Aimee Lee Ball
Aimee Lee Ball is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist, with notable credits under her belt from a wide range of publications. From Vogue to O the Oprah Magazine—she's graced many a page with a pinch of wit and a dash of charm. As co-founder of Eat, Darling, Eat, Aimee has used her talents to create a magical online space devoted to exploring the delicate tones and textures of mother-daughter relationships against the backdrop of one of the most sacred mother-daughter pastimes—sharing recipes in the kitchen.
When we started on this journey of sharing the stories of dynamic women who inspire us, we never dreamed we would get this lucky. What a treat this has been. We are so thrilled to have connected with Aimee and to share our musings with you. Please, enjoy!
"It’s challenging to adapt constantly as one ages, when clinging to the past can feel so comforting, even though it’s ultimately futile. The world moves on. And so, following my mother’s example, I try to live in the century in which I happen to be alive. It may be the best part of my DNA from Mom. (I didn’t get those gorgeous legs.)"
–– Excerpt from "Hip-Hop and Hoisin Sauce," Eat, Darling, Eat
1. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Writing. Reading. Cooking.
2. Tell us a bit about the work you do and why you chose that field.
I always think of what an editor in the film “Absence of Malice” said about journalism: “Mondays are different from Tuesdays, you don’t have to lie too much, and sometimes you get the bad guy.”
3. Any big plans or projects for the rest of 2020?
Recently I co-created a storytelling website called Eat, Darling, Eat about mothers and daughters, and each story has a connection to food—an endlessly fascinating subject. We have 300+ amazing stories so far, and in 2020, we hope to go big.
4. What advice would you give to your 15-year old self?
Stop ironing your hair. People will pay money for your curls.
5. Best advice you ever received?
I’ve been told I have a bad poker face, so I just tell the truth—it’s easier.
"HAPPINESS IS...PARIS, EATING A WARM CROISSANT."
6. Happiness is …?
Paris, eating a warm chocolate croissant.
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who can’t speak in complete sentences without saying “you know.” It’s a verbal pandemic.
8. Describe your go-to style.
Black jacket, white shirt, well-pressed jeans, a gold bracelet that was my mom’s, and a Cartier tank watch that was my inheritance from the late great Art Cooper, editor of GQ.
9. You feel most beautiful when …?
I’ve had 8 hours sleep.
I'M A NEW YORKER, SO I'M ALWAYS IN BLACK –– IT'S SIMPLE, SEXY...STYLISH..."
What does fashion mean to you?
I’m not sure if this is an answer but… I wrote Liz Tilberis’s memoir No Time to Die (she was the editor of Harper’s Bazaar). After the book was published, people asked if we would remain friends. My answer was: “We’re quite intimate, but I'm not sure we’re friends. I don’t think I dress well enough for her.” That was a facetious reply, but what I meant was that she was serious about fashion, and I’m not. I opt for comfort over style much of the time, and I gave up on heels long ago. I’m a New Yorker, so I’m always in black—it’s simple, sexy, sophisticated, stylish, and soil-resistant.
~THE END~
A little message to Aimee from the Style Sonata team:
Aimee –– we are so thrilled we got to connect with you this month. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading your stories and getting to know you a little bit better. We wish you the best of luck as you take Eat, Darling, Eat to the next level in 2020! We are your newest fans.
xoxo,
SS