The MNY Spotlight

Meet Lizzi Bickford, Founder of Lizzi Bickford Consulting and Executive Vice President of The Daily Front Row

Introduce yourself! 

Lizzi Bickford is a marketing and public relations consultant who has developed and executed key strategies for some of the world's most iconic fashion brands, luxury retail centers, real estate developers and financial institutions. In addition to her role as Founder of Lizzi Bickford Consulting, Lizzi currently serves as the Executive Vice President of The Daily Front Row overseeing the Palm Beach, Hamptons, Palm Springs, Aspen and Greenwich markets.

With 15 years of global marketing and public relations experience, Lizzi develops multi-platform, integrated marketing solutions designed to address the individual need of each client.

Lizzi maintains offices in New York, NY and Palm Beach, FL.

Lizzi Bickford personal style

Lizzi wears the Adelina Gown 

You’re often traveling between NYC, the Hamptons, and Palm Beach. How does traveling impact which outfits you’re packing? Where do you draw outfit inspiration from?

 I try to pack for the occasion and have been opting for playful options that are comfortable, and effortlessly chic. For me, Palm Beach calls for striking all-white ensembles with hits of raffia and lucite.  I also love a big bold floral moment and am really leaning into yellow and chartreuse. In the hamptons I opt for stripes, ginghams, big skirts, cozy sweaters and a pair of killer short shorts with a coordinating top. NYC in the winter is usually leather pants, cashmere sweater and a blazer on repeat. For the warmer months in the concrete jungle, I go for breezy dresses and a pair of chic white sneakers. 

How do you balance work life with being a wife and mom? Any advice for other working moms out there?  

Ah - The million dollar question! I read a quote recently that went something like, “you can do (and have) it all, just not necessarily at the same time.” For me, that was such a relief and is now something I use as my mantra when I am struggling to balance it all. (It’s not easy!)

 The iPhone in-hand and airpods in-ear are my kids’ least favorite combo. I have hustled really hard for 15 years to get to a place in my career where I have the luxury of help. My team helps me to keep the momentum going, meet deadlines and carve out some family time. I also make sure I carve out a little time for myself - something simple like a manicure or a yoga class once in a while. At the end of the day, I am a creative. The “big ideas” often come when I am alone and have some time to think - driving, walking, even an evening soak in the tub helps me to reset. The grind of school drop-off, work calls, client deliverables, hosting events and travel, etc is a lot to manage but it’s reality. I don’t fight it, just try to ride the wave the best I can.

My biggest advice to fellow moms, wives, sisters, daughters, friends: Remember to be kind and patient with yourself and to make time for the people you love. 

 Your style is effortlessly chic and feminine! Has your style changed over the years? 

Thank you! My style has definitely evolved with each decade. My twenties, like for many of us, were about experimenting. I had a wardrobe that was absolutely stuffed with fast fashion finds and designer 95mm heels. Often the hemline was too short or the blouse was too tight (though never at the same time!). Now, I am in my mid-thirties and I opt for comfort and quality. I’ve pared down my closet to the essentials (although I’m sure my husband would disagree). I invest in really good pieces vs buying on impulse. I like to feel comfortable in what I am wearing and have many items altered so they fit perfectly. My rule is: if you have had in your closet for a season and didn’t wear it or fuss every time you slip it on, donate it or sell it. Move on. It’s not meant for you. 

I have also gravitated to items designed by smaller, lesser known brands. I like being able to support emerging designers simply by wearing their beautifully crafted pieces, and being asked “who makes that?” (I also like the comfort of knowing I won’t have an outfit twin in the room - ha!)

Lizzi Bickford Executive VP of The Daily Front Row

Follow along on Instagram at @lizzilongley

What advice do you have for someone who wants to develop their personal style? 

Getting dressed used to really be a process. I would do seven outfit changes before I left the house. Two things have changed that: 1) becoming a mom, which provides me with precisely 5 mins to get ready for any occasion 2) having a closet curated with pieces I know look good,  fit well, and bring me joy. 

In addition to perfect fit and comfort (and the “joy” factor!), I like to incorporate elements of whimsy into any outfit. I have a few pieces in my closet that are elevated and playful (shoes are a great example), like a pair of squared toe Aquazzara leopard boots I purchased this past fall. They work well with mostly everything in my wardrobe and add some interest. Not every element of your outfit has to “match” - in fact, I like it better when things don’t. 

Can you share with us any exciting projects you’re working on? What are you most looking forward to in the spring/summer season? 

I am working on a few exciting projects right now. One is a hospitality concept in Palm Springs, CA, that is a dream come true (follow me on Instagram to learn more). And of course, The Daily Front Row will return for it’s 11th summer in the Hamptons. We have a full schedule of event programming with iconic luxury brands that I am really excited about. As for some “off time,” my husband and I will travel in June to Europe for quality time together (sans kids!) and then we will pack up the entire circus for some beach time on Nantucket - the best!

 What does self-care mean to you and how do you practice it? 

Self care to me, means a good night’s sleep and some quiet time to think and regenerate. However, full disclosure: I am not currently practicing what I am preaching, but I strive for it. I am in “go mode” right now, working hard to actualize my personal and professional goals - which sometimes requires more hours than are in a 24 hour day. 

What draws you to the Mestiza brand? 

I love the feminine aesthetic of the brand and the drama of the pieces - big bows, cascading ruffles, loads of layers. There’s a nostalgic element to the designs that embraces an era when people got really dressed up simply for cocktails or a night out on the town. Wearing a Mestiza piece makes any moment a special occasion and aligns well with what my father always said, “it’s better to be over-dressed than underdressed.” Truer words have never been spoken.

Lizzi Bickford @lizzilongley Daily Front Row fashion
Tell us how you’re styling your Mestiza piece and where you’re wearing it! 
The Adelina Gown feels amazing the moment you slip it on. The weight of the fabric makes it feel so luxurious. I love a moment of surprise and delight when you catch a glimpse of the back of it for the first time. It’s a show-stopper. Here, I am wearing it in the living room of our home in New Canaan, CT

 

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