Q&A with Frame Account Manager Lexie Leadley

We caught up with Frame Account Manager Lexie to chat all things summer fashion, this season’s wedding trends and her advice for candidates job hunting right now.  Lexie is based out of our Christchurch office and has a background in fashion buying so she shares her must-buys this season.

What is your background and how did you come to work for Frame as an Account Manager?

I studied a Master of Commerce at University, but I have always had a love of fashion, so my goal was to blend the two with a career in the industry. I started with a part-time salesperson role for a brand I love while I was studying, and then made my way into store and area management. From there I moved through promotions and marketing roles, taking every new opportunity I could get my hands on until I landed a role as a buyer. Each position taught me something new about the industry. I love that as an Account Manager at Frame I can use my experiences to help candidates carve their own paths, while working closely with so many amazing brands.

What are your must-have wardrobe staples this summer?

As the days warm up I find myself wearing a lot of white and gravitating towards floaty dresses and loose shirts. I like keeping it simple with foolproof combinations like white jeans, a white singlet and a chunky black sandal, or blue jeans, a crisp t-shirt and a strappy heel. Caitlin Crisp and Maggie Marilyn have some great quality basics that help to keep these easy looks elevated. Christchurch can still be a bit chilly in the evenings, so a beautiful oversized blazer is a year-round essential for us and great sunglasses are an absolute must.

You're getting married in early 2023, can you tell us a bit about the trends in the wedding world this year?

There is so much beautiful inspiration around (my IG explore page is full of it!) but I have tried not to focus too much on trends. We want our day to feel very 'us' and not a mish mash of fads. We had a really clear vision of wanting to do a modern, black-tie wedding here in Christchurch city, so we have that overall theme running through every aspect. As a visual person, I put together a moodboard of what this could look like and I've just let that guide all of our decisions and styling choices. It's nice to draw ideas from things you see and love, but my advice is to adapt them in a way that feels genuine for you and that fits the look and feel of what you're doing for your day.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to someone job hunting right now?

The job market is crazy at the moment with lots of change happening, it can feel quite overwhelming as a candidate. I would make a list of the three things that are most important to you in a new role, three brands or companies you would love to work for and any career goals you have. This exercise will help you to reflect on what's important to you and will provide a bit of a framework for finding the role that's the perfect match. From there I'd work closely with a recruiter you like, to discover some options and get in touch with brands you admire. Finally - be patient. It is absolutely worth finding the right role in a company that you align with.

How do you prioritise your mental health when you're amidst a busy period?

I live and die by lists - I am someone that is soothed by mapping out how I will get through everything and then ticking things off as I go. I set my day up by writing a to-do, so that when I get to the end of it I know I can switch off without feeling guilty. The key is to make sure the list is achievable so that you can get that downtime at the end. As a classic 'active relaxer' I'd then fill my spare time by walking my dog, going out with my partner, seeing my girlfriends, rearranging our house and trying out new recipes.

Finally, what are your must-do's in Christchurch in Spring/Summer?

Ahh, the best seasons! Walk through the Hagley Park blossoms in spring, or down the beach in summer. My dog Cooper and I also love the Harry Ell walkway and the Coastal Path. There are so many great places to eat and drink too; brunch al fresco at Miro, get after work drinks on the terrace, or have a date night at Seven followed by a cocktail at Pink Lady. I always like to keep an eye out for shows at the court theatre or see where live musicians might be playing.