Today,
Elizabeth and James, the contemporary lifestyle brand founded by designers
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, opened its very first brick-and-mortar store right
here at The Grove in Los Angeles. In typical Mary-Kate and Ashley, the store is
adorned with decorative details reflecting their personal taste, as well as the
brand´s as a whole. Besides the array of ready-to-wear items, some even
exclusive to the store, Elizabeth and James will also be selling accessories,
fragrances, and a specially curated (by Ashley and Mary-Kate themselves)
selection of vintage decor items. “Mary-Kate and I have always viewed Elizabeth
and James as a lifestyle brand and are excited to finally share our vision for
the ‘world of Elizabeth and James,’” says Ashley Olsen.

We
were lucky enough to have these two entrepreneurs answer a few questions for us
on everything from the interior design of the store to that one item every
woman should own by the age of 30. Additionally, their interview is rich in
advice for those aiming to start their own company, how to enhance your overall
productivity, and how to find that covetable work-life balance we all so
desperately crave. Style advice and career advice from two women we have
most-likely admired from a very young age? No, this is not too good to be true.

Keep
scrolling to read our full interview with Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, to see
exclusive first looks at the store, and to shop some of our favorite pieces
from Elizabeth and James.

WHO
WHAT WEAR: How does fashion influence the interior design of your boutiques?

MARY-KATE
OLSEN: Whether we are designing a collection or a store, we approach the
process with the same idea of curation. Curating pieces for her wardrobe or
curating a space.

ASHLEY
OLSEN: Elizabeth and James celebrates ‘new nostalgia’ and referencing the old
with a new fresh perspective. We translated that to the design of the store by
incorporating vintage found objects to contrast the modern and clean build-out
of the store and the custom-built fixtures.

WWW:
Being the CEOs of Dualstar and so many companies under that umbrella, how do
you switch off and maintain balance between work and life? Do you believe in
balance?

MKO:
We work as a team, side-by-side every day. 
At times it can get overwhelming, but at the end of day you care so much
that you find the energy to keep going. Balance will always be a struggle.

WWW:
What´s the best shoe style to travel in and why?

AO:
The Row ‘Bea’ Cashmere Slipper.

WWW:
What’s one outfit formula that never fails for NYC girls and why?

MKO:
Jeans and a T-shirt. Less is more.

WWW:
Do you have any morning or evening rituals you swear by? What are some key
things you do every morning that kick off the day and enhance your
productivity?

MKO:
Music helps.

AO:
A good night’s sleep.

WWW:
Track-inspired pants are prominent in the Pre-Fall 16 collection. What’s your
opinion on the athleisure trend? What about the proliferation of leggings as
everyday wear?

AO:
We present our collections the way that real women dress, focusing on a casual
sensibility. Our version of the track pant in a sophisticated fabric feels
relaxed, but it’s a great item you can dress up or down.

WWW:
If you could give five words of advice (or less) to female entrepreneurs what
would it be?

MK:
No is a full sentence.

WWW:
Happy (belated) 30th birthday! What’s the number #1 clothing item women should
own by age 30 and why?

A:
The right underpinnings.

WWW:
Which Elizabeth and James piece from the most recent collection should fashion
girls invest in?

MKO:
The Croc Embossed Eloise Tote, which is available exclusively at our retail
store. It’s a functional shape and the embossed croc takes color so beautifully
and looks very luxe.

AO:
The zip-front “Brooklyn Biker Jean,” which we brought back for fall. On any
given day, one of us is wearing them.