We are California dreaming with one of our favorite new style influencers. Eda Semana, of Luxe & Linen, began her college career like so many young people – full of hope, but conflicted about the right path to take to be successful. She revealed that her grades suffered while pursuing a major she found no joy in. However, her quirky meets chic blog helped her redeem her creative roots. “My most memorable moment [in fashion] was when I attended my first show for MBFW at the Lincoln Center in New York City. I walked in in complete awe admiring the entire venue and found myself surrounded by so many like-minded and inspiring people. From then on, I knew that this industry and this world was where I wanted to be,” explains Semana. We dug a little deeper to get to know this West Coast babe after frequently obsessing over her Instagram feed.
YHM: What is one of your most memorable fashion try? What would you change?
Eda Semana: In high school, everyone has their own style phases: Goth phase, punk phase, or the hip-hop phase. I myself had a huge 80s phase in which I would rock big teased hair, leggings that came in colors of the rainbow, huge oversized thrifted sweaters, and fanny packs among other things. I looked like I came out of an Olivia Newton John “Let’s Get Physical” music video. Would I do it again? Would I change anything about it? Absolutely not! In high school, I didn’t have the slightest idea of who I was, so like any teenager, I was searching for my own element. I’ve always been a fan of making a statement and staying away from what is “safe.” It gave me the confidence I needed to find and experiment with my own sense of style.
YHM: You posted a girly-pink look on your blog over the summer. It was fun, fluffy and totally carefree. What inspires you to create such girly meets chic looks?
ES: That particular outfit was actually inspired by one of my favorite movies, Clueless. I was inspired by Cher’s preppy style, love for statements, and West Hollywood flavor. What’s funny is that I don’t consider myself a girly person at all. I love men’s inspired clothing, but to modernize it, I add girly and grungy elements to make it more relevant to me.
YHM: What are your top 3 must-have fashion/beauty items?
ES: A leather moto jacket, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, and Skinfood Korean Mask Sheets.
YHM: How has blogging about your personal style shaped who you are?
ES: Blogging has allowed me to express myself freely both in my style and my writing. I love that fashion bloggers are dubbed not just as bloggers, but as style influencers. Being a style influencer has allowed me to stray away from what is “safe” and embrace my own carefree style. It has made me more confident in myself and my bold choices, as well as making me a more social person especially when meeting other creatives.
YHM: How has your style changed over time?
ES: I’ve always been into statement-y, quirky pieces along with textures such as leather, denim, and fur. I was totally into the 80s style in high school. I wore my hair teased and poofy, and my wardrobe sporty but colorful. As I grew older, my style definitely matured but my love for statement pieces never died.
YHM: What is your favorite fashion decade?
ES: The 90’s grunge era with a little mix of 70’s boho flavor.
YHM: Who is your biggest style icon?
ES: I love Rumi Neely’s (Fashion Toast) relaxed L.A. style. Fun fact: I was totally inspired by her blog, that I decided to create one for myself. Rumi is one of the very few people who know how to show off just enough skin and still keep it in a tasteful manner.
YHM: Sheer fabric is absolutely in style right now. Some are subtle and some not so much. Do you ever feel fashion trends push the limit of feeling independent and sexy?
ES: Absolutely! I love the sheer/lace trend as it is both sexy and provocative, but very tasteful all at the same time. Fashion is one of the very few female-driven industries that allow a sense of freedom and independence from a patriarchal society. The word “sexy” should not be taken into negative light, nor should the word “independent” be taken lightly as well. There are no boundaries or restrictions in this world, and I think every woman should take full advantage of that. The more risks and limit-pushing the fashion industry continues to make, the more empowerment women will continue to feel.
YHM: What is your biggest fashion warning for young girls today?
ES: Fashion is an excellent outlet of expression, however, it’s so important to stay true to yourself. It is perfectly okay to experiment and push fashion trends, however always make sure you stay comfortable within your own skin. When you are not being yourself, people can see right through you. Fashion is art, so don’t let anyone ever dictate or judge your self-expression.
YHM: Just you: Who are you outside of fashion blogging?
ES: I am a full-time health student who is just about ready to graduate. Other than that, I am a mother-like figure to my 4-year-old niece, a girlfriend to my boyfriend who I’ve been with for almost 5 years, and a total goofball when I am with my friends. In my spare time, you can find me either at the gym or rock-climbing, or being a total grandma watching Netflix and Hulu in bed.