Show and Tell
March 6th, 2009
Thanks to those of you who posted questions yesterday! I had such a great time reading them and tried to answer as many as I could. Since there were a lot more than I had anticipated, I divvied up my answers into separate categories. Heeeere goes:
Personal
I have no tattoos. My style icon is Natalie Portman. In my shower: peppermint bar soap, a pink razor, John Freida color glaze, Sunsilk shampoo and conditioner, St. Ives apricot scrub. Favorite song: Brown Eyed Girl. When at Starbucks, I order a double shot of espresso over ice. I don’t know how to iron or sew. I stay away from purchasing designer labels at flea markets since you never really know if they’re real. The most expensive thing I’ve ever splurged on is my Gryson Hannah bag. I’ve never been recognized (but wouldn’t that be cool?). My favorite designers are Marni, Elizabeth & James and Opening Ceremony.
-What do you do to stay in shape?
I try to work out at least four times a week and alternate between running for 30 minutes (my absolute limit before getting bored) and lifting weights. My boyfriend just recently bought an Iron Gym for our place and I’m rather addicted. I’m up to five chin-ups so far!
-Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I went to Scripps College in Claremont, California where I studied Sociology and Media Studies.
-What do you do for a living and how did you first start out?
I was a Sales Assistant for Domino and Teen Vogue magazine straight out of college (you can even see me in several episodes of “The Hills”). I then moved into internet sales where I now manage online media campaigns.
-What’s your favorite city?
I’ve regrettably done very little traveling in my 25 years, but I loved the fast-paced nature of New York City when I visited last October. I love how the city is always bustling and that there’s this ethnic diversity that allows for all kinds of variety among food, art and shopping.
-What do you like to do on your down time?
I consider myself a homebody and am happiest when I’m curled up on my couch with my boyfriend watching a movie with lots of chocolate nearby. I’m also a big fan of listening to live music and love discovering intimate venues where I can just grab a drink and relax.
-What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to mellow stuff like Joe Purdy, Missy Higgins and Ryan Adams throughout the day to keep me relaxed. When I’m getting ready in the morning though, I’ll bust out some Country music since it just puts me in a good, energetic mood.
-Do you have Twitter?
YES! I just signed up last week and I’ve been having so much fun so far. My screenname is byEmily and you can find me here.
-Favorite fashion memory from elementary school?
I have so many unfortunate fashion choices from when I was young, but I’d say my repeated tutu and fireman’s hat outfit in Kindergarten was pretty special.
Blog
-Why did you start a blog?
I love the idea of sharing things that I enjoy with other people, whether it be a great cupcake shop or a new belt that I bought at a flea market. I started my blog about a year ago and it’s been such a wonderful creative outlet. I’m also starting to put together some ideas for my own Etsy shop with things like tulle necklaces and other special little accessories.
-Who takes your pictures and what kind of camera do you use?
I have my boyfriend to thank for my countless photo shoots. He bought me a Nikon D40 SLR (with an extra 50-200 mm Telefoto lens) for Christmas and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new camera.
-Why do you think your blog is successful?
I write about things that I think apply to a wide variety of people and keep my posts short and to the point with plenty of pictures.
-How long does it take you to write posts?
Sometimes I can bang out a post in a matter of a few minutes, other times I struggle for what seems like hours.
Fashion
-Which are your favorite stores (for cheap and expensive) for clothing?
For more upscale purchases, I like Barneys, Planet Blue, Madison, Shopbop.com and Intermix. When I’m trying not to spend too much, I’ll go to places like Forever 21, H&M and Zara. I’m all about finding a great deal though and visit outlet malls and warehouse sales for affordable designer pieces.
-What are five things every woman should own?
I think this varies from person to person, but for me, I need:
1. Nude pumps that you can walk in (I’m a fan of the round toe variety)
2. A pair of jeans that are made for your body type (for me, that’s high waisted)
3. A wide belt (this is a universally flattering way to cinch in your mid-section
4. An LBD – seems obvious enough, but it really can be worn a million different ways.
5. A coat in a bright color (I prefer Kelly green)
-How can I find my signature style?
It’s important to pay attention to things to which you’re naturally drawn and try to build a wardrobe around those pieces. For example, I like dresses, deconstructed boots, sparkly rings, and super-soft cotton staples, which inevitably creates a sort of girly Bohemian prepster vibe. Once you have your overall “look” in mind, it’s easier to shop for things that adhere to that.
Beauty
-What is your beauty routine?
I wash my face only at night and use a ridiculous amount of lotion since my skin tends to be really dry. I exfoliate a few times a week in the shower and try to use minimal amounts of make-up so that my skin can still breathe. I tweeze my own eyebrows only because I don’t trust anyone with hot wax near my eyes.
-Favorite beauty products?
Lotion: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier (Sand)
Mascara: Maybelline Define-A-Lash (Very Black)
Blush: Tarte (Flush)
Highlighting Cream: Benefit High Beam
Lip Gloss: Mac Underage
Perfume: Burberry Brit for night. Annick Goutal ‘Petite Cherie’ for daytime.
Hair Straightener: Sexy Hair Smooth & Seal spray
Nail polish: Wicked by Essie
Food
-What’s your daily eating routine like?
I have oatmeal with granola every morning, some sort of salad with protein for lunch and usually pasta for dinner. I make sure I always have tons of snacks close by (like almonds and dried cranberries, apples and cheese and peanut butter and bananas) since I seem to get hungry every few minutes.
-What’s your favorite dessert?
I’m a huge sweets person, but if I had to narrow it down, chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream would be my ultimate choice.
-What are your favorite restaurants in L.A.?
That’s probably the toughest question I’ve come across yet since there are countless amazing restaurants in this city. Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza for the best pizza in town and a great wine list, Il Cielo for a romantic dinner under sparkling lights, Izaka-ya for no-fuss fabulous sushi and Versailles for authentic Cuban food that is ridiculously flavorful.
Thanks again for all of your support and I hope you all have wonderful weekends.
xo
Emily
Pssst…come check out the feature on me at Lemondrop!
