Martha Carl Dreams of Schiaparelli Knitwear, Indulges in Shoes

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Welcome to Into It, where, we chat with Boston's movers, shakers, and candlestick makers (okay not really) about how style fits into their lives.

What makes Boston great? It's the plethora of interesting people doing interesting things. Though not always falling in the fashion realm, we think they deserve some notice. Today, we're talking to Martha Carl, senior designer at boutique creative agency JSGD. This Nantucket native has transformed a passion for fine art into a graphic design career, now working with small businesses to realize their brand vision on the web. Here she discusses her affection for shoes, where she likes to shop, and why 1920s Paris is where she'd like to be.

1. Describe your style.
I'm lucky enough to work in a creative industry, so I've had a lot of freedom to experiment my with clothes. My style has definitely evolved throughout the last few years, and I've certainly had my share of bad looks. That said, I've found myself settling into a wardrobe that is increasingly monochromatic and menswear-inspired. I'm pretty wedded to my blacks, whites, and grays.

2. How does your work in?uence your style?
At JSGD we have a pretty distinct style—we favor design that is minimal, but made interesting with fun and quirky details. I try to keep my personal style the same.

3. Where do you shop in Boston?
Madewell, Mint Julep, rag & bone, Saks, and Forty Winks for underthings.

4. Where do you not shop in Boston?
Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, etc. When I was just out of college, I used to be a big fan of buying trendy and inexpensive throwaway outfits to wear only a handful of times. As I've gotten older I've realized just how wasteful that is, and am making an effort to avoid that kind of shopping.

5. Describe Boston's fashion sense in three words.
Up and coming.

6. What's the one thing you can't live without?
A sense of humor. And a good shift dress.

7. And the one you can't live with?
A sense of entitlement.

8. What is your biggest indulgence?
Shoes! We recently moved to Brookline and my shoes took up three suitcases, much to my husband's dismay.

9. If you could only exist in one moment in time, what would it be?
I have a really romantic (probably overly so) picture of Paris in the 1920s. There were so many creative people working there during that time, and I would have loved to be a fly on the wall.

10. And what would you be wearing?
Some fantastic Schiaparelli knitwear.
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