Souri Sengdara is the founder of the Melbourne based womenswear Fabulous Femme, a blog about personal style, photography, travel and lifestyle. Free-spirited and inspirational, Souri brings to her blog everything she finds fabulous in life through her lenses.
Expect to see beautiful landscapes and effortless style, which can be seen through the carefully composed photos that she snaps of herself and beautiful sceneries in Melbourne and other parts of the world.
Suri loves motivational quotes and believe every woman deserves to feel fabulous every day. Through her blog, she aims to make one person smiles each day. Getting to know her, we strongly believe she has achieved this goal.
1. Can you tell us what Fabulous Femme is about? When did you start blogging?
'Fabulous Femme was created nearly four years ago. My intention with the blog was to inspire others to live a full life as well. People lose sight of what is needed to live a happy life. Keeping emphasis on what’s really important and living simply is what brings us the most joy. We travel regularly (internationally and locally) and do some really cool and fun things which doesn’t always have to cost a fortune. We value adventures over accumulating material goods and believe in continually giving to those in need. Positive thinking will get you anywhere you desire to be. These are just some things which Fabulous Femme wants to rub off onto others. Oh, and it’s a blog where I can express my passion for fashion as well. Being professional photographers has helped us create some amazing imagery for the blog, which makes it all that much more inspirational.'
2. In your blog you mention that Fashion is about how you feel in what you are wearing and not about trends. How would you describe your personal style?
'My personal style has evolved so much over since I took interest in fashion. It’s still very changeable. It’s all about feeling good in whatever I choose to wear over what is on trend at the moment. Keeping most of my wardrobe classic helps to keep my style on trend. I’ve tried going monochrome, but it gets a little dull at times. I do like to have fun with fashion at times! Shift dresses are the staples in my wardrobe. I love lace, pieces with texture and modern lines. There’s no great limits when it comes to my personal style, which means that I can let my mood dictate what I want to wear at a certain time. Well-made garments in quality fabrics is what I look for. Comfort is really important so I generally tend to favor something easy to throw on and wear.'
3. Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
'Don’t clash patterns and keep hemlines modest! Have one interesting piece in your ensemble which others will start a conversation on - it’s a great way to meet people at an event full of strangers. Most importantly, don’t be boring unless the event calls for it - like a funeral!'
4. What are your favourite designers?
'Australian designers are pretty awesome. I love designs by Toni Maticevski, Ellery, Zimmerman, Alex Perry, Lover the Label and Scanlan Theodore - just to name a few! Mary Katranzou, Peter Pilotto, Roksanda and Self Portrait are international labels which also make some beautiful stuff.'
5. Can you list your 5 fashion investments for 2017 and explain why they will be your must-have items this year?
'1. A fabulous white leather cross-body bag. They are so fresh and go with everything! Cross-body bags leave my hands free for the fun stuff - like champagne and nibbles! Marc Jacobs have an amazing little one which I have my eyes on.'
'2. An amazing lace dress - just because you can’t have enough of them! They’re also items which never date if you stick with black or neutrals. Great for those cocktail occasions or a race day. Let’s see what Self-Portrait brings out this year.'
'3. A floor-sweeping black gown, preferably from Toni Maticevski - just to have on hand for a black-tie event. If the black-tie events don’t happen, I’m going to swish around the house with it on. Every woman should have an amazing gown in her wardrobe. It will definitely be used for a photo shoot.'
'4. Chunky heeled, cross-over sandals. These things have been in fashion before and have re-emerged. They’re easy to slip on and the chunky heels offer a little more stability and won’t sink into the grass. The metallic ones look great but I’ve got my eyes on a monochrome pair from Pollini.'
'5. Aviator sunglasses. I don’t own a pair! They’re going to remain forever cool. Most days I’m in casual mode and aviators a just required to complete the look. There are so many different designs out there so it’s going to be a hard choice. I have a feeling the originals from Ray-Ban will be the top pick.'
6. How would you describe the fashion in Melbourne and what makes it unique?
'Melbourne is such a mash-up of fashion. It all depends on which part you are in. Unfortunately, most of Melbournians are in sportswear or super relaxed gear such as jeans and t-shirts.
Even in saying so, Melbournians know how to dress up a pair of jeans better than most places I’ve been to. Their choice of tops, shoes and accessories sets them apart from anywhere else! Melbourne has so many wonderful events throughout the year where fashionistas come out in all their finery and it can get pretty impressive.
There’s so many fabulous labels here to choose from, whatever your budget, so there’s going to be a lot to admire when you head out in Melbourne. Melbournians will also dress up for any occasion, whether it’s to a brunch or a backyard bbq.'
7. Who is your fashion icon?
'I do love Miranda Kerr’s style. Here’s a classic example of an Australian girl knowing how to dress up a pair of jeans! Her look is effortlessly cool, whether she is in jeans or a dress. She’s got legs which she shouldn’t hide, but I do like that she goes for longer hemlines as well.'
8. What is the style lesson which everyone should learn?
'Dress to please yourself! If you’re dressing to please others, you’re not claiming your own style. When you’re happy in what you’re wearing, you’ll glow in confidence and that always adds extra beauty to a person. Don’t be afraid to have fun with fashion, even if your staple colour is black. Play with textures and add some interesting or colourful accessory to lift your style game.'
9. You mention your love for inspirational quotes on Fabulous Femme, what is the quote which inspires you the most in your everyday life?
'There’s so many different quotes I love and live by! I guess one quote which comes first to mind nowadays is:
'Be so good they can’t ignore you' - Steve Martin.'