Signature style: Tamzyn Elliott

Tamzyn Elliott's biggest indulgence is her collection of 50 pairs of tights. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Tamzyn Elliott is co-director of fashion agency Mint Condition. She does a bit of everything including PR, fashion show production, sales agent and stylist. Before that, she was fashion styling for Australian magazines.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Naturally the ones I work closely with: Caroline Church, State of Grace, Cybèle and Jimmy D. But, on an international level, I'd have to say Sonia Rykiel and Eley Kishimoto.

What do you wear to work?

Nothing particularly practical because I don't have to be. At the moment I'm into my Levi's stovepipes with stilettos or cowboy boots, some dress over the top and, just so I'm not too cold, my green velvet blazer from the Save Mart in Dunedin with a scarf.

What is your favourite accessory at the moment?

Apart from the pink i-pod and, as I don't yet own my bichon frise, I'd have to say my Emmanuelle long rosary beads.

What is your failsafe look on days when you have nothing to wear?

If I don't have to venture out in public, a pair of trackpants, a hoodie and ugg boots. But if public humiliation is an option, then it would have to be skinny-leg jeans, cowboy boots and a Karen Walker hoodie.

What's the last item of clothing you brought?

A black velvet 60s dress from Grandma Takes a Trip in Sydney.

Any fashion disasters you'd care to mention?

There was a particularly dark period during my time at design school where I had waist long pink braids, a one-inch spike protruding from underneath my lip, trousers that made a swishing noise when I walked and buffalo shoes. I looked like some very disturbing version of Baby Spice.

What's your beauty routine?

Cetaphil cleanser, Oil of Olay moisturiser followed by a soy flat white from Alleluya made by Sharan to wake me up.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

M.A.C foundation. I've even moved on from applying it with my fingers and brought a proper brush. I feel like a true professional.

Who cuts your hair?

Adelle Rodda at Stephen Marr, Ponsonby. Although special mention must go to Taylor Edwards (formerly of the same salon, now of Sydney), who managed to get my hair back to blonde from black without it all falling out on my pillow. Trust me, it was on a knife's edge.

Who does the best handbags?

I'm a Louis Vuitton fan although, truth be known, I've only ever owned a very small one I bought from a second-hand store in Double Bay, Sydney.

Favourite hotel?

My parents' farm in Gisborne. It's about 40 minutes up a scary gravel track somewhere between Gisborne and Opotiki. No cell phone reception and no noise apart from the occasional cow or sheep. True relaxation, lying in front of the fire, eating my Grandma's homemade peanut biscuits.

What was the last CD you brought?

I'm not much of a CD buyer, actually. Don't really need to be with my business partner Chris Lorimer constantly putting new music on to my i-pod from his collection.

What was the last book you read?

Handbags to Gladrags by Maggie Alderson.

What's your idea of relaxation?

Plum wine and takoyaki at Tanuki's, followed by reading the latest NW magazine and catching up on celeb scandals/boob jobs/pregnancies.

What's your biggest indulgence?

That has to be my tights collection. I must have about 50 pairs. I'm constantly adding to it by buying new pairs through internet sites in London and New York. I don't divulge my trade secrets.

What inspires you?

My Grandma Lolo's letters, although I'm not a very good granddaughter and don't write as much as I should.