The beautiful and talented Rebecca Woolf of Girl's Gone Child
I have a secret. A dirty one. (*deep breath*) Imnotcrazyaboutreadingblogs. I know this seems grossly counter-intuitive since I freaking write one, but it has to be really unique-in-a-way-I-can’t-put-my-finger-on in order to draw me in and hold my attention. And then I found Girl’s Gone Child.
I felt immediately connected to not only Rebecca’s life experiences and parenting views, but above all else, to her voice. She is positively fearless and speaks with brutal honesty, making no apologies for who she is, her choices, views or shortcomings. I identify with her on a level of I’m-facing-this-thing-called-life-and-parenting-with-all-its-imperfections, and the fact that – get ready – she embraces them. Inspiring stuff. It could be because she’s roughly a decade younger (shut it) than I am, and reminds me to find lightness and beauty in all that happens, regardless of the shit storm it can often be – for that I am most grateful. Not to mention she has a kick-ass sense of non-mommy style for both herself and her kids…
LASM: Allow me to start by saying that I adore your blog - you remind so much of my younger self (minus the kids), even though in my brain I like to pretend we’re the same age. Moving on. What fashion state-of-mind are you currently in?
RW: Quirky bohemian? Off-duty ballerina? California urbanite? Paris, Summer of ’69? High maintenance hippie? Etc, etc? I have a very late 60′s, early 70′s aesthetic as far as fashion goes. I was born a decade after my time, apparently. I love skinny jeans with fat tees, leggings paired with chunky tunics and slouchy boots. And hats. I love me some head-gear. My dream is to someday open a vintage hat store. Sigh.
LASM: Who or what do you find inspires your fashion sense?
RW: Everything and everybody and old times and Teen Vogue. Seriously. Teen Vogue has brilliant stylists. I’m a loyal subscriber. On the web I love Sea of Shoes, Lookbook.nu, Francoise Hardy and Marianne Faithfull. Confidence. If I’m doubting whether I can pull something off or not, the answer is NOT. Personal style is all about confidence, which is why L.A. is such a fun city to get dressed-up in. Everyone here is parading around completely and perhaps delusionally confident. It’s inspiring.
LASM: True, that. I know you’re super busy with your kids and job; what’s your go-to daily ‘mommy’ outfit for the summertime? What about for the cooler months?
RW: For summer it’s an over sized tee, leggings and TOMS, and for the other seasons, over sized tee, leggings and boots with a statement jacket and layered jewelry.
LASM: I heart TOMS like crazy, especially for kids. What are your favorite local L.A. shopping spots? How about on-line?
RW: Oooooh, boy. I’d have to say Noni on Larchmont, and Beige on Beverly for new pieces (although I wait for sales), Fluxus for staples and Fairfax Trading Post, The Way We Wore and Slow on Melrose for vintage. I don’t shop for clothes online, but if I did I’d shop at Pixie Market. I know people do it beautifully but it makes me nervous. I’m old fashioned that way, perhaps. I like dressing rooms.
LASM: We both have boys about the same age, and boy clothes can be especially challenging; what brands do you like for Archer?
RW: I have to give it to Shaun White for Target. He is KILLING me with the skinny jeans for boys. They are the perfect fit. I’m also a huge Ben Sherman fan. If it isn’t from Target it’s most likely Ben Sherman with Creative Recreation shoes or Reef flip-flops.
Rebecca and her daughter, Fable.
LASM: It’s well known that (your daughter) Fable is a little style icon of her own! What are your faves for ‘Fable-shopping’?
RW: Most of Fable’s wardrobe is hand-made, actually. My mom has been going nuts with the sewing machine and fabrics we picked out together. I’m also a massive fan of Misha Lulu. Love Splendid, Imps & Elfs and See Kai Run shoes. Gap for essentials.
LASM: One of the most common questions my readers ask is, what are cute yet comfortable flat-shoe alternatives to sneakers, for the park and general kid-schlepping. What do you recommend?
RW: I used to be a total heel-girl and now? I can barely wear heels to dinner without killing myself. I recommend a good pair of kick-around flat-boots. I have a pair of maroon kick-around leather boots I got at a thrift shop for $30. Best $30 I ever spent. If you can’t afford a nice pair of well-made boots, go thrifting. It will make ALL the difference. Cheap boots are a total waste of money. Also? I love TOMS. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Buy a pair of black TOMS and you can’t go wrong. They look great with everything and they’re socially responsible, too, so everyone wins. My most warn non-Toms, non-boot shoes are currently my black, gold-studded ballet flats by Michael Kors. They go with everything, very polished without looking prim. I also love me some Jeffrey Campbell.
LASM: What current trend do you love? Loathe?
RW: Love: Harem Pants, jumpsuits, sequins. Loathe: Heeled sandals and I’ve never understood the appeal of Coach.
LASM: Ooof – that makes two of us. Which designers or brands do you adore?
RW: Vintage Pucci. Hands down. This is a tough one, because I don’t have a cazillion dollars so budget shatters my fashionista dreams!!! If I could, I’d shop all day long at Marc Jacobs and DVF but no, I cannot. So? I shop vintage, American Apparel, Barneys Co-Op, Jeffrey Campbell shoes. My favorite designer is probably a tie between Balenciaga (Modern!) and Chanel (Boho! Viva la France!), but I do most of my shopping at Anthropologie, thrift stores and Target. Oh, and J Brand jeans. Always J Brand. Wearing them now in fact. (With a tunic by TORN I bought at Barney’s Co-Op.)
LASM: Amen on the J Brand front. Anything else…?
RW: You’re awesome! xo!
LASM: Back atcha, my friend…
