Style Staring: Soraya Bakhtiar

Pictured left to right:Soraya Bakhtiar wears

Outfit 1: Skirt: Carven Shoes: Christian Louboutin Blazer: Zara Lace top: Zara Necklace : Zara Sunglasses: Thierry Lasry Bag: Celine

Outfit 2:

Skirt: Etoile by Isabel Marant Tank top: American Apparel Jacket: IRO Necklace: No brand Bracelet: Topshop Bag: Proenza Schouler extra large Boots: HTC

Outfit 3:

Jeans: Zara Top: T by Alexander Wang Denim shirt: Topshop Jacket: IRO Sunglasses: Illesteva Bag: Chanel Velvet sneakers: Jigsaw

Soraya Bakhtiar, who turns 23 this month, studied psychology, media communications and photography in her Swiss homeland of Geneva before setting up her very popular blog www.sorayabakhtiar.com.

Currently halfway through her masters degree in Fashion Journalism at the renowned London College of Fashion, she blogs about her experiences in London and internships at magazines like Tank and Elle.

Her love for fashion began from playing dress up with my mother’s Swarovski embellishment shoes that she called the “Cinderella” shoes. “I was about five years old and I remember trying them on everyday for several months hoping that they would fit me. True story.”

How would you describe your personal style?

French cool mixed with little rockstar bohemian touch. Whether I’m channelling a boyish trend or hippie chic, I always try to stay true to myself. One thing is sure is that I’m not a minimalist person.

Who or what inspires your look?

I get inspired by streetstyle, and I’m lucky to live in London for that. I also get inspired by magazines and blogs, and by icons like Olivia Palermo, Kate Moss, mixed with Audrey Hepburn’s sophistication.

In what ways does being from Switzerland influence your style?

Interesting question…. I think that my Swiss background gives me some kind of middleground in the way I dress, without becoming completely borderline with prints or accessories for instance. It keeps me focused. Switzerland is quite conservative, so I’d say that it brings to my outfit a little chic and refined touch.

Is there anything you would never wear and why?

I know that Peplum’s are a huge trend, but I don’t know why it just doesn’t click with me. Maybe I should give it a chance, never say never. But I’ll definitely NEVER wear Crocs!

What are your favourite current trends, why do you like them and how are you wearing them?

From this spring/summer I love the tie dye trend à la Isabel Marant. I like to wear it with a simple jumper and a statement jacket to edge it up. Or I’ve really been into tribal-ish prints paired with a blazer and a lace top, simple and chic. I’m really looking forward to experiment with the gothic/chic trend next autumn/winter, I’ll be wearing dark lips and lace, very Givenchy!

Name one go-to piece in your wardrobe and tell us why you love it?

It must be one of my IRO jackets. They are so easy to wear, it’s amazing how they transition from day to night (and throughout the seasons too). It’s probably the best investment ever!

Where are your favourite places to shop in Switzerland and where do you shop abroad?

In Geneva, I love to shop at L’adress (a restaurant/boutique concept), in StyleJunky whenever I’m in Cannes , 10 Corso Como in Milan and at Liberty’s in London.

What are your favourite fashion websites/blogs?

ManRepeller, StyleHeroine, Garance Dore, Refinery 29 and The Coveteur

What is the first thing you notice about someone else’s outfit?

I have a super power. I can tell where it’s from, I have a brand radar in my DNA I think.

What fashion rule do you never break?

There are no fashion rules for me, so I’m never breaking the rules…