A gift for giving

Kirsty Wilkinson, owner of fitness centre Reab. Photo / Steven McNicholl

She may spend most of her days in training gear, but Kirsty Wilkinson is still a big fan of dressing up. The owner and director of re:ab - a boutique studio in Ponsonby offering a combination of pilates, physiotherapy and massage - often buys New Zealand fashion and counts Kingan Jones and Cybele as two of her favourites. "The other day I turned up at re:ab in a dress and there was a look of surprise that I could actually look presentable during the day."

Before putting on her training gear Wilkinson was a corporate animal, working as a lawyer. She first bought into re:ab in 2006, helping set up the successful Pink Pilates charity programme that helps women diagnosed with breast cancer regain their physical strength and rebuild their self-esteem. Giving back and helping others is something that's clearly important to Wilkinson, who is also on the board of the Mental Health Foundation and the South Auckland Health Foundation, is a trustee of ArtFIVEO and on the advisory board of the Indian Ink theatre company. She tells us more about her sartorial style.

Who are your favourite designers?

I am a huge fan of New Zealand designers, especially Kingan Jones, Cybele, Storm and Zambesi. I like designers whose clothes stand the test of time rather than following fashion trends.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

My snake charmer Binkie T-shirt dress. Binkie designer Katie lives in my street and is very clever.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

Buying expensive shoes - I very rarely buy shoes but when I do I always seem to be able to pick out the most expensive pair in the shop and never the ones on sale. But I never regret it - good quality timeless shoes will last you from season to season if you look after them. I have a pair of winter boots that I have worn constantly for four years. I love them and have definitely got my $1 a wear out of them.

Your favourite accessory?

My "staple" necklace bought for me from Fingers Gallery in Kitchener St. It is hand-crafted from silver and gold and is a work of art. It can take a plain black dress and make it into something special.

Best fashion bargain?

Even though I usually only buy New Zealand designers, my best bargain is definitely a dress I bought from an outlet store in Palm Springs by BCBGMaxAzria. I think it cost me $50 and I have worn it to weddings and 40ths, and now I'm wearing it with jeans and a belt.

Who does the best jeans?

I love my JBrand jeans. One of my much more savvy fashion friends told me to buy them and I have never looked back. They are really comfortable and look great with everything.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

A great pair of black pants.

What do you really want this coming season?

A ring from Loumina - Lou Pilkington's new jewellery range. I love the stones and settings and the creativity of the range.

Any style icons?

My late aunt, who I always thought was the height of cool. I have one of her jackets and a scarf and they are very precious.

Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?

I found it hard to cope with seeing shoulder pads and leg warmers at fashion week this year - but no doubt we will all come to grips with them. Like the teased hair, it takes me back to the very unfashionable 80s.

What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?

I have very thick, curly hair and I took it to the extreme in the 80s with a perm (on top of the curls) and wore it teased in a topknot with a white scrunchy... not good.

The one rule you always dress by?

Wear what suits you and not what is fashionable at the time. That said, I love seeing designers' new collections and looking at the pieces I think might suit me.

Personal style quirk?

I have a lot of pieces of silver jewellery, especially bracelets, and I wear a mixture of them nearly every day.

Favourite T-shirt slogan

The one given to one of my kids when they were small - "It's all about me". Isn't that the truth for a 2-year-old?

Best way to recycle your old clothes?

I am a big user of Trade Me. I have it down to a fine art and always have $5 bags in the drawer and my camera set up ready to go.

Each season I try to sell at least five pieces and a pair of shoes. The clothes that I don't sell I give to the City Mission.

When I was at high school I wore...

My school had the worst school uniform ever and I'm not sure I ever got over it. It was brown and yellow and did a very good impersonation of a sack. Coupled with matching brown roman sandals, it really had no redeeming features.

You feel best wearing?

Heels - they always make you feel more glamorous, especially when you usually get around in trainers.