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Her mother always told her it was better to be overdressed, and it was advice that Sophie Falkiner, Australian ambassador for the AMPCSC shopping malls - local outlets include Lynmall and Botany Downs - learnt the value of at one of her very first job interviews.
"The job was working in a fashion store in Sydney, which was something I'd never had any experience at. But I'd just come back from overseas and I'd bought one lovely outfit there, that cost way too much money. It was probably a bit too much but I wore it to the interview anyway. And," she recounts, laughing, "they gave me the job on the spot - because they thought I would be great for the job because of the way I looked."
So even though it's a bit of a cliche, Falkiner does believe in dressing for success. "People do judge you on your outward appearance; , it's the first thing they see. And I think if you take care with your appearance, they believe you'll take care in your job."
All of which is why Falkiner, a working Mum, is just the woman to be associated with the local branch of the Dress For Success charity, which provides suits and interview training for low income women in more than 75 countries. On Friday she will be taking one of Dress For Success' clients with her on a shopping trip to Botany Downs.
And although you'd never guess from the pictures of Falkiner in her sparkliest outfits, the mother of two small boys doesn't always look this fancy. "I think you need balance in your life," she explains.
"If I'm doing something where I need to dress up, I'll always make an effort. But if I'm just with my family or friends I love my tracky daks and jeans.
Who are your favourite designers?
Australian designers Alex Perry, Collette Dinnigan, Morrissey and Wayne Cooper.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A scarf from Country Road because I was cold.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Regular massages.
Who or what inspires you?
Single mums.
Your favourite accessory?
A smile.
Best fashion bargain?
Accessories. You can buy bargain baubles that add wow to an outfit without having to spend a bomb.
Who does the best shoes?
Jimmy Choo. Then Gary Castles, because he does great shoes and is a lovely man. And Steve Madden because his shoe designs are straight from the fashion catwalk.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A well cut pair of tailored black pants.
What do you really want this winter?
A fitted trench, winter boots and a fitted little black dress.
Your best beauty tip?
Sleep, water and SPF sunscreen every day, even when it's raining. And be kind to yourself!
Your fashion obsession?
Accessories, especially earrings. I have a pair to match every outfit. I love them!
Best trend of this season?
Hollywood Glamour because of the gorgeous silhouettes and I particularly love the Audrey Hepburn style from that era.
Are you a hat woman, bag woman or shoe woman?
All of the above! I love accessorising and have developed a bag and shoe fetish over the past couple of years.
The one rule you always dress by?
Wear what suits you and keep it simple.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
Can't go past basic black and it's very important to have good underwear underneath.
Most cherished item?
Isabella, my daughter.
Best T-shirt slogan you've ever seen?
Choose Life - because I was a huge Wham fan.
Best way to recycle your old clothes?
Through charity - and particularly one like Dress For Success.
When I was at high school I wore?
Big hair and red lipstick: such a bad look!
