KEY POINTS:
Her namesake in the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall may have a penchant for teeny bikinis, but marketing manager Sarah Marshall's style is a lot more classic and eclectic.
"The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my own style ... It doesn't necessarily have to be
from this season, and I often bring out clothes that I've had for years."
Marshall, who currently works as a marketing manager for the New Zealand Herald's website, moved to New Zealand from Nottingham in the UK more than six years ago. Trips home to visit family and friends are a perfect excuse to visit shopping mecca Topshop.
"The thing I miss most about UK fashion is the variety - there's so much choice, and it's really easy to find a bargain or spend up a storm."
But it's not all just chic European fashion for Marshall, who counts Karen Walker as one of her favourite local designers. "There are lots of stylish women in New Zealand ... There is a lot of personality to New Zealand fashion."
Who are your favourite designers?
I like Chloe, Paul & Joe, Miu Miu and Karen Walker.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A black silk dress with ruffles by Little Joe from Workshop which I bought for a wedding.
What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?
Without Topshop, my wardrobe would be pretty empty, so getting back to Britain is my biggest and most expensive indulgence.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by people-watching. I while away hours in cafes and bars seeing what people are wearing and how they put their outfits together. People who are confident in their own skin and have a distinct personal style always catch my attention. I think girls on the street put their look together a lot better than celebrities and models. They're less contrived.
Your favourite accessory?
Scarves, scarves and scarves! I have at least one for every day of the week. My favourite is in black silk from Zambesi. I also have a collection that I nabbed from my grandparents and various secondhand shops.
Your favourite shop?
I love finding a bargain so spend lots of time in secondhand shops. Tatty's have great choice and I really like Jetset Bohemian in Grey Lynn. Workshop has always been a favourite. The first item of clothing I bought when I arrived in New Zealand was a pair of Workshop jeans and I always head back there because I know there'll be something that I like.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Topshop, without a doubt. They always have something a little bit different and their accessories can transform any outfit.
If you were invited to the most glamorous event ever - like the Oscars or Cannes - who would you get to design your dress?
Something vintage. Perhaps Dior.
Best fashion bargain?
Last year I bought an olive green leather bomber jacket for $90 from TK Maxx, a designer factory outlet in Britain. It's gorgeous. You have to search long and hard to find hidden gems, but when you do it's completely worth it. And I bought a pink velvet jacket for $45 from a secondhand shop in Wellington. It's got a certain Dynasty-esque look to it and I love it.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
I always think that Natalie Portman looks lovely and Maggie Gyllenhaal has a quirky style.
What can't you live without?
My ghd hair straighteners. When I first arrived in New Zealand my hair suffered from the humidity and I had a constant frizz _ ghd solved all of that. My recent discovery of hats has also helped. I can now roll out of bed at the weekend to grab coffee and not have to worry.
Are you a hat woman, bag woman or shoe woman?
Definitely a shoe woman, although bags would come a good second-best. Any outfit can look good with a decent pair of shoes.
What do you wear to work?
My job is pretty relaxed in terms of what to wear. I tend to decide outfits by my mood so it can be anything from jeans, trainers, a dress or heels.
Best sartorial advice you've had?
My Gran always told me to keep my shoulders back and head up. Once you have good posture everything else will then fall into place.
You feel best wearing?
My pyjamas.
