The Style Files: Cassandra Lavalle

If you read design blogs on a regular basis and you don’t know Cassandra Lavalle from coco + kelley, you may be living under a rock. Cassie is the consummate blogger, featuring an interesting variety of topics from interior design and fashion to fun table settings. Readers aren’t the only ones who have taken notice of Cassie’s talents. She has been featured in several publications including House Beautiful, Lucky, The New York Times, and Lonny. To say that she is a busy girl might be a bit of an understatement! Cassie divides her time as an interior and event stylist and as the full-time editor of her wildly successful blog.

Name: Cassandra LaValle

Occupation: Interior & Event Stylist, Editor of coco+kelley

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Current City: Seattle, WA

{Cassie Pictured at Home for Loft Life Magazine}

LDV: What inspired you to begin your career in design?

CL: I've always had a passion and intuition for design - beginning a career doing what I love just seemed like a natural path for me!

LDV: What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging aspect?

CL: The fact that every project is different is both a challenge and a blessing. I love the opportunities I have to be creative in different ways whether it's designing for a client or styling for a photo shoot. I find my biggest challenge to be the pressure I put on myself to create a space that really reflects my client's needs and style by producing a design that they'll still be happy and comfortable with a few years down the road.

LDV: Where do you find inspiration?

CL: I find loads of inspiration in magazines, books and blogs, but it's the times that I get out and travel or go to an art show or discover a new shop that I find most inspiring. It's rejuvenating. I also love to look to the past to find new ways to interpret old classic pieces, patterns or looks.

{Rachel Bilson Via}

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

CL: It's funny because it's rare that I latch on to one person as an icon of style. Many times I find myself drawn to a single collection or home of a designer rather than the person themselves. I do adore the personal style of Rachel Bilson and Camilla Belle.

LDV: How would you describe your own style?

CL: Effortless glamour. I'm drawn to simple, classic lines and styles, but I like them to be easy and comfortable too. I think it's a refined west coast mentality.