DORÉ

Lawren Howell seems to have mastered duality. A post-New York life in her homeland of California, motherhood and flourishing career, the ability to be both refined and eclectic in style (and interiors alike!) A stylist and consultant living between Ojai and Venice Beach with her beautiful family, Lawren is a crisp example of a modern woman. Elegant, intelligent, and thoughtful, she welcomed Jessie into her Venice home and answered all of our questions about style and influence.

Describe your style in three words.
Evolving, practical, understated.

How has living between Ojai and Venice affected your approach to fashion? Has the time you’ve spent working in the fashion industry been an influence?
I think in California there is a greater importance on one’s individual style; it’s less about trends and more about a personal look. But I think when you work as a stylist in the industry you want to project a strong point of view with your personal clothing choices without being too bold or attention grabbing.

When it comes to style, what’s most important: comfort, beauty, or innovation?
I would say comfort, because you can’t look cool if you’re uncomfortable.

As a stylist and consultant, you are constantly surrounded by clothes and what’s new in the industry. In what ways does your role carry through to your personal style preferences?
I think the way you dress can be a tool for how you want to be perceived. I’m exposed to more designs and trends which allows me to have a greater tool box and ability to project an idea.

Does your interior decorating extend to your wardrobe? Would you say you have a go-to look or uniform for getting dressed every day?
In both style and interior design I like contradiction and the juxtaposition between handmade and refined.

Do you have a fashion muse?
Because we live in an age where we are surrounded by imagery, I don’t have any singular muse, I just pull from the images around me that I’m inspired by.

When you travel for work, what are the three things you always pack in your suitcase?
1. My Irene Neuwirth boulder opal locket which has my daughter’s picture in it.
2. Malia Mills black trackpants for airports.
3. Some fun Hansel from Basel socks that can be worn with cropped pants and flat shoes since I walk more when I travel than I do at home.

Tell us about your favorite brand of 2017. Do you remember how you discovered it?
The shoe brand FEIT – I love their hand sewn slipper. I discovered the brand from a friend, interior designer Amy Kehoe. I also love the brand Sofie D’Hoore which I discovered from the store Tiina in Amagansett.

What projects are you most excited to be working on in 2017?
Truthfully what I’m most excited about right now is seeing my sister’s fledgling brand, Stevie Howell, grow. It’s been so fun to work with her and encourage her to push her boundaries.