Taking every measure to avoid the winter weather, we caught up with the California duo behind the all-around amazing blog Honestly...WTF. Founders Erica Chan and Lauren Kolodny give us the scoop on how the blog got started, personal style philosophy and a few of their favorite things.
For our latest giveaway, we joined forces with the Erica and Lauren to let one lucky winner pick a pair of shoes from our Resort 2012 collection. Simply leave a comment on Honestly...WTF and enter your email address on our facebook page. The winner will be chosen randomly on Tuesday, January 10th.
All photos by Honestly...WTF
How did you two meet?
Erica Chan: We met through a mutual friend while attending college in San Diego, CA. Strangely enough, we both grew up in the same small coastal town in Southern California. Our parents live about 10 minutes from each other!
How did Honestly...WTF start?
Lauren Kolodny: Honestly...WTF started in my living room. MY grandfather had just passed away, and Erica and Abe (her husband) came over to cheer me up, get my mind off of things, so we started a blog. No idea where it will go next, we have already come so far!
What is your personal style philosophy?
EC: I'm addicted to shoes, hats, bags and most of all, jewelry. More is always more.
LK: I dress for comfort first.
How do you wear your LR shoes?
EC: I love the Paloma espadrille for the lizard embossed leather — I'm all about details and textures! Thankfully, winters in California are mild so I plan on wearing them with the abundant amount of cropped and printed pants I've been compulsively buying as of late.
LK: I wear lots of color, vintage, and patterns, so the Esther pump was a perfect choice, they go with everything. I will be wearing these babies next week in Mexico as the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding!
Tell us about your favorite:
Place to get away:
EC: Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is an especially special and beautiful place to me as my husband and I were married there a couple years ago. It's the most charming colonial town nestled in the mountains of central Mexico.
LK: Spain. It's the happiest place on earth! Unfortunately flying has become such a pain in the ass, so I like to get in the car and drive. Cambria, on the central coast of California and Nevada City to Erica's in-laws ranch are two of my favorite places to get away to. I love nature and water, and both have that.
Thing to collect:
EC: After a recent trip to Turkey, I started quite the collection of colorfuul kilims and carpets. I also have a growing collection of matchbooks.
LK: Honestly, I collect too many things, some would say I am a hoarder. Old cameras, vintage macrame plant hangers, vintage afghans, and I am starting to collect vintage suitcases.
Color combination:
EC: I honestly believe purple goes with everything — my favorite combination being purple and orange. I love tone on tone. Flame red and fuschia is also a winner.
LK: Purple, orange, and green.
What can one of you get away with that the other can't when it comes to:
Fashion:
EC: Lauen can pull off "boho" better than anybody.
LK: Erica can wear accessories like no other. I feel less is more, while she thinks more is more, but she can really style it well and pull it off without looking like Mr. T. She can also run in heels, I can barely walk in them.
Home:
EC: Lauren has an amazing green thumb and unfortunately, I can't seem to keep a cactus alive.
LK: Erica is an amazing chef, and is always introducing me to new food. I don't cook that much, but I always learn from her. Her sesame tofu salad is to die for!
Travel:
EC: She's a much better packer than I am — always prepared for any climate, event or wardrobe situation.
LK: She travels light and I always over pack! Who travels with a steamer, really?
Hidden talents:
EC: Lauren has an amazing knack for spotting a diamond in the rough. This is most evident when we're shopping — I'll walk right past something, she'll pick it up with complete enthusiasm, and suddently, I'll see it in a whole new light.
LK: Well, its not much of a secret anymore, but Erica can make ANYTHING. Honestly, she amazes me every time.