OK Magazine: The Time I Discussed Amy Winehouse with Mitch Winehouse

True story: In 2009, I took a trip to St. Lucia. I was writing a piece about how Amy Winehouse had a major impact (in a good way) on the tiny island's economy. For 72 hours, I was with Amy as she took the stage at St. Lucia Jazz Fest, went swimming in the ocean and hiked up a mountain to see a litter of new born puppies. She was tortured, but beautiful. Sad, but made us all laugh. Dark in some ways, but her presence brought light. This random editoral in OK! Magazine where I was pit against Mitch Winehouse has deeper meaning for me. My quote spoke from experience of hanging with one of the greatest artists of our time... and I still love that runway look from that Jean Paul Gaultier collection. 

Hitha Herzog discussing Amy Winehouse: "Amy WInehouse was a cultural icon when she was a live despite her problems with substance abuse. In Gaultier's defense, fashion designers draw inspiration from everywhere! I think the images of Amy is fair gam…

Hitha Herzog discussing Amy Winehouse: "Amy WInehouse was a cultural icon when she was a live despite her problems with substance abuse. In Gaultier's defense, fashion designers draw inspiration from everywhere! I think the images of Amy is fair game; there was nothing off color about the presentation. All the models...well...looked just like her. Would it have been nice to consult her family before? Sure. But I see it as more of an homage to her as opposed to disrespect."

Who are the Forbes' The Top Women Executives of Indian Heritage You Need to Know? Hint: One of them is me!

Ten years ago I was a writer at Forbes, now the magazine has included me in a piece about lady execs to watch. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning 

Ten years ago I worked at Forbes as a style writer. Now, the magazine has listed me as top executive you need to know. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning (Copy reads: Hitha Herzog (neé Prabhakar) is a powerhouse. "I …

Ten years ago I worked at Forbes as a style writer. Now, the magazine has listed me as top executive you need to know. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning 

(Copy reads: Hitha Herzog (neé Prabhakar) is a powerhouse. "I am in fierce competition with myself, meaning, I wake up every morning and think: how can I make what I did yesterday, better?" she says in her trademark enthusiasm. The New York-based author, investigative reporter and retail analyst is the Chief Research Officer of H Squared Research LLC, a data driven research firm for registered investment advisors, and is also a consumer spending columnist for US News and World Report.)

LOTW: Faux Leopard

Hitha Herzog in a faux leopard jacket, a white Maje flouncy dress, and blue suede Louboutin heels.

Hitha Herzog in a faux leopard jacket, a white Maje flouncy dress, and blue suede Louboutin heels.

This little faux leopard jacket was a prototype design given to me by a designer in 2004. For 12 years it's been layered over black tie dresses, jeans, work out gear, and in this picture over a Maje dress + Louboutin heels. Not sure if I am more siked it's held up so long or that I still fit into it! 

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Representing the Republic of Lancome: Hitha Herzog in the New York Times

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"I think maybe in the 80s and 90s, being a model was really glamourous and sophisticated and interesting and now when you tell people you are a model, it's almost like 'uch.' Ms. Prabhakar said. There is no great association to it. But when you tell someone you are an ambassador, I mean, you think of an ambassador to a country, they're actuall official, they're doing things." - Hitha Prabhakar

Snippet from the New York Times, discussing model ambassadors. Copy of Hitha Herzog's comments reads: Hitha Prabhakar, a principal of the Stylefile Group, a retail consulting firm, said some brand ambassadors for fashion houses make $200,000 to $500…

Snippet from the New York Times, discussing model ambassadors. Copy of Hitha Herzog's comments reads: Hitha Prabhakar, a principal of the Stylefile Group, a retail consulting firm, said some brand ambassadors for fashion houses make $200,000 to $500,000 a year, with free merchandise and travel expenses, though some, like Ms. Traina and her ilk, are unsalaried. "I think maybe in the '80s and '90s, being a model was really glamorous and sophisticated and interesting and now when you tell people you are a model, it's almost like 'uch.' Ms. Prabhakar said. There is no great association to it. But when you tell someone you are an ambassador, I mean, you think of an ambassador to a country, they're actually official, they're doing things."

LOTW: Oscars Glam

Hitha Herzog wearing a one shoulder top, midnight blue gown.

Hitha Herzog wearing a one shoulder top, midnight blue gown.

I don't do black tie a ton, but when I do, I don't f--- around. This Sophie Theallet. Don't know who she is. Check out her bio (source Wikipedia): 

Born in 1964 in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France,[1] Sophie Theallet is a French fashion designer[2] whose clients include First Lady Michelle Obama. (And me!) 

At 18, Sophie Theallet moved to Paris to attend the fashion design school, Studio Berçot. She graduated early after winning France's “National Young Design Award” and was hired by Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Theallet then joined Azzedine Alaïa for a decade before moving to New York. She now lives in Brooklyn Heights

After moving to New York City, Sophie continued to work with Alaïa on a part-time basis, while also freelancing for other fashion labels.

In 2007, she launched her own label, Sophie Theallet. In 2009, she won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

 

Vogue India's Most Stylish Indian Women in the World

When Vogue India calls to put you in the pages of their magazine, you answer and say yes to whatever they want to do. For their annual "Most Stylish Indian Women in the World," Phil Oh and I headed to the west side of Manhattan to walk and talk in the rain. Nothing staged or over dramatic, just a quick walk to my office with one of the best photographers in the country! 

Hitha Herzog in a floral purple dress and patent Louboutins. Copy reads: Hitha Prabhakar, 34, New York Retail Analyst and On-air Correspondent. New Mexico and New York are a long way from each other, both physically and sartorially. The daughter of …

Hitha Herzog in a floral purple dress and patent Louboutins. Copy reads: Hitha Prabhakar, 34, New York Retail Analyst and On-air Correspondent. New Mexico and New York are a long way from each other, both physically and sartorially. The daughter of doctors, Prabhakar grew up in the open spaces of the desert and now lives in New York's concrete jungle, but it's her Indian roots that have influenced her look. "I'm not afraid of jewel tones and bold prints, and on-air I always wear something vibrant. I'm also obsessed with sparkly jewelry from Tom Binns Design and Iosselliari." The dichotomy between her childhood home and her new city runs through her wardrobe—"I'm like 70s housewife-meets-punk-rocker; think Sid and Nancy (1986) meets The Love Story (1970) meets The Graduate (1967)." Shopping haunts: The Brooklyn Flea Market and the Meatpacking District.

#TBT Germany, 2014

A week after I got married in October, I went to Germany to tape a show called Hiring America. This show focusing on getting Veterans jobs as they transition out of the military. I learned a lot that week- mostly how much the amazing women and men who serve our country sacrifice for our freedom. I saw it first hand and was in awe. 

Hitha Herzog in a rain jacket in front of a lush background.

Hitha Herzog in a rain jacket in front of a lush background.

Negotiating advice: My piece in TotalJobs.com

News flash: If you are waiting around for your boss to up your salary 50-70% because she/he thinks you deserve it, think again. Take your life and career into your own hands and learn how to negotiate! Too freaked out to have the initial conversation? Confused on what to say? Check this piece I wrote for www.totaljobs.com. Bottom line- don't be a part of the 42% who never negotiate (source: salary.com). Ask and you shall receive. And if you don't, know your self worth + be certain you will get something else that will meet your career criteria.