STLYE FILE: DOWN TO A TEE

Sunday Mirror, Nov 9, 2003 by Words: Louise Burke

'I'm 33, but I still don't really have a clue about fashion. If something looks good on me, I'll buy it. The only designer item I own is a pair of Gucci sunglasses. I shop at all the usual high street shops like Topshop and Warehouse, but I'm in a bit of a Miss Sixty phase at the moment. I just bought a gorgeous, black lace, prom- style dress - it cost me pounds 150. That's a lot of money to me, just for a dress, and I was a bit shaky handing over the credit card. I bought it to wear to the film premiere and party for Down With Love. Premieres are always so glam, and I've got to look the part, haven't I?

'I've been working in the States a lot this year, so I've done a lot of shopping there. Their clothes sizes are smaller than in the UK so it's perfect for me. I've bought a whole wardrobe of Abercrombie & Fitch stuff, because you can't get it over here yet - it drives me mad. I've got loads of their cute military mini skirts - I live in them when I'm in LA because the weather is so warm. I just throw on a white vest top with flip-flops and a nice handbag. It looks really chic.

'I couldn't believe it the other week when I opened a magazine and I was pictured on the "What were they thinking?" page. OK, I admit wearing high-heeled clogs to a premiere was a mistake, and they did go in the bin the next day. But I thought the rest of my outfit - cropped jeans and the Ronit Zilkha top - was fine.

'I don't have a favourite look - I like to try everything out. One day I may be in an urban chic mood. The next day I could be a hippy chick. My two best mates work as fashion PRs and they are super trendy - I could never compete with them. I just do my own thing and I love customising. I was doing it way before everyone else. Three years ago I bought an old Led Zeppelin T-shirt from Camden Market and put rhinestones on it for my Live & Kickin' TV audition. It obviously did the trick because I got the job.

'My favourite and probably one of my most expensive recent purchases is my Ugg boots. They were about pounds 110, I think - I had to have them imported from Australia. They're sheepskin, so they're perfect for the winter. I even wear them around my flat because they're more comfortable than my slippers. The next thing on my shopping list is a pair of Paper, Denim & Cloth jeans. That's after I get myself a new pair of Seven jeans...'

pounds 25, URBAN OUTFITTERS

Skirt, pounds 50, Miss Sixty; tights, pounds 6, Jonathan Aston; shoes, pounds 35, Peekaboo at Topshop

'I genuinely love The Ramones, plus it's hard to find teeny band T- shirts. This is a great fit.'

pounds 9.99, H&M Jeans, pounds 24.99, New Look; shoes, pounds 35 Peekaboo at Topshop 'Supersoft and I love the design'

pounds 18, URBAN OUTFITTERS 'I like the guitar picture, the fabric and cut. This T-shirt is a winner'

pounds 25, PEEKABOO AT TOPSHOP Belt, pounds 18, Urban Outfitters; jeans, pounds 65, Firetrap 'Soooo rock 'n' roll'

pounds 25, WAREHOUSE Jeans, pounds 24.99, New Look; boots, pounds 80, Shellys 'I would also wear this as a mini dress'

pounds 30, RUDE AT HOUSE OF FRASER 'I love the colour, and I am a bit of a Rude Girl (in a cheeky way)'

pounds 16.99, RIVER ISLAND Leather mini, pounds 100, GAS: scarf, pounds 12, Miss Selfridge 'Fab keyhole shoulder detail'

pounds 28, LOVE YOU LONG TIME AT LADEN SHOWROOM 'This is the simple but classic "I heart NY" logo and I think it's great'

pounds 24.95, CHUNK Mini skirt, pounds 50, Miss Sixty; scarf, pounds 30, Boxfresh 'Anything with a pic of Tom Selleck rules in my book. I want this T-shirt!'

pounds 30, MORGAN AT BARKERS 'It's figure-hugging and great for going out. The picture's a little bit Rolling Stones - always a winner'