“Born & raised in Virginia, Leslie is the first of her family to leave. She was living in Richmond VA for the last 8 years going to school at VCU and getting her degree in fashion design. She moved to NY almost two years ago and has been doing freelance design assistant work for independent designers while also working for American Two Shot. She keeps her creative juices flowing by painting and playing music.”

♫ Listen to Leslie's Playlist

*Outfit: Hannah Kristina Metz with Casio CT-310 Keyboard*

ON HER MORNING ROUTINE

I’m usually sleeping in until the last possible moment, so my morning routine is pretty quick! After hitting snooze a few times I jump out of bed, throw on an outfit. I like to try putting together new things each day, but I have my go to outfits as well. If I’m being good I have time to make a smoothie or a juice before running out the door!

on her personal style

For the most part I shop at two shot...I’m so lucky to be surrounded by all of my creative friends who have their clothing lines as well! I always shop with/from them. If I’m looking for vintage I’ll swing by Front General Store in Dumbo, they have an amazing selection of vintage pieces and I could spend a whole day in that store!

on getting into music

I got started with music when I was very young. I took up piano and then viola, moving on to the drums and the guitar eventually. Piano and guitar stuck with me because I can sing along while I play! It’s always just been something I do for myself, as a release. I love the feeling of being totally in my head when I’m playing in the zone. It’s always been really rewarding and therapeutic.

On her skincare and makeup routine

I have pretty sensitive skin so I’m always looking for new lotions and potions! I try to stick to mostly natural products but I’m not opposed to the occasional glycolic mask or anything along those lines. I use Tonymoly Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm and Tonymoly Red Apple Hand Cream. I also use the Eau Thermale Avene Micellar Cleansing Lotion, Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel, and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. Make up is very straight forward: BB cream, eyeliner and filling in the brows when needed.

Trench, Yang Li Men ; T-Shirt, Vintage ; Choker, Vintage YSL ; Pants, Sonia Rykiel

“It’s hard because I think that in my case less is more, but I love the ritual of doing a face mask or having your own spa time at the end of the day. I can’t help but indulge myself.
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— on self care

on getting into illustration

I’ve always been into drawing and painting even before I was into music. It was something I felt I could do well and I get that same “zone out” satisfaction. I think it’s just part of my nature to test and push myself to make things. When I started college I was actually a painting and printmaking major, but I got scared that I would end up disliking it if I tried to make it my career. I recently took it back up this past year and sort of started combining my love of anime with my love of drawing and snacks!

I’ve started painting and drawing cute anime foods that make me feel some type of way (laughs). I think that I’ve just realized that I need to make time for myself to be creative and to keep my skills sharp to sort of counter the every day hustle that is living in NYC.

on her love of anime

My older brother is ultimately responsible for my love of Anime. I remember running home after school everyday with my childhood bestie to watch the latest episodes of sailor moon that her mom would actually tape for us, it was like this secret world or club that we had! There was (and still is) something really special to me about it. I had a whole collection of comic books, mostly sailor moon and Ranma 1/2. I watched the movie Akira before reading the Manga. The film is a classic, If you have any interest in animation, it’s worth watching. It’s flawless and was all done before computers were around to help!