Celebrity Fashionista: Designs By Karen

Jenn Gruener is a sophomore Indiana University, majoring in Ballet and Communications. Jenn comes to IU with more than just her bubbly personality and imprinting smile, she comes with a wardrobe that is filled with high-fashion, haute couture ensembles from Designs by Karen. How is Jenn given these clothes free of charge? You guessed it… Karen is Jenn’s very own mother. I knew Jenn before I came to Indiana and I was always stunned by her sense of style. So, I sat down with Jenn for a bit and asked her what it was like to be the daughter of a Fashion Designer, and she told me how everyone at IU can get an exclusive in on Designs by Karen too!
 
I’ve been seeing a lot of girls around campus wearing the headbands your mother sells. They look like they really keep you warm. They do!! Also they are perfect forwearing your hair up. They are chic enough to wear going out. You don’t have to worry about anything!
  
How did your mother, Karen, know she wanted to be involved in the fashion industry? After college, my mom noticed she had a good eye for noticing runway trends that made an imprint on people’s everyday ensembles. She took note of styles that ‘stuck.’ She decided to move to New York, and started selling simple things like headbands and purses. Now she is selling jewelry as well as clothing. Her inventory is always changing, updating. She chooses wisely which pieces she should sell, because she knows that style is always transforming. Fashion is always ten steps ahead of you, so when you’re in the business, you have to be right up there with it.  
 
Do you think you have adopted the same talent as your Mom?
Yes, but being on campus I can see what trends actually stick to real life people as opposed to runway models. Living in a distinct college environment, I know what styles will and will not do well. I let my mom know of everything I observe!
 
What do you say to people when they compliment you on your clothing?
“Oh my mom sells it!” I really say that they can buy it on the spot if they want, but most don’t think I’m serious, but I am! I’ll take it off and it is yours!
 
Where do you shop in Bloomington?
Mainly Urban Outfitters or Cactus Flower. It is nice to have stores on campus that are as trendy as ones in the city. Also, from shopping here I can really tell when there is the same type of item on sale over and over again that it is clearly not a hit. There are 42,000 kids on campus, and if not ONE of them likes them where everyone is the same age, then it is probably something that won’t do very well anywhere else.
   
What is one item you cannot live without?
I always wear a bracelet on my right hand. One is a leather bracelet with a crystal charm in the middle. The other is leather with studs on it. I feel like they compliment any outfit I wear. Coco Chanel once said, “When accessorizing always take off the last thing you put on.” Fortunately, my bracelets are never the last things I put on!!
 
Invest a lot of money in jeans, things you will wear forever. Important the way they fit. Don’t spend too much money on other stuff. Good pocket book, jackets (staple).
 
What are some of Design’s by Karen’s biggest sellers right now?
Lace scarves are a huge hit! A lot of people associate scarves as a seasonal item, but these scarves can be worn year round. I love them! Also,  gloves you can use your iPhone or iPod with are selling fast. They are a great present for the Holiday season if anyone is thinking of something to get their Mom or Dad!
 
What is a big “fashion faux pas” you see on campus?
Well… to start, People need to dress up more!  Its more fun to look good. Students become complacent with the same sweat pants and IU wear. Dressing up makes you feel good AND it makes you look good so why not do it? Personally, I am not a fan of sweatpants. I’m sorry but you don’t need to be comfortable all the time. The old saying “Beauty is Pain” can be true, but in this day and age there are so many accessible and comfortable pieces out there that could possibly be just as comfortable as your sweatpants, plus you have the benefits of looking like you care! If you were to buy some shirts for tailgating or something, I love the cute tanks with the sparkles on it! It gives the normal collegiate paraphernalia a little bit of flair! 
 
Do you have any advice for students?
Invest money on staples that fit your personality and you, like a good pair of jeans. They will last you forever. Don’t spend too much money on simple things that may not be in style forever. A good pair of jeans, a classic pocket book, and a nice pair of heels can go a long way!  Also, Uggs and Northface jackets are overrated. If you are going to spend that much money on boots that are not supportive or waterproof (or pretty) then why not buy something that is all of that and more! Replace them with leather boots and replace Northface with an insulated trench coat.
 
How would fellow IU students be able to make purchases from Designs by Karen?
You can e-mail me at jgruener@umail.iu.edu, and I will forward it directly to the designer herself!