Kanoa Lloyd: Young at heart

Sticky TV presenter Kanoa Lloyd. Photo / Babiche Martens

Children's television presenters may have a reputation for being a bit too wacky when it comes to the fashion stakes - we tend to think of silly hats, over-the-top hair or Jason Gunn - but Kanoa Lloyd's style has just the right amount of quirk.

As a host of TV3's Sticky TV, she gets to dress up in fun outfits that appeal to kids, as well as more fashionably in-tune adults - Lloyd counts Maw, Aduki and Juliette Hogan as some of her favourite local labels. Her on-screen style is a little bit wacky of course - think lots of colour and prints - like one of her style icons Lily Allen.

The 22-year-old started on the show earlier this year, after working at the library in her hometown, Dunedin. Bookish girls in colour and prints? We like the sound of that. Lloyd tells us more about her unique sartorial style.

Who are your favourite designers?

For Sticky TV I love to shop at Made, and I love Maw for their beautiful bright colours and unique little details. One of my favourite T-shirts is by Whack & Blite, with an old school vase design - very cool! At home I love Aduki, for lovely tees and cardigans that are comfy but still make you feel like a princess.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A so-ugly-it's-cool bright blue and pink floral dress.

Your favourite accessory?

A really simple hand-made silver ring that my mum gave me one birthday. It feels like half my finger is missing if I'm not wearing it.

Best fashion bargain?

A red leather satchel that cost me 50c at an opshop in Waimate. I've had it for about eight years now and every time I bust it out people ask where I got it.

Who does the best jeans?

I love Cheap Monday jeans. They feel like a second skin and I have this hilarious red polka-dot pair that I wear on Sticky TV that people either love or hate.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

Well I used to say I'd never wear a dress - I thought people would point and stare and say, "that girl shouldn't wear dresses", but now I wear them all the time! So I think you should never say never when it comes to clothes.

What do you really want this season?

One of Juliette Hogan's red check dresses. Super cute.

Dress to impress whom?

If I dress to impress it's for myself. You've gotta look in the mirror and wow yourself if you want anyone else to take notice.

The one fashion rule you always break?

I have a friend who used to make me get changed if I was wearing different prints together. Spots and stripes, two different florals, clashing colours. Now it's totally hot and everyone does it! Except her - she'll never bend.

Favourite place to hang out and people watch?

I love to get a pot of tea at Allelujah in St Kevin's Arcade and watch people there. The quirky vintage rock and roll mix is exciting and inspiring.

Your best beauty tip?

Someone recently told me that you should moisturise for the same amount of time as you shower. So now I'm all about the obsessive moisturising from top to toe. It makes you feel fantastic. Second tip: never put your face under the shower - it's like lots of razor blades cutting your face!

The biggest hair mistake I ever made was...

Trying to have a fringe. It was a short frizzy explosion on my forehead and there was nothing I could do to tame it. Stupid girls with straight hair make me all jealous with their great hairstyles!

Most stylish city?

It's gotta be Dunedin where I'm from. The home of a million layers of black. And because it's full of students, pretty much anything goes which I love.

Best trend of this season?

Curly hair - finally I can unleash my curls.

Any style icons?

My fave is Natalie Portman, she's understated, beautiful and has the smarts. And Lily Allen - uber quirky, styly and just a little bit naughty.