how I found my style
With London-based, globetrotting fashion writer and consultant Pandora Sykes
With fashion writer, stylist and our ultimate girl crush, Pandora Sykes.
WHAT’S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF FASHION?
When I was seven or eight, my mum would put me to bed, but I’d stay up to move around all the furniture in my room to mimic the homes I saw in magazines. Then I’d go through my wardrobe and try on all my clothes. I still love to play in my new purchases. Now, I’m obsessed with emerging labels like Rejina Pyo, Magda Butrym, Attico and Staud because they’re unique. I also love Isabel Marant and Céline – they’re both wearable for short people because of the cropped fits.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIG BREAK IN FASHION?
I started blogging every morning before my job as a fashion editor for The Debrief website, then was scouted for UK magazine The Sunday Times Style’s advice column Wardrobe Mistress, which is iconic and felt like a major mantle to take on. I’ve moved on to my podcast The High Low and freelancing, but I still get emails asking for help.
DO YOU HAVE A UNIFORM?
Right now I’m wearing a Sandro houndstooth blazer, a T-shirt, black jeans, a Foundrae necklace and red Carel mary-jane pumps. You’ll likely find me in a variation of this, just with different shoes.
WHOSE STYLE DO YOU LOVE?
The women in Copenhagen! They pre-empt trends in a way I don’t see anywhere else. Also, no-one wears makeup, which I’m riveted by – the only beauty product I can’t live without is Dior Addict Lipstick. It’s hydrating and gives a flattering glow.
DOES YOUR STYLE CHANGE?
Yes, when I travel. People always say anything goes in London, and I do feel that when I’m in other cities I need to be more pulled together. When I go to the south of France, I pack gingham dresses, broderie anglaise and Levi’s shorts. In Mykonos, I wear long Dôen dresses and playful earrings.
HOW DO YOU PROCRASTINATE?
I’m interiors obsessed – I still always move things around in my home. My interior style is like my personal style: very eclectic. I look at interiors websites like 1stdibs and The Line founded by Vanessa Traina, and I get lost on Etsy or ebay looking at antique furniture. I also love Vestiaire Collective – I just bought a vintage Chanel bag and it’s been glued to me ever since. I like to read, too – at the moment I’m into Ariel Levy’s
The Rules Do Not
Apply. I’d finish that in a day if it wasn’t for Netflix – I’m binging Suits.