Bridgette O'Sullivan has more hats and matching handbags in her wardrobe than most women. As the Ellerslie racing ambassador, the pressure is on for O'Sullivan to add a dash of style at the races.

"I feel like I have to put in more effort in than the average racegoer because I quite often find myself at the forefront of official events.

"My job's made easy because I've always loved dressing up. I really do have a weakness for beautiful feminine clothes. And I'm sure my husband would be thrilled if I got over my shoe fetish - they are taking over our wardrobe floor."

But this is just one role the busy mother of two plays.

Fans of reality TV shows will remember O'Sullivan and her champion jockey (and now trainer) husband Lance O'Sullivan as the winners of Treasure Island Couples At War, which screened in February.

"I found that role very hard because for the entire three weeks on the island my wardrobe consisted of two pairs of shorts, two singlets, a sarong and two bikinis."

O'Sullivan also fronts a regional TV leisure and lifestyle show based in the Waikato, where she lives.

Favourite designers?

I have many favourites. My role as the Ellerslie ambassador requires a lot of dressing up. For racing and black-tie events I wear Pierucci, Yvonne Bennetti, Zambesi and Bang. For more casual everyday wear I love Sass & Bide, IPG, Sabatini (great woollens), Morrison Hotel and Esprit.

Favourite accessory?

Oversized Gucci sunnies.

Beauty routine?

Always cleanse, tone, moisturise and apply eye-cream. Always remove makeup no matter how late or incapable.

Item you'd be lost without?

Revlon mascara.

Style icons?

Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston and Elle Macpherson. All four women always look incredibly stylish, whether they're in jeans and a T-shirt or glammed up for a red-carpet event.

Favourite colour?

I can't decide between black, white, brown - but I usually add some colour so I don't look boring.

Favourite store of the moment?

Scarpa. They have a great range of shoes and boots that are a bit different from your standard chainstores - there is always something a little more special about them.

Biggest indulgence?

I went to Aura Spa in Tauranga for the whole day. I had the full works, full body massage, facial, pedicure (it was a present from my wonderful husband) and I loved it.

Favourite look?

Casual. I like jeans tucked into boots, which gives that great'70s look.

Last item of clothing bought?

Some really cool knee-high chocolate-brown boots for winter.

Best fashion bargain?

A frilly black Glassons shirt that I love.

Key item of clothing for everyone?

A really nice pair of black pants in the cut of the season.

By Leanne Moore