This week in an interview. . .
I was so excited to learn that my longtime friend and former NYT colleague, Simone Oliver was starting a newsletter, Price Upon Request. She has over 20 years of experience working in digital content, fashion, and beauty working at brands like BET Refinery29, Facebook, Instagram, and Allure. But bonafides notwithstanding she is just one of the coolest, most stylish people I know, so I knew wanted to ask her a few questions about launching the newsletter. Below is our conversation, edited and condensed.

LITL: first of all, I love the name. Having worked at luxury brand(s) for nearly a dozen years, the “price upon request” thing is always hilarious to me and a constant joke between me and a coworker. After all, if you have to ask. . .Your first issue was already packed with info and a perspective. What made you decide to start this newsletter? 

Thank you! I’m thrilled to be starting this journey. This newsletter is my way of helping readers sift through the endless stream of options out there—to surprise, delight, and act as an inspirational tool that surfaces brands, pieces, people and ideas worth your attention. 

This space is my creative playground and I draw on my experience as a Digital Style Editor and later as Editor-in-Chief at top publications. I anticipate shifts and uncover emerging patterns before they become waves. 

Price Upon Request isn't about exclusivity; it’s about spotlighting items that resonate and are truly worth the hunt—whether a coveted designer piece or a culturally relevant brand you didn’t know you needed. My focus is less on simply following trends and more about decoding them to help readers interpret and shape these ideas for themselves. This is where we go beyond the surface and find what truly connects.

LITL: what does style mean to you these days? 
Style is so personal, so emotional. I intentionally use the word style over fashion when I’m talking about dressing. To me, the word style resides in a more powerful, intrinsic place. Whereas fashion is more of an external force, like the trends, what’s put out there by the fashion machine. Fashion is a beautiful mix of art and commerce, but style is more organic and precious to me.

LITL: what is a trend you love right now?
I’m really into the loafers trend, even after it’s been a couple of years. They bring a blend of collegiate charm and a hint of rebellion that I’m really feeling. Maybe it’s because I went to an all girls Catholic high school in Queens? IDK.  

Loafers are the perfect balance of demure and edgy and their versatility makes them a staple in any wardrobe.

LITL: what’s something you’ll wear forever?
A turban, hands down. About ten years ago, I wrote a trend piece for The New York Times Style section about turbans when they were having a moment both on runways and in street style. But for me, they’re are timeless. Whether or not they’re “in” feels irrelevant—they just fit my vibe. They make me feel relaxed, regal, and put-together in a chill way, especially on days when my hair isn’t cooperating.

LITL: what is the first piece you collected?
I can’t remember the exact first piece, but two early purchases stand out to me.

The first was a pair of suede, lace-up, open-toed black ankle boots by Ann Demeulemeester. I stalked them for so long that they became hard to find, but when I finally got them, it was worth it. These boots were so unexpected—an open-toe design on boots, with laces that felt a bit goth yet still feminine. The contrasting elements made them unforgettable.

The second was a Maria Cornejo dress that looks like a sunset. In my last newsletter, I mentioned my growing appreciation for the art of cutting fabric on the bias, and Maria has been a master of this since founding her brand, Zero + Maria Cornejo. It’s one of her signatures. She has an unparalleled talent for designing with a woman’s curves in mind, and this dress is a testament to that.

LITL: what are you most excited to accomplish with the newsletter? 
I envision this platform as a go-to resource and service hub for style and shopping insights. I want it to be recognized as a discovery engine for diverse brands and designers, especially those who might often be overlooked. Additionally, I’m passionate about creating branded content that feels organic, sharing product stories that connect with the audience in a way that’s personal and meaningful. One of my superpowers is bridging that gap—bringing products to life in ways that resonate deeply and feel truly relevant.