Maria Bartiromo, New York City
Anchor and host of Mornings with Maria on Fox Business Network
Tell us about yourself and how you came to Fox Business?
I started my career as a producer at CNN business news after studying business at NYU. I was a production assistant, writer then producer at CNN from 1989-1993. Then in 1993, CNBC and specifically Roger Ailes hired me to be an on-air reporter and I stayed there for 20 years, becoming the first reporter to broadcast live from the floor of the New York stock exchange, becoming one of the first to break open the morning call and help democratize information for investors to help arm regular people with the right information about their money. And helping to build out the CNBC brand globally.
After 20 years at CNBC and being the face of the network and becoming the first female journalist entered into the cable hall of fame, I decided to join Roger Ailes again this time at Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel. I have two shows on FOX-1 on the Fox Business Network Mornings with Maria was launched last year, June 1, 2015. Since then our ratings are up 120 percent and demo is up 140 percent. The show is doing really well and we are beating the competition more often than not. We have a spectacular team.
My other show is Sunday Morning Futures, which is on the Fox News Channel Sunday's at 10a.m. We have established ourselves to be one of the leading Sunday morning programs. We are the highest rated Sunday show on cable. I have found the culture at both networks to be very strong with a passion for journalism and seeking truth. I am thrilled that I had the courage to take this step and leave a place I was comfortable to try something new, to stretch myself and grow because I love it here.
You got a lot of attention after moderating a GOP debate last November over a brooch that should have its own Instagram or Snapchat by now. Can you tell us about it and will you wear (have you worn) it again on-air?
Yes, I have worn it and love to wear it. It is a gold and amber brooch that was my grandmother's. I love it because I feel like I have my grandmother with me when I wear it. And she brings me good luck. It is very special to me and I also find it very chic. So yes I mix it up and wear it with different looks.
What is a typical day in your life?
I wake up every morning at 3:30 a.m. to get ready to go on live Mondays through Fridays from 6 to 9 a.m. We invite the leading business and politicos on the show. It's three hours of live TV including interviews and reporting breaking news. After the show the team prepares for the next day so we're always looking ahead and planning. I go to bed early, so I don't do much at night, right now.
How do you describe your style?
My style is professional and chic. I like wearing jackets. But I do so with chic jewelry for different takes on a jacket look.
Were you always fashionable?
I can always remember being interested in fashion. Wanting to try outside-the-box looks.
What's your look when you're not working?
Usually workout wear or jeans. I'll wear yoga pants or biking shorts or bike gear because I do both after work.
Now we know how you stay in shape! Where do you shop and do you get help with your wardrobe?
I also like to fit in yoga several times a week. I like a few designers, which I usually stick to because I know the looks fit properly. Valentino, Gucci, Ralph Lauren are among my favorites.
What is the duration between wearing looks over again on-air?
I probably wait a few months between wears.
Have you ever been to Cleveland and will you have some time to explore the sights?
I don't think I'll be doing too much exploring. I'll be busy doing interviews in the Huntington Convention Center. I'm thrilled to have this front row seat to what has been an extraordinary election. Moderating the two presidential debates for FBN earlier in the season was truly an honor. At the conventions, we will be live every morning and will be live for a 6 p.m. special as well. I have been to the Cleveland Clinic many times. I am a big fan of the hospital and its leadership. They have incorporated such great technology in Healthcare and we are all living longer as a result of what's happening in Healthcare. It's very exciting.
What inspires your fashion?
My mood. It depends if am I in a casual mood or if I have a super important day interviewing leading business people and CEO's. That might dictate a more serious look.
Tell us a little fashion secret?
Less is more. Don't pile on jewelry, belts and colors, it's too much. Just add sparkle here and there. But don't try too hard.
Do you follow the trends?
Not really.
Have you ever had any fashion mishaps on-air?
Oh sure. I have fashion malfunctions all the time. It could be the wrong color, the wrong fit or see-through because of the lights. We live and learn.
Do you have any beauty tips?
Not really. I can't wait to wash my face every day after I get off the air. One tip is to make sure to take every last bit of makeup off as soon as you can to give your skin as much time as possible to breathe.
Do you collect anything fashion related?
I have a collection of old jewelry from my grandmother. Including that brooch.
You interview some very important people; do you ever worry about what to wear?
Sure. But most important is to be comfortable so it's one less thing to worry about.
Do you have rules for your on-air look?
Refined, professional and chic.
Where do you get your sense of style?
My mother has always been a hard working, independent woman with her own likes and styles. I pick it up from her. I also love to watch old Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly movies.
You look like Sophia Loren! What is your best fashion advice?
Wear what feels best on you. Be yourself and feel good about yourself. Nothing looks better than a woman with confidence.
Speed round...tell me your favorite things:
MAKEUP: MAC Cosmetics.
HAIR PRODUCT: Serge Normant.
SKINCARE: Neutrogena.
CLOTHING DESIGNER: Valentino.
STYLE ICON: Audrey Hepburn.
STORE: Hard to say.
JEWELRY: The new pearls that my husband just gave me.
ACCESSORIES: Costume as well as real jewelry.
HANDBAG: Chanel.
SHOE BRAND AND STYLE: Manolo Blahnik slingbacks.
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Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.