Style Crush: Alexa Chung

While researching for this blog on Alexa Chung, I was astounded by the sheer number of links and images available relating to her.  She is one hot topic out there right now, having been picked up by the fashion radar and her star is rapidly rising.  British Vogue has picked up on this because in June this year she became a contributing editor.   


I like Alexa because what you see is what you get.  Her style is so accessible, a mix of girly and tomboy, understated and quirky.  She mixes designer, wardrobe staples and High street brands so effortlessly.  She comes across as this adorable, chic and sexy girl/woman.

She knows herself well and this shines through in her consistent choices which feature her favourites such as blazers, satchels, plaid, skirts and knee-high socks, brogues and the nautical theme which she admits to being obsessed with.    

Alexa is a British TV presenter living in New York and she can be seen on MTV in her show It's On with Alexa Chung. Previously she was working for Channel 4 in London working on shows like Gok's Fashion Fix where, apart from being a roving reporter, she also got to interview designers such as Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood.  Before being made a contributing editor of British Vogue in June this year she previously wrote for Company magazine and had a weekly newspaper column in The Independent.  

It's her subtle highlights that add to her over all look.  Giving her hand-me-down look a luxurious boost with a pair of killer heels.  Or wearing brogues with tights and a sexy designer dress.

She has featured on the covers of Elle and Harper's Bazaar in the past year and she has appeared at all the major catwalk shows - even appearing in the odd one for Vivienne Westwood at London Fashion Week.  

There's an effortless "I didn't really bother" vibe to everything Alexa wears and a laid-back London street chic infuses her entire wardrobe. 

Alexa says that she doesn't like to look over dressed or too neat.  

"On TV I wear dresses mostly. If I'm not wearing a dress, then I'm always wearing jeans and band T-shirts. I have doubles of everything because I keep buying the same thing. I have lots of cable-knit cardigans and a variety of blazers".

Alexa prefers to look like a boy rather than get all dressed up and look overtly girly, which is interesting because I think her look is actually very feminine, and not overtly boyish at all.  

"I never think I look that nice. I prefer it when I look like a boy to when I have to dress up like a girl."

Alexa is all about low-key, low-maintenance, no fuss.  She is not obsessed with designers or trends but does fall in love with particular items in her wardrobe.

"I usually just put on trousers and whatever I've been wearing in bed. My cupboards are ridiculous. I've got too many clothes and not enough space, so I forget what's at the back of my wardrobe and I end up wearing the same thing for months, while the rest gets pushed further and further back."

Dressed up by the team at Elle (top) and Harper's Bazaar.  

Whose style do you admire?

I'm kind of obsessed with the Olsen twins. I find them amazing because they look like little well-dressed animals.

What would you never wear?

Probably a unitard. And I don't like T-shirts that are cut for girls.

What's your grooming routine?

I'm definitely low maintenance, but I need liquid eyeliner with me at all times so I look more like a cat. Without makeup, I look about five.

Alexa likes to shop randomly, and by that I mean she is an accidental shopper.  Unintentionally picking up something for her wardrobe when not actually out shopping for clothes.  I have the same problem myself, which drives my husband nuts because I am forever window shopping, 

"My life is one ongoing shopping trip. I can always manage to find something to buy - if I'm in an airport, I'll buy one of those dog-breed bags or something. Yesterday I bought a hat. When I leave my house to get a coffee, I end up wandering into a nearby vintage shop and buying something I don't really need, or already have." 

Alexa has in the past had her own issues about her looks, but she doesn't feel that way now.  I think it's because she has learnt to be herself and it is herself that has gotten her where she is today.

"When I was young I wanted to be blond. I was gutted that I had dark hair. When I was modelling, I always wanted to look like another girl, because you were always being given reasons why you didn't get something, such as "If you were two inches taller ... " or, "If you were blond ... " but now that doesn't matter."

She's not a typical beauty, but she is beautiful. She doesn't dress conventionally, but I am inspired by her sense of style.  She is lucky, she gets to do what she loves working in two industries, tv and publishing, - amazing.  I wonder where she'll go to from here? 

Expect to be seeing a lot more of Alexa.

Ciao for now,

Hx

Sources: Garance Dorè, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29, Denimology, Zimbio, Listal.  If I've left anybody out, please forgive me.