Marks and Spencer and Oxfam have joined forces and come up with this brilliant exchange program idea. All you need to do is this weekend, make an effort and get a friend round who is really honest and get her to go through your wardrobe with you, about what to keep and what to get rid of. Pop your unwanted clothes in a bin liner and get down to Oxfam; even if you only have one item of clothing then M&S will give you a nice juicy gift voucher, so if you spend £35 or more in M&S then you get five quid off. It’s a great incentive, not only are you helping Oxfam, but you get your five quid off at M&S, and then you help poverty and then you've got a nice big gaping hole in your wardrobe for new clothes!
What should people donate?
Anything! If you haven't got designer gear, it doesn't matter. Primark, high-street, Gucci, Prada, Karen Millen, whatever, it’s all welcome, everything except dirty lingerie- no underwear please!
Did you train as an interior designer or stylist?
Well actually I went to art school, and I never trained to be an interior designer, I just taught myself five years ago, because I wanted to learn and I never trained to be a stylist either, I just fell into it really. And the reason I got into fashion was, well actually I was at the gym, and I was always customising my clothes, making things stand out and look a little bit different, and I just met a lovely lady who was a fashion editor and before I knew it I was helping her out and it was all quite lovely really. It’s all about chances and opportunities and that’s how I ended up on TV.
Ooo, tell all!
Well, I was at the gym- again and I met a casting director and the rest is history. I'm all self-taught actually, I do everything back to front, but I still get there!
Are you a fan of eco-fashion?
Absolutely, I'm all about saving money and finding the bargains and I love wearing clothes in a new way. Like I've turned old jeans into cushions and things like that, or I may have an old dress that can be re-worn in a different way. I may take the trim of that dress and put it on another item, so I'm very good at customising. It’s all about being different and at the same time saving a fortune!
What are your forecasts for the big trends next year?
Well, we're now looking at for Autumn/Winter 70s Russia, so lots of patterns, fur gilets, chunky knits and tights, you know all cosy and fabulous. Sequins, the bigger the better, statement jewellery, black gothic looks, you know dark romance is huge.
Whose celeb style do you rate and who would you love to make-over?
I love people like Sienna Miller and Carla Bruni, she has a very sleek, polished look. I love Cheryl Cole, I saw her at the Naomi Campbell fashion show the other day and was like ‘oh my god, she’s so cool!’ And some people who really need some help are people like Britney Spears on a bad day, but in the last couple of weeks she’s looked quite good actually, so it just depends, but I would really like to sort her out. Also Sienna’s ex, Rhys Ifans I'd like to sort him out, he’s a bit skanky, so I'd like to scrub him up too. And Jonathan Ross would be good too, I'd like to get rid of those purple suits!
We've just done a feature on unlikely Sex symbols and Jonathan Ross is on there...
Well, actually I kinda understand that. He has such a magnetic personality and he’s just so much fun and that rocks and rules over looks sometimes. Personality wins out most of the time, I think.
For more information on the The Clothes Exchange Programme, set up by M&S and Oxfam check out their website: www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/shops/marksandspencer.html