Homegirl Heroes: Emma

I bonded with Emma over cigarettes and the topic of vintage clothing on one of my first nights living in LA. I remember thinking how pretty she was when an Australian accent came spilling out of her mouth as she spoke. It took strength not to roll my eyes. Psssh. Gorgeous AND she has an accent.

She's more than easy on the eyes, though. Emma recently wrapped shooting her first short film, Grace, which she just so happened to write, direct and produce (I helped her out with photos and wardrobe as you may remember from this post). Homegirl's got a keen eye for antiques, and she is ballsy when it comes to rockin' her super rad thrift store finds.

Emma's fuckin' fierce, and I don't mean that in a "Top Model" type of way (although she could be a top model). I more mean it in a "screw with me or my friends and I'll slice you" type of way. Her no-nonsense attitude makes her playful side even more endearing though. She's genuine... and it shines through in her artistic endeavors.

I spent an afternoon closet-digging, shooting, and lounging with Em not too long ago, and decided she would be the perfect guinea pig for this new monthly segment on ol' blog.

Read Emma's interview below.

How did you end up in Los Angeles?

Whilst studying Production Design at film school in Sydney, I found out that upon graduating, I would be eligible for a 12 month student work/travel visa. I was on the plane to LA 3 months after graduation day. That was 2.5 years ago I haven't looked back since.

Of all creative outlets why did you choose film?

I think film chose me really, sounds wanky, but it's true. I was studying Interior Decoration at the time and the head of Design at AFTRS (The Australian Film Television and Radio School) came to lecture us. She spoke about Production Design for film and TV and how it incorporated interiors and furniture and decoration. It wasn't until after her talk that the lightbulb turned on and I realized that was what I was supposed to be doing.

What was the most intimidating part of making your short film, Grace?

Fearing that it would be shit. I feel like I knew I could do it, but I went through ups and downs of self doubt. Apparently that's normal and a sign of wanting to be great, but at the time it's hard to tell those thoughts to shut up. I also feared that I would find out that my film was actually crap and not festival worthy at all, and all this time I thought my idea was good. I guess those feelings faded away gradually throughout the whole filmmaking process. The more it came together.

You obviously have a passion for antique furniture. When did this love affair start? Do you have a early memory with any specific piece?

Good question, I actually have no idea when or how it came about. I don't remember either of my parents having a love affair with furniture or antiques. I do remember always re arranging my room. I loved moving it around to see what it looked like from different angles.    

Vintage furniture and vintage clothing....what do you look for when you're collecting?

Vintage furniture that I love is mainly Mid Century Modern and Victorian. They really go well together. I also love velveteen sofas and chairs. I have found that I have a love of vintage print too, rugs and throws. I love a good bargain. Most of my home is off craigslist or from a thrift store.

Vintage clothing never ceases to amaze me. I couple years ago I was obsessed with vests and leotards. I had over 14 of each at one point. I still have most of them in a box in my Mum's garage in Australia. They will make it over to LA one day. Whilst shopping for thrift vintage now I usually just buy what is practical for me. A little 80's/90's silk top I wear tucked into high waist skirt or pants on a night out, is usually easy to find. My favorite always being an oversized wool cardi, I almost have one in every color :)

With both vintage furniture and clothes I feel like they speak to me, like they need me to love and appreciate them.  I get sad when I see once beautiful pieces broken and damaged on the side of the road or alley. 

Choose a super power. 

If I could have a super power it would be to move things with my mind. I love it in movies when people have this power and they get into a fight with their enemy and they just throw them up against the wall with their mind. Badass. I could think of a few people I would've done that too ;)

What's inspiring you currently?

I think what's inspiring me at the moment is the thought of what the future has in store for me. I have only just began to scrape the surface of what I'm capable of and that's kind of an awesome feeling. 

www.emmalesliefilms.com

Mom Pants that Make You Dance

As I approach my thirties I find myself wondering when I will reach the age at which my affinity for looking like a grandma will no longer be "cute" but more just me....looking out of date. When I'm forty and the vertical nature of my footwear begins to take its toll, how will I modernize my sartorially senior sensibilities?! 

These cobalt pantaloons, made out of what seems to be canvas (?) are not chic and are not really that flattering. I was drawn to them at the thrift store because of some humorous quality they seemed to emit. I do this with many clothing selections. Sporting what is otherwise unflattering 'cause I'm young and my body is presently some-what bangin' (according to my husband, anyway). It amuses me, and it works...for now. 

(Right guys? Nervous laughter. Riiiiiighhhht?). 

When pontificating the future I try to visualize myself as the type of woman that can defeat the tinge of vanity that urges one to wear only what makes her look most attractive. I don't want to be a fupa shaming, all black wearing, sensible shoe-sporting dresser at 50. I want to wear pieces that are unique and beautiful. A chartreuse crushed velvet kimono and giant cat glasses. Not with the intention to draw attention to my crazy, saggy self, but certainly not with the intention to NOT draw attention to my crazy, saggy self. In short: I want to not give a shit in the most stylish way. 

This is why I look at Advanced Style on the daily.

At this point, I will admit that vanity does still get in the way. Every now and then I want to wear something "outlandish" but this silly feeling that the piece is too weird or doesn't make me look feminine enough will deter me from rockin' it. I also think it takes a lot of style sense to make extremely unique pieces work. (Man Repeller is the perfect example of this). I have confidence that as I age I will become better and better at pulling off what ever I want to. For now, these pants make me wanna dance, so I wear them...and I do.

Wearing kimonos and turbans and huge jewelry. Life goals, NBD. 

{Pants and Belt

: Thrifted}

{Shoes: Violet and Red}

{Shirt: NY&Co (15 years old, crazy right?}

{Pelican Earrings: Found at a shell shack in St. Augustine. These are also rad.}

Ladakh Pants · Betsey Johnson Pumps · Asos Belts

Sweltering Style: How to Pack for Hot Climates

Sincere apologies for the lack of updates this past week. Jonathan and I made our way to Texas for work and some and family time. Thankfully I had several photography gigs, and Jonathan had some cartoon voice-over work the same week! 

The Texas thrifting scene is PRIMO, and I miss it now that I'm amongst subpar Cali thrift shops (no offense, surfer dudes). With a copious selections and insane prices like vintage secretary dresses for $2.99, there is plenty in TX to choose from. I knew I was going to need room in my suitcase for the trip home, so I tried to be super thoughtful in packing. Luckily, when traveling to Texas, you don't need many layers! 

Here's how my packing gears grind: 

1. A transitional (day to night) maxi dress READ: ESSENTIAL. I wear maxi dresses on planes for the comfort factor. (However, if you opt out of the death-laser-naked-picture-airport-scanner, the TSA agent gets annoyed with how much fabric she has to finagle). This time I had to go to a party directly from the airport, and with a little freshening up (see lavender oil), and a change from boots to sparkly sandals, BOOM, I was ready to double fist cocktails (it was my mother's work party) and miiiiiiingle, y'all. The next night I wore the same dress to the theater. 

2. Four blouses that match every bottom I pack. Typically I stick to solid colors or simple patterns for my tops, because it's easier to mix and match that way. These blouses can also be used to layer over the maxi dress, and belted at the waist. How's THAT for versatility?! 

3. Printed, high waisted maxi skirts: The BEST for hot weather. Easy, breezy, and day to night transitional. Dress em up, dress em down, hike em up and show some leg while you're enjoying chips, queso and margaritas. God bless Texas. 

4. Because this was mostly a work trip (and when this girl works, this girl squats) I needed cute and appropriate shorts. A textured black short goes with every blouse I brought. I am of the opinion that shorts of an appropriate length are TOTALLY doable for work. Particularly in hotter climates. 

5. Footwear! This is where I stare blankly at the suitcase every time I'm packing. It's hard to choose what footwear to pack because, well, shoes make or break you (maybe that's a little harsh..............actually, it's not. It's the cold hard truth). I always wear boots on the plane because they take up the most space in luggage. A sandal with a pop of color is necessary. I find cobalt blue, red and emerald the most versatile. Finally, a more modern/professional slip-on is ideal for work. You might notice I don't have any heels, but honestly, when trying to save space, an embellished sandal can cut it for dressier occasions. 

6. As far as accessories. I try to stick to the same flavor of metal (gold this time). A delicate necklace, a statement necklace and a small pair gold earrings (with some attitude) is my traveling jewelry trinity. And when making your way to a sweltering spot, a panama hat is prime headgear. Put it over your eyes to sleep on the plane, and protect your peepers from the sun's rays. Plus panama hats go with EVERYTHING. 

7. A swimsuit for swimmin' ! I'm investing in a vintage inspired suit this season fo' sho. 

8. A medium sized brown tote. I avoid packing extra handbags. Every lady should have at least one handbag that goes with nearly everything in her closet. This is important: That handbag should be large enough to pack snacks for the plane. :) A lot of people forget you can bring food from home on the flight! I surprised Jonny with some homemade vegan cookies (my friend made) half way through the flight there and a piece of red velvet cake on the flight back. The man has a sweet tooth. 

More pro-packing tips: Roll your clothes instead of folding, and DON'T skimp on the underpants.  

Alexander Wang Tees · farfetch.com Sleeveless Tops · Dorothy Perkins Long Skirts