While most college kids are content to spend their senior year partying and avoiding exams, Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer spent it creating her beloved jewelry brand. Inspired by her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Frost (the label’s namesake), Salzer spent her final semesters at Dartmouth College creating cool, vintage-inspired jewelry for her friends. It wasn’t long before the little side project became a fulltime job and a favorite brand of the fashion set. With mentions in every important glossy (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, the list goes on) and plenty of special projects with other designers like Chris Benz and even The Plaza Hotel, Lulu Frost has quickly become one of the most important, not to mention popular, jewelry brands in the industry.
How does Salzer keep her head on straight with such a thriving business? We recently chatted with the designer about some of her habits from the importance of reading to the perils of shopping.
What’s the one habit you have that changed your life for the better?
I do have a wonderful habit of devouring books voraciously - I love to wind down at night and have a good read. I feel much calmer and have a chance to rest my mind from the maddening pace of the day.
What’s the one habit you have that’s not so great?
I tend to love my croissant and coffee in the morning - I’m not so certain that’s the best way to start off my day, but I just can’t give it up!
What’s your naughtiest habit?
My naughtiest habit has to be shopping! I’ve somehow found a way to turn shopping into a part of my career, as I am constantly buying vintage jewelry for inspiration. At least I have an excuse!
What’s your secret (or not-so) style habit?
My secret style habit is to dress in clothes that truly flatter and work for me, and to update my style through jewelry trends. I wear classic and clean clothing but pile on amazing jewelry, which gives me a strong, individual style.
What’s a habit you wish you had?
I wish I was in the habit of exercising more regularly - the endorphins are amazing but I seem to forget about their benefits when I’m lazing around on my couch.
What three habits should every woman adopt?
1. Tailor your clothes to fit your body.
2. You can’t have style without comfort - buying clothing and accessories that are easy to wear makes your style look effortless.
3. Style doesn’t have to cost a fortune - perusing racks at a vintage store or even a Salvation Army for that one perfect silk blouse is not only fun, it’s economical. Plus, you’ll be the only one wearing your find, which can’t be a bad thing.
What three habits should every woman break?
1. Not going after your true desires is a terrible habit that people are far too entrenched in. I suggest breaking the habit we sometimes have of telling ourselves “I can’t”. Go after those dreams!
2. Not making the effort to spend a little alone, quiet time. We live in a world where we’re inundated by emails, phone calls and meetings. It’s important to tune out and listen to ourselves more.
3. I suggest tossing the habit many people have of self-bashing - it gets you nowhere! Positivity is key.
(Shop Lisa’s handpicked selections from the Lulu Frost archive.)
