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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, stepping into the lives of women who inspire with their light and ambition. There’s something special about going beyond the veneer of success. In these interviews, we experience the rhythm of their routines, learn about their cherished rituals, and share a real, unfiltered conversation. In this way, Laurel Pantin’s journey becomes more than a story of success. It’s a reminder of the beauty found in connection, creativity, and following your curiosity wherever it leads.
Laurel’s career across fashion and editorial is rich with experience at 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 consults for or in her newsletter, Earl Earl. She doesn’t just dabble in creativity; she’s mastered the art of helping others see, feel, and connect through style and story.
Laurel Pantin On Cultivating Intentional Style—And Building a Timeless Closet
What sets Laurel apart is her commitment to authenticity—she doesn’t just follow trends; she digs deeper, exploring what it means to connect with one’s own style. Her wardrobe philosophy isn’t about accumulating pieces but rather curating them with intention, a practice that translates into how she guides her clients and readers. Laurel’s eye for timeless fashion and ability to interpret design in nuanced ways make her a standout in the creative field.
Ahead, we delve into Laurel’s life, uncovering the joys, challenges, and inspirations that shape her work. From her morning rituals to the wardrobe essentials she swears by, this conversation offers a glimpse into how Laurel stays inspired and, above 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 going over to the retail side, working as the Fashion Director at large for 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 I style, and a few consulting clients.
What has been your biggest learning over the past year?
The biggest thing has been going fully out on my own, rather than working for a magazine or other brand. I was always interested in going out on my own, but felt the risk was too huge, or that jobs wouldn’t materialize. I was lucky that I built my Substack up while still employed full-time, so the transition was relatively smooth.
How would you describe your personal style?
Practical, masculine, silly.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have two kids, 6 and 4, so my mornings are a total whirlwind. I get up with them and get them ready for school—make breakfast, pack lunches, and then shoo them into the car. It’s full-on until I drop them at school! After drop, I usually try and exercise—I take Lagree classes four-ish times a week. I have a lot of physical energy and if I don’t exercise it turns into anxiety. After that, I usually go home to start writing or working, or I run to an appointment or meeting.
Every day is different, but working the way I do lets me have a lot of flexibility.
What time is your wake-up call?
I do a lot of my writing at night after the kids go to sleep. I’ll usually log off around 11:30, and once I do I’m out. I’m usually too tired to read or anything before bed, I just pass out. Then I usually wake up when my kids wake up, which is typically between 6:30 and 7. I’m so glad they’re finally sleeping past 6!
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Pee! Ha! Then I usually change out of my nightgown (I sleep in an old fashioned old lady cotton nightgown… ) and get started with shuttling the kids downstairs and getting them fed. With kids this age it’s literally like throwing two bouncy balls into your living room and then trying to get both of them under control. It’s hectic! A lot of the time I don’t even brush my teeth until I get home from my workout.
What rituals set you up for success?
I don’t have a great morning routine, other than making sure my kids are set for whatever they have going on. After I exercise I like to have something to eat—usually a couple of eggs with some veggies or avocado or yogurt with slivered almonds. Something quick and satisfying. Then I brush my teeth, do my whole skincare thing, and if I have somewhere to go I’ll shower, otherwise I’ll sit and start working.
Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.
I keep it SUPER simple, both AM and PM. I’ve learned over time that my skin looks better if I screw around with it less. Or it looks just as good with two or three products as it does with seven hundred. I use a few more things at night than this, but morning is very wash and go.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I try to eat something with a lot of protein in the morning. One of my go-to’s, which sounds kind of disgusting, but is great…. Is two fried eggs over a bowl with edamame and steamed spinach, then nutritional yeast on top with some hot sauce. I get kind of fixated on one thing and eat it every day for like four months, and then I decide I can’t ever look at it again. I also like plain yogurt with chopped, peeled cucumber, and sliced almonds for breakfast. Or freeze-dried blueberries and almonds. I really cannot cook, so everything has to be simple simple simple. I also hate to clean up after a meal so I try to make as little mess as possible.
What will we always find in your refrigerator?
Seltzer, yogurt, cheese, tortillas, and something like Ghia, Kin, or Athletic Brew. I don’t drink, but I like having something drink-like at the end of the day.
What are your favorite books?
I love to read! I always have my Kindle under my pillow so I can read for a minute or two before I go to sleep—even when I’m totally 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 very particular lip balms I love. These are my three favorites.
What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?
I do not have cool taste in music—I love cheesy girly pop. My best getting-ready song is “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepson. I also love this remix of The Very Best’s album, so maybe that is kind of cool. Maybe my music is cool!
Do you work out in the morning?
I like to get it over with! It also helps my brain warm up and I get a lot of ideas while I’m exercising. If I’m not doing a Lagree class, I like to go for a super long walk. I have some friends who I meet up with once a week to walk on the beach—one of the perks of living in LA!
What’s your daily uniform?
I really like getting dressed, and for the last few years I’ve kind of fallen into a rut or routine that’s starting to feel very routine. So I’m trying to take time to get myself dressed now and enjoy the clothes I’ve collected.
When I’m just rushing out the door though, I usually wear my favorite pair of Wrangler jeans, a Comme Si button-down, and my loafers from The Row. It’s a completely effortless outfit but still looks polished.
What are your top three most-prized possessions in your closet?
- Junya Watanabe Fishtail Skirt
- Bright orange Hermès Victoria bag
- Dries evening coat
What advice would you give someone who wants to start collecting fashion more mindfully but who doesn’t have an unlimited budget?
- Resale. Identify the references you really love—e.g., if you’re really drawn to Christy Turlington in the 90s, research who the designers during that time and search for those designers secondhand.
- Be patient. It’s taken me over 15 years to amass the pieces in my collection.
- Embrace the search. I found my Prada heels on the RealReal for $120.
A fall trend you’re into?
I don’t adhere to trends. Instead, [I recommend following] your emotional response: buy things you’ll love and treasure and actually wear. If you don’t know what you like or how to put things together, enlist someone to help or keep doing your research. Don’t try to fit a mold that doesn’t feel authentic to you. There are certain currents in fashion happening that I really like, but the thing that keeps fashion interesting is when people express themselves through their clothes.
Don’t try to fit a mold that doesn’t feel authentic to you.
Oh man, I don’t even know! I’d love to be able to read quietly alone for an hour every morning, or just flop around in bed and zone out. But in reality I’d probably work or exercise. I always feel like I have too much to do and too little time, so I think I’d fill that hour pretty quickly.
What are one or two things you do every day to live a more joyful life?
Exercise is the main thing, I know I have to do it or I can’t really function. Quitting drinking was another thing—my life has improved 200% since I quit. I also have to spend some time snuggling with my kids! I’m very touchy and I love to scoop them up and roll around with them.
If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?
Oy, maybe a feeling like I’m always trying to feel successful? That sounds dark, but I’m always wondering what else I can do or try to be better. That was true in my jobs, and it’s true still as a solo act.
Sentence Finishers:
I never leave the house without: my phone.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: stress out about how to use an extra hour!
Healthiest morning habit: working out.
Worst morning habit: not brushing my teeth before drop off.
One thing I want to be known for is: being warm and kind.
The one thing I fear the most: letting my kids down.
When I feel that fear, I: spiral!
The book I always recommend: The Art Of Fielding and In One Person.
One trait you need to succeed in life is: persistence and kindness.
Bath or shower? What’s your favorite product? Both! I love a bath, but usually take a shower. I love the splash salve from Hanni in the shower. I’m usually too lazy to moisturize after taking a shower and this does that step for me.