Exclusive taste

Miranda Cobb. Photo / Greg Bowker

Miranda Cobb is the owner and buyer for Evolution Clothing, a boutique with five stores around the North Island.

The 29-year-old describes her stores as "affordable quality clothing that inspires women to be creative with their fashion statement... We are constantly travelling the world on our little 'treasure hunts' to find those perfect styles".

Cobb opened her first Evolution store in her hometown, Mt Manganui, in 2005.

"I wanted to offer women the experience and enjoyment of wearing the latest fashion trends and designer-inspired pieces for a fraction of what it would cost while still keeping our pieces exclusive. We never buy more than five pieces per style per store so our customers won't see every second person wearing the same item."

She tells us more about her own sartorial style.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?
I'm currently loving an orange tie-dyed dress with a full length industrial metal zip from our new trans-seasonal range. I am inspired by pieces that are versatile and can be worn as different styles. This dress can be worn with the zip at the front, backwards or open as a cardi.

Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by seeing other people's success. I think if someone else can do it then there is no reason why I can't.

Your favourite accessory?
Would have to be my sterling silver customised name necklace. I always get so many comments about it and it makes me feel very Sex & the City.

Best fashion bargain?
Opaque stockings - they have to be a minimum of 80 denier, but for an item that is usually under $20 you get the best value for money. This season is all about trans-seasonal pieces - all you need is a good pair of opaque stockings to pull that summer dress out of the wardrobe and turn it into a winter essential.

The best jeans?
Junk Jeans because they are so comfortable, the cotton quality is amazing and most importantly they keep their shape - there is nothing worse than jeans getting baggy in all the wrong places!

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A good pair of skinny jeans. We are constantly trying to educate women in our stores that it's not about size; anyone can look good in skinny jeans they just have to find that perfect pair. Once women find their dream pair they are converted and NEVER go back to loose or bootcut jeans.

What endures throughout the seasons?
Good basic short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops for layering.

What do you really want this coming season?
A tie-dyed bikini - I saw one while travelling overseas and I know I am going to regret not buying it when summer hits.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?
TopShop in London, it's a women's version of a "kid in a candy shop".

Your fashion obsession?
Tights - they can create such a stylish outfit with so little effort. Even when I am at home with my kids I can wear a pair of tights with a baggy top and feel fashion savvy and comfy. This is especially practical when my 5-year-old son insists I play rugby with him, tackling included. I have so many pairs of tights: plain gathered, liquid, tie-dyed, denim ... the list goes on.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Lilah my assistant buyer has the best fashion style I have ever seen (she puts Nicole Richie to shame) and she happens to be the same size as me: it's a match made in heaven.