Laura Albouy, the ultimate quintessential Parisian woman, stands for it all - from her fashion choices, to her raison d'être. In her feature with us, she is nothing but honest in revealing her story, choices, and struggles throughout. The ultimate importance is that she's mindful of her every move. Let's get started on a journey with her, in France...
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in France, in a beautiful place by the ocean, called Biarritz. People call it the "Little California", and then I moved to Paris.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to school in Paris, and graduated from Business School and Higher Commercial Studies.
What was your first job after college?
Area Manager for a French luxury cosmetic company called By Terry
Growing up in Paris, has fashion always been a big part of your life?
Absolutely, and I would even say growing up more generally as a French girl, fashion is a big part of our lives, something that mothers teach to their daughters. I think we are really proud of this legacy.
What prompted you to move from Paris to Los Angeles?
A man, now my husband and the father of my 2 year old son.
When did you first start your fashion and beauty blog initials.la and how did you get inspired to start it? Any hints on how the name came about?
I started the blog when I moved to LA, because I was waiting for a work permit and wanted to keep myself occupied. I have been working with so many French designers in France that I wanted to start talking about them, and help promote the minimal French style, where everything does not have to be branded (unlike in LA). As for the name of the blog: LA were my initials before I married my husband (Laura Albouy), after I married him (Laura Angelone), and of course LA also refers to Los Angeles. The "initials" refers to a very famous song by iconic songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, a song he wrote for Brigitte Bardot, called "initials bb".
What do you love most about being a blogger and what drives you to do what you do?
To be honest, I love blogging less and less. I think it was nice a few years ago but now it's all advertising, nobody really "likes" the stuff they're wearing, but they get paid to wear it. There's no difference between Chiara Ferragni's blog and the ads you see in Vogue, they're all ads. I might be a little 'old-fashioned', but I carefully choose who I work with and would never talk about something I don't like just for money. Maybe that's why I am not Chiara lol!
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect?
The time required to blog! I don't know how other girls do, but I am a working mother, I work from home AND take care of my son. My days start at 7:30am and end at 9-10pm. Once he's in bed and I finally have time to finish my work, I don't have the energy to blog after!
What is your dream for your career?
Creating my Community Management agency and helping small designers who can't afford the totally unreasonable prices of communication agencies develop their social media platforms. That's what I am currently doing.
Quick takes!
Favorite city to vacation: Guethary, France
Top 3 items in your wardrobe: Black blazer, high-waisted jeans, black boots
Coffee, Rosé, or Tea: Rosé!!!
Winter, summer, fall or spring: Spring or Fall
Describe your style in 3 words: Minimal, Parisian, often Black
Your favorite The Goods item: The bike, without hesitation!