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New York Style: Victoria Colligan: Woman of Style

Victoria Colligan is the epitomy of success. The savvy founder of Ladies Who Launch (www.ladieswholaunch.com, a network of extremely successful entrepreneurs that share their success and inspire countless other women to go after their own dreams (no matter what business they're in). Each week there’s a new-featured lady to learn about…her passions, work ethic, and business (and more importantly, how they did it).

It all started with the curiosity of one woman – Victoria Colligan. “Women are achieving and defining success in so many different ways. My curiosity about these differences, along with my own aspirations for success and my passion for style fueled my dream for LWL,” she says. She not only wanted to know how these women were getting ahead in their careers, but how they balanced out success and their personal lives. A true successful woman is all about having it all – the career, graduate degrees, the kids, the home, travel and her own style. As Ms. Colligan defines other women’s success, it is no doubt that she is breaking boundaries and making her own, bringing together the most driven and successful women. We caught up with the busy New York entrepreneur to talk about her amazing background and her style secrets.

Prior to starting Ladies Who Launch, Victoria worked as Director of Content and Business Development for Amsale, a high-end wedding gowns designer, where she re-launched their website, started an online magazine and developed numerous strategic partnerships. Before joining Amsale, Ms. Colligan was Director of Business Development for The Wedding List, an online and in-store wedding gifts and registry company now owned by Martha Stewart Inc. Victoria began her career as a corporate lawyer at Kelley Drye and Warren in New York. Ms. Colligan holds a JD / MBA from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, and a B.A. with honors from Brown University. Ms. Colligan has lived and studied in Madrid and Buenos Aires. Favorite Success Story: Pleasant Rowland, founder of Pleasant Company and creator of American Girl for her vision in developing a line of historical books, dolls and accessories with the dual purpose of educating and entertaining girls.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What’s your signature style?
VICTORIA COLLIGAN: I would say my signature style is elegant with a twist. I love color. I can't resist whimsical trends and I find girly elements like ruffles, lace and flowers to be positively divine!

FM: Define the style in New York City?
VC: The best thing about NY is that there is no one style that defines this city which is incredibly diverse, eclectic and hip. You can't help but have style when you live in NY b/c there is so much inspiration in the rich culture and creativity that is everywhere around you.

FM: What ladies (from which city worldwide) have great style and why? And, where is your favorite place to travel?
VC: Lela Rose, featured on Ladies Who Launch, and founder of Lela Rose collections, is a woman of great style and impeccable taste. Her design philosophy is about "great fabric" and "unexpected detail", yet her designs are elegant and understated at the same time.

My favorite place to travel is Capri. The way the light hits the water, the tones of blue and the colors of the sunset inspire creativity, not to mention the local flavors, wines and foods are fresh and deliciously simple. Capri is also full of style and some of the best shopping in the world. You can go from swimming in the Mediterranean to shopping at Gucci in the same hour. And there is nothing in the world that beats cocktails on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Quisisana.

FM: According to you, which lady (past or present) has impeccable style and why?
VC: Amsale Aberra, founder of Amsale wedding gowns (www.amsale.com), featured on Ladies Who Launch, and rivaled only by Vera Wang has impeccable style. She once told me that the key to great style is "one focal point"; in other words, pick one outstanding element, like a dash of red or a bustle and design the dress around that. I apply that advice to everyday dressing—a fabulous bag, interesting hair accessory, or beaded top is all you need to create a pulled together look; on the flip side, too many fabulous items at once distract the eye and have the opposite effect.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe? What items are you looking to buy for spring '05?
VC: Hermès scarves. After having spent the last 2.5 years in and out of two pregnancies, I realized the true value of an Hermès scarf: They never go out of style and they literally make an "outfit". All you need are a few to get you through any season and any phase of life.

For spring ‘05 I am looking to buy a pair of funky pink and green crystal chandeliers from ABC Carpet and Home in New York to decorate my home office.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice?
VC: Accessories. I love shoes, bags and jewelry mainly because they always make you feel "thin." No matter what your weight fluctuation, they will always fit!

FM: What’s a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more?
VC : Business suits. A major pet peeve I have is when women wear business suits to early evening, mid-week cocktail parties. No matter what your work environment, women should feel comfortable expressing their style and ignoring traditional rules. We are now in a place where we can achieve success and be feminine at the same time. This is what Ladies Who Launch is all about—choosing a lifestyle of entrepreneurship and creativity as a means to obtaining the life you want.

FM: How fast can you get ready for an event? Any tips?
VC: For an evening event…15 minutes. I hardly ever blow-dry my hair unless I am really ambitious. I pull it back wet with a pair of drop-dead interesting earrings and go—it makes life so much easier.

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
VC: I love baring skin in the winter and I love Guinness beer!