Chrissy’s warm and welcoming presence has been a special part of the Samantha Ogilvie Boutique experience for almost a decade. Sartorially, Chrissy likes to push the envelope and has never met a leopard print she didn’t fall in love with. When she’s not in store, you’ll find Chrissy enjoying the good life with food and family, or savouring the beautiful sights of the latest travel destination to catch her eye. Find out more about Chrissy’s style and her top travel tips:
Q: How long have you been with Samantha Ogilvie Boutique?
A: Nine years. I have been in and out of the fashion industry since 1990, and during that period also worked with Ansett Airlines.
Why do you love what you do?
To me, one of the most rewarding parts is being involved with a strong team who all bring knowledge, talent and ability to form a formidable team, and the admiration I have for Samantha in her ideals, drive, work ethic, fashion style, as a businesswoman and, above all, as a person whom I respect immensely. Equally, I love the satisfaction of helping a customer through the whole shopping experience and seeing them very content and excited with what they have purchased.
What has been your proudest moment at Samantha Ogilvie Boutique?
There have been many! My proudest moments often come from working with customers who may come in quite lost and with no real sense of what they are looking for, and making their experience seamless so that they leave the store feeling very happy.
What do you think are this season’s essential items or trends?
Longline shorts with a tailored belted jacket or white shirt.
What is something you can never get enough of?
Leopard print in any form!
What is the hardest-working piece in your own wardrobe?
Currently my Prada platform sneakers.
What item in your own wardrobe is most special to you, and why?
My Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag... I’d been coveting this one for its vintage look and gunmetal details. In my eyes, it’s the epitome of an iconic and truly classic handbag.
What’s inspiring you at the moment?
The total change in fashion that allows you to explore what once may have been considered a faux pas but is now a push forward into the versatility of dressing. For example, teaming something glamorous like my full sequin MSGM dress with white sneakers. It makes a wardrobe so much more versatile. I am also inspired by mixing vintage accessories such as belts and jewellery into my current wardrobe.
Who are your style influences?
Music icon Michael Jackson and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
What are your hobbies?
Travel, food experiences, cooking, spending time with family and searching for my next coveted piece to add to my wardrobe.
Favourite Instagram accounts?
@aminamuaddiofficial as I’m just loving their shoes, and @thesartorialist – I love the individual interpretations of style that everyday people take to the streets in their day-to-day life.
Favourite travel destination?
Wow, there are so many! I love Tokyo – there is great ramen everywhere you turn. In Hong Kong, the SoHo area has beautiful Italian food, small bars and restaurants. My favourite place to stay is The Murray, Hong Kong; an iconic government building converted to a hotel in 2018. I stayed there on the very first night of their soft opening. In Greece, it has to be the beach clubs in Mykonos – Nammos is incredible for people watching and to see the luxury yachts coming in, with a side of shopping in its exclusive enclave of stores. I also love Palm Springs, California for the mid-century architecture.
Chrissy’s Brisbane
Q: Favourite Brisbane restaurants/bars, and what do your order?
A: SAIKO Teppanyaki at Emporium, Fortitude Valley. I order the seared and sliced crispy Saiko Wagyu with asparagus and zucchini and their special jus. My favourite places for a drink would have to be Eleven and the new rooftop bar at Emporium Hotel South Bank.
Favourite place to spend a day off?
At home
The best thing about working in the James Street precinct?
So many things! The ambience, street style, clientele and restaurants, to name a few.
The best thing about living in Brisbane?
The weather, the casual and relaxed atmosphere, the people and living nearby to all my family. I always enjoy the views during my daily commute through Brisbane city, over the Story Bridge and Brisbane River, especially with the night lights.
A must-do for those visiting Brisbane?
Take a slow drive up to Mount Glorious or Tamborine Mountain, or spend a relaxed weekend walking along any of Brisbane’s beautiful river paths and boardwalks. And don’t miss the heritage-listed Kangaroo Point Cliffs.