KEY POINTS:
She loves cars, runs her own special classes in automotive education and even works part time in a mechanical workshop. But Andrea Mendoza, who runs Pit Chix (www.pitchix.co.nz) - which teaches women how to look after their vehicles - definitely isn't dressed in overalls and covered in grease.
She recently took part in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge, as part of the team aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser that was running on alternative fuel made of water and waste oil, racing from Darwin to Adelaide across the Australian Outback.
"I think I was the only woman there who had taken her hair straighteners with her," Mendoza admits, laughing. Although the race was "long, hot and hard," she still found time to plug the straighteners in at service stations and gas stops along the way. "I was also voted Most Likely to Find a Latte in the Outback," she then confesses.
Clearly Mendoza doesn't think that just because you know about cars, you have to give up the more feminine joys in life.
She says she started Pit Chix, which has recently gone into partnership with Bridgestone, because "I felt like I'd been ripped off at the mechanic's too many times. And I just thought if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
Who does the best shoes?
Sarah Riley - she is a shoe visionary.
The best jeans?
Miss Sixty and Levis. For their low cut, long leg and a good fit.
Who or what inspires you?
Independent women and rags-to-riches stories
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A good sturdy pair of cargo pants.
What's your biggest indulgence?
Going for a manicure.
Your favourite shop?
I love Esprit and Country Road.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
I love shopping in Dubai - you find good quality that's well priced, as well as an awesome range.
What can't you live without?
My ghds [hair straighteners].
What is your beauty routine?
Straighten my hair every day.
Your best beauty tip?
Trilogy Rosehip Oil. It's amazing.
What do you wear to work?
Steel cap boots, men's trousers and a shirt. Nice.
If money were no option?
I would have a wardrobe the size of my house.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Three-quarter pants.
Any style icons?
Cameron Diaz - she always looks great and has that I'm casual-but-I'm-hot thing going on.
Favourite fashion movie?
The Devil Wears Prada.
Personal style quirk?
I'm a basic dresser, but I don't think I bow to fashion - I have my own style.
Most underrated item in fashion?
You can't go wrong with a simple singlet.
