Signature Style: Amy Petriello

Amy Petriello, an American graphic designer who lived here for three years, says everything is better in pink. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

American Amy Petriello is leaving Auckland to return to New Jersey, home of The Sopranos and Frank Sinatra.

Petriello originally came to New Zealand three years ago to study history and philosophy at Auckland University.

"Then I went home, graduated, and decided to come back, both because I had so much fun during the semester I was here and because of my Kiwi boyfriend," says the former Herald graphic designer.

"I'm going home because I miss my friends and family - my brother is getting married and my sister is having her first baby. And I miss New York, the city that never sleeps, and can't wait to work at a magazine or newspaper there."

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

I love designers who create classic looks with a bit of feminine funk. My favourites would have to be Donna Karan, Zac Posen, Kate Sylvester and Moochi.

What do you wear to work?

I go with fashionably casual clothes, like a suit jacket with jeans and heels, or a skirt with a cardigan. And being a designer I have to wear lots of black, of course.

Favourite store of the moment?

Bling - it was only in Wellington and now it's in Auckland on Vulcan Lane. It has to be the greatest store to hit New Zealand in a long time. The accessories are so affordable and chic, and stock changes every week so there's always something great.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

I love accessories. My favourite at the moment would have to be a cameo brooch I just got from Bling. It's new but it looks like a classic old Victorian brooch. The only problem is what to wear it with.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

Shoes in general. I buy lots and lots of shoes - if I can find them at affordable prices. My single biggest indulgence was going to Melbourne for four days to shop.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

I haven't bought anything since Melbourne; just a few T-shirts, but I have been stocking up on the accessories at Bling.

What is your beauty routine?

I use Johnson & Johnson cleansing cream and exfoliant - it's soap-free which is good for my dry skin. And I moisturise a lot - day cream and night cream, hand cream and body cream. My makeup routine is pretty standard and I always use the same products (Cover Girl powder and foundation, Maybelline Great Lash mascara) but I like to jazz it up with a colourful eyeshadow or lip gloss. At the moment I love Bloom's lip gloss duos in bright magenta colours.

What can't you live without?

Definitely lip gloss, which I'm constantly reapplying; jeans, the basis of my wardrobe; travel, I have a bit of wanderlust; and of course my friends.

Who inspires you?

I just like to watch people on the street. There are so many individual styles in Auckland, especially among the students. Also, music videos, because they're always on the verge of the new and hip.

Any style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, who had the whole classic modern, feminine look going on which still works; and Gwen Stefani, who is a complete individual, and both feminine and street wise.

Favourite colour and accessory?

Pink. Everything is better in pink. I also love long, beaded necklaces right now. Classic diamond stud earrings are also a great timeless accessory.

What's your idea of relaxation?

A nice massage from my boyfriend or a couple of glasses of good New Zealand wine.

Best outfit ever?

My punk days probably had the most complete and interesting, outfits. In high school my friends and I would get all punked out - funky T-shirts, colourful toy bracelets, spiked hair, pink glitter eyeshadow, Converse sneakers - and go to local punk concerts. It was almost like dressing up in a costume.

What do you wear when you're hanging out at home?

At home I love all cotton: comfortable loose pants and T shirts. And Puma sneakers, which I have a slight obsession with.

Best fashion bargain, ever?

I once bought cute pointy-toed sneakers from eBay in America when they were hot here, but had already been out for a few seasons in the United States. I had them shipped over - and they were still cheaper than buying them full price in a New Zealand store.

How does New Zealand fashion differ from America?

I think the biggest difference is in men's fashion. The looks here for men are very European - funky dress shirts and shoes paired with jeans, which is much better than the American equivalent of Polo shirts and khakis. The American look is decidedly more casual overall.