Leanne Smith
Thanks for letting us interview you, Leanne. Give us an insight into who you are and what makes you tick.
Thanks for having me as part of this concept it’s super exciting!
My main passions and interests are fashion (specifically alternative plus size ) music and anything creative. Anything from drawing the odd doodle to interior design I’m happiest with a pen in my hand and paint in my hair, tunes blaring & bad dancing. I’m also super into spirituality and tarot, my shelves are stacked with crystals and odd bits and pieces .
What did you want to be when you were younger?
When I was a kid I really wanted to perform. I danced competitively and took part in school productions... I won’t lie I just loved being centre of attention. I love to sing and dance, I feel like music is the best thing for your soul.
How would you describe your style?
I always find this really hard to answer Because I feel like I take inspo from so many different things it’s hard to define. Its like, elder emo meets 70's rockstar, meets 90's witch, meets modern goth? Somewhere in between all that is my wardrobe.
Who are your favourite fashion icons and influences?
I was absolutely obsessed with Sammi Jefcoate in 2018/2019. I absolutely adore her still, but she’s a bit too colourful for me now.
Bailey Sarian is my absolute idol. Her makeup and her style are amazing.
I follow Stefanie Lee and Shelly Curry on Instagram and I’m always saving their outfits for inspo.
If there was 1 accessory in your wardrobe, that you couldn't live without, what would it be?
Hands down it would be a leather jacket. In the last year I’ve grown my collection to the point where I have to really reason with myself before buying a new one but I always win. They’re just timeless and an absolute must have so easy to wear and versatile. I just think even if you chuck one on with just a t-shirt and jeans you instantly feel badass.
You seem to go to a lot of festivals, which ones are you going to hit up this year?
Yes! Me and my partner absolutely love festivals and we treat them as if they are our holidays for the year. This year we’re doing Slam Dunk North, Download, and Bloodstock with a few gigs in between.
What's the ideal festival attire?
For me festivals mean going really over the top. Full on fringe sequins glitter. I was lucky enough to be gifted an amazing reworked denim jacket last year from @lipstickandcrossbones with a Def Leppard back and full length ribbon fringed arms and that will come with me again this year because it’s just unreal.
Top 3 bands?
Honestly this changes depending who I’m seeing and what I’ve been listening to. Recently my Spotify is all over the place, but I've been listening to Spiritbox, Architects and AC/DC.
What's your favourite Volstead piece?
I absolutely love my The Family ring. I just think chunky silver and onyx is a perfect duo. My boyfriend often borrows it too, so it’s a favourite in one house. I’ve got my eye on the Blind Tiger bangle next and I’m super excited to see the new Cuban Link rings you have coming soon!
What type of jewellery do you like to wear?
A lot of it. I’m all about silver, layered necklaces, layered bracelets and as many rings as I can fit on my fingers. I’ve always been obsessed with jewellery from a tiny kid It was easy to keep me occupied by giving me my grand jewellery box and leaving me to it.
Name your top 5 instagram accounts that people should follow.
Oh this is hard. I've already mentioned a couple earlier on but I’ve met and followed some amazing people and on instagram and I’m always sharing my favourite posts so please go and check out the rest of them but if I had to pick 5
What is your life motto?
Don’t wait to love yourself.
Stop waiting for milestones, and birthdays and weight losses to start loving yourself. If 20 year old me loved herself as much as 30 year old me does my 20s would have been a much happier time. Just embrace who and what you are as soon as possible and watch how much more enjoyable life becomes.
Best place to hang out and relax?
I’m going to use this time to shout out a fantastic little establishment in my area, The Vine In Pub, who brew their own beers and spirits, host amazing themed menu nights and put on some unreal alternative music events. If your from Staffordshire and your after some good food beers and music or your a local band or artist check out their Facebook and Instagram!
Have you got any party tricks?
I do a really good chicken impression but we’ll leave it at that!
Tell us about your hobbies. Have they influenced your style at all?
I can hands down say that my style has always been influenced by the music I listen to. For one I’d have a much smaller band tee collection if I wasn't!
Tell us a secret.
My two guilty pleasure songs are Tubthumping by Chumbawamba and Keep on moving by Five which also comes with a dance routine.
Have you got anything exciting planned for the future?
We’ve just bought our first home! So my future looks like it’s full of paint pots and unforeseen DIY projects at the moment which is really rock n roll of me. But I’m happy to go with whatever the universe gives me so we’ll see what the future brings!
Leanne's Instagram: @leateesmith
Shop Volstead with Leanne's code for 15% off. Use code "Leateesmith"
Leave a comment