Broken English founder and owner Laura Freedman has mastered the art of dressing with elevated ease. Her wardrobe essentials reflect a relaxed, yet refined personal style, featuring brands like Eterne, Hermès, and Phoebe Philo’s new namesake brand. Here she shares the items she keeps reaching for, as well as her favorite podcasts, lip balm, and restaurants in both New York and LA. — Maraya
Maraya Fisher
January 31, 2024
5 Things Laura Freedman Is Currently Into Based on the 5 Senses
SIGHT
Dateline: I watch a lot of Dateline; at this point, I feel like Keith Morrison and the cast are my real family. I recently got into Fargo, it’s so good! I’ve been reading Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner. My favorite movie this year is Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things. Recent art exhibitions I’ve been to include Made In LA at the Hammer and Luna Luna.
SOUND
This is Love: For podcasts, I am obsessed with This is Love. I adore Bill Maher and listen to Club Random all the time. Biographies are my go-to. I would highly recommend Finding Me by Viola Davis and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. I’ve been playing a lot of Aaliya and Tame Impala recently. I’m also listening to “Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles, “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube, and “Redbone” by Childish Gambino on repeat these days.
TASTE
Bolognese: My go-to recipes to cook at home are either bolognese or cedar plank salmon. When I’m in LA I go out to the Chateau, Pace, Antico Nuovo, and Sushi Park. My go-to places in NYC are Via Carota, Mercerie, Buvette, Dumbo River Café, and Shuko.
SMELL
Opium by YSL: My favorite fragrance is Opium by YSL—my mom use to wear it. I also love Surge Lutens Ambre Sultan. I burn the Tennen incense almost every day, and I go between the Hotel Costes, Diptique Ambre, or Feu Du Bois during the cold months and the Diptique Lavender or Choisya when it’s warm out.
FEEL
Phoebe Philo: I am back on the Phoebe Philo train. I got a few pieces from her latest collection. She makes great pants and sweaters. I’ve always felt comfortable and sexy in her pieces.
My personal style tends to gravitate towards high-quality pieces and perennial staples. I will always love a broken-in pair of vintage Levi’s, a great white tank, soft leather jacket, and a classic easy-to-wear handbag. My friend Chloé [Bartoli] has a line called Eterne and makes the best everyday go-to’s.
Shop the Essentials: Eterne James Cashmere Sweater Millet, Vintage Levi’s, Nour Hammour Marly Relaxed Bomber Jacket, Re/done Cropped Rib-Knit Tank, Hermes Birkin 30 Handbag
Laura Freedman’s Beauty Go-To’s
Luxury/Splurge: La Mer The Lip Balm: I love the long-lasting moisturizing ability of La Mer and love the smell and taste of this lip balm.
Drugstore Discovery: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser: I like a “no makeup” look so the Maybelline concealer is perfect for me—very lightweight but good coverage.
Cult Classic: Virtue Labs Smooth Conditioner: Virtue makes the best hair care on the market. Their formulations are clean and the products work.
Indie Option: Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush: I like the Merit balm because it’s good on the go and works for cheeks and lips.
All Time Ole Reliable: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: My all-time secret weapon is Biologique Reserche Lotion P50. It has been a staple for as long as I can remember and keeps my skin clear and youthful.
HOT TAKE
“While many use Instagram to keep tabs on each other, I really am just there for a motivational quote or interspecies love clip—I am a total sucker for a bird who’s best friends with a dog and some uplifting (maybe even corny?) inspirational words.” – Lauren Freedman
IT'S IN THE BAG
