Introducing S&S Girl Diaries. Designed to showcase Scarlet & Sam girls around the world, we interview the women whose unique style and creativity inspire us. Each month, we feature a new Scarlet & Sam girl from a different city, sharing their perspectives, most coveted products and style edit.

This month, we welcome Marissa Leppala, a Finnish-Indian fashion creator based in Melbourne who has a love for travel. She combines sharp styling with a playful edge, making fashion feel exciting and accessible at any age.

1. What destination has inspired your style the most, and how does it influence the way you dress?

Honestly, my style shape-shifts depending on the city I’m in - I get so inspired by my surroundings! But if I had to pick one, it’d be Berlin. The fashion there is edgy, slightly gritty, and experimental… and as a massive music fan, I love how fashion and music collide in that city. Every time I’m there, I come back feeling SO creatively recharged! 

2. If you could curate the ultimate holiday wardrobe with Scarlet & Sam, what would be your top three picks and why?

• The Signature Belted Jeans in Indigo - slouchy, dark-wash goodness that literally goes with everything.
• The Sunday Tube Top in Baby Blue - looks killer with a tan and easily transitions from beach to sunset drinks.
• The Scrunched Tee in any colour - because you can never have too many tees on holiday, and the scrunch detail adds a fun element to your look!

3. What does the perfect day look like for you? Do you like slow days or to be on the go exploring?

Definitely a mix of both! I love waking up with the sun and starting slow - green tea, a bit of meditation, and mapping out the day. If I’ve had that little pocket of “me” time, I feel so much more ready to seize the day. My ideal day includes wandering around a new city on foot, getting lost down pretty streets, stumbling on cute cafés, scouring flea markets for vintage gems… and I always end up perusing the aisles of foreign supermarkets for way too long. 

4. What’s your go-to travel outfit that still feels elevated and true to your aesthetic?

I tend to wear all black when I'm travelling - it feels put together, and strikes the perfect balance between comfort and not looking like I’ve just rolled out of bed haha. I also always have an oversized hoodie or jumper with me too, especially for long-haul flights, because staying warm is essential. Of course I always make sure my iPad has enough reality tv downloaded to get me through the flight if I struggle to sleep! 

Shop Marissa's Edit

Follow Marissa:
IG: @marissalepps_
TT: @marissalepps