Q & A with Djuna Bel
There’s something about the lure of always “looking put together.” And though our daily beauty routines are valuable and necessary, we can’t deny our aesthetic is important and a perfectly curated outfit can go a long way. And when you can look as good as you strive to feel on the inside, why not shoot for the stars--and with style? Djuna Bel does just that. Known for commercial and editorial styling, Bel is not only a stylist but an image-bearer of what cool must have looked like both decades ago and simultaneously today. There’s a slight modern nostalgia to her personal style and work (see her IG if you don’t believe us) and it’s hard not to be left with a lasting impression when you come across anything she presents. And as she continues such an imprint in one world, she begins an entirely new one with motherhood. We got the chance to have a chat and ask some questions on all things health, beauty, pregnancy and well a little bit of fashion too, of course.
January Olds: What does taking care of yourself look like for you today?
Djuna Bel: Making sure I remember to eat things that aren't toast. Taking some time to meditate, rest or exercise so I don't let my mind or body become too stagnant.
JO: You are someone I know who values health and your well-being, what has been the biggest shift in your routine while pregnant?
DB: I think the biggest task has been not to shift things too much. I think it's healthy to keep living like you did pre-pregnancy (maybe a little more cautious about what you put in on or your body).
JO: What’s the strangest remedy or beauty advice you’ve been given recently? Any of them work?
DB: I will try just about any beauty remedy so this is not strange in comparison - but I have been taking collagen protein every morning and it's actually helped the elasticity of my skin. I am a huge steam and ice bath fan which I can't do now that i am pregnant. I make sure to see my lymphatic facialist (Anna at Ricari Salon in LA) on the regular - she does amazing body treatments that keep things flowing in my body so i don't swell. *total pregnancy tip!
JO: What are a few things in your beauty cabinet that will never ever leave your side?
DB: I'm pretty obsessed with Biologique p50, but it's off limits for a while. January labs Retexturizing Night Cream is my new fave and I am a huge fan of Egyptian Magic and sheet masks when I fly.
JO: Diet can be tricky for women in general, and when you’re pregnant it seems different things may affect women differently--what has been something you’ve felt benefiting to your health diet wise while pregnant?
DB: I think a lot has to do with listening to your body. I have been feeling amazing - but I also have been seeing a nurtitionist who works with Standard Process vitamins and I have been taking flouradix iron (which I have taken off and on since I was a child). I've had a ton of energy and my vitals are great. I have also cooked a lot at home and make sure i have been using organic products as much as possible and trying to not eat too much sugar (but I am also big on moderation - and I love dessert).
JO: Also, weirdest craving you’ve had? (No judgement ;)
DB: I can't get enough bone broth or pickles. But there was also a big obsession with croissants for a second.
JO: What was the most interesting piece of information you’ve learned about health while pregnant that you would want other women to know?
DB: Don't stress too much. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. Enjoy yourself, listen to your body and everything will work out as it's meant to.
DB: Honestly, having the support of an amazing partner and a strong community around me has given me tremendous confidence. It's totally bizarre to look in the mirror and not recognize your own body or to feel more sensitive, emotional or more helpless. I feel strong and beautiful because my loved ones remind me that I am strong, beautiful and powerful.
JO: Favorite exercise to do currently? Why?
DB: I'm a big fan of Lagree pilates and hiking. Any excuse to go into nature never feels like exercise.
JO: What is one item in your closet that makes you feel like a million bucks?
DB: Right now I am way more interested in comfort. The more comfortable I am the sexier I feel. I have been in love with a few Doen pieces, Solid and Striped cover ups, slip dresses and Realisation Par wrap dresses.
JO: As a stylist, we have to ask, what’s one thing you can vow your babe will be definitely sporting?
DB: I have a drawer of vintage overalls and a friend just gave us the best mini LA Kings bomber which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.
JO: As a soon to be mama what excites you the most?
DB: The unknown. I'm super excited to get to know this little babe I am cooking. I also love watching my boyfriend turn into the best dad in the world.
Q & A with Caroline Vreeland
Actress, model, singer, oh my! Caroline Vreeland gets real with January.
Q & A with Shiva Rose
One of my go-to blogs for holistic lifestyle tips can be found at thelocalrose.com—by Shiva Rose. Her quest for natural, eco-friendly and sustainable goods and ideas are perfectly displayed and executed on her creative platform. Her passion is set apart from most things I come across because she’s more than an interesting woman, she’s an interesting woman whose present passion is formed from her upbringing, her journey through life with her two daughters and her innate spirit of positivity and wellness. Good health and a sustainable lifestyle not only are important to Shiva, but it’s what fulfills her days and she shares such fullness with her audience. She curates her rich and deep journey of discovery and wonder all through The Local Rose.
I am so excited to share my recent interview I had with this beautiful soul. Here’s what we talked about; learn more at @localrose
January Labs: What are your must have beauty products?
Shiva Rose: I use my own beauty products, oils, balms and serums that I create in my studio using various essential oils and beeswax. For makeup I use RMS products, and I also like your lovely ones January! I also use Egyptian magic for a glowing look.
JL: How would you describe your style?
SR: My style is probably eclectic bohemian with a touch of classic. I love to mix new shoes and bags with a vintage dress. I also like to dress in terms of telling story or how I am feeling. Lately it’s been a new age crystal goddess look with crystals and wither white or pale rose Grecian dresses.
JL: What are your daily rituals?
SR: Upon waking I mist my face with rose water that I have made or the kind I sell on my site. Then before I take care of my daughters and animals, I make a pot of Living tea, which is from old growth teas. I drink a cup in silence and reflect on what my day will bring. Later in the day I have a tea and raw cacao chocolate around 4pm. If time permits I will do a Kundalini yoga set and chant some mantras. I close each evening with a bath that has some of my sea salts that I make. Rituals, I feel are so vital for a balanced and peaceful life. Thank you for asking.
JL: Do you have any natural skincare remedies you can’t live without?
SR: Oatmeal baths for any skin rashes or bug bites!
JL: I love your blog. Your recipes are scrumptious, what is your favorite simple go to dish?
SR: I like to cook. I just got myself a slow cooker and that has been a dream! Yesterday I made a pot of black bean soup and it was so easy. Just fry up some onions, garlic, tomatoes and chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin and place all in the pot with broth and in three hours there is an amazing soup! I also make a lot of kale, cabbage salads with an almond, cilantro, bragg, olive oil dressing!
JL: You epitomize natural beauty. What led you to create your lovely rose oil products?
SR: As I was reviewing products for my blog my desire to learn about the properties of flowers and plants began to expand. I also was so worried about the toxic content of regular conventional products. I wanted to create something luxurious and safe!
JL: Who has been most inspirational to you in your work and life?
SR: I was an actress for many, many years and I think reading classic books and watching classic films shaped me for those chapters. I am now so inspired by the incredible community of women and sisters that I see creating beauty in this world, and in a way that is bringing healing to our planet. I am also so moved and inspired by organic farmers who choose to grow real, wholesome food in the face of corrupt big agro companies. Vandana Shiva and Robyn O’Brien who are fighting for our seeds inspire me as well. They have taught me that to be an activist can go hand in hand with being a feminine woman.
JL: What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have given you early in your life?
SR: Don’t take things personally and take chances life is too short to wonder, “what if?”
Q & A with Tierney Gearon
As one of the most influential photographers of our time—having been discovered by Charles Saatchi,Tierney Gearon has established a career capturing moments, timelessly and accurately. Little did I know, before meeting her a few years ago when she took photos for my website, she also traveled the world for half a decade modeling. While she was pursuing her first passion, Ballet in Utah, a European modeling agency discovered her and helped ignite a life into the modeling world. Over time her interests grew and it was through her pastime of taking photos that she was encouraged to extend and grow her skills into and beyond the industry, ultimately to become a professional photographer. Not only does her resume and accolades within photography blow me away, she also is a woman with a powerful story that has inspired me deeply. As a professional working on the other side of the lens—and successfully, it’s apparent she is a woman of true talent. But In addition to it all, her dedication to her family is what I might admire the most. With four beautiful children whom she has evidently encourages to follow their passion no matter what, It’s apparent in the way she speaks of them that they are her gold. When you are in her home you can even feel the free spirit of great energy and greater love and it’s absolutely contagious. I had a chance to catch up with Tierney and ask her a few questions! Here is what we talked about…..
JL: What are your must-have beauty products?
TG: I have terribly dry skin—so all my organic oils are a must. And January Labs eye cream!
JL: Do you have any daily rituals that you can’t live without?
TG: Exercise is an absolute must. I mostly hike and do yoga–we also just moved to a beach farm lifestyle and so my new favorite thing is to walk the goats and sit with the chickens; it keeps me grounded continually.
TG: Commercial photography wise, the biggest challenge I have ever had to do is when I had to shoot the Oscar Issue for the New York Times Magazine; we had to also shoot little vignette videos. I had an hour to do each person and it was the first time I had ever done film so I had to come up with the concepts and make it all happen. Working with such a large crew was also not easy, I am a one woman show, but we did it and we did an amazing job!
JL: Being a mother of four, how do you balance your work, creativity and motherhood?
TG: I don’t know, some how I just do it! I just don’t think about it. I take care of myself but my children come first hands down.
JL: As a woman who has achieved so much, how important has the support of other women been to your career?
TG: My own life story. My family and children inspire me.
JL: What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have told you?
TG: Learn how to take care of yourself and to say “yes” to as much as you can without hurting yourself or others!
Q & A with Andrea Linett
Beyond my business, is a deep love and passion I have of developing relationships with clients. Consequently, by working under January Labs, I’m able to meet other women who are like minded about their own passion and professions. Along the way, I have been fortunate enough to meet some incredibly talented and inspiring women and so I’ve decided to use my blog to share some of their stories and advice.
I met Andrea Linett a few years ago at one of her book signings for her fabulous book, “I want to be her”. When you meet Andrea, you in fact want to be HER! Her style is effortless and she pretty much personifies cool. I love her website because it is actually stuff you want to and CAN buy! She is a January Labs (namely the Glow & Go) devotee and has been instrumental in spreading the word about the line.
Andrea answered a few of my questions …
How would you describe your style?
I always say “untucked glamour” because I can never be truly put together (and I’m not into perfection anyway!)
What do you shop for most often?
Shoes, jewelry and beauty products
What are your must-have beauty products?
January Labs’ Power Peel Exfoliant, Josie Maran tinted moisturizer, Kiehl’s musk lotion and Escentric Molecules fragrances.
Do you have any daily rituals that you can’t live without?
My coffee in the morning, my exercise routine and my cold beer at the end of the day.
What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
I think probably starting Lucky Magazine. It was the most successful launch in Conde Nast history—I think because it tapped into something that was lacking in fashion publishing. It really spoke to women who loved clothes and shopping, but weren’t into being preached to by the likes of Vogue. It was really something new and exciting and positive when it came out.
As a woman who has achieved so much, how important has the support of other women been to your career?
It’s been all about that! For instance, when I was at Sassy and the receptionist (it was my first job out of college), Mary Clarke, who was the creative director, hired me to work in the fashion and beauty department—really a dream come true. Then when Sassy folded Annemarie Iverson, who was at Haper’s Bazaar at the time, took a chance and hired me as a fashion writer/editor which wasn’t really done back then. I had no experience with fancy women’s magazines! Also, Kim France was very encouraging at Lucky. I’ve been lucky (no pun intended!)
Who has been most inspirational to you in your work and life?
I’d say my mom. She was a successful executive/creative director in advertising.
What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have told you?
There isn’t a secret to success that everyone is in on that you’re not. In other words, of course there is room for learning, but just be confident that not everyone always knows better than you. Learn to trust your instincts.