At SARAHAMA, 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. We previously spoke to one of our favourite friends Iona, about life during Covid-19. Today we speak to one of our newest friends Xenia. All communications were conducted virtually to support social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
Read our conversation with Xenia below.
Xenia
SRHMA:
How are your spirits?
XT:
I feel really disconnected from everything. During the summer holidays, I would go back to Malaysia but obviously I can’t do that during lockdown. It lead 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.
SRHMA:
Like shop in your free time?
XT:
Yeah that too! I work now, so I get to shop which motivates me sometimes.
SRHMA:
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
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
Top five luxury brands to own now or in the future?
XT:
Oh my God, Chanel! Dior! Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
SRHMA:
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
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
What are you looking forward to doing, once these restrictions get eased?
XT:
Going to get some Sushi, bbq’s picnic’s, more photoshoots. Coffee shops and sitting outside in the sun is my idea of perfection.
SRHMA:
Talk me through the process of taking a photoshoot.
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!
SRHMA:
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
SRHMA:
When it comes to beauty, how involved are you?
XT:
I don’t go crazy with makeup. I am a skincare maximalist though.
SRHMA:
Talk to me about it!
XT:
In my lifetime I’ve spent so much! I started when I was 13 years old. In the morning, I don’t wash my face because it’s not that gross, I use a cleansing water. I have combination skin so I also use a toner, and layer it twice or three times. Then I use a vitamin drop for my cheeks, because they’re quite dry. Finally, I then use moisturiser and sunscreen.
SRHMA:
Do you switch it up in the afternoon?
XT:
I don’t do anything 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
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
If you had to leave immediately, what would be your outfit of choice?
XT:
Maybe just sweatshirt and jeans!
SRHMA:
An hour? Does the outfit change?
XT:
Depends on where we’re going and what time. But I would say Jeans, tank top, with a cute jacket or cardigan.
SRHMA:
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.
SRHMA:
Have you got any new top tier products since lockdown that you would absolutely swear by?
XT:
The Chemical Exfoliant by Paula’s Choice. Also this Korean brand, I’ve been really into lately. It’s somewhat expensive, but I’m trying it to see what the hype is about.
SRHMA:
What are your essentials for a day out?
XT:
Phone; wallet; lip balm; lip stick, and hand sanitiser. I also need sunglasses for when I drive.
SRHMA:
What would you recommend to people who are badly affected by social distancing?
XT:
I’ve been feeling lonely too, so I would recommend podcasts, for human noise in the background. Sometimes the conversations are entertaining.
SRHMA:
Where do you hope your style journey takes you?
XT:
I really want to be more sustainable. Sometimes I turnover my clothes really quickly, which is bad because I end up wasting my money.
Xenia
Xenia is one of our favourite rising style bloggers on our Editor in Chief’s radar. 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 told such as rollers and gua-shas. We hope to feature Xenia on the brand in the future!
