Q&A with Juliette Foster

BBC world Anchor and ex Sky News reporter. Juliette has just finished writing her first novel, BREAKING NEWS, a fictitious, scandalous story based around the world of broadcasting and media.

Juliette is also about to become Lady Mayor of Surrey Heath in May.

We wanted to know more about the woman behind the business and look at the fashionable side to Juliette Foster so we got her to answer our Celebrity Q&A.

1. How would define your own fashion style?

Tough one but classic, elegant long gowns for formal events, tailored designer suits for work, and totally casual when I'm sloping around the house or chilling out with my girlfriends. If you want to see how casual I can be, then just check me out when I go to the supermarket! I've been known to wear my husband's track suit bottoms, one of his rugby shirts and a pair of knackered leather pumps. Not great but hey...it makes me feel comfortable and that's what counts!

2. What was the first designer item you brought and how much did it cost?

Crikey...we're going some way back but I think it was a check Paul Costello jacket which I bought at Dickens & Jones in Oxford Street. At the time (late 80s early 90s), it cost around £100.00...a lot of money in those days! Oddly enough its still in my wardrobe and I can't bring myself to give it away. It works so well and in spite of the slightly padded shoulders, it works well with a pair of jeans and hasn't really dated that much.

3. What one item of clothing could you not live without?

Don't laugh - my winkle picker ankle boots! I've got very large feet ( size 9.5 to 10), and once upon a time it was pretty tricky finding shoes that fitted and which were fairly stylish. I picked up these gorgeous gold/brown kitten heeled winkle picker ankle boots which ticked all the right boxes. I've almost worn them to death but I love them dearly and even my husband thinks they're kind of cute. There's no chance of him ever borrowing them as my feet are bigger than his! My big regret is that I didn't buy a second pair and as far as I'm aware, the style is no longer available. A real shame!

4. What are your favourite current high street stores?

Hmmm...interesting question...I love M & S because they do a great selection of underwear, really comfortable clothes that you can take away on holiday, and stylish tops that go well with suits. I love Selfridges because they've got a nice designer section which is good if I'm looking for something specific.

5. Who are your current favourite designers?

I'm a devotee of Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior. They are classic designers who really know how to cater for women of any age and shape. I'm fortunate to have a marvellous selection of Armani evening dresses which I've picked up over the last ten or so years. I adore the simplicity of his style and always feel like a million Dollars wearing the gowns. I also own a Dior suit which my husband bought for me. It's beautifully tailored, really comfortable to wear and of a timeless design. I don't wear it at the office but I save it for special events like cocktail parties or evening dinners with our friends.

6. Who are you past and present celebrity style icons?

To be honest my icons are more in the past than the present. For me Audrey Hepburn was a total Goddess....she had a beautiful mentality and it showed in everything about her: effortlessly graceful, wonderfully proportioned and totally eye catching. Katherine Hepburn was brilliant: she had a sexy tomboyish grace and was one of the few women who could wear a man's dinner suit with total aplomb, a bit like an adapted second skin. Lauren Bacall also fits into that sexy/stylish mode along with Sophia Loren. Naomi Watts comes close to capturing all of those attributes...and its capped off with dazzling smile. Total perfection.

7. What budget busting advice would you give to shoppers with limited funds?

Live within your means! You don't need thousands of Pounds to look great. Don't be afraid to mix and match what you have and as long as you feel comfortable, nobody will know what your budget limitations are. One of the best investments you can ever make is a simple black dress. You can tailor it to whatever look or mood you're trying to capture. Think Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's! Also go for a good simple pair of jeans. They can look sexy with ankle boots, stilettos or a nice pair of comfortable sandals. I think once you've got these two staples in your wardrobe you can't go wrong.

8. What's the best fashion bargain you ever brought?

I think it had to be a Dolce & Gabbana suit which I bought in Australia for the equivalent of £200.00. It always pays to go during a sale and my timing was dead perfect. It's an extraordinary piece of clothing because it's in fuchsia pink with a multi coloured lining. Because I have a dark skin I can carry very bright colours. I wasn't sure about the suit at first but over the years it's really grown on me so I have no regrets about buying it.

9. Shoes or handbags?

It most definitely has to be HANDBAGS! I got turned off shoes because of all the problems I had in the past finding ones that would fit me, so instead I fixated on handbags. I'm lethal with them...if I see one I'll probably try and buy it, (but only if it's affordable). Having said that I do use my handbags and I work them hard. I've got a couple of vintage ones including a black Gucci evening purse, but my all time favourite has to be the black/brown striped Fendi bag that a friend bought me as a birthday present. It has a shoulder strap but it can also be carried over the arm. It's a gorgeous piece and I save it for special occasions. Don't be surprised if I pick up one or two other handbags before the end of the year!!!!

10. Finally, do you have a fashion statement you live by?

Well, I always say..."Go with your heart and follow your mood!" At the end of the day how you dress depends on your budget and WHO you're looking good for. But I would definitely advise anyone to buy a decent suit. Remember, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Go during the sales and pick something that's really stylish and which will last for years. All of my suits were purchased in the sales and I've never looked back. They're great for work and if I have to do something formal at the end of the day, they can be easily adapted for that function. If you try to pick up one good suit a year you'll have a really nice selection that you can mix and match with shirts, tops and lovely fashion jewellery. Trust me, it really works!!!!