X-Pat Files - Idalia Salsamendi

Idalia Salsamendi

The Style Influencer

Entrepreneur, strategist and fashion insider Idalia Salsamendi has been revolutionising social media for over a decade. She speaks three languages and runs Idalia Inc working with brands like Chopard, Valentino and Stuart Weitzman.

“Style is a unique expression of self through fashion.”

With background in the world of fashion and modelling, Idalia has worked with everyone from Caroline Vreeland to Julia RestoinRoitfeld and Nicky Hilton. Today she specialises in content creation, brand deals and online communication.

What took you to London?

Peter Pan was my favourite movie, and I always claimed that one day I will live in ‘that city’. Mind you, I had no idea where it was in the world, but I recognised the magic in it. As I grew older, personal and professional opportunities kept bringing me back and thus I began to love it as an adult.

Have you always been interested in style?

I believe so. My mom has always been very fashionable so at a young age I was always into the trends and learning by example. Fashion, for me, has always been a form of self-expression so it’s really fun looking back and seeing each chapter of my ‘fashion life’ and seeing how that perspective has evolved as I’ve also evolved as a person.

How did your consultancy business come along?

After almost a decade of working in corporate America, I knew there had to be more to this industry than just booking jobs. I had to find the soul of what this industry is all about, and that’s what I set out to do with Idalia Inc. When I strategise with brands and influencers, I’m continually digging for the bigger picture. I’m not out to create a digital campaign that is void of any human communication. I’m not out to hoard information so only a few are given the opportunity to truly succeed.

What’s it like being an entrepreneur/ business owner abroad?

Oh it’s great! As a first-generation American, my family really instilled in me the ‘American Dream’ and I’m so grateful to the States for allowing me the opportunity not only to dream, but to accomplish my dreams. Taking that hustle abroad really has been incredible. Not only do I have in me that ambitious spirit, but I also get to learn from other cultures as well. It’s like taking the best of both worlds. What an honour!

Can you pinpoint key turning points in your life?

I moved to New York City at the age of 30 to become the Director of Talent at NEXT. That really changed my whole perspective of not only the fashion industry – we were representing the best of the best of the time like Chiara Ferragni, Danielle Bernstein, Shea Marie – but of life in general. I remember always thinking: “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere”. There is nothing like New York City.

Any words of wisdom / life motto?

YOLO! It sounds silly but that’s really what I tell myself daily. Sometimes when I’m feeling down on myself, I get a sharpie and I write on my hand. Like super big. We only live once, and it’s our duty as human-beings to live that to the

full. To leave the earth a better place than how we found it. And to bring happiness to those who surround us. After all, You Only Live Once!

Define your own personal style?

Ever-evolving.

Any tips on achieving your look / style’?

I can frankly say I really don’t try too hard when it comes to ‘my style’ – so maybe that’s the tip: Don’t try so hard. A good, winged eyeliner never fails, and the bouncier the hair, the better.

Any secret places to recommend for the stylish?

One of my insider tips in London is to get an Ice Lift Facial from Sunday Riley at Hershesons. Trust me, this will leave your skin glowing for days.

Best shopping places? Places to people watch? Places to be inspired?

I love the classics like Selfridges and Liberty. Some mornings, I just jog on over and spend hours looking at the latest Styles by my favourite designers. It’s therapy / research for me. I also love that Anine Bing has a store here.

For people watching, you can’t get better than SoHo. My best friend and I love sitting outdoors with an Aperol Spritz. One of the things that makes London so special is that everyone has a unique style to them, and they’re unapologetic about it. It’s so refreshing and I love seeing it all.

I feel most inspired at the park, especially Kensington Gardens which is close to my flat. It’s truly a blessing being able to escape to nature in the middle of a big city.

Best/worse thing about being an expat?

Best thing is that I’ll always carry that American ‘you-can-do-whatever-you-setyour-mind-to’ spirit. Worse thing is that I can’t teleport myself to the USA. Plane trips are long and since the pandemic, airports have become a bit of a nightmare.

Expat or a local?

Both. I’m like Hannah Montana – best of both worlds.

Follow Idalia @idaliasalsamendi

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Maayan & Gal As good as our mindset

A positive approach to expat life.

“That’s who we are, a fusion of several styles, and we like it this way.”

@smoozitive

Maayan & Gal are sisters, the founders of Smoozitive, currently living in France. They are helping expats to create a calm and balanced life abroad using positive psychology and mindset coaching.

Embracing my own style

If personal style is how you express yourself in all facets of life, including clothing, interior design, art preferences, communication style, etc., shouldn’t it reflect your best self?

As expats, our individual style is ever evolving. The fact that it is greatly influenced by two worlds: where we’re from, and where we currently live, is pretty amazing. We can combine a fashionable Parisian skirt with a Nirvana t-shirt, or cook Italian Fettuccine with Thai curry (sorry, didn’t mean to offend any cooks) thanks to this, which makes us unique by definition.

When moving abroad, we all bring things with us; some of them are in boxes, while others are simply a part of who we are. In addition to bringing clothes, souvenirs, kitchenware, books and photographs, we also bring our food preferences, musical tastes, memories and cultural traditions. What matters the most, is that we bring with us our approach to life, our beliefs, values and mindset. This is who we are, but soon enough the new place will influence all of those things.

It’s natural and highly recommended to try new things, adopt new styles, and embrace change on all levels, as long as you don’t lose yourself completely and become a total stranger to yourself.

Let’s talk about clothing style for a second. When we go overseas, we often believe that we must alter our wardrobe in order to fit in. Because of the changes in the weather, style and culture, or simply as it’s a fun opportunity to shop like crazy. It’s an option, but will it reflect who you really are?

Another option, would be to stick 100% to who you were, wearing only what you have, ignoring the new place, making you a total stranger. Imagine walking along a Portuguese beach while wearing your bulky, Canadian coat.

We don’t say that because everyone around you is dressed in vibrant prints, that you should do the same. You can, if you like it. You could try it and see if it fits you; but if you prefer black trousers, then you should definitely wear those.

The takeaway is to maintain some of your personal style while attempting to fit in. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, be special, different, and most importantly, just be yourself. Because when you like who you are, your style and all that goes with it, you are your best self.

Asking yourself, “Is it really my style or is it just me trying to fit in?” is the greatest method to make sure you’re aligned. Be honest, and then, the follow-up question should be “Does it reflect my best self?’. Just like with fashion trends, we change and evolve as well, so check in sometimes with these questions.

And don’t forget, when you’re true to yourself you’re never out of style.