Profile: Estee Stanley

I first met Estee in the Mercer lobby in during New York Fashion Week eight years ago. Two weeks later, I was set up with my now-husband Richard on our first date; shortly thereafter, I learned that Estee was one of his closest and oldest friends and that is when our friendship began.

Estee is a very talented fashion stylist and interior designer, as well as the curator of Homemint. In her spare time, she’s working on opening a family-friendly private club and restaurant called Au Fudge with her friends Jessica Biel and Kimberly Muller. She also just launched a kids style blog called LadysandGents with yours truly. In addition to everything else, the editor from the new site Domaine from WhoWhatWear. Estee is constantly working and thinking of new projects and ideas to keep her busy and inspired.

When she is not working, she spends her time in her beautiful Los Angeles home with her amazing hubby Byran Furst and her two adorable kids, Teddy, 4, and Flora, 1. Estee was kind enough to let us into her home and share some of her secrets for decor, fashion, family and her secret to a happy marriage.

Beauty

R+T: What is your go-to beauty product?

Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream.

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

I wish I had one – I probably need one!

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

Lancome Hypnose mascara, Anastasia eyebrow pencils, Epicurean body lotion, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream and Bumble & Bumble detangler.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

Shower.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

Panties and The Row t-shirts.

Health

R+T: Do you have any health tricks?

I intake a lot of liquid silver and drink a spinach, apple and cucumber drink a few times a week.

R+T: Any health causes that mean a lot to you?

Mostly anything that has to do with elderly people and animals.

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

I try and eat well and have a healthy sex life!

R+T: Do you work out? What do you swear by?

Yes – I do a version of Tracy Anderson, plus kickboxing and yoga.

R+T: What do you do to relax?

Lay in bed and watch TV or travel.

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

I try and make sure every room in my house is sexy and cozy. I want every room in my house to be used. I get so upset when you go in someone’s home and you know a room isn’t used, it’s just done for design.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

My grandmother’s pieces – her white circular sofa, baby grand piano and a round jade table. I also love my dining table from BDDW.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

Brenda Antin antiques, Lucca Antiques, Blackman Cruz and JF Chen.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

That’s such a difficult question, because every room has a different energy. The one I spend the most time in is my bedroom. It’s calm and relaxing and my kids love to climb into bed with me and my husband.

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

Probably too much!

R+T: What are your tricks for entertaining?

I like to set up different stories in different rooms throughout the house, so it’s not just one party in one space. I like for everyone to be able to enjoy the whole house and have different areas to hang in.

R+T: How do you set the scene when you have people over?

To me, it’s all about lighting and music. I keep it extremely low lit, with tons of candles and great music playing.

R+T: Are there any tips for what to do or what to avoid?

Avoid bright lights and stinky food.

R+T: What is your favorite song/playlist when you have people over?

I love Pandora’s mixes with Kanye West, Jay-Z and Rihanna for bigger parties. For smaller parties, we usually make our own playlist of different vibey music.

R+T: Plated, buffet or family style for a dinner party?

Most of my parties are buffet. I like people to eat when they want and I love to have food out all night so after a few drinks there is still food.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

I’m very seasonal with flowers. I love all different shapes, colors and scents. I love wildflowers and cherry blossoms, but those are only here for two weeks of the year.

R+T: Do you do them yourself or do you use a florist?

I do them myself. I go to the flower mart downtown and spend the morning creating different arrangements.

R+T: Who is your favorite florist?

I love Eric Buterbaugh.

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

I’m truly classic and bohemian mixed. I love Oscar de la Renta, but also love to mix with Dries Van Noten or Isabel Marant.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Giambattista Valli, Dries Van Noten, The Row, Oscar De La Renta.

R+T: What are the 5 pieces you can’t live without this season?

My Fendi python bag, Jenni Kayne flats, Joe’s Jeans new vintage line, The Row fringe jacket and my Balenciaga pleated blouse.

R+T: What is your uniform?

I live in jeans a lot, but I try and really mix it up always.

R+T: What is your newest purchase?

My Jil Sander pink coat.

Food

R+T: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with R+T?

What diet? I probably need to be on one so I can lose this baby weight!

R+T: Do you cook?

No, I don’t know how to. But I can bake.

R+T: What is your kids’ favorite recipe?

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that are vegan.

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

John Currin, Cecily Brown, Mark Ryden, Banksy and David Hockney.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

Banksy’s “Boring”.

Marriage

R+T: What is your secret to your marriage?

Good sex. We’re very social. We like to go out a lot and entertain at home as well, and that always keeps things fresh.

R+T: Is there something you do with your husband on a regular basis?

Good sex.

Current Projects

R+T: What’s your creative outlet and what project are you working on now?

I’m currently rebuilding Café des Artistes, along with designing the interiors and remodeling eight homes.

R+T: Any new projects on the horizon you want to share with R+T?

I am one of the editors for Domaine, Who What Wear’s newly launched home destination site. I am also opening a family lounge in Los Angeles, a destination for parents and their children to casually lounge, dine, and be entertained.

R+T: What is your favorite part about your job?

Creating a space that makes people feel happy and feel at home, which is the same in styling: putting a great piece of clothing on someone that makes them feel sexy and confident.

Kids


R+T: What are your favorite places to shop for kids?
Trico Field and Smallable.

R+T: What is your favorite restaurant to eat at with the whole family?

Joan’s on Third. And when Au Fudge opens, that’s where I’ll be spending all my time!