KEY POINTS:
As a reporter for TVNZ's ASB Business show, Erica Lloyd often has to get dressed up.
"I used to be pretty much a jeans and T-shirts girl but now I have to wear clothes where I can put a microphone on my lapel," she explains.
Lloyd started off with her own business working in film post-production.
"But I'm nosy and I'm curious and I like finding out what's going on," the mother of three says. So after doing a degree in communications, she got a job first as a Breakfast producer on TV One and then on the other side of the camera reporting for their business show.
Conservative dressing is something of a necessity when you're interviewing some of the most powerful businesspeople in the world. Still, Lloyd reckons she's sticking with her favourite labels, a mixture of vintage and New Zealand designers.
"For example, I've got this great pants suit from Mala Brajkovic and I'll wear it with something vintage. And I quite like that boyish, androgynous look too."
All of which gives her plenty of room to pin a microphone as well as an interesting brooch or two.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A pleated satin blouse from the Auckland City Mission complete with body-suit doming and shoulder pads. Very Alexis Carrington.
Your favourite accessory?
My children. I look good with them.
Best fashion bargain?
A ruffled pink blouse from Vixen that cost around $25. Although when I was buying it I parked in a loading zone and managed to get a $200 ticket. So in fact, it probably cost me something like $225.
What's on your must-have list for summer?
A big shady tree to lie under.
Who does the best shoes?
Costume National - because for very pretty shoes they're quite substantial. And because they're nearly affordable.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A dressing gown or two. I'm actually a bit of a slob. And if I'm not dressed up for work, then I'm banging around in my dressing gown.
Your worst fashion disaster?
A polka-dot sailor suit dress with a drop waist. Actually, that said, it's sounding quite cute now.
Your favourite shop?
Driss Lambara's new Tango in Beresford Square because it's not just clothes. There are also paintings, glassware and the assistants give you really good advice.
What can't you live without?
A suit. It's like a comfy uniform for any occasion.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Cate Blanchett's. I'd quite like her face as well.
What's your beauty routine?
A monthly facial and brow shape keeps me tidy.
Favourite fashion icon?
Has to be the beautiful Kate Moss.
Best music to get dressed by, as you're preparing for a big night out?
Silence. I really need to concentrate.
Who are your favourite fashion designers at the moment?
Balenciaga and Comme des Garcons. Clever clothes.
Which trend won't you be wearing this season?
Puffy skirts or tiny shorts because they would look really, really horrible.
Which trend do you think endures throughout the seasons?
Good tailoring and fabric are never wrong.
