Catherine Huntley on fashion
Catherine Huntley chats about her fashion loves and shares top tips so you can steal her style.
"I love dressing up in big ball gowns"
Are you a classical dresser or a trend-setter?
I change my clothes with my moods so I couldn't pigeon hole myself too much. I like to wear jeans with a T-shirt and Birkenstocks, but by the same token if I'm going out I can have completely different looks. I think that's reflected in my hairstyles as well, I like to jump from one thing to the next. I go to the Glastonbury Festival every year and I love dressing up in big ball gowns.
Which celebrities do you most admire for their fashion sense?
Sienna Miller definitely, she's really stylish, but quite individual and quirky too. Catherine Zeta Jones has the 50s movie star glamour thing, her clothing has classical lines, it's very feminine. I think a woman should look graceful without necessarily following a trend, anything that celebrates your femininity - even though I just said I wear my Birkenstocks, T-shirt and jeans!
"I could be in the Guinness Book of Records for the most hairstyles on one person."
What's your best ever fashion purchase?
At the moment my most reliable piece is a blue multi-colour maxi dress and I'm wearing it for everything because it makes me look long and covers everything up.
What's your most embarassing fashion decision?
I think it's more the hairstyles. When I was about 13 I shaved the sides of my head and had the top all spiky up to about three inches. I've tried everything - I could probably be in the Guinness Book of Records for the most hairstyles on one person. It's fun, I've got no regrets.
Any secret fashion passion?
I like to get something completely unique and that could be going to a charity shop, a car boot sale or swapping clothes with friends. I bought a maxi dress from Oxfam for £1.99 and this was before they came in to fashion, it was hand-made which I really like. I guess my passion is dressing up - I love fancy dress parties. My 30th birthday had a Moulin Rouge theme; I made my own costume - a pink bodice with feathers down the back. Once, I dressed as a swan in a white tutu with a beak.
What do you like to wear when you're kicking back at home?
Something really comfy and sloppy like my oldest pair of jeans. I've got a Glastonbury T-shirt from 2003 that I still wear and the stitching is coming away but it just feels so soft and comfy - and there are my stupid oversized Tigger slippers.
Which are your favourite QVC fashion ranges?
I really love Currency by Helen Walsh and I love Kipling and Birkenstock.
"Wear what makes you feel good and you'll look fashionable"
How do you think fashion can improve the way a person feels about themselves?
I think people look great because they feel great rather than because they're wearing what's in the magazines. Certain clothes are just made for catwalk models and not for everyday women like me, two children on. Wear what makes you feel good and you'll look fashionable.
What essentials should a woman always own?
Classic white shirt, black high heels and of course jeans for dressing up or down.
What new trends are you looking forward to for autumn?
I hear that grey is coming in in a big way and I'm looking forward to brightening it up with pink, because it's been my favourite colour since forever.
What are your top tips when shopping for fashion?
Heels that are as high as is physically possible will always make you feel taller and slimmer and give you an extra confidence boost. Anything that pulls your waist in like waistcoats and wide belts are great if you're feeling a bit 'ugh'. If I'm a bit pasty I always wear a polo neck; it frames my face nicely and makes me feel less exposed.
Find out more about Catherine.
