This is something a little new for Lashes & Lattes. I am constantly surrounded by incredible women. Women who are not only successful, brainy, witty and talented, but who are also inspirational, super stylish and wonderfully friendly. I decided it was time to share a few of these amazing people with you.
Meet Sandi Sieger, the Editor in Chief of Onya Magazine.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you love? What’s your day-to-day like? Do you have any obsessions?
I’m the Editor-In-Chief of Onya Magazine and the General Manager at White Echo. I also blog at In The Thick Of It. My days are generally pretty jam-packed. Depending on the day, I could be in meetings, running around completing errands (or running up and down the streets in Melbourne’s city), organising any manner of event or putting an idea into action, or – and these are my favourite days – I’m in front of the computer, working away; writing, editing, managing social media accounts and planning strategy.
I love colour; things that are bright and vibrant and joyful. I love being organised; everything having a place. I love shoes. And handbags. I love words. I love being inspired. I love writing. I love my dog, Leo.
I actually find I don’t have that much time to procrastinate – and I kind of think it’s a cop out. Procrastination, as a writer, usually comes from having no confidence or belief in what you’re doing. The only time I don’t feel like writing is when I’m not looking forward to writing about a particular topic or for a particular client. It’s like people that wait for inspiration to strike; inspiration doesn’t strike you, you create it. You just get on with it. In saying that, I love scheduling time out to relax and wind-down – especially on weekends. I can whittle away hours reading (books, blogs or magazines). I love shopping (especially with my niece, Isabella), cooking, playing in my wardrobe (seriously, it’s my favourite room) and hanging out with my amazing husband, Kaz. And I actually really like working.
I’m obsessed with stationary – I’ve banned myself from buying anymore until I use up everything I have. I also have a small lip gloss fetish; Lanolips and Sohum are my favourites.
How would you describe your style in three words?
Classic. Contemporary. Bright.
(That was actually much harder to pin down than I thought. I love dresses and classic silhouettes and cuts. I also love modern fabrics and prints and edgy pieces. And I adore anything slightly wild, just a liitle bit too loud is bang on for me).
What are your five fashion essentials for the work week?
1. Dresses – I love dresses, the more colourful the better. Some days, it’s a more polished look I prefer, other days it’s more casual, but dresses, in their many forms, are my favourite things in the whole world.
2. Stockings – A must during Winter, I can’t cope with bare legs on chilly days.
3. Platform heels – The most comfortable way to look impeccably stylish, but still be able to walk at the end of the day.
4. Oversized handbags – Big enough to carry the laptop, iPad, notepad, pens, camera, lipsticks and glosses, hair clips and all the rest of it…
5. A smile – Corny, yes. But it’s the best way to brighten any outfit.
What are your five fashion essentials for the weekend?
1. Sportswear – I love getting out on the weekend and walking around the gorgeous hills area where I live, hitting up some bush tracks, going for a run or heading to a bikram yoga class. I’ve got a serious Lululemon and Lorna Jane addiction – like stationary, I’ve banned myself from further pieces until what I currently own wears out. Both brands are just so incredibly comfy, practical and still stylish.2. Boots – There’s something about popping on a pair of slouchy or ankle cut boots that just screams ‘weekend’ to me.
3. T-shirt dresses – Comfy, but can be dressed up or down.
4. Scarves – Especially during the cooler months.
5. Thongs – Seriously, when the weekend hits, it’s all about casual for me – unless I have to be somewhere that calls for something more.
Where do you shop?
Where don’t I shop?
I’m a big fan of Cue – I love that most of their range is Australian made and I’m supporting our fashion industry. I also love that their clothing is classic and really good quality – I have clothing from Cue that’s six years old that is still in perfect condition. Their styles are long-lasting – I’m not really about fads – and their clothes are comfy to wear whilst still looking super polished on.
I’m also fond of picking up handmade or locally designed pieces whenever I can – again, supporting our designers and industry – but also because I don’t like wearing the exact same thing as everyone else. Vintage stores are superb, for this exact reason, plus you can take a vintage piece and alter it in some way to make it slightly more modern. I’m a big fan of markets – especially the Paddington Markets in Sydney; whenever I’m there, I always spend most of my Saturday picking up vintage handbags or gorgeous one-off dresses and knits.
I love Alannah Hill and Hannii for dressing up and I’m a huge fan of Nine West for shoes. I somehow end up picking up a couple of pairs every season; they do the best platform heel – always a different style – but always gorgeous (and comfy).
I’ll pretty much buy anything that’s bold and bright if I like the style. I love buying bits and pieces from lots of different places and mish-mashing them up.
What’s your favourite way to style up a simple ensemble?
Shoes. They can make or break an outfit.
If you’re having a bit of a “blah” day, or you’re rushed, do you have any quick fixes or easy peasy outfits that make you feel instantly polished?
Usually a knit dress (in Winter) or a t-shirt dress (in Summer) that I can throw a cardi over or some stockings under. Add platform heels or wedges and I’m done.
Beauty wise, blush always makes me perk up (even when I’m not feeling so perky) and filling in my eyebrows with a pencil just seems to frame my whole face and make me look done, even when I’m feeling very undone on the inside.
My favourite fragrance ever is Limequat from Sohum. It always sets me straight. Their gorgeous boutique is located in Sassafras, in the Dandenong Ranges, and it’s heaven.
What items do you splurge on, and what do you save on?
I mainly try and support Australian designers, but I do buy from other designers too. (I’m a sucker for Kate Spade, when I can get my hands on some). I try and spend more money on good quality items that I want to last – coats, jackets, shoes, handbags – and less on basics. You can always pick up basics – like white shirts and slouchy tees – so I like to invest in classic or statement pieces – like a gorgeous coat, or a pretty handbag. Some people like to cut back on accessories – but accessories are the very things that look cheap when they’re produced cheaply. Good quality shoes and handbags will lift a casual outfit.
I love my beauty products – Jurlique, Mirenesse, Endota, Lush, MOR and Sohum are my favourites.
Name three items every woman should own?
A handbag they are proud to carry. Shoes that makes them stand taller – these may not necessarily be high heels. One fail safe item of clothing that always fits and always brings a smile to the face – this will vary from woman to woman, for me, it’s a yellow Gorman dress that always looks just right.
For more style and life inspiration, check out Sandi’s blog In The Thick Of It, follow her on twitter and on instagram.
Love,
Rosie xox
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All images courtesy of Sandi Sieger.
It’s so nice to be back in Australia. And hello summer! It’s my last week at work and I’m looking forward to some time off with friends and family over Christmas. I’m heading to the Hunter Valley for a few days over the break and I can’t wait. Fresh food, good conversation, swimming, running around barefoot, the sunshine in my eyes, driving with the windows down, staying up late… Ahhh bliss. What are you doing for Christmas? What’s your favourite thing about summer? Let me know!
