Yes, Halloween is still a few weeks away, but as many loyal holiday shoppers know, alarmingly, the holiday season is actually already here. Besides the (unofficial) Queen of Christmas herself, who better to talk to about the holidays than Zoey Deschanel? Of course, she’s had a big year, with ” harold and purple crayon An exciting new romantic comedy is coming, but the holidays are where Deschanel shines. from Elf As part of the “She and Him” duo, Deschanel is Mariah Carey in her Christmas album, for those who love brightly colored bodysuits and binge-watching her hit series new girl. When Scary Mom had the chance to speak with Deschanel, holiday shopping was at the top of our mind thanks to her new partnership with Vera Bradley.
This summer, Deschanel reinvented the iconic brand by becoming an ambassador for Vera Bradley. Don’t worry – the classic quilted pattern pack we know and love is still here! But the brand has added some vintage-inspired leather pieces that, as a long-time Vera Bradley connoisseur (hello, paisley duffle bags from 10 years ago), strike me as fresh and unique.
With Vera Bradley’s holiday collection just released, we chatted with Deschanel about the collection, her personal style, and, of course, her holiday traditions and most festive characters .
Scary Mom: I love Vera Bradley’s new series! What attracted you to this project?
Zooey Deschanel: I’m excited because I love the old Vera Bradley aesthetic that they’ve been doing for years and the quilted bags and prints are really pretty and perfect for travel, but I love their Rebrand and launch some new products. These new bags really resonated with me and I was so excited when I saw them. The holiday collection is beautiful too.
Scary Mommy: The looks you shoot for the brand are whimsical, classic, and very retro. So how did you and your stylist come up with this shoot theme?
ZD: My stylist Ib is a genius. He and our amazing seamstress Tatiana were both great. Basically, he goes through all the bags and tries to find an outfit that will match the bag perfectly. So there’s a lot of rebuilding, overdying, printing and then making new clothes out of them. It’s a lot of vintage stuff, everything is vintage.
SM: Do you think the looks from that shoot reflected your personal style?
ZD: Very much. Ib knows my style very well. He could go into a store and know exactly what would resonate with me.
SM: Has your personal style changed since becoming a mother?
ZD: I don’t know if it has changed. I still maintain the same aesthetic. I’ve always been looking for comfort. I generally like to wear flat shoes, not high heels. I definitely collected more items that I wear every day.
SM: What are those pieces that make you feel comfortable?
ZD: I just love a pair of dark wash jeans, a nice tie shirt, a sweater and something for everyday wear so I don’t have to think too much in the morning and get my kids ready.
SM: Are there certain items on your wish list as we head into the holidays?
ZD: I didn’t. I have everything I want! I like giving gifts to others.
SM: What other gifts have you received this year?
ZD: I can’t tell you! Well, I will tell you about the Vera Bradley website, when they put out their holiday collection, they have a gift guide, which is really cool. I do like having a place where multiple people can purchase multiple items in one place, so it’s really convenient.
SM: Are there any holiday traditions, either from your childhood or from your family, that you are now really excited to participate in this year?
ZD: I love singing Christmas carols. I love baking cookies with the kids. I just love spending time with my family.
SM: Your role Elf Of course, this is an iconic part of the holiday season. What does it mean to you to be a part of so many people’s holiday traditions?
ZD: I think that’s great. I feel so honored that this movie comes out year after year and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.
SM: Will you watch it with your family?
ZD: No, I really don’t like looking at myself.
SM: My two favorite episodes new girl are some of the holiday episodes, Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes from the first season. Do you have a favorite holiday episode?
ZD: I don’t remember all of it, but the Thanksgiving episode was pretty funny. I can’t remember if this was on Halloween, but there was a Batman episode in season three, and I loved that episode. The festival parties, from season one, are also fantastic.
SM: Your Christmas album is just like the movie. Don’t you even like watching it yourself?
ZD: Oh, I listen to it more. I don’t really watch myself, but I listen to myself. This is easier for me.
SM: If you wore it, would your family recognize your voice?
ZD: Oh, of course. When my kids were little, they could.
SM: So now, entering the new year, what are you most looking forward to?
ZD: I just finished shooting a movie a few months ago that will probably be released at the end of next year. Really cute. This is Amazon’s romantic comedy right now. it’s known Mervbut I think they might change the title, but it’s really, really sweet.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
