Actor and creative Courtney Halverson understands the importance of romanticizing one’s life. With her cinematic storytelling style on social media, she has gained the admiration of hundreds of thousands of followers (handle: @prettylittlefawn). We spoke with Halverson about her work, life, and upcoming projects.
Tell us a bit about your background as an actor and creative.
I’m originally from California and began working as an actor when I was 13, with my parents driving me to LA for auditions after school most days. Truthfully, I wanted to begin as an actor when I was much younger; I think I was 5 when I first pointed at the TV and said, “I want to do that.” My parents waited until I was a little older to allow me to begin in the industry, and I’m so grateful for that.
I’ve worked in film and television on and off for over half my life, in shows like “True Detective” and “Criminal Minds,” and in films like “Unfriended” and “St. Agatha.” Nearly all of my roles as an actor have been in darker projects — lots of drama and horror. My work as a creative online has, in a lot of ways, been the opposite. I still have an urge to create content that leans into the cinematic, but my videos and photos online tend to be much more romantic and dreamy. I think it’s maybe because I’ve never been cast as a romantic lead in anything. I’ve sort of carved out that space for myself online. It’s been fun to get to dabble in that world.
What inspired you to get started as a content creator?
I began over 12 years ago, sharing content on my blog — it predated sharing content on apps like Instagram and was a much more long-form way to share what I was interested in. I’d write about brands and clothing I was excited about, and my outfits were largely vintage or thrifted items. I had lots of time in between filming projects, so it was nice for me to have a creative outlet. I never expected it to become the career it has today, as blogging content turned into sharing photos on Instagram, and the photos turned into videos. In a lot of ways, it feels very full circle as someone who began as an actor to create miniature cinematic moments to share with an audience.
Your page offers storytelling with a cinematic eye and stunning imagery. Tell us about your message and aesthetic and how “you’ll never regret romanticizing your life.”
A few years ago, I moved from Los Angeles to the Hudson Valley of New York. I had lived on the West Coast my entire life, and one day, my husband and I decided to pack up our entire lives and move to the countryside. It was a bit daunting, but I knew that I wanted a slower pace of life, to be surrounded by nature, and to slowly work on fixing up an old house. During that time, as my life began to slow down to match my new settings, I realized how much I craved the simpler moments — how much pleasure I derived from romanticizing even the simplest things. And so I began to share that with my audience, encouraging them to romanticize their lives in the same way. Choosing to use the nice tea cups for a morning cup of coffee, lighting that candle that they were keeping for a special occasion on an ordinary day, wearing a dress that felt like it needed an outing just for the simple joy of it. It’s a way of looking at the world and finding the beauty in little moments — and realizing that there’s no time like the present — that life itself is the special occasion.
Throughout your acting career, has there been a specific role or project that has held the most meaning for you?
I had the absolute honor of working on the second season of “True Detective,” and that was such an incredible experience. I worked opposite both Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams — which was daunting, but both of them were so kind and lovely to work with. I think because the show had seen such success in the first season, it was a really large moment for me. And because there was such secrecy around the plot and filming, I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone I knew what I was working on. It was a strange but fun time for me.
Living close to New York City, what does your perfect day look like?
I visit New York City often. I tend to spend a lot of my time on the train, riding about two hours into the city several times a week. I’ve really treasured my time on the train riding along the Hudson River, watching the trees slowly give way to buildings. When I arrive in the city, I arrive right in the heart of it in Grand Central Station. I love how gorgeous the architecture is, and it always feels like a welcome sight. Because I get to be a bit of a tourist, I always love a museum visit, and go to The Met often just to wander around with my headphones in. I’m a big fan of spending time in hotel lobbies, watching the comings and goings, with the Chelsea Hotel being a particular favorite. And, of course, there’s always a new (or new-to-me) restaurant to visit and an excuse to meet up with a friend for a martini and a chat.
What are a few of your favorite travel destinations?
I visit Paris often for work and will never cease to be amazed by how beautiful it is. I was so overwhelmed when I first went years ago, but now, when I visit, it feels a little like seeing an old friend. There are so many neighborhoods to see, and I feel like I could spend a lifetime visiting and never see even a fraction of it. There’s so much history there, so much attention to detail, and so much beauty, even in the simplest street corner.
I am also very drawn to visiting the Cotswolds and the English countryside in general — and I dream of one day having a little cottage there (no matter how unrealistic that is). There are some similarities to where I live in the Hudson Valley, sure, but it truly feels like its own world. I think I grew up watching so many costume dramas and so many BBC adaptations of Jane Austen novels, and such, that a part of me will forever be in love with romanticizing the English countryside.
Who are your personal style icons?
As a teenager in the early 2000s, I have to say Alexa Chung shaped my early ideas of fashion and style. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself gravitating towards classic photos of Jane Birkin, although I can never master her carefree style. I think I tend to always look a bit as though I’ve fallen through a time machine with lots of classic cuts and fabrics, but always with something a bit dreamy or romantic. A scarf tied onto a basket, floral dresses paired with ballet flats, a trench belted with a bit of lace.
Can you tell us about Maison Miette, your collection of silk scarves?
I started Maison Miette a few years ago because I wanted to create something that felt equal parts feminine and playful — a line of scarves that, at first glance, features simple patterns, but upon closer inspection, you realize are all breads and pastas. Think ravioli checker print and repeating croissants as a motif. So far, we have launched a collection of pasta-themed scarves, boulangerie-themed scarves, and just last year, we released the Apéro collection with oysters and olives and wine glasses throughout. I personally love having a silk scarf on me at all times to tie in my hair, around the strap of a purse, or to protect my hair in the wind. I think they are so versatile and so timeless.
Any upcoming projects that you’d like to share?
I created a locket collection with Monica Rich Kossan last year, and it really took off. The theme is of these gorgeous shells that you can open up and keep your most treasured photos inside. I’m so thrilled because this summer, it will return with a bit of an addition. There’s something so magical about knowing something that I’ve had a small hand in will become an heirloom and a keepsake for someone’s most treasured memories to be stored within.
