The Geeky Peacock: Geeky Fashionista Profile: Brea Grant

I met the incredibly talented, breathtakingly beautiful Brea Grant a few years ago through an ex boyfriend. The ex boyfriend was complete rubbish and thoroughly smashed my heart into itty bitty pieces, but Brea was definitely one of the best things to come from that relationship. We don't see one another outside of cons (she lives in LA and I in Seattle), but when the two of us get together it's like oil and fire. We have a ridiculous amount of fun, causing trouble and generally being silly and having the best time we could possibly have.

That's why she was one of the first people that popped into my brain when I thought about who to feature for this week's Geeky Fashionista Profile. She's eloquent, wordy, fascinating, intelligent, and well dressed on top of all of this. You may remember her from her roles in Heroes, Friday Night Lights, Dexter... or you've read the comic she wrote with her brother, We Will Bury You. However you are familiar with this awesome lady (or even if you aren't!), there's no denying she is a very interesting young woman rife with talent.

Me: You have made a career out of being geeky, gorgeous, and well dressed to boot. What makes you a geek?
Brea Grant: For some reason, starting my career playing a geeky character on Friday Night Lights got me some acceptance in the geek community. For me personally, I've been a comics fan for a long time and started writing them myself a few years ago. I'm also a diehard horror and sci-fi fan - movies, books, tv shows. I'm a little obsessive. But in general, I feel like I geek out WAY more when I meet a comic artist or writer that I admire than when I meet someone on a show I watch (even when I watch it religiously).

Me: Have you always been fashionable?

BG: I've always had my own sense of style. Not sure if you can call it "fashionable." In fact, you probably couldn't. I shaved my head when I was 14 and wore skater pants even though I didn't skate. And that really solidified me as a little weird in my super small East Texas hometown. In college, I wore wife beaters and crazy skirts all the time, like polka skirts or super short red minis. And I had short blonde dreadlocks. I think a lot of my fashion choices came out of a sense of rebellion rather than an interest in fashion.

Me: How would you describe your style?

BG: Girly, vintage with an edge.

Me: Where do you like to shop for clothes and beauty supplies?

BG: A lot of vintage stores - my favorite is a place called Lemon Frog in LA. But I also love places like Crossroads where the clothes are used but much newer. I'll hit up Forever 21 and H&M as well. I'm also a fan of borrowing my friends clothes. I have a friend who never throws away anything so I feel like I can always find something awesome in her closet. I'm a fan of digging for the exact right thing no matter where I am.

For jewelry, I like to wear things that are memorable to me - they usually mean something special like a necklace from India or a bracelet my boyfriend gave me. It's nice to have a piece that starts a conversation.

Me: What's the appeal of vintage?

BG: It's unique and you know no one else will be wearing it. For me, it's also built right. I am a tiny girl with big boobs and a pretty big ass. Vintage clothes are made to flatter that. A dress that would look good on Marilyn Monroe but not Kate Moss is far better for me. I feel like I was born in the wrong era.

Me: You're an actress and thus have to go to events where your picture is taken a lot. How do you like to dress for these sorts of events?

BG: It depends. I try to plan. I try to wear something I haven't owned too long so I feel new and sexy in it. The biggest lesson I've learned though is to not be scared to change your mind last minute. I'll get all done up, have on the dress I was planning on wearing and then change it all for something that fits my mood more. If you're uncomfortable on the carpet, it's really obvious in the photos.

Me: What's your geeky fashion icon?

BG: I'd say early seasons of Sex and the City Carrie Bradshaw mixed with Layla Miller or Cassie Hack. I love an offbeat vintage look but my punk rock roots always manifest themselves in some way. If I'm wearing a sexy light colored dress, I'm probably wearing a black bra under it. And if I'm going straight up vintage, I'll probably wear some goth-y heels. I mean, I don't generally go for a Cassie Hack-style school girl skirt, but I wouldn't be opposed to it.

Me: What's one clothing article and beauty supply you could never live without?

BG: A necklace and concealer. My long necklaces go with me everywhere and I have big under eye circles that I hide before going ANYWHERE.

Me: Do you have any advice for fellow geeky ladies who want to dress well and be fashionable?

BG: Do your own thing. If you're happy in it and are flaunting it, people will notice you. I mean, they'll think it's your clothes but it's really your sparkliness they're seeing. If I'm in a great mood, I find it doesn't matter what I'm wearing. Your mom was right - people are drawn to your inner beauty.