Paige DeSorbo's World: Her New Book, Favorite Zara Item, and What She Loves in Her Dream Apartment

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"I'm a Giggler," I say before I even begin my chat with Paige DeSorbo. "It connects us," she says. By Giggler, I'm of course referring to my love and connection to the Giggly Squad universe that DeSorbo and her best friend, Hannah Berner, created in 2020. It has become a pop culture phenomenon with a podcast, multi-city tours, and now a new book—How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously.

Combining Giggly Squad with her television career as one of the stars of Bravo's hit series Summer House with her hosting moments and numerous fashion partnerships and collaborations (her Amazon Live shows are not to be missed), DeSorbo is a legit powerhouse. And trust me, the term powerhouse is used to describe many in the entertainment and fashion industries, but not everyone delivers on that description—DeSorbo isn't one of them.

"I'm so thankful," she said to me. "I literally will wake up in the morning, and [I'm] like, I'm obsessed with what I do as a career." DeSorbo made her childhood dreams a reality. A glimpse into her world is nothing short of inspiring. And that's what's coming below.

Ahead, take a peek into Paige DeSorbo's world, including her thoughts on adding "author" to her bio, go-to fashion items (ahem, a Zara standout), her dream apartment that she shares with her adorable cat, Daphne, and so much more.

Let's start at the beginning. In one of the episodes during Summer House this season, you said something to the effect of what you're doing right now is what you've wanted to do since you were 5 years old. Did you always know you were meant to be in the fashion-and-entertainment space? And could you ever have pictured your career from your first job as an assistant at ABC News to the life of Paige today?

I actually wrote a story in our book that when I was in fourth grade, I can remember a Sunday night when my mom was helping me study for a science test. I asked her when we were going to be done studying because the Oscars red carpet starts at 7. I've never seen her more enraged in her entire life, and she was just like, "You don't know anything for this test tomorrow. You should not be worrying about the Oscars red carpet." I remember thinking, She's crazy—I'll never need to know this science stuff, and I will need to know what's happening on the red carpet tonight. So when I booked the Vanity Fair red carpet, my first call was my mom, and I was like, "Do you remember that fourth-grade science test that you were adamant that I needed to know?" And so it was such a full-circle moment for both of us. I always knew that I loved fashion-and-entertainment news. When I was younger, E! News used to be more of a fashion channel, and they would play actual runway shows. I remember sitting on the couch and just being like, this is so cool. I've always really loved the space.

You started Giggly Squad during the COVID lockdown with Hannah Berner. Tell us about the Giggly Squad journey. Did you ever envision it would grow to what it is today with a tour and now a book?

Never. We started on Instagram Live because we were bored. Summer House had really kind of popped off at that time because there was nothing else on TV. We were one of the only shows that was putting out new episodes each week. And so we would go live. We would talk about the episode, but then we realized it was just a bunch of girls in the chat. And so we just started talking about whatever was going on. And it truly was because Hannah and I were so bored, and we would FaceTime for hours and just laugh so hard. And I would be like, This is funny. We should just like go on Instagram Live. We didn't even think about starting a podcast. One of our agents was like, Hey, why don't you guys make this into a podcast and see where it goes? And so that's what we did. So, no. Did I ever think that we would write a book from it or perform at Radio City? Absolutely not.

Tell us more about the process of writing this new book?

It was such a surreal experience. I was like, I don't know if I can write a book. But Hannah's mom, who was a middle school principal, helped us edit our book a lot. And every comment for me was like, Paige, rewrite this. We really don't know what you're talking about. But it was the most fun process truly.

You clearly have so much going on, but what does a typical working day look like for you in New York City?

It totally depends—it's different each day. Like yesterday, I was in glam at 6 a.m. to do a whole press day for a brand, and then I went right to Amazon Live. But then there are days where I'll get a facial in the morning and then go record Giggly Squad. So it's different every single day, and I'm so thankful. I literally will wake up in the morning, and [I'm] like, I'm obsessed with what I do as a career. I actually feel like I'm tricking people because I'm like this is the best job ever. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I love this so much. It really does make your days better when you like what you do and you like the people you're around.

Okay, let's talk fashion. Your personal style is so covetable. Are there any style icons on your mood board? Who do you turn to style-wise?

For red carpet, I think Zendaya knocks it out of the park. She kills it all the time. I also love Victoria Beckham for street style. She's just so chic. She does trendy in such a good way—you would never describe her as trendy; you would say she's classic, but yet she always looks trendy. Like I just can't explain it. And then I would say I turn to the classics. I do feel like I pull from Audrey Hepburn a lot. I do love a classic silhouette of just like a black capri, a black top, and a headband. Like there's nothing more classic than that look.

But my mom would say, like from when I was little, You're just like a Barbie doll. Like, every day you want to be in something different. And so the term personal style always makes me anxious because I'm like, oh, I feel like that means every time you step out, you have to have an outfit that's very you. And I feel like each day truly is different for me. Like some days I want to be a pink Legally Blonde Barbie. And then other days I'm like, I want to look like I used to skateboard. I feel like it really does depend on my mood with how I want to dress that day.

As you said, it changes every day, but are there specific wardrobe staples that you do often gravitate toward?

I definitely gravitate toward a heel. I really do find myself always putting a heel on. And I used to be one of those people that's like, is everyone wearing heels? Because I don't want to wear heels if no one else is wearing heels. And I feel like that changed in my later 20s, and I was just like, yeah, I'm wearing heels. I don't care where we're going. And then I have this one top in my closet that's vintage from my grandma. It's like this white chiffon, multilayered top, and it just always fits into something when I need an outfit. I've worn it in so many different ways. I gravitate toward pieces where, in my head, I'm like, I know three places I would wear that and I also know three different ways I would wear that. And so I like stuff like that.

What are some of your favorite heel brands?

I'm gonna be so honest. My favorite heels are from Zara. I have spent more getting them fixed and bringing them to the Leather Spa than I've spent buying them. But I'm like, this is a great heel. I also have a pair of heels from Forever 21 that I'll never get rid of. I feel like they always end up going with something, and they are so comfortable and cool. They're a black heel, but they have clear straps.

Okay, what are some of your favorite outfits recently? I mean, that Oscars dress…

I loved my Oscars look—I was so stressed about that. I went to the CFDAs for the first time, and I loved my dress so much. I was really nervous because Naomi Campbell wore it on the runway, and I was like shoot, if they're going to put pictures of Naomi Campbell and I both in the dress, like that makes me anxious. And I kind of changed the dress, like I pushed the top back, and it was supposed to be worn down. So I was nervous about doing that and then people comparing it. But when I saw it in pictures, I knew I loved it. I thought it looked very Audrey Hepburn, and I thought it looked very chic, but I was nervous that people weren't going to like it. But then when they did, I felt like I was like, oh okay, I took a risk, and it paid off, but that doesn't always happen.

Favorite designer brand?

Prada is my top for clothes. I couldn't afford designer growing up or anything. The first time I walked into a Prada store and was prepared to buy something was three years ago. I was in Italy, and I remember the sales associate kind of looking me up and down and just like walking away. And I was like, that's fine. Like, that's totally fine. And then I remember this other sales associate came up to me, and we just instantly clicked. And by the end of our session, he was like I actually have something in the basement that I think you'll love, and it's not out yet. And he brought this baby-blue dress up, and I was just like, you are my Lord and Savior. And then for the rest of the trip, every time I walked by Prada, he would knock on the window and wave to me.

Are there any favorite investment purchases you've made over the years?

The Prada dress is definitely a favorite. I have two Prada dresses that I bought that I think about all the time. I also think about like, wow, when my daughter is in college, the vintage Prada that I'm going to be able to show her literally lights a fire in me. I get so excited because anything I have of my mom's that's vintage now, I do have a different emotional connection to it, and I do love it so much more. So I can't wait for my daughter to be looking for an outfit for something, and me just be like wait, I think I have the perfect thing. And I pull out this maxi backless white Prada dress, like hello?

Do you have a favorite fragrance that you wear also?

Okay, actually, I'm obsessed with Victoria Beckham's Portofino fragrance. Her bottles are really cool. It's so good, and I get compliments on it all the time.

Okay, so moving on to your space. I know you moved into your dream apartment recently. How was the experience of finding your apartment?

Okay, my apartment is like a true serendipitous moment. When I first moved to New York and I worked at ABC News, I lived on the Upper West Side, so I would be in this area all the time. I would walk by this building at least once a day. There's a courtyard in the middle, and I would always look in and be like, this building is top-tier. Like I'm obsessed with this place. And then years went by. I moved out of the Upper West Side, I was in Midtown, but I had to move. I'm looking for an apartment, and my mom said, "What about that building on the Upper West Side?" And I was like, Mom, one, I'd never be able to afford to live here. Two, I don't think they even rent in there. I think everyone owns their apartments. I'm not kidding, two hours later, my real estate agent sends me this listing. I click it, and it's in that building. And I'm like, this doesn't make any sense. I go, I want to see it tomorrow. I go the next day, my real estate agent is like, When we walk in, do not act like you like it, don't say anything. And I'm like, Kevin, I got it, don't worry. I walk in the front door and I go, I need it. This is my home. Like, I'll move in tomorrow. And I moved in a couple of weeks later. I love it—I'll literally die here.

Any favorite pieces in your home?

This is so bougie, but I got a Frame TV, and I'm obsessed. I would say I love that, and then I have a plant that I have had for five years, and she is my pride and joy. I think that everyone needs to get one of these plants. I think they're actually good luck. It's a money tree.

Switching gears, are there any other podcasts you listen to?

I would say whenever I need something uplifting, I'm turning on a Jay Shetty podcast. He did a podcast over a year ago now with Marianna Hewitt. For one, I'm obsessed with her. I've been obsessed with her for years. But I was listening to her on his podcast, and I'm not kidding, it truly motivated me to be like, I could be a business owner too. Like I could start a brand. I could do this. I don't listen to any podcasts like religiously. It's more like when I'm searching for something. Like oh, I need something that's like really motivational today, or I need something that's like really funny today. But I would say he's one that I turn on a lot.

What are you watching right now?

When we were on tour in the fall, I was like, I need a show that has a thousand seasons. And so I got so deep in Grey's Anatomy. I really watched it from start to finish. I was so deep in Grey's Anatomy to the point where I finished the series, and I was just like I need something else, so I started watching The Pitt. I'm obsessed. Obviously, I'm watching The White Lotus, and I'm also watching 1923. I'm obsessed with Brandon Sklenar. He's like the next big thing. I love any of the Yellowstone series. I'm a big scripted person.

Okay. So do you watch any other reality shows?

The only other reality show I watch is Love Island. I can't watch anything with an ensemble cast because I know how it's made.

What about music?

I'm really into Charli XCX right now, like everybody else. But I am a big rap fan. My favorite rapper is Future.

Best New York City restaurant?

I would say forever and always Bar Pitti.

What's your biggest pet peeve?

Oh my gosh, my biggest pet peeve is probably when my girlfriends don't believe in themselves. That makes me so angry.

What's something that's overrated and then also underrated?

I think getting your full eight hours of sleep. It's underrated because you truly need it to perform, and you feel so much better when you have a good sleep schedule. But I think it's so overrated like when you're in your 20s or if you're single. Like any advice I would have for someone in their 20s would be like, go to the party, go to the club. You can stay an extra 30 minutes. You're gonna remember more the times you had fun than when you went home and did the responsible thing. So I'm gonna say a whole eight hours. It's overrated, but it's also underrated.

Okay, then finally, what is your favorite thing to give and then also to get as a gift?

I have many people in my life that say I'm the best gift giver. I truly pride myself on getting gifts for people that, when they open it, they're like, well you really know and you really thought about this, so I take that very seriously. I think the best gift I've been giving recently because I've been giving it to so many of my girlfriends who have had babies is these personalized trunks. Because not only are they functional in New York City—or really anywhere because you can put all of their keepsakes in it—but it's like an art piece. You can leave it out, and it looks so good, and you can get it monogrammed inside. So that's been my recent favorite gift. And then my favorite gift for me to get is probably something unexpected. When I'm like, oh, I just really wasn't expecting you to get me something. My brother stays at my apartment a lot when I'm gone, and whenever I come home, like on a Sunday night, he will have gotten me a bunch of different things—whether it's my favorite candy or he walked by a bakery and was like, Hey, I left doughnuts in the refrigerator for you. So like those kind of gifts I love.