Not-so-rock chick

'The Rock' DJ Tracey Donaldson. photo / Babiche Martens

She may work at radio station The Rock, but there are no ripped bogan jeans, westie black lace or metal band T-shirts in sight for Tracey Donaldson. In fact, the radio DJ's style could be the antithesis of the stereotypical rock chick look. Donaldson, who has worked at The Rock for nine years, counts New Zealand's queens of bling, Trelise Cooper and Yvonne Bennetti, as her favourite designers and is more likely to admire the style of Nicole Richie than Courtney Love. "It's hard, once you're over 30, to pull off the rock chick look," says Donaldson, who hosts the lunchtime show on The Rock. Though she does have a not-so-secret rock chick past. "I still have all my Nirvana and Guns 'n' Roses T-shirts. I'll never get rid of them, it's my own vintage collection!"

Who are your favourite designers?

Yvonne Bennetti, Trelise Cooper and Helen Cherry. Overseas I love Alannah Hill.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

Not the last, but my favourite recent purchase was a silk, blush-coloured Trelise Cooper dress for the New Zealand Radio Awards. The boys I work with cleaned up that night - I was so proud of them.

Who or what inspires you?

Tabloid images of people like the Olsen twins and Nicole Richie. I love their unstructured look that you know took two hours to put together to look like it took five minutes. Fantastic trickery.

Your favourite accessory?

My gold Guess watch. My husband and I bought each other watches on our wedding day in Las Vegas, so it has both fashion and sentimental value.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Great handbags. One black "go-everywhere" handbag is soooo dull!

Your favourite shops and why?

The Alannah Hill and Trelise Cooper Kids store in Nuffield Street. The right interior and dressing room plays a big part in making you part with your cash.

Your best beauty tip?

Lash tinting. My eyelashes and eyebrows are so blonde I look like the Milky Bar Kid when I take off my makeup. I have them tinted so my husband doesn't get scared when he sees me first thing in the morning.

Your fashion obsession?

Handbags. My husband's share of our wardrobe is down from a half to about a fifth. My bags are like triffids.

What can't you live without?

My family and dogs, Villa Maria pinot gris, Starbucks and Led Zeppelin.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

The Olsen twins for their couture. Victoria Beckham for her shoes and handbags.

What do you wear to work?

The beauty of radio means I can wear dresses and heels if I feel like it, or jeans and trainers if I feel like it. I wore slippers to work recently when I was hungover. And I forgot Shihad were coming in that day... super.

Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?

People say it every week in this column - Crocs are vile. Why aren't the fashion police responding?

You feel best wearing?

My trackies and slippers when I get home. Velour fabric, elastic waistbands, all the ugly things that make you feel sooo good.

Most overrated item in fashion?

The trench coat. I think you look like Inspector Clouseau in Pink Panther.

How would you describe your style, in a sentence?

The older I get the more I've bought into the "quality, not quantity" thing.