Personal Q&A

About Karen

Get to know your fashion shopping expert here

Hiking in Peru

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I’ve been obsessed with classic cars since I was 19 when I almost bought a 1959 Corvette. I bought a 1968 convertible Mustang instead that year. I now have a 1957 MGA & Rare Japanese Figaro (I call it my "Hello Kitty" car).

what’s your favorite classic car?

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

what’s your favorite go-to food, sweet & drink?

A great Omakase, Mochi ice cream, and Sake that is floral and crisp.

Favorite activities and pastimes:

Sailing - Cutting through waves for hours is invigorating to me.

Photography - Ansel Adams inspired me back in High School. Collecting sand from all over the world (Dubai to Vieques). I have over 150 miniature bottles labeled and on display at my beach house.

Travel - I love all the stamps from around the world in my passports. I wouldn’t feel whole if I wasn’t being cultured via international travel. Peru and Iceland are among my favorite trips so far.

My Next Car

NYC Neon

Met’s Dugout

Mochi Enjoying Some Art

If not NYC, where would you live?

Paris or Barcelona for a city, St. Remy or Umbria for the countryside.

Who would you want at your dinner party if you could invite anyone:

David Bowie, Anthony Bourdain, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Martin

Something you can’t live without?

My husband. We met at a Sweet 16 in High School, and we’ve been together since we graduated college. We’re still best friends, which is the secret to long term happiness.

What are your Favorite flowers?

Peonies and Allium

Where do you spend your weekends?

At our Hamptons beach house with friends and family

Best celebrity moment since living in NYC?

There are two classic ones:

The first was a private moment when I was 22 years old passing David Bowie on 67th St. between Park Ave & Madison Ave at 3:30 pm during the week. There wasn’t another soul around. I nearly died. If that were today, I would have taken his arm and said “I’d like to buy you a drink and chat for a bit.”

The second was while having dinner with friends. The woman sitting next to me had on perfume that reminded me of my trip to Jamaica, and I asked to smell her wrist to be sure. While I was smelling her wrist I realized it was Gwyneth Paltrow!

Favorite personal quote?

“Be a leader, not a follower”

3 magazines on your nightstand?

Departures, Hagerty Drivers Club of Classic Cars, and Vogue

Favorite Show?

The Off-Broadway show “Sleep No More.” You can go 100 times, and the show will be different every time. I can’t even begin to explain the incredible visuals you will see.

favorite iPhone apps?

Shazam so I can always download that great song I just heard, Flipboard to keep up with everything around the world, and Google Earth so I can plan my next journey.

your secret spot in NYC to escape?

ABC Carpet & Home is like a museum to me. I start on the top floor, and walk every floor.

favorite NYC museum?

Cooper Hewitt. The architectural details of the once owned private mansion are a bonus to the amazing exhibits.

favorite book?

The Color of Water by James McBride. Very empowering.

what makes you happy?

Reflexology, sunsets on the water, sailing, and global travels.

Looking back on your life, what do you regret?

Not studying abroad for one year when my parents offered me the opportunity.

what is the secret to a happy life?

Stay young by always doing fun & new things to enhance your life. Never stop!

What was the worst job you ever had and why was it so bad?

Working in a bakery for one week at 14. I fainted twice from the heat in the kitchen during the summer.

what was the best job you ever had and why?

My current one. I absolutely love meeting amazing tourists (people) from all over the world. I got to enjoy a four day wedding in Dubai cause I stayed friends with fabulous past clients!

What is it that you absolutely couldn’t live without?

The time to travel the world!

what do you still want to accomplish?

Kayaking in Patagonia.

What event in your life would you like to live over and why?

Climbing Huaynu Picchu at Machu Picchu again. It was life changing for me.

what are your favorite Television shows?

Little House on the Prairie, SNL, Jimmy Kimmel, and anything on The Travel Channel.

Fashion Q&A

Click here

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 786 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Verified Shopping tour!
A shopping experience like no other! This was my second time doing this shopping tour and once again it did NOT disappoint. It was such a fun day of shopping off the racks of amazing designers, right out of their studio. I had items to choose from that were selected based on my styles and everything was perfect. The designers were so welcoming and kind and Karen was just fantastic. Can’t wait til next time!
     
   Jody M 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Great time with Karen and Style Room NYC!
We spent an incredible afternoon with Karen and her designers. It was exactly what we had hoped it would be, an opportunity to meet and talk with local designers about their business while seeing the best of the up and coming styles of the season! Karen was an incredible host - she custom designed the day to exactly what we were looking for, from beginning to end. This was our second time with Style Room NYC and we can't wait for our third! Thanks Karen!
     
   DayTrip801432 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Design to shine!
Karen was wonderful! And the experience was so fun! Thank you, Karen, for a great day shopping with you!!!
     
   janice e 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified One of a kind experience
I believe this is our 11th tour with Karen. Always our favorite day in New York for our annual girls trip. We meet with incredible designers and purchase clothes we love. If you haven’t booked it yet for your next trip to New York too so!
     
   KristieDavies 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified The way to shop if you can afford it
Karen is amazing. The clothes are amazing. The craftsmanship at most of the designers is so good. This is what buying good clothes used to look like. With her discount, you are paying Nordstrom or Saks prices for similar items of much higher quality with a curated experience. Karen is a joy. she’s not just taking you into these designers, she’s styling you.
     
   KDB17 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Beautiful Shopping Experience !!!
We had the most wonderful experience with Karen. I was able to be educated and get some beautiful clothing. We will definitely be back for another shopping experience with Karen and spread the word to our friends from Las Vegas. The clothing is something of quality and one of a kind which is the best part. A very special and unforgettable journey we had !!!
     
   Sandee M 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Wonderful. We will be back again!
Our second mother and daughter tour with Karen. Wonderful fun. Thoughtfully curated to our styles. The advance questionnaire really helped this process--provide as much detail as you can on what you are shopping for (fabrics, cuts, specific pieces). Karen offered great styling tips and honest feedback while trying on garments to help with our final selections. We look forward to more style tours with Karen.
     
   Sarah P 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Great birthday gift!
I booked this tour for my wife as her birthday gift and she had an incredible time with Style Room Shopping Experience in NYC! Karen was an absolute rockstar of a guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and so passionate about fashion. She tailored the tour perfectly to my wife’s style and interests. Every designer studio visited was amazing, showcasing unique, high-quality pieces that felt so special. The whole experience was seamless, fun, and a fantastic way to discover NYC’s fashion scene. Highly recommend!
     
   Adam 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Educational and so much fun!
My mother and I had such a fun, and educational experience on Karen’s tour. Not only did she move things around for us, but she was so kind and personable. We started at the first designers studio, who was very sweet and had a lot of experience. There we learned from Karen about the basics of working in fashion, and saw those in real time at the designer’s studio. On our short walk to the next designer’s building, we learned about the garment district, and about Karen’s time working in fashion trade and showrooms. She helped us to understand what it’s like working in the business of fashion. The second designer(s) had a very cool studio which allowed us to see how much time and work goes into creating a single collection. They were very funny and very kind as well. It was definitely reassuring to see that Karen was up to date with what was going on with each designer, and showed that she was very much the person to be learning from. And of course, she was very well dressed! Karen, I loved your pants! Whether you go on the educational or shopping tour, you will leave with more knowledge and have a great time. Karen, we are so grateful that you were able to get us in last minute. I have a way better idea of what I’d like to study fashion-wise now when the time comes. We had a wonderful time. Thank you!! ♥️
     
   Escape15012586817 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Best shopping experience ever!
What a fabulous way to learn about the world of fashion!!! Karen is such a sweetheart! Not only did she share her wealth of knowledge about the fashion industry, but she also introduced us to the most talented designers. Karen provided my daughter with the best selection of gorgeous clothing that fits her style and taste perfectly. If you’re headed to NYC and love fashion this tour is a must!
     
   Lisa R

See More Reviews

Book a VIP Shopping Experience