#AllCoopedUp with Katie Bofshever, Stylist
Katie Bofshever is a Los Angeles-based stylist. She earned her stripes working as an assistant to renowned stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, before venturing out on her own. Today she counts celebrities such as Jordana Brewster, Maggie Siff, Emmanuelle Chriqui, and Minnie Driver among her clients, in addition to consulting for brands such as Ponds and Zyrtec. Katie and I have a mutual best friend and have known each other for over a decade. We share a love of the movie “Selena”, planning bachelorette parties for said best friend, and have been known to give each other rides across LA. Katie's husband, Alex Segal, co-founded one of our team's favorite furniture stores, Croft House, on La Brea. We love having them in our small world circle! - Caroline
What’s your profession, and what does your day-to-day work experience look like now?
I am a celebrity stylist. However, with all events and shoots canceled, my current day-to-day looks a lot different than it once did. So, I’ve been focused on finding innovative ways to stay productive and creative.
I started by organizing my styling closet and studio space, which I found calming amidst so much uncertainty and it inspired a desire to do the same for others. I am now offering virtual styling services including closet edits, wardrobe planning, and personal shopping. There are so many wonderful designers that are committing a portion of their proceeds to charitable causes and I am eager to highlight these brands to my clients. If you have the means, it really is a good time to shop, there are great sales and so many opportunities to give back.
Are there objects or spaces in your house that you are newly appreciating? Or are there objects and spaces you have come to loathe?
I have a studio at my house, so I am used to working from home to an extent, but I really miss client fittings, showroom visits and being on set. For the time being, my studio has also taken on a second function as a home gym. My yoga mat is a permanent fixture amongst the many racks of clothes.
Describe your at-home quarantine uniform.
Sweats. You’d think, as a stylist, I’d have a different answer, but it’s the truth! It’s lounge wear for morning and evening and active wear during the day so I can sneak in a workout or walk my dog. The Signaturesoft sets by Lou & Grey are crazy cozy and I love the Sonny Set from Christy Dawn that come in really beautiful colors and are eco conscious to boot.
Who are you quarantining with? Do you feel the need to “get away”? How do you make it happen?
I am quarantining with my husband, Alex, and our dog, Bacon. For the past few years, Alex has been working full time while pursuing his MBA on nights and weekends. We were hoping for more time together when his classes concluded in March, so I guess you could say that the quarantine has more than delivered on that front. Taking Bacon for a walk is a great excuse to get out of the house, so he is really thriving.
What’s the last thing you purchased online? Regret or obsessed?
My last online purchase was some acetone. I had to get rid of this grown out gel manicure! I definitely don’t regret that purchase. And before that, it was a pair of AGOLDE jeans. Like many LA women, I live in denim and am obsessed with the fit of their jeans.
Tell us the best shows, podcasts, or books you’re loving right now.
I listen to The Daily from The New York Times every morning. Even when it’s bad news, I find Michael Barbaro’s voice to be very soothing. But more importantly, I think they do a wonderful job delivering important stories in an accessible way. I also don’t miss an episode of the FiveThirtyEight Podcast. I am reading Genius Food by Max Lugavere and watching Tiger King (who isn’t?!). Also, I’m SO happy that Top Chef is back, and I plan to finally dive into The Sopranos which I have never seen (!).
Do you have any new quarantine activities or rituals?
To be honest, I have always been bad about making my bed with any regularity. That has certainly changed. I have also gotten into dry brushing (Thank you, Goop!).
What is your favorite quarantine snack? What restaurants are you ordering takeout from?
We have been doing a lot of cooking, so it’s nice to constantly have actual food in the fridge. If I’m not dipping into something from the night before, I like to snack on carrots with miso paste, apple and peanut butter, or Siete Grain Free Chips. We have also been trying to support local restaurants. One of our favorite local spots is Highly Likely in West Adams, and they are currently offering take-out/delivery options from their menu, plus pantry items like house made Wild Mushroom Ragout and Yuzu Vinaigrette (picking up both today). Their hot sauce is not to be missed.
What is the one item you’re glad you stocked up on? What do you wish you’d stocked up on?
Earlier in the year, I inadvertently subscribed for recurring toilet paper delivery. We received several huge boxes of Charmin before I figured out what was going on. Turned out to be a happy accident. I do wish we had more puzzles though. I would love to work out a puzzle swap somehow!
What is your creative outlet and how are you making space for it?
Like many creatives, work is such an important outlet for me. It has definitely been difficult having that part of my life stifled. I miss clothes and collaborating with designers, hair & makeup artists, and my clients! I majored in Studio Art in college, so I am revisiting drawing, which is something I haven’t done in years.
Describe your biggest quarantine indulgence.
Four letters, one word: WINE. Lucky for us, our good friend runs an incredible wine & spirits shop called Flask & Field that has a great selection of natural wine, small batch labels and expertly curated home goods. We love wine and love to support small business so it’s a win-win. Speaking of small business, my husband owns an amazing one too — shout out to Croft House!
If you have kids, how are you maintaining some kind of schedule for them?
Bacon is our only child for now, and as mentioned, he’s thriving with all of this new attention from mom and dad.
What are you doing for exercise?
I have never been an at-home work out person (love my spin class!), but I am blown away by how many great classes are being offered virtually right now. I alternate between Hot Pilates and Training Mate. I have also been running outside a bit (at a safe distance from others of course).
Are you sharing recipes with friends?
I have a group chat with my sister and friends called Souper Hot, dedicated to — you guessed it — soup content and recipe sharing. As you can imagine, it’s been abuzz with activity recently. Ina Garten has been a real inspiration as of late.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you throughout this?
The biggest challenge has been managing my anxiety. There is so much uncertainty at both a macro and micro level. I worry for the state of our country and our world, but also about the health and safety of my loved ones, as well as my professional well-being as a freelance artist.
When this is over I cannot wait to ___________.
Get back to work!
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