WFH Diaries | With The White Files

“Being able to rock an unwashed topknot for weeks on end.” Ella Zampatti of The White Files on her lockdown love

Ella Zampatti, founder of The White Files (an Australian curated marketplace and blog that I’ve coveted from the get-go/and basically the moment I discovered it on the gram) is all about, in her words: celebrating “the empowered bride.” A bride that’s “not afraid to break traditions, not one to play by the rules or follow trends.” And BOY will you want to be a White Files bride. She’s achingly cool, free-spirited and knows what she wants. Celebrating fashion-forward moves in the wedding industry, as well as luxe, modern wedding ideas, Ella continues to surprise and delight with her signature cool style, beautifully curated digital corner of the web (thewhitefiles.com) and collaborative wedding dress collection with the one and only Cathleen Jia. I caught up with Ella to talk all things lockdown in Aus…

#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:

Before: “Disbelief, fear, confused.”

After: “Confused, thankful, inspired.”

#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…

“For us lockdown hit a few weeks before we were about to make a big move to the country – and with strict border lockdowns we became a bit stuck! My partner is an essential worker, so he was allowed through, but I wasn’t. Being faced with months apart was horrible, but luckily my parents live halfway so we’ve temporarily moved in with them and he has to do a long commute each day dodging kangaroos!

I’ve been busy expanding my online bridal marketplace so have been doing what I can from home to source stunning pieces from around the world. However, my childhood dog is getting old, so any productivity is short lived before I have to attend to his every whim!”

#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?

“We had planned to take our brand-new collaborative collection with Cathleen Jia on tour around Australia, but lockdown happened just days after we’d finished the second leg in Melbourne so we’re unfortunately unable to visit all the other amazing cities and meet new brides. The collection is still available to shop online, as well as our ever-expanding range of stunning accessories to finish your bridal look.”

#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…

No.1 “My local coffee shop is becoming very familiar with me!”

No.2 “Any brand selling trackpants, I’m all for comfort right now.”

No.3 “My local grocer. I previously thought there were no domestic bones in my body, but I’ve suddenly learnt how to cook and am actually pretty good at it!”

#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?

“Anything involving carbohydrates.”

#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?

“I am mad for herbal tea, so will brew one of these followed by a walk along the beach which is just on our doorstep.”

#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…

“Truffles and Pappardelle!”

#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…

“Moving back home and living back with my parents, something that was definitely not part of my plan!”

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#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?

“Possibly the best thing to come out of the lockdown was being forced to find ways to stay in touch online which has helped us stay in touch with our friends back in Melbourne. We’ve been having weekly virtual games nights over trusty Facebook video calls!”

#10 Name your lockdown hate:

“Not being able to see friends, especially ones that are going through tough times at the moment and are even more isolated. It breaks my heart not being able to head over to their house with a tub of ice cream and hug it out.”

#11 Name your lockdown love:

“Being able to rock an unwashed topknot for weeks on end.”

#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?

“My two beautiful nephews.”

#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?

“At the Italian grocer, a gentlemen let me go in the line in front of him as I only had one item (it was pappardelle of course). That was the highlight of my week – you can tell I haven’t been getting out much…”

#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?

“We’re continuing to grow our online bridal marketplace. From our debut bridal collection late last year, we have also a range of wedding rings, clutches and earrings that are all now available to shop on The White Files.”

#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:

No.1 “Technology.”

No.2 “Living so close to the beach – especially when I hear about other countries who are unable to leave their houses for weeks on end. Being able to clear my head with a walk along the beach has been incredible.”

No.3 “Tea.”

#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?

“There’s a Korean place in the city that was part of my weekly routine, and there’s no chance I could even attempt to cook their delicious meals!”

#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?

“The Last Dance and Cheer. My background working in sports definitely comes through with my taste in shows!”

#18 What would be your quarantine book list?

“The Courage To Be Disliked: How to free yourself, change your life and achieve real happiness by Ichiro Kishimi. I’m not usually one for motivational or self help books, but this one is a must!”

#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?

“Any herbal tea, if you haven’t realised by now my obsession with it is borderlining on an addiction.”

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