girl crush: frannie noble

on working with family at clare v. and being kind

I’ve never actually met Frannie IRL, but in some ways, I feel like I have. If she looks familiar, you’re probably not imagining it. Because if you, like me, have long been a fan of cult favorite Clare V., you have indeed seen Frannie’s face - she’s modeled for the brand for years and sits on the marketing team.

But moreover, Frannie exudes the type of easy charm and magnetism that makes me feel like we’ve been friends for years (despite only actually knowing her through Instagram - a great follow btw, she has killer style and an eye for vintage).

It was so fun to interview Frannie - someone I have admired for years, but have no real connection to other than the Internet. I’m grateful to this platform for all the wonderful people I have met in such a short period of time. And thank you, Frannie, for trusting me & for introducing yourself on girl crush!

Meet Frannie Noble:

Where are you from & where do you live now?

I am originally from St. Paul Minnesota. My husband and I spent seven years in Los Angeles, one in Austin, Texas, and then came back to Minneapolis, Minnesota once we decided to start our family.

Who (&/or what) lives with you?

My husband August, our 2-year-old son Quincy, our dog Willie, and a baby girl on the way in early June.

How do you spend your days? (ie. “What do you do?”)

Work wise, I am on the Marketing team for Clare V., a handbag and accessories brand based in Los Angeles.

You work with family — what’s that like??

The best. It can go super wrong (i.e. Succession), or super right, and luckily for us it’s the latter. My sister just moved from NYC to LA to work for CV, and my husband runs our paid advertising — so it’s a family affair. My aunt, Clare, started the brand in 2008, and I am in awe of what she has built over the last 17 years.

Pretend you’re speaking to your mentee — what’s one piece of career (or life) advice you would have for them?

“Note to self: Be kind, be kind; be kind.” We had these words hanging at work and I think they are words I try to live by in both work & life. I believe if you treat people with genuine kindness, good things will happen.

Who do you look up to?

My parents. My dad is a judge, and such a special human. He is humble, caring and positive. Traits I admire. My mom was a labor & delivery nurse for 30 years and now teaches optimal fetal positioning for labor, and has changed peoples lives. She teaches women how to get their baby in the right position for a safe and healthy labor. She has now been at most of my friends' births (and mine), which is just the coolest full circle moment.

What do you love about motherhood right now?

That we can have conversations now. Quincy is very verbal & we chit chat about everything. It’s so fun to see his brain working when he’s stuck on a word or gets curious about something. I try to write all his little sayings down in a journal I keep beside my bed, because I don’t want to forget that little voice.

What feels hard about motherhood right now?

Being 8 months pregnant and feeling the dreaded (I hate this word - but “mom guilt”) of not being able to do all the physical things with Quincy. It truly helps to remember that everything in parenthood is a phase and this too shall pass, but oof I am tired.

What does your parenting “village” or support system look like?

We moved back home to Minnesota because we love it here, but to be honest, mostly because both of our parents live here. I grew up going to my grandparents house during the week, and cherished it so much and I wanted that for my kids. I truly don’t know what life would look like without family close by. My friends also have babies close in age, which is so special for Q to have built-in best friends.

How do you carve out YOU time and what do you spend it doing?

This pregnancy it’s been carving out time for self-care. Prenatal yoga, massages, walks alone (with no kid or dog), meditation and naps. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, anything helps.

Currently reading?

The Women by Kristin Hannah and The First Forty Days: The Essential Art Of Nourishing A New Mother by Heng Ou and Marisa Belger.

Currently watching?

Survivor. It’s weirdly my pregnant comfort show

Three Substacks to recommend?

La Vie de Clare V. by Clare Vivier

Feed Me by Emily Sunberg

Gumshoe by Harling Ross

How would you describe your style?

A little tomboy, a little girly. Depends on my mood.

One thing in your closet you come back to time and time again?

Right now, it's vintage Ralph Lauren button downs. I am kind of a striped button down hoarder. They are such a staple when you are pregnant to look a teeny bit more put together if you are wearing a pair of drawstring or soft pants.

One thing you’re lusting over?

Everything I can’t wear 8 months pregnant. Right now it’s vintage jeans. I miss jeans!

A favorite place you’ve traveled to?

We go to France every summer. About two hours outside of Paris to a very small town called Saint-Calais, and my aunt and uncle have a home there. We drink wine, play tennis, and cook.

One thing you’re looking forward to?

Having my baby girl in my arms, and my sister’s wedding this summer in France.

What’s your superpower?

I feel people’s emotions very strongly. Which can be a superpower for people to open up and share their thoughts with me…but also can be hard to feel all the feels!

Where can people find you? (plug yourself!)

@franniegilly on IG!