Empire Girls' Layla Kayleigh Talks L.A. vs. New York Style and Her Vintage Jewelry Obsession

Layla Kayleigh's a glamorous working mama whose friendship with fellow TV host Julissa got kicked into overdrive during a cross-country road trip for charity. Now, there's nothing these pals can't conquer together. Just in time for the series premiere of Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne, tonight at 9/8c, Layla's sharing a bit of her story with myStyle.

What's your style philosophy?
When I moved from London to L.A., I was all about fashion and the trends. When you get to L.A., though, no one really gives a crap. It's flip-flops, jeans, T-shirts, whatever. So I adopted that lifestyle. Then when I came to New York, Julissa was like, "What are you wearing? Get it together if you are going to be seen with me." I love fashion, but I am a minimalist. If I wear a dress, I will wear earrings, but I don't like to wear a necklace.

How does your style compare to Julissa and Adrienne?
It's cool hanging out with Julissa and Adrienne because they are so different. They are all va-va-voom. I have never been the simple one in the group, but in this group I am kind of the low-key, simple one. I am also a mom. I love being a mom, but you can't spend two hours getting ready; everything is on the go. I have gotten so used to putting my hair in a bun, putting on some sweats, throwing on blush and going out the door. Then Julissa is like, "We're doing ladies night. Step it up a bit." It's nice to go out with the girls and get dressed up. They keep my girly side alive.

How do you manage splitting your time between L.A. and New York?
It is really hard having this bicoastal life. My husband is in New York, and my job is in L.A. This is a trial for me, to see how I like the East Coast and how I like New York. But at the end of the day all of my work is in Los Angeles. I feel like such a gypsy. To some people it sounds so glamorous and fun, but when you actually live it you don't know where home is anymore. That is really tough to deal with sometimes. 

What was it like driving across the country in the Mercedes-Benz Tweet Race with Julissa?
We were honestly ready to kill each other. We had been friends, but not that type of friends. But when you are with someone [that much], you can't help but be real. And so there were moments when we cried or laughed together and there were moments when we were ready to kill each other. It was either going to end the friendship or make it stronger. Thank God for us, it made us a lot stronger. If anything, it brought us closer together. We're a lot tighter than we were.

What's your favorite place to shop?
I am not a designer whore. I am just as happy shopping at Forever 21 as I am at Neiman Marcus. I don't like people who are super materialistic. I will say I am obsessed with vintage Chanel jewelry, so that is probably where I splurge.

Who's your favorite designer?
I love Versace. It's not like I wear it every day, I just love that it is so classic and feminine and I just love their prints. I like Dolce & Gabbana as well. 

Who's your style icon?
I love Beyoncé. I think she is perfection. From her hair and makeup to the way she dresses. I don't really look up to a lot of people. But she is someone that to me…mwah! Va-va-voom! I love that she could be in jeans and still look edgy. She pulls off so many different looks, and that is hard for a woman. That is why I like her. She is so versatile. She looks good in everything.

What is your favorite item to shop for?
All I ever do is go on eBay and vintage sites and bid on vintage jewelry. If I am going to go designer I want it to be vintage. I am not one of those girls who needs to have a designer handbag. I think it is kind of cheesy and played out. If I am going to go the designer route, I like it to be vintage pieces.

What are the top three things you pack when you travel?
I have to have hand cream. I have to have this Dermalogica face mist. It is an anti-aging face mist that I love. I get off the plane it just makes you feel really, really good. And hand sanitizer.

Get to know Layla even more in the season premiere of Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne, tonight at 9/8c on Style!