Claire Bourquin

Are you into jewellery? Costume jewellery, yes. I love bold statement pieces… I have a number of loose beaded collars, which are fun. I seldom wear earrings, but if I do they are (a) clip-ons and (b) never small.

What is the one thing you splurge on fashionwise? Footwear – I really like a good pair of shoes. I am trying not to buy leather, though. I like sneakers from Shelflife.

Every woman should own… a faux-fur coat in an interesting colour. I have a mauve one that I love.

When I want to make an impression, I… get a good night’s sleep and work some green fabric into my outfit.

Where do you buy most of your clothes? I love to buy from Shirley Fintz (@shirleyfintz) in the Cape Town CBD. For jewellery, I enjoy buying from Lorin Strieman (Lorins@telkomsa.net) – her pieces are always unique and stylish and well priced. A local dressmaker named Esther Ornellas Designs (estherornellas7@gmail.com) can source lovely fabrics and make items from magazines to fit and look as good as any major label. And Nje (nje.co.za) definitely deserves a mention. I also enjoy the odd Zara item, although I haven’t shopped in a mall for the past year.

Prints or plains? Mostly prints. Florals, in particular – my married name is Mrs Blom, after all!

If you could buy only one new item for winter, what would it be?

A beautiful jersey that looked like it came from Missoni or did, but is pre-owned. Shirley and Babette always have nice jerseys.

What would you wear to a job interview? LOL. I am a recruiter, so I hope not to go to a job interview soon. I would, however, wear something that reflects my personality

– so, well-cut pants and a statement shirt. I like a big cuff or collar, and platform shoes or high-fashion sneakers. I think it’s important to dress for the occasion but also to stick to your own style. People buy you, not an idea of you, in an interview. Your outfit also reflects your EQ and your reading of the occasion.

Any sentimental pieces in your closet? I have a stunning 30-year-old lace piece from my friend Lorin that I have just rejigged, and tartan from my mom – we have a strong Scottish heritage.

If you could bring back any fashion era, which would it be? The Seventies and the Gatsby era!