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Writing this Wake Up Call series is one of my greatest joys. It’s an opportunity to go behind the scenes, into the lives of women who inspire with their brilliance and ambition. There is something special about going beyond the veneer of success. In these conversations, we hear the rhythm of their practices, learn about their precious traditions, and share a real, unfiltered conversation. In this way, Laurel Pantin’s journey becomes more than just a success story. It’s a reminder of the beauty found in connection, creativity, and following your curiosity wherever it leads.
Laurel’s career in all fashion and editorial is rich with experience in top publications, including InStyle, Teen Vogue, and Glamour. Now based in Los Angeles, Laurel has carved a unique path that marries this background with her passion for storytelling—whether through the brands she touches or her newsletter, Earl Earl. Not only does he focus on creativity; you have the ability to help others see, feel, and communicate through style and story.
Laurel Pantin On Developing Purposeful Style – And Creating A Timeless Bedroom
What sets Laurel apart is her commitment to authenticity—she doesn’t just follow trends; he digs deep, and examines what it means to identify with one’s style. Her clothing philosophy is not about accumulating pieces but rather separating them with purpose, a practice that translates into how she guides her clients and students. Laurel’s eye for timeless fashion and ability to interpret design in subtle ways make her stand out in the creative field.
Ahead, we delve into Laurel’s life, revealing the joys, challenges, and inspirations that shape her career. From her morning rituals to the wardrobe essentials she swears by, this interview offers a glimpse into how Laurel stays inspired and, most of all, true to herself.
Tell us about your career and what you’ve been up to lately.
I worked in magazines for years as a fashion editor before moving to the retail side, working as the general Fashion Director of ByGeorge. Along the way, in 2021, I started writing a fashion newsletter on Substack. Now the newsletter, Earl Earl, is my main focus, along with a small group of private clients that I write for, and a few consulting clients.
What have you learned the most in the past year?
The biggest thing has been going out on my own, rather than working for a magazine or other brand. I was always interested in going out on my own, but I felt that the risk was too great, or that the activities would not be possible. I was lucky that I built my Substack while still working full-time, so the transition was relatively smooth.
How would you describe your personal style?
Real, masculine, stupid.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have two children, 6 and 4, so my mornings are a whirlwind. I get up with them and get them ready for school—make breakfast, pack lunches and put them in the car. It’s full until I drop them off at school! After I get off, I usually try and exercise—I take Lagree classes four times a week. I have a lot of energy in my body and if I don’t exercise it turns into anxiety. After that, I usually go home and start writing or working, or run to a deadline or a meeting.
Every day is different, but working the way I do allows me to be flexible.
When is your wake up call?
I write a lot at night after the kids go to bed. I’ll usually go out around 11:30, and if I go out then I’ll go out outside. I’m usually too tired to read anything before bed, I just run out of energy. Then I usually wake up when my kids wake up, which is usually between 6:30 and 7. I’m so glad they finally go to bed after 6!
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Pee! Ha! Then I usually take off my nightgown (I sleep in an old lady’s cotton nightgown…) and start by shooing the kids down and getting them food. For kids this age it’s just like throwing two bright balls in your living room and trying to control them both. It’s crowded! Most of the time I don’t even brush my teeth until I get home from work.
What habits set you up for success?
I don’t have a good morning routine, other than making sure my kids have a plan for whatever they’re doing. After a workout I like to have a meal—usually a couple of eggs with some veggies or avocado or yogurt and ground almonds. Something quick and satisfying. Then I brush my teeth, do all my skin care, if there’s somewhere I’ll go and take a shower, otherwise I’ll stay and start working.
Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.
I keep it VERY simple, both AM and PM. I’ve learned over time that my skin looks better when I exfoliate it a bit. Or it looks as good with two or three products as it does with seven hundred. I use less stuff at night than this, but in the morning it’s a shower and go.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I try to eat something high in protein in the morning. My other go-to, which sounds disgusting, but is so good…. Do two eggs fried on top of a bowl with edamame and hot spinach, then nutritional yeast on top and hot sauce. I sort of fix one thing and eat it every day for four months, then decide I’m not going to look at it again. I also like plain yogurt with chopped, peeled cucumber, and slivered almonds for breakfast. Or dried blueberries and almonds. I can’t really cook, so everything has to be simple. I also hate cleaning up after eating so I try to make as little mess as possible.
What will we always find in your fridge?
Seltzer, yogurt, cheese, tortillas, and more like Ghia, Kin, or Athletic Brew. I don’t drink, but I like to have something to drink at the end of the day.
What are your favorite books?
I like reading! I always have my Kindle under my pillow so I can read for a minute or two before I go to bed—even when I’m completely exhausted I usually read at least one page.
What are your favorite substacks?
What’s always on your nightstand?
Lip balm and water! I’m allergic to beeswax, so I have a few lip balms that I love. These are my three favorites.
What’s your favorite song to get ready for?
I don’t have cool music—I like cheesy girly pop. My favorite song to get ready for is “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepson. I also like this remix of The Very Best album, so maybe that’s some kind of thing it’s cool. Maybe my music is cool!
Do you exercise in the morning?
I like to finish it! It also helps my brain warm up and I get more ideas while exercising. When I’m not doing a Lagree class, I like to go on long walks. I have friends that I meet once a week to go to the beach—one of the perks of living in LA!
What is your daily uniform?
I really love to dress up, and in the last few years I’ve fallen into the act of becoming more and more popular. principle. So I try to take the time to wear them now and enjoy the clothes I have collected.
When I’m rushing out the door, I usually wear my favorite pair of Wrangler jeans, a Comme Si button down, and my loafers from The Row. It’s a completely functional item but still looks polished.
What are the three most important things in your closet?
- Junya Watanabe Fishtail Skirt
- Hermès Victoria bag in bright orange
- A dry evening coat
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start collecting fashion consciously but doesn’t have an unlimited budget?
- Resale. Identify references you really like—eg, if you’re really drawn to Christy Turlington in the 90s, research who the designers were then and search for those designers a second time.
- Be patient. It has taken me over 15 years to accumulate pieces in my collection.
- Accept the search. I got my Prada heels from RealReal for $120.
Which fall habit are you in?
I don’t follow trends. Instead, [I recommend following] your emotional reaction: buy things you will love and appreciate and actually wear them. If you don’t know what you like or how to put things together, ask someone to help you or keep doing your research. Don’t try to fit a mold that doesn’t feel true to you. There are certain trends in fashion that I really like, but what keeps fashion interesting is when people express themselves through their clothes.
Don’t try to fit a mold that doesn’t feel true to you.
Oh man, I don’t even know! I would like to be able to read in peace alone an hour every morning, or you just throw yourself in bed and separate. But I was actually going to work or exercise. I always feel like I have too much to do and too little time, so I think I’ll fill that hour as quickly as possible.
What are one or two things you do every day to live a happy life?
Exercise is important, I know I have to do it or I can’t really work. Quitting drinking was another thing—my life has improved 200 percent since I quit. I also have to spend time with my kids! I am very impressed and love to collect them and roll with them.
If you could put your success down to one thing, what would it be?
Oh, maybe the feeling that I’m always trying to feel successful? That sounds dark, but I always ask myself what else I can do or try to be better. That was true in my works, and it is still true as a solo act.
Sentence completers:
I never leave the house except: my phone.
If there were more hours in the day, I would be: click on how to spend an extra hour!
The healthiest morning habit: working out.
Worst morning habit: I brush my teeth before I fall.
One thing I want to be known for is: warmth and kindness.
One thing I fear the most: leave my children alone.
When I feel that fear, I: spiral!
A book I always recommend: The Art Of Fielding again To One Person.
One sign you need to be successful in life is this: perseverance and grace.
Bath or shower? What is your favorite product? Both! I like to take a bath, but I usually take a bath. I love the splashes from Hanni in the shower. I’m usually too lazy to moisturize after showering and this does that step for me.