Style Story ft. Chanika Jayatilleke

Always immaculately dressed at all times, Chanika Jayatileke is an avid lover of fashion and all things style-related. She is the Creative director and founder of clothing label Raaya and stationery brand Studio XO. She is the designer of the Indo-Western brand Leila, and loves supporting and shopping with local businesses. Find her on TikTok for all the laughs and a glimpse into the nutty side of her personality. This is her Style Story!

By Amana Iflal

1. Favorite go-to local brands. 

PR, Anuk, Maus, Shay Int, TDC

2. What are your jewelry and accessory preferences? 

For jewelry I like either super minimal, delicate pieces or heavy worked ethnic jewelry. There’s no in between! As for accessories, I’ll always adore classics. Love local jewelry brands like Halo, and Stoned mixed with international brands such as Missoma, Terinas and Amarapali! 

3. What are your shoe preferences? 

I’m as tall as a coconut tree, so I’ve always opted for flats. I always choose comfort over fashion for this one! Slides, pointy pumps and canvas plimsolls are my go to!

4.  What are your bag preferences? 

Love a woven local tote bag for daytime or a cane basket bag for the beach! I also like investing in high-quality versatile classic bags that have the ability to transform any outfit.

5. Favorite makeup brands and tell me ONE thing that you absolutely have to use makeup wise. 

Oh boy! Okay here goes. Estee Lauder, Fenty beauty, Becca, Sephora ‘s own brand, Makeup Forever and MAC. One product I absolutely cannot do without is concealer.

6. Patterns or Block colors? 

Block colors for sure!

7. Favorite online stores to shop at.

Asos, Cultbeauty, Newlook

8. Your favorite International Brands 

I love High Street fashion. My favorite international high street labels are Zara, & other stories and previously, Topshop.

9. How would you describe your fashion sense? 

My style is high Street casual and luxe with a mix of classic accessories.

10. Tips and Tricks when it comes to matching and styling yourself. 

Always understand your body style and highlight the areas that are most flattering and what you feel most confident about, while concealing others. I personally like to avoid using horizontal stripes and for day to day dressing, keep in mind that comfort is key. Comfort makes you feel at ease and thereby allows you to be more confident! Style is something personal so what works for your bestie may not work for you.

Amana Iflal is ChoKoLAATes very own Editor and Executive Projects and Events. She’s currently studying for her Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of London and hopes to become the sassiest lawyer! When she’s free she likes to read, paint or binge watch her comfort shows (Derry Girls and Bridgerton). She also considers herself an ‘anxiety driven perfectionist’.  Follow her on Instagram (@amanawiflal) and Twitter (@AmanaIflal) if you don’t mind random content on your feed/TL.