Welcome to Saved by, where people whose taste I trust walk me through what they’re saving on Woven. Stay to the end for a code to come join them.
Reading has always been one of my favourite things to do. I read a lot of fiction growing up, but somewhere along the way I stopped. I got into business and start-upy books and popular science, and for a while that was all I was reading. I’ve realised now that I’ve been craving a different kind of read—more fiction—but it’s hard to even know where to start when it feels like there are endless options.
Enter Emily Harper. I came across Emily’s Substack recently, and I was very excited to find her talking about Past Lives (I just adore this movie! The first time I watched it I was bawling my eyes out by the end.) She’s one of those writers who gets you sucked in, and before you know it you’re five articles deep. That’s how I knew I could trust her recommendations.
What I didn’t expect was that her taste in fashion would be just as good. Emily’s got a way of moving between subjects naturally, and I think it’s the thoughtfulness with which she goes about things. Not just in the way she writes, but also in the way she dresses.
Emily’s saves on Woven have definitely been some of my favourite, and I can’t wait for you to see them!
How would you describe your taste?
My taste is classic yet experimental. I’m influenced by the creative arts. I’ve always loved watching film, theatre, and music videos, going to art exhibitions, reading magazines and novels. I find inspiration all around me from colour palettes, to my mother’s 90s wardrobe, to nostalgic silhouettes from decades past and characters in films.
Growing up in London and Sydney, my taste borrows from both places, as well as my travels. I love discovering new brands and designers all around the world.
I’m drawn to the experimentation and street style of London fashion. Walking through the streets of Soho, the sneakers, blend of high low, statement pieces, and personal approach to styling makes fashion extra exciting.
Relaxed fits, neutral palettes, and organic fabrics are what I gravitate towards for hotter weather in Australia. When I’m in Byron Bay or Sydney, I’m constantly inspired by the Aussie brands that are making it overseas. I love featuring Nagnata, Deiji Studios, St Agni, Bassike, and Venroy on my Woven page.
Talk me through one of your edits. What’s in it and why?
Shifting seasons is my latest edit. Whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere now, we’re in a transitional season. As we shift between summer and winter, here is my edit of what I’d like to be wearing and layering. This includes the Sezanne sweaters I’ve got my eye on, the coolest Adidas Tokyo’s I’ve found, ballet flats, and Aussie designers. The Isabel Marant Oskan Suede bag is particularly beautiful.
The base of my style is a capsule wardrobe of good cuts that never leave my side. I love a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, a beautifully made jacket, cotton basics, and a versatile yet unique bag. Then, I have fun with shoes, styling, and accessorising depending on the season. This edit features all of the above, as well as upcoming trends.
What’s something you stumbled onto in the app that you’d never have found otherwise — a brand, a person, a save/item that sent you down a hole?
I’ve always been a lover of ballet flats and I’ve discovered some beautiful ones on Woven.
These flats from The Row saved by Amora Aniba are unlike any other I’ve seen.
Pink Gimaguas ballet flats, say no more! I loved this save by Zali Jane.
I was also recommended these Adidas Tokyo sneakers by Woven and added them to my edit. I love how organically I can discover new and niche pieces.
Favourite save so far?
I love all my saves but a particular favourite of mine is the Iro Jelly shoes from Ancient Greek Sandals. I’ve worn them for the last two summers and they add a fun touch to both casual and polished outfits.
Best brand (or item) you’ve found through someone else’s saves?
ulya saved a coral dress from the Barcelona brand Attega which lead me to discovering them. I’ve since saved pieces from Attega too, like their Amelia top. I’m enjoying how colourful and fresh their collection is.
You’ve got two invites to give away. Who are you giving them to, and why?
Every week I look forward to seeing what Nou is wearing and to reading her wonderful articles on fashion, taste, and styling.
I enjoy reading Grace Michelle Grace Michelle’s thought pieces and following her on Instagram, and I’d love to see her on Woven too.
You can see everything Emily saved on her Woven.
Saved by is a recurring series where people whose taste I trust walk me through what they’re saving on Woven, an app for saving inspiration and discovering what people with taste you trust are saving too. If you want to see what people with taste you trust are saving in real time, come find us on the App Store, or explore the web version. Access is still limited, but readers of this series can use the code SAVEDMONGOOSE for a spot.
Thank you so much Jess for featuring me, and for your wonderful introduction! <3 Past Lives is so incredible, that ending gets me every time! I'm honoured to be part of my favourite series on Substack and to be on Woven, I love seeing everyone's edits and being inspired xxx
Love Emily and her creative mind ⭐️