Your Personal Shopper Loves… Ployphailin 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, Ployphailin, who works across Asia, divulges her most-wanted pieces and why she loves them
I’m half Korean and half Thai, and [I’ve lived in both countries], so growing up with an international background has been very influential. It exposed me to the world of fashion and beauty in different ways, especially K-pop, which is very focused on beauty. I’m also an only child and, when I was young, I spent a lot of time watching my mom dress up in her closet and makeup room, which left an impression on me.
I didn’t go to fashion school or have a traditional route into the industry. Every friend I knew was heading into finance, law and consulting – the types of careers my parents dreamed of for me – and I started my own career this way, too, but realized it wasn’t something I enjoyed. I wanted to do something I was passionate about.
Becoming a Personal Shopper at NET-A-PORTER aged 22 was the best decision I ever made. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and continues to excite me, plus I love the deep relationships I have developed with my clients. We go beyond just fashion and shopping; we talk and share tips about health, foods, family and so on. Sometimes they call me just to chat about life and the weather. They treat me like a friend, and vice versa.
There aren’t many prints or patterns inside my wardrobe, and if I like a specific design, I’ll buy it in every color. I fell in love with a jersey tank from Totême recently and bought it in white, black, beige and light blue. I love to wear things that are comfortable and easy – simple T-shirts and trousers that I dress up with accessories to elevate my look. I love buying investment pieces, but I’ve also learnt a good wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive. You just need to have an eye; to know when a piece will work for you.
Colorful jewelry
My daily outfits are quite effortless, so adding colorful jewelry elevates my overall look. Bea Bongiasca is my current favorite jewelry brand – her designs are modern and fun, and her pieces easily pair with my classic black-and-white looks. Most of my rings are rose gold, so adding a little pink to my collection would be complementary, but still look special.
Over-the-knee boots
The Hong Kong winters are very short, but a pair of long boots are an excellent thing to invest in. I recently bought a pair from Khaite and discovered they are perfect for every season. In spring, you can wear them with mini skirts, and in colder weather they’re an easy match with long coats and knee-length skirts. They’re so easy to style and the leather is incredibly soft.
A shoulder tote
If 2019 was the year of the mini bag, then 2022 is all about the medium-sized tote. Bags are essential for me, as I am always carrying two phones, my AirPods, lipsticks, a small perfume and sometimes my laptop, so my bags need to be big enough to fit everything in. I love this light-green version from The Row. It’s effortless and will add polish to any off-duty look.