Insider Style Tips with @e.s.j.a.y
Ever wanted to peek inside the brain of a content creator? Meet Sarah, otherwise known as @e.s.j.a.y on Instagram. She's a stylist, content powerhouse, and curator of the most aesthetic IG feed you'll ever lay eyes on.
Q. Ok, you really do seem to have the DREAM job creating amazing imagery for brands. What's the best bit?
A. I love being able to constantly be creative. Insta is ever-changing and it’s a challenging and fun way to continue growing my skills and be a part of what is now the forefront of the fashion industry.
Q. How did you get your start in the world of content creation and if you weren't doing this, what do you think you'd be doing??
A. I have always loved sharing images of my design work and curating feeds on instagram. I started “blogging” when I was at uni, documenting outfits I’d made, worn etc. Feed curation has always been something I have done since the start of my Instagram in 2011.
However, it was about 4 years ago that brands started to find me and I started to collaborate and create as another creative outlet.
These days, it's still my side job - I'm a full time stylist and content creator for an Australian fashion brand. But if I wasn’t doing that, I would imagine I'd still be in the creative field, either exploring my skills as a designer or styling.
Q. We love your online store, ionamaclean.com. When did you first start thinking that the world of e-commerce was something you wanted to explore?
A. Thank you! I just had the lightbulb moment one night to combine my love of content creation, op shopping, and styling to create an online vintage store. I wanted to make vintage easily accessible for people who did not have the time or the eye for op shopping but wanted to support recycled fashion. I knew nothing about business or e-commerce, so had to learn that along the way but thankfully Squarespace does a lot of the heavy lifting and it was much easier than I thought to start a website!
Q. The outfits you wear on IG are clearly on point, always. Will we ever catch you binging Netflix in your trackies, or is an A+ fashion game just part of your daily routine?
A. I love a cosy outfit as much as the next girl but I must say, I have gorgeous loungewear. Style for me is a way of elevating my mood and keeping me creative and inspired, so I prefer to dress up - if I’m dressing for comfort, it’s still reasonably polished.
Q. Ok, we're ready for some tips. Tell us: what staple pieces are absolutely essential to have in one's wardrobe for effortless, everyday style that we won't regret in five years time (we're looking at you, Jellies sandals)?
A. I love an oversized blazer - that for me is definitely a staple. Also, a well-cut slip dress with a V neckline.
For me, anything that is super versatile and can be styled with statement accessories or layered to create new looks is a staple. You want something you can wear a thousand times and still love because of its quality and versatility.
Q. Just for funsies, what era of fashion do you hope NEVER returns? We're currently in the midst of an early 2000's revival - surely it can't get any scarier.... can it?
Oh, it’s scary times we live in. No way did I ever think the 2000’s would make a comeback. The two strands of hair at the front and stick-back pony with a denim skirt over tights were not something that ever needed to resurface.
But in saying that, there's something beautiful about the past for me. Most eras have some beautiful takes on fashion and I actually love seeing things recirculate (with fresh twists of course).
Q. What's your go-to when it comes to jewellery? Are you a hoops kind of gal or a lover of necklaces?
A. I love necklaces. I always have a small stack of earrings on my lobes, but I prefer my neck to be the focal point. And hands; I love a good ring stack.
Q. If you had to suggest an ALIX YANG piece that you could wear all day, erry day, which piece would it be?
A. I love the new collection of rings; these just go with everything, they are classic, elegant and edgy at the same time; my absolute go-to.
Q. What's your go-to when it comes to jewellery? Are you a hoops kind of gal or a lover of necklaces?
A. I love necklaces. I always have a small stack of earrings on my lobes, but I prefer my neck to be the focal point. And hands; I love a good ring stack.
Q. If you had to suggest an ALIX YANG piece that you could wear all day, erry day, which piece would it be?
A. I love the new collection of rings; these just go with everything, they are classic, elegant and edgy at the same time; my absolute go-to.
SHOP INGRID RINGS
Get inspired by Sarah over at @e.s.j.a.y