DEIRDRE MCQUILLANtalks to Emer Melody, Public relations consultant
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARINGThe coat is by Alberta Ferretti from Beth in Cork and the jeans are J Brand from the US. The boots are Jimmy Choo and the bag is by Dior, where I worked for five years. The cuff is by Kenneth Jay Lane.
DO YOU SPEND A LOT ON CLOTHES?Not really. I try to buy classic, more expensive pieces and update them each season with basics from TopShop. The most I've ever spent was €600, on an Alberta Ferretti dress for my brother's wedding.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?I love Ferretti because she flatters the female figure; Marni for its quirky prints and JBrand jeans for their fit, comfort, chic, and because you can dress them up or down. I think anything by Galliano for Dior is an investment.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SHOPS?Beth in Cork, because it does everything from great T-shirts to Alice Temperley dresses for special occasions. I love Harvey Nichols in London, and Scoop and Barneys in New York. I buy online from netaporter.com and costume jewellery by Gerard Yosca from thomaslaine.com.
DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE ICONS?Audrey Hepburn for her classic chic, and I have to say I love how Kate Moss puts clothes together.
DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR CLOTHES?Not as well as I should, as I'm a hoarder. I have suits from when I worked with Oscar de la Renta in New York which I am loath to give away.
ANY ADVICE FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS?Take a great coat and shoes, a good pair of jeans and tops for day or evening, along with a casual dress that can be dressed up or down.
WHAT ARE YOUR PET HATES?I don't like Ugg boots because they are everywhere and Crocs – they are a fashion no-no.
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HAIR AND GROOMING?I've got curly hair and I get it cut every three or four months by Siobhan O'Farrell in Dungarvan, and I go to The Sanctuary in Bandon for beauty treatments.
IS THERE A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR BUSINESS AND NON-BUSINESS WEAR?No. When I worked for Dior, Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta, my wardrobe had to reflect who I worked for, but I always put my own stamp on it – such as wearing jeans with a blazer or shirt.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLEClassic, but casual. I like to feel comfortable and up-to-date and to wear at least one of the season's trends. For spring, I'm going to buy a velvet tie-dyed maxi dress, and I'm going to wear a lot of colour.