Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, you can’t hear those two names without seeing the little blondes on Full House and then the gaunt, troubled teens we all hoped and prayed would make it through their twenties. Well the two are making it and have interviewed some of the greats in the field of fashion and photography who are their own heroes and inspiration for a book they co-wrote called Influence.

It may seem surprising that the girls who had their own clothing line and were the highest paid children in Hollywood would need inspiration on the fashion front, but they’ve chosen wisely as they head into a new season of their lives and sat at the feet of those who are icons to gain wisdom and encouragement. As Ashley told reporters, “When you’re admiring someone’s career and its influence, you have to look to people who are already accomplished.” What impressed Mary-Kate about the “older people” they interviewed “is that none of them said they were done learning.” Wisdom indeed, MK.

While the girls were out learning, they also shared their favorite fashion finds and the little gems that they treasure most. When asked to compile her favorite things in life, Mary-Kate showed off these: Her collection of Chanel sunglasses (well six of her favorite pairs), a sketch and happy birthday note that Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere made for her on her twenty-first birthday, a vintage Rolling Stones tee shirt, just one of many Zandra Rhodes dresses that she collects and wears everywhere from around the house to special events, and a pair of black, well-worn Balenciaga ankle boots that she admits to wearing under her Met dress in 2007.

Ashley’s pile of “these are a few of my favorite things” was not surprisingly similar yet still held her personal style that really does keep her standing apart from her sister. Our favorite was a very vintage oval Fendi bag in classic pink-rose and brown with long fringe. She too has a surprising love for shapeless dresses and wraps. “One of my favorite pieces from my closet is [a] hand-painted velvet robe I got from a vintage boutique in Paris.” It is a light burgundy wrap that one can only imagine her tiny frame swimming in. Perhaps the lime light gets too bright at times and it’s nice to “disappear” into your most comfy clothes. Ashley also showed off a pair of patent leather Louboutin boots with a heel that would make most of us need a walker to stay upright in. “I’ve never found the right moment to wear them,” she said. They are stunning! Her final surprise was a packed suitcase of must-haves for when she’s away from home. In it were her favorite jeans, running shoes and straw hat. Oh, and those boots…just in case.

While the twins certainly share a lot of their lives – Mary-Kate says that her sister has always been her greatest teacher, and Ashley says that she always trusts Mary-Kate to call it as it is – they are becoming more and more their own people. Influence may surprise you. The interview questions are well thought out and well-spoken. The girls seem to really be searching for sage advise to carry them through those twenty-something years.

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