Signature style: Anna Hood

Anna Hood always likes to add a touch of personal flair to an outfit. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Among her friends and workmates, Anna Hood is known for her distinctive blend of styles, clever accessories and her talent for digging out a bargain.

As an account manager at Cathy Campbell Communications, Hood works on major events and luxury clients, including the Auckland Racing Club and Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

It's the unpredictability and variety in the job that she enjoys, as well as being able to indulge her passion for fashion.

"I love the huge variety of work we do for all our clients but I get really excited about the big events. Every day at work is different and it's full on but working with just a small team means we share the load and can all laugh at the same things."

Whenever she can, Hood loves heading off to Auckland's west coast beaches for walks and adventures around the country with her friends.

She also boxes in her spare time so don't mess with her if you haven't got the right ticket for Fashion Week or the Cuvee lawn.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Everyone that shows at Fashion Week, of course. But also I have to mention Willow, Chloe, Alice McCall and Mala Brajkovic.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

It would have to be my mirrored pony necklace that I bought on a girls' trip to Sydney last year and nicknamed the reflect-o-mare.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A Mala Brajkovic dress - I couldn't believe my luck when I walked in there with birthday gift voucher in hand (from my most generous boss) and found my favourite dress, in my size, on sale.

What do you wear to work?

Anything that is smart and comfortable but I always try and make sure I add a bit of my own flair, whether it be a brooch, some earrings, a necklace or a scarf.

Favourite hotels?

I will always love the Chateau at Tongariro, whether staying there or just passing through - you can't beat their tea and scones in front of the fire, I love it. If I lived out of Auckland I would stay at Mollies.

What can't you live without?

A good pair of sunglasses - at the moment I am alternating between my Trelise Cooper sunglasses and Karen Walker sunglasses. Also, I feel naked if I leave home without my favourite ring - nicknamed the bedazzler - that my sister found for me somewhere in America.

Who does the best handbags?

Thailand. They are the same as in the department stores here but about a tenth of the price which means I can get a new bag every year.

Any style icons?

Gwen Stefani and Nicole Richie, both quite different but both very individual and they always look hot.

Favourite stores?

Verranda Young - amazing pieces from New Zealand and Australia; Fast & Loose - great shoes, great clothes and bargain prices, you can't go wrong; and Tirau Antiques & Collectibles, every time I go on a road trip I have to stop in here. I found my pig's tusk necklace there that I have worn almost non-stop for two years and a great pair of art deco earrings and presents - it is such a treasure trove. The best shop in Sydney is Capital-L, it is dangerous - so many exciting clothes, always too many I want to buy.

What's your favourite look?

Anything slightly unpredictable that shows a person's personality. I love seeing how people can put an outfit together that initially you think wouldn't work but they totally pull it off. Basically, people confident in what they are wearing no matter what it is.

Best fashion bargain?

I have more than one - my favourites are a blue and brown wool punk rock jacket that I found in the Recycle boutique. I was meant to be selling, not buying, but walked out with a jacket that only cost me $45. Also a black and white striped long-sleeved long top from Bunny. I was a poor student and waited till it was on sale and then picked it up for a bargain $90 and I still wear it.