This week’s style diary is profiling Nest Seekers International Associate Real Estate broker Katherine Salyi. The native New Yorker started her career in real estate 15 years ago and works alongside Ryan Serhant, who stars on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York.” The two have become one of the most successful real estate teams in New York City, responsible for over $600 million in sales last year alone.
A firm believer that hard work leads to success, Salyi wears only black and keeps her style simple and chic with a little edge, just like New York. It’s a style that suits her busy schedule---balancing her life between a successful career and motherhood. Salyi is known in the business as “Mommy Broker,” being involved with several nonprofit organizations including Mama Swappies, Little Swappies, Big City Moms, and Dress for Success.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style? If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Katherine Salyi: I would describe my style as being simple and chic with a little edge, like New York! I always wear black. My friends would say I’m dedicated, driven, and kind.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager? What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Ms. Salyi: I grew up in the ‘90s so maybe we shouldn’t go there!
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Salyi: My style doesn’t change too much from day to day. I’m always in black but on the weekends I'll throw on a pair of jeans and sneakers instead of my black pants or dress. I like to use leopard and camouflage prints to give my look edge and break up all the black ... sometimes. And a red-soled shoe for some flair.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Ms. Salyi: I can’t live without a nice purse, nice shoes, and my phones! The first two can make any outfit look put together and stylish.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences? Who is your style icon?
Ms. Salyi: There are a few designers [Helmut Lang, Nili Lotan, Prada, Christian Louboutin] and stores [Barneys] I really like, but I tend to take a little from everyone and everything and make it “me.” Right now, I’m liking everything on Goop.com.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Salyi: Having confidence is style. Being able to go to multiple occasions in one outfit in one day is style.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of? What would you pay a lot of money for, and what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Salyi: I am okay spending money on outerwear, bags, and shoes. I struggle to pay retail for seasonal items.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Ms. Salyi: I want to feel that my outfit translates in a photo and is flattering. La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni makes the most flattering dresses!
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Ms. Salyi: I don’t pay too much attention to how other people dress—I mostly notice when it’s really good or really bad. In order to develop your personal style you should learn what makes you feel comfortable and confident. And never hesitate to buy in multiples—when you find something that works, buy a few!
Katherine’s Favorites
Favorite color: Black
Favorite perfume: Fracas by Robert Piguet
Favorite restaurant in NY: Too many to say! I love small, local/neighborhood spots.
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite movie: Everything by John Hughes or starring Christopher Walken
Favorite book: My guilty pleasure is Stephen King
Favorite quote: “Rest Later”
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy!: A New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
