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Interview: Stephanie Phair – Managing Director, THEOUTNET.COM

Stephanie Phair- Managing Director of THEOUTNET.COM- 2

When did you join THEOUTNET.COM?
I joined the business as employee number two, two months before it launched in April 2009. We were a very small team and I had to wear many hats (as you do at a startup). Four and a half years later we now have around 150 dedicated members of staff based in three offices around the world. Originally, all of our stock was from NET-A-PORTER.COM. Now our dedicated buying teams based in London, New York and Shanghai source 75% of merchandise directly from the 250+ designer brands available at THEOUTNET.COM.

What’s the traffic to THEOUTNET.COM like at the moment?
We see over 1.5 million unique visitors coming to our site every month.

Are you surprised at how popular it is here in the Middle East?
No, not since discovering who our core customer really is. Women in the Middle East are renowned for their love of designer fashion. THEOUTNET.COM treats discount product exactly the same way as full price merchandise when it comes to the customer experience. We edit and merchandise our products, and we create editorial content which focuses on providing customers with outfit solutions, which is something women in the Middle East respond well to.

There always seems to be a huge selection of products on the site. How often are new pieces added? Does everything go online as soon as you get it, or do you plan by trends and seasons?
New deliveries from runway favorites like Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney and from cutting-edge labels such as Erdem, Peter Pilotto and Jonathan Saunders take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Trends tend to stick around for a few seasons, so we select the product that’s most relevant and upload it onto our website throughout the season so that our customers really only shop the best previous season fashion.

What brands do people generally go crazy for?
Our customers in the Middle East love special pieces from designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Balmain, Lanvin and Chloé. The most popular category is dresses, followed by footwear. When it comes to shoes, it’s always Christian Louboutin! During our last Christian Louboutin sale we sold one pair every three seconds.

Is there a recommended way to browse the site, especially if it’s your first time logging on?
When shopping online, filter by size to ensure you avoid falling in love with an item that won’t fit. Start with the Just In section if you want to browse or shop by product category if you have something in mind. Check out our Dress Me section, which shows you how to master current trends through compelling videos, animations and fashion shoots that link directly to product sorted by occasion.

If you’d like to be notified about new arrivals I’d suggest signing up for emails, following us on Instagram and Twitter or liking us on Facebook as we’ll often give our fans a preview of items arriving on site, so it’s a great way to stay tuned!

What are the top five purchases from THEOUTNET.COM that everyone should have?
1. 
Cashmere is something everyone should invest in. THEOUTNET.COM’s own label, Iris & Ink, has a great selection of fine-knit cashmere pieces that act as the perfect styling accompaniment to every look
2. An oversized tote that holds all your daily essentials. I opt for classic styles by designers known for their leather accessories such as Alexander Wang, Alaïa and Alexander McQueen
3. A fabulous evening gown. If you spot one that you love don’t hesitate to buy it – it’s often the one item you can never find when you need it
4. Statement shoes can instantly transform an outfit. Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia and Sophia Webster are all known for their bold, playful designs
5. A wool coat or trench (depending on the time of year). Spend as much as you can, as this is a key investment. Not only will it last from season to season, but the cost-per-wear component can’t be beaten!

How often do you shop on THEOUTNET.COM Stephanie?
Staff have to wait one week to purchase an item that has just been uploaded – this allows our customers the opportunity to shop first. So checking my Wish List becomes a daily habit! I have to see what product we have available as part of my job, which can mean I’m tempted more than I’d care to admit.

Any particularly hot pieces you have your eye on at the moment?
I like to update my wardrobe with some key workwear staples that can be styled up for evening. This Jason Wu dress and Helmut Lang blazer tick all the boxes.
I love Marni for its use of bold color and print. The playful accessories, especially this one, are perfect for pairing with an LBD.
THEOUTNET.COM’s own brand is becoming renowned for classic pieces that every woman should own. The Iris & Ink skinny jeans are a popular choice around the office – they are so comfortable and very flattering.
With the holiday fast approaching I have my eye on a couple of pieces that will see me through the festive season and beyond. Anya Hindmarch’s glitter clutch and Alexander McQueen’s burgundy mini dress will never tire.

How would you describe your style? What pieces and brands do you like to wear?
I like clean lines and tailored pieces. A well-cut blazer is my fashion ‘must’. You can wear a blazer with anything and it will instantly smarten up a look. I love pieces by Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

What about your beauty routine? What is your signature makeup look?
I cleanse and moisturise every morning and evening. My signature makeup look involves a little Chanel Vitalumière foundation, a slick of Laura Mercier’s Stone Grey eye pencil and Hypnôse Volumising Mascara by Lancôme to finish.

What products do you particularly like to use?
Although this isn’t strictly makeup, I use Lucas’ Papaw Ointment every day – it’s perfect for dry lips, cuts and sunburn, so you’ll always find a tube of it in my handbag. I also love to use NUXE Huile Prodigieuse as it’s a pure indulgence and I adore the smell. At the moment I love using BIODERMA Créaline H2O Eau Micellaire as a makeup remover – every makeup artist I’ve ever worked with has this in their kit bag.

What do you think of style and beauty blogs?
I love to watch Charlotte Tilbury’s Makeup Masterclass videos on NET-A-PORTER.COM’s YouTube channel. Her step-by-step guide is easy to watch – she ensures her makeup tips are effortless and it’s so helpful knowing what products she uses as part of her kit.

What do you think makes a good blog stand out?
A good mix of original content, high quality photography, an elegantly designed layout, easy navigation and a blogger who has an authentic tone of voice and unique point of view. I also think it’s important that blogs feature regular posts so we, as followers, are aware of when we can get our update.

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Categories: Interviews

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The new headshot called for several layers of make The new headshot called for several layers of makeup and lots of glow, in an effort to look natural 😆 ✨ #thethingswedo #makeup
I wrote about my grandmother some time ago, a stro I wrote about my grandmother some time ago, a strong, elegant, educated woman. A writer, a teacher, a mother, a powerhouse. 
A woman who impacted my life in such profound ways, that they’re still revealing themselves, two and a half decades after she left. 
Here I am today, writing for a newspaper that she wrote for many moons ago, about a subject that brings me back in time to her. My first introduction to beauty, to taking care of myself, to respecting myself. 
It’s a full circle moment, but equally, it’s a testament to the enduring power and influence of women. 
A friend gave me a beautiful card this weekend, and on the front it said ‘you’re some woman for one woman’. But I am not one woman. I am my grandmother. I am my mother. 
I am the sum-total of every woman who has ever made space for me. Every woman who raised me, and loved me, and cared for me, and placed a steady hand on my back when I needed it. 
The power of women is truly eternal, it’s everlasting. 
We must never underestimate the impact kind, supportive, trailblazing, inspiring, loving women can have. On a life, on a lifetime. And I am proof of that. 
Here’s to you, Christine ❤️
Never not face-masking ✨ Never not face-masking ✨
A daily topical supplement for your skin? Absolute A daily topical supplement for your skin? Absolutely yes, thanks to Irish brand @sastaskinhealth 🙌🏻

Their Microbiome Booster Serum feeds the skin topically with prebiotic and postbiotic microbiome friendly ingredients that help to improve and support the health and wellbeing of your skin. 

Used morning and evening after cleansing (and before other products), this super lightweight serum works on the immunity of your skin, protecting it from environmental aggressors that can irritate our skin barrier (I think you all know how much I love talking about the skin barrier 😆) 

It’s suitable for all skin types, and is particularly great if you have inflammation, pigmentation, or sensitive, dehydrated skin.

It’s available now from www.sastaskinhealth.com for €45, or choose to go packaging free for €43.

AD #skinmicrobiome #sastaskinhealth #skincarelover #irishskincarebrand
Love this, and everything else in @melodygodfred’s Self Love Poetry book ❤️ 

#selfcare #wordstoliveby #wordstoinspire
Newness from @amandaharringtonlondon that’s wort Newness from @amandaharringtonlondon that’s worthy of all the applause (and a place on the grid 😆).

There are many things I love about AH’s Tonal Tan Drops; they’re easy to use (apply alone or mix a few drops with moisturiser), they buff in beautifully, they’re not sticky, they don’t smell like biscuits, and most importantly - they deliver instant, natural looking results. 

I’m sold, all the way, forever and ever. 
#newfavourites #instanttan #beautyjunkie
LED Face Masks are a form of LED Light Therapy, wh LED Face Masks are a form of LED Light Therapy, which has been around for a very long time - over 30 years in fact. NASA were the first to use it in the eighties in an effort to stimulate plant growth. During the experiments one of NASA's scientists noticed that his skin lesions had started to heal faster, and so began the era of LED Light Therapy.

LED Light Therapy is widely used today in hospital and clinic settings. So much so, that if you have visited a skin clinic for a facial or treatment in recent years, you've probably spent some time under an LED light.

So, what does LED stand for exactly? The answer is Light Emitting Diodes. These are the red and near infra-red lights that are absorbed by your skin cells when you have a treatment in a clinic, or when you wear an LED mask. 

Red Light and Infrared Light are incredible for the skin. They penetrate the deeper layers and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, soothe inflammation and redness, target fine lines and wrinkles and speed up skin recovery. 

@currentbody have two great LED devices I’ve been using recently; their LED Face Mask, and LED Neck and Dec Perfector. With regular 10 minute treatments (that’s all it takes!) these devices are clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in just four weeks, and 95% of users say their skintone, texture and tightness improved. 

If you’d like to try them, code SIMONE15 will get you 15% off the entire CBSKIN range on CurrentBody.ie (link in my Stories). 

AD #ledlighttherapy #currentbody #skincare #ledfacemask #dublin
Carry on skincare for this trip; lots of gentle, h Carry on skincare for this trip; lots of gentle, hydrating, repairing products, a pigmentation treatment for PM use and SPF. 

When I travel my main focus is to just keep my skin hydrated and calm. I rarely bring anything new and stick to products my skin responds really well to 🤗 

• @cliniqueuk Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (for a first and second cleanse) 
• @garnieruk Micellar Water (to remove eye makeup, lipstick, and clean up around the eyes when I’m doing my makeup). 
• @dermalogicauk Peptide Eye Gel (A gorgeous plumping, hydrating eye serum) 
• @charlottetilbury Magic Serum (Love this for hydrating, repairing, brightening. It contains Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerin). 
• @avene_uki Hydrance Rehydrating Serum (A longtime favourite, this hydrates and calms dehydrated, sensitive skin. Like a big drink of water for your skin). 
• @avene_uki Mist (For dampening my skin before serums and moisturiser)
• @theinkeylist Mandelic Acid (I use this to spot treat dark spots/pigmentation)
• @biossance Squalane Omega Repair Cream (A rich but lightweight, super hydrating and soothing moisturiser. Totally divine)
• @supergoop Play SPF50 (One of the greatest SPFs ever, basically 😆) 

#travelskincare #travelbeauty #carryonskincare #myskincare
My go to evening outfit: a wrap dress, linen blaze My go to evening outfit: a wrap dress, linen blazer and a nice even layer of @vitaliberata Body Blur 😆 
Such a great product, if you haven’t tried it give it a go 
(I bought shade medium)
Reason 172631 @bylouiseemmaclarke and I are friend Reason 172631 @bylouiseemmaclarke and I are friends: she brings me to vineyards 🤩 
#whataday #vineyardviews #kent
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