I have known Andrea Linett, the founder of the style blog I Want to Be Her and a creative director, for decades, starting when we were both fashion writers at Harper’s Bazaar under Liz Tilberis and shared an office. We were a good duo, because she–the cooler, downtown girl with enviable edgy style, was the yin, to my more classic and somewhat uptown yang. Even though we did, and still do, dress a bit differently, we also have many of the same fashion obsessions including 70s style icons, vintage military jackets, finding the perfect jeans and bohemian blouses. She is still way more hip than I can ever hope to be. Last week she featured me on her site, and this week, I am thrilled to have her on mine.
What are you wearing often? Lately at home it’s mostly 6397 tees with a vintage pair of slightly baggy cream Levi’s and an almost threadbare J. Crew camel cashmere V neck. Outside I switch to classic A.P.C. New Standard jeans and whatever tee I want to relegate to outside! Also wearing my old US army jacket and wool Greek fisherman’s cap with either Magnafied clogs (SO comfy and cool) Everlane rubber booties in black (same), and of course a mask–M. Patmos makes a great one with a built-in nose clip so it stays on. I would say my outdoor look is a bit Valerie Solanas, but I’m going with it until it warms up.
What are you wearing too often? See above.
Your go-to video conference outfit: Usually my dad’s old Levi’s chambray shirt, because I love the color and it looks good with all my gold necklaces and charms, or a Nili Lotan button-down. I try to keep it simple!
Favorite place at home to sit and work: In my office which is in the back of the apartment and nice and quiet – I either listen to NPR or an uplifting music mix. If no one is home I like the kitchen table because it’s super bright in there.
Latest read: I’m almost finished with Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby which is hilarious and really keeps the mean reds at bay. I read it during quiet time (I have an almost 4 year old) and I recommend all her books.
Online rabbit hole: Etsy. I can’t stop. Also if I like a particular show, I have to IMDB the hell out of it! It drives my husband crazy because I will do this right in the middle of said show.
New Insta discovery: Jeny Howorth (@jenyhoworth)!! For those who don’t know, she was one of the coolest models in the ‘80s and she’s probably even cooler now. Her daily monologues are funny and addictive!
Daily ritual you practice: The minute I wake up I put on my workout outfit – nothing fancy – just black Gap leggings and a Lulu lemon bra, so that I will be forced to do my daily workout (usually Ballet Beautiful or Pace Express with an occasional yoga routine – David Swensen’s 15 minute one to be exact — thrown in) but I refuse to do more than 20 minutes. But I pour myself a cup of coffee and edit the day’s blog post before anything else. And then always breakfast after the workout. I never understand people who don’t eat in the morning.
Daily ritual you’ve abandoned: Wow there are so many. I always take what I call “inspiration walks” to stores and just around, which I don’t do now of course. I miss getting an afternoon coffee at Happy Bones, my favorite coffee place. Visiting my pal Edith Machinist at her store. Just normal everyday things. And this is not daily, but I have a standing weekly dinner date with a dear friend that I really miss!
New skill you’ve mastered: Cooking! I was never much of a chef but now I am really getting into it and make a mean Bolognese and chocolate chip cookies, among other things.
Favorite new recipe: Lidia Bastianich’s Bolognese (easy and delicious), pasta with broccoli rabe (always a favorite) but now I add Beyond Meat sausage. SO good.
Mood booster: Workouts, daily walks, music, a cold beer at 6 and good TV (Killing Eve, Better Call Saul, Better Things…)
Favorite hour of the day: Is it terrible if I say 9pm when I have just put my son to bed and meet my husband on the couch for wine and mindless TV?
Favorite COVID-related cause: There are so many but right now I will say Meals 4 Heroes, which allows local restaurants to stay in business while providing meals for medical workers. https://www.meals4heroes.org
Something you love to do that you can share with others: Cooking. Plus Gino and I are baking sweets now (potentially dangerous but fun and I rein in the intake!)
How are you looking at your business differently? I run a shopping blog and have pointedly asked my readers if they would like me to stop for a while. The consensus was a resounding no. A medical worker actually told me that after a long day at work she just wants to veg and look at pretty things. Having said that, I am more thoughtful about the kind of content I post (i.e. keep prices down, link to self-care things that my readers might find helpful).
What do you miss most? Real contact with friends and family. Walking around the city that I love without worrying, dinners out, and really just feeling normal.
Where will you go on your first post-pandemic trip? Honestly, my mom’s house in New Jersey so we can take her out to dinner!
What do you hope the new normal brings? That we all become more grateful and appreciate what really matters, which is really the smallest things in life, like being able to be with loved ones or taking a walk without feeling terrified.
Follow Andrea: Her Instagram, I Want to Be Her IG.
photo by Michael Waring
I’ve been a huge fan of Andrea since the Jane Pratt Sassy days.
She has an eye like nobody else and really knows what she’s doing, always has.
Plus her hair is goals!
Love Andrea! Thank you for such an interesting post.