KEY POINTS:
Jodie Fitzgerald's first steps on the road towards eco-friendly good looks started with her own health crisis.
"I was at the end of my tether," says the public relations manager for Bare, a company specialising in public relations for products with an environmental and political conscience. "I couldn't get out of bed, I was putting on more and more weight."
And her skin was a mess: it was because Fitzgerald had pretty bad eczema and had tried various medical cures, including steroids and anti-histamines. It wasn't until she started researching natural methods, and then using them, that her skin completely cleared up. She says the key was a regular intake of flax seed oil.
The next step was her beauty regime. "A lot of women are using products, both internally and externally, that they don't know a lot about - but the ingredients you use are really important."
These days Fitzgerald uses a lot of the products her clients supply. She does admit though that an entirely eco-friendly wardrobe is still a tricky task.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love Workshop for basic cotton items that wash well and don't fade. I also like to mix things up - some of my best outfits are a combination of designer items with cheap basics from Farmers or Kmart. If you truly have style then you are more concerned with the total look achieved, not from which shop it came.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
An extra-long black and white silk polka dot scarf from Miss Crabb. I love it!
What's your biggest indulgence?
I spend huge amounts of money on nail products because I honestly don't think anyone can do a better job of my nails than me. I'm totally addicted to OPI's Russian collection, but my latest purchase was a glass nail file from Dr Hauschka which is fantastic. It's the best nail file I've ever used which, at $29, it should be.
What is your beauty routine?
I have really sensitive skin so I only use natural products that I know are good for my skin. I love Dr Hauschka skincare, and I use Trilogy's new Smooth Shine Shampoo and Conditioner religiously. I also recently discovered Pure Fiji's Coconut Body Oil which smells absolutely gorgeous and makes my dry skin glow.
Your best beauty tip?
Always choose a lip colour that is one or two shades off the colour of your inner lip. It's the easiest way to find your best neutral shade.
What can't you live without?
Apicare's Revive Me Lip Balm. It's matt, hydrating and it stays on all day.
What do you wear to work?
I always wear dresses, never pants, and heels.
What is the biggest beauty mistake you ever made?
When I was 14 I dyed my hair for the first time and I went from blonde to a hideous pinkish shade of copper red. However, I used a super cheap hair dye and didn't wash it out properly, so when it rained the next day at school the red ran on to my white shirt and stained it, which got me a detention for having "infringed" uniform requirements to sport a "clean, white and unmarked top half dress code".
If money were no option?
I would buy all my clothes overseas so everything I wore was totally original. I never shop at chain stores because I hate looking the same as everybody else, although I relax that rule when on the hunt for a good black cardigan.
The one rule you always dress by?
Be different! Why on earth people are happy wandering around in plain old black day in and day out is beyond me. I experiment with clashing colours, stripes with dots, underwear as daywear and mismatched prints because fashion is supposed to be fun!
The one fashion rule you think should never have been a rule in the first place?
Audrey Hepburn always said "take one accessory off before leaving the house". I always add on an extra one.
You feel best wearing?
A gorgeous dress and heels. That's why the races are so much fun.
Most cherished item?
My Mum gave me a Louis Vuitton clutch bag straight out of the 80s and it's my most prized possession.
Most overrated item in fashion?
Jeans.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Scarves.
Never caught wearing?
Crocs. Ever.
