Signature style: Karyn Beadle

Karyn Beadle says style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

After years working in advertising and public relations, and raising two children, Karyn Beadle is the proud owner of Auckland fashion store Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Her vision was to combine prestigious fashion houses with lesser known talent from around the globe. DDG boasts designers like Chloe, Missoni, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Gharani Strok, Neives Lavi and more.

The Newmarket store also stocks the hottest luxury accessories like the most sought-after two bags of the year by Chloe - the Paddington and Silverado - and the Meli Melo Italian leather totes.

Beadle lives in Auckland with her husband Stu, children Ash, 9, and Sam, 8, and dog Gela.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

All the labels stocked in my boutique Drop Dead Gorgeous, and I'm excited about getting Stella McCartney in soon. Apart from her cool wearable basics, she has collaborated with artist Jeff Koons and done the most amazing lip print dress. Neives Lavi, who design the silk jersey pieces we have, are also really hot now.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My Tom Ford for Estee Lauder face gloss which was a gift.

What do you wear when you're relaxing at home?

Any basic T-shirt with my trusty True Religion jeans. They're really soft and stretchy, so great for lounging in or running around the park with my kids and our crazy dog Gela.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

I'm an accessories addict. Shoes, handbags, sunglasses. They complete an outfit and I change them every day to suit.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

I'm lucky, I get to pick all the best from the latest ranges in my store. The last is a Neives Lavi pink print sundress.

Favourite hotels?

Because I travel twice a year (to New York, London, Milan and Paris) on my buying trips, quite often alone, I favour the small boutique hotels. They're usually quite funky with exceptional staff. I like The Straff in Milan and have just discovered Hotel le A in Paris.

What is your beauty routine?

I'm fanatical about taking my makeup off at night. No matter how late or what state - I can't sleep with it on. I do the full routine. I also have monthly facials with Rebecca at Zen.

What can't you live without?

Prescriptives Flight Cream and Spray for long-haul flights is magic.

Who does the best handbags?

Chloe, of course. I'm loving my blush python Silverado bag from the last range we had in store. It's so soft and goes with everything.

What was the last CD you bought?

I buy a lot of music for the store when I travel. I love the Colette compilation CDs and I'm mad on Hemisphere 4 that I got for Christmas.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

M.A.C Subculture Lip Pencil. I wear it with every colour lipstick, and a M.A.C body shimmer for summer.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from all sorts of places; beauty in nature, friends, travel, meeting interesting creative people and watching my children laugh.

Any style icons?

Style to me is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. I think French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld is always fascinating to watch, and Diane Kruger because she mixes the latest fashion so well and always looks so different.

The essential item for summer?

My Meli Melo tote because you can just about fit your whole life in there.

Favourite colour and accessory?

Gold and silver metallics are a strong look coming through for us this season and I'm loving my gold Roberto Cavalli aviator sunglasses.

Any fashion disasters you'd care to mention?

I have a great photo of when I was about 10 years old wearing a green jumper, purple and black leopard spot velour trousers and orange sheepskin slippers. My pose is so convincing - what was I thinking?

What's your biggest indulgence?

Wine and my weekly blow wave at Stephen Marr.

What's your favourite look?

Classic, sexy. I like to be different to everyone else, kind of individual but it fluctuates depending on how I feel.

Best outfit, ever?

My Missoni corset dress. It fits like a glove but is incredibly comfortable. I wear it with my Marni black ribbon shoes.

Worst fashion mistake?

Yves Saint Laurent says "Style is eternal." I think a common mistake to make is confusing style with the latest fashion. It's easy to look back and think ... Mmmmmm?

Best fashion bargain?

Each time I travel I buy new charms for my necklaces from a boutique in Paris. They're only €5 each and people always comment on them.