Q & A
Ms Soma Rachel George, 33, married, a compliance officer at a bank and personal style blogger
How would you describe your style?
Quirky, vivacious and constantly evolving.
When did your interest in fashion start?
I cannot remember how old I was, but I remember my friends constantly complimenting me for my unique style.
Who are your favourite designers and what are your go-to brands?
For designers, I like the late Dominican-American Oscar de la Renta, Lebanon-born Elie Saab and American Prabal Gurung. They understand a woman's body and have the most beautiful fabrics and designs that complement every curve.
My go-to brands are British online fashion retailer Asos, Spanish brand Zara and American fashion brands J.Crew and Reformation as they are easily available and provide timeless, runway-inspired pieces.
Who are your style icons?
The everyday woman inspires me. I also follow street-style photographers Scott Schuman and Christian Vierig of blogs The Sartorialist and The Styleograph respectively because their subjects are always creative with colours and are risk-takers.
What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?
My personalised clutch (photo 1) given by a friend because it is like the character Carrie Bradshaw's from the American television show, Sex In The City. In the show, Bradshaw (played by American actress Sarah Jessica Parker) personalised a bag her mother gave her by painting her name on it with nail polish. My version has my name embossed on it.
My Asos denim bomber jacket (photo 2) for its fit and quality; and my silver necklace, brooch and earrings (photo 3) from Turkey - I bought them from a shop in Cappadocia - because they have a history: Apparently, grooms used to make silver jewellery as wedding gifts for their brides.
Lastly, my shoe-print scarf (photo 4) from a vintage store in Melbourne, gifted to me by the woman who worked there - she noticed me fawning over her items. I love collecting shoes of different styles and the scarf reflects this interest.
What are your weaknesses when it comes to shopping?
I hate impulse purchases. I've done this a couple of times when shopping with a girlfriend or at sale events. I bought tank tops and dresses. I ended up wearing them only once or twice because I ran out of interest.
What is your favourite splurge piece?
My dress from Reformation (photo 5) last year for my birthday, which cost about US$328 (S$450). I've always wanted a maxi dress from the brand because it makes killer pieces without harming the environment.
Is there a purchase you have regretted?
Probably an impulse purchase, but I cannot remember what it was.
What is your most recent fashion purchase?
An embroidered blouse (photo 6) from Zara for about $100 and green heels (photo 7) from home-grown shoe and accessories brand Charles & Keith for less than $60. I had been eyeing the blouse for a month; and which girl would say no to a sexy pair of heels?
What is the best shopping or style advice you live by?
Own your style like you own your used car, as said by Sophia Amoruso (founder of American fashion retailer Nasty Gal). Style is like a used car that requires love and attention to run efficiently and look good.
The saying also reflects my love of vintage clothing. I take pride in sprucing up each piece, making each current and relevant - either by changing the buttons or altering hemlines.
