Interview with Fashion Blogger Helena Glazer

Helena Glazer from the fashion blog Brooklyn Blonde is a major fashion inspo to so many of us and I am so glad I got to interview her! We have been Insta friends for over a year and I love everything she shares from fashion, to the food she cooks for her adorable son Nate, to renovating her gorgeous kitchen. There is so much you can learn from this Eastern European beauty, see for yourselves below!

Tell Us About Yourself

Name?

Helena Glazer

Based in?

Brooklyn, NY

What do you do?

I’ve been running the blog Brooklyn Blonde for almost ten years and I balance that with raising our 2.5 year old boy.

What or who inspired you to do what you are doing now?

I was working in the fashion industry and after several years, I was craving a creative outlet. I started my blog (way before Instagram) for a way to express myself. These days, it’s other who women inspire me. I love for my blog and social channels to be a place where others can visit for outfit inspiration, but also have a conversation about everything from motherhood to skincare.

What is your food philosophy?

Everything in moderation. The reality is, I feel best when I eat well and take care of my body, but I also love food, wine and dining out. It’s all about balance. If I know I’m meeting my friends for dinner and drinks, I’ll eat as well as possible for the other part of the day. At the restaurant, I’ll dabble and try everything, without over stuffing myself. Life is too short not to be enjoyed, so I’ll eat the pasta and drink the wine, but not on a daily basis. Also, portion control. I’ll get the dessert, but it’s shared among several friends.

Food

What is your favorite meal of the day?

If I’m cooking at home, it’s breakfast. If I’m going out with my husband or friends, it’s dinner.

Can you take us through a day of your meals?

Breakfast – it’s usually eggs of some sort. Some days it’s an omelette with GG crackers, but if I’m running out the door, I usually make 2 hardboiled eggs to take with me. It’s quick and easy and prevents me from making poor food choices when I get to the hangry point.

Lunch – as boring as it sounds, I love a salad. I’ll make a large salad at home with some sort of protein and if I’m out, I usually get Sweet Green.

Dinner – when I’m cooking at home, I make roasted veggies at least 3x a week. I’ll throw in broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots and serve with some cauliflower rice and chicken. I also make turkey meat sauce often and have that with zoodles. If I’m craving pasta, I’ll have it, but I’ll just have a cup rather than an entire bowl. I have a glass (or two) of red wine at least 3x a week and most dinners end with a few lily’s chocolate chips and some almond butter. Wine and chocolate are two things I can never give up. I love both way too much!

What would be your last meal on earth?

A bucket of French fries with various dipping sauces, including ketchup and mayo (mixed). I’d also have a bowl of fresh spaghetti from Malatesta (in the West Village) and loads of parmesan cheese. I’d finish off with a cheese cake with a thick graham cracker crust and of course, some red wine.

What is your favorite cookbook?

Quite honestly, I don’t think I have one. I usually look through websites and Instagram for recipe inspiration!

If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Oprah Winfrey for every reason expected.

Restaurants

Favorite restaurant where you live?

Sushi Katsuei for some of the best omakase the city has to offer. It’s in Park Slope (there’s also a newer location in the West Village) which is not exactly my neighborhood, but close enough.

Top three restaurants in the world?

Oh! This is so hard. I think I’m going to stick to NYC! I have to go with L’Artusi (my #1), Lilia in Williamsburg and currently, I’m all about ABCV. I’m not a vegan or even a vegetarian, but it’s so good.

Best place for date night?

L’Arutsi. It’s the perfect ambiance for any situation.

Any health tips when ordering?

If I know I’m going out, especially to one of my favorite restaurants, I try to eat as clean as possible for my other meals. At the restaurant, I prefer to get a bunch of things to share so everyone gets  to taste a little bit of everything. I also try to add on a salad – not because I feel like I should have one, but because I genuinely enjoy them. This helps fill me up on something that’s on the healthier side (dressing always on the side)!

Workout

What does your workout schedule look like?

I try to workout at least 3-4x a week. Somedays I get to the gym and other days, I do a quick 25-30 minute workout at home. I used to feel “Oh! I need to have an intense workout to feel my best,” but the older I get, the less I feel that way. As long as I get some sort of movement in, I’m a happier person. For example, yesterday I did a HIIT class, but today I did a 15 minute ab workout and a 15 minute arm workout that I found on YouTube and that was enough.

Favorite workout class where you live?

The HIIT class I took at my local gym. I do wish my neighborhood offered Pilates!

What motivates you to get moving?

Knowing how great I’m going to feel after. On the days where I’m painfully tired or lazy, I try to remind myself of that. Once I’m finished with a great workout, I tell myself “remember this feeling and remind yourself of it when you’re feeling unmotivated to workout.” It usually helps!

Favorite athletic wear?

I’ve been loving Alo Yoga.

Fashion

Favorite designer?

For clothes, Alix, A.L.C., L’Agence and Theory. I also cannot live without my Woldford bodysuits.

Must have handbag?

Chanel, always!

Favorite shoes?

Hmmm. I probably own Manolo Blahniks and Aquazzura’s more than any other brand.

What is your favorite item in your closet?

Websites you like to shop at? NET-A-PORTER, Shopbop, MyTheresa, Mango and Zara.

Beauty

Name one beauty secret?

Mix a little facial oil with your foundation. Once you start, you won’t be able to wear your foundation any other way. It creates the most luminous glow and glides on rather than just sitting on top of your face.

What products are you loving right now?

Tan-Luxe tan drops – a few mixed into your moisturizer and a few hours later, you’re left with a sunkissed glow. Also, Skinceuticals HA Intensifer and Biologique Recherche P50 is my #1 holy grail.

Is there a spa or holistic treatment you swear by?

I prefer medical treatments, like lasers and peels, over a traditional facial.

Who is your beauty inspiration?

Cate Blanchett. Everything from her skin to the way she carries herself.

Travel

Favorite vacation spot?

Cliche, but it has to be Paris. I don’t love the food, but everything else leaves me feeling so energized and inspired.

Favorite hotels in the world?

I don’t know if I have a particular hotel, but I always love The Four Seasons.

How do you stay healthy while traveling?

Walking as much as I can! I love visiting cities that are walkable, but filled with incredible food. I also try to workout before we start the day, even if it’s a 20 minute run outside. It’s also the best way to see the place you’re visiting.

What’s your bucket list travel destination?

Hawaii and Greece! Have yet to visit either.

Fun

Favorite book?

Recently, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren.

Favorite movie?

Love Actually, Mean Girls, The Notebook

Favorite tv series?

Sex & The City, Felicity, Parenthood and The Office.

Favorite podcast?

Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Gary Vee, Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday.

Favorite instagram?

@healthywithnedi, @melissawoodhealth, @kattanita

Where To Find You

Instagram – @brooklynblonde1

Website – www.brooklynblonde.com