Don’t call Charly Sturm an “It” girl. The twenty-something senior vice president of brand development at Dr. Barbara Sturm is so much more than her tens of thousands of Instagram followers. She’s more than cute dinners, Manhattan parties, and glamorous outfits — so much so that Sturm is reinventing the traditional “It” girl label. “I place much more value on a woman being celebrated for her achievements rather than for her social standing,” she tells us. Point taken. For the record, we completely agree.
The term “It” girl has been in play since the turn of the 20th century. Throughout the decades, its meaning has gone through several iterations, evolving from “Queen of the Night” to supreme dilettante, to a disregard for the male gaze defined by charisma, style, and authenticity. For most, “It” girl status isn’t taken too seriously. After all, it’s a societal, often romanticized, badge worn by influential women and awarded by no one in particular. But in 2024, the definition depends on whom you ask.
Sturm is a renaissance woman who’s unapologetically herself, who confidently stands out from the crowd, and who admittedly has both good days and bad. She’s ambitious, independant, and undeniably cool. Isn’t that ultimately what the modern “It” girl represents? So the question remains, what’s in an “It” girl? For Christian Louboutin, the answer’s simple: Empowerment, with a healthy dose of aspirational style. A woman in red-soled heels doesn’t just know what she wants, but she also knows exactly how to get it. Cruising SoHo in her pink Sporty Kate Sling heels (appropriately named after the iconic Kate Moss), Sturm exudes effortlessness. Against a gritty urban backdrop and a sea of head-to-toe black, she shines, confidently embracing her originality with every step.
This magnetism doesn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, it runs deep. Sturm is a firm believer in practicing self love, which is her favorite way to channel inner peace and confidence. “I feel the most empowered when I truly feel good about myself and what I am doing,” she says. “For me, it’s about finding a balance between success at work, a fulfilling social and family life, and taking care of myself.” A fabulous outfit doesn’t hurt, either. “When I truly feel good and comfortable in what I am wearing, it ultimately lifts my mood and mindset,” she adds. “It allows me to express my character freely and confidently.”
With all the walking Sturm does, her choice of footwear needs to be dynamic. She values style, quality, and wearability. Most heels don’t fit the bill, but her Sporty Kate Sling heels aren’t just any shoes; they’re a statement — and a comfortable one at that. A beacon of elegance and edge, they encapsulate contemporary sophistication and social allure, making them the ideal companion of any “It” girl.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I loved and admired a good pair of heels — especially Louboutins,” Sturm says. “Nowadays, wearing an outfit that I love with a pair of beautiful heels truly gives me a confidence boost. I love the wearable heel height of these shoes in particular, along with the combination of chic and sporty. They’re incredibly versatile.” That adaptability is key. After all, between coffee runs, early morning workouts, cross-continental work calls, and on-the-go lunches, Sturm is always on the move.
Although Sturm’s not a New Yorker from birth, in true “It” girl fashion, it’s the place she feels most at home, and it shows. “NYC has taught me to be more present and to live in the moment,” she says. “I adore the unpredictability of it.” As she owns the streets of SoHo, commanding the walkways and forging her own path both literally and metaphorically, we can’t decide which is more captivating: Her warm smile, her carefree energy, her bold red lip, or the fact that she’s ever-so-gracefully strolling on cobblestone in heels.
Sturm is a representation of poised authenticity, and it’s no accident. While finding your power and owning it isn’t always easy, Sturm’s sense of self is her compass. “Whatever you do, make sure it is authentic to you and what you believe in,” she says. “You should never shy away from your gut instinct, it is your ultimate guide.”
As Sturm moves to her own beat, boldly gliding along New York’s busy streets, her sparkling nugget of wisdom rings true. Being an “It” girl isn’t about indifference, but rather living in an impenetrable state of self assurance and inspiring others to do the same. It’s knowing that drive, selflessness, joy, and strength are reasons enough for celebration — that and a fantastic pair of heels, always.
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