Fashion editors Anna & Florrie are friends of four years, having met in the early stages of their careers. A shared passion for the finishing touches led Anna & Florrie to launching their successful accessories-focused blog, &Finally. We interviewed the duo to talk friendship, London and how to accessorise like a pro!
Tell us about &Finally – how did you come up with the idea behind the blog?
A: Aside from being accessories-obsessed, we both work with accessories in our day jobs on a constant basis, and we noticed that there wasn't a single online destination that we could turn to for inspiration, trends or news. It was actually Florrie's idea, initially, but when she came to me with it, I thought it was the most logical and genius thing I'd ever heard.
F: We felt that it was mad that there wasn't (to our knowledge) a platform that was totally devoted to accessories when so many people invest in bags, shoes and jewellery perhaps more so than they do clothes. So &FINALLY was born. We hope to grow it into a hub where people will automatically go to keep up-to-date on all things accessory related!
What comes first – the outfit or the accessories?
A: It really depends on my mood, but often I start from the shoes up: footwear can change the entire look and feel of an outfit, so it's a good place to start.
F: For me it can go both ways depending on what I'm most excited to wear that day. Then I'll work out the rest of the outfit round that initial piece.
Which is your metal of choice & why?
A: Yellow gold. I've grown up in an Italian family in which, traditionally, yellow gold gifts are given at every notable occasion - communions, birthdays, Saint's days - so it's in my blood. I dabbled with white gold for a while, but have gone back to yellow.
F: I love to mix metals but if I had to choose probably yellow gold.
Which RUIFIER character best portrays each other’s personality and why?
A: Florrie is the cheeky (pendant) - she's hilarious and mischievous, and we both are the opposite of serious, which is why we get on so well (and laugh a little too much.)
F: Anna would be the sassy bracelet because she's sass-tastic.
How would you best describe each other’s style? Do you have a favourite item from each other’s wardrobe’s?
A: Florrie is my boho counterpart: she loves a floaty chiffon dress, but always styles with an unexpected edge, which is what I think makes her sense of style special.
F: Anna's so clever a putting looks together and styling things in an unexpected way that always looks so cool. I would say her style was glamorous with a kind street edge…if that makes sense? She's so good at mixing high and low and layering pieces.
Let’s talk London - what’s your favourite building in the city and why?
A: I find churches fascinating, and Southwark Cathedral is particularly beautiful. We have so many beautiful churches in London and they're all worth a visit.
F: There are too many I love being a Londoner born and bred, but at the moment I have a soft spot for the Shard. I live in London Bridge right by it and it towers, quite gracefully I think, over my flat. I love it when I can spot it from the other side of London and it feels like I can pin point home.
What is your most memorable memory of each other?
A: Writing our first &FINALLY media pack: we both have a penchant for being quite silly, which means that working together involves quite a lot of laughs.
F: When we first set up &FINALLY I remember we were both sitting in my kitchen and it was so exciting setting up the account and posting our very first post!
Which cocktail would you have a heart-to-heart over?
A: Watermelon martinis at Albert's, mainly because I've just discovered them. But knowing both of our loves for healthy foods, it would probably be over a matcha latte.
F: A margarita always!
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