Kathy Lee is the Accessories Director at Cosmopolitan + Seventeen. Previously, she held similar positions at Town & Country and W Magazine. Originally an LA/CA native with a B.S. from the University of Southern California, Kathy currently resides in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn with her husband, 4-year-old daughter, and two black cats.

When it comes to following one’s own creative intuition what do you think is important? What do you listen to?

Distinguishing what you feel deeply and strongly about and what may be a whim. I usually like to let ideas process and sleep on it a bit. I tend to have a clearer idea the next morning. And don’t be afraid to take risks!

What does a typical day look like for you? Is there such a thing?

Typically, I start the morning with either a breakfast with a publicist or market appointments to preview a brand’s collection. Then I head into the office and work on upcoming fashion shoots and plan out the accessories content for the upcoming issues. Since I work on two magazines with different readership, I must be able to rewire the way I think when working on one book versus the other throughout the day. Sometimes I reserve one day for Cosmo and the next day for Seventeen so that I can fully delve into the mindset of each reader.

If you could evolve your craft instantly, right now, what sort of step forward would you take? What would change?

Broaden my craft to prop design/styling. I always find that part of my still-life shoots fascinating.

What single person have you come across in your life, who without them or their influence, things would simply not be as they are?

My husband, he helped me fully embrace the idea of simplicity and how restraint can be so impactful.

Inspiration or perspiration?

Inspiration

What can you not live without?

Aquaphor

How do you take your coffee?

Doppio iced with almond milk

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Kathy Lee is wearing Cannon eyeglasses in Split Finish Rootbeer.  

Photos by Joonie Jang