Name: Beth Saulnier
Age: 43
Online homes: Facebook
Favorite Karina dress: Megan is my spirit animal! I have four so far, but the navy polka dot is my favorite. It feels both modern and vintage — perfect for the office, dinner out, or a USO dance circa 1942.
How you know Karina: I had the thrill of meeting her and Hilarylise at their dress release party this spring. I live Upstate, but I happened to be in Brooklyn that afternoon. I had a Broadway ticket, so I just had an hour at the sale… but I still walked out with five dresses and two skirts.
What are your every day, must-reads, online or off?
I’m a New York Times junkie. Their website is my anchor to the universe.
You have multiple Karina dresses – four in polka dot prints! What do you love about these dresses?
They make me feel like a girl! I love how feminine they are, with their swirly skirts and beautiful fabrics. It’s also a pleasure to find dresses that suit my oddball figure. (Triple-D bust, size 6-8 pant.) Then there’s their flexibility: Layered with turtlenecks and leggings, I can wear my Audreys all four seasons. And speaking of ‘for everybody': I gave my mom a Clara for her 78th birthday, and she loves it.
You’re a journalist, critic, and mystery writer. What do you love about your job?
I get to do it all. I’ve been senior editor at Cornell Alumni Magazine for years, and it is a blast — I travel and interview grads doing amazing things, from winning Oscars to flying in space. I’m the longtime film critic for our local daily paper; and what’s more fun than seeing movies for free and opining about them? I’ve also published seven mystery novels with Warner Books, so I get to go on vicarious adventures. In fiction, you can be brave, clever, and gorgeous at all times.
If you could give your 16 year old self advice, what would you say?
“You’re actually going to love exercise later in life, so please do us both a favor and start now.”
Your perfect day. What would it look like?
Yoga class, walking my awesome dogs, working on my latest book, cooking massive amounts of healthy vegetarian food, doing the Times crossword on the back porch, enjoying a civilized cocktail, and watching a British crime drama. Since it’s my perfect day, this show stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, and the hunk who plays Mr. Bates on “Downton Abbey.”