Our newest column gives EDIT readers a personal look into some of Nashville’s most interesting inhabitants with snappy questions and some equally snappy answers. Our typical profiles dive deep into the lives of those featured, but the EDIT Files aims to shed light on the little glimmers of everyday life.
MEET GEN
“Create the life you want!”, says Gen Sohr, describing her motto in life. And create is precisely what she has been doing, quite successfully and visibly, in many areas such as lifestyle, interiors, and fashion. After honing her retail skills for over twenty years, spearheading launches for the Gap, Old Navy, and Victoria’s Secret, Gen, and her husband relocated to Nashville (his hometown) and founded Pencil & Paper Co.
Twelve successful years on and still counting, Gen continues to inspire and create various interior design projects, personal product lines, and ongoing collaborations (hello, Anthropologie!). Read on for her personal takes on interiors, organizing, and eclectic personal style.
Your look, your style:
Classic, with a twist.
Most fulfilling part of your work: Being creative every single day and helping others out.
Colors and patterns you are drawn to: I’m drawn to happy, strong colors- red, blue, green, and yellow. And I love all sorts of patterns…Ikat, block prints, florals, geometrics, and stripes.
Hero Items in your closet: I would say any of my pretty patterned day dresses and my jewelry collection!
Daily Uniform: For summer, a patterned dress, handmade Italian sandals, my poppy-colored Celine purse, and a pair of oversized sunglasses.
Online Shopping faves: My go-to’s are Matches Fashion, J.Crew, Etsy, Nordstrom, and Shopbop.
Closet you would most like to have: Jenna Lyons!
Best closet organization trick: Closed-door cabinetry!
Hanging up: Classic, white wooden hangers.
A Particular image that you’re inspired by: I’ve always loved the iconic photo of Diana Vreeland in her red living room decorated by Billy Baldwin. The saturated red walls and floral chintz- Everything is candy for the eye!
Dream collaborator: Target.
Favorite Style Icons: Babe Paley and Diana Vreeland.
Spring/ Summer Crush: Right now, Johanna Ortiz, Agua by Agua Bendita, and Ulla Johnson.
Scent: Penhaligon’s- so many greats, you can’t go wrong!
Day bag: My Celine tie tote.
Evening bag: One of our vintage finds or rattan clutch by Pamela Munson.
Shoes: Handmade Italian sandals, Jimmy Choo stilettos, classic checkered Vans slip-ons
Always bulk buying: Vintage bracelets- one can never have too many.
Look that will never go out of style: A beautiful caftan, statement earrings, and slicked back bun.
Favorite local places to shop: I must admit I do most of my clothing shopping online because I tend to only have time to shop late at night. But, when shopping around Nashville, I find so many treasures at UAL, and I love the edits at Emerson Grace and H. Audrey.
Packing essentials: Rimowa suitcase, my Neely and Chloe vanity case, Pencil & Paper Co. tote bag, and a Clare V. luggage tag.
Jewelry & Accessories: Vintage wood and lucite bangles (usually found on Etsy), Rebecca de Ravenel statement earrings, an Hermès Cape Cod or vintage Rolex watch, and big vintage cocktail rings.
Favorite accessory + how to rock it: Vintage jewelry- stacks of bracelets and bold statement earrings!
Closet items you will own forever: My embroidered Valentino dress and Rosie Assoulin tiered ball gown.
Item on your wardrobe wish list right now: Red-face Rolex watch.
Look you are loving lately: Always a pretty patterned dress with simple sandals and fun vintage jewelry!
Best style tip: Find your signature style- and avoid trends!
Best splurges: My Celine handbag and vintage gold Rolex watch.
Collector of: I have a vast collection of vintage dresses, jewelry, and clutches.
Lounge/ Sleepwear: Any pretty patterned Natori pajamas and airy caftans.
Mantra in one sentence: Our motto is to buy what you love and what fits your signature style!
Your capsule collection or wardrobe staples:
- A well-tailored, printed midi dress
- Perfect fitting vintage, straight-leg Levi’s
- Classic cashmere crewneck sweater
- Camel wrap coat
- Something fabulous for formal events that flatter your silhouette
Where do you imagine you’ll be in 15 years: Traveling the world and creating products that make people smile!
GET GEN’S LOOK:
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
F.R.S – For Sleepless Resters- Caftan
Rebecca de Ravenel- Statement Earrings
