Editor-at-large for Southern Living, author, blogger and lifestyle expert
Kimberly has already owned and sold a very successful party rentals business. And since then, she's only increased her popularity in the lifestyle arena by authoring seven books, making TV and radio appearances for Southern Living and creating fresh content for her popular blog, KimberlySchlegelWhitman. She recently co-founded a new textiles business called Halo Home by KSW, which is already taking off. Kimberly is also busy with her latest book, Monograms For The Home, in support of its recent release with book signings in many cities. She has no typical work routine. She serves on boards of local charitable organizations. Kimberly is a wife, mom, and daughter in a well-established Dallas family.
Dress code:
Being a lifestyle expert means that Kimberly looks nice All. The. Time. If she has a day full of meetings, luncheons, book signings and/or TV appearances, then she usually wears a colorful dress. If she is spending her day preparing for an upcoming photo shoot for a blog post or TV appearance, then she wears pants with a colorful top. The key word here is color - and it's Kimberly's favorite way to enhance her wardrobe.
Favorite shops/brands/designer:
Big fan of:
Living Proof haircare
On her wish list:
An Irene Neuwirth necklace
Daily Commute:
Vehicle:
Listens to:
Sirius Christmas station during the holidays CNN
Business travel essential:
Rimowa luggage
Workday:
Typical work routine:
There is nothing typical about each day. Kimberly has very different responsibilities in her work - photo shoots, tv appearances, book signings, writing for her blog, vendor meetings for her linens company, charity board meetings - and so her routine is to simply stay flexible and productive.
Meeting essentials:
She likes taking notes in her notebook.
Job stress management:
She loves her work and tends to thrive in challenging situations.
Work pet peeve:
The initial negative "we can't do that" position instead of choosing to view potential opportunities in difficult moments.
Happiest (recent) work moments:
The fact that Monograms For The Home, Kimberly's latest book, is in it's fourth printing!
Desk drawer:
Kimberly describes her office as an open and creative space.
Favorite office supply:
Her Hermés notebooks and tabs that help organize her ideas.
Software/apps must haves (besides email):
Agenda:
Achieving daily goals:
Kimberly uses her email as her to-do list. When she needs to get something done - she sends an email to herself as a reminder. She makes rapid decisions and moves as quickly as possible to stay on schedule.
Favorite sites/style bloggers:
Favorite magazine:
Career advice:
Be authentic and listen to your instincts.
Work motto:
Get 'er done.
Non-profit organizations:
Follow Kimberly on Instagram at @KimberlyWhitman.
Follow Halo Home on Instagram at @HaloHomebyKSW.
"I don't have a routine
at all. It's always just
go, go, go, go."
"I love having things a little bit different that not
everybody has seen."
Looking into Kimberly's office through the glass wall of her brother's adjoining office, you can see by her radiant smile that this lifestyle expert has a lot to be excited about in her life and career.
Kimberly's Mark and Graham Elisabetta Slouch bag includes (click on links below for more info):
Makeup pouch by Breakups to Makeup
Listerine Cool Mint Breath Strips
Mrs. John L. Strong Place Cards
Metallic gold hair tie
Comb
Mary Kay lip gloss in Fancy Nancy
Lexus car key
Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder
Apple Mini iPad in monogrammed case
Hermés Ulysse Leather Notebook
Inside Kimberly's Louis Vuitton makeup pouch you'll find (click on links below for more info):
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Ash/Brown
Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder
Urban Decay Naked Double Brush
Edward Bess Lipstick in Blushed Orchid
Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop
Aerin Eye Shadow and Lip Brushes
Tom Ford Cheek Color in Love Lust
Lancome Fever Lipshine in Chromed Pink
Laura Mercier Lip Shine in Tempting Coral
Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush
Clé de Peau Lipstick in Smokey Rose
Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner in Noir
Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara in Jumbo Jet
Metallic gold hair tie
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Light
L'Oréal True Match Makeup in Buff Beige
Kimberly's view of downtown Dallas under development among her family photos and awards from several charitable organizations.
Kimberly's desk is kept clean of mess so she can focus on her Halo Home linen samples. Wearing her Hannah Ferguson monogrammed cuff, she keeps work essentials close by, such as her Hermés Ulysse notebooks (in three different sizes), Varsity disposable fountain pen, her iPhone, and the highlighter pencils she picked up at the MoMA store.
On days when Kimberly is running errands for styling her next photo shoot, she relies on her Stuart Weitzman boots, J Brand jeans with a colorful top from Preen along with a classic
Chanel bag.
This bookshelf in the family office proudly displays Kimberly's books along with a vintage photo of her grandfather.
"They took a while to arrive, but I think they're perfect! Definitely worth the wait," Kimberly's discussing her Stubbs and Wootton velvet slippers, customized with
her monogram.
Kimberly's favorite office supplies include the tabs she uses to organize her notebook subjects.
"I'm just up for the adventure and for whatever
new project comes up."
Beyond the conference room are the Schlegel family offices in the order of Kimberly's mother, sister, Kimberly and her brother - each with glass walls. Kimberly's husband's office is also conveniently close.
For days with appointments and meetings, Kimberly wears dresses to look her professional best.
"It's nice to be surrounded
by people who are
encouraging me."
Very active on social media, Kimberly enjoys a moment of Instagram at the local Mercat Bistro.
The conference room includes a stunning double-sided fireplace opening into the adjoining office, a painting by Mel Bochner, and sleek furnishings.
