On the Blog:
LA LA Girl
How one self-described colour fanatic turned a passion into a full time job.
We caught up with Instagram curator and owner of Resident Objects Camille Nichelini from her home in LA, a dreamy, pastel-hued vision of ‘80s splendor. Read on to find out the jewelry she can’t live without, the beauty treatment she always does at home and how she sources her unique treasures (so many swans!).
Camille is wearing the Solstice Choker and the Summer Charms on the Elli Chain.
Featured: Crack Me Up Charm , Avocado Charm, Slice Slice Baby Charm, Rainbow Charm & Never Split Charm on the Elli Chain
How do you mine inspiration?
CN: One of my favourite ways is looking through vintage photos, magazines, and books. I still enjoy finding inspiration in physical forms rather than digital (don’t get me wrong though, instagram is still a huge source of inspiration for me). I used to do massive collages in my childhood bedroom where I would cut out anything and everything that inspired me.
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Featured: Summer Charms on the Elli Bracelet and the Elli Necklace
How does living in LA influence your fashion and decor?
CN: Living in LA exposes you to such an amazing and diverse group of people. I grew up in Novato, CA (about 25 minutes outside of San Francisco), and there wasn’t much diversity there—which is why when I first moved here at 18, it was a huge eye opener. Living here, I am constantly introduced to new trends, ideas, tastes, and more that help constantly evolve my fashion and decor.
What's your earliest jewelry memory?
CN: I first had my ears pierced as a baby, so jewelry has been something I’ve loved and appreciated my entire life! I used to beg my mom to let me go to Claire’s after we finished errands at Target— I’ve always had a fascination for funky earrings even at an early age.
Do you have a favourite piece?
CN: I have a funny story, actually. My boyfriend, who I met when I was five (though we just started dating a year ago), bought me a pair of earrings and never gave them to me. He kept them in a box with my name written on them! They were $4.25 and it’s been this ongoing joke in the family that he needs to give them to me! I finally got them two weeks ago.
That is so cute! What's your favourite colour combination?
CN: It’s hard to pick just one combination; I’ve become such a colour fanatic over time! I love sunset colours like light pink, lavender, pastel yellow, sherbert orange!
Tell us about Resident Objects!
CN: Resident Objects was a passion hobby I started that will soon become my new full time job! Curating pieces for my home is my favourite thing to do in the world—sometimes I’ll be out thrifting and find an amazing piece that doesn’t necessarily fit my space though. Resident Objects is a curation of items that I love, available to purchase for other people’s spaces. My boyfriend Nilsen actually chose the name for it—all I told him was that I wanted it to have the word ‘objects’ in it. My good friend and also neighbor Yuka is the second half of the account. I’ve always admired her taste and I think together we’ve created an 80s dream Instagram boutique!
Was it a Covid project?
CN: No, it started in February, right before things shut down. I got really lucky with it being successful, and we’re nearly at 40,000 followers—it took my personal account way longer than five months to get there.
Why do you think that is?
CN: We have a weird celebrity following; none of them follow the account, but we’ve made lots of deliveries and had plenty of sales to celebrities. I can’t say any names though!
Featured: Summer Charms on the Elli Necklace
Featured: (On beige figurine) Crack Me Up Charm on the Elli Anklet, Slice Slice Baby Charm on the Elli Bracelet, Malia Chain. (On white vase) Bobbi Necklace – Regular. (On pink shell) Nevis Necklace.
How do you source your treasures?
CN: We travel far and wide for our objects! It truly is a constant treasure hunt—sourcing at estate sales, thrift stores, craigslist, and wherever we can find the perfect piece.
Describe the feeling when you find the perfect item for Resident Objects.
CN: It’s a super cheesy warm and fuzzy feeling inside! Sometimes, if I love the item too much it never actually makes it onto the page, like my pink plaster floor swirl lamp or my travertine nesting coffee table.
What was one of the most memorable finds?
CN: The first batch of colourful swans trinkets we found. These ended up going a bit ‘viral’ and we called it the Swan Drop because people were waiting on them as if they were sneakers, haha! This was the point where I looked at the account and thought, “Wow, this business could actually go somewhere,” and now it is!
How quickly do things usually sell out?
CN: Some things go in a matter of seconds, other things will sit for a few days till someone who truly resonates with the piece comes along to buy it!
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How has living in LA during lockdown impacted the way you see the world? Has it changed the way you dress?
CN: I don’t think anyone was expecting 2020 to be like this. Being in LA during lockdown, I feel very privileged to have a job that allows me to work from home during this time, and I have the utmost respect for our essential workers. It has definitely further impacted the way I see a lot of people in the U.S. who refuse to wear masks because they think it’s a political move. At the beginning of LA’s shelter in place order, I was definitely in pyjamas 98% of the time. But with this being life now, I find it brings me joy and helps me feel productive dressing up in normal outfits every day
What beauty products or treatments are you into these days?
CN: During all of this, I haven’t been putting my face on a lot. I’ve been sticking with the bare essentials: foundation, eyeliner, mascara. I’m more about nail polish, I have like every colour and I usually like to paint every nail a different one. I prefer doing them myself than going out and getting my nails done.
Camille wearing the Solstice Choker Paired with the Crack Me Up Charm on the Elli Necklace
You've been vocal about brands who don't have a POV on social issues, such as BLM—why now, more than ever, do we need brands to speak up?
CN: I’m baffled by brands who refuse to speak up or say anything in regards to social issues or BLM. There is nothing controversial in standing up for the rights of another human being. It is what is right to do. A brand’s decision to stay silent speaks volumes and truly reflects their actual priorities and respect towards human beings. I encourage all brands to speak up and step up, not just for a week, but long term and show the work they are putting in to be better.
Do you think you’ll ever create your own line of fashion or home decor?
CN: would love to, but I didn’t get a degree in business. I don’t even know what I’m doing in the first place! But reselling vintage pieces is a good way for me to get started. Initially that’s exactly what I wanted to do. But maybe, through this, I’ll be connected to the right person who can help me make that happen.
Follow Camille on Instagram
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