What Cass DiMicco Wears To Run Her Eight-Figure Accessories Business, Aureum Collective

Summary

Podcast Summary: Let's Get Dressed - "What Cass D'Amico Wears To Run Her Eight-Figure Accessories Business, Aureum Collective"

Released on November 18, 2024, "Let's Get Dressed" hosted by Liv Perez delves into the world of fashion accessories with Cass D'Amico, the founder of Orium Collective. This episode explores the nuances of building a successful accessories brand, personal style philosophies, and the evolving trends in fashion.

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1. Introduction and Guest Overview

Liv Perez kicks off the episode by highlighting the resurgence of belts in contemporary fashion. She introduces Cass D'Amico, founder and fashion influencer behind Orium Collective, a brand renowned for its high-end yet approachable accessories.

"Belts are definitely having a moment, which is why I'm so excited to welcome on Orium Collective founder and fashion influencer Cass D'Amico..." [01:05]

Cass returns as a repeat guest, underscoring her significant role in the show's narrative.

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2. Cass's Multifaceted Role in Building Orium Collective

Cass shares insights into her diverse responsibilities, emphasizing the challenges of managing creative directions while striving to delegate tasks effectively.

"When you're in a creative field, it's even harder to find someone that aligns with your tastes and can kind of take over what you're doing..." [03:13]

Liv commends Cass’s ability to juggle multiple roles, from creative directing to social media management, which has been pivotal in Orium Collective’s growth.

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3. Personal Style and Wardrobe Ethos

Cass elaborates on her minimalist approach to daily dressing, emphasizing the significance of accessories in elevating simple outfits.

"Our ethos at Orium is the art of accessorizing. Dress simply. Let your accessories be what's making the statement." [04:14]

She prefers a foundational wardrobe of comfortable jeans and simple tops, allowing her accessories to add flair and personality to her looks.

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4. Closet Organization: Open vs. Closed Closets

Cass discusses her closet organization strategy, opting for an open wardrobe to maintain simplicity and ease of access.

"I just wanted to make it really simple to see everything and have it, like, curated." [10:09]

She prefers hanging all her clothes to avoid the chaos of folded garments, aligning with her preference for a streamlined and organized wardrobe.

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5. The Centrality of Accessories, Especially Belts

Belts are the focal point of Cass’s accessory strategy. She emphasizes their versatility and ability to transform outfits from basic to chic.

"I wear about every single day now when I get dressed. It's, I feel weird without something on. It's the best accessory to pull your look together." [22:31]

Liv echoes this sentiment, noting how a well-chosen belt can elevate a simple pair of jeans and a white tee.

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6. Finding and Developing Personal Style

Cass offers practical advice on discovering one’s personal style, recommending tools like Pinterest for inspiration and encouraging trial and error through experimenting with different looks.

"Just have a Sunday to try things on. Figure out what you're missing... It’s about trial and error." [16:41]

She stresses the importance of understanding what resonates personally and building a wardrobe that reflects individual preferences.

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7. Launching Orium Collective: Overcoming Challenges

Cass recounts the inception of Orium Collective, driven by the absence of affordable, high-quality accessories in the market. Partnering with her husband, they aimed to fill this gap with meticulously crafted pieces.

"I felt like there wasn't any jewelry brands that had this more fashion-forward, like fashion house feel... but more affordable." [20:31]

She highlights the strategic decision to focus on quality and design over aggressive marketing, which has significantly contributed to the brand’s success.

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8. Trends vs. Timeless Accessories

Discussing current trends, Cass differentiates between fleeting fads and enduring styles. She advocates for incorporating timeless pieces that offer longevity in one’s wardrobe.

"If you love it and you wear it a lot, then you'll have it in your closet forever." [35:21]

Cass emphasizes the importance of selecting accessories that resonate personally rather than simply following seasonal trends.

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9. Styling Tips and Accessory DNA

Cass advises on building a capsule accessories wardrobe by selecting pieces that align with one’s personal style and can be mixed and matched effortlessly.

"Figure out what speaks to you. Try one piece at a time. Try a cool statement earring, see how much you wear it." [31:49]

She encourages confidence in experimenting with accessories, ensuring that each piece enhances and elevates overall outfits.

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10. Orium Collective’s Rapid Growth and Success Factors

Cass attributes Orium Collective’s impressive growth to timely category launches, trend forecasting, and unwavering commitment to quality.

"A lot of it had to do with launching the new categories... our quality speaks for itself." [36:00]

She notes that high repeat customer rates and strategic presence in stores like Nordstrom have bolstered the brand’s reputation and reach.

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11. Final Advice for Aspiring Brand Founders

Cass offers heartfelt advice to budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing the necessity of a genuine purpose behind launching a brand.

"You have to have a reason why the world doesn't need more products in the space... genuinely be connected to that." [38:58]

She underscores that authenticity and passion are crucial for long-term success and brand sustainability.

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12. Conclusion and Special Offers

The episode concludes with Liv and Cass sharing exclusive discount codes for Orium Collective, encouraging listeners to explore and enhance their accessory collections.

"If you guys want to shop Orium Collective, you can go to OriumCollective.com. Use our code 'dressed20' to get 20% off." [39:43]

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Notable Takeaways:

• The Power of Accessories: Cass underscores how essential accessories, particularly belts, are in transforming and personalizing everyday outfits.

• Building a Brand with Purpose: Authenticity and a clear vision are paramount in creating a sustainable and successful fashion brand.

• Personal Style Evolution: Regularly reassessing and streamlining one’s wardrobe can lead to a more cohesive and expressive personal style.

Quotes to Remember:

• "Our ethos at Orium is the art of accessorizing. Dress simply. Let your accessories be what's making the statement." — Cass D'Amico [04:14]

• "You have to have a reason why the world doesn't need more products in the space... genuinely be connected to that." — Cass D'Amico [38:58]

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This episode of "Let's Get Dressed" offers invaluable insights into the intersection of personal style and brand building, making it a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Transcript

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[Liv Perez]

The following podcast is a Dear Media.

[Cass D'Amico]

Production.

[Liv Perez]

Hi guys, welcome back to another episode of let's Get Dressed. It's your host Liv Perez. Do we think Belts are having a Renaissance? I'm buying more belts than I ever have for my wardrobe and I've been getting so many dms from a lot of you guys recently asking how to style them in your wardrobe, how to start with a skinny black belt or maybe even try a cool new suede belt. Belts are definitely having a moment, which is why I'm so excited to welcome on Oriam Collective founder and fashion influencer Cas D'Amico, who's built an eight figure business around revamping our accessories wardrobes from chic leather belts to vintage inspired earrings and a perfect silver cuff or M. Collective has become a best selling brand for its high end design focused assortment at an approachable price point. In today's episode, Cass and I chat about why belts have become the new hot topic in fashion, her best tips for finding your accessories DNA and building your capsule accessories wardrobe, and the biggest lesson that she's learned as a brand founder. If you guys want to shop Oriam Collective, you can use our code. It's dressed 20 to get 20% [e-mail] just in time for the holidays. Truly these pieces make the best gift. Highly recommend checking it out. Hope you guys love today's episode. Let's go get dressed with Cas D'Amico Cass, I'm so excited to have you on For a lot of reasons. But you are our first repeat alumni guest. Wow. What an honor for let's get dressed pre friend of a friend era.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Yeah. I love the rebrand. I think it's amazing.

[Liv Perez]

Thank you. I'm so glad I caught you while you were in la.

[Cass D'Amico]

I know.

[Liv Perez]

What were you doing here?

[Cass D'Amico]

So we had an Orium shoot yesterday, so I wasn't modeling, which is great. So I got to just do the creative directing and styling and do some like behind the scenes and all the social things too.

[Liv Perez]

I feel like in our industry, wearing a lot of hats is like crucial. You really have to know how to do a lot of different things. Creative, direct, execute, be in front of the camera, be behind the camera, Bring a product to life market.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But you have done it to like the extreme because you've brought a product to life. So.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, it's incredible. Yeah, it's a lot. I'm trying to learn how to delegate as best I can, but I feel like when you're in a creative field, it's even harder to find someone that aligns with your tastes and can kind of take over what you're doing or even just being able to let go of how you're doing things and let someone run with how they see something. It's really challenging.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah, because you just want your vision, your rules, your thing. It's very hard, but you're doing it really well. And I've loved to see the brand growth. It's actually been so fun to watch it blossom to where it is now. I think what I love most about it is when it first came out, it felt like a very natural extension of you and your personal style. Like, I could see how seamlessly it was being integrated into your everyday clothing. And the question I always love to ask my guests at the top of every show is how they get dressed every day. So tell me a little bit about your wardrobe and your ethos. When you're getting dressed, are you picking an item? Is it one of your belts? Is it an earring? What is like the creative around you getting dressed every day?

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I think it kind of depends on where I am, of course, but my day to day life, like when I'm just at home, I typically start with just a simple base outfit. If I'm loving a pair of jeans that week, I'll end up wearing those jeans three days in a row. And I'll just throw on jeans that are comfortable or a pair of trousers that are comfortable, something so simple on the top. And then I Always play around with my accessories. So that's kind of the whole ethos of our brand of oryum is the art of accessorizing Dress simply. Let your accessories be what's making the statement. And it's just an easier way of getting dressed. You can kind of just have those same capsule pieces that are. Can be really simple and then have some more exciting accessories that you're changing out day to day or making something feel more exciting. Or maybe I wear one type of belt during the day and then at night I'll like put on something more fun and it just makes the whole process less stressful. I really never like, think too hard about my outfits.

[Liv Perez]

I mean, that's because like your pieces are the perfect cherry on top.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Wear jeans and a white tee and like immediately the belt is like elevating it to another level.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I love what you said about simple tops because I think that's been something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Like, I feel like my top is the last thing I'm thinking about when I go to get dressed. Like I'm focusing on a cool pant. I'm focusing on like a statement jacket. Like a lot of my tops are just like simple shell top. So like a white tee, like it's not really the emphasis of my wardrobe. And I noticed that with a lot of style lately, like I'm not feeling like the cool roughly tops, like the padded shoulders. Like I feel like maybe we did. At least for me when I first started out, it was like Gossip Girl era, which was like big roughly tops, like the big button downs and the. And like the, the like ties and all. It was really about the top.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

It's like gotten simplified a lot.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. I was actually talking to some of my girlfriends about this recently because we remember back in the day when we were younger, it was like, what do you wear to go out? And it was.

[Liv Perez]

Oh my God, going out top deserves like a movie.

[Cass D'Amico]

Exactly.

[Liv Perez]

It deserves an essay. So it deserves some sort of like graduate thesis because it's really lived a lot of lives. I don't personally have a lot of going out tops anymore. I'd rather wear like a really cool pair of jeans and like a black T shirt or something like that. But yeah, one of my best friends asked me the other day, like, what tops are you wearing? And I sent her four, most of which were from ref. And I was like, I have these in like six, six different colors. And that's about it.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I feel like all my core basic Tops I just have in a lot of different, similar, slightly different versions, but they're all basically the same thing.

[Liv Perez]

Do you have any going out tops now?

[Cass D'Amico]

No, not really.

[Liv Perez]

Could you think of one in your closet where you're like, okay, if I have to go out somewhere in Miami, I'm putting this on.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Like, I have like, so some tops that are maybe just like more tight and like a tiny bit more sexy.

[Liv Perez]

Right.

[Cass D'Amico]

But like a black, tighter top that I would wear with like a loose jean or something is maybe my going outside.

[Liv Perez]

I just posted this because someone had asked me in like an ama and that brand Enzacosta that sells on Revolve is like, I feel like your top is very similar to like an Enzy Costa.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Is it?

[Cass D'Amico]

This one is Vince, but I have this exact top from Enzo Costa in like four colors.

[Liv Perez]

I feel like those have like, there was one that was like off the shoulder and like one that had like a, like zigzag down the chest. Like, I feel like that's the only thing. And not to encourage everybody to dress the same, but like, just trying to give.

[Cass D'Amico]

We're just being realistic here, trying to.

[Liv Perez]

Help you guys out here because I'm.

[Cass D'Amico]

Not going to put on this like crazy ruffly top to like go to dinner with my husband. I feel like he'd be like, what are you wearing?

[Liv Perez]

Like, where are we going? Yeah, what's happening?

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Also Tay Park. I get a lot of my going out tops from Tay Park.

[Cass D'Amico]

I don't have anything from them yet, but Reformation and the Costa. I do love, like Kate bodysuits or that vibe. I'm not always spending that much money on a bodysuit, but that kind of vibe, I think it's really cute and fresh.

[Liv Perez]

I'm not a bodysuit girl. I wish I was. I was for a second and now I just. I.

[Cass D'Amico]

They are flattering.

[Liv Perez]

Like, they are suck you in. Yeah, I'm sure. I think for me, I don't really love. This is so specific. I don't love the like seam line from a bodysuit, like with a pair of jeans. Yeah, that's like, I don't love how like the jean hits and then it's like a tight bodysuit underneath.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I get that.

[Liv Perez]

That's so specific.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

That's the fashion girl in me being like, I don't like that line, but I do like it in some situations, like with a great leather skirt or something like that.

[Cass D'Amico]

My turtleneck that I always wear, it's like a black turtleneck is a Bodysuit. And it's like just a commando bodysuit. And sometimes it does look like it. You have underwear on in certain pants.

[Liv Perez]

But what do you style it with then?

[Cass D'Amico]

Just anything loose on the bottom.

[Liv Perez]

Okay.

[Cass D'Amico]

So that, like, the line isn't showing on the butt.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. You have to get, like. I would never. I would get, like, a G string bodysuit.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, that's fair.

[Liv Perez]

Right? Because then I feel like I'm wearing, like, tighty whities kind of.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

It's a lot of fabric down there for me.

[Cass D'Amico]

I get that. I get that.

[Liv Perez]

So I feel like on Instagram, I get to see. Everybody gets to see a glimpse into, like, your perfect closet.

[Cass D'Amico]

Oh, yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And I am definitely someone who admires organized closets and, like, aesthetic ones. What went into designing that closet that made it, like, seamless for you to get dressed every day?

[Cass D'Amico]

Well, first of all, I didn't want to create it with doors, which I know is, like, not as chic, controversial.

[Liv Perez]

Because I was adamant about doors in my closet. Why no doors? Tell me.

[Cass D'Amico]

Because I just know myself. I'm the type of person that would open all the doors and never close them. So I knew. I knew I would never. It would just even be even more chaotic. I do feel like next place I get, I probably will have, like, a more Chicago adult type of closet that's, like, closed off. But overall, I just wanted to make it really simple to see everything and have it, like, curated. I have a little dress section. I have my blazers, my jeans all hung up. I'm the type of person that likes to hang everything. Everything I own is hung. T shirts, sweatshirts, like, everything. I don't like folding things because I know I'll just mess it up.

[Liv Perez]

Completely agree.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

All my T shirts are hung as well.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Because a lot of the times unless you're perfectly folding them, you'll get a.

[Cass D'Amico]

Crease, and it's just annoying every time you want to go through it.

[Liv Perez]

And then the only thing that I think, I barely have any drawer space in my closet, and I designed it that way. I have a workout drawer. I have, like, an undergarments drawer. And then I have a drawer that's like, sweatpants and pajamas and tank tops, because tank tops, I feel like I can fold without them getting greasy. But I totally agree.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I have a few drawers that have, like, sunglasses and jewelry and underwear and all that.

[Liv Perez]

But your closet's a store. It's a proper store.

[Cass D'Amico]

I actually. The amount of belts I now have in our closet is crazy. I had to just buy One of those tall wheelie like things that spins like it's a store. Because I have over a hundred belts now.

[Liv Perez]

But I love that it actually inspired me to get those ones on Amazon that like spin open.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Because before I had them like hanging on a hanger and it was very hard to get through. I would have to like move my clothes to get to it. You can't really see them all. I'm really now realizing how important belt organization is because it can change your whole outfit. But a lot of the times they're like pushed and shoved in the back somewhere.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I have mine on display. I have.

[Liv Perez]

Of course you do.

[Cass D'Amico]

Acrylic organizers for them. And I also try my best to edit my closet constantly. A lot. It's my favorite activity. I do it at least once a month, bare minimum. I'm always cleaning out my closet and making sure it's very edited down, selling things or donating things. And I feel like I don't even receive that much product. I mean, I do obviously, but I try to keep it to a minimum. And I still feel like I'm constantly editing things down because it just makes it more stressful when you're trying to get dressed to go through a bunch of things and you want like a clear headspace when you're trying to put on an outfit together.

[Liv Perez]

A quick break from our conversation to shout out the sponsor of today's episode, Posh Peanut. You guys know that I am so passionate about editing your wardrobe and having things that you love and feel good for every day. And while I don't have kids yet, hopefully one day, I'm equally as passionate about making sure that your kids wardrobes are as cool as ours are. I have so many friends ask me where to get cute kids clothes. And if you're having trouble finding something for your kid or even for your friend's kids. For me in my case, it's for all of my nieces and nephews. You need to check out Posh Peanut. For starters, their pieces are made with ridiculously soft viscose from bamboo that stays soft even after you wash them over and over and over again. Their high quality fabric is four times stretchier than cotton, so it grows with your child so you don't have to constantly be replacing their clothes. It's also breathable and chemical free, which means they're delicate on your kids sensitive skin. They make thoughtfully crafted, beautiful and stylish clothing. And they even have in house designs like floral florals to even your kids favorite brands like Hot Wheels. Disney, hello Kitty and Barbie. And for the holidays, it's not just for infants and kids. They have sizing for moms and dads. If you want the whole family to match, so cute. Right now, Posh Peanut is offering you guys 20 off your first order with promo code LGD. So go to poshpeanut.com LGD use our promo code LGD for 20 off your first order. That's poshpeanut. P-O-S-H-P-E-A-N-U-T.com LGG promo code LGG. Can't wait to see your kids looking extra cute this season. Let's get back to the show. When I was prepping for this episode, I had all the doors in my closet open. And what I realized very quickly is you are someone who knows your personal style very well. There's no color in your closet.

[Cass D'Amico]

None.

[Liv Perez]

If you opened up my closet, it would look like the rainbow threw up, which is fine.

[Cass D'Amico]

I feel like people think I'm, like, weird and boring.

[Liv Perez]

No, you just know your aesthetic. And I think that that is a really hard thing to. To find in life.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, it actually developed over time. Like, right before I started Orium, I was very broke, to be honest. And I was an influencer at the time. And I was just getting tons of clothing gifting from random brands, mostly, like fast fashion. And I would look at my closet and it made no sense. It literally was a rainbow that someone threw up in. It had so many different aesthetics in it. I felt like I was like, what is my style? I don't even have a personal style. I just wear what I get get in the mail, you know? And it was when I was entering my late 20s, so I was kind of like, okay, I really want to give myself a refresh. Like, if I can show up as anyone in the world, I want to be chic and classy and more put together. And I just, you know, woke up one day and decided to do that. And I, at the time, I didn't have the crazy amount of income to go to nuts. I was mainly going to Zara and more affordable places, buying a lot of neutral pieces. And that's kind of how Orium even came about, because I felt like I wanted to be able to dress, have simple pieces. But then I felt like my accessories were kind of lacking. Like, if felt like my wardrobe was looking a little boring. So I think that's where you can really have fun with accessories. And I think it's also about I always notice what I get rid of when I'm cleaning out my closet, and I always notice I was getting rid of the color. It was like, orange pants. I'm like, I wore them once. I'm never gonna wear these again. So just learning over time from getting rid of certain pieces and noticing the patterns and what I was getting rid of, I was always getting rid of color for me personally, just because I felt like I didn't know how to mix and match. And now I feel like everything in my closet just mixes and matches so easily because it's all kind of the same esthetic and color tones, and it makes it a lot easier.

[Liv Perez]

I love hearing about this thing that you did of wanting to kind of reassess your closet, because I feel like that's relatable to a lot of people in different stages of life. Obviously, as influencers, we get a lot of stuff. And I, too, had a moment like that where I looked in my closet, and I was like, none of this feels like me. But I also remember feeling that way when I first moved to college. And my closet before that was a lot of things that my mom had bought me or things that I, like, had from my younger years and wanting to change my style, feel like an adult, feel like a New Yorker. I was working at Teen Vogue, and I was like, okay, we need to rebrand here. What went into that process? Were you, like, mood boarding the things that you loved? Like, for people who might relate to that feeling and want to revamp their closet, what do you recommend doing to, like, start that process?

[Cass D'Amico]

I think you can definitely use Pinterest. I love Pinterest. I still use Pinterest a ton.

[Liv Perez]

I mean, you are a pin like you yourself are a Pinterest queen. Like, not to say that you're the user, but, like, I see your photos on, like, Pinterest all the time. People are Pinteresting you.

[Cass D'Amico]

Love it. Okay, great.

[Liv Perez]

Love it.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. I feel like I. I just love getting inspiration from there. And I think you can kind of look to some people's style that you really like, pull some inspiration, try to figure out what it is you like about their style. Something that I think people need to do more often is try on looks and take a Sunday to just put a bunch of looks together. And I. Because I think that's what we're doing. So. So much of the time, you know, when I'm styling for orum shoots, I have to typically style for two girls, like, 10 to 12 looks total in, like, one period of Time. So I have so much practice constantly of trying things on, putting things together, shooting them, see how it looks, you know, so if that's not really your lifestyle, obviously, which most people. It's not, you can do that yourself in your closet. Have a day. Listen to podcasts, put on music, whatever. Try looks on in your closet. Figure out what you're missing. Figure out if there's certain looks on Pinterest that you want to achieve. Figure out what you're missing in your closet. A lot of times it's also like, one little tweak of a silhouette. Like, if you have a lot of baggy jeans that you're saving photos of and you realize, oh, all my jeans are skinny jeans. Whatever. Whatever it is. Figuring out maybe the little tweak in what the pieces are that you're missing. Because sometimes it's something can just be off. Like a loose jean with a tighter top is going to look different than a skinny jean and a skinny top. So really just mood boarding. Figuring out what you want, your style, maybe, like, your three words, what you want them to be, however you want to do it. But then I think it comes down to actually trying things on. Trying things on. And, like, taking selfies. You don't have to show them to anyone. Like, take some mirror selfies. Figure out what you like on yourself, what makes you feel good.

[Liv Perez]

Trial and error, I feel, like, completely agree. And I think this is a crucial point. The other day, I was getting ready. It was a Sunday, and I was just trying on a bunch of outfits. You know, I'm going to Mexico this week, and I'm going to New York afterwards. And I had nowhere to be, and I wasn't rushing. And I felt as I was putting on the outfits, I felt some sense of urgency because I think a lot of the times when we're getting creative with our wardrobe, it's usually when we're getting ready to go somewhere.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And I actually, like, took a deep breath, and I was like, you have nowhere to be. Like, play around right now. See what works, see what doesn't. Like, the day is yours to just kind of figure out maybe a new look that you haven't tried in your wardrobe and things that you, like, haven't put together before. And I think that the point you just made is so important and so relative to that, where it's like, don't just find your style in the moments where you're rushing out the door. Find your style on those Sundays where you have nowhere to be and you have all this Time to try things on and look in the mirror and trial and error. And it's not like you have this final destination. Like, practice makes perfect. And I feel like we don't practice our style a lot. It's just something we expect to happen as we're getting ready.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Even when I get ready, you know, my husband will be like, we're leaving for dinner in 10 minutes. And you're like, okay, okay. And I always look. I look fine. But it's definitely not my best outfits. No, it's all my best outfits. I'm fully, a few days prior, sitting there, playing around, trying a bit. Like it's a thinking process. It's. I'm having fun with it. I'm. I'm not stressed exactly what you're saying.

[Liv Perez]

I want to get into starting the brand a little bit because I feel like we're in the era of influencer brands. But yours has really done an incredible job of standing out. What was that moment in that journey? I heard you were just saying you wanted to, you know, up your personal style, but also hearing that you were broke during that time is so interesting to me. So I would love to hear a little bit about what that moment of realization was for you that. That you were ready to start this brand.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I think it came at a time where I. It was interesting because I always, for whatever reason, thought that the path to starting a brand was building up my personal brand first. So I. Obviously, you can start a brand without having your own community first, so don't ever think that you need to do that. But whatever reason, that was my limiting belief at the time. And I think I had around 100,000 followers at the time, which is a great community. But I was no means, by no means, like, where my following is today. And I just felt like I don't want to keep waiting. I don't want to think that, oh, I need to hit a million followers before I start this brand. Like, let's just do it. My husband started the brand, or he was my boyfriend at the time, but started the brand with me. And we knew that we would be great partners. He used to work in finance, so we knew we would make a great team and really compliment each other. And it came when I felt like there was something missing at the time. I just felt like in the year that we started Oryem, this was 2019, I felt like there wasn't any jewelry brands that had this more fashion forward, like, fashion house feel. I really wanted this cool curb chain necklace from Celine, but It was like $2,000 for a brass necklace. And I felt like there was nothing that felt like high fashion, but more affordable. So that came at a time when I felt like there was a little bit of a white space. And then when we were developing, launching leather belts and eyewear, I was so excited about the leather belts because I felt like there was something missing in the space where we were, you know, handcrafting everything in Italy. Everything is super high quality, designer level materials, but at a fraction of the price point. I felt like there was something missing in the market that I felt like we could serve everyone for. And I think that's why even just the belts alone, it's been a year since we've launched them and it's almost like 50 or 60 of our business now. It's pretty crazy.

[Liv Perez]

It's so funny not to say that I don't like, know your, your business from seeing it so much, but I think of you belts first now.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, truly, I'm like, that is the brand that I go to when I need a new belt.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. And it's, it's interesting because we just keep coming out with new belt styles and I feel like people are starting to really catch on to. You don't just need a black belt in your closet. You can have a lot of fun with your belts and you'll end up probably wearing them all the time. Like I wear about every single day now when I get dressed. It's, I feel weird without something on. It's, it's the best accessory to pull your look together.

[Liv Perez]

I actually can't tell you how many of like my followers in my community will say to me, like, hey, can you do a belt guide?

[Cass D'Amico]

Like, interesting.

[Liv Perez]

How should I wear a belt? What do I style it with? Do I need a skinny belt? Do I need a thick belt? And to me, belt is all about proportions in your body. And so I never felt like I could do this universal guide, but people are very interested right now and I think see the, not the value, but like aesthetically want that in their wardrobe.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. I think it has a lot to do with more of this, you know, quiet luxury or just more timeless style evolving. I also think it has to do with as you evolve in your wardrobe and you get a little older, maybe you're working, entering the workforce. You're kind of like, okay, I have to wear black trousers to work. How can I make this interesting?

[Liv Perez]

Yeah, yeah.

[Cass D'Amico]

So I think it also has to do with maybe the stage that you're at. But then even When I'm trying to look cool to go to dinner, I'm always wearing a cool studded belt. Like, I think there's so many different ways you can take it and create looks that feel completely different. We did a pop up a few weeks ago and it was really interesting because we had a really cool belts wall build out with like 50 skus of belts. And everyone came in with completely different things they were looking for. Like, some people were like, okay, I don't have any belts. Where should I start? And I'm like, okay, I think this is a good start. About like, you dip your toes. Then there's the girl who has a bunch and she goes straight for all the crazy studded pieces. And. Or a lot of girls have belts and they're like, okay, I want the Bordeaux Croc, something I can have a little fun with. So there's so many options to play around with, and they really do make your looks completely different.

[Liv Perez]

Okay, controversial question. Do you think your belt always needs to match your shoes?

[Cass D'Amico]

No, I do. You do? I never even heard that my belt doesn't match my shoes.

[Liv Perez]

My God, you're right. And you look great. Every time I mismatch about to my shoes, I look psychotic. Huh.

[Cass D'Amico]

I've never heard anyone say this.

[Liv Perez]

I'm like, I'm. I'm someone who is like just now also mismatching my shoes and bag. Maybe it's like my own fashion rules. But yeah, I never feel like I look good when the belt and the shoes don't match.

[Cass D'Amico]

Wait, that's really interesting because I would also consider myself someone who's very match matchy.

[Liv Perez]

Like, you're also very. I can see how meticulous mathematical you are.

[Cass D'Amico]

Not too many textures. I really try to keep it to a minimum.

[Liv Perez]

No, you're giving me good inspo over here. I like it. By the way, guys, I got a comment on the YouTube last week about how I. I'm like talking about people's shoes on the show and they're like, Liv, we can't see their shoes. She's wearing black, like, penny loafers right now and a brown belt with a silver buckle on it. And it's very chic and great.

[Cass D'Amico]

These are my ro loafers. These are the best. Love them all time.

[Liv Perez]

They're so great. They look so good on you. Okay, I'm gonna send you pictures for fun. Yeah, I'm gonna make this little series, guys.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Liv gets over not matching her belts to her shoes. We all have our own, like, limiting beliefs and things that, like Just we nitpick at in our style.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

You mentioned something earlier that I'm interested to hear your opinion on. Now, having started a brand, do you think that that limiting belief that you need a large community on social media to start a brand is true?

[Cass D'Amico]

Not at all. I almost think that nowadays people almost have this, you know, negative opinion. If you are an influencer brand sometimes, like, sometimes it keeps working against you where people just assuming maybe you're not having the best intentions behind what you're doing. Like, I feel like for us at Orium, so much of what I do and care about, the entire center of everything we do is about the quality and making the choices to maybe even if it's not the best margins, but the best quality that we can possibly deliver to our customers. And I think not every single brand is like that.

[Liv Perez]

But.

[Cass D'Amico]

But I think you kind of have to just like do what's true to you. And I think even if you have a small community, I think those are the people that typically have a really loyal, trustworthy community.

[Liv Perez]

I also think product is king. And if your product is good, you can have the smallest amount of marketing. I think about how often I watch Shark Tank and some of these brands are making millions of dollars a year and I've never heard of them.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And then I go like, look on their Instagram and they've got like, nothing going on there, zero marketing. But because the product is good, they have repeat customers and people share their products. And like that viral, that kind of like almost viral version of word of mouth is even more powerful than any kind of marketing.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, exactly. I feel like I spoke about this recently how I don't necessarily think marketing is our number one strong suit. I think design and quality and being able to find amazing manufacturers is our strong suit. And the quality, I think speaks for itself. And I think when you are, quote, unquote, an influencer brand, which I don't feel like we are, but you know, you're. We just launched in Nordstrom, for example. If someone walk. Thank you. If someone walks into Nordstrom and sees our belts, they have no idea who I am. Even if they have no idea what Orium is, they need to be able to see it and like it and think it's worth spending their money on. So I think marketing can only kind of take you so far. I think products, especially in fashion, is really at the forefront of making people's want to buy from your brand. Because if it's next to a bunch of other brands, you need to be able to stand out or be aligned with the people you're in in the shelves with.

[Liv Perez]

Why do you think right now we're seeing more accessory brands that more like now more than ever? And it's interesting, as you were talking earlier about that industry not having really like anything interesting that felt high end in designer. I flashback to what I used to buy before I knew of your brand, which was like, okay, where did I go when I was a kid? I went to Claire's and then where was I going in college? I was going to Bauble Bar. So it's almost like that industry was really ripe for innovation. And why do you think that is?

[Cass D'Amico]

I think it has to do with, at least for me, especially in jewelry. I am not a huge diamond girl, for example, like I don't need to be drenched in diamonds day to day. But when you're getting older and you want kind of a more fashion jewelry look, but you also don't want it to look crappy. Like I think that's kind of where the ethos of our whole brand exists is the point of the accessories for us is to elevate your look and make it look more expensive so that you could wear a, like a Hanes white T shirt, a pair of trousers from Zara, but you put on a belt that actually makes your whole look look expensive now. And I think that more mature type of esthetic, you know, when you're in your 20s, 30s, I mean honestly, any age where you want to just have like fun fashion accessories, but they don't need to be solid gold. You know, if you had a pair of earrings that were like this and or a cuff like this in solid gold, you know, that's costing you 15k up.

[Liv Perez]

You know, for people who are listening, she's wearing like a really big, like a good silver cuff and then her earrings are like kind of this like oblong long shape silver. They're gorgeous. I also think I'd be remiss if I didn't bring up like the Saint Laurent accessories of it all. I feel like when they really started to invest in their accessories again a few years back and you were seeing these like incredible like big gold earrings on Hailey Bieber and they were really kind of making the rounds in the fashion world. I feel like people who love fashion really got excited about that vintage esthetic and wanted to bring it into their home.

[Cass D'Amico]

It's interesting. Obviously I'm so in it. So I'm very knowledgeable now about jewelry and what's it, what it's made out of. So when I see these designer brands and what the jewelry is actually made out of and what they're charging, I'm like screaming, Screaming. I'm like screaming. All anyone wants to do is figure out how to get your margins to be the highest they can possibly be. And I. I'm like, it's not really what brings me joy about running my brand, obviously. I know that's the business side of things, but I feel like what makes us different is being able to provide something that's amazing to people for, you know, I don't want to, like, yeah, move where we make everything and make it crappier and keep the price. You know, I would love to be.

[Liv Perez]

A fly on the wall in your pop up. How you were just saying that people were coming in and kind of we're starting at different levels of the accessories they were going for. You know, the starting point of a black belt to something a little bit more stylish, like the studded belt. And I frequently get asked how to kind of figure out your jewelry DNA, as I like to call it. Like, what are the things in your closet that you're reaching for that feel like you and go with your wardrobe accessories queen. What's your best tip on accomplishing that?

[Cass D'Amico]

I think it's just kind of what you gravitate towards. I think everyone has such a unique style, so it's hard for me to say, oh, you know, we're just all black and a cool belt. You know, I don't think that's how you have to dress. I think if you have a more eclectic style, you can incorporate a giant studded belt and have fun with it. I think in order to find your DNA, just figure out what speaks to you. Try one piece at a time. Try a cool statement earring, see how much you wear it. Don't be afraid to wear it with everything. You know, this is like, if, say, I was going to work today, why not wear a statement earring? These are lightweight. It's fun to wear.

[Liv Perez]

It also amps up your outfit by 10.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, exactly. So I think don't be afraid if something speaks to you, don't be afraid to try it and style it and maybe wear it in scenarios that you wouldn't even expect, that you'd have to wear a more statement earring, too, and just have fun with it. I think don't be. I. My number one pet peeve is when someone says, I can't pull that off.

[Liv Perez]

Like me saying the belt colors. Yeah. It's a confidence.

[Cass D'Amico]

No if you absolutely try it and you will pull it off, just have the confidence.

[Liv Perez]

I like to try it because I think specific, more specific. Like, get one piece and take it for a spin.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, I always get a little overwhelmed when, you know, I have friends or people who reach out to me, being like, I just bought 10 things. Like, I can't wait to try them all. I'm like, that might overwhelm you a little bit. Like, yeah, just buy this one thing. Buy the silver earring. See how much you're gonna wear it. Even actually, like, talking about silver, I feel like silver is really trending right now. And I have some friends who, like, went and bought the belt, the earrings, the cuff, all these things, and I'm like, are you actually going to wear all that after having never worn silver before in your life?

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, give one thing a try and see how it fits.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And if the shoe fits, great. Wear everything.

[Cass D'Amico]

Exactly.

[Liv Perez]

But it's better to kind of temper it and see where it works.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. One, like, one piece at a time. Doing a full wardrobe rehaul is a little challenging. You have to kind of ease into it. And 100% the pieces in that are speaking to you.

[Liv Perez]

Speaking of trends, what do you think is really trending right now in accessories?

[Cass D'Amico]

So I don't love to say trends, because I think a lot of the things I gravitate towards now are not trends. They're just a fresh texture. Whatever it be. I'm obsessed with chocolate suede. We have our chocolate suede belts do. Amazing.

[Liv Perez]

Of course. Especially right now, I feel like that's.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, it's.

[Liv Perez]

So what you just said about trending is something I've been thinking about a lot lately, because I do these AMAs every weekend. And the questions I've been getting. One I got the other day was like, and by the way, this did not frustrate me, but someone said, are cargo jeans still trending? And I was like, is that a trend, or is that, like a den. A pant style that maybe you just rotate through in your closet?

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But I do think that, like, as, like, fashion storytellers and journalists, like, there does need to be a deeper emphasis on the difference between a trend versus just, like, a wardrobe.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Like something that feels fresh for the season.

[Liv Perez]

Like, exactly.

[Cass D'Amico]

Because I would never want to create things that someone looks, buys, and then looks at next year and is like, no. Oh, this was so last year.

[Liv Perez]

You know, I do think there are things that are trendy, like bows trendy.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, we don't need to have things with bows in our closet forever. But suede, right now people are like, suede's trending. Leopards trending. And I'm like, so you're telling me that you get rid of your leopard every year and then when it comes back, you bring it back? You don't just like, have the leopard coat in your closet and just keep it and like wear it every once in a while when you're feeling inspired or want to try something new?

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, I think that that's where your personal style starts to develop, is maybe you do try out something that's considered a trend. You know, chocolate suede or are like Bordeaux croc belt does really well. And to me, that's so not a trend. It's something that maybe just resonates with you and then you keep it in your wardrobe year after year after year. Like if you love loose jeans or the cargo pant, if that's something that you feel good in, that's so not a trend. You can wear that for eternity. And now that's what gives your personal style a little bit of flair. Like we are actually launching in like two weeks a cow print belt and a leopard belt.

[Liv Perez]

Cute.

[Cass D'Amico]

And to me, those are classic things. They're very much having a moment right now. But I think if you love it and you wear it a lot, then you'll have it in your closet forever. You know, you can wear a leopard belt forever.

[Liv Perez]

You've been really quick on not to say things are trendy, but I feel like whenever I'm on your website or on your Instagram, you guys are really good at staying relevant in the fashion conversation. The chocolate suede, the leopard, even I would say like the studded belts that really like happened really fast and you guys were on it. Is there something that you can attribute to the like, rapid growth of the brand? I know you just did an article with Forbes, like saying it was an eight figure business. Like, that growth is incredible and I think really sets you apart from a lot of other influencer brands. Is there one thing. She's smiling right now and I love that because I'm so proud of her. It's very exciting to say those things, but is there one thing that you're like, this was so crucial to our growth.

[Cass D'Amico]

A lot of it had to do with the new launching the new categories. I think we. It's definitely about being able to see what's missing, what I was speaking to earlier and then be at the forefront of things. I think that's also kind of My previous buyer brain is I love trend forecasting. I love figuring out what's going to be next and setting the trends. And I think right now belts is a very, our most like fashion forward category as of now where it's really easy for me to, you know, chocolate suede's happening, make a chocolate suede belt. It's really easy to interpret what's happening in the fashion world into the accessories. But yeah, I think it has to do with just being on the forefront of trends and I honestly think a lot of it has to just do with our quality. And we have a lot of customers who have bought like our repeat customary rate is very high. We have a lot of customers who own 10 plus belts from us and really trust us on what we're recommending. And I think, I think that's what it is. I think that we're trying to. I, I pride myself so much in the product and what I'm actually delivering to people and I take a lot of pride in that. And I'm someone that really appreciates and loves beautiful things in, in fashion. And I think it's really important that what I'm creating is stuff that I would even personally wear. You know, I wear my purse, I wear or I am every single day of my life, life because I. Not just because I want to, you know, market the brand, whatever. I'm wearing it around my house when I'm by myself. It's more so just because I genuinely love it and that's what I reach for. Like when we started belts, I got rid of all my designer belts. I was like, I don't need any of these belts anymore.

[Liv Perez]

Wow, what a feeling.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. I think my goal for the brand is to always be doing something that's like my designer taste level for a fraction of the price and figuring out a way to make every single category the best looking piece possible and not have to charge an arm and a leg for every single thing.

[Liv Perez]

What's your best piece of advice for a brand founder right now?

[Cass D'Amico]

You have to have a reason why, you know, the world doesn't need more products in the space. So you need to have a reason for why you're creating it, why you feel like it's filling a void in people's lives and actually genuinely be connected to that. Why? I think if you kind of just are trying to do like a cash grab, people can kind of sense that or it won't last for many years. So that would definitely be my biggest piece of advice, is leaning into why you're so passionate about what you're doing, what you're creating, and what it's serving for people.

[Liv Perez]

I'm so glad we got you back. And irl. What a treat.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Like, I'm so much more fun.

[Liv Perez]

So much more fun. And I got to see you. It's been so long. So long. Okay, if you guys want to shop or collective, you can go to Oriam Collective.com. it's going to be linked in the description of this bio, in case you don't know how to spell it.

[Cass D'Amico]

And.

[Liv Perez]

And we have a code for you guys. It's dressed 20 and you'll get 20% off. 20% off. Oh, my God. Guys.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Run.

[Cass D'Amico]

We love a discount. Seriously, make it Christmas around here.

[Dime Beauty]

Run.

[Liv Perez]

Perfect for holidays. By the way, if you guys are looking for good gifts, these are the perfect gifts.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah, it is.

[Liv Perez]

Good earrings, good belts. Killer.

[Cass D'Amico]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Liv Perez]

You're the best.

[Cass D'Amico]

Thank you.

[Liv Perez]

Thanks for coming on. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Cass D'Amico]

Or services referred to in this episode.