Stephanie Johnson launched her namesake line of cosmetic cases and travel accessories in 2000 after leaving a career as a successful telecommunications executive to pursue her passion for uniquely compartmentalized design. Created with the frequent flier in mind, the Stephanie Johnson collection is a destination-inspired line of travel toiletry cases positioned at the intersection of fashion and function. While she keeps a careful eye on the latest trends, Johnson ultimately focuses on crafting beautiful, durable, classic pieces that stand the test of time and have garnered her celebrity followers such as Cameron Diaz, Mindy Kaling, Molly Sims and Rachel Zoe. Her bags are available at high-end retailers including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, Henri Bendel, and Bergdorf Goodman, and have been featured in publications such as InStyle, Real Simple, O the Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, People Style Watch and Lucky. With her blog SJ’s Style Compass, Johnson taps into her mutual passions for fashion and frequent-flying to offer her unique perspective on travel, lifestyle, and the places and things that inspire her.
-How did you meet Mary Alice? I met MA when I first came to LA about 15 years ago. We took up tennis lessons together and would drive our instructor bananas because we talked the whole time (and mostly about my celeb crush at the time, Owen Wilson). We were pretty convinced that we were awesome players (I’m afraid not so much!) but we both had a great time.
-How would you describe your style? I think I’m too lazy to be ‘influenced’ by anyone! My style is simple and mostly classic with a few high fashion moments thrown in for good measure.
-What is your favorite classic piece you will never get rid of, and a new piece you are dying over? Fave Classic Piece: You can’t beat a classic trench coat. I have several and love them all. A particular favorite is a black double breasted Derek Lam with a classic belt tie and a small peplum waist. I bought it in Paris nearly ten years ago and I just wore it yesterday! - Fave New Piece: I’m currently drooling over the green suede Prada sandals with blue jewels. They are perfection and the only embellishment you will need!
-Tips for staying stylish: I’m a less is more kind of a girl. One statement piece of jewelry like a big cuff is all you need to pop the simplest of sheaths.
-Top 5 things to add to your wardrobe: I love a classic blue and white sailor stripe tee like this one from Kule. Perfect summer staple with white jeans or a cute pair of print shorts. - I can’t live without a black jumpsuit! At fourteen my parents took me to Studio 54 and I still remember meeting Mick Jagger and the black jumpsuit I wore! The Alexis by Haney is pretty fab! - One of our Stephanie Johnson Mumbai Large Flat Pouches is perfect for a night out or a day seaside. Mary Alice had a birthday celebration in Capri and all my girls carried a Mumbai pouch in a different color as their evening bag. - Black leather leggings are a wardrobe staple, and I wore them all winter with cozy oversized sweaters. As the weather warms up, they’re great for a night out. Love these ones from Helmut Lang. - Interesting details keep a classic flat from being too boring. Currently, I’m enamored with these from Valentino, and they pair so nicely with those aforementioned leggings!
Shop Stephanie’s Favorites:
Shop Stephanie’s Favorites:Derek Lam Trench - Prada Sandals - Helmut Lang Leggings - Kule Striped Top - Valentino Flats - Stephanie Johnson Mumbai Bag - Alexis by Haney Jumpsuit
-Which Haney dress is your favorite? I’d fight Reese Witherspoon for her namesake dress! I love a mini with a twist and this dress has it all. Customized with the sequin lace I would pair with a barely there ankle strap high silver sandal like this one from Tamara Mellon and a silver Elsa Peretti Cuff.