MY WARDROBE: Bernadette Rowlands

Bernadette Rowlands, owner High St Boutique and Demo Streetwear
Q: What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe and why?
A: I have so many but, to think of a couple, it would have to be the Juliette Hogan Belle skirt and a pair of Nom*d pants I bought this winter. The skirt is pleated, feminine and lovely to wear. I know it will be a favourite for a very long time. I have lived in the pants. They are so comfortable, yet go with so much in my wardrobe.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you have?
A: I think it is up there in the 20s - but that includes boots. I love shoes, and they must be good quality. Leather is so important. Just like anything, you get what you pay for - you get rewarded with a great fit and comfort.
I purchased a pair of tan brogues in Melbourne two years ago which were handmade, and you can tell by the look and the feel.
I would bet that they will be in my wardrobe for a long time to come. And yes, they were expensive but if I divide the cost by the amount of wears, they will not be that expensive.
Q: What are your wardrobe basics?
A: For winter it was a long sleeve merino slip. Cardigans (mostly black) - I have one for every day of the month it seems. Being a tactile person, clothes must feel great to me to wear.
Q: What do you wear to work?
A: Clothes from my store, mostly Nom*d and Juliette Hogan.
Q: What is your weekend "uniform"?
A: I don't really have a uniform for the weekend. It is always about how I feel and what I am doing. Jeans are always on the list though.
Q: What is your oldest piece of clothing?
A: It would have to be my black velvet Zambesi coat. I purchased it more than 16 years ago and wear it every winter.
Q: What's the latest piece you've bought?
A: Owning two clothing stores, it does become a hazard with all the beautiful stock arriving. It's a Nom*d dress that has just arrived but unfortunately, it must sit in the wardrobe until it gets a little warmer.
Q: What accessories do you use?
A: I wear Lisa Hoskin jewellery which I have been collecting over the past 16 years. It never dates. Boh Runga fantail earrings are often in the mix.
I recently purchased a large, and I mean large, onyx ring that almost covers my hand from the NZ Mint new Onyx range.
I love good leather handbags that last.
Q: Which piece of clothing could you not do without?
A: This one is too hard to choose from because only one seems too few. It is like asking a mother which child does she like best!
Q: What is the most you've spent on an item of clothing?
A: It was a wee while ago. I had been working really hard and I saw these boots to die for. They were very, very expensive, but I justified it by saying at least I received two boots so they were only half expensive each!