Find out why we want to join her private shopping WhatsApp group…
Who: Samantha Francis
Age: 26
Nationality: Dutch
Profession: Fashion Stylist/Set Designer/Blogger
When we say Samantha’s energy is contagious, it’s no exaggeration. Her enthusiasm for fashion, art and life in general, mixed with a genuine, open Dutch spirit means she’s a girl’s girl that you can’t help but want to be friends with. Her work hard, play hard ethic explains her three (yes, three) current job titles; fashion stylist, set designer and blogger all of which she documents through her brilliantly-curated Instagram.
With the above in mind, as well as her role as a self-proclaimed sales shopping expert, a raid of her home and closet was long overdue.
MY BEAUTY SECRET:
“Good style is when it’s genuine. Don’t try too hard, I’m a big fan of the effortless look. Do everything with confidence; I find it hard to explain but there’s something so attractive and stylish about a woman who dresses with confidence.”
BARGAIN HUNTER:
“I must admit, when it comes to bargains, I am the expert. I love strolling around vintage markets when I’m home in Holland and picking up one-off pieces. A trip to the outlet mall is a regular date in my diary, but my biggest weakness is staff and private sales. I know – and visit – all of them and I’m usually the first in line too. I even started a WhatsApp group called ‘Sales Whisperers’ with my fellow Dubai fashion girls; it’s the best way to give each other insider info on the best private sales going on in the city.”
STYLE ICONS:
“My wardrobe is built around quality designer key pieces, like this Dolce & Gabbana jacket, that have no expiry date – shirts, skirts, jeans and jackets; most of them bought from my go-to store, Harvey Nichols-Dubai.
“I look to fashion editors, stylists and bloggers for style inspiration; my list includes Miroslava Duma, Giovanna Battaglia, Stella McCartney, Erica Pelosini, Natasha Goldenberg, Hanneli Mustaparta, Sarah Harris, Gala Gonzalez and my absolute favourite – Victoria Beckham.”
TREASURED PIECES:
“My collection of Bulgari bags and my Stella McCartney bomber jacket were the items that had been on my wish-list for as long as I can remember and I saved for a long time to finally get my hands on them. Nothing feels better than owning a long-wanted piece!”
UNIFORM OF CHOICE:
“It’s hard to pick a uniform of choice as my style changes like the weather. Currently I’m in love with 60s and 70s A-line skirts worn with a turtleneck top or a shirt. My staple daytime shoes are my best buy ever; a pair of embellished Marni sandals, and my go-to evening shoes are my strappy Gianvito Rossi heels.”
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN:
“A collection of great quality shirts (preferably crisp white and pinstriped), a pile of white T-shirts in every shape, fabric and size, and a pair of ‘comfy’ killer heels.”
BEST FASHION ADVICE:
“My mother always taught me to leave the house in the best possible way; fully dressed with my hair and make-up done. How I dress is very important to me, I like to make an effort and I enjoy getting dressed in the morning. I also think it’s crucial to wear the right clothes and size for your body – if something doesn’t fit right, I head straight to my tailor in Al Barsha.”
