Taye Hansberry

Before Taye Hansberry launched her style blog,Stuff She Likes, in 2010, she was working as an actress and stylist with a budding interest in photography. But despite her passion for snapping incredible pics, there was one digital tool she stayed away from: Instagram. “My Instagram story is funny,” she laughs. “When the app first came out, I didn’t understand that you couldchoosewhat you posted. I thought any photo you snapped on your camera automatically went live for your followers to see. My initial reaction was, ‘Oh, hell no!’”

Fast-forward to a year later, when a friend at Coachella explained how the app actually worked. “My friend was like, ‘Are you insane? Start using it.’ That was five years ago and in the past two years, my account has really taken off,” Taye says.

On her perfect day in L.A.“I’d start by meeting my friends at brunch.Joan’s on Thirdis a go-to, but only if I’m going for the type of brunch where I’m going to be in a food coma for the rest of the day. I also loveThe Ponte. Between these two spots, it really depends on how I want to feel. From there, I’d take my dog to the beach and spend the afternoon window-shopping. I love exploring new areas, but don’t get to do it all that often.”

On her favorite styling trick for looking instantly pulled together.“I’ve got two: a blazer and brows. I’m all about throwing on a jacket of some sort even if it’s warm out because it always pulls an outfit together. I also think well-groomed brows help you look more polished, even if you don’t have any other makeup on.”

On how she came to be a puppy parent.“My mom’s friend saw what she thought was a rabbit on the side of the freeway, but when she got closer, she realized it was a dog, so she pulled over. She opened her door and yelled out, ‘Doggy!’ and another one popped up—there were two! They were Maltipoos, and my mom was going to take one and I was going to take the other, but somehow I wound up with both. In less than a week, I felt like they had always been a part of my life.”

On something no one knows about her.“I don’t speak a lick of Spanish, but I love listening to the all-Spanish radio station. I don’t know what it is, but it calms me. The music, the language, everything about it feels relaxing. So, I’ll get in my car and my friends are like, ‘Um, what are you listening to?’ It will be a Spanish talk show or something like that. It’s random, but just one of my quirks.”

On her go-to Instagram editing app.“I use a variety, actually. I take most of my photos in an app called Hipstamatic, then edit in VSCO and Snapseed. I’m also not afraid to admit that I use FaceTune, too. The 'smooth' function is great—not just for your skin, but for ironing out wrinkles in your clothing, too.”