usually need to be ironed.
Which watch?
I don’t wear watches.
What brand of denim do you prefer?
Whatever fits or requires the least amount of alterations.
What is your favorite color?
Black. However, I am trying to embrace more color.
What item do you allow yourself to splurge on?
If I love it I buy it doesn’t matter what it is. I am stingy with the love though.
CC Skye or Judith Jack ?
CC Skye.
What is your favorite brand of denim?
Those that need the least tailoring :D
High heels or flats?
High heels believe it or not.
Which bag?
I have this one Laundry by Shelli Segal bag that I got for my sister but then decided to keep for myself … she knows about it and brings it up whenever she remembers.
Sunglasses?
I had these really nice pair of Black Flys which I lost in Kenya this past December.
What is your favorite brand on Zappos?
Irregular Choice – I have 3 pairs and counting.
What are your fashion rules?
Dress to fit your body, always use a mirror and avoid giving your audience vertigo.
D&G Dolce and Gabbana or Marc by Marc Jacobs?
This one is really hard but I would have to go with Marc by Marc Jacobs.
What is your favorite gemstone?
Black onyx.
Andrew Hamilton Crawford or Tarina Tarantino?
Tarina Tarantino
I know you love earrings. What style of earrings are your favorite? Hoops, studs, chandelier?
I don’t really wear studs, but it would have to be hoops with chandeliers coming in at a very close second.
Would set foot in a thrift store?
I am not opposed to it.
What is the best thing you’ve ever found at a thrift store?
I don’t think I have the patience to make it worthwhile.
What is the most you’ve ever spent on fashion and for what item?
It would have to be shoes and my hair. I try not to spend a lot of money on just one thing because I get bored really quick. I guess I have style A.D.D so I just don’t get my money’s worth!! I am a practical girl after all.
Thursday was a very exciting day here at Zappos, we had World Series Of Poker Winner, Phil Hellmuth, in the office for a tour!! Help desk coordinator extroirdannaire, Anne , is an avid poker player and a huge fan of his. Anne plays Texas Hold 'Em throughout the week on the Net and usually every other weekend at the casinos, so today was a HUGE day for her! When Phil came by our row on the tour, Donavon brought him back & introduced her to Phil. I have never seen anyone turn so red in my life!! He was very sweet and took a picture with our own in-house poker star :)
On February 28, it was a very cold, windy day. It started snowing and hail began coming down in spurts. Some would say you would be crazy to be out in weather like that, let alone jump into cold water. But there we were, the Zappos Nerds, ready and willing to freeze our butts off for the Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge!
Dressed to the nines in our best geek wear, we set off to raise our funds and take a dip in the frosty Ohio River. Set up next to the Tumbleweed on the River, there were hundreds ready to take a dip. Some had tents, some had RV's, we had our hoodies and towels to keep us warm. After hours in the cold, windy weather, we marched our way down the dock and took our places. We stood proudly as we joined the ranks of other plungers. We jumped, scrambled out the ladders and raced for the hot tubs. After a geeky moment provided by our own Amanda E., we raced for the heated tents and changed into warm, dry clothes. Afterward some went to eat, some went home to sleep it off, and others headed off to party. It was great fun with friends and I know I'll do it again next year!!
written by Tracy P.
photos by Lynn G.
My Mythology - Creating our own living legacy at Zappos.
One of the joys about working at Zappos is the freedom to be ourselves through our own personal style. Style shouts! Individuals identify themselves through their personal style. Taking the chaos out of the closet and using clothing as a celebration to create personal mythology or legend is something I have been fascinated by.
What is someone trying to say through their style?
Join me in the discovery. Each week I will take an employee from Zappos and find out their personal psychology through their favorite outfits.
Today we study the mythology of Raina A. : Senior Content Coordinator for Outdoors.
How would you define your look?
Kind of off-beat, but definitely comfortable.
What inspires your style?
Comfort… I have to be comfortable. Oh, and lots of tank tops.
Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t really have one… but I do love Betsey Johnson
What fashion item would you never leave the house without?
My favorite sparrow necklace, and my various facial piercings (I have 6 total).
Who are your fashion/style icons?
Devon Aoki and Jenny Lewis. I know they’re very opposite of each other but I <3 them both.
What are your favorite labels?
I don’t really have one. I am partial to Iron Fist and Lucky 13 though.
P.S. Thrift stores rock.
How would you define your mythology that you portray through your style?
I am strangely attracted to anything with a two-tone checkerboard pattern and faux fur… I’m into anything that keeps my interest longer than 10 minutes. It’s a hard thing to do!
What is your favorite decade for style?
Idk…they’ve all had their own ups and downs.
What is your favorite fabric?
I’m a big fan of cotton…the organic kind is even better.
Which watch?
I rarely ever wear watches but when I do it’s either my giant Paul Frank or leather Roxy watch.
What brand of denim do you prefer?
Levi’s all the way.
What is your favorite color?
Black, white and gray depending on my day…they kind of go with everything.
What item do you allow yourself to splurge on?
My Dr. Martens.
Punk or grunge ?
Grunge. I like more dirt I guess.
T.U.K. or Dr. Martens?
Although I love my T.U.K.’s, I <3 my Dr. Martens the most!
What rock star would you love to have free access to their closet?
Patricia Day from the Horrorpops! I love her dresses.
Which bag?
I love the Lux de Ville bags or my giant Kellogs Cornflakes bag.
Sunglasses?
YES…I can’t leave the house without them. My Oakleys are my new fav.
Alexander McQueen or Vivienne Westwood?
Vivienne Westwood
What are your fashion rules?
Super tight things have been known to scare me.
Man bags or man jewelry?
Man bags are HOT.
Fishnets or striped stockings?
Fishnets remind me of my youth. My really weird youth.
Goth or emo?
Emo kids make me cry :*(
What is your favorite brand in your portfolio and why?
I don’t have a favorite. I like them all about the same. _
If you had to only listen to one cd what would it be?
The Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley or Dummy by Portishead.
Would set foot in a thrift store?
At least a few times a month!
What is the best thing you’ve ever found at a thrift store?
My round, giant Kellog's Cornflakes bag, and a pair of two-tone patent leather Dr. Martens. They were each less than $20! I was a pretty happy camper.
What is the most you’ve ever spent on fashion and for what item?
I am guilty of spending 200 bones on a pair of Dr. Martens.
Fun and weirdness was the mood of the day, as team members from the photo department started showing up dressed like nerds. No, they are not strange, just willing participants in the Polar Bear plunge, where the theme for Zappos employees is nerds. They decided to show off their nerdy costumes in all their glory, so everyone could enjoy their hard work in devising their costumes, before they plunged into the bitterly cold Ohio river the next day.
It felt a little like stepping back into a Revenge of the Nerds movie. It also started a round of nerdy laughs and snorts in our startup meeting that would continue throughout the day.
They deserve a special thanks for bringing fun into our day as well as doing something extraordinary for the Special Olympics.
Blog by Lynn G.
Photo By Joon K.
Graphic design by Alex M.
Zappos was recently asked for volunteers to judge the 3rd grade Science Fair at Nicholas Elementary School. Tenicia S., Val F. and Lacy G. stepped up to the challenge. “When Stefanie sent out the e-mail about volunteering as judges at the Science Fair, we looked at it like a great opportunity to become involved with the community.”, stated Tenicia and Val as to why they participated.
Lacy talks about her experience, “My experience was amazing! The kids were so personable and interactive, it was so cute! They were all intrigued by my tattoos and I think that broke the ice a little for the nervous ones. Just seeing the excitement in their eyes when it was their turn to explain the presentations was priceless. I would definitely love to have the chance to experience this again! I'm glad Zappos gives us the opportunity to volunteer and help out in the community.”
The winners had projects such as the Bottle Band, Magnetic Compass and Canology. The judges went back to the school later for the awards ceremony. When they walked in the gym, all the students were waving and yelling, "Hi judges!!" “We really felt like a celebrities.”, said Tenicia. As a special prize all nine winners received a Zappos Monopoly game.
Blog/Photos by Sarah J!
Did You Know . . . ?
That Corina Craig, representing our fabulous CLT Department, owns 15, yes FIFTEEN, pairs of pajama bottoms? I didn't either and I find it both scary and interesting all at the same time. Corina loves to create a little weirdness with statistics like these:
1. These are only bottoms people, apparently pajama tops do not hold that special place in her heart like the bottoms do.
2. She can recite each pair that she owns from memory.
3. She never wears them to bed (and she owns them why??)
4. She hates pajama capris (interesting).
5. 99% of the time she wears them with a Hollister hoddie and a pair of Chucks (I can attest to this).
Now, I couldn't let Corina go without her reciting the list for me and I know all of you are curious to know exactly what design is on each pair, so here we go:
1. Men's red with the Trix bunny.
2. White with 3 penguins in a row.
3. Baby blue with penguins that have scarves wrapped around their necks (love the detail).
4. Red, burgundy, and silver plaid.
5. White, pink, and plaid.
6. Pink, red, and white vertical stripes.
7. Gray with “Aero” written in green.
8. Gray with “Aero” written in pink.
9. Pink and green with white polka dots.
10. Pink and green with “Hollister” written in yellow.
11. Green with “Hollister” written in yellow.
12. Orange with “Holister” written in pink.
13. Pink, yellow, and white vertical stripes.
14. Gray with “Hollister” written in turquoise (Nice job remembering a vague color!!)
15. Blue with white and green polka dots.
Wow, what an adventure! We now will leave you with three pictures of Corina in a few of her favorite pairs of pajama bottoms. Join us next week to find out how many pairs of slippers Abbie Morris owns; I know, we can't wait for that one either.
My Mythology - Creating our own living legacy at Zappos.
One of the joys about working at Zappos is the freedom to be ourselves through our own personal style. Style shouts! Individuals identify themselves through their personal style. Taking the chaos out of the closet and using clothing as a celebration to create personal mythology or legend is something I have been fascinated by.
What is someone trying to say through their style?
Join me in the discovery. Each week I will take an employee from Zappos and find out their personal psychology through their favorite outfits.
Today we study the mythology of Natasha P. Assistant Buyer 2 for Designer Fashion accessories at Zappos.com.
Punk Rock Girl Grows Up.
What inspires your style?
Magazines, TV shows (some old, some new) and what I am planning to do that day.
Who is your favorite designer?
I love the thinking behind Versace, Azzedine Alaia and Hussein Chalayan
What fashion item would you never leave the house without?
A second pair of shoes. A girl needs to be prepared!
Oh! And I always have a little something leopard print with me too!
Who are your fashion/style icons?
Hmmm…I like to reference Nancy Sinatra (ala 1960’s), Scarlet Johannsen (current), Barbara Eden (ala I Dream of Jeanie days), and Lady Bunny (everyday).
What are your favorite labels?
Milly, Nanette Lepore and Betsey Johnson.
Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen?
I can’t choose! I admire and revere both of them.
Tarina Tarantino or Andrew Hamilton Crawford?
That’s like asking which child I like best!!!
Tarina’s jewelry just makes me smile! There’s a sense of humor in her work and it always makes people ask about it. If you don’t get it, you never will.
And AHC is totally different, In my opinion Andrew Hamilton Crawford epitomizes the new trend of mothers and daughters sharing the same clothing, jewelry and trends. It’s hip, current and at the same time classic.
How would you define your mythology that you portray through your style?
I’m a big believer in the idea that if you look good, you feel good. I think it’s important to be true to yourself and your style. I’ve had things in my closet that are 10 years old (that still fit, thank God!) and I love them ‘til this day, some were super cheap and some weren’t, but I love them all the same and can mix them up together.
What is your favorite decade for style?
Early to mid 1960’s.
The shift dress, hairspray and hair dye are the best inventions ever!
What is your favorite fabric?
Pony fur! I’d cover my walls in it if I could!
Which celebrity would you like to be able raid their closet ?.
Rachel Zoe, she just about has freakin’ everything in there! I could play for days….
What brand of denim do you prefer?
I’m still looking and trying so hard….but for nowpaper denim & cloth and 7 for All Mankind, though I plan on attempting True Religion, Joe’s and Rock & Republic. I’m only 5 pounds away from a shopping trip!
Fishnets or opaque tights?
Practical me-OPAQUE
Fun me- FISHNETS
Kitten heels, 3”, 4”, 5”, or 6” heels?
Kitten for the average day, 4” for Nightcrawls, and 6” for lounging and having someone bring me my cocktails while I perch.
What is your favorite color?
Pink and Gold
What is your favorite gemstone?
Opal.Rockabilly or Psychobilly?
Psychobilly.
Goth or Neo-Romantic?
A combo.
Punk or preppy?
Punk.
What item do you allow yourself to splurge on?
I’m trying to change my habits. I splurged on whatever I liked pre-2009, but I’m really trying to change my habits. Instead of lots of little things I am planning on making one big purchase this year…I’ll let you know when I do……
Do you need to take out a second mortgage for your style?
I was heading down that path, but am really trying to change my ways…..
Diamonds or pearls?
I can get down with both…different occasions, different looks!
Which bag?
Please see “splurge” comment above. It’s a secret for now!
Sunglasses?
Oh yeah! Am becoming an expert in this field now! But more than sunglasses, I am spying some of the Betsey Johnson readers. I don’t exactly need to wear readers, but they are so cute, and would expand my librarian wardrobe options.
Which fragrance?
Believe it or not, I have never been able to shake the 90’s Versace fragrance, Blonde. They stopped making it years ago, but I have sealed stashes of it in my house in a cool, dry place. I also love Creed’s Indiana.
What is your favorite item you’ve ever bought at Zappos.com?
OOH! Hmmm….so many…..I have these great Moschino patent heels that have a clear pvc vamp and say, “chic” across it. They combine everything I like!
But I get a ton of mileage from a pair of $40 Volatile wedges. I’m serious! And I can prove how comfy they are because there are at least 15 other girls in the office who bought 3 pairs themselves! I’m telling you, they’re like sneakers!
What is your favorite brand on Zappos.com?
Probably Betsey Johnson, it’s always new and colorful.
What are your fashion rules?
Anchor it with black,
Throw in some leopard here and there,
prairie skirts have no place in my world.
If it looks natural, why bother?!?
What is the most you’ve spent on a handbag?
See “splurge” comment above.
Would you set foot in a thrift store?
Oh yes! I tend to be drawn to the housewares and art sections.
I get addicted to going to thrift stores now and then. I have to force myself to hold back.
What is the best thing you’ve ever found at a thrift store?
Poodles. Love Poodle statues! I cannot tell you how many 1950’s spaghetti poodle statues I have!
And the colors!
What is the most you’ve ever spent on fashion and for what item?
I really don’t want to admit this in writing, nor do I really want to admit this to myself.
When you think eco-friendly shoes and where to get them, I hope Vans and Zappos comes to mind. Nowadays everyone is trying to get their hands on anything "green" and some go as far as stepping up their game and producing green/eco-friendly product.
MY GREEN SHOE OF THE WEEK IS: Vans Rata Plus
A awesome after surf, or your ordinary comfort shoe, features all hemp and premium textile upper that are all eco-friendly.
Not to forget, the bamboo lined midsole, bio-degradable corn lace eyelets, and all over design made of water based inks.
Green Tip of the Day: SURFING
When you're looking for beach access before you catch the waves always keep your vehicle on marked pathways, and never drive across sand dunes.
You will be saving gasoline, coastal habitats and ensure the future of a good surf! 
Surf's UP, Stay Green YO!
There's a new WOW on the block and it's called: Department of WOW!
Have you ever had trouble choosing just one person for Wow Parking or Zappos Employee of the Week, because there were so many people in the dept that helped you out? Well, now you have a chance to recognize the whole department! Each month the winning Dept of Wow will "Pass the Torch" by selecting a new DEPT of WOW and also update the DEPT of WOW boards in 2280 & 2290.
It's up to the nominating department that chooses the next DEPT of WOW whether they would like to appreciate the winning department further with any additional perks (i.e. Thank You card, bagel breakfast, hosted potluck, etc).
This month's department of WOW couldn't deserve it more. They are the ones that make sure our favorite eats are in the lunchroom, ship and receive our packages, help keep Zappos clean and our days bright.
Facilities, we salute you!
What does half a keyboard, hot chocolate, puzzles, cupcakes and bowling have in common?
It is a way to pass a culture baton! Starting at the January All Hands Meeting, 10 batons, representing the Zappos.com Core Values, were distributed to various departments. When a team receives a baton they must demonstrate the core value in a fun and creative way as they pass it to another department or shift. For example, Core Value #8 Do More With Less Baton was passed by replacing a laptop with a half (yes half) of a keyboard. CV #7: Build a Positive Team and Family Sprit included one of the tastier demonstrations, a cupcake challenge! Teams only have two weeks to pass the baton on. Once the baton has been passed, an entry is made into the culture baton log. At the end of the year, the results will be tallied and we will see which baton has the most passes!
Blog and Photos by Sarah J!
