Intrigued by the Solestruck ads featuring Tess Pare-Mayer of The Little Black List, we set up an interview with the vintage-loving, accessory-piling, individualistic style-setting NYC-based fashion blogger to ask her how that collaboration all came about.
We got more than we asked for because not only did we get a peek into her life as stylist-slash-model-slash-fashion blogger elite (to name a few of her titles), but we also got a peek into her very envy-inducing shoe closet. Tess gamely shared pictures of her current shoe obsessions and favorite vintage finds, all shot exclusively for YNS readers.
If Tess isn’t on your blog reading list yet, you’re missing out! Make sure to check out her blog, The Little Black List—but first, dive into her interview below and explore her enviable shoe collection, shared exclusively with us.
Tess Pare-Mayer effortlessly blends boho, glam, and edgy styles with statement pieces and unique footwear
Fashion blogger Tess Pare-Mayer showcases her eclectic style in fur, lace, and vintage-inspired layers (Credit: Tess Pare-Mayer / Helen Pearson)
YNS: Styling, modeling, shooting – you always do so many things simultaneously! But which came first, Tess Pare-Mayer, the fashion blogger, the stylist, or the model?
Tess: I’ve been obsessed with fashion my whole life. Even as a young child, I would get dressed in a “styling” manner, i.e., from head to toe, with no detail overlooked. Different-colored or patterned socks paired with my jellies, neon leotards, and swimsuits worn as shirts with acid-washed denim skirts. Stacks of sterling silver and turquoise rings and cuffs. My mother quotes me when I was 4 years old: “You can dress me in it; that doesn’t mean I’m going to stay in it.” After she dressed me for pre-school, I went to fix my breakfast and came out in a completely different outfit.
As for “modeling,” I don’t consider myself a model in any way, shape, or form. I think of The Little Black List as a platform that allows me to share my visions, concepts, and general aesthetics with people who enjoy fashion as much as I do. It is much easier to dress myself because I know what fits and what styles suit me and complement my frame. I can capture each outfit daily because I must get dressed daily. Regarding working, I now do all three simultaneously: styling, modeling, blogging, and sometimes shooting. It’s a hectic work life.
Tess Pare-Mayer on her approach to fashion: ‘Fashion for me is art.’
YNS: So, let’s see if we got this straight: Solestruck was looking for someone to model the Maurie & Eve and Kron Kron shoes. They saw you and cast you as the model on the spot. How did that whole fairytale-like collaboration come about?
Tess: It seems strange to read, but yes, it was an instant casting. Solestruck posted a message on Twitter asking for a model for two new lines they would be carrying. A friend and fellow blogger sent me the info and told me I should try it. So I did. I sent them a few photos and my information, including my site, and I got an email within 45 seconds. I think it was just luck that my look fit their idea for the shoot.
The best part of collaborating with Solestruck, besides getting a preview of new and incredible shoes, was meeting my “long lost friend,” as Ty [McBride] (a brand specialist focusing on footwear) puts it. We hit it off immediately! About five minutes into meeting each other face to face, we were laughing, dancing, and making really inappropriate jokes. He’s the best.
Tess Pare-Mayer of The Little Black List modeling the Maurie & Eve Creeper Wedge ($249.95) for Maurie & Eve shoes
YNS: Do you have a favorite among all the Maurie & Eve and Kron Kron shoes you modeled?
Tess: I love the Maurie & Eve and Kron Kron shoes. They were all so different and interesting. The combinations of colors and textures created shoes, unlike anything I had seen before. Even though I only wore them briefly, I imagined that I would pair them in my closet. I even tried to convince Ty to gift them to me!
Tess Pare-Mayer of The Little Black List for Kron by KronKron shoes
YNS: Now that you’ve modeled shoes, would you consider designing shoes?
Tess: I have no desire to venture into the fashion industry’s design aspect. I appreciate, respect, and admire people who have the ability, creativity, and patience to design, but it’s not for me.
YNS: Tell us a bit about what you do and what it’s like working for United Nude, which is only one of YNS’s top favorite shoe labels!
Tess: I work in their United States Flagship store in NYC. I am a retail manager of the brand. An explanation: My boss and I brought the Dutch brand to the USA. We open their stores, hire staff, plan their opening, organize charity and new product release parties, get buzz around the product, etc. We do EVERY step from A to Z. It’s a lot of work but an incredible job, and I enjoy the people I work with (which is so key).
Tess’s own United Nude Block Ankle Shoes ($299.95)
YNS: You are known for your love of vintage. Do you have a favorite vintage shoe find? Any tips for buying vintage shoes?
Tess: I am definitely a maniac when it comes to vintage. I worship, collect, and live my life for it. I can never collect enough! There’s an endless supply of interesting, strange, cool stuff that isn’t mass-produced (vintage ensures I won’t walk around and see other people wearing the same outfit or garment as me).
I’m lucky for vintage shoes because I have relatively small feet. I’m a size 6.5 but can easily fit into a 6 or 7, so I always have options when vintage shopping. My favorite vintage shoe finds are a pair of Harley Davidson motorcycle boots with their emblem on the side, Yves Saint Laurent red pumps with black balls as the heel (they were $7.99 in Canada), and red and black super flashy cowboy ankle boots.
The best tip about vintage shoes is that they can easily be refurbished, resoled, polished, and laces and insoles swapped out. So, look at the shoe’s design and potential, not necessarily its condition.
Tess’s vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle boots
Tess’s vintage Yves Saint Laurent black ball-heeled red pumps, found at a thrift store in Canada for $7.99
Tess’s vintage black and red ankle cowboy boots
YNS: Current shoe obsessions?
Tess: The new Iris van Herpen x United Nude “Iris” is insane!!! They are the most intricate, complicated-looking shoes I’ve ever seen, but they are legitimately some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn. I wore them to “The Kills” concert without pain.
Also, anything Finsk creates is perfection: the architectural, angular wood heels on pony hair booties and multi-colored strappy leather sandals. And a classic, ultra-high, beautifully crafted python Christian Louboutin pump. They are timeless, exotic, and classic.
Tess’s own Iris van Herpen x United Nude Iris Shoes — only 300 pairs made worldwide! ($1,295.95)
Tess’s own Finsk 252-106 Cutout Wooden Heel Wedges ($659.95)
Tess’s own Yves Saint Laurent Florale purple suede sculpted heel ankle strap sandals
Tess’s own Christian Louboutin Love Pumps
YNS: Where do you get your amazing style from? We know from your blog that your mother is your ultimate inspiration for your much-copied and much-coveted style — we’d also love to know about your other fashion inspirations.
Tess: First, thank you for the lovely compliments.Yes, my mother has always been and always will be the biggest influence on my style. She was not only immaculately dressed and accessorized, but she also gave me the freedom to express myself through clothing since I was old enough to speak or change.
As far as being inspired, life is inspiring! I live in the craziest, most outspoken, ever-evolving, diverse city in the world. There’s an infinite supply of music, magazines, new people, changing weather, art exhibits, clothing stores, and food to find and experience. I don’t seek out inspiration. It’s an organic process where I see or enjoy something, and it’s subconsciously translated into fashion. Fashion, for me, is art.
YNS: What would you say is the best thing that has happened to you since starting The Little Black List?
Tess: The best perks thus far are all my connections. The Little Black List has enabled me to connect with magazines, young, inspired photographers, writers, painters, stylists, bloggers, models, designers, and my readers. It’s created a place where people can share, contribute, and collaborate in my passion and perspective on fashion and life.