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Xenia Teoh On Using Fashion As A Form Of Therapy
At SSEDITORIAL, one of our primary focuses as a team, set out by our Editor in Chief, is our mental health. It is important to us to put these matters first. I previously spoke to one of my favourite friends, Iona, about life during COVID-19. Today, I talked to one of my newest friends, Xenia Teoh. All communications were conducted virtually to support social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
Xenia Teoh
SS:
How are your spirits?
XT:
I feel really disconnected from everything. I would go back to Malaysia during the summer holidays, but obviously, I can’t do that during lockdown. It led to me having a few breakdowns over college, as grades were based on predicted. I’ve started working now, so at least I have something to do.
SS:
Like shop in your free time?
XT:
Yeah, that, too! I work now, so I get to shop, which motivates me sometimes.
SS:
That’s nice. So, you use retail as some form of therapy?
XT:
I don’t know. Is it that serious? I like fashion and styling my clothes. It makes me feel good. It hurts, though. Seeing all the money go.
Retail
SS:
What are some of your favourite places to shop for items?
XT:
If we’re talking high street, ZARA for definite, H&M, I do like Urban Outfitters too. I don’t really go anywhere else.
SS:
What are your top five luxury brands to own now or in the future?
XT:
Oh my God, Chanel! Dior! Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
SS:
You sound so much like me! I think I’ve tried to describe your style before, but how would you describe it?
XT:
Vintage, minimalist and quite simple.
Style
SS:
Where do you tend to take inspiration from?
XT:
Influencers. Some of my favourites are Emma Rose, Sophie Suchan, and Nitsan Raiter. They’re my favourites right now.
SS:
Do you tend to accessorise your looks or go straight to the outfit?
XT:
Right now, I tend to go for simple, chunky gold hoops. I’ve been looking into rings lately, but due to the virus, I don’t anymore. I have to sanitise my hands, so there’s not much point.
SS:
Where do you like to go to get your jewellery?
XT:
I like to support local and handmade jewellery. Most of what I like can be found on Etsy. There is a Dior Revolution ring that I really want, but it’s currently out of stock.
SS:
What does your stay-at-home life look like right now?
XT:
Very boring. I’ve been trying to keep myself sane by doing some morning yoga. It’s difficult to work and sleep in the same space.
SS:
What are you looking forward to doing once these restrictions get eased?
XT:
Going to get some Sushi, BBQ picnics, and more photoshoots. Coffee shops and sitting outside in the sun is my idea of perfection.
SS:
Talk me through the process of taking a photo shoot.
XT:
They’re quite simple. I choose a location (close to home), I get ready, choose an outfit, accessorise and get my boyfriend to shoot for me!
SS:
What time of day do you prefer to do these shoots?
XT:
Midday or afternoon, so I can get the sunshine. Sunset would be perfection, but it’s so hard to get the sunset in the UK.
Beauty
SS:
When it comes to beauty, how involved are you?
XT:
I don’t go crazy with makeup. I am a skincare maximalist, though.
SS:
Talk to me about it!
XT:
In my lifetime, I’ve spent so much! I started when I was 13 years old, and I don’t wash my face in the morning because it’s not gross; I use cleansing water. My skin type is combination, so I also use a toner and layer it two or three times. Then, I use a vitamin drop for my cheeks because they’re pretty dry. Finally, I then use moisturiser and sunscreen.
SS:
Do you switch it up in the afternoon?
XT:
I do nothing in the afternoon; I just do it again at night. I start with washing my face and then use toner.
“If I wear heavy makeup, I will double cleanse.”
Quick-Fire Questions with Xenia Teoh
SS:
If you only had five minutes to get ready, would you go for skincare or an outfit first?
XT:
I’d say skincare. I can’t stand dry skin.
SS:
If you had to leave immediately, what would be your outfit of choice?
XT:
Maybe just a sweatshirt and jeans!
SS:
If you only have an hour, does the outfit change?
XT:
Depends on where we’re going and what time. But I would say Jeans, a tank top, with a cute jacket or cardigan.
SS:
When we experienced the first lockdown, did you learn anything new from quarantine?
XT:
I learnt that family is very important, as I used to take it for granted. Spending Christmas and Chinese New Year alone has been very upsetting. When lockdown is over, spending time with them is something I want to do more.
SS:
Have you got any new top-tier products since lockdown that you would swear by?
XT:
The Chemical Exfoliant by Paula’s Choice. Also, this Korean brand, I’ve been really into this lately. It’s somewhat expensive, but I’m trying it to see what the hype is about.
SS:
What are your essentials for a day out?
XT:
Phone, wallet, lip balm, lipstick, and hand sanitiser. I also need sunglasses for when I drive.
SS:
What would you recommend to people who are badly affected by social distancing?
XT:
I’ve been feeling lonely, too, so I recommend podcasts for background human noise. Sometimes, the conversations are entertaining.
SS:
Where do you hope your style journey takes you?
XT:
I really want to be more sustainable. Sometimes, I turn over my clothes quickly, which is terrible because I end up wasting my money.
Xenia Teoh
Xenia Teoh is one of my favourite rising style bloggers. She is a true lover of fashion and uses it as a form of therapy. She is also an avid skincare fan, using hot products and tools such as rollers and gua shas. To stay up-to-date on Xenia Teoh, follow her here.
