KEY POINTS:
Jewellery is probably the first thing I look at when I'm deciding what to wear," says Octavia Cook, whose cameo-inspired gems are available at Fingers and the Anna Miles Gallery.
"But that's okay because I don't mind something that's a little bit over the top. I don't mind
strange combinations and I don't mind overdoing it."
Cook isn't the sort of person to wear black and white to show off her bling. "Jewellery works with patterns and colours too," she says. "It doesn't have to be all monotone with one special piece.
"Basically, people shouldn't be afraid of wearing big pieces.
"Even if you're just wearing a T-shirt, if you feel like wearing a big brooch too, or bracelets and rings, then you should, it's much more interesting."
Who are your favourite designers?
For clothes Gua Loheni, Davey G and Lela Jacobs and for jewellery everyone at Workshop 6. Not that I'm biased.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
Can't remember my last purchase but I swapped some jewellery for a jacket by Lela Jacobs.
What's your guilty pleasure?
I'm addicted to shoes and jewellery, funnily enough.
Who or what inspires you?
The Queen. She's hasn't changed her style ever and she rules half the world. Well done!
Best fashion bargain?
A ladylike blouse with an orchid print on it that I bought from some second-hand shop for $8 when I was 14. I still love it even though it will probably fall apart next time I wear it. That's value for money I think.
Who does the best shoes?
I have lots of shoes, my favourites are generally from vintage shops because no one makes shoes like they used to and you don't want to wear the same as everyone else. Having said that I have a pair of Marc Jacobs shoes which I had to buy due to the impressive fake emerald on the toe.
The best jeans?
Wrangler and Levi's which are just fine because they're not hideously expensive and I can trash them.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Jewellery. And shoes with fake emeralds.
What do you really want this season?
An Anna Wallis gold "crystal" ring.
Your favourite shop?
I seem to recycle a bit of money at Fingers.
Your best beauty tip?
If you're wearing great jewellery no one will look at your face.
What can't you live without?
It's quite likely I'd die without my Renee Bevan "Everything's Coming Up Roses" brooch. It's so pink.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
A thong bikini or boring jewellery.
What do you wear to work?
My Jane Dodd gold Rapunzel ring and my Gua Loheni skeletor top.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
I have no regrets. Fashion is so repetitive I think that my once-uncool is now quite hot. And I have faith my now-uncool will be back one day too.
If money were no option?
I'd buy Joanna Campbell's cottage print swatch brooch and Jasmine Watson's extra long blossom earrings from Fingers.
The one rule you always dress by?
You can never wear too much jewellery.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
Never buy clothes that need ironing.
Favourite fashion-y movie?
Marie Antoinette for the cakes and the costumes.
Personal style quirk?
I guess I come up with some strange ensembles. But that's what happens when you choose your clothes to accessorise your jewellery.
Dress to impress whom?
Magpies.
When I was high school I wore?
Doc Martens and vintage clothes.