A Cool Influencer Chats Current Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Favourites
@SAMREID___
FASHION
The Investment Brands
My favourite brands include The Row, Totême, Day Birger et Mikkelsen and La Collection – all of them are chic, elegant and minimal, which is very much the aesthetic I gravitate towards. Nothing too fussy or overdone – just amazing fabrics and simple design.
The Style Rule
I aim for everything I wear to be chic, minimal and simple. While I do like the odd trend here and there, I very much stay true to myself, which is a slightly more masculine look, but with a softer edge.
The Style Secret
Confidence is my best bit of style advice. My style has developed a lot over the years – mainly after becoming a mum. Running around after three kids, it’s harder to wear some of the things I used to. My style has therefore become a little more comfortable. I also think I’m more confident in myself as I age and I’m definitely much more at ease with my body.
@SAMREID___
The Last Buy
My last high-fashion purchase was a couple of items from Raey – another brand I love. I bought the Drop Organic Baggy Jeans and the Sheer Rib Cashmere Knit. I’ve worn them together with trainers or kitten heels, and while they were an investment, I do feel amazing in them – so the cost per wear will probably be worth it. I also bought the Nashville black boots from Russell & Bromley in the sale. I had been eyeing them up for months and finally nabbed them at half price.
The Outfit Formula
Generally speaking, it’s jeans and a good knit. I also love dipping into the men’s section at COS for a fisherman knit teamed with a pair of baggy men’s jeans from H&M. I’d then add a cashmere coat to feel properly put together.
The High-Street Favourites
My Massimo Dutti basket is filling up! I bought a brown leather bowling bag last month and have loved wearing it. I also go straight to COS and ARKET for my basics. They have my style down to a tee and have great price points and good quality fabrics, too – which is exactly what you want when it comes to hardworking basics.
@SAMREID___
The Cool Finds
It’s not that under the radar anymore, but I love St. Agni – especially for my spring/summer wardrobe. Again, it’s all so simple. I’m also enjoying the new Aligne collection. The Daphne blazer Polly Sayer wore at Copenhagen Fashion Week with a grey rollneck underneath looked amazing.
The Trend
I’m really into the minimal 90s vibe. I did it all the first time around and am thrilled it’s come back. I probably should have kept some pieces from that time! I’m also into the idea of bringing back leggings. I wore some last year with my Balla flats from Dear Frances (also one of my favourite 2023 purchases) with an oversized shirt and loved it. That whole look is so elegant.
The Outerwear
While it’s hard to choose just one piece, I was lucky enough to be gifted the most perfectly checked cashmere coat from Joseph. I wouldn't normally go for a bright colour or a pattern but it’s absolutely stunning. I also treated myself to two amazing coats from H&M before Christmas. A dark grey oversized double-breasted style and another amazing Raey dupe which is absolutely stunning.
The Shopping Destinations
For IRL shopping, I love Liberty. Even if it’s only window shopping, the whole experience is just amazing. The building is steeped in history and it carries a great selection of brands. Online, it’s either NET-A-PORTER or MATCHES. Instant delivery and all those beautiful pieces at the tap of a button? Ideal.
@SAMREID___
The Accessories
The last pair of sunglasses I bought were from the COS x Linda Farrow collab, but I’m on the hunt for some vintage ones this summer. I’m liking the idea of something with a small, silver frame. I’m pretty minimal with my other accessories and definitely take a less is more approach. As a result, I don’t tend to spend too much on jewellery. I did buy an ARKET silver ball necklace and have worn it a lot more than I thought I would. Elsewhere, I only have a few key bags in my wardrobe – don’t underestimate the power of a simple, modern bag.
The Style Resolution
While I don't like to follow too many rules, I trained myself years ago not to spend money on a whim. My main aim is to buy clothes with thought – to really think about how and when the items will be worn. Plus, we’ve heard it a million times, but investing in those core pieces is so valuable. I’m also trying not to feel pressured into hopping onto trends just because I see lots of influencers wearing it. I think we can all get caught up in that.
The Footwear
I am definitely getting myself a good pair of black ballet flats this season – probably another pair of Balla flats from Dear Frances. I find they’re such a great alternative to sandals. I’m also loving my Nashvilles, so I can see myself wearing those a lot more. Also, loafers – again another classic – with woolly socks now and then without in the spring. The Row’s loafers are always on my mind...
@SAMREID___
@SAMREID___
The Event Hero
A silk slip dress will always be a go-to for a special occasion. They’re super elegant and comfortable. I have a couple from St Agni and one from Marle, a New Zealand brand. I’d wear it with my barely there Zara black kitten heels and my Frankie Shop black Bea blazer – plus, the most gorgeous gold chain link earrings from YSSO.
The Colour
I love little pops of red and have been seeing it styled really well this season – especially with grey. It doesn’t have to be your clothes, either – I’ve seen everything from a simple red nail to a beanie or a gorgeous, oversized scarf. While my usual vibe leans towards neutrals, I recently wore taupe trousers with a yellow mohair knit – rather than cream or black. Adding a little colour can freshen up your usual combos, so it’s definitely something I will be embracing more over the coming season.
The Fashion Follows
Brittany Bathgate can put an outfit together without any effort; I would definitely look to her for daily inspiration. Alexis Foreman for exactly the same reason – but also, she inspires me to push the boundaries with my style. I tried the balaclava trend this year after seeing her wearing a gorgeous By Malene Birger one. Finally, Neelam Gill has the most amazing wardrobe.
@SAMREID___
BEAUTY
The Essentials
I apply the same ethos to my beauty routine as I do my wardrobe. I’ve struggled with breakouts in the past, so I actually went to see Dr Sam Bunting a few years back. She advised me to strip everything back to basics. Now, I use her cleanser and moisturiser. I’ve also been introduced to EviDenS de Beauté in the last year and its seven-minute moisture lift mask and cream mask are both absolute treats. Another essential for me is self-tan. I don’t like to look too ‘done’ but I love a natural tint of colour. In the winter, I use the Tan Luxe Gradual tan, and in the summer it’s Jimmy Coco Sunless.
The New Discoveries
I have just started using Merit's Minimalist stick and the Bronze balm, which I’m absolutely loving. I’m hoping to try the Flush Balm next. Elsewhere, a budget brand I’m loving is Lanolips. I really struggle with dry lips, so I’ve had this within reach at all times.
The Fragrance
I’m loving Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple. It has such warming undertones including notes on sandalwood, cedar wood and Moroccan neroli. It’s deep, woody and quite masculine, which I love.
@SAMREID___
TRAVEL & CULTURE
The Next Trip
For the last two years, we’ve been going to a Greek island for our summer holiday, which I have loved – so we’ll likely be going back there again this year. It will very much involve lying by the pool and just enjoying each other without the day-to-day dramas of life. We do try to chill out and recharge. We’ve also been talking about Croatia or Hungary.
The Staycation
We always go back to Cowley Manor. It’s such a stunning place and has recently been renovated. We got married there 13 years ago and have made it a tradition to go back every year for our anniversary. It’s an absolute treat; 24 hours of bliss.
The Dream Saturday
On a Saturday night, I’d much rather be at home with the family watching a movie in my PJs – but I’d happily go for a nice meal out too. Outfit wise, I’d wear a lovely, oversized knit or shirt, some silk PJ style trousers (the ARKET ones are amazing) and perhaps my COS kitten heels.
The Restaurant
We love a family curry and a favourite is Bhoomi Kitchen. I love the Thali which is a mixture of smaller dishes. I always order the Marsala mojito and definitely have more than one! They are delicious.
@SAMREID___
The At-Home Dinner
Trying to find a meal that five people will like is really hard, but we all love a good roast. I would say my lamb ragu with homemade pappardelle is also a winner. It’s actually a Nigella recipe but I make the pasta myself, too. I try to make as much as I can from scratch, so all our ingredients are fresh. In terms of a guilty pleasure snack, it has to be either beans on toast or pulled pork gyoza ramen.
The TV
I’ve just finished watching the second series of Reacher. I love a good Scandi drama too, and The Chestnut Man has been my favourite so far. I also loved The Offer – which is all about the making of The Godfather movies. The sets and wardrobe were amazing.
The Music
My husband is very into music, so I listen to lots of his favourites. My father-in-law was in a trad jazz band in the 50s and 60s, so we listen to a lot of that too. However, I’m a 90s raver at heart and still very much love listening to what I used to dance to all those years ago. House is probably my favourite genre. In terms of the more modern stuff, I’ve always loved Phoenix and have seen them live a few times.
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@SAMREID___
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