What do you do when you're not blogging? What is your job?

Emily: For now, I’m lucky enough to be traveling with my boyfriend on a design fellowship, so I’m not working at the moment. Before our trip, I worked at an architecture firm in NYC, and when we’re done traveling I’ll most likely look for another job in architecture, either practicing or teaching.

Where are you from and what are your top three favorite places to shop in your city?

Emily: I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, just south of Washington D.C. When I visit home, I love shopping at local thrift shops (especially in Falls Church), at G Street Fabrics for sewing and jewelry DIY supplies, and hitting up H&M and the huge sale rack at the Urban Outfitters in Georgetown.

Three things in your closet you cannot live without:

Emily: Dark wash, ankle-length skinny jeans, my military-inspired jackets (currently numbering four), and my collection of thrifted belts.

3 fun facts about you:

Emily: In college I spent a semester living in Copenhagen studying furniture design. I can still speak a little Danish. I know how to weld, but I can barely ride a bike. When I was a baby, my top teeth came in before my bottom ones, which in certain cultures means that I’m a witch.

What is your favorite city to shop in?

Emily: My obvious answer is Paris – it’s a city with incredible style. The Marais is filled with great vintage stores, the flea markets are unmatched. My less obvious answer is Worcester, Massachusetts – I always seem to clean up when I go thrifting in Worcester!

Biggest style splurge and/or deal:

Emily: My biggest splurge was an adorable navy blue dress with a nautical-inspired rope print for my graduation from my Masters program. My biggest deal was a gorgeous pair of unworn vintage leather knee-high boots by Peter Kaiser for $2 at a rummage sale.

What types of items do you like to save $ on and what do you splurge on?

Emily: I try to save on everything! I’m not too systematic, although I prefer to spend less on trendy items than I do on classic pieces. One thing I will splurge on is makeup – I don’t have a lot and I don’t use it up too quickly, so I like to treat myself to higher quality concealer and pressed powder.

In your opinion, every woman should own:

Emily: A great mid-length dress that can be dressed up or down and a pair of flat sandals that look cute but are comfortable enough to walk all day in. (Personally, I am still working on that second recommendation!)

One trend you would like to never see again is:

Emily: Drop-crotch skinny jeans – I know they’re on their way in right now, and I see them everywhere in Europe, but they just look awful on everyone! That, and tanning – blech!

4 favorite fashion accessories:

Emily: At the moment, braided leather belts, smaller crossbody bags, statement earrings, and floppy sunhats – perfect for summer!

On the first day of hot weather, you'll find me:

Emily: Slathering on the SPF 50+! Then packing a canvas tote for a riverside picnic – complete with crusty bread, cheese, and red wine, in true European fashion.

Three things that are always in my fridge:

Emily: Whole grain Dijon mustard, lemons, and unsalted butter - and it's no coincidence that they all go into my favorite roast potato recipe.