Signature style: Jessica Carew

Jessica Carew feels comfy in dresses. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Jessica Carew has a flair for fashion she ultimately wants to use in the world of public relations.

The Bachelor of Communications graduate is working part-time at Newmarket store Drop Dead Gorgeous, but in the long-term hopes to find a job that will combine both her interests.
"Ideally I'd love to work somewhere like Showroom 22 where I could combine my love of fashion with PR."

In the meantime, she gets to see some of the very best international labels stocked at the boutique.

"I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by all of the beautiful brands at Drop Dead Gorgeous. One of my favourites is Chloe. We have also started stocking Stella McCartney which is very cool - we have an amazing dress which is a collaboration with the artist Jeff Koons," says Carew, who is also a Karen Walker fan.

"I have a few of her very cute dresses, which I love."

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My Fendi identification tag which Karyn Beadle (the owner of DDG) brought back from her buying trip for me. I feel very glamorous wearing it.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A Dior Homme T-shirt for my boyfriend from Fabric. Luckily I can borrow it.

What is your beauty routine?

I went to Paris a few months ago and I picked up a Crealine H20 cleanser from a pharmacy there. It is fantastic and I wish it was available here. I also use Clarins Beauty Flash Balm almost like a daily moisturiser because it is so good.

What can't you live without?

Fragrances. Tessuti in Ponsonby stocks the best French fragrances such as L'Artisan and Diptyque. My favourite perfume is Olene by Diptyque which is a combination of wisteria and narcissus flowers. Their Diptyque candles are worth every cent too.

Who does the best handbags?

I would have to say Miu Miu although I have only admired them and don't actually own one. Maybe one day ...

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

Black mascara - any will do. I don't tend to wear much makeup but I like M.A.C tinted moisturiser and papaya lip gloss most days.

Who inspires you?

Definitely my mother, Sally Carew. My father passed away when I was eight and she raised my two sisters and me, as well as putting us all through private school. She is an incredibly inspiring woman.

The essential item for winter?

A cashmere sweater. DDG is getting the cutest Chloe grey cashmere sweater for winter. It has a little brooch with a skull on it.

Favourite colour?

It is hard to choose just one - I would probably go with blue.

Favourite store of the moment?

Liberty on Regent Street in London. I stumbled across it and thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It is so old and beautiful. I loved the creaky dark wooden floorboards and all of the designer brands. I was there in December so all of the Christmas decorations were out and they were so gorgeous. I went a bit crazy in the chocolate shop there too.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Travelling. I went to Europe for the first time a few months ago and I absolutely loved it. Paris is so beautiful. I am part Indian so one day I'd love to go to India. The Maldives is also at the top of my list.

What's your favourite look?

Dresses. I guess I am quite girly and I feel most comfortable wearing a dress. I like layering them in winter and you can put them with flats, heels or boots. I also admire the way French women dress - they don't seem to follow fads and they know what suits their body shapes.

Best fashion bargain?

My aunt manages a Belinda store in Sydney and she sends me shoes. So my best fashion bargain is a pair of suede Marc Jacob boots which were free. Scotties Recycle is also a pretty good place to find a bargain.