London-based fashion influencer Claire Channelle’s innate sense of style is all about investing in those key capsule pieces.
A self-confessed lover of all things luxury, she’s mastered the art of trans-seasonal styling with a considered capsule edit of wardrobe classics – the finer details are crucial, FYI. Here, we catch-up with the British blogger about her penchant for premium accessories, love for luxury layers and the must-have pieces for dressing on low-key days.
1. How would you describe your style in three words?
'London. Scruffy. Girly-tomboy.'
2. Before blogging and vlogging, did you always love fashion and what made you want to be a part of the industry?
'Working in the fashion industry was all I ever wanted to do. It would be the same thing to compare how a popstar would say they always wanted to be a singer. I always knew I wanted to be a stylist. I was always eager to be behind the scenes. Having said that, being a blogger is quite the opposite. There was no other avenue for me, it just felt natural. I knew I wanted to achieve big things and I was prepared to work and compete to get there. I also knew that I wanted to build a business/empire and not just dress people. I love how my styling career evolved from styling, to being a Harrods personal shopping assistant to becoming a global influencer. I still see myself as personal shopper, but now with a much bigger electronic client list!'
3. What are your favourite items to wear for a weekday look? How do you enhance your looks for the evening?
'I am a tomboy at heart, I always have been. I love to wear basics; jeans and a baggy tee or maybe a men’s crisp shirt; I have to admit, I'm a total jacket obsessive. I would actually always prefer to be underdressed than overdressed. In the evening I would change a basic leather jacket or blazer for one of my vintage beaded jackets. I would also swap a pair of sneakers or biker boots for a pair of over-the-knee or ankle boots. Being such a tomboy, I always make sure that my nails and hair look good to add a little bit of glamour to the proceedings.'
4. Do you think it’s important to complete outfits by wearing jewellery and accessories?
'Accessories are everything. Accessories can transform a basic outfit into something striking, and in my opinion, it’s always the most eye-catching part of any outfit. You could give two girls a white tee and blue jeans but let them loose on accessories and they will look totally different! Accessories are what give my outfits personality. Not to mention that accessories can hop from outfit to outfit and last a life time. I like jewellery in particular and believe that it can transform any outfit into something dramatic and special.'
5. How long did it take you to build your extensive designer wardrobe?
'Half of my life time. I have been buying luxury products since I was 14. I would miss out on girls holidays to Ibiza because I would prefer a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes or a luxury leather jacket. I have always believed in working hard to buy what you want and then investing your money wisely into classic pieces. Then there is the “COST PER WEAR” rule. If a Balmain jacket cost me £1250, I know I will wear this at least once a week for a year. The jacket is basically costing me £104. I remind myself of this rule each time I make a new purchase. I am still adding to my wardrobe and now expanding into my beauty room.'
6. What basic pieces do you think should be in everyone’s wardrobe?
'I really do believe everyone needs a good tailored jacket and a leather jacket. Balmain is the King when it comes to jackets. Both can be worn so many different ways, all year round, day to night. As long as you have these two items and a fabulous handbag you cannot go wrong. I always make sure I have these three things. I prioritize these items when I am shopping and invest my money wisely into these three basics.'
7. We know you love Chanel handbags. What other designer bag brands do you think are worth investing in at the moment?
'Currently I'm in love with DIOR bags. I have always loved Christian Dior but it’s always been a little bit too feminine for me. However, the brand has recently expanded into a more masculine and edgy look thanks to the Diorama and the Diorever handbags which I love. I also adore Hermes. Hermes is a label that took me quite a while to get my head around but after buying two Kelly bags in one week (this is a habit of mine, buying similar things in one week) I would say I am a fully fledged Hermes lover now. The Hermes life is an addictive one.'
8. Do you restrict yourself to wearing your designer items only for special occasions or do you like to dress well every day?
'No never. I am spending my money on these pieces so that they need to be worn and lived in. Do not buy expensive things and be too scared to wear them, where is the joy in that? With my job as a full-time blogger, I am always shooting, always working and always meeting people, so for me it’s a part of my job to experiment and showcase with clothes. I also feel that when you get used to wearing “special” pieces you really do start to appreciate the quality of them. I appreciate how the high-end fabric feels, how the cut of the garments fits and how it makes me feel. I buy into luxury not just because of the brand but also because of the craftsmanship. An important factor to mention is that my style is scruffy; I am a tomboy and I always want to be comfortable. This means my style isn’t too extravagant or too special.
9. What is the most exciting designer purchase you’ve ever made and why?
'I recently bought my dream; a HERMES KELLY. The day I first used it, it made me feel so fabulous. This bag represents an absolute peak in my career and filled me with a sense of achievement as soon as I purchased it.'