Tried & True Interview with Emily Hammer
From pretty floral dresses to well-priced basics, read all about Emily's favorite things.
Welcome to Tried & True, an interview series where I speak to friends about their wardrobes and the items they reach for again and again. I think that all of us are curators of our own lives; every day, we try new things, test out our purchases, and iterate based on the information we gather. I love to learn the nitty gritty, not just what someone loves, but WHY they love it.
MEET EMILY:
I am so excited to introduce you all to my chic and fabulous friend, Emily Hammer.
Emily is the BEST! She is one of those people that is really just a ray of sunshine! Emily and I met through Instagram years ago, and from there, we then worked together a bit for her clothing line Edith Hour (*the brand is currently on pause // but I hope she re-launches one day) and have remained fast friends to this day. There is nothing I love more than texting randomly throughout the day with Emily about our favorite shopping splurges or debating wallpaper samples for a new home decor project. I hope you all enjoy learning more about Emily and shopping her great finds.
THE FACTS:
Name: Emily Hammer
Location: Houston, Texas
Title: Mom, Semi ex-blogger and Full ex-lifestyle brand founder
Self-description: I am a 33-year-old mom living in Houston, TX, with my 17-month-old daughter and husband, awaiting baby sister who is joining us in May. I went from plotting my outfits to quickly switching gears, and now my daughter’s wardrobe is better than mine, and I couldn’t be prouder; yes, I am a self-proclaimed baby stylist, lol. When I am not chasing around my purse and bow-loving girlie, I am scowering Facebook Marketplace, local estate sales and consignment shops - it’s a problem.
FOLLOW:
@emilyghammer on Instagram
on Substack
@thehamstrothhouse on Instagram (where Emily documents her home decor projects!)
TRIED & TRUE WITH EMILY
What is your go-to outfit?
I have three uniforms that I rotate through no matter the season (thanks to living in Texas, this is possible). These go-to looks are:
Jeans, a Uniqlo Tee, a Cardigan, and Chanel Ballet Flats
A Doen Dress (really any a-line(ish) dress because they are the most flattering on me) and sweater over my shoulders
Leggings, Tee Shirt, high socks and cute sneakers
Where do you splurge vs. save when shopping and building your wardrobe?
Hmm… I splurge on things that give me the “omg, omg, look at this!!” reaction that I know I will love for years to come.
A lot of people preach to “splurge on basics” and I think if you’re in a professional setting or have a certain lifestyle, splurging on blazers, the perfect white button down, etc. is 100% worth it but right now I am saving on basics - Uniqlo t-shirts, amazon workout gear, and things that get a lot of wear. I prefer to save on these items so I don’t get upset when I (or my sidekick) spill on it or when I wash it the unkosher way (aka I put my leggings in the dryer, lol!)
To wrap this up, I also big big on the high-low, finding the deals aka: H&M jeans, Uniqlo Tee, a Jenni Kayne Sweater (that I buy on sale!), a jacket from The Great paired with Chanel shoes.
What is one of your favorite things you bought last year?
My blue and white stripe Chanel Ballet Flats. When I first saw them on Instagram, I gasped, and even my husband said, “well sh*t those are good”! Have I already taken them to the shoe cleaner twice…yes….do I get butterflies when I see them in my closet….yes!
*Who is a size 6.5 or 7? If so you might need to swoop of these same striped Chanel Ballet Flats via The Real Real.
Is there an item that you have owned for more than 10 years and still love and wear to this day?
Yes, but no! Not sadly, but sadly, I don’t think anything from 10 years ago would fit me anymore, but I do have a big “archive” (in the Kim K voice, lol.) Pieces I am saving for my daughters from 10+ years ago. Tops from Carven, Givenchy Shoes I had no business buying and more that I hope my daughters treasure one day!
Your daughter Georgia might be the best-dressed little baby girl that I have ever met! Each and every outfit is better than the next - from her smocked styles to ruffle collars. What are some of your favorite brands or retailers for baby clothes?
That is so kind of you, Nan! As I mentioned I am obsessed with dressing her and not to sound soo eye roll but it comes second nature and I can’t imagine dressing her any other way!
I shop for her like a I do me, high low, take advantage of sales and thanks to being in Houston lots of pieces work almost year round with a cardigan.
For dressier pieces I love Pepa London, La Croqueta, Pukatuka and seeing what pieces Bea Colette has. For middle ground items I head to Little English, Beaufort Bonnet, and Minnow. Then to round it out I always scroll Zara and H&M for solid tees, “trendy” pieces that I won’t stress about and sweat sets!
EMILY’S TRIED & TRUE FAVORITES
I have used all the fancy face creams, and this one accomplishes the same goals for a fraction of the price, AND it lays well under makeup!
Baby Girl Floral Tops from Amazon
As I mentioned, Georgia’s wardrobe gets more attention than mine, and these Amazon tops are soo good! Not all of the prints are winners but the ones that are look so expensive!
Westman Atelier Blush in Chouchette
This is the only blush I have ever re-bought! The color is perfect; it lasts all day and is easy to apply!
Not a fashion item, but I am a pillow snob/psycho, and I am obsessed with this pillow in the plush weight.
I have gotten my mom and tons of friends into these cotton pads; yes, cotton pads, but believe me, they are worth it!! You can use both sides, they don’t tear, etc.
They didn’t seem to do a ton of them this year but I have three jackets from The Great (two quilted, one wool) that are my favorite things. The quilted ones are such good quality and perfect for Texas, as they can be as light or layered as I need them to be!
Be sure to follow Emily over on Instagram. Until next time! xo Nan
Love love love, Emily! Great interview 🤍
So fun to read about Emily and her faves! She's so chic :)