June 1 2012

Modern Mom {the lovely Linda DeFranco}

Linda DeFranco is one busy mom. During the work week she’s leading a team of globe-trotting trend forecasters in NYC, while choreographing a family of four at home. Punctuate that with Holidays in Italy or an extended research trip to Barcelona and it’s easy to see that she’s the quintessential modern parent. 

On most days you’ll find her effortlessly dressed, breezing through her morning commute to Madison Avenue with coffee in hand, but that’s only after lunches are packed and her two beautiful children are off to school. 

Meet Linda DeFranco. 

What does a typical day in the life of Linda consist of? Well, if I am being good I’m up at at 4:30 in the morning for a good run at the gym or outside if the weather permits. Then it’s a shower, a cup of coffee, and if I’m lucky a few precious moments with my kids before I’m out the door and on the train to work. Work sandwiches a busy lunch-break where I run around like crazy to complete the myriad of errands I seem to always need to do. When I come home it’s an artful act of getting dinner ready, homework done, and various activities with the kids. By 9:30, I am dozing. I know at some point in my life I was sort of cool, but now if it’s 9:45 and I’m not in bed I start freaking out. At this point, beauty sleep is not optional. 

 

Being a mother of two must be a tough job in itself, how do you find the balance between your home life and your career? Do you have advice for other moms? I pride myself on being a really good planner.  My husband tabbed me as the “Entertainment Coordinator” of the family because I plan all of our vacations, outings, etc.  It’s really important for us to spend quality time together as family. Luckily, I am blessed to have a tight-knight family that  delightfully share responsibilities with me. Whether it’s my mom, dad, aunts, uncles, or friends – there is always someone to pitch in and help out. 

My advice for others moms is to avoid being caught up in the flurry of the day. Time passes quickly, take a moment, even if it’s for a few seconds, to measure, pause, breath, and be thankful. 

 

Tell us about being a Trend Forecaster in NYC? Being a Trend Forecaster is a constant source of inspiration. My family has lived in New York for generations, and I’m always astounded how the city is ever-changing. I have been all over the world and I can honestly say that no other city can hold a candle to New York. It is full of youth and a unique energy. It is a singular experience to be in a place that is constantly evolving and at such a quick pace! Being a trend forecaster here is like being at the epicenter of the evolution. It is a unique privilege to be part of the never-ending metamorphosis

What are the ups & downs of being a traveling mom? Obviously the down side is that I have to spend time away from my family. The hardest part about travel is before I leave but once I’m on the plane it dissipates and I enjoy the task at hand. On the flip side, travel can be one of the best parts of the job. I enjoy traveling with family. My husband and I tend to feel the stirs of cabin fever if we have not been anywhere for six months or so.  It keeps me energized, inspired, and humble. I look forward to adding additional stamps to my kids’ passports. In my opinion, travel is the best school available. 

 

 

 

What is one of your favorite go-to-meals to make during a hectic week? My husband is from Italy, and can make even the simplest meal exquisite. I always defer to him, he is the chef in our family.

If you could describe your family in three words, what would they be? Loved (beyond belief), compassionate, and happy

What are some of the highlights about raising children in NYC? I feel my kids have the best of both worlds.  We live outside the city a block from the beach.  We have a great house with lots of space and a big yard.  However we have the accessibility of having the city less than an hour away.  So we  frequently hop on the train to see a show, check out a museum or just visit friends and walk around.  If it’s a rainy day we could decide on a whim to pop into the Museum of Natural History or the MOMA , grab a nice meal and then head back home to relative peace and quiet.  That is how I grew up.  Every Wednesday was museum day for me and my dad after school.  It’s was only when I got older that I really appreciated it and was thankful for how and where I grew up.  

 

What is your all time favorite mom moment so far? I’m enjoying them all.  I can’t say I have a favorite. Just hugging my kids when they walk down from bed in the morning feels very special.  I love burying my head into their sweet, warm, sleepy hugs.

Who or what inspires your personal style? I love effortless looks.  It could be fabulous and complicated but as long as it looks like it belongs on your body, it works.  Great fabrics, and a sense of substance go a long way.  I have always loved Dries Van Noten for his superb identity as an artist in every sense.  I am obscenely attracted to anything Prada does – I can’t help it, I always think it’s genius.  I can’t say I can afford much but I have a few cherished pieces.  Alexander McQueen was a once-in-a-lifetime genius; I always find something new whenever I look at his creations. I also love the simple, somewhat austere beauty of Scandinavian design.

I guess I am really drawn to anyone that uses interesting fabrics in an understated but well thought-out way. I love Designers Remix, Rag and Bone, Surface to Air and I just got a great oversized Olivier Theyskens blazer I can’t wait to dive into.

Who is your favorite style icon? There are really so many – I mean Kate Moss can do no wrong, right?  She looks inherently amazing in everything; always natural, never forced.  Like the rest of the world, I too admire Jackie Kennedy Onassis.  She epitomized effortless chic but still managed to be intensely alluring at the same time.  I’m a huge Deco era fan and Josephine Baker epitomizes the beauty, grace, talent, and design of that era. I’m not ashamed to admit I am a huge Kate Middleton fan. Her story is incredible and I think she is immensely poised and inspirational. I am curious to see how she will evolve.

What is one activity you and your children never get tired of doing together? We really love arts and crafts, but just spending quality time with them is precious.  Really, we can be doing anything.  Of course, they love to travel and go on trains, planes, etc.  I love to see the wonder and delight in their eyes as well as their anticipation.  I never tire of their innocent, innate curiosity about everything and anything.

 

 Aside from career and motherhood, what are some other things you are passionate about? Wine and travel are at the top of my list. I’m trying to be passionate about working out and I hope to get there one day.  Reading, however, is my biggest passion.  I’ve been a prolific reader since I was a small child.  It’s my indulgence, escape and the thought of not having a new book is equally as bad if not worse than having no money in my wallet.  And did I mention wine…

 

Linda’s Essentials: 

Hair Product: Any Anti-Frizz product that seems good at the moment

Make-Up Essential: Laura Mercier camouflage pot and Nars blush

Moisturizer: Shiseido

Skin Care Product: SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum and Retinol night cream

Snack: Dark chocolate

Favorite NYC Restaurant: Tough one… I always love Bar Pitti