KEY POINTS:
Julia Dick is a busy lady. The 22-year-old studies fashion during the day, graphic design at night, and in the weekends works behind the counter at Central Auckland store Skylark Boutique. Dick has worked for the Skylark label, designed by Kathleen Waite, in some shape or form since 2004, after approaching Waite and asking to help out.
"I really admire what Kath does, and it's been a really great opportunity to learn more about the business. Helping out in the workroom for the last couple of years has given me some great experience, putting into practise what I've learnt during my study."
Dick's style pretty much sums up the look of the cute Skylark store, which sells everything from pretty cotton dresses to scarves, retro sunglasses and quirky charm necklaces, which sit alongside ceramic cats, Crown Lynn swans and retro sewing machines.
"I like a mix of vintage and new, kind of loose and casual," says Dick. "My boyfriend says I'm a bit nana, but in a cute way."
Who are your favourite designers?
My favourite labels are Lanvin, Balenciaga, Luella, and locally, Karen Walker, and Skylark of course.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A Skylark floral mini and Ferragamo brogues.
What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?
Black opaque tights - a couple of pairs a week.
Your favourite accessory?
A chunky gold ring.
Best fashion bargain?
My Marc Jacobs sculptured sandals that I bought on eBay - they were new and perfect, and less than $200!
What endures throughout the seasons?
Diamonds.
Your best beauty tip?
Smile lots.
Your fashion obsession?
Vintage costume and cocktail rings. I'm slowly collecting the Trifari series with changeable coloured stones.
How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?
To be fashionable is to be of that moment, some people are innately stylish and seem fashionable all the time and others just wear what they are told is fashionable.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Chloe Sevigny or Kate Moss.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
A maxi dress.
What do you wear to work?
We have new stock arriving in the store each week, so I usually wear one of the new arrivals, mostly skirts or a dress and cute shoes.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Playboy clothes and bad slogan T-shirts.
The one fashion rule you always break... or that you think should never have been a rule in the first place?
Blue and green should never be seen.
Favourite fashion-y movie?
They're not really fashion movies but I love the outfits in This Is England and Scarface.
Best city for fashion shopping in the world?
New York, I'm hoping - I'll find out at Christmas!
Best music to get dressed to?
David Bowie.
Best way to recycle your clothes?
Give them to friends.
What are you never caught in?
Anything too tight or too low cut.
