Signature style: Carly Kirkwood

Carly Kirkwood is a devotee of New Zealand designers. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

New Nightline presenter Carly Kirkwood may look polished and professional from the waist up on the telly but get her out from behind the newsreader desk and she's no slouch. She's been a journalist for 10 years, ever since her work experience stint at TV3 inspired her to become a TV reporter.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Anything New Zealand - Sabine, Karen Walker, Workshop and Kate Sylvester. They all have such fantastic, individual styles and designs that are classic and wearable in so many ways. I think New Zealand designers are innovative and make clothes that are incredibly easy to wear, and dress up or down.

What do you wear to work?

Depends on what sort of morning I've had but mainly my favourite FCUK jeans with boots. It doesn't really matter what I wear to work as I have a fantastic upper-body wardrobe at TV3 that I change into for Nightline.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A chocolate brown Max leather belt.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

Great black pants, a black polo, a winter coat, good boots and accessories. Oh, and a little black dress.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

I'm trying not to buy a beautiful Hugo Boss dress I borrowed to wear to the Qantas Media Awards. I think I'm going to fail.

Any beauty disasters you'd care to mention? 

Lots, including a perm and spikes when I was a teen, though thankfully not at the same time. But in the last couple of months I've had a stylist who has completely taken charge and ensures that I always look good on television. I hide when I'm not. Beauty wise, having my eyebrows plucked way too thin and short.

What is your beauty routine?

I'm made up so heavily I take extra care in my routine, particularly with cleansing and toning. I love my Elizabeth Arden Good Night's Sleep and Ceramide Eye Cream. I also love my M.A.C makeup.

Who cuts your hair?

The lovely ladies in the TV3 makeup department.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

M.A.C Studio Fix and M.A.C Select SPF 15 foundation.

What can't you live without?

My mum and the Nightline team.

Who does the best handbags? 

I've been searching for months and still haven't found one I can afford. I do love Olga Berg.

Favourite hotels?

The Duxton Hotel in Grey St, and Hotel Du Vin.

What's your idea of relaxation?

Camping, reading, diving, dinner out with friends.

What was the last CD you bought?

Shapeshifter's Riddim Wise.

What was the last book you read?

Grace is Gone by New Zealand author Kelly Ana Morey. It's a fantastic piece on small-town New Zealand that's witty, intelligent and so New Zealand. A great read.

Your biggest indulgence?

Food and wine. I love a good New Zealand or Aussie merlot, and Devonport Chocolates.

What inspires you?

Good food and wine and a great news story.