Best Served Haute 2

Fashion never sleeps–and neither does drama. With a new sequel on the runway, we’ve caught up with the fabulous crew behind the seams of Best Served Haute 2! But before we kick off this interview, let’s do a speed round of questions:

Heels or sneakers?

Jay: Where’s the option for platform boots?!

Heather: Little black witchy boots forever.

Christine: I have to go with sneakers…my feet are too old for heels :D 

Isa: A heel for special occasions, sneakers for everyday.

Chris: Can I go with slippers?

Runway or revenge?

Heather: Is there an option for hiding in a library?

Olivia: I'm with Heather. I don't need to be in either of those places 😂 But I'd love a good seat to watch what's happening on the runway!

Isa: Or maybe… a runway about revenge?

Olivia: Ooo, now we're talking.

Croissant or espresso?

Isa: This is hard because I’m both Italian and French, but I’m also Greek so I’ll say hummus.

Christine: I love carbs so obviously a croissant!

Jay: Is it a chocolate croissant?

Olivia: My real answer is croissant and tea :)

Heather: Both, but make it a mocha!

Chris: Both are good.

Bold patterns or minimalist Chic?

Jay: Definitely bold, I love vintage fashion, especially 70s.

Heather: Black. Always black.

Christine: Ooh yes black is always a nice choice, Heather!

Jay: I’m definitely not surprised by any of Heather’s responses! Witch goth is your brand.

Isa: I love a little colorful moment, whether chic or wild.

Statement earrings or designer shades?

Isa: Gotta go with Brat Summer shades. They’ll always be chic.

Heather: Maybe just a lot of fidget silver rings.

Jay: Maybe not statement earrings… but a lot of earrings? lol

Get even or get ahead?

Isa: Oh, get ahead by getting even. If they’re willing to go low, why not go lower to get higher?

Heather: Get ahead… or better, just get far far away!

Christine: Yes to both of these!

Now that we know y’alls fashion instincts, let’s talk about the story behind the style!

Best Served Haute 2 starts with a scandal—what was the most fun part of writing that dramatic opening?

Olivia: To start, we ended Book 1 on a cliffhanger because we always knew it would be juicy to come back in Book 2 and let you build yourself back up after Andy's betrayal. But it was a lot of fun to pick up from that downfall and figure out where those challenges would lead you!

Isa: The best part of getting into Book 2 was having lots of quippy responses for anything Andy says ever. Getting paid to write insults is great!

Of course, no fashion-forward tale is complete without some standout looks! What’s your favorite fashion moment or outfit from the book?

Heather: I don’t want to give anything away but I love the idea of taking a theme and making it into your own style.

Jay: I think my favorite outfit of the book is the chapter 2 outfit. I love that the premise of this book gives us an opportunity to try bolder looks.

If your MC had a personal fashion motto, what would it be?

Heather: Dress like you could be a Victorian grandmother.

Chris: Constant weekend casual.

Jay: 👀 *sitting in my pajamas as I type this*

What’s the biggest challenge in writing a story that blends fashion, revenge, and romance?

Isa: The biggest challenge was finding a way to blend all three. Kind of like that meme with a triangle where you only get to pick two sides, but instead we have to pick all three. It was fun finding ways to blend them together.

Olivia: We hope that blend will take you to some unexpected and cool places (perhaps even some... literally cool places?)

Time to loosen those seams–here are a few final questions, just for fun!

Which character would be most likely to cause a scene at Fashion Week—and who would secretly love it?

Heather: If pushed hard enough, I think one of our new characters, Eustace, could cause some serious drama… I would read that mini-book.

Isa: Oh, definitely, if Eustace had his way all the time, nothing positive would get done. I also think Marcus would be a great contender for scene-causer.

What would the MC’s “revenge playlist” have on it? (Bonus points for actual songs!)

Jay: Why do you ask this for every book? I’m stumped every time. 😭

Olivia: Alexa, play dua_lipa_don't_start_now.mp3

Chris: I feel like “I Will Survive” is appropriate.

Jay: Is this a fashion show or battle?

Olivia: A fashion show can be both, Jay!

Isa: Salvation by Rebecca Black. I think MC finds their revenge very freeing in this book. 

Heather: Winter Kills, Yazoo.

Great taste;) If this story had a signature perfume, what would it smell like?

Isa: I got this perfume sample collection of perfumes based on different animals, and the one for bat was so vampire-y and elegant. Are there vampires in this book? No. Am I just saying what I like smelling right now? Yeah. Should there be vampires in this book? All books should have them.

Jay: It is always the time for vampires.

Heather: Sterling, OR 226 Club, by Fulton & Roark.

Isa: Ooo or maybe Alien by Mugler? That’s a big fashion-y one I feel.

Between platform boots, shade-worthy playlists, and perfume notes that may or may not suggest vampires, one thing’s clear: this team knows how to thread drama, romance, and fashion into a story that slays. Now go get that spotlight in tomorrow’s launch of Best Served Haute 2!

<3 The Community Team