KEY POINTS:
Carly Binding confesses she's something of a tomboy. Her working uniform is jeans (she's got 12 pairs of Workshop's alone) with boots, heels or white adidas sneakers. Binding, who started out in girl group TrueBliss, has released two self-penned albums since starting her solo career - the gold-selling
debut Passenger and last year's So Radiate.
Who are your favourite designers?
Here in New Zealand I like and wear Mala Brajkovic - for the party dress and great print T-shirts and sweatshirts. I like her playfulness. Juliet Hogan for a more classic and feminine dress. Workshop for jeans and basics. Adrian Hailwood does some great signature pieces. I'm more the sort of person who likes a little from here and a little from there. Internationally: Stella McCartney, Chloe, Oroton eyewear and Marc Jacobs. Often I'm attracted to particular seasons and not necessarily everything a designer does - much like music.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A great pair of turquoise blue suede heels I bought in Austin, Texas, a few months ago. Lani from Elemeno P and I decided to ditch the music festival and head over to the opposite side of the river. We found some great little shops and cafes waiting for our wallets.
What's your guilty pleasure?
When it comes to a fashion indulgence I'm siding with shoes. I tend to dress quite simply and like the way shoes can change how something looks. Uncluttered on the bod and "Hello, what's your name?" on the feet.
Who or what inspires you?
This depends on what I'm doing. When it comes to music I take inspiration from the people who come into my life. I'm someone who needs a muse of sorts - everything I write about has something to do with interaction, the possibility of, the memory of.
Your favourite accessory?
Scarves. I wear them all year round and just change the weight or fabric depending on the temperature. They're a great way to add some texture or interest to whatever you're wearing. My favourites at the moment are the Jaimie scarves. She does a great tie-dyed one with turquoise tassels.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe? A great dress you love and feel fantastic in for those times when jeans just won't cut it. Oh, and a great bra.
Your favourite shop? I don't have a favourite fashion store but I've always had a thing for chemists. I just love them. Also, the cosmetic section of any decent department store. I like everything about them - all the packaging and the promises.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Any of the Wholefoods Supermarkets in LA.
What is your beauty routine? I've always had sensitive problem skin. I use a Cetaphil cleanser followed by benzoyl peroxide cream (2.5 per cent) then Cetaphil moisturising cream. The benzoyl peroxide keeps my face really clear. And a whole lot of eye cream and sunscreen.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
That would be Boh Runga's. At some point I plan to lock her outside her house and set up residency in her wardrobe. Actually, make that Kate Moss, she's my kinda gal.
What won't you be wearing this season?
There's a certain look I can't fathom wearing. A pair of flat black shoes, black opaque tights, a knee-length skirt topped off with a long oversized cardi or jumper - I think it looks completely asexual.
The one rule you always dress by?
Keep the lines simple. No pointless bumps, flounces, puffs or bright elephants. I think dressing to a trend can be a mistake - or perhaps something to laugh about a few weeks later.
Favourite fashion-y movie?
Breakfast at Tiffany's - but of course. The styling is so effortless with such modern elegance, not to mention that Audrey Hepburn was just impossibly cool in this film. Possibly La Dolce Vita also.
Dress to impress whom?
I think that women, contrary to popular myth, dress to impress their female friends. I don't think it matters to a man what you wear - if he has a thing for you, you could be wearing a sack, or worse, Crocs.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Hats and leather gloves.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Boys wearing eyeliner - see Jared Leto, 30 Seconds to Mars.
Personal style quirk?
I make hair ties out of my old tights that have had their day. Basically you just make a cut straight across the leg, then another a few inches above - et voila, all ready for ponytail action.
