Mojeh

My Stylish Life: Tala Samman

Sep 05, 2014 | 3 min read

From her best home comfort to her most treasured belonging, we speak to the founder and editor of myfashdiary.com 

Photographed by Sarvenaz Hashtroudi

After setting up her blog in 2009, Syrian born but Dubai based Tala became something of a Middle Eastern fashion sweetheart as hundreds of style conscious girls tuned in regularly to check out her fashion and lifestyle must-haves. Four years later and with various regional and international style awards under her belt, Tala is now fronting campaigns for a number of luxury brands. From blogger to It girl in just a few short years, Tala helps set the scene for Middle Eastern style and shows no signs of slowing down.

Motto to live by: Balance is Key - work hard, spend time with family and have fun.

One piece of advice I would give to anyone: Never give up on the things you love.

Lifelong Ambition: To be happy and never afraid of doing the things I love.

Best childhood memory: Visiting Syria in the summers to see my two beautiful grandmothers.

One thing I can’t live without: My Iphone – but that’s a bad thing!

Most loved fairytale character: Tinkerbell, but everyone says I look like Princess Jasmine.

One thing money can’t buy: Quality time with the people you love.

Most treasured belonging: My Acne biker jacket, I’ve worn it to bits.

Early bird or night owl: Depends on the day, but usually a night owl like my mum.

Person I look up to: I look up to so many people in my family, they’re all so strong, smart and make for great entrepreneurs.

Favourite book: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg – my highlight of the year.

Favourite meal: Americanised Chinese food!

Best home comfort: Homemade halloumi pasta and my feather filled bed.

Website I can’t live without: My Fashion Diary obviously!

Photographed by Sarvenaz Hashtroudi

Favourite restaurant: Sumosan in London, Teatro in Dubai and ABC Kitchen in New York.

Favourite place in the world: Too many to choose…I love to travel.

Favourite cities: New York and Dubai.

Beauty must-haves: Matte foundation from the Australian brand Becca, gel liner for the perfect cat eye from Bobbi Brown, Beauty Flash balm from Clarins, Chanel Weekend and Kérastase dry shampoo.

Signature scent: Blue Aguave and Cacao by Jo Malone.

Top moisturiser: Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm by Elemis.

Favourite hairstyle: Wavy with plenty of volume.

Fresh faced or full glamour: Full glamour!

Bad hair day product: Maison de Joelle’s Elixer for the ends.

Style Icon: Marianne Faithfull.

Describe your style: Eclectic.

Favourite designers: Currently Chanel, Ostwald Helgason and Madiyah Al Sharqi.

Ultimate accessory: My Bionda Castana red Tala heels.

Most treasured item: Hermès Birkin given to me on my 19th birthday.

Fashion moment: I can’t think of one, but when I feel good it’s a fashion moment!