The Groes Girls 009 // Flossie Strickland

Despite always knowing it was only really ever going to be Fashion I would go into, I didn’t have much of plan as to how I was going to end up there or what sector I wanted to work in. I juggled a few part-time jobs post university whilst also interning within the fashion sphere, being incredibly keen and saying yes to any opportunity that came my way in hope it would get me ‘in’. Eventually. and after a month-long unpaid internship at Matches Fashion, I was offered a job within the Editorial team working on email marketing. I was totally useless at it and knew my skillset was much better suited elsewhere but it got me to the place I needed to be (a leading multi brand e-tailer) and in front of the people I needed to impress.

My version of impressing back then mainly meant wearing my most meticulously planned outfits (always plotted out the night before) and treating the office like a fashion show. It was there I learnt about what the job of a stylist was and it really felt like a eureka moment when I left my role there to begin assisting stylists to learn their craft. It was a huge risk at the time and I was terrified to leave the security of a more traditional 9-5 job, but i’ve been so lucky to work with some fabulous women I admire who have helped guide me along the way! 

A freshly ironed shirt is my absolute go-to wardrobe hero and I feel like my best self in one. The Florence Shirt is a favourite. They work for all occasions and lend themselves to multiple styling opportunities. Jeans are also well worth the investment, and not just financially speaking but in the time it takes to find a great pair. I’ll forever be on the hunt for denim and i’ve made peace with that! And finally please invest in your sock collection as they wield much power and are so often sadly dismissed when getting dressed! A great sock ties an outfit together, whether that’s a bright daytime pair or something more sheer or decorative in the evening. 

The Indy jacket is the perfect fling on layer and I particularly feel put-together when pairing it with double denim in the daytime (it’s called a Canadian tuxedo for a reason!) In the evening I’ll be wearing her with a vest and some sheer trousers to really play on contrasts and will accessorise heavily with jewellery and a slinky pouch or embellished bag.

Accessories are story-telling pieces which can reveal so much about you. They may be picked up on your travels, vintage, high-street heroes or gifted to you by loved ones and I think the way you wear them should honour such tales! When it comes to jewellery, I love stacking old and new, pairing back special pieces or wearing everything together to create a cacophony of individualism. I completely reset each day and create a new accessory pairing with every outfit. It’s an area I have so much fun in and the pieces themselves are often conversation starters as they’re all found in unique and personal ways.

I think everyone should own a loud, eccentric and totally unique vintage bag that in theory shouldn’t go with much because it’s wildly patterned or ludicrously impractical, and yet somehow it goes with everything because the bag is the moment and brings you complete joy when worn!

I’d start early on Friday morning for market day at Portobello, before having a coffee at Golborne Deli. I’d then peruse Speciale for their fun striped shirting and incredible knitwear and pop by Rellik in hunt for some more vintage gems.  I recently found the most incredible long smoking jacket there and I can’t wait to wear it with a shirt and jeans for a special occasion. For a late lunch I’d head to Canteen for a taleggio flatbread, plate of pasta and glass of natural wine - the dream day!