Lists for Life: My Interview with Author Rory Tahari

Last week I had the pleasure of attending an Elie Tahari fasion show at Saks Fifth Avenue featuring his Holiday and Spring 2010 collections. The event benefited St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and worked to raise thousands of dollars for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

Part of the evening was also in celebration of Elie Tahari’s wife Rory. Her new book Lists For Life: The Essential Guide To Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos, is a thoughtful collection of more than 100 helpful lists to keep you organized.

Under Rory Tahair's direction, Elie Tahari's annual global revenues have soared from $50 million to more than $500 million in just 10 years. Rory leads the brand's advertising, marketing and public relations, and has transformed one of fashion’s most enduring labels into a fashion forward thinking fixture for women.

A Georgia native, Rory began her career as a television producer and it was on a fateful night in New York City, she was introduced to Elie Tahari at his 46^th birthday party. And so it began..........the Tahari empire was revived.

Mr. Tahari is a dedicated philanthropist and sits on the boards of The Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy, and the non-profit organization Friends in Deed, a crisis center for those with life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, she is involved with New Yorker’s For Children and Gods Love We Deliver.

Her most recent feat is the release of her first book, Lists For Life: The Essential Guide To Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos. The book is a collection lists breaking down life’s challenges and time-consuming tasks into easy-to-achieve steps.

As a certified OCD list-maker myself, I zoomed through the book this weekend and had the opportunity to ask Rory a few questions via email for DC This Week. Catch some of the highlights from my interview with the author, philanthropist and branding phenom below.

What is your list for your favorite things to while do in DC? Do you have any favorite shops or restaurants in the area?

I of course love Cafe Milano in Georgetown; the new bar at the St. Regis is fun and has a great crowd. When Elie and I are there alone we love to go to Cork, it is very romantic!

Shopping in DC is always fun, I love Muleh - it has a great mix of designers and their collection of contemporary furniture is always interesting.

I hear you have an iphone app for packing efficiently, tell me about it.

The Travel Packing Lists iPhone app makes packing so much easier. The app gets you started with an initial, detailed list, then let’s you customize it for your personal needs, family or travel occasion. You can save each list or send them to a friend. It will even help you make sure you get your last minute needs into your bag in time!

Who are some of your favorite fashion designers, besides your husband of course?

Aside from my husband, I love everything Lanvin, especially the jewelry. Some of my other favorite designers include Alexander McQueen, Roland Mouret and John Galliano for Christina Dior.

For more casual wear I live in Stella McCartney for Adidas and Jbrand jeans!

Above Rory and Elie Tahari in their Manhattan loft.