In the latest drop of The Handbook’s Tastemakers Series, we sit down with stylist, content creator and all-around cool girl, Angie Smith, to talk Aussie brands, beauty heroes and life by the beach.
From Angie Smith’s Instagram feed, you would think she was a born and bred Aussie girl, thanks to her squares filled with sandy beaches, a penchant for a linen two-piece and her signature salty, sun-kissed waves. The stylist, and now content creator, was actually born in Cheshire, brought up in Belgium and Cyprus, before moving to London for 20 years, where she became one of the most in-demand stylists for red-carpet, shoots and TV.
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It was her gig with Holly Willhouby that really put Angie’s name on the map and was without a doubt a huge part of making Holly someone to look to for fashion inspiration. Clients also included the likes of Rochelle Hulmes, Davina McCall and Laura Whitmore, but in 2019, Angie relocated to Sydney Australia to build a family and find that elusive work/life balance.
When Angie became a mum to a gorgeous little boy, Dusty, she took a step back from styling – although she has recently returned to work with the iconic Eva Mendez whilst she was in Australia – and focused more on her content creation and Instagram profile. If you already follow Angie, you will know the power she holds in finding a good piece, in fact, her feed straddles dangerous ‘add to basket’ territory on the daily, with some of the best edits, finds and brand recommendations we’ve come across. That’s partly to do with her own innate style, she just has a way of wearing clothes that feels cool, modern and sexy, even when it’s something as simple as denim and a white tee.
Over 110k followers on Instagram alone later, Angie is moving into further content creation, by launching her own website and d a substack newsletter, filled with her tips and fashion finds. So, we sat down with the style star to find out all about her world, from favourite brands to restaurant recommendations and more…
In the last few years you relocated from the UK to Sydney, tell us about that?
When I was younger, we always moved around as a family as my dad was in the RAF, so when I came to Sydney in 2018 for a job something about the place just felt right.
I’d previously lived in London for 20 years and I was run down and had zero work-life balance, but these days I live by the beach, have a little boy and can honestly say I am the happiest I’ve ever been, the balance has definitely been restored.
What do you miss the most about the UK?
London in the Summer is just brilliant as you can feel how happy everyone is to be out and about in the sunshine. The restaurants, the food scene are all great.
Where are your top eating spots in Sydney?
I love Berts at The Newport on the Northern Beaches; Pellegrino 2000 is an epic Italian in Surry Hills that feels like you are in Italy once you step inside. Wilburs in Manly does the best Avocado toast and sandwiches EVER.
Let’s talk London. Where do you love to stay when you’re visiting?
The Standard in Kings Cross. The area has been done up since I was last home and the hotel is brilliant, so many eating and drinking options and the Junior Suite has everything you could possibly need – I was seriously impressed with the attention to detail and design. Plus, the hotel’s location is perfect for accessing the city – London traffic is no joke these days.
If you are looking for the perfect people watching spot for coffee and breakfast, Café Cecilia is totally worth the trip up Hackney.
Where are your top foodie hangouts in the city?
Coffee in London is hard – especially coming from Sydney – but if you are looking for the perfect people-watching spot for coffee and breakfast then Café Cecilia is totally worth booking ahead and making the trip up Hackney for.
I also love Berenjak in Soho and drinks at the bar at the Firehouse is still one of my favourite things too.
We’re do you love to visit in the rest of Europe?
There are too many amazing places to choose from but I stayed at Hotel Petunia in Ibiza this time around and it was magical. There is something incredibly soothing and mesmerising about that view of Es Vedra, mixed with their house sangria, private roof terraces and outdoor showers – but all done in a very low key laid back way. Heaven.
Where’s on your travel wishlist for 2023?
Bali, Maldives, we did both last year and had an amazing time. Next year I want to do a proper trip to Europe with Dusty and maybe a safari as he’ll be 3 so able to enjoy it a bit more.
Best holiday destinations or hotels if you’re traveling with little ones?
Anantara Dhigu in the Maldives was one of my favourite trips ever, the staff were out of this world and it was exactly the holiday I’d imagined having as a young family.
Which hotels would you recommend for anyone coming to Australia?
I love Halcyon House in Cabarita for a special getaway.
What’s in your in-flight bag?
Cashmere socks, my favourite oversized cashmere cardigan from Reformation and track pants by The Upside. I also take Keren Bartov’s Advanced Skin Repair Serum, Mukti – Marigold Hydrating Creme and the Biobod Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum.
ANGIE’S BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
Where is good for picking up great gifts? Online or in-store?
Liberty London, you cannot beat it for buying gifts.
What fashion brands are you loving right now?
So many. With Nothing Underneath, Lauren Manoogian, Reformation, Bode, TOVE, Suzie Kondi, Khaite, The Row, Loewe, Totem, Raey and Joseph.
Aussie brands are really having a moment, what do you love about Aussie style? And are there any that should be on our radar?
I love how effortless and creative it is, brand-wise check out Lucy Folk, All That Remains, Alemais, Peony, Matteau, Posse, Sir.
We love the high / low mix you curate. Which high street brands do you rate and what for?
Arket – everything.
COS – tailoring and knitwear.
Free People – everything.
Marks & Spencer – cashmere, leather accessories and tailoring.
Aligne – tailoring.
Sézane – knitwear.
What are your top accessories brands?
Emma Parsons, Maria Farrow, Neous, Ancient Greek, Khaite, Loewe, Sezane, Arket and COS.
How would you describe your style?
Wearable and slightly less considered since becoming a mum, but in a good way.
Best fashion find of 2023?
My red track pants by The Upside.
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The Upside’s red track pants have been my fashion find of 2023
Your everyday fine gold jewellery has become a bit of a signature of yours. Where do you shop for pieces?
Kirstie Le Marque, Annoushka and Roxanne First.
What’s the last thing you bought for your wardrobe?
A second-hand Simon Miller shirt from Bow & Arrow store in Brookvale, which is a must-visit if you are in Sydney.
Which item in your wardrobe will you treasure forever?
All the jewellery that says Dusty or DUST, especially a new piece by Roxanne First. I also had some really lovely vintage-style sweatshirts by The GREAT embroidered for us all with our family’s initials and Dusty’s date of birth just after he was born.
What are your favourite interiors brands?
Anything by Rose Uniacke, I mostly buy vintage pieces though. Our sofa is by MCM House and is like an actual cloud, I wasn’t really a sitting on the sofa kinda person before it came along.
You’re a mum too. Which children’s brands are you currently loving?
Ziggy Zaza, Bobo Chooses, House Of Paloma.
What are the beauty products your couldn’t live without?
For makeup it has to be the Ella Bache Zinc Foundation – absolute game changer. For hair, I love the Living Proof, Volume series.
What’s currently sitting on your nightstand?
The last book I read, Where the Crawdads Sing, and ‘Heart Rub’ oil which I put on my wrists and neck before I sleep. It’s incredible, made in small batches and sold at the Bow & Arrow store.
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Do you have any morning / evening rituals you do every day?
We make sure that we get outside everyday and go for a walk along the beach.
What are your favourite podcasts?
It was The High-Lo before it ended. I still haven’t found a good replacement.
What music have you been listening to recently?
The most played album on my Spotify right now is the Luca soundtrack.
What does your fitness routine look like? Any favourite classes?
Pilates at Mode or Dynamic on the Northern Beaches or Fluid Form if I’m over the other side. When I was back in London I went to Pilates in the Clouds which is definitely worth checking out.
What are your top tips for breaking into a career in fashion?
Be authentic, nice to everyone you meet, persistent and consistent.
For more information on Angie visit her website and sign up to her Substack newsletter at Angie Smith: Substack
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