Signature style: Savvy student of fashion

Charlotte Glennon, from Widdess on Ponsonby Rd, hopes to turn her love of fashion into a retail marketing career. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Widdess shop assistant 20-year old Charlotte Glennon is hoping to turn her passion for fashion into a fulltime job.

The Auckland university student, who is studying marketing and management, is able to indulge her love of clothes while working part-time in Ponsonby Rd.

Her distinctive look has already marked her out as a style leader and she hopes it will translate into a long-term career move.

"I plan to do postgraduate study next year in retail marketing. This would allow me to turn my love of shopping and fashion into a career. I couldn't think of anything more fun to do as a job."

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Kate Sylvester and Yvonna Van Hulzen for Widdess. I particularly like these two New Zealand fashion designers because they are talented, their collections are unique, and they use beautiful quality fabrics.

What do you wear to work?

At the moment, I am wearing lots of skirts with boots. I am excited about the spring and summer stuff that is appearing in the shops.

Who is your inspiration?

My three older sisters, Marsha, Caitlin and Emily and my boyfriend, Jesse, give me the confidence to believe in myself.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My new Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses and a tan leather Witchery handbag that I saw in a recent Vogue. I got my sister Marsha, who lives in Sydney, to pick one up for me.

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

My Huffer hoodie and track suit pants with my grey felted woollen slippers from Widdess (which are so cosy).

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A grey cardigan from Pearl.

What can't you live without?

My black Kate Sylvester hoodie I bought last winter, which I have worn to pieces.

Who does the best handbags?

Witchery in Australia are doing some cool handbags at the moment, which you can see on their website.

Who cuts your hair?

Jo MacDonald at Oblique Hairdressers, Birkenhead.

Any style icons?

Kate Moss because she looks good in everything she wears. I'm also a big supporter of Helen Clark. I like women in red.

The essential item for winter?

A pair of knee high boots. I bought a great vintage pair of brown ones from Fast and Loose in K Rd and I've also got a black flat pair from Sybella.

Latest buy?

A pair of trainers from Loaded in High St, which are white with a highlighter yellow Nike tick.

Favourite colour and accessory?

I adore the colour yellow, and wooden beads. I've been making my own, and buying some lovely vintage beads from op shops.

Favourite store of the moment?

I love the shoes at Sybella on Ponsonby Rd. It's right next door to Widdess. They've only been open for a year and I've already got five pairs, with another three on layby.

Any fashion disasters you'd care to mention?

Going out when I was in high school in winter not wearing enough clothes. You don't look very cool when you can't stop shivering.

What's your idea of relaxation?

On holiday at a beach with a good book, like the new Harry Potter.

What's your favourite look?

High heels look great on girls. I think they make any outfit look hot.

Best outfit ever?

My 7th form ball dress, which my sister Caitlin and friend Huia made for me. It was a gorgeous silk georgette in a pale aubergine. It was quite short and I wore it with high heels and pearls.

Name your favourite cafe

I like Agnes Curran for coffee and a snack but, when it comes to breakfast and lunch, I love Season.

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, fashion and beauty in viva, part of your Herald print edition every Wednesday.