The inspiration for the name of fashion label and web-based style bible MIISHKA came from Michelle Giltman’s own childhood nickname. Indeed, the brand is steeped in nostalgia, growing from Michelle’s obsession with all things retro and her mother’s old designer threads. A stylist and former advertising gal, Michelle launched her e-commerce emporium last year. Since then, the label has built a hefty online following (34,000 Facebook fans can’t be wrong) and recently opened a pop-up store in South Melbourne. If you have a moment, check out her blog www.miishka.com for daily style inspiration. Like her beloved clothes store, it’s all about celebrating your individuality, not following the trends.

Did your love of fashion start at a young age?
I was a bit of a tomboy growing up so Mum couldn't get me inside a clothing store if her life depended on it. But I had no problem custom painting and slashing my new 501s to ride bikes with the boys!

Do you remember your first vintage purchase?
A pair of mint condition Charles Jourdan stilettos I found in an op shop for $2. I was 14 and my friends were horrified.

How did you get the word out about your store?
I started a Facebook fan page, invited all my friends and uploaded a couple of pieces from my collection as a way to introduce people to the world of MIISHKA. Within weeks I was running an online fashion business directly from Facebook.

What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received?
Still fresh in my mind is an email I received from a customer who wore one of our vintage dresses on a first date. She said she met her soulmate that night and had never felt more beautiful. It reminds me that we're not just selling clothes but experiences, sometimes life-changing ones.

Which trends do you love and which do you hate?
I'm really not big on trends. I glean inspiration from the everyday girl or guy on the street bringing their own individual style to a piece of clothing and creating a look I've never even thought about. Fashion snapper Bill Cunningham summed it up perfectly when he said: 'The thing I love about street photography is that you find the answers you don't see at the fashion shows.'  That said, I've always loved the rock ‘n' roll chic vibe and am quietly waiting for the 'colour blocking' phase to be over and done with.

How do you source vintage?
I mostly source my vintage pieces from overseas, local markets and personal collections - I'm lucky to have some amazing contacts both locally and internationally.  But when it comes to sourcing it really is about keeping an open mind and scanning everything in sight!  The biggest fashion treasures are usually found in the most unexpected of places.

Whose wardrobe do you wish you could steal?
Kate Moss. Can you imagine her designer archives?!

What’s on your wish list right now?
A bigger studio!

What projects are you working on at the moment?
The launch of our official web store and my little rooftop wedding in January!

Kate McKibbin, 30, discovered her passion for online shopping after working for several years in women’s magazines. She decided to start Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily in 2007 as a way to share all the amazing sites she was discovering – and to make a little extra shoe money. With just a credit card to fund the start-up, Kate had to DIY most aspects of the business, including learning how to build a website. After just six months, the gamble paid off: the site had more than 10,000 subscribers and could dedicate herself to her site, dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com, full time. 

Tell us a little about your background. I have always been a bit of a web nerd. I actually built my first site - a fan site for Hanso - when I was 12. Sshh! Don't tell anyone! I’ve also always been a massive shopaholic, so running DDGD is pretty much what I was born to do. Before I started DDGD in 2007, I worked as an online editor and producer for Shop Til You Drop, New Woman and contributed to Dolly, Grazia and Ninemsn. I even had a column in FHM!

When did you first take an interest in fashion? One of my earliest memories is being picked up from kindy and taking the tram into the city to walk around Myer with my nan. It was love at first sight!

Tell us about Drop Dead Gorgeous… When I was working as an online editor, I realised that I and everyone else I knew subscribed to the same handful of daily e-newsletters. They were either US-based (so you couldn't buy the items here) or featured really obscure things from tiny random market stalls. At the same time, through my job, I was discovering more and more amazing stores that sold online, so I thought: Why not combine the two and create a daily newsletter featuring gorgeous things that you could buy there and then?

Where do you get inspiration for it? I read a lot of international magazines, websites and blogs, but it's usually more what the girls in the office are talking about or what we've seen people wearing on the street. We’re not really about promoting crazy unattainable trends, more really fabulous pieces that anyone can buy and wear.

How do you keep up with the trends you feature on the site? My favourite magazines locally are Shop Til You Drop (I am a little biased) and Grazia. I just got a new iPad so I subscribe to nearly all the international titles, but I think Elle, Nylon and Lucky are the most relevant for what I do. As for blogs, there are literally hundreds in my RSS feed - I wouldn't even know where to start! 

Take us through your typical working day? Arrive at work around 8.30, super-size coffee in hand. I clean out my inbox and reply to any urgent emails - I regularly have 100+ new emails when I get to work! Then I work through the editorial schedule for that day, either edit and approve pieces or write them myself. This normally takes me up to 1pm. Then I have to compile, proof and send the newsletter before a sushi break!

I come back and start working through the rest of my emails, attend meetings with advertisers, plan out the next few days, go to functions etc. I also tend to our Facebook page and, as the DDGD website is a constantly evolving beast, chase up or approve changes with our developers. Not very glamorous, but it is a lot of fun!

Can you describe your personal style? Probably a bit too laidback for my own good. I live in jeans (or jean shorts in summer), slouchy tees, some pretty spesh flats and lots of cocktail jewellery. I am really not a morning person, so I have developed a bit of a failsafe uniform that I can throw on in any combination and it works ... most of the time.  

What’s on your wish list right now? What isn't?! At the moment, I am in love with all the 3.1 Phillip Lim bags and am trying to find a cool beaded vintage shrug for my wedding next year. I also need more shoes - lots and lots more shoes!

Whose wardrobe would you like to steal? It would be a toss-up between Olivia Palermo and Nicole Richie. 

Fashion tip for the season? I am a Melbournite and normally love my black on black, but this summer it's all about colour, colour and more colour!

What’s next in the land of Miss McKibbin and DDGD? We are working on a complete redesign with lots of cool new features, including an iPhone app, which will be launched in the New Year!

After working as a pattern-maker for Lisa Ho, Morissey and Nicky Hilton’s Chick, Rachel Gilbert launched her eponymous label in 2007. With a keen eye for detail, shimmering embellishments are her specialty, adorning her range of classically cut dresses – from sequinned shifts and maxi dresses to floor-grazing bridal wear. She has acquired an A-list following and is now stocked by Net-A-Porter alongside fellow fashion heavy-hitters Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. Easily our go-to girl for red carpet engagements, no other designer does easy elegance quite like Rachel …

How would you describe your personal style? My style is casual chic – influenced by Parisian fashion. In particular, I love Carine Roitfeld’s style - she is the epitome of French fashion. Every time you see her she just looks like perfection.

What’s your earliest memory of your love for fashion? My earliest memory of fashion was exploring my mother’s wardrobe when I was young, trying on high heels, dresses and silk scarves!

What is your must-have piece at the moment? With summer just around the corner, everyone needs a Missoni bikini!

What trend do you dislike? I am not a fan of the S&M /dominatrix trend. It looks great on the runway, but does not translate to real-life dressing.

Where are the best places to shop in Sydney? The Intersection in Paddington is definitely my favourite place to shop. I recently splurged on some amazing skincare products from Mecca Cosmetica there. I also love picking up fresh, organic fruit and veg from Fox Studios’ fruit and flower market on Saturday mornings, and visiting Bondi Markets on a Sunday afternoon. There are some amazing vintage pieces to be found there!

Describe your design aesthetic in 5 words… Detailed, delicate, intricate, minimalistic and colourful.

Tell us about one thing from the line that you're currently obsessing over… The sequinned Pania White Jacket from the 2011 Cruise Collection. It’s the perfect jacket to put with any summer ensemble.

Would you say you're the muse for your designs? I design for a fashionable woman in mind who is confident and isn’t afraid to stand out in a room. She’s able to wear my pieces for seasons to come.

What other projects have you got coming up? We have just opened our first flagship store at The Intersection, Paddington. From here we hope to continue to grow our retail store network.

If you’re ever strolling down Glenmore Road, don’t be surprised if you run into Montarna McDonald with her camera and notepad in hand. For when she’s not planning events as a PR maven, she’s scouring the streets and shops for the latest trends to blog to you. Her project, The Intersection, Paddington, grew out of love for her neighbourhood corner stores and has quickly become a go-to site for all the latest style news to come out of Sydney’s shopping Mecca. 

For those of us who aren't familiar with you, can you tell us a bit about yourself? I work at Sweaty Betty PR, one of Australia’s largest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle PR agencies. I also write The Intersection, Paddington - a trend-based blog that is all about the home of Australia’s top fashion talent. The blog keeps readers updated on the latest stock drops, style tips and tricks as well as spilling on who's been shopping at The Intersection, Paddington and what they’ve snapped up!

Why did you start The Intersection blog? I started the blog in May 2010 as I had an absolute affinity to the area and thought it would be great to update all of the designer’s clientele on the latest the area had to offer. 

Name your three go-to stores in Paddington to shop: Sass & Bide, Ksubi and Come As You Are.

What’s your #1 tip for shopping on a budget? Go for classic styles and colours opposed to patterns and trends that are only wearable for one season. Classic pieces will stand the test of time and always look chic.

What’s your fave trend for the coming warmer months? Metallics are everywhere! Just remember, one shimmering piece is all you need to ensure the look is stand-out rather than space-age! The key to nailing the look is to mix your metallics with fuss-free T-shirts, simple knits and matte, leather accessories.

What are the fashion staples you think every girl should own? 

• The Dress: This season is all about color and I'm loving my cobalt blue dress from Sass & Bide. I either throw a trench over it on cooler days, or pair it with a bold necklace and high heels on a balmy summer night.
• The Shorts: Tailored shorts are the perfect spring staple. You need a style that is dressy enough to wear to work, but can be paired with a tank top for an easy weekend outfit. I’d head to Scanlan & Theodore to find a great pair.
• The Floaty Shirt: A lightweight top is key for spring; I’d opt for an Equipment silk shirt from Come As You Are to wear with shorts or a summer skirt. With the sleeves rolled up and collar open, it invokes a classic, laidback summer look.
• Pumps: Chic pumps are always great for summer and spring. Worn with shorts, cropped trousers, a dress, or rolled-up jeans, the right pair always looks fabulous.
• The Sunglasses: You can't go wrong with Ksubi’s specs. Coveted and sported by celebrities and trendsetters alike, these shades are a great summer staple. 

Finally, what are your favourite fashion sites?

The Coveteur —Provides a sneak peek into the closets of fashion's tastemakers. The beautiful photos on this site have made it one of my morning must-visits. 

Style.com—Love fashion full-stop? You're in luck, ‘cause this site is all about fashion, with impressive editorial features that have me coming back for more. 

Stockholm Street Style—The masterpiece of creator, Caroline Blomst, this site has all the hallmarks of a hit. I love the cute comments that accompany the stunning snaps.

Adore & Addict— The best inspiration around town! I like to start my day off by scrolling through this fashionista’s collaboration of snaps from around the world.

Fashion Etc.— A super comprehensive fashion news website, this new kid on the block will soon be bookmarked by every stylish gal worth her salt. 

New Zealand-born, Australian-based designer Amy Kaehne's eponymous label already has the fashion crowd talking, with Vogue dubbing it as “one to watch”. The collection has an effortless, organic feel - natural and lightweight fabrics in earthy, neutral tones. Think slouched sophisticated pants; flowing, printed dresses; and oversized linen jackets. We caught up with Amy to talk vintage style inspirations and what we can expect from the label in the future.

How would you describe your personal style? Relaxed and uncomplicated.

Do you remember the first piece you ever sewed? Scarf tops in the 90s – I would buy vintage scarves and turn them into tops.

What films and books inspire you? I love 60s movies like La Chamade and The Thomas Crown Affair (the original). I love authors from the 1950s/60s, such as Jack Kerouac, Charles Burkowsk and John Fante. They really spoke about seeking change in society at that time, and also wrote about things that were frowned upon in the stuffy conservative 1950s.

What items do you wear to death? Golden Goose desert boots, cotton knitwear and relaxed cotton drill trousers.

What's your all-time fave blog? http://www.dejeunesgensmodernes.com.

Describe the girl you design for... Relaxed, confident and loves textures and natural fibres that have a feminine unstructured element about them.

What are your favourite pieces from your latest collection, ‘Golden Hands’? The Golden Hands maxi dress, Golden Hands cotton drill trousers, Silk hand-knit singlet, and Pleat Knit cardi.

What are some other brands you admire? I admire local labels like Benah and bassike.

Who is your muse? I tend to change my muse every season. They are usually poets, authors or muses in some other way not relating to fashion.

What are your dreams for the label? I am interested in gaining some international exposure, especially in Europe, and building the brand in that way. I want my label to grow in a relaxed organic way, so that it still remains something that I enjoy - not necessarily a job, more of a creative outlet.

My most vivid memory of Megan Gale doesn't come off so well for me, but I'll tell you anyway. One year at the Cleo Swimsuit party, photographers wanted to snap us together, so I stood on the stairs while Megan stayed on the grass so we could at least be of even head height (have you seen her in heels? Stood next to her? She's an Amazon lady. All bronze limbed legginess.) Anyway, my coy plan didn't work cos they took full length shots! Thanks guys! The glamour girl is now hosting Project Runway and I cornered her for a chat on her style.

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO BE HOSTING PROJECT RUNWAY?

I’m very excited but also extremely nervous. There’s a lot of buzz around the show which is fantastic but also adds a lot of pressure!

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED DURING FILMING?

My style has changed in terms of the way I look on the show is very different to how you’d see me on the red carpet or working for David Jones, it’s just a very different look. Which is great, it’s good to work on different projects and change it up in terms of your look and it’s been quite refreshing. I’ve had lots of people to help me do this it’s nothing I’ve created myself! But it’s also been difficult in deciding what that look is going to be. It is a fashion show but you don’t want to go too wacky and too trend driven and look like a car crash walking down the catwalk! So it’s been fun to play around with that.

YOUR VERY FIRST FASHION MEMORY WAS …

Jogged when I was looking through baby photos with my mum and came across one where I was in a little sundress and a bonnet which my mum made for me - kind of like a baby from Little House on the Prairie! My mum made me a lot of clothes back then and I still think it’s amazing that she did that for me.

YOU LOOK YOUR BEST IN …

Without sounding like I’m trying to promote him, I think any of Alex Perry’s dresses. When you wear one of his dresses you end up looking like you have a body that’s not actually yours. He knows how to tailor and construct things in a way that improves your silhouette and how you are physically. They call him the king of smoke and mirrors and he just makes you look fantastic – your waist looks smaller, your stomach looks flatter, your boobs look bigger! He’s just a genius.

YOUR STYLE UNIFORM IS ...

At the moment it’s a lot of black – safe and easy. I’m living in my skinny black Nudie jeans, patent leather Jimmy Choo ankle boots which are heels but really comfortable, and usually a black knit with a black leather jacket over the top.

MY MOST FABULOUS FASHION MOMENT WAS …

A finale I did for a David Jones show. They got Alex Perry to make a couture dress in their signature houndstooth print which was a very cool moment.

HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ANY COOL CLOTHES YOU'VE MODELLED?

Oh god yeah, sometimes they’re samples which have to go back to the designer obviously but over the years I have got some very cool things. When I was working in Italy I’d get sent quite a few things for shoots from Roberto Cavalli to wear and I had built up a relationship with him, he was fantastic. They actually called my agency and offered me to go in and pick things out which was just heaven. Some of it was current season and some of it was archive stuff so I got stuff that Jennifer Lopez had worn to events and just amazing things. As time goes on they’ll become vintage pieces which I love the idea of.

YOUR STYLE ICON IS ...

Angelina Jolie – she’s very classic and her outfits look very simple but she's always quite striking without being gaudy or flashy. I don’t know how she looks like that while having six kids! She’s always so groomed and elegant without being too much and I really admire that.

YOUR FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNERS ARE ...

In Australia, Colette Dinnigan, Kirrily Johnston, Lisa Ho, Willow and obviously Alex Perry. Internationally I love Herve Leger, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and YSL.

YOUR LAST PURCHASE WAS ...

Christian Louboutin heels which are dangerously high. They’re a tan coloured peeptoe ankle boot.

KEY PIECES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN ...
A little black dress, a great pair of jeans you feel comfortable in, a white shirt, anything leopard print because it always comes around again, and a black trench coat.

THE SEXIEST THING A WOMAN CAN WEAR?
A disarming smile.

MINI SKIRTS OR SHORTS? Mini skirts

SKINNY OR WIDE LEG JEANS? Skinny

BIKINI OR ONE-PIECE? Bikini

BALLET FLATS OR TRAINERS? Ballet flats

PENCIL SKIRTS OR FULL? Pencil

If you don't know who Janice Petersen is, one, you're missing out on actual, real news every night. Two, you're missing out on Janice's amazing style sense! She's the nightly newsreader on SBS' 6.30pm news, and I've become quite fashion obsessed with her. Unlike the commercial news stations, Janice never has an ill-fitting suit on. There are no brightly coloured sateen shirts. And she never has volumised helmet hair. Joy.

I knew she'd have a bundle of fashion tips to share with you, so I just had to interview her. What other newsreader wears Alexander McQueen and Lanvin on a nightly basis? (besides her esteemed colleague Lee Lin Chin of course).  Then I found out her partner was Julian Hamilton of The Presets and knew I'd hit the cool jackpot. It's funny how you can tell just by watching Janice read the news every night that she has an innate knack for putting clothes together and that ultimately, she's one cool chick. Read with pleasure.

WHO DRESSES YOU FOR THE NEWS EVERY NIGHT?

We are so lucky at SBS to have stylist Lesley Crawford taking care of us. She's pretty much the best in the business and has a great eye. We usually go on shopping trips every couple of months and add items to the wardrobe. We do occasionally lend items but most often the clothes have been chosen and bought by us.

WHAT GOES INTO YOUR DECISION AS TO WHAT TO WEAR?

There are a few rules in TV that shouldn't be broken when it comes to clothes. Number one is no thin stripes! They strobe and are a big "no no". We often 'camera test' clothes to see if they work with the set and are technically OK to use. If there's a particularly harrowing news story we'll tone things down. Some viewers get very sensitive about what newsreaders wear and sometimes misinterpret it as a commentary on the stories. For me it never is.

Janice in Karen Walker. Above, in pink Lanvin.

YOUR STYLE IS VERY DIFFERENT TO THOSE ON COMMERCIAL STATIONS. DO YOU HAVE FREE REIGN WITH WHAT TO WEAR OR DOES YOUR PRODUCER HAVE A SAY?

I'm happy to hear peoples opinions but producers quite rightly concentrate their talents on putting together a quality news bulletin rather than concerning themselves with what I wear. One of my producers happily admits that as a cardigan wearing gent not renowned for his sartorial elegance, he really has no business dishing out fashion advice.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ASKED TO CHANGE?

It's usually a technical problem which dictates that an outfit or piece of jewellry needs to change. Some sound engineers are more finicky than others.

If a necklace threatens to jingle or jangle and is too close to the microphone then it's vetoed pretty swiftly, no matter how fabulous it may be.

Wearing Mary Katrantzou

BIGGEST FASHION MISTAKE ON AIR?

It's never great to wear something you're not comfortable in. We're in the business of delivering serious news and your mind needs to be on that rather than being distracted by an uncomfortable outfit.

BEST OUTFIT ON AIR?

Come on, that's not fair! I have some absolute beauties. I have a couple of Willow dresses which are in the style of Roland Mouret from a few seasons ago. Impeccably tailored and well fitted.

I also love my Josh Goot cap sleeve dress with a beautiful granite like print. I picked up a great Alexander McQueen jacket with razor sharp shoulders. The crew never fails to make a Janet Jackson reference when I wear it.

Lesley, our stylist, also sourced some spectacular Mary Katrantzou dresses after London Fashion Week last year. The prints are works of art. The last one I wore got a lot of commentary on our Twitter site. Not all of it good I might add but if it's engaging our viewers and they're tuning in, it's fine by me.

Our stylist's mantra is, "It's better to be looked at than over looked."

In an Alexander McQueen jacket

IS YOUR WEEKEND STYLE VERY DIFFERENT TO YOUR ON-AIR STYLE?

I'm much more relaxed and less polished. I became a mum last year too so comfort and practicality are key. That certainly doesn't mean that I let my guard down completely. You won't catch me ducking out to the shops in trackies and ugg boots!

I live in high waisted Ksubi jeans, singlets and tees. I also love hand woven tribal skirts and pieces with an ethnic bent.

YOUR PARTNER IS JULIAN HAMILTON OF THE PRESETS, DOES HE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE AT ALL?

I've learnt to dress for myself and buy what I love. Julian has a great sense of style and buys just a smattering of items each year but they're always exceptional quality. I, on the other hand, am guilty of buying too much but I figure it's my civil duty to contribute to the economy!

Julian sometimes gives outfits the thumbs down but then I'll wear it again a month later and he'll say "Wow - where'd you get that?" I've lost count of the amount of times that's happened.

My very first fashion memory was … Playing dress ups with friends in our mums' heels.

My fashion journey started … Traipsing through second hand stores with my mum on the Central Coast where I grew up. I pretty much ducked for cover on approach to stores with names like "Second Time Lucky" and "Nifty Thrifty" - it wasn't as chic as it is now. But my mum had an insatiable appetite for a bargain. She had an uncanny ability to sniff out petite, feminine gold watches with Omega being her holy grail. She found them too. But I must say she bagged one of the best vintage finds I've come across - a pair of Christian Dior boots in mint condition. I'd sneak into her room and pull them out. I'd never felt leather so buttery soft, I wondered how it could possibly be made from the same stuff as my tough school shoes. I'd run my finger over the pristine embossed gold logo to indulge in the luxury of it all. They're still squirreled away in a cupboard somewhere on the Central Coast.

I look my best in … a sarong, sandy toes and a flower in my hair.  

My style uniform is … singlet, jeans and sandals.

My most fabulous fashion moment was … wearing my pink Lanvin dress and sipping a well earned glass of rose champagne on my first night home after giving birth to my daughter.

My fave place in the world … La Maddalena, a teeny island off the small island of Sardinia in Italy. We'd drive around and find our own little piece of paradise then race out the car and jump off smooth, sculptural boulders into picture postcard waters in every shade of turquoise. It was bliss.

My style icon is … now this is very SBS of me but I am constantly inspired by ethnic and cultural outfits. Any sort of intricate beading and embroidery work gets me giddy. Quite often those traditional outfits are the epitome of elegance and regality.
Former Editor at Large of Pop Magazine, Shala Monroque, always looks impeccable. The amount of high end labels she wears is quite dizzying and a too ostentatious for real life but Shala lives the ultimate fashion fantasy and owns every look. Plenty of designers have copped flack for not using black models so I must say it warms my heart to see a woman of colour absolutely knocking it out of the park in the fashion stakes.

My favourite designers are … Mary Katrantzou - the ‘High Priestess of Print’ – and Lanvin - love the draping.  Closer to home it’s Michael Lo Sordo (sometime assistant stylist at SBS!), Scanlan and Theodore, Willow, Karen Walker, Ksubi, Romance Was Born, Bassike and Josh Goot. I LOVED the 2011 spring/summer collection from Prada - so bright and joyous I thought Australian Vogue did a splendiferous job of showcasing it recently.

My last buy was … A pair of Marimekko for Converse high tops. Super cool! As well as a Lanvin for H&M one shouldered dress off eBay. Besides it not being available in Australia, it was a good price and as the seller rightly pointed out - I didn't have to line up for hours in freezing weather to get my hands on it!

Key pieces every woman should own … A great pair of jeans. Man, woman or vegetable - it really is a must have. And at least a couple of pairs of sunglasses - one fun and one incredibly chic so you've got all bases covered.

Sexiest things a woman can wear … It's a well worn cliche but a woman is sexiest in whatever she's comfortable in. The outfits that trigger the most heartfelt compliments from my partner usually involve a plain tee, jeans and Converse sneakers.

Five things you’re lusting after this season …

1.  Prada multicolour woven heels

2.  Acne hat

3.   Tribal necklaces. I've hunted these down for years

4.  Bright Jil Sander print on white

5.  I was recently given Ellery for Graz cat eye sunnies from a friend so I'm happy to report that I've officially crossed one item off the 'to do' list!

On Saturday nights I’m busy… feeding and putting my gorgeous little girl Odessa to sleep. It's not always a quick job! Then it's time to enjoy some good wine and have a dance in the kitchen.

Mini skirts or shorts? I love shorts, again I favour the high waisted variety. Even taunts of "Harry High Pants" (seriously!) from a couple of hecklers in the street hasn't put me off.

Skinny leg or wide leg jeans? Skinny

Bikini or one-piece? Bikini, even when pregnant.

Ballet flats or trainers? Both. I wear ballet flats most days to work but I do love my new pattern crazy high tops mentioned previously. I've worn them while reading the news just this week! You never know what's lurking behind the news desk...

Pencil skirts or full? I wear a lot of pencil skirts for work but I have had a love affair with full skirts for years. I'm a sucker for both.

I first met Charlotte Dawson in the early series of Australia's Next Top Model, when I was a guest judge. First impressions? Sharp, witty, spunky and super switched on.  No wonder she is where she is now! She has such fantastic television presence that she hosts the Australian version of The Contender, as well as commanding a prized, permanent position on the judges table of ANTM. One thing I've always admired is her ability to dress as she pleases, and dress age appropriately, even amongst a sea of wannabee teenage models. Hard to do ladies, hard to do. We caught up for a Coco Lee style chat.

YOUR VERY FIRST FASHION MEMORY?
 
My sisters dressing me up as a bride when I was about four years old .. I recently found the little black and white photo and I had a bob haircut and was even holding a little posy of flowers. My two older sisters used to dress me up in all sorts of crazy fun stuff – it was always VERY fashion, and we’d listen to Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac!

 
YOU BEGAN YOUR FASHION JOURNEY WHEN ...
 
I think it just happened to me! I have never been a leader – just a follower and so therefore some very tragic attempts at fashion from the early 80’s keep haunting me. Hobble skirts, crystal encrusted military hats. What we used to refer to as ‘bank teller blush’ … it was literally streaked over cheekbones and of course over processed blonde breaking bleached hair. When I started modeling I became a little more fashion conscious and then when I started at the Today Show as their fashion editor in 1993, I became far more educated. Having said all of that, I’m now very lazy with my fashion choices and have become much more conservative and age appropriate (I hope)!

 
YOUR BEST FEATURE IS ...
 
I like my smile – it’s my best accessory. I had big old heavy metal painful braces when I was 11 years old and that awful frizzy unruly, unmanageable adolescent hair and a good dose of acne, so I would like to think I have improved over the next 33 years that followed! I am a friend of the Botox and now at 44 need to make sure I have a sense of when I might start to look like a complete freak, I’m sure my friends will tell me!

YOU LOOK YOUR BEST IN ...

I have to say, and not just because he’s my mate and has been for twenty years (he was also my agent when I was a model), that I feel and look my best in his dresses. They can be punishing to have to spend an entire night in but they make you feel very ‘expensive’ …(there Alex I said it OK?) so ALEX PERRY!

MY STYLE UNIFORM IS ...
 
I hoard jeans and suit jackets. But I mostly get out and about in trackies and t-shirts, gym or yoga gear.
 
YOUR MOST FABULOUS FASHION MOMENT?
 
I was in a little town called Warkworth about an hour north of Auckland the Christmas before last and I found this amazing retro shop and they had for about $40 the most incredible severe shouldered star-trek looking 80’s jacket by Thierry Mugler. I wore it to fashion week and got many compliments!!!

YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?
 
Sydney. No question the energy and the people and the beaches ….. I can’t rate it highly enough.

YOUR FAVE STYLE ICON?
 
At the moment I think Carine Rothfeld – French Vogue Editor. I love her style and I love that she’s older and still can get away with really bold choices and she’s definitely got an air of tough but not a fashion victim.
 
WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU COULDN'T DO WITHOUT?
 
My sanity. Finally. In a fashion sense I guess my mini collection of Camilla Kaftans that every year I can squish into a carry-on sized bags for my Xmas trips home to NZ and I am addicted to aviators … just spent an obscene amount of money on a pair of Veronique Branquinhos from Belinda in Double Bay … and here I was this year PROMISING my appetite for fashion should be replaced with concentrating on the ‘inner’ me (that’s the only small slip-up so far).

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?

 I am now not really a connesuir of fashion anymore – it fails to ignite much passion in me as much as it used to, I guess I have grown out of being excited about it as far as following slavishly the international trends I don’t think it’s relevant to my life as much these days. But as far as my favorite designers to wear for myself? I love Scanlon and Theodore, Willow, Trelise Cooper, Carla Zampatti, Kate Sylvester, Jayson Brunsdon, Lisa Ho, Bianca Spender, Zambesi and of course Alex Perry. I think we are very spoilt for choice here in Australia.

 
YOUR LAST BUY WAS ...
 
Those damn aviators (see above) and a pretty silk cream ‘ See By Chloe’ top on sale from Christensen Copenhagen.  I always make ONE extreme shoe purchase a year – last year it was the YSL jubilee shoes and Cosmopolitan shoes have just got the new collection in which is like shoe-gasm worthy…. So I’m trying to stay away (until next pay day….)

 
KEY PIECES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN?
 
A beautiful quality white shirt. Obviously a good pair of jeans and my favorite a brilliantly tailored razor sharp jacket.
 
WHAT ARE THE SEXIEST THINGS A WOMAN CAN WEAR?
 
Amazing shoes – but if you can’t walk in them they just are not sexy … I now have bad knees and find it really difficult so I envy all those women that can stride around in heels – I’m a flattie girl now forever I think.
 
FIVE THINGS YOU'RE LUSTING AFTER THIS SEASON?
 
Yoga
Meditation
Moderation
Peace
And … just maybe a pair of YSL ankle boots…

ON SATURDAY NIGHT I'M BUSY ...
 
Having an early one at home or a quick tapas around the corner from my building with one of my mates who live either in the building or locally. Sunday is Monopoly city day … friends come over around 4pm and I cook and we get to be evil property developers. These sessions can last hours! It’s so much fun.
 
MINI SKIRTS OR SHORTS?
 
For me neither at my age – not a great look, but for young girls I see too many short short of both…. Somewhere in the last year someone removed the modesty out of fashion.
 
SKINNY LEGS OR WIDE?
I like a skinny jean, but I can’t bear the ones that are too tight – like you look like you just came out of a blue sausage factory and are ready to be hurled on the BBQ.

HIGH WAISTED OR LOW
For me, high waisted … my tum ain’t what it used to be!
 
STILETTOS OR PLATFORMS?
 A stiletto is far more elegant and sexy, but I’m not good at walking in either (THANKS dodgy knees!)
 
HEELS OR FLATS?
 
Flats – out of comfort.
 
BIKINI OR ONE-PIECE
 
Joke question right? ONE PIECE (actually a wetsuit and I’d be comfortable)….

 
AND FINALLY, IF YOU WERE GOING TO BE ON A REALITY SHOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED?
 
‘Heel Or No Heel?’  OR ‘I’m a celebrity! Give me clothes to wear!!!’ ; )

I can't remember exactly when it was I first met Kathryn, but I guess I knew of her before I met her. She was a Sydney social identity - a beautiful blonde model who'd written a book called "How to Tell a Man by His Shoes". Word was that she'd scored a job on the US Today Show after she was so good on the show plugging it! Clever girl.

It was only after she moved back to Sydney that I got to know Kathryn and became incredibly impressed with how great she was, not to mention nice, and what a fabulous writer (not just a pretty face, this girl). Exuberant and bubbly, I soon got her on board to write a column for Cleo (I was editing Cleo at the time), which is something she still does today.

Now? Kathryn is living and working in the US where she presents for the VH1 channel and she's written another book called How to Tell a Woman by her Handbag which is going gangbusters in the States and getting a whole heap of fabulous attention. I cornered her on my recent LA visit in a cosy corner in Sunset Tower to ask her about her style. 

YOUR VERY FIRST FASHION MEMORY?

Looking down at the terry towel bib I was dribbling on and being very pleased that it was 100% cotton! Seriously, I’ll never forget my first pair of ‘designer shoes’. It was on holidays with my family in Surfers Paradise in the 80’s, and aged seven I spotted the most beautiful pair of multicoloured Italian leather ballet flats. It was love at first sight and my fashion forward grandparents bought them for me. I loved them so much I slept with them on that night!

WHEN DID YOU START TO ESTABLISH YOUR FASHION IDENTITY?

Growing up I was really athletic. I remember my friends laughing at me when I was in the school fashion parade because I walked down the catwalk like I had a soccer ball between my legs! That all changed when I discovered fashion mag’s like Italian Vogue. I devoured it during my lunch break and collected fashion editorials that inspired me. Soon enough my weekends involved dragging my friends on shopping expeditions to Oxford Street, Paddington and the Markets (Glebe, Newtown, Paddington, Bondi) scouring for vintage finds.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE?

Probably my smile, because whenever I see it I feel happy…or is it the other way around?

I LOOK BEST IN ... Dresses, I’m not sure if my love of dresses stems from the fact that I look best in them or simply because they’re the easiest thing to put on.

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH ... Handbags! I just released my second book, “How to Tell a Woman by Her Handbag” http://www.amazon.com/How-Tell-Woman-Her-Handbag/dp/0740791338/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272306065&sr=1-3
and while I was writing it I got totally immersed in the world of handbags. I literally put everything I had into that book- collecting purses almost as pieces of art, more so than practical accessories. It was a sad day when I discovered that these essential “research materials” were not tax deductable!

MY MOST FABULOUS FASHION MOMENT WAS  ... the white one shouldered Jill Stuart dress I wore with a white leather Perrin Paris Cuff to my recent US Book launch party in Beverly Hills. It felt fresh.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD HAS GOT TO BE ... Soho House, Los Angeles. This English private club has recently opened its doors in my  new neighborhood in the form of an uber playful rooftop restaurant/ bar, complete with black and white photo booth. It also boasts a perfect view of the twinkling city lights, the Hollywood Hills, not to mention stars patrons like Sting and Jessica Alba.  It’s everything that’s both good and silly about Tinseltown.

MY FAVE STYLE ICON IS ... Grace Kelly.
I couldn't live without ... My black silk shift dress by Paul & Joe. I bought it at Orson & Blake in Woollahra many seasons ago and have worn it to everything from meeting at the TV station (with opaque stockings, blazer, patent heels) to sunset beach cocktails (with gold sandals, gold bangle).  It’s my ‘when it doubt’ outfit. AND my laptop- I’m on it for about 7 hours a day. Sad but true!

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?

Tibi- for colorful dresses reminiscent of Palm Springs circa 1960.
Kerryn Leigh- for super soft baby wool classics with a modern twist.
Jill Stuart- for whimsical dresses with original cuts and fabrics.
Zara- for chic basics at amazing prices.

WHAT WAS YOUR LAST PURCHASE?

Christian Louboutin canvas and cork wedges- perfect for day or night during the northern hemisphere summer.

THE LAST ALBUM PLAYED ON YOUR IPOD?

“The Last Day on Earth” by Kate Miller-Heidke. I’ve promised myself that she’ll be on the sound track for the new movie I’m writing.

WHAT KEY ITEMS SHOULD EVERY WOMAN HAVE IN HER WARDROBE?

1.    A copy of my latest book, How To Tell A Woman by Her Handbag (Penguin). So you can discover your true Purse-onality (and those of your friends and foes). It’s cheaper than an actual handbag and even more hours of fun, if that’s even possible!

2.    An amazing LBD-that you can put on when you’re in a hurry.

3.    A statement ring-that has personality and reminds you of a happy time or an achievement.

4.    A zany pair of ballet flats- with lots of toe cleavage (Leopard print or baby pink).

5.    A shrunken leather jacket- that looks just as good with a pair of jeans as with a colourful dress.

6.    A lean cigarette pant- that makes you feel like Cat Woman.

7.    A pair of super high black Christian Louboutin’s- an investment piece.

WHAT ARE THE SEXIEST THINGS A WOMAN CAN WEAR?

Purpose. Get involved in a charity such as the SISTER2sister. I’m a proud ambassador (and former big sister) and have seen the transformational difference they make in the lives of teenage girls.

FIVE THINGS YOU'RE LUSTING AFTER THIS SEASON?

Herve Leger retro one piece swimsuit.

A Perrin Paris Large ‘Riva’ Ball bag.

Estee Lauder Private collection fragrance.  

Next month’s CLEO magazine- - I write a column for them!

A futuristic silver manicure.

Family time

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SATURDAY NIGHT?

Heading to Cecconi’s in West Hollywood for a friend’s 30th birthday dinner party and then to a Cuban Rum Bar. Of late it seems the whole world is turning 30 (sometimes for their 8th time in a row)!

Mini skirts or shorts? Shorts

Skinny jeans or wide leg? Skinny (and slightly cropped).

High waisted or low? Neither- what’s wrong with somewhere in between?

Stilettos or Platforms? Platforms.

Heels or flats? Flats for day, heels for night.

Bikini or one-piece? Depends on how much pasta I ate the night before!