By Shayna Mace | Photos by Shanna Wolf and Duluth Trading Company
What brought you to Madison?
We came here in 2005 when I got an opportunity to head up women’s merchandising at Lands’ End. I’ve been [with Duluth] since late 2008 when I started [there] as the vice president of product development. It has been unbelievable. [In Madison] you can be in a city, and it’s got everything. For us, it’s been a really cool place to be, and a good place to raise our kids—Rosie, who is 20, is in college at the University of Tampa, Annie is a senior at Middleton High School this fall and Luigi, our youngest, is a freshman.
Having worked in upper management at retail companies (like Ann Taylor and Lands’ End), how has your personal style evolved?
I’m a Duluth fan through and through. I lived in New York City for many years where heels and black suits were the daily uniform. Now I get to be super comfortable and transition from work life to all the activities I do outside of work with the kids. I’m pretty casual, but like things that have interesting details—pockets, trims, et cetera.
And you proudly represent Duluth Trading in your daily “uniform.”
I’m often in DuluthFlex pants—[our] Dry on the Fly, Breezeshooter [and] Fire Hose [styles] are really comfortable and have great pockets, but are still more presentable than super casual pants. I love tees and vests too—the more pockets, the better!
What’s a typical day for you like?
I’m up early so that I can get the workday started via emails or other things. Then I exercise (usually a run through the neighborhood with our dog) and have one (or several!) espressos. Off to work, and then after [that I have] evening activities with my kids. I love to garden with them (when they will join me) and I go to a lot of sporting events with my son.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Madison?
My husband Vincenzo owns Café Porta Alba at Hilldale, [so] Café Porta Alba is my personal bias (of course). [They have] unbelievable pizza.
And you also enjoy home design.
My design aesthetic is a blend of pieces that have meaning, and those that can withstand the test of three kids, a dog and two cats. My favorite find is a mirror that is made of an original copper window frame from the Flatiron building in New York City. For my home, I shop in a bunch of places. I can go from Odana Antiques to Home Market to Brown & Beam in a day. I like to mix new with old.
This article was featured in the Madison: Fall 2017 issue.