Fancy getting the skinny on some of the wonderful people behind Topshop? Make sure you check out our The Way We Work posts to find out more! This week we chatted with Monikh Dale, a Personal Shopper at Topshop Westfield White City.
What were your favorite shows for AW13?
Topshop Unique was incredible. A very clean take on grunge with its colour blocking and oversized layers. I am in love with the PVC camel skirts and all those harsh textures next to the soft fluffy jumpers was simply dreamy! Victoria Beckham is always so slick, I love the camel colours against the lemon and electric blue. Burberry Prorsum’s latex take on the trench coat was amazing.
What trends were you most excited about for AW13?
Leather is always a big one, I’m obsessed with it all year round! Again big and oversized jackets will be a good staple, teamed with tight pants whether they be leather or denim. I’m excited about AW as I get to wear black as much as I want. This season I’m teaming it with reds and dusky pinks.
What are the key pieces you will be advising your clients to add to their wardrobe after seeing the shows?
Oversized jackets, bits with interesting textures to layer for example the Topshop Unique nude biker jacket with layers of chiffon and knitwear.
Who had the best Street Style, London, NY, Paris or Milan?
New York street style is always fresh and exciting however the street style award has to go to us Londoners for it’s diversity and eclectic mix.
What do you love about these street style looks and the key pieces selected?
I love a play on textures, especially when it’s an all black outfit, it just looks so effortless and chic.
How would you wear the above key pieces to style up different looks?
A good pair of chunky boots will toughen up any look, especially when put with clean whites and blues or a girlie dress.
How did you become a Personal Shopper at Topshop?
I did a degree in Fashion Design Womenswear, showed at GFW and then went on to bag the Personal Shopping Assistant role and worked my way up.
What do you love about your job?
The team is amazing! Everyone’s so different and inspiring. It’s such a fun job and brilliant environment to be in. When we have VIPs in that’s always very exciting but for me the reason why I love this job is the ability I have to change the way someone feels about themselves through styling them, giving women the confidence they may have lost is extremely rewarding.
How would you describe your style?
Clean, minimalistic and structured. I prefer to play on textures, making the most effective outfit with the least amount of extras.
Who are your fashion icons?
Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, The Olsen Twins.
If you could ransack anyone’s wardrobe, who’s would it be?
Victoria Beckham, I can imagine it all being so pristine and chic.
Which is your current favorite Topshop collection and why?
I’m a sucker for anything Topshop Boutique, I just love how effortless and timeless it all is, and all the gorgeous materials.
What are your favorite five key pieces for SS13 season?
Boutique long line leather jacket, so simple and goes with absolutely everything. Carey ripped jeans, I can’t get enough of them! A very cool and effortless way of working your way into the spring trends, teaming them with a simple chiffon vest to give them a bit of a more polished look.
What piece do you always come back to, season after season?
My trusty leather jacket.
What’s your secret style trick?
My secret style trick is to keep it simple and chic, I don’t like to over do anything, its better to be minimalistic than to over kill and outfit.
What’s the style rule you live by?
Less is more.
What’s your fashion weakness?
I have a secret obsession with the Topshop lingerie, I honestly buy a set a week, the pieces are always so fashion forward, fresh and sexy.
What’s your favorite Topshop Make Up product?
Topshop nail polish in Mannequin is the only polish I wear. I stock up on it whenever I find them!
What’s your first memory of Topshop?
When I was around 12 my mum brought me my first Topshop piece, an oriental style flocked top with long bell sleeves. I felt so grown up, I lived in it!
What would your best night out involve?
Drinks with my 9 best girlfriends, preferably in Vegas!
Where do you like to relax on a Sunday where you live?
Back at my mums, with a cup of tea and a movie.
Why should someone book a personal shopping appointment with you?
It’s like shopping with a friend, relaxed and honest. I take the stress out of shopping and give people the fresh take on style that they’re after.
What’s great about the personal shopping service?
It’s a completely complimentary service, and a totally relaxed and friendly vibe, where the girls know how to make you feel comfortable and confident and extremely fashionable!
Make sure you’re on the forefront of style with a Personal Shopping appointment, book yours, here.
This week we’re chatting to PR Assistant Rachael Grayer at Topshop HQ about her hometown of Staffordshire, oversized coats and girl band Haim.
Name: Rachael Grayer
Hometown: Staffordshire
My job title is… Topshop PR Assistant
And that means… I take care of all sample requests in the UK. Stylists and publications email in up-coming shoots that they have and I will then select pieces that I think fit the brief. I also help support other members of the Topshop PR team with VIP dressing and international requests. We share all samples with the buying floor so items often have to be prioritized to get the best possible coverage most efficiently.
I studied… International Fashion Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University.
I got my job by… I had worked with my manager at a previous PR agency and we kept in touch!
The best thing about my job is… It’s so varied! Everyday is different and everyday is busy. You get to work with so many creative and inspiring people.
When I was growing up I wanted to be… A Horse Riding instructor. I took a slightly different route.
I couldn’t do my job without… My team! I love how everyone at Topshop is so supportive, enthusiastic and positive. We all get stuck in when it’s so busy- no matter what the job is!
My advice to students hoping to crack the fashion industry would be… Just keep going and always have a positive attitude towards everything you do. You never know what’s around the corner! Make a note of everyone’s contact details- people always move around from place to place and they never forget someone that’s made a good impression.
My signature style is… Simple and classic. I don’t like to over complicate things and this definitely applies to my wardrobe. I have a slight obsession with oversized coats and silk blouses!
And my hero piece for this season is… Look 15 from SS13 Topshop Unique. It’s the white wrap skirt with the sleeveless white blouse with black check. I think its so elegant and timeless.
When I’m in London, my hottest hang-outs are… I love Babble Jar in Stoke Newington at the moment. They have the best margaritas, play great music and its a 20 second walk from my flat!
And when I’m in my hometown I love hanging out… I live in a teeny tiny canal town in Staffordshire, there is a Jazz bar called Granvilles in the town center. I always go back with school friends when I am home! It never changes and feels like old times.
I can’t live without… my morning coffee.
I love grabbing my lunch from… Pret! The chicken salad never lets you down.
On my iPod right now is… Girl band Haim from California- I love them!
As a special treat, I love to… go for a long boozy lunch with my friends after treating ourselves to a manicure.
In five years I’d like to be… In 5 years I would love to still be at Topshop. I cant wait to see what the company would have achieved by then. So exciting!
Posted on February 12, 2013
We’re back once again at Topshop HQ to give you an insider’s look at the team behind the scenes. Ever fancied yourself a fashion writer? This week we spoke with fashion and social media writer, Karla Evans, from the editorial team at Topshop.com to talk style, internships and her favourite spots in London.
Hometown…
Swansea.
My job title is…
Junior Fashion and Social Media Writer.
And that means…
I write the creative copy across our website and all our digital platforms. I’m also part of the editorial team that conjures up new ideas and features for our We Love pages, social media channels and special projects. I can be seen tweeting, interviewing our latest designer collaborator, writing copy for emails, Instagraming backstage at a shoot or reviewing an exhibition for our blog.
I studied…
English Literature and Drama at Queen Mary University, London. I also did a short course at Central St Martin’s in Fashion Journalism.
I got my job by…
Bonding with my boss at my interview over Bubble Dogs and geeking off about social media.
My advice to students hoping to crack the fashion industry would be…
Intern, intern, intern. I spent most of my University summers and half terms at newspapers and magazines trying to get as much experience as possible. Keep up to date with the industry too, whether it’s The Business of Fashion or good old Style.com, the industry changes very quickly and it’s good to be in the know. Also, if you want to go into the editorial or writing side of the industry I’d recommend putting pen to paper at every moment possible.
The best thing about my job is…
One thing that you can’t beat about Topshop is the pace of change and variety of projects. There’s always something new to get excited about.
When I was growing up I wanted to be…
A Spice Girl or Nala from the Lion King.
I couldn’t do my job without…
The internet. And the rest of my lovely and very talented team, of course.
My signature style is…
I’m pretty casual at the moment. I’m wearing my woollen trousers alot, jumper dresses, sweatshirts and mensy shirts. There’s a considerable amount of black, navy and grey in my wardrobe so I like a bold red lip and a statement MAWI necklace to change it up. I also have a bit of an obsession with trainers…
And my hero piece for this season is…
My black Nike Free Run trainers and tacky Kenzo tee shirt. I’m still wearing my J.W. Anderson x Topshop bomber jacket pretty regularly.
When I’m in London, my hottest hang-outs are…
The Coach & Horses pub in Stoke Newington is great and the closest I have to a local – they do a top Pad Thai and often show the football when my team, Swansea City, are on. Other foodie favourites are a Lucky Chip burger at the Sebright Arms, Pepino cocktails at Bodega Negra and Rita’s ginger and soy chicken wings at Birthdays. I’m rarely happier than wandering around the Tate, seeing a film at Hackney Picturehouse or getting a cheap ticket for the National Theatre.
And when I’m in my hometown I love hanging out…
In the fresh air! It’s all about long walks on the beach or rambles up the mountain near my house. Otherwise I’m in my parents’ kitchen making the most of the unlimited supply of Welsh butter and toast.
I can’t live without…
Black tights or cheese.
I love grabbing my lunch from…
I’m all about bringing lunch from home. It may not be glam but homemade salads and soups are my lunchtime forte.
On my iPod right now is…
Teleman’s Christina, Daughter, Mala in Cuba, Zebra Katz and the London Road Soundtrack.
As a special treat, I love to…
Go to Hawksmoor for a ridiculous steak and a side of mac’n’cheese.
In five years I’d like to be…
Heading up an editorial team at the Topshop offices in New York.
Want to find out about more roles at Topshop HQ? Make sure you’re signed up to our Student email.
Posted on January 18, 2013
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at TopshopHQ? The Way We Work is our chance to introduce you to the talented bunch making the fashion magic happen! This week we chat with Kate Short our Retail Marketing Assistant, who calls Manchester home, on the importance of work experience, Lebanese food and her boyish style.
My job title is… Retail Marketing Assistant.
And that means… I mainly work on instore related marketing projects. I’m responsible for smaller new store openings and instore events. I also support the rest of the retail marketing team with larger projects they might be working on such as our recent Christmas campaign or the Topshop Magazine.
I studied… Marketing at Newcastle University.
I got my job by… I spent six weeks interning with the Topshop marketing team after I graduated from university. From there I went on to work for COS before returning to Topshop as an assistant this autumn.
The best thing about my job is… the team I work with.
When I was growing up I wanted to be… an athlete or a nurse.
I couldn’t do my job without… Sarah Frampton.
My advice to students hoping to crack the fashion industry would be… work experience and internships are invaluable. Try to do some while you’re still studying, this will make your life post graduation a lot easier. When opportunities arise, work hard and prove you’re committed by showing willingness and enthusiasm.
My signature style is… Simple and classic. And quite boyish. I tend to wear a lot of skinny jeans, shirts and round neck sweaters. I love my Topshop Boutique quilted bomber jacket and I received a pair of Russell and Bromley loafers for Christmas, which I’m very much looking forward to wearing in the New Year.
And my hero piece for this season is… The trophy trouser (and my sheepskin coat I got for £20 at Battersea car boot).
When I’m in London, my hottest hang-outs are… Brixton Village Market, there are delicious places to eat and a great little vintage shop called Tique Booty on Market Row.
And when I’m in my hometown I love hanging out… around the Northern Quarter.
I can’t live without… my big sisters, sadly. They annoy me but London would be a scary place without them.
I love grabbing my lunch from… Yalla Yalla, a nearby Lebanese cafe.
On my iPod right now is… Haim and Solange.
As a special treat, I love to… get a blow dry and manicure. This ‘special treat’ happens a little too often however. I also love going to the Ritzy cinema in Brixton on a Saturday afternoon.
In five years I’d like to be… I’ve just signed up to run the 2013 Brighton Marathon so right now I’m just hoping to survive that.
Posted on January 15, 2013
Constantly surrounded by endless rails of clothes, the latest trends and spending their 9-to-5 styling up the fashion-forward ladies of the world… Is it just us or does being a Personal Shopper sound like the dream job?! We’re always intrigued to find out what our wonderful style storming Personal Shoppers are thinking for the season ahead and also how they snapped us their fabulous jobs in the first place! This week we’re chatting to Lauren Milner, Personal Shopper at Leeds Trinity, to give us all the knowledge about SS13, what she’ll be wearing, how she’ll be wearing it and how she snapped up her job with Topshop in the first place.
What are you most excited about for the new SS13 season?
This season I’m most excited about re-inventing my summer wardrobe. As you can imagine I have a lot to work with, being a personal shopper, and not enough wardrobe space so I have to keep it in storage. I can’t throw anything away as you never know what trends will come back. I love mixing my new summer finds with my die-hard summer staples that I bring out year after year.
What are the key trends you will be trying out in the new year?
White is a big trend and fresh start after a winter of black. Crisp, clean and minimal, this is the bedrock of not only the pre-summer collections but also the S/S13 catwalks. Wear white simply and play around with interesting silhouettes, exciting accessories and maybe with a retro/70′s inspired look.
Monochrome has been a staple throughout A/W 2012 and this is due to carry on through to S/S 2013 with a graphic parade of artistic patterns and a neon edge but don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour.
Power Prints are another trend I can’t wait to try, bold flirtatious shapes and zingy designs. This is a trend that combines graphic prints with fierce tailoring so consider your accessories. Sunglasses, clutches and heels should be equally as lively, go wild as this trend allows you to be creative and have fun.
List your top 5 picks of the new season?
White blazer; This is a key piece to have for SS13 it works well for all the new summer trends, you could wear it over a graphic shirt or team it with some power print tailored trousers. Why not try a Metallic T-shirt for you modern magpies. I would go quite bold with the makeup and hair, look at it like a plain canvas, bright orange lips, with a neon nail would really set the white blazer off.
Graphic Shirt; Behold the statement maker, bold colour is huge for ss13 and a shirt is an easy & comfortable way to wear this trend if you are a little unsure, also you can really tailor it to what suits you. there are many interpretations this season, from the 70′s inspired tie die, using bright oranges and deep purples to the monochrome graphic prints with a futuristic modernist twist. A graphic shirt would lift any simple skinny jeans and could be easily worn day or night. Use a colour contrast lipstick and maybe throw in the new man bag another big trend for SS13.
Statement Necklace; Jewellery is a simple and easy way to change the look of a garment. Florals and enamels are big this season, add a hint of sparkle for an extra touch of glam. This season I would go for a short collar necklace, something that sits close to your neck or you can simply rest it on the edge of garments so it looks like actual embellishment rather that a separate piece of jewellery. This would give an expensive and luxury feel to your garment. I would keep the hair sleek and simple if I was wearing a statement collar and depending on the colour of the jewellery I would either clash or keep it very simple with something nude and let the jewellery be the focal point.
Printed Maxi ; This can either be a dress or a skirt, adding length automatically gives toy a glamorous look, it can seamlessly take you from work to play, go for a printed clutch to really take on the power prints, boho hair and a bright lipstick and your good to go
What is your key item from AW12 that will be updating and wearing in a new way for SS13, and how will you be updating it?
My AW12 military boiler suite dress by Unique, I have loved this piece all winter. I teamed it with chunky military boots and my fox fur collar for a hit of glam. This is my fail safe feel good dress and I will be reinventing it for SS13. I’ll be wearing it open and more like a light weight jacket with maybe denim shorts and a crop top underneath. I may even wear it as a dress with bare legs and a chunky sandal or an orange heel to give it a hint of summer. It is far to gorgeous to be hidden away till next winter.
ABOUT YOU
How did you become a Personal Shopper at Topshop?
I have always worked in luxury retail from a young age. I loved the one on one service and really getting to know my clients thus building relationships with them. In turn they become more than just clients, they become your friends and someone that really values your opinion. I have worked for many designer brands all over the country and this really boosted my love for fashion, building outfits, creating looks and watching trends trickle down from designer to the high street. I have never been afraid to experiment with my own image this really came to life when I was studying fashion at the University of Manchester. I think being surrounded with like minded people helps you really explore your creative side. I also believe all of this gave me the necessary repertoire to become a personal shopper and two years ago in Topshop Liverpool my dream came true.
What do you love about your job?
There are many aspects of my job that I love. Helping people find confidence in their own style is what I find most rewarding. We are all guilty of sometimes being far too safe and stuck in a rut so I find it tremendously satisfying when clients come to me for help in order to revamp their image. I take great joy in seeing a customer leave the personal shopping suite with their new wardrobe and a new lease of life. Life is far too short to play it safe.
How would you describe your style?
I like to base my style around a glamorous statement piece. It has to be sexy and sultry with a Boho edge. For me accessorising is a must but subtly is imperative. My wardrobe is a balance of high street and designer, I believe this to give any discerning fashionista the tools to look fabulous.
Who are your fashion icons?
Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe – For me they were all iconic women because in my eyes they looked how a woman should. They all possessed a classical and faultless wardrobe shrouded in elegance and finery.
If you could ransack anyone’s wardrobe, who’s would it be?
Oliva Palermo, I’d love to get my hands on her handbags! I feel she effortlessly mixes high street with designer and always looks flawless. I also wouldn’t mind stealing the Olsen twins wardrobe, I love their eclectic style. They’re not afraid to be different and stand out of the crowd.
Which is your current favourite Topshop collection and why?
Arthaus- It is my favourite because of it’s clean futuristic lines and I adore dressing like a modernist. Who wouldn’t want to be sleek and chic whilst combining geometric shapes.
What piece do you always come back to, season after season?
For winter it has to be a fur coat, it will glam up any outfit, and make you feel fabulous. And for summer the maxi dress, this is an effortless must have in any wardrobe, a statement maxi will carry you through all the way to the evening.
What’s your secret style trick?
Statement jewllery. An eye catching piece will bring any outfit to life jewellery seem to lift garment, and can change the entire feel of as look.
What’s the style rule you live by?
To always be preened. If your hair, nails and make-up are perfect then you have the basis to make any outfit will look sharp.
What’s your fashion weakness?
Designer handbags. Once you have your first designer handbag you will understand my weakness.
What’s your favourite Topshop Make Up product?
Topshop Fine Liner, ever since I started to use this it hasn’t left my makeup bag.
What’s your first memory of Topshop?
My first memory of Topshop is feeling like a kid in a candy shop! It gave me one of my many inspirations to pursue a career in fashion. To be honest I still feel like a kid in a candy shop when I walk in now.
Where’s your favourite place to go shopping where you live?
I feel Leeds offers me everything I need for my wardrobe. You have the VQ which is filled with Luxury brands to peruse… Finished off with a cocktail on the fourth floor at Harvey Nic’s of course! It also offers an abundance of high street brands to play with. I am very excited about the new Trinity shopping center to open as I believe it will put our new trinity store firmly on the map of any discerning shopper.
What would your best night out involve? I would always start the night with dinner and the Personal Shopping gang at Blackhouse Grill in Leeds. We would then move on to the beautiful cocktail bar called Maven for a Hendrick’s gin punch bowl… and yes we drink it from tea cups! Then we would end the night on the dance floor of our choice. Bed time comes when the sun starts to show itself…
Where do you like to relax on a Sunday where you live?
Either with my family or my best friends making a roast dinner and watching Sunday TV. We’d usually be laughing/cringing about last nights antics.
Why should someone book a personal shopping appointment with you?
I have an in-depth knowledge of fashion and current trends. I am honest and forthcoming to any new client and I won’t let them leave until they are truly satisfied with their new look. I believe that after the personal shopping experience a client will realise there is no other way to do your shopping. Who wouldn’t enjoy sipping a glass of fizz whilst we peruse the latest Topshop trends?!
What’s great about the personal shopping service?
If you ever want to try something new or want to know what suits your body shape or simply to make sure you never miss those must have Topshop items then Personal Shopping is for you. We have a list of complimentary tailored appointments to suit your every need. If your going away for a romantic break or you just need that must have item that you have just seen your fave celeb wearing then we can accommodate you.
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