Because I’m Addicted’s Geri Hirsch Dishes On Her Newest Venture

We’ve had a girl crush on Because I’m Addicted’s Geri Hirsch for some time now, which wasn’t helped by the fact that everyone we met kept saying, “You should really meet Geri Hirsch.”  Meet we did at long last, and now we think we’re more obsessed than ever. The renowned fashion blogger -- who just launched her LEAF (Living, Eating & Fashion) video series, to the delight of her many fans -- is a local girl and, in a lot of ways, a fellow “broke girl” as well.

Before we delve into our interview with Geri, she’s suggested we share with you some of her DIY content, which may be just what you’re looking for this holiday season:  this video teaches you how to knit, and is a far cry from the lessons Aunt Susie used to give;  this video shows you how to make an uber-cute geometric necklace with your own two hands (cute for sisters,  besties, or...yourself); and this video shows you how to turn a fallen tree branch into an adorbale (and useful!) bit of home decor.  We also love this DIY pearl collar necklace and this DIY punk pin necklace.  Wrap them all up with this gorgeous homemade wrapping paper.  

And now, a few words from the beautiful, talented, and enviously crafty Geri Hirsch:

BGG: How and why did you start blogging at Because I’m Addicted?

GH: After I graduated from college, I got a full-time job and was completely miserable.  I needed something to get me through the day. At that time (2005), one of my girlfriends started a blog about her dating life.  I had never heard of blogging before, but I thought the platform could be a good means of expression.

BGG: And it just blew up?

GH: A lot of people who read my blog were early to the internet game, so they helped it go viral.  It wasn’t a fashion blog at first -- it was a little more random than that.  Eventually, though, an editor at Racked noticed and asked that I start to write for them. She linked back to my site, and that got the site a lot eyeballs.  Then, Lucky Magazine wrote about blogs, and included Because I’m Addicted in their roundup.  But it wasn’t until the LA Times wrote me up as a fashion blog that I started to focus more exclusively on fashion.

BGG: And now you’re evolving further with the launch of LEAF. Tell us about the idea behind the series.

GH:  I grew up having to be really resourceful, and I wanted to create compelling content around what I’ve learned over the years. I felt that there wasn’t anyone speaking to girls like me in the video space -- I wanted to cook a great meal, and have a really great apartment, and all of those other things that Martha Stewart covers, but nothing out there had that je ne se quois that this generation is looking for.

BGG: We love LEAF already, the videos are so beautifully done!  Now, on to the more personal stuff.  How would you describe your style?

GH: Always evolving.

BGG: Do you shop for deals?

GH: I love to go to the Barney’s shoe sale and the Barney’s warehouse sale.  I don’t shop online that often because I like shopping like I like wine-tasting -- I want to see the items, and smell the items, and touch the items.  

BGG: What trends are you loving right now?

GH: Layering is really special this year.  Think of it like a Christmas tree -- the more you can throw on, the better.  

BGG: What celebs’ style do you most admire?

GH: The Olsen twins.  Lately, I’m also really into MIrand Kerr.

BGG: Are there any specific pieces in stores right now you’re obsessing over?

I can't shake the 3.1 Phillip Lim Patent Pashli Satchel.  It's SO good, right? Might need to save up for that one...

BGG: What LA stores would you advise us Broke Girls to check out?

GH: The Goodwill on Vine! I don’t know who is doing the donating, but I can’t even tell you how many insane things I’ve found there. I’m also obsessed with the $1 Jet Rag sale on Sundays. Also, there are a lot of cool things downtown -- sample sales, and places like Santee Alley.

BGG:  When shopping gets old, what other budget-friendly places to you frequent in LA?

GH: I love Awash in Little Ethiopia. Also, Jitlada for Thai.  And for exercise, I love Runyon Canyon or Fryman.