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5 Minutes With: Kristin Detterline

5 Minutes With: Kristin Detterline
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Among other things, the Americae woman is confident and professional. She always has a certain je ne sais quoi and Kristin Detterline has that.

Kristin is the Editor-in-Chief of Modern Luxury's Philadelphia Style Magazine, one of Modern Luxury's 24 regional luxury titles across the U.S, and leads it with confidence and professionalism.

To quote Philadelphia Style's September 2018 issue, "To be bold, vibrant and elegant is to be a modern woman. And that's how the founder of the Americae fashion label sees it."

Read on to spend five minutes with one of the bold, vibrant, and elegant modern women who inspires us.

What do you do?

I'm involved in every aspect of the magazine, from pitching, planning and researching to finding artwork, fact-checking and proofing. The planning of the book is sort of like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. The pieces all have to fit. I spent a lot of time with every issue, the process is about three months, start to finish, so I wait about two weeks to read the magazine when the first copies drop at the office. We also host events and I do TV segments on local stations tied to lifestyle topics throughout the year.

Searching for story ideas is always the fun part. I still rip pages out of other magazines for inspiration and jot ideas down on paper that I inevitably can't find when I need them.

What do you love about what you do?

I meet a lot of people that I would normally never cross paths with in everyday life because of Philadelphia Style. A few weeks ago, I had meetings with a lifestyle publicist, a fashion designer, a venture capitalist with a thriving local charity, and the CEO of a law firm in one afternoon. What they all have in common is a compelling story to tell and they trust the magazine to share their story in a thoughtful way.

Also, I've tried just about every new skincare treatment this town has to offer and my face will forever be grateful.

Where are you from?

Haddon Township, New Jersey. My family still lives there so I am back home pretty often.

Education?

Rowan University.

Sign?

Scorpio.

Favorite Americae items and why?

The accessories! The Andromeda Choker is the ultimate statement piece. The Raw Emerald Ring is another one, and so easy to dress up or down. For clothing, I love the Tuxedo Blazer and Tuxedo Cigarette Pants. I'd chose a perfectly tailored suit over a little black dress any day.

Who do you think embodies the Americae Woman, living or dead, and why?

I traveled to Buenos Aires last December and the last thing I did before flying home was visiting the Eva Perón Museum. Her presence can be felt in many places around the city, like the Pink Palace and La Recoleta. She was smart, ambitious, fearless and very much ahead of her time. She was also very fashionable, the museum showcased a lot of her clothing. When I think of the Americae woman, Perón immediately comes to mind.

Describe your style and why is it authentically you?

I am a jeans girl. I love denim and have piles of it in my closet. I have a few pairs I know I'll probably never wear again but I keep them because they make me sentimental about the occasions I wore them. I like denim because it's comfortable and versatile and so easy to take from day to night. And there's never been a better time to love denim because you can wear an affordable pair of Levi's or a pricey pair of Moussy Vintage and they are all on-trend.

What drives you?

My overall goal is to produce a magazine that I am proud of and that readers find interesting. On a broader scale, I really want to be a positive role model for my two nieces. They are tweens and just beginning to find their way in the world. I think it's always been a tough age for girls but it seems even more difficult and demanding today. I want them to know they can do anything they put their minds to and that hard work pays off.

What's on your bookshelf?

Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles is on my nightstand. I just read CIRCE, her second novel, when a review copy landed at the office. It's one of the smartest, most beautifully written books I've ever read. I have a writer crush on Miller.

Next or favorite travel destination?

I have been daydreaming about going out west for the last year. It's part of the country Ive never explored before. Maybe touring some national parks or Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.

What's next for you? 

I used to paint and draw a lot when I was little. In high school, I always took art classes. I wasn't too bad, either! I'd like to get back in touch with my artistic side as an adult and see how I measure up.

What's your personal motto or what message would you like to share with women?

I firmly believe the old adage is true: Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how to react to it. Everything is a choice.

In 2019, Kristin will celebrate her 10th year with Philadelphia Style. The magazine will celebrate its 20th.

Reality is extraordinary. You are too.

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