Our journal series, Style Files, takes a look into the wardrobes, shoe collections, and creative minds of women within our tribe.

For our latest edition, we meet Tessa Patrick - a writer, editor and creative force based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). With a love for timeless style, storytelling and the art of thoughtful living, Tessa invites us into her world, where quality, simplicity and self-expression reign supreme.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

Hello everyone! I'm Tessa Patrick and I'm a writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. I'm currently the Managing Editor at Remix Magazine, where I get to focus on fashion, design, culture and food - all the things I love in life. I'm also currently finishing my Master of Creative Writing at The University of Auckland, where my final thesis will be a manuscript for my first fiction novel. With all of that going on, it's a little hard to think of myself outside of my profession, but I love what I do.

How would you best describe your personal style?

You could almost say that I'm unadventurous to a fault. I loved wearing the same kilt and blouse to school. I like simplicity in what I wear and I don't think that makes anyone any less stylish. Some of the most well-dressed people I know have a uniform. They're not wearing these incredibly thought-out looks like we're seeing on social media most days, which only encourages rampant excess consumerism. Instead, they have closets filled with beautiful, quality pieces that they know and love, and always feel comfortable in. Pieces that transcend seasons and years. It's jeans, it's shirts, it's woollen coats, it's vintage leather jackets. Style is such a deeply personal thing, right? And so I wouldn't say I subscribe to any trends or sub-categories of style, I just like to wake up every morning and dress in a way that makes me feel good and endeavour to be really conscious about the kinds of clothes and brands that I'm supporting when I do it.

What is your earliest shoe or bag memory?

These memories belong to my grandma. By no means was she glamorous - she grew up in the Second World War and by effect, was incredibly practical and thrifty. But she had two bags that she took everywhere. One was her purse, which almost always sat on her lap - it was a gorgeous, bright camel leather with an oversized clasp. The second bag was a basket, in various brown tones and quite structured. She always carried a thermos of hot water and various needles and yarn for all of her knitting. Perhaps this is where I get my idea of a uniform from.

Whose shoes would you like to step into and why?
Joan Didion, because she had the most impeccable fashion sense - but I’d also hope that in stepping into her shoes, I could, in part, step into her way of thinking. She always looked at ordinary pieces of prose with such an extraordinary perspective. I want to think I could imbue that same perspective on my work.

Tell us about your bag collection — what do your bags say about you?
My bags would argue that I am a person primarily concerned with practicality. The oldest bags in my closet were purchased for functionality. It hasn’t been until recent years that I’ve leaned more towards form, that I’ve begun to change bags more frequently, based on the occasion, and that I allow myself to play a little more. But I still find myself reaching for dark, muted tones and something that can carry a mountain of unnecessary things.

You recently added the Black Silk Velvet Mary Jane and Dumpling Bag to your wardrobe. How are you styling them?

I've been wearing this duo everywhere recently. The Mary Janes are the epitome of comfort, so they're a great shoe for the office; I love them with a pair of cropped cargos or jeans, but they are easily elevated for all-day wear peeping out the bottom of a well-loved skirt. And the Dumpling Bag is just divine. I'm still surprised by how much one can fit in it - I feel like Mary Poppins every time I wear it. I love that the strap means it can and should be worn across the body for moments of practicality, but what I love most about this bag is that it's just so grabbable. It looks great stuffed under the arm with a large jacket - something vintage and leather, or something oversized and woolly. Perfect for all sorts of affairs for the cooler months ahead.

I am currently...
Listening to: Horses by Patti Smith
Reading: A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enríquez
Watching: Harry Potter. It's the cosiest Sunday night rewatch for colder months.
Drinking: During the day, something decaf. At night, a dirty vodka martini.
Coveting: This Gucci Chess Set—a girl can dream.
Manifesting: Joy, abundance, connection, adventure. All the good stuff in life.
Working towards: The final chapters of my first novel—wish me luck!