
Meet Elle Strauss, Stylist, Editorial Director, & Mama Of Two
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photographed by Nicki Sebastian
Elle Strauss has created the type of successful career that most wild-eyed, fashion-obsessed, glossy magazine reading teenagers could only dream of. Having worked over 15 years in the fashion industry with heavy experience in publishing and e-commerce, it’s hard to believe that there’s a single thing this freelance mama-of-two can’t do. As luck would have it, the English stylist, brand consultant, and editorial director (currently residing in Los Angeles by way of New York City), opened up her home to Mother for an interview. Below, the mama to Honor, 7, and Imogen, 2, gives us the inside scoop on all things luxury fashion, lifestyle, and motherhood.
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“We recently moved from New York City to our current place in L.A. after 11 years there. We’re originally from England, so we were looking to buy a home that felt as English as possible, but with a pool. And, most importantly, one that would work with all of our furniture! This house was built in the early ‘50s, and the large windows and beams give it a lovely English feel.”
Honor and Imogen wear head-to-toe Juniper Baby.
- “A little English-country-meets-California! Is that even a thing?”
- “Nothing should look too over-styled or perfect. It’s a home, not a showroom.”
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“No, definitely not.”
Elle wears a Dôen dress.
- “I love our bed that I guiltily shipped from the U.K. I've always wanted one with a split cane headboard. I also love my cowboy print by Hugo Guinness and the magical Moroccan rugs that I shipped in from Marrakech when I was there for a job.”
- “The new kitchen. I loved working with our contractor to design it. The whole process is fascinating, and something that I thoroughly enjoyed! The back garden and pool house are next in line for me.”
- “I like to think we do a pretty good job at keeping the kids’ toys in their rooms, but inevitably they spread. Right now, we have a wooden doll house in the living room. The kids are pretty neat, though. They get it from their dad!”
- “They finally have their own rooms—a luxury since moving to L.A. In our New York apartment, they shared, which was a bloody nightmare when Imogen was a newborn. We would run to placate or remove her with every sound she made, for fear of waking Honor!”
- “I love both of the Moroccan rugs; they each have one. Honor's is red and Imogen's is cream with bright colors woven throughout. They add so much fun to the space—totally worth the shipping fees!”
- “You are no longer the number one priority in your life; these little people are. That's an amazing learning curve that brings joy and self-discovery, and ultimately turns you into a better person. But, I won't lie, I do miss the lie-ins.”
- “Their little personalities developing daily.”
- “Growing up too fast.”
- “I like to think that I'm a good balance between chill and a disciplinarian.”
- “My parents gave me a lot of room to make my own mistakes, but were always there to catch me. I could, and still can, tell them anything without worry of judgement. I hope to be the same with my girls.”
- “It will get easier, I promise!”
- “One is chic, but two is a wonderful game-changer.”
- “It's okay to be late sometimes.”
- “Honor, who is seven, is into everything from skateboarding to gymnastics to reading and drawing to American Girl dolls. Imogen is Peppa Pig’s number one fan.”
- “Both were names that I've always liked. We felt that they both seemed classic and not super trendy. Shortly after Honor was born, my mum and grandmother called me from England to tell me they had looked at my grandfather’s family tree, and my great-great grandmother had been named Honor, and she, too, had emigrated to New York. We all burst into tears, as no one had known!”
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“Honor shows a tremendous amount of kindness and empathy for others, like she was born an old soul. However, she also loves to dance crazily, especially on our bed, and typically naked. Imogen is a force, and at two, she knows her own mind, which is amazing. She is also unbelievably funny and is permanently happy and giggling.”
Elle wears a Mango dress. Honor and Imogen wear head-to-toe Juniper Baby.
- “To give it time. Everything takes time, and your baby is trying to figure it out just like you are. You’re both new to the game! That, and zip lock bags.”
- “Definitely my mum. Otherwise, I think all of friends who are mums are my role models. They’re all doing a great job.”
- “I avoid them to be honest. I did try How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. But, Honor called us both out on it, and told us we were being weird!”
- “I do! I won't deny that I miss New York, but it felt like the right time for L.A.”
- “You can't beat the weather, but it's everything from the space to the location. Being able to pop to the beach is also amazing.”
- “Never say never.”
- “We love to go to Zuma Beach in Malibu or the Malibu Pier. My aunt also lives in the Palisades, so we love to hang out there; it’s amazing to have family here. Otherwise, chilling at home is perfect. We take the girls out on scooters and bikes, or play in the pool. Imogen, at two, is still napping, so we never stray too far from home.”
- “Malibu Pier. The girls love to walk up and down, and we go for a bite to eat at the end. We also love Malibu Farm and Huntington Botanical Gardens. We went recently, and the girls loved it. They have a children's garden with a steaming volcano. There’s always Venice Beach. It’s not the chicest, but it's fun to bike or skateboard along the front and get ice cream! We recently went for the weekend to Ojai, and stayed at the Caravan Outpost, which is the nearest I'll get to camping. We stayed in a wonderful airstream, which the girls were obsessed with, and we even made s’mores! We also love to go for dinner at Pace in Laurel Canyon. They have great food, great wine, and a great ambiance—with or without kids.”
- “Oh, I'm a dreadful cook, so I tend to leave that up to my husband, James. But, I can do a mean roast chicken dinner, so that’s always a good backup. If that fails, pasta with cheese and steamed broccoli always goes down well!”
- “Feminine, clean, simple, and chic—I hope!”
- “No, although I definitely wear more flats. Heels and a stroller have always felt so weird to me.”
- “I have always taken off my makeup every night, no matter how late or drunk! I use the Dermalogica cleanser and daily exfoliator religiously. I also use La Mer hydrating spray, SK-II essence, La Mer or SK-II eye cream, Estée Lauder serum, La Mer or Dermalogica moisturizer, depending on my bank balance, and then EltaMD SPF from Shen-Beauty. I also like to use Sunday Riley oils, Evelom cleansers, and the Dr. Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask. I also recently had a La Prairie facial, and it was amazing!”
- “Well, I've always counted running around after the kids in New York City as my exercise, but since moving to L.A. and spending so much time in the car, I'm trying to run everyday—wish me luck! I also love yoga more for the head than anything else.”
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“High-waisted jeans, paper-thin crew necks, and long-sleeved fitted knits. Also, flat mules and gold hooped earrings.”
Honor wears a jumpsuit from Juniper Baby.
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“Oh, this list could get long. Joseph, Proenza Schouler, Rachel Comey, Dôen, Topshop, Khaite, Shaina Mote, Ferragamo, and Ellery. Honestly, if I like it, I don't care who made it.”
Elle wears a Topshop dress. Imogen wears Juniper Baby.
- “High-waisted, wide-leg cropped pants (think: Jesse Kamm) with a simple tee and low pumps. Also, red dresses and statement earrings.”
- “Online mostly, at sites like The Real Real, Net-A-Porter, and Shopbop. In L.A., I love Bird Brooklyn, Rachel Comey, and the Rose Bowl. I love a good bargain!”
- “I'd love a pair of Ariel Gordon diamond huggies, Totême jeans, black Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Rodebjer faux fur jacket, and a Khaite body suit. For the girls, anything from Juniper Baby, although Imogen could do with some new sneakers.”
- “I try to squeeze in a massage or facial when I can, and my New Years resolution is to go regularly to yoga.”
- “This is always so tricky to describe in one or two words, but I'm a fashion stylist, brand consultant, and editorial director.”
- “I've been in the fashion industry for 15+ years with experience across traditional publishing, new media, and e-commerce in the luxury fashion and lifestyle category. I style, advise, and create content.”
- “Everything! I'm very lucky.”
- “I think motherhood just makes you more efficient within a shorter timeframe.”
- “I'm not sure I do, but I try! Having a great support system really helps. Rosa, our nanny, is fantastic. And, my husband James is amazing. Although he travels a lot for work, he's fantastic at helping with the coordination of everything. It's a team effort.”
- “I'm really loving being a freelancer represented by The Wall Group. Whether I'm consulting for Anine Bing, styling a Microsoft commercial, or working on a Victoria Secret Pink video, each day brings something new, and it's super exciting.”
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