If you’re anything like us, you’ll have a whole host of girl crushes that you follow on Instagram, checking in with them daily for some fresh outfit inspo, holiday envy or #latteart. Recently we’ve had our eye on four women in particular, who are all bossing life when it comes to careers, style and individuality; essentially what MyBag is all about. We’ve made these four (Tabby, Irena, Sophie and Abbie) our Style Insiders, so expect to see a lot more from them over the next couple of months. We sat down with them all and asked them the same 15 questions to discover more about their style, celebrity crushes and their, er, unusual party tricks.
Based in London, lifestyle and adventure blogger Tabby gives us serious fitness and travelling inspiration through her Instagram (she just ran up the Dolomites – yup, no biggie).
Who’s your style icon?
Alexa Chung. I’ve been trying to replicate her hairstyle for years. I honestly believe once I have the hair down, my outfits will just magically look more on trend.
What are your handbag staples?
I always carry a notebook and pen – no amount of technology will beat scribbling away on the tube when an idea hits you…or you need to write a shopping list.
Tissues, lipstick and anti-bacterial gel.
Do you have any style mantras?
I’ve always been told that once you’ve got dressed, check yourself and take off one accessory. Keep it simple.
Favourite piece from your wardrobe?
My Timberland boots in winter and Birkenstocks in summer. I like wearing masculine footwear with feminine outfits.
Three things you’ll never leave the house without?
I always wear my rings, charm bracelet and watch whether I’m just nipping to the shops or out for the day. My arms don’t feel right without them!
Celebrity crush?
Charlie Hunnam – all those Harleys in Sons of Anarchy just did something to me.
Dream holiday destination?
Camping in Yosemite National Park spending my days hiking, climbing, gorge walking, swimming in lakes with a cheeky bit of trail running thrown in.
Health and fitness tips?
Balanced lifestyle. Have a Nando’s but get some exercise in and drink TONNES of water.
Three things on your bucket list?
Big dreams would be to cycle across India, Everest base camp and hike Machu Picchu.
Short term goals for me are to run a marathon, run an ultra and run an ultra-trail. I like to run.
Drink of choice?
Aeprol Spritz, and don’t forget the olive!
Best place to visit in your home town?
I’m from York which is a beautiful historic city; my favourite thing to do is to wander the city walls.
Biggest fashion fail?
How long have you got? I think my baby pink velvet corduroy flares were a particular low point…
If you had to go back to a fashion era, which one?
1920s. The glamour and fun of flapper fashion has always been my favourite.
Who are your ultimate party guests?
The first thing that popped into my head was dogs. Can I have a party that’s just me in a room full of dogs please?
Any party tricks?
I can make a drink disappear in 30 seconds if I’ve had a bad day?
Ukraine born and Manchester-based, Irena has a knack for mixing up colours, prints and textures, giving us maximalist fashion at its best. Follow her on Instagram here.
Who’s your style icon?
Anna Dello Russo.
What are your handbag staples?
Lipstick, sunglasses, power bank.
Do you have any style mantras?
My all-time favourite style mantra is: “Dress For Yourself” and only for yourself first!
Favourite piece from your wardrobe?
Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag from MyBag.
Three things you’ll never leave the house without?
Phone, bottle of water, jewellery.
Celebrity crush?
Female: Fearne Cotton. Male: Cillian Murphy.
Dream holiday destination?
Cuba.
Health and fitness tips?
Drink lots of water and never skip breakfast.
Three things on your bucket list?
- Invest in a Chanel 2.55 bag
- Travel as much as possible
- Attend Milan & Paris Fashion Weeks
Drink of choice?
Aperol Spritz.
Best place to visit in your home town?
The John Rylands library.
Biggest fashion fail?
Hight waisted disco pants.
If you had to go back to a fashion era, which one would it be?
Definitely the ‘80s.
Who are your ultimate party guests?
Vivienne Westwood, Debbie Harry, Alison Goldfrapp, Roisin Murphy.
Any party tricks?
Swallowing a piece of butter before going to a party to not get drunk too quickly!
Juggling a full-time job in fashion PR alongside her fashion, lifestyle and travel blog, Sophie is constantly showing us how to look effortlessly stylish while leading a busy lifestyle. Follow Sophie on Instagram here.
Who’s your style icon?
Hmmm I’d definitely say I look to other bloggers for style inspo instead of the celeb world. My go-to queens when I’m feeling a little low on outfit ideas are; Haute Pursuit, Feral Creature and Chloe Helen Miles.
What are your handbag staples?
I’ll never be anywhere without my Mac Spice Lipliner and Velvet Teddy lippy.
Do you have any style mantras?
Just be yourself. I’m a Director of a fashion and beauty PR agency so as much as I need to look ‘smart’ comfort always comes in to it for me. I don’t do fitted pieces, unless it’s matched with an oversized masculine shape. I probably wear sneakers 95% of the time as well!
Favourite piece from your wardrobe?
Hmmm I’m loving my Adidas Prime Knits at the moment, they aren’t like anything else I’ve got. My Misomma Marble Necklace from my latest MyBag collab is always seen hanging round my neck – it’s the perfect combo of a minimal accessory that still speaks volumes.
Three things you’ll never leave the house without?
My phone, watch and my Olympus Pen – you never know what will catch your eye on your daily route.
Celebrity crush?
Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro – I use to have posters of him on my wall at uni (such a geek haha).
Dream holiday destination?
As much as I’d love to say Bali, I’m a city girl at heart! Get me on a flight to NYC.
Health and fitness tips?
Eating well and training isn’t for everyone. But what you fuel your body with will benefit you in the long run. It’s all about balance.
Three things on your bucket list?
Helicopter ride, see the Northern Lights, sit FROW at an established show at LFW.
Drink of choice?
Gin and tonic with fresh cucumber all day!
Best place to visit in your home town?
Manchester Art Gallery. I love spending my days at one of the new exhibitions or pottering around the Northern Quarter…if you’re heading to Manchester, you should check out Porter & Cole. It’s a new concept coffee house that serves the BEST Almond Milk Latte!
Biggest fashion fail?
Trying to follow the trends rather than sticking to my own style. When I first started blogging, about four years ago, I found myself buying items just because I saw others wearing them. But what I’ve learnt now is, you can appreciate a trend but you don’t need to buy from it. Stick to your style. It’ll get you so much further.
If you had to go back to a fashion era, which one would it be?
Hmm I’d probably say the ‘90s, those Kappa tracksuits and high pony tails were major!
Who are your ultimate party guests?
Sarah Jessica Parker – she’s just so sassy.
Any party tricks?
Hmmm I can make this weird duck noise with my hands – sounds super creepy but honestly if you heard it you’d automatically try doing it yourself haha.
Liverpool-based Abigail knows how to make a vintage-inspired look completely contemporary. A recent graduate, follow her blog and on Instagram as she navigates life post-university.
Who’s your style icon?
I love Alexa Chung’s style, mostly because it’s like toddler chic, but she pulls it off. I also love Jane Birkin as she dresses so effortlessly but just looks so cool, I’m all about those “Girl Next Door” vibes.
What are your handbag staples?
I love a good cross body bag, they’re just so easy to chuck on and go! I’ve also been loving basket bags during the summer, even though I constantly look as though I’m going on a picnic, they’re just so cute and make me feel like the Parisian lady I wished I was!
Do you have any style mantras?
My style mantra is probably to always try new things, but don’t just wear something because it’s a trend!
Favourite piece from your wardrobe?
My favourite item in my wardrobe right now is probably a relaxed leopard print blazer/jacket from & Other Stories, although it’s a bit of a statement, I can wear it with jeans and a t-shirt and it just jazzes everything up a little bit.
Three things you’ll never leave the house without?
My phone, my purse and some sort of handbag snack (I’m always hungry).
Celebrity crush?
Harry Styles. Can’t help myself…
Dream holiday destination?
New York, which I’m going to very soon yay! Or I’d love to go to Jamaica or Bali, somewhere tropical, even though I’m a city break girl at heart.
Health and fitness tips?
Drink loads of water and just try and add exercise into your daily routine. Nobody really likes the gym, but the feeling you get afterwards is worth it, so that’s what I always tell myself!
Three things on your bucket list?
I’d love to go travelling or on a safari, so I could see animals in their natural habitat. I’d love to live in New York for a year or two and I’d love to have my own business, not too sure what kind of business, perhaps a sort of plant shop/florist mixed with cool homeware items.
Drink of choice?
Can’t go wrong with a Gin & Tonic or a cup of tea, can you?
Best place to visit in your home town?
I love Bold Street in Liverpool, as it’s filled with exciting independent cafes and restaurants. I also love Sefton Park, because it’s beautiful and The Albert Docks steals a piece of my heart every time I see it!
Biggest fashion fail?
I used to be obsessed with vintage clothing, I’d buy things too big and try and cut them up and make them work, but they just looked awful!
If you had to go back to a fashion era, which one would it be?
I would go to the ‘60s or ‘70s in a heartbeat. I love the colours, the fabrics and of course, the music!
Who are your ultimate party guests?
David Bowie because he’s my idol, Harry Styles because I’d just want to stare at him and Stevie Nicks because, well, she’s Stevie Nicks.
Any party tricks?
I can do the worm, however most of the time it results in me hitting my face on the floor!
