Chicago Style: Kathy Hart - The Mix morning show host known as "Eric and Kathy" on 101.9 FM WTMX
How many people can count Lenny Kravitz as a recipient of your "award-winning" grilled cheese sandwich or Sting as the man who proclaimed the sex of your offspring by a single rub on your pregnant belly? Kathy Hart can. And, those are just a few of the experiences she has had during her tenure as co-host of the ever-so-popular morning show "Eric and Kathy" on the Mix, who happen to be enjoying their 10 year anniversary. Just as her experiences have evolved, so has her style. If you thought this talk-showstress wore sweats to work, you would be sadly mistaken. This career-gal enjoys the trends just like the rest of us, not to mention classic and luxury staples....she has a thing for shopping Louis Vuitton worldwide and can be just as comfortable on an island, shopping for one-of-a-kinds. We love a gal that can mix it up. We caught up with Kathy to talk style of course, find out things you may not know and get career advice for success in talk and life.
FACTIO MAGAZINE: Describe your signature style.
KATHY HART: My signature style is difficult to sum up in a couple words because my style is constantly evolving. Trends change, skirt shapes transform, and hemlines vary from season to season….just like my style.
FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide?
KH: My favorite shops in Chicago range from Burberry on Michigan Ave. to Anthropologie to out of the way boutiques with hard-to-find designers. In addition, I love shopping at Louis Vuitton stores all over the world.
FM: Where are some of your favorite places to travel and what do you always pick up for your wardrobe?
KH: One of my favorite places to travel to is St. Thomas! I love shopping there thanks to the one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, beaded bracelets, and detailed watches.
FM: What are you always on the hunt for?
KH: I am always on the hunt for unique purses – either at small, unknown vintage stores or new, chic styles.
FM: What are some of the designer staples we’d find in your closet?
KH: Every woman needs certain ‘timeless’ pieces in her closet. Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, for instance, are a must-have because they look great on women of all shapes and sizes. I also adore Marc Jacobs shoes and accessories – I can’t seem to get enough of them! Other than that, the designer staples you would find in my closet range from funky t-shirts by Ed Hardy to tailored pieces by Elie Tahari.
FM: What women and men (from which city worldwide) have great style and why?
KH: Numerous celebrities have great style (although, it’s usually because of their stylist!) Obviously, Rachel Zoe is a woman with great style thanks to her re-introducing “boho chic” made famous by Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. Her clients, Kate Hudson, Mischa Barton, and Nicole Richie always look impeccable at special events. In addition, I always admire Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Gwen Stefani’s style – whether they’re wearing maternity clothes or going to the Oscars, they always look stylish.
FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have?
KH: I don't believe that money and style go hand-in-hand. I do believe style is something that requires effort whether you were born with it or you weren't. There are plenty of wealthy people who dress frumpy....by choice. Style is something you choose to have.
FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
KH: People would be most surprised to know that I am training in Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense system.
FM: Did you know when you started in the industry that you would rise to the success that you have?
KH: When I got into radio, I had no clue I would be where I am today. I'm still surprised I was ever put on the air!
FM: What business advice and inspiration can you give to others?
KH: For those men and women beginning their career, my advice would be to embrace naivete. If I "knew then, what I know now", I may have been too afraid to try the things I did. I was in several situations where I was breaking new ground (for example, being the only female doing locker room interviews while covering Phoenix sports). I did, not what was expected of me, but what I felt was interesting and different.
FM: What tips would you give women and men in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and business?
KH: One of the most important tips that I can provide is to be well-rounded in business and home-life, prioritize what is most important to you. If you're too caught up in your home life while at work, or vice versa, you're doing yourself a disservice. You have to stay focused on the task at hand and move on.
FM : Where do you see you and the show in five years?
KH: I have never liked predicting where I will be in five years, or ten years for fear of jinxing myself! I am living my dream everyday!
For more information about the Eric & Kathy’s 10th anniversary, log onto www.wtmx.com
