Your Personal Shopper Loves… Faustine Shares Her Must-Have Buys
Get to know the tastes and styling tips of NET-A-PORTER’s Personal Shoppers as they reveal what’s on their Wish List this season – and how they will be wearing their picks. Here, Faustine, who is based in London, divulges her most-wanted pieces and why she loves them
“I’ve always been in awe of my mom’s sense of style. Often, she’d dress up and put on perfume to walk by the beach near where I grew up, in a small coastal town in France; whenever it was cold and windy, she would wear a very thick coat holding her collar close to her neck. Even today, that is my vision of style – it enables you to stand tall and thrive against bad weather, or when life gets difficult; coats and blazers have become my go-to pieces.
“Watching her get ready every morning, I would stand and wait, ready to help her pick out her shoes – it’s what initially got me excited about fashion. I love how versatile fashion can be; how an outfit can change according to your mood and how you style it. But it was only after moving to London and getting my first serious job that I realized how fashion could empower me and others.
“I learned the importance of comfort early on. Before joining NET-A-PORTER, I was working as a personal shopper in the city, and I would be on my feet all day, running around making purchases in boutiques – I quickly realized heels were not an option. Over time, I’ve learned how to look polished but stay true to my own sense of style; practicality for me is key and I need my clothes to allow me to move around freely.
“I live in an area of London that’s surrounded by water, which has been an inspiration for me. I wear rain boots to wander around the marshes, and in the evenings after work I wander along the canal wearing a maxi skirt and a quilted jacket. If I’m going out, I’ll elevate it by switching the boots for a pair of heels and put on a little makeup – I never like to overdo it.
“Some of my clients are very bold in their style and don’t shy away from wearing color-block sets and joyful accessories. Often, they’ll ask for the most colorful purse selection to complement a feather dress, and it makes me want to be braver with my fashion choices and do the same.
“I love being at the forefront of fashion trends. It’s fascinating to see what’s coming next, to anticipate what people want to see and wear. Introducing my clients to new brands and designers that they might not have heard of excites me. I love showing them something I know they can’t miss out on; they trust me for special occasions, or when they just don’t have time to browse. Shopping online gives you the opportunity to see and discover more, and I enjoy the opportunity to broaden my client’s fashion spectrum to show them something truly new.”
A white shirt
“You can’t go wrong with a plain white T-shirt or a button-up shirt, which goes with everything and is so easy to layer. This crisp shirt by Loro Piana, which is my favorite brand, would be perfect with a pair of flared linen pants for warm evenings.”
Fine jewelry
“I used to be more of an impulse shopper for myself, but now I enjoy taking the time to look for a piece I have in mind – I won’t buy anything until I’ve found my gem. Buying jewelry feels like a way to shop with more longevity. I love stackable rings and necklaces from By Pariah and Gigi Clozeau, while bold black earrings from Sabbadini would enhance my day-to-day look; they’re timeless and I would pair them with a warm-brown blazer.”
An everyday tote
“I always have at least two large tote bags on repeat in my wardrobe, as in my day-to-day life I need to carry my laptop and a pair of sneakers, just in case I need them. I love Giuliva Heritage’s tote with the adjustable strap, which is so functional, and I’m also coveting Boyy’s signature ‘Bobby Co’ bag, which has just been released in tote size. I’m also in awe of the new Alaïa collection by Pieter Mulier – the suede lined with signature petal motifs is really special.”