This local trendsetter shares some of her shopping tips as we nose around her home…
Who: Clare Curran
Age: 30
Nationality: British
Profession: Public relations, senior account manager
“Pure black, more black, plus leather… in black, obviously,” are the words Clare used to describe her pre-Dubai wardrobe.
Since landing in the desert just over a year ago, we’ve been watching (OK stalking, via Instagram) the fashion and lifestyle account manager’s clean, minimal, gritty city style branch out into unexpected silhouettes and colour. We’ve even noticed a pattern or two.
“I’ve added a little flair,” she tells us. When we got wind of her better-than-Pinterest apartment – think Scandi-cool furniture mixed with a sweet LA vibe – we decided it was about time to invite ourselves over for a cup of tea (she doesn’t drink coffee) and a raid of her not-so-black wardrobe.
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“This Moschino Boutique shirt I’m wearing was a super steal from a 90 per cent off sample sale. I’m one for routing – I’m not one of those girls that shy away when there’s a jumbled sale rail – I’ll be on the floor picking up the samples that have been thrown to the ground.”
“I’m very lucky to have some very stylish and beautiful friends around me here in Dubai and back in the UK, all with different looks and unique style I love.”
“We don’t all live like Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone’s character in Clueless.) A girl can dream about the day when her laptop becomes her personal shopper, but until then it’s an OCD colour-coordinated wardrobe for me!”
MY STYLE:
“I’m a lover of clean lines and minimalism with a mix of femininity. That being said, fashion is fun and we shouldn’t be afraid to play with it.”
MY STYLE SECRET:
“My obsession with Zoe Karssen T-shirts borders on unhealthy. I’ve grown up in them so it’s only natural my rails are T heavy. You know when you find the perfect tee – great cut, falls beautifully, crisp white – and then you have to buy all of them in every colour and with all the slogans? That’s what I did and continue to do. They apply this simplicity to the rest of your wardrobe – from jeans to a pencil skirt to full on sequin-flared trousers.”
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BARGAIN HUNTER:
“I’m a huge online shopper so outnet.com for designer discounts is a must – I’ve bought so many amazing pieces from there. I also absolutely love Aussie labels so I’m mainly scouring birdcageboutique.com and fashionbunker.com; they’re both laid back and effortless.”
STYLE ICONS:
“Diane Kruger, she’s pure eye candy, slightly preppy and always ultra feminine. One minute she’s a glamour goddess, the next she’s stylishly boho.
“Bianca Jagger circa 1970s is another – she’s so necessary. What I would give to go back to disco heyday and Studio 54. I grew up on Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker and her Carrie Bradshaw character defined quirky elegance and taught me to have a little fun.”
TREASURED PIECES:
“My mum has always had a beautiful, classic sense of style that means she oozes chic. My favourite hand-me-downs have prize position in my wardrobe, from a classic leather Ralph Lauren belt to a wool and silk double breasted blazer. But, my most prized possession is my Stella McCartney wedding dress.”
SHOP STOP:
“I love collecting pieces from wherever I travel, whether it’s a postcard from a cool store in Barcelona that I take inspiration from, a handmade piece from Thailand, or an absolutely essential buy from Fred Segal in LA. Those pieces are the ones (you hope!) no one else has and makes up an outfit.”
UNIFORM OF CHOICE:
“On a casual work day, I love a well-fitted pencil skirt with a casual T-shirt. It’s all about the lead up, the preparation, the organisation and putting on something that makes you feel fabulous. If I’m tootling around with the hubby, then it’s whatever T-shirt he hasn’t put away… which is a chic statement in itself.”
CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL:
“I only buy what I love and what I think will make my life and wardrobe better.
“I also always organise my clothes going light to dark from left to right in my closet – the eye follows the colour and helps me choose what to wear. Call it OCD, but it saves time that can be better spent grabbing a cup of tea before work.”
BEST FASHION ADVICE:
“My mum always taught me to buy a full outfit, which hasn’t helped my bank account much – thanks for that mum – but it’s meant I’m always head-to-toe ready for the occasion. She also taught me to make the best of what you have, which I’m sure was a piece of advice from her mum. Highlight the best instead of obsessing over the worst – you’ll always feel the better for it.”
Styled by: Carmel Gill
Photographer: Farooq Salik
