KEY POINTS:
Imagine if shopping was your job, and you could travel the world, spending somebody else's money on clothes and accessories?
For Gabrielle Fredricks, it's a reality. She is a senior buyer in women's fashion for Farmers, and it is she who helps decide what ends up for sale at the department store. Working at the faster end of the fashion scale has influenced Fredricks' sartorial style, although she still has a penchant for high-end gear (Chloe is a favourite).
"I see the change in fashion come through almost monthly; as a result I tend to try to keep my wardrobe classic. There are some pieces I've kept for many, many years, and pull them out again when the trend returns!" says Fredricks, who has been in the business of buying for around 20 years. She lets us take a peek into her wardrobe, with its unique blend of high and low fashion.
Who are your favourite designers?
Chloe for their delicate feminine garments and gorgeous bags and shoes; Diesel and Miss Sixty for Italian edginess, Antik Batik for ethnic inspiration, and Megan Park for hand-embellished detail.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A gorgeous dress and top from Selfridges in London.
Are you a designer shopper, vintage shopper or fan of cheap and cheerful chain stores?
A combination of it all - it helps to create a unique look.
Your favourite accessory?
My husband!
What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?
Red wine.
Best fashion bargain?
Not exactly a bargain, but I do justify my shopping to a "cost by wear basis". The expensive bag or jacket I have bought might come down to $5 per wear!
What's the one thing everyone should have in their closet?
Some fabulous skeletons to make you smile in your old age!
What endures throughout the seasons?
Denim.
What do you really want this coming season?
A pair of gladiator sandals from our spring/summer launch.
Your favourite shop?
They change, but consistently Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters in the States. Barneys and the Prada store in New York. Harvey Nick's because it is so fab and a little department store called Fenwicks on Bond St as their ranging is delectable.
Your best beauty tip?
Creme de la Mer.
What can't you live without?
My little girl, I miss her so much when I travel.
Your fashion obsession?
Boot, boots and more boots.
How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?
What you want to wear. Each person has their own style.
What do you wear to work?
Getting dressed for work can be such a chore, thank goodness I have many foolproof items from Farmers I can throw on in a wardrobe emergency.
What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?
The 80s! I embraced the era completely with fluoro clothes, plastic jewellery and permed hair.
Any style icons?
Elle Macpherson, Kate Moss and Nicole Richie. Casual glamour that doesn't look like they have tried too hard.
Best sartorial advice you've ever had?
Never mix endangered species.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your daughter/son?
No tattoos. They date, fade and then droop!
Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?
The Wedding Singer for their great take on the 80s, and Marie Antoinette for the costumes.
Your personal style quirk?
PJs till lunchtime on weekends!
Most stylish city?
Tokyo for well-dressed people on the streets, Paris for its beauty, Sydney for sun and lifestyle, and New York.
What is the best way to recycle your old clothes?
Hold on to your precious pieces until the trend comes around again. Because it will!
