What’s In My Clutch: Hot Pink Pineapple Accessories

This month’s Glitter Clutch is nearly as sparkly and playful as Cyn from Hot Pink Pineapples. We collaborated with Cyn on all of our Palm Springs shoots this summer and her energy made every set better. Her colorful style is matched by her positivity, strong work ethic, and encouraging spirit. She’s the friend who says, “We’ll figure it out!” and truly means it. After spending time with her, we left inspired and excited to share her story with you.

In our interview we talked about her everyday essentials, favorite lip color, a celebrity-filled corporate past, and the moment she knew it was time to change careers. Her pup, Dolly Parton, makes several adorable appearances in the photos—she might even convince someone to add a second dog to the family. Read on to get to know Cyn and her joyful approach to life and style.

What are your must-have items that you always keep in your purse?

My phone is first—got to capture every little adventure. I always carry a charger because a dead phone feels catastrophic. I’ve been loving Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bella—the pink goes with my hair perfectly. My pup Dolly Parton always has treats in my bag, and I never leave home without sunglasses; growing up in Los Angeles pretty much guaranteed that. I also keep my Disney Annual Pass handy for surprise Disney dates. And of course I’m never without a fun prop—balloons, statement earrings, or a bright scarf—because you never know when a photo moment will happen.

You’re prepared for anything! What’s the craziest item you’ve ever found in your purse?

A screwdriver. I work on set a lot, and random tools and tape tend to end up in my bag. It’s practical chaos.

Do you remember your very first purse? Tell us about it!

My first purse was a Minnie Mouse backpack—a plush Minnie doll with straps and a little zippered compartment. Completely impractical, but perfect for carrying Barbie shoes when I was little.

Your style is so fun and colorful—has it always been that way?

My style has definitely evolved. As a kid I loved bright colors—my sister called me Rainbow Brite. In my teens I was into ska music and wore plaid pants, band tees, and checkered Vans, accessorized with lots of jewelry and buttons. High school brought a surfer girl phase, despite not surfing. Working at NBC pushed me toward more office-appropriate neutrals and black as I tried to fit into a corporate environment. After leaving that corporate life, I came back to dressing for myself—mixing vintage with modern, embracing bold colors, and still looking like the “Christmas tree” my mom teased me about. Some things never change.

Do you carry the same purse every day or match it to your outfit?

I switch bags based on what I’m doing. For set work I’ll use a practical backpack that holds notebooks and samples. For going out I pick a bag that complements the outfit—sometimes a bold color that becomes the statement piece. I also love novelty purses; I’ve never met one I didn’t like.

Do you have other favorite ways to accessorize?

Hats are my current obsession. I rarely leave without a standout headpiece. My mom passed down a felt hat collection from the ’80s, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

You mentioned you’re no longer in the corporate world. What do you do now?

I’m a freelance set decorator and influencer. I love designing spaces that set a mood or tell a story. As a set decorator I choose and style everything that moves on a set—tables, chairs, drapery, and props. It’s creative and demanding in equal parts. When I’m not on set I build colorful scenes for Instagram, create outfits, and make custom pieces. Being my own boss lets me choose projects that align with my vision.

What did you do before going freelance?

I was a corporate set decorator at NBC, working on accounts like E! Entertainment. I handled set work for shows such as Fashion Police, E! News, The Soup, and E! Live from the Red Carpet, as well as projects for Nerdist on BBC.

How did you know it was time to leave your full-time job?

My life was tipping into imbalance. I found myself giving too much to the job while my personal life suffered. The daily dread of driving to work replaced the enjoyment I once felt. The workload and stress affected my health—I even started losing hair. The turning point was when I stopped caring about the work I was producing. Leaving a secure job after 12 years was terrifying, but I reached a breaking point and knew I had to choose my wellbeing and creative fulfillment.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about leaving a full-time job to work for themselves?

Take a day to honestly assess your life. Ask whether you’re happy, complacent, or miserable in your current role. Consider how badly you want to go freelance and whether you’re willing to replace your steady income. Be practical—plan how you’ll meet basic needs—but also listen to your heart. For me the decision came when the stress was harming my health and my passion for the work faded. If you reach that point, it may be time to make a change, even if it’s scary.

Photos by Cyn Moreno