Signature style: Petra Bagust

Petra Bagust

Television personality Petra Bagust is the presenter of the popular home makeover programme Hot Property. Although her uniform for the series is most often overalls, off-screen she scrubs up well.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Helen Cherry, whose clothes I've been wearing for over 10 years right from my student days when I could only afford max one piece a season. Chris Cherry, of Workshop and Workshop Denim. For something off the wall, Martin Margiela and Maiangi Waitai of Who is Dead Martin? Margarita Robertson, of Nom*D, just because. And Chrissy Conyngham, of Pumpkin Patch, for the little one.

What do you wear to work?

Always Helen Cherry and Workshop. They cover all my bases beautifully - doesn't matter if I'm painting or partying.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A Who is Dead Martin? skull handbag and dog scarf. One has sequinned teeth and the other has green satin spots and beady bead eyes.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

A mean pair of pants that look great on you however small or large you're feeling. Great cut, comfy-ish and a good quality fabric that doesn't crease too much or pick up fluff. Of course jeans and T-shirts will take you almost anywhere these days, and you can't go past a short skirt or two this summer. Bottom line, it's clothes you feel great in and wear all the time - whatever works for you.

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

Clothes with a lot of colour at the moment. Tanks, new and from a couple of seasons ago. Jeans of course. And my fave Margiela red track pants, usually with anything pink. I like to wear cheap gems I've picked up from around and about. If I am trying to force that summer feeling and can be bothered to shave my legs, a cheeky skirt.

What was your biggest fashion indulgence?

Shoes would have to be right up there - once-worn Valentino stilettos that are terribly pretty and terribly uncomfortable. As a new mum, I've pulled back the spending of late. I do like the odd handbag. Tried to tell my husband I needed a new one and he suggested I go to my wardrobe - which reminds me, a metallic cream and silver Prada handbag I bought while on honeymoon. It could be the elusive indulgence I'm looking for, although I did buy an expensive little black bikini once - not great money-for-materials ratio. Oh, but it was my favourite bikini ever. Wore it till it broke.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A totally cute Marc Jacobs T-shirt with a multicoloured zebra print - oh, it's so cute.

Best outfit ever?

Too hard. Way too hard. So many yummy outfits. There was this time back in 95 when I wore a Helen Cherry silver-mesh shirt with black vinyl croc skin pants to the NZ Music Awards. At the time I felt pretty hot, but upon reflection ... hmmm.

What inspires you?

People who are living their lives to the full and not just for personal gain. Great New Zealand art. My fabulous family and the odd friend - not that all my friends are odd.

Favourite hotels?

The W hotel in LA. They are good pretty much anywhere in the world. The Savoy in London - their tea is so good. The Clarence Hotel in Dublin. All these have a great location, fabulous decor and an X factor, something a bit different. But at the end of the day I like to sleep at home.

What is your beauty routine?

In the morning it's a shower, then moisturiser and sunscreen. In the evening it's always a gentle cleanser with warm water and then lovely face oils under yet more moisturiser and eye cream. I've gone all careful on what I'm putting on my skin so the range I am using for everything is Simplicite. It's made by an Aussie herbalist and has a minimum of artificial ingredients.

What can't you live without?

Jesus.