Good Style is Ageless, with Larissa Mills

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Good Style is Ageless, with Larissa Mills" on Let's Get Dressed

Release Date: October 21, 2024
Host: Liv Perez
Guest: Larissa Mills
Produced by: Dear Media

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Introduction

In the October 21, 2024 episode of Let's Get Dressed, host Liv Perez welcomes fashion influencer and style icon Larissa Mills to discuss the timeless nature of good style. The episode delves into breaking age-related fashion stereotypes, embracing personal style at any age, and the profound influence of intergenerational relationships on fashion choices.

Guest Introduction and Background

Liv kicks off the episode with heartfelt admiration for Larissa Mills, highlighting her effortless personal style and the viral success of her Outfit of the Day (OOTD) videos. Liv recounts the moment she first discovered Larissa through a spontaneous TikTok video by Larissa's daughter, Ella, which showcased Larissa's impeccable fashion sense. This serendipitous encounter propelled Larissa into the spotlight as a beloved style influencer with a dedicated community of fashion enthusiasts.

Notable Quote:
Liv Perez [02:26]: “If you are unfamiliar with Larissa Mills, her personal style is some of my favorite in the game.”

Fashion at Every Age

A central theme of the conversation revolves around the misconception that certain styles are "too young" or "too old" for individuals based on their age. Larissa emphasizes that fashion should be a means of self-expression without the constraints of societal expectations.

Notable Quote:
Larissa Mills [07:45]: “It doesn't matter if I'm getting dressed up. My ethos probably is that I don't want it to be too precious.”

Color Trends and Personal Style

Larissa and Liv explore the resurgence of navy as a staple color in fashion, discussing its versatility and newfound popularity. They also touch upon the enduring appeal of animal prints like leopard, debating whether such patterns are truly trending or remain timeless classics.

Notable Quotes:
Liv Perez [03:49]: “I need you to tell me what you're wearing today.”
Larissa Mills [04:27]: “I don't know, like, my grandmother's jewelry on.”

Influence of Intergenerational Relationships

The duo highlights the special bond between mothers and daughters through fashion. Larissa shares how her relationship with her daughter Ella has not only inspired her content but also reinforced the importance of authenticity and mutual support in their fashion journeys.

Notable Quotes:
Larissa Mills [17:46]: “We've gotten opportunities to do things that we would have never been able to do.”
Liv Perez [36:20]: “We have, like, a manicurist come to my house once a month, and she'll do both of our nails.”

Origin and Impact of OOTD Videos

Larissa narrates the humble beginnings of her OOTD videos, initiated by a spontaneous TikTok trend where Ella introduced her to the world. Despite initial awkwardness, these videos resonated with a wide audience, particularly women in their 50s seeking style inspiration without feeling constrained by age.

Notable Quotes:
Larissa Mills [17:46]: “Ella got back on TikTok and did an outfit of the day. It was very embarrassing, but it took off.”
Liv Perez [20:01]: “But I love what you do and I get so excited every time I see one of your videos because for me it's inspiration.”

Defying Ageism in Fashion

Larissa passionately discusses challenging ageist notions in the fashion industry. She reflects on societal expectations imposed by figures like her mother and mother-in-law, who had differing views on appropriate attire at various ages. Larissa champions the idea that style should evolve naturally and remain true to one's personality, regardless of age.

Notable Quotes:
Liv Perez [22:18]: “You need to tone it down.”
Larissa Mills [22:18]: “It's not really age, I guess. But it's sort of the sophistication level.”

Tips for Color-Shy Individuals

For listeners hesitant to embrace bold colors and patterns, Larissa offers practical advice. She recommends starting with subtle color accents layered over neutrals, allowing individuals to gradually incorporate more vibrant hues into their wardrobes without feeling overwhelmed.

Notable Quotes:
Larissa Mills [29:12]: “Start off with pale colors that go with neutral... It's just moving you into color.”
Liv Perez [30:10]: “Layering under something so it's not the whole moment.”

Reflections on Fast-Paced Fashion

Larissa expresses a desire to slow down the frenetic pace of fashion dictated by social media. She reminisces about the tactile experience of traditional fashion magazines and emphasizes the importance of curating a timeless wardrobe over chasing fleeting trends.

Notable Quotes:
Larissa Mills [37:24]: “I would wish I could slow it down. It's too fast.”
Liv Perez [38:09]: “She's so smart, Harvard educated. It is really just giving a very different perspective into fashion.”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Larissa Mills reflecting on her journey and the impact of her authentic approach to fashion. She underscores the significance of personal style as a form of self-expression that transcends age. Liv expresses deep appreciation for Larissa's insights, noting the episode as one of her favorites for its inspiring and liberating take on fashion.

Notable Quote:
Larissa Mills [38:15]: “That's it. If it's not your greatest, it's fine.”
Liv Perez [39:48]: “I really hope that we can meet in real life.”

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Key Takeaways

• Style is Timeless: Good style knows no age limits. Embracing personal style at any stage of life fosters confidence and authenticity.

• Color and Pattern Play: Incorporating colors and patterns can be a gradual process. Start with subtle accents and build towards bolder choices.

• Intergenerational Influence: Mother-daughter relationships can profoundly shape and inspire fashion choices, breaking conventional age-related style norms.

• Navigating Fast Fashion: Slowing down the consumption of fast-paced fashion trends allows for the creation of a timeless and versatile wardrobe.

• Authenticity Over Trends: Personal style should reflect one's personality and comfort rather than conforming solely to current trends or societal expectations.

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Final Thoughts

Larissa Mills serves as a beacon for ageless fashion, demonstrating that style is an evolving journey rather than a series of restrictive rules. Her collaboration with Liv Perez on this episode offers listeners both inspiration and practical advice to embrace their unique fashion identities, irrespective of age.

Transcript

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[Larissa Mills]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[Liv Perez]

Hi guys, welcome back to another episode of let's Get Dressed. It's your host, Liv Perez. We need to get into today's episode because I am so obsessed with our guest today, so I'm going to make this as quick as possible. But if you are unfamiliar with Larissa Mills, her personal style is some of my favorite in the game. A lot of the times if I need inspiration or if I'm feeling stuck, she's one of those accounts where I'm just like Larissa, give me a little juice. I love, love love her personal style and I actually distinctly remember when I first saw her on social media. Her daughter Ella posted a getting ready video to TikTok when she decided to flip the camera around to her mom and show off her outfit. I remember audibly gasping and being like, oh my God, who is that? Her style is incredible. It's effortless and she is just so cool. Fast forward two years and that very happy accident later. Larissa is a bonafide style star whose OOTD videos have gone viral and garnered her a community of fashion lovers just like us. In today's episode, we got to chat about fashion at every age. Demystifying that idea of that's too young for you or that we need to tone it down as we get older and some of her favorite staples and trends in her closet for effortless dressing. I hope you guys love today's episode. If you have a chance before we dive in, leave us a review on the podcast page. Let's go get dressed with Larissa Mills. I'm so excited to have you on the pod today. You know, I'm a huge fan of yours, and I'm just obsessed with your content, and I've been dying to do this for so long, so I'm so excited.

[Larissa Mills]

I can't believe that that's the case, and I'm so excited to be here. So thank you for having me.

[Liv Perez]

I really love what you do, I think from, like, so many different angles. One, I love your relationship with your daughter. I love that, like, fashion brought you guys together. I love your personal style. So many things. I'm really excited to get into today. So thank you again for taking the time. So I woke up this morning and being in la, my one qualm with it is that I'm so far behind from, like, everything else in the world. Like, I lived in New York, and that was amazing. And I felt like I was, like, right in the middle in terms of the time zones.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And LA is so hard for me because I'm like, people are going like, life is happening. My eyes. And this morning was the quintessential experience of that. Waking up to this, like, fabulous getting ready video that you were, like, getting ready to go to Liv's podcast. And I was, like, in bed, and I was like, is she, like, ready to go? I was. It was.

[Larissa Mills]

That must have been a little jarring. Like, wait a minute. How is she, like, getting there dressed, and I'm not even awake yet.

[Liv Perez]

Not even conscious. Yeah, I'm not even conscious. That's my one thing with living in la. But because of that, I love your outfit.

[Larissa Mills]

Thank you.

[Liv Perez]

I need you to tell me what you're wearing today. I'm so glad that you dressed up for the pod. It always means the world for me when people do.

[Larissa Mills]

Of course, I was thinking, I'm like, maybe it's just that I'm. It's an older thing, but I don't know. Like, I like to dress up for things. Interviews or things like this. It's just what you do for me.

[Liv Perez]

But, yeah, so I. I completely agree. I think that's just nice. Dressing up for me is, like, what determines my mood. Like, I'm feeling like I'm waking up and the day sucks. I'm putting on something good and the day is healed. That's right.

[Larissa Mills]

That's right. This is true.

[Liv Perez]

Okay, talk me through the outfit. I know you're in a dress, you're in a jacket. You've got some Accessories.

[Larissa Mills]

I am.

[Dime Beauty]

So.

[Larissa Mills]

I have a dress on. I don't know. Lena, Hosh. Hoshek, Hershach, something like that. It's a dress. It's kind of cinched at the waist, and then I have a soft goat navy jacket. I'm feeling navy again. I don't. I. For so long, I did not love navy. It just reminded me of my parents. I don't know. It just seemed preppier or something. But now I kind of am really loving Navy. I don't know. I have, like, my grandmother's jewelry on.

[Liv Perez]

Beautiful. Some pearls. Pearls, Stunning.

[Larissa Mills]

Yep. You know, just some flats. No big deal. Yep.

[Liv Perez]

That's so interesting what you said about navy, because I completely agree.

[Larissa Mills]

Really?

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. Completely agree. I never had a single navy thing in my closet right until this year. And it always reminded me of. I don't know, it felt like a defunct color, Literally.

[Larissa Mills]

It's like every bridesmaid at some wedding would be a navy. You're like, oh, no. Like, it's too safe.

[Liv Perez]

It just felt very professional.

[Larissa Mills]

Professional.

[Liv Perez]

Safe.

[Larissa Mills]

Professional, yes. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And kind of bland. I didn't have anything navy, and now I want all the navy things. Like, I just got a pair of navy pants. I have a navy sweater. I don't know. I also think right now, navy's having a little bit of a renaissance. Like, I think I'm seeing it so, so much more in fashion than I ever have.

[Larissa Mills]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Especially with unique pairings. Like, I saw someone wearing a beautiful navy dress the other day with, like, a little pink cardigan, and I thought it was so cute.

[Larissa Mills]

Love.

[Liv Perez]

And I. For fall, I'm loving mixing, like, navies and browns. Like, even your setup right now with the navy jacket and the brown background, it's. I don't know why. Tonally, I feel okay, but more inclined to it than ever.

[Larissa Mills]

I know. I do love it.

[Liv Perez]

I've been having this internal discussion with a lot of people in my life if leopard is trendy again or if it's just always a neutral and just always. Exactly.

[Larissa Mills]

It's always a lot of what I feel about fashion is the way I feel about interiors as well. So for me, for interiors, leopard has. It's just always, like, certain animal prints. They're always a thing in interiors. So it's the same for my clothing. So I think it, like. It, like, got popular, but it's not, like. It's not a thing.

[Liv Perez]

I think it's just, like, an item that you either are. It, like, sits in your closet, and every once in a while, you decide to pull it out.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But I, like, get frustrated when I see it's like, leopards trending.

[Larissa Mills]

I'm like, no, no. I mean, I have a leopard ottoman, and I. And I have a. I have a banquet that is a chocolate brown and cream zebra stripe. So I. I can't really like that lives in my home. So none of it is trending, I guess, for me.

[Liv Perez]

I love that I've seen, like, little glimpses of your home on Social, and I'm obsessed. It's in my. If I could just drop everything right now, I'd be, like, on the east coast living in your house.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah, it's. It is an east Coast. It is an east coast type house. It is.

[Liv Perez]

I love hearing the way that you talk about colors and prints, and something I really love talking about on the show is what goes through everyone's minds when they're getting dressed every day. A lot of the times for me, there's, like, sometimes it's an item or sometimes it's just like a vision that. Of a way that I want to feel. What is it for you? Are you starting with a piece? Is it based on your mood? Tell us a little bit about how you get dressed every day.

[Larissa Mills]

I mean, I would say all of those definitely weather, you know, how you're feeling. All of those, I think. But if there's a common thread, because I think this might be more helpful. That runs through everything, which is I. It doesn't matter if I'm getting dressed up. It doesn't matter if it's a casual day. My ethos probably is that I don't want it to be too precious. So it doesn't mean that I'm. It's not that I'm comfortable all the time. I. I hear a lot of people say, like, oh, it's. I just want to be comfortable. But, yeah, I would love to be comfortable, but my heels just. There's. There's just no way that they're comfortable. They're not comfortable. I love them, and I'll wear them, but they're not. I wouldn't. That's not my idea of comfort. But I always want to feel like the outfit is not so precious that people look at me and it feels like it's too detached. I guess it's. It's a strange thing, but I just don't like it. Like, if something does feel a little bit precious, I have to. Something has to be messed up with it, so I have to, like, you know, push up the sleeves or my hair has to be A little bit disheveled. Like something has to be a little off to make me feel a little more comfortable. So I don't know, that's my. Just can't be perfect. I don't like perfect, but I really like that.

[Liv Perez]

And I think that's why, like, as a viewer of your content, it resonated with me because most of your videos are OOTD videos.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And on a daily basis, aren't we all a little disheveled?

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

It's hardly ever perfect.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Obviously the content of like, you know, getting dressed up to go out or getting dressed up to go to a wedding, all that does well and it's fine and it's great.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

But I think for a daily basis where we're really getting that fashion inspiration is what feels most realistic to us. And is that like, like the rolled up sleeves and like the shirt sticking out of our pants A little bit and the multiple different layers because it's cold, but then it's like hot in the office or vice versa.

[Larissa Mills]

Totally.

[Liv Perez]

So I, I have always found that that's what resonates most for me with your content. It feels like I can watch it and be like, okay, I have some version of that in my closet.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

And I think I could go do that now.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Good. I love that. I love that someone. I had someone saying like, it's a comment, you know, if I, if you don't have the links, like, what's the, you know, what's the point Kind of thing. But I don't really, like, it's an inspo. Like I would actually prefer not to be, like, selling stuff is not my goal. I want it to be, you know, just take this and if it inspires a little bit or something that you have, or you can feel comfortable wearing that skirt even though you're 50, whatever. That's more what I, what I get excited about. It's not really, you know, copy paste, it's just. Which is fine too. I mean, I'm, I try to provide, make it easy for people, I. Whatever. But I, I do try to just make it that it's accessible. There's an accessibility.

[Liv Perez]

The other day I was on TikTok and I saw a stylist who I love to follow actually post a video exactly about this. And she had the opposite perspective. She was like, if you're an influencer or you're a style content creator and you're not linking or tagging brands, don't you feel like you're doing like, what's the Point. And there was a lot of commentary in the captions being like, you know, I think people want engagement because they want people in there being like, what's the jacket? What's the shirt? But I do think that there are two very valid sides, which is one, I've always had a hard time with this idea that you go on Instagram, you see, see an outfit, and we're so easily able to just go and recreate it now.

[Larissa Mills]

Right, right, right.

[Liv Perez]

Spark of inspiration of fashion right there for us. Like, what really feels inspired in fashion right now.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I don't know.

[Larissa Mills]

Right. Looks right.

[Liv Perez]

All the same.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And do I think that that's like a trickle down effect of us, like linking? Here's how to get the look right. I really appreciate your perspective, which is that, like, sometimes it's just not about the links. Sometimes it's just things that I've had in my closet.

[Larissa Mills]

That's what it is. It's sometimes I just don't have it. It's not that I won't provide it. I will always provide it. I remember when Ella and I started doing just like, this is by this, and this is by this, and this is by this. And people kept saying, I love that you don't gatekeep. We had no idea what they were talking about. I didn't even understand the concept. Like, happy to share. Like, it's all in the. You know, I, like, I finally did the shop my and Lincoln B. Like, I'm happy to provide all of them. Like, here it is. I don't want to make it difficult. I want to make it easy, but sometimes it just isn't available. Like you said, it's just an old thing that, you know, you might have similar. And it's just for inspo sometimes. But.

[Liv Perez]

And that's why I said, like, I appreciate that side of it too, where it's like, here's the idea. Make it your own.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I said something this morning that was like jeans and a button down with a sweater over it. And I like pulled the cuffs out and it's like, I don't think I tagged everything in that because it's like, I don't need to tag the striped button down shirt. Like.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Go find one. Make it your own.

[Larissa Mills]

Right, right, right, right.

[Liv Perez]

Just like a mold for you.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Do you know what I find you have in your closet?

[Larissa Mills]

You know what? You know what it is for me? I'm so. I don't want people to think that I'm trying to sell them something. So it's so it's such a, like I, I, I. It's like here, I want to help you. I totally will give you the link, but I don't want you to think that I'm just doing, putting this up here because I want you to buy it. I just want to be helpful. I don't, I don't want to cater.

[Liv Perez]

To all the others.

[Larissa Mills]

I know, I. It's true, it's true, it's true. That's exactly it.

[Liv Perez]

Today's podcast is sponsored by Cotton. As you guys know, I just went to Paris, not an easy flight from Los angeles. It's about 11 and a half hours, 12 hours on the way home. And I often get asked what I wear for long haul flights. Now I'm a big believer in girl math, which means that 99 of the time I'm probably flying economy or comfort plus or whatever it is because I most likely have sorted out how I'm gonna buy a bag wherever I get to where I'm going to. But so because of that, I need to dress for these plane rides in the most comfortable way possible, where my body feels good, I feel supported, and I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat if need be. And most of the time I'm choosing a full cotton look for that reason. In case you didn't know, cotton is natural. It comes from the earth. And also because of the fact that it's natural, it doesn't contribute to microplastic pollution, which is just an added perk that we love. It's also breathable, which I love because my skin gets so dry on planes. I don't know about you guys, but I have lately been carrying body and hand cream in my purse while I'm flying because I noticed right after I get off the plane I am so dry. So having something that is breathable, soft, that I can just easily like access my arms or legs has always been my way to go. Sometimes I'll throw on cotton leggings, but lately I'm just really loving this one cotton set that I've been wearing at home. I wear it to bed, I wear it on the weekends, I wear it traveling. You guys know, I talk about it all the time. It's a cotton long sleeve shirt with a matching pair of cotton sweatpants with like a stretchy waistband and they're a straight leg cut so it doesn't cinch at the bottom. And I prefer a straight leg cut while I'm traveling. I just think it's a chic look. I love this set so much that I actually bought it in three different colors. I have it in black, white and gray. And while I'm traveling, I've been rotating between the black and the gray set because I cannot be trusted to wear something white on the plane. What I love about this cotton set, it is so effortless, chic and a really timeless, simple look that you can wear anytime. What I love about this cotton set is that no matter what's like trending or what style is like cool right now, it is like the most effortless, timeless airport look. You can throw a leather jacket over it if you want to dress it up a little bit. I usually wear a trench coat over it because I get really cold on planes and I'll maybe throw like a cotton sweater over my shoulders as well. This is my go to formula for traveling. It's what keeps me the warmest, it's what makes me feel good, it's what keeps my skin like feeling nice and soft. This formula has been the winner for me. I'm someone who also really believes in stretching before I get on the plane. Yes, I am totally that girl that you see doing my stretches before I get on the plane and like walking the aisles to like keep the circulation going. So again, crucial to be in something comfortable. So I'm wearing that cotton long sleeve top, I'm wearing the matching cotton pants and I'll also throw on cotton compression socks underneath those sweatpants because again, we're all about the circulation, keeping the blood moving, keeping things feeling good on those long haul flights. I also prefer the cotton ones too because those other ones can be like scratchy and not so comfortable. If you guys want to find more incredible cotton items for your travel days and all the activities beyond, I highly Recommend going to thefabricofourlives.com and discovering the Fabric of Now campaign. Cotton's the Fabric of Now campaign is challenging and encouraging all of us to make that natural choice to give us enough room to breathe so we can be more intentional in our day to day life and do things that feel good, like traveling in really comfy sets. So plenty of fashion inspiration, especially with fall around the corner for all the cozy things. So go discover the Fabric of [e-mail] See you on the plane. Your OOTD videos are for me like a master class in branding. I really appreciate when I find a creator who has something that is engaging enough that it never gets old. And it truly never gets old. Like I know your background, I know you're like, against that, like, white door. You're in your bathroom. I mean, that's your closet.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah, it's my bath.

[Liv Perez]

But it never gets old for me, and I. I always appreciate that. That's the format that I know that I'm coming to find on your Instagram.

[Larissa Mills]

Okay, that's good, because I do get sick of it. I'm like, they. This can't. There. People just can't want to see this. Like, nobody wants to see me getting dressed in my bathroom again. But then I. No, we're here. Okay. I'm.

[Liv Perez]

I'm. I'm a fan and I can say that. Keep it coming. I'm not sick of it. But in. To make you feel better, I do feel the same way sometimes about my own content.

[Larissa Mills]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

No one wants to see me in my closet or in, like, the archway.

[Larissa Mills]

Right. Like. But okay, but, you know, I can't have multiple homes.

[Liv Perez]

And like, this is.

[Larissa Mills]

This is it.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah, this is it. Guys, I would love to hear a little bit about the origin of your OOTD videos.

[Larissa Mills]

So, Ella. It's just funny because Ella had completely gotten off of TikTok. Wasn't like, had gotten off of it for a year. Just felt like. I think during COVID she was on it so much and she just sort of self, like, sent it. Just enough was enough, right? So she got off of it, and then she just sort of on a whim, got back on, I think, did a random video. And then she did. It was the trend. The pantry. Like, show your mom or show your pantry and show your mom or something. So I was going to a meeting, and she just sort of caught me off guard. Mom, like, come here. And I turned around and she's like, just stop. And she took, like, a video. It was so awkward. It's so bad. But. And for whatever reason, people, what's her coat? What's mom's this? What's mom that? Show mom's outfit. Like, oh, my God. Like, what's the fashion happening here? So that's literally, I think a few days later, mom like, let's just do an outfit of the day. And she just did it in the bathroom. Kind of the way she just sort of, you know, shirt, shoes. I just named everything. It was very embarrassing. I didn't. I just. Whatever. I just went along. But then it just. It was so bizarre how it kind of took off. It was such a baby step for me because I was the. The mom who wouldn't take pictures of herself. Like, I didn't have any pictures of Myself, the concept of a selfie was just gross to me. It just is not. I think like when I grew up, it would be embarrassing if you were caught taking a picture of yourself. You know, it's just, it's ick. I don't know. So it took me a while of her really pushing to kind of get me out of my comfort zone.

[Liv Perez]

I think that there's a very big misconception with social media and it being somewhat of a vain career. I think there are so many creators out there that are really value driven and it's really about helping and giving inspiration. But I always hear, I always hear that chatter in the background and it's so interesting to be talking to you about kind of having to break that mold for yourself. I feel that way all the time. I'm like, you know, if I have to ask like a friend or my husband to like help me take a picture, I'm dying inside.

[Larissa Mills]

Dying. Yep.

[Liv Perez]

But yes, it's, it's part of the grind and it's part of what helps us.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Be creative and what helps us actually help our communities as well.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

So it's, it's definitely a double edged sword. It is. But I love what you do and I get so excited every time I see one of your videos because for me it's inspiration and I know for so many others that do it as well. So I'm really glad you got over it.

[Larissa Mills]

Thank you. I think, I think what really, what pushed it over the edge was a lot of the, it was a twofold of women that were more my age, so in their 50s saying, okay, I'm kind of feeling like I can do more. Like you're giving me inspiration to just be more me. Like who I was and who I know I can still be. But I kind of had this, oh, I'm in my 50s, I guess I can't do that. Like, they, they had sort of these, I don't know, preconceived notion of what 50 looks like. And then I had younger women, interestingly, that are in their 20s and 30s, who you guys are really afraid of getting old. I, I don't know, there's some weird thing happening. Like they're also, they're very afraid. They're like, I'm petrified of getting old. So you're making me feel better about getting old. So I had these, I have these like two demographics going on. So it did feel really helpful. Like I felt like I was putting something out there that was of value. So that did help me get over my, my fear. Because it was rewarding to be like, no, I. Because I love to be the one that's like, I love doing other people's makeup, getting ready for prom. You know, I, I like getting them dressed up. Like, it's just. That's so much fun to me. So it felt like that on a bigger scale.

[Liv Perez]

I'll speak for myself as a 30 year old who maybe is in that pool and did feel your content be impactful in terms of any sort of maybe ageism in fashion. Let's, let's say that maybe that's the, the thing, right? And I'm not afraid of getting older, but I am afraid of the idea that as you get older, your style has to change. And I wonder what that feels like for you as someone who's completely defying that. Because to the point of what you were saying, watching your content made me be like, oh, I can do this forever. Like, I can dress the way I want forever. And like, I can wear the cute dress and I can wear the bold print jacket and I can wear the heels and the jewelry and like, no one's gonna stop me.

[Larissa Mills]

That's right.

[Liv Perez]

So I want to hear a little bit about your, how you feel when you hear that phrase as you get older. You need to quote, unquote, tone it down.

[Larissa Mills]

Well, it's interesting because I heard that from my mom. Actually. My mom was very much. I mean, I'm like Boston, which is inherently a little bit more conservatively dressed. I grew up with. At a certain age, you cut your hair. At a certain age, you don't wear skirts that are above your kneecap. There are certain colors you don't wear, you don't like. There were a lot of rules around what is appropriate dress. And it was actually my mother in law, who is from Sun Valley, Idaho. She has hair that is down, like Ella's hair. But she's in her 70s now and her hair is long. She wears a lot of chunky jewelry. She has just. She's still wearing heels. I mean, it just threw everything. Completely opposite of what I was always told. And so she really was kind of this inspiration for me in this hands on. I met my husband, we started dating when I was 20. We met in college and she was like this creature from. I didn't even know where she's. She's. Because she's in Sun Valley and they were in California a lot. She always seemed to have a tan. I mean, she was just like this just amazing creature, so. And through the years she Never gave that up. Like, that is. She has a signature look and she has stayed with it. And she always had sort of this, you know, exercise. She climbs mountains. She just does everything that I'm doing still that my, you know, ella does at 20. So it really was her, I have to say. She was just like, why do I have to cut my hair? I don't have to cut my hair. Like, I love my hair. So it was seeing it in real time that was the inspiration for me that I got to see. So that was it.

[Liv Perez]

I think it takes one person.

[Larissa Mills]

It's one person.

[Liv Perez]

It's one person and you're that one person for so many people. What a rewarding thing.

[Larissa Mills]

And there are a lot of. I feel like there are way more because of social media. You now see a lot of, you know, 50 somethings that are, that are, I think, doing that, you know, they're. We just get to see more of them. I think they were always out there. We just didn't see them.

[Liv Perez]

I always talk about two. I think her name is Greece.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Grace. Grace. Yes.

[Liv Perez]

Is it. It's Grace, right? Yes, it's. But it's spelled G. R G. I.

[Larissa Mills]

Always want to say grey. And then I. It's Grace, I guess I actually sat next to her and I was. And she's. She's so fabulous.

[Liv Perez]

I. I saw her at the Hermes show from afar in Paris and I was like, she is.

[Larissa Mills]

She really is. I. Well, I, I sat next to her when we were in Copenhagen and I literally died. I see his next to hers.

[Liv Perez]

She's amazing. She's got this like fabulous white hair and like, I just, I love her style and I love that she posts. What? I'm not sure how old she is, but she's posting in a bikini.

[Larissa Mills]

No, Literally. No. She's. Yes, that. Well, that's my mother in law, Will still. She still wears bikinis. I mean, this is. I don't know if I'm going to do that, but I love that they are and that I can if I want to.

[Liv Perez]

I mean, she looks amazing.

[Larissa Mills]

She does look.

[Liv Perez]

She's one of my favorite followers.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

There's another one, I think Raina is her name and her Instagram is Ben's wife.

[Larissa Mills]

Same. Yep. Met her. Talk to her. She's lovely too. Lovely.

[Liv Perez]

So lovely. Yeah.

[Larissa Mills]

I just love that your age group is following these women. That's what's like, that's what's amazing to me is that. See, I think for me it's important to. I never talk about age really? Because I sort of feel like I don't want someone to. I don't want it to be a crutch. Like, oh, she. She looks good for that age. Right. I want it to be that. That. See, I think those two women that you just mentioned, they just have a. They have great style. They have great ways of putting clothes together. So regardless of their age, it's not even an issue. It's like, it's irrelevant. Which I think, in the end, is kind of the point. It's, like, should be the point, you know?

[Liv Perez]

I also love someone seeing people that are older than me thriving in this career because I only got on Instagram when I was, like, 20, and every day since then, I've had people in my ear being like, what's the longevity of this? Or, like, how long are you going to do this for? Oh, and forever. Yeah. Like, it's very inspiring for me, and it's. It gives me a lot of hope and it makes me excited.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

That is, for me, it's a deeper level of seeing which women older than me thriving.

[Larissa Mills]

Right. I think, honestly, that is what made this happen, because I think that really is it. It's. I think that's what hit for people is it was the relationship with Ella, myself, and just that. That added layer of inspo is just hit a nerve. I don't know.

[Liv Perez]

I'm curious. Something that I hear a lot from people in my life because they'll come to me for style advice or fashion advice. Whatever a phrase I hear often is, that's too young for me.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Anytime someone says to me that's too young for me, I go, who told you that?

[Larissa Mills]

Right?

[Liv Perez]

That's what I say. I'm like, but why?

[Larissa Mills]

You know what? I'm going to twist it, I guess. It's not even young or old for me. It's more. It's probably. We're using that, but really, it's just. It's not. It. There's a sophistication level of certain things that I would have worn when I was 20, but it's just not my look. It's just something like. Like a cutoff denim skirt that's super, super short. It's just. There's like a. It's. And it has nothing to do with the fact that it's short. I wear short things. I show my legs. Like, it's not. But it's just certain things are. It's a sophistication level. I'm gonna go with. It's not really age, I guess. But I think we think of it as. I would have done that. True. I would have done that when I was younger and I was. So, yeah, it's. That's kind of where I'm at on that.

[Liv Perez]

I think I agree with you. And I think it has to do with. I think it has to do with, you know, a print or a bright color.

[Larissa Mills]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Or maybe things that just feel a little unconventional. And I think that's a mold that needs to be broken. Because I do think that there's that kind of idea of, like, as you were saying, as you, like, get older, you need to.

[Larissa Mills]

Rules. Yes.

[Liv Perez]

Down and be sophisticated.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

But I totally disagree.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah. It's almost like where you should be saying it's. It's just not in my comfort zone. But it's not really. Is it really that age? Like, I don't know if it is, but, you know, maybe we use that as an excuse. Yeah. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But I will say you are someone who wears, like, prints and colors and different layers so. Well, for people who might be a little color shy, what's your best tip for putting yourself out there?

[Larissa Mills]

I've been surrounded by color for as long as. I mean, again, I go back to interiors. So, like, I mean, I grew up. My grandmother. The entire first floor was painted dark, dark, dark green. So, like, that's a lot. It's a bold dark green. She had, like, colored oriental rugs and, like, the table skirts that had paisley. So there was. I. I grew up around a lot of color layering pattern. I would almost say to. To start off with pale colors that go with neutral. So, you know, if it's a gray suit, maybe it's a gray lavender sweater that still feels kind of monochromatic, but it's. It's sort of moving you. It's moving you into color. Just. Just like a hint. Baby steps, I would say baby steps for color.

[Liv Perez]

Totally agree.

[Larissa Mills]

Right. Like, just keep it, like, pale blue or a sweater. Yep, yep.

[Liv Perez]

You're, like, layering under something so it's not the whole moment.

[Larissa Mills]

It's not the whole moment. And maybe not high contrast. I feel like maybe that's part of it. If it's super high, it's like, maybe someone who's really color averse. Don't go get a red sweater to wear with white jeans. Maybe just, you know, a very pale color. So you still feel like you're in your. Your zone. Slow step. But so be my advice.

[Liv Perez]

I like this kind of story about exposure therapy. As I was saying earlier that, you know, being in these settings that have like bright colors and prints and mixing and matching was really very inspirational for you.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Growing to, you know, the fashion person that you are today. Is there something specific that you think has been most helpful through your life and refining your taste and finding what's true to you?

[Larissa Mills]

Trial and error. Just trying, like it doesn't always land. I mean, there, there. I look back on things that I've worn in the past and I would never wear it, but I tried it. So now I know. I mean, I think it's. I just having some fun with it and not being too risk averse. It's not that deep. It's something that you can try and fail. I mean, fail. What does that even mean? You know, it's not your favorite. Moving on, you know, So I think, I think just a little bit of trial and error. I Definitely, in my 20s, I feel like I was very up on some of the trend, you know, very cognizant of different trends and love to kind of like hop on things quickly. But I always had such a, like, kind of classic bass underneath it. So it didn't. It never went too far even if I wanted it to.

[Liv Perez]

Saying it's not that deep is something that I've been trying to say to myself every morning when I'm getting dressed every day. It's like, I'm not changing the world. Joan Rivers isn't stationed outside of my house. I love It's Going to be Fine. Your best hit.

[Larissa Mills]

It's fine.

[Liv Perez]

If it's not your greatest.

[Larissa Mills]

It's fine. It's fine.

[Liv Perez]

Something that feels good and walk out the door.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

And even if you do something that isn't, you know, you're going to look back and be like, why did I walk out of the house? But you had to try it. You had to try it. You can't knock it until you try it, so you might as well just try it.

[Larissa Mills]

That's right. Just try it. Just go for it. I mean, there. It's so funny because I had a pill. I call it the pillow skirt. Do you remember? It's Prada, the white. It literally is a short.

[Liv Perez]

Oh, yeah.

[Larissa Mills]

I love it and I still love it and I stand by it. And I'm gonna wear it this winter again. Oh, my God. People were. They could not.

[Liv Perez]

They were violent.

[Larissa Mills]

They were. It was a violent reaction. But here's the thing. I kind of. I'd rather have a reaction than just nothing at all. Like, that's great. Like, so it. So it sparked something. Yes. Right. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So, I mean, yeah, that pillow skirt still going strong. I love it. I feel like the pillow skirt slowly evolved into like the hoop skirt.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Agreed.

[Liv Perez]

And a lot of like the wire.

[Larissa Mills]

Agreed. That is so observant of you. Of course you would know this, but that's such a good observation. I'm bringing it, I'm wearing it.

[Liv Perez]

Good.

[Larissa Mills]

And everyone can lose it.

[Liv Perez]

The hemlines are changing. The headlines are constantly evolving.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Yes.

[Liv Perez]

Are there any other trends that you love right now?

[Larissa Mills]

I really did like the bag charms that were everywhere and I really did love them. And I never thought that I was talking about this. I didn't think I would love bag charms, but I really did. I. I really did.

[Liv Perez]

Do you have any?

[Larissa Mills]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I don't have an on now. Cause I. I have a clutch, but I. I do a Dina Raider makes like a very calm, tasteful, a sweet one that I have. But then I also got some. I have a mew mew one that I had a little while ago and I actually wore it when I was in Copenhagen. But who knew that one was not enough? One charm.

[Liv Perez]

I think it's a. I think there's an art form to like the layering of the charms.

[Larissa Mills]

100.

[Liv Perez]

Just one charm. No, you're telling a story.

[Larissa Mills]

You are.

[Liv Perez]

It's a storyboard.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Yeah, it's a story. And I love things that have a story. That's. That's another thing with, with I think, fashion or again, interiors. I love when there's a story. I love when there's some meaning in there. Like it, it adds some. It's like, it just holds for me.

[Liv Perez]

So I don't think you can do the bag charms wrong.

[Larissa Mills]

And it's just a fun thing for people to have. Like, for some, again, someone who's maybe a little risk averse in their clothing, you can do that and you can have a little. Have a little fun with your fashion. Not so serious.

[Liv Perez]

I really love your relationship with Ella and the way that you guys bond over fashion and how it's such an integral part of your platform. Yeah. How do you think that, you know, intergenerational fashion has brought you guys closer? It's. It's so sweet. And honestly, I think it's one of my favorite things to see on Instagram. Not something you see often.

[Larissa Mills]

No, I think it's interesting. I mean, obviously we've gotten opportunities to do things that we would have never been able to do, so that's just a given. We've gotten to travel, we've Gotten to do photo shoots. That's just amazing. But I think what's interesting is almost this weird concept that if you're a teenager, you hate your mom and you don't have a good relationship, or if you do, it's almost embarrassing. You don't really voice that. And that was something that came out of doing some of the videos. There's a lot of people saying, okay, I used to kind of, like. Like, my mom's actually my. I'm really close to my mom, or my mom's actually my best friend. I talk to her all the time. But I didn't want to tell anyone that because that's not very cool sounding. And you guys are making me feel like that's okay. That I actually am really close to my mom or. Or unfortunately. On the flip side, too, there's the. I really wish I had a relationship like this with my mom and. But it's inspired me that I'm going to have a really good relationship with my kids. So that's been fabulous come out of it. But she and I. I mean, we're tight. We just. It doesn't matter if we did this or not. She's just. She's like, my favorite person to hang out with.

[Liv Perez]

I love that fashion was. Fashion is very important to my mom and I, too. It definitely was, like, our first bonding point. I have, like, all my fondest childhood memories were sitting in her, like, closet room on, like, the shades and just watching her get dressed. And I think it was deeply informative to the way I get dressed today.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes, absolutely.

[Liv Perez]

There was, like, one designer that she loved so much when I was growing up, and I ended up wearing that designer at my wedding and, like, paying homage to her.

[Larissa Mills]

Oh, my gosh.

[Liv Perez]

I think it. I think fashion between mother and daughters can really be a language if you let it.

[Larissa Mills]

Absolutely.

[Liv Perez]

It's funny. We have, like, a manicurist come to my house once a month, and she'll do both of our nails. And she's always like, the only thing you two talk about is clothes and fashion. And I'm like. Because it is our.

[Larissa Mills]

It's your language.

[Liv Perez]

It's our. Like, it's our love language between each other.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes. Yes.

[Liv Perez]

So I think it really can be if you let it.

[Larissa Mills]

Yeah. We also have astrology as a love language for us. Ella is deeply involved in astrology, so that becomes a bit of a love language that my husband's like, can you stop talking? It's not because they're a Scorpio. Okay. That's not why they're doing whatever it is.

[Liv Perez]

I get that a lot. I have a lot of, like, things. And people will be like, so Aquarius of you.

[Larissa Mills]

So good. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Is that a job or a compliment? I don't know. I'm gonna leave it there exactly. Just right there.

[Larissa Mills]

No, that's it. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Whenever we close the show, we always ask one question, which is that if you were able to change anything in fashion right now, what would it be?

[Larissa Mills]

I would. I wish I could slow it down. I feel like it's too fast. It's like the beauty of social media is that you have so many people who can be out there again. Me, I would never have been. That would never have happened. At 50, you suddenly are doing this. Brands wouldn't have been hiring me, whatever. So there's the plus of that. Right. You're reaching. Anyone can get on there. But it's just. There's so much and it's so fast. Like, I. I do miss having a magazine that I would get once a month and pour through. And it just. It's. It's sort of this. I did see a stat. You know, that data. But make it fashion. You know that account I'm obsessed with. Oh, my gosh. Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Well, I'm such a fan of what she does. She's so smart, Harvard educated.

[Larissa Mills]

I love.

[Liv Perez]

It is really just, I think, giving a very different perspective into fashion that I don't see anywhere else.

[Larissa Mills]

I love it. But she.

[Liv Perez]

She.

[Larissa Mills]

She had something on there recently that I saw that it was basically, people are buying more, but they're wearing their clothes less.

[Liv Perez]

That makes sense.

[Larissa Mills]

And that is sort of bec. It's. Because it's just. It. There's so much so fast that you kind of feel, oh, oh, I do like that. Oh, I like that. I like that. It's just so. I. What I want is never. I can't do. But I. If I could, I would slow this down a little. This train down. You know, this season I'm wearing a lot of stuff from last season and trying to. I'm not trying to educate anyone. That's not. That's not what I'm here for. But it's just sort of like. Listen, I just. I'm showing you, like, I'm wearing this stuff and I'm repeat wearing. So if you got this suit or whatever, you got this bag, here it is again. And that's the part about. It's. There's no link because it's not in here anymore. But, you know, for people who have been following for a while or if they had something like it, just to see it's not. It's not all new, new, new, new every, you know, second.

[Liv Perez]

Long live the Prada pillow skirt.

[Larissa Mills]

Long live Prada. And I'm gonna think of you when I wear her next because I'm gonna pull her out.

[Liv Perez]

I can't wait to see the OOTD of it. I am. Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite episodes I've done in a very long time. You are truly one of my, like, you are a bright spot for me on Instagram, and I'm so grateful that you journeyed from home.

[Larissa Mills]

Oh, my gosh. Of course. I would never have missed this. It was so exciting.

[Liv Perez]

I really hope that we can meet irl.

[Larissa Mills]

Yes, I would love that. I would love that. Well, thank you for having me on. I appreciate it. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.