Author Sara Collins

What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?

A black cashmere shortsleeved coat from a store whose name I’ve forgotten, in NYC. It’s simple, elegant but also really cosy.

What are you addicted to buying?

Handbags. The last one I bought was in a bucket style, with a tortoiseshell handle. One of my current favourites is a simple black leather cross-body from Smythson. Since moving to London I’ve been obsessed with cross-body and backpack styles to keep my hands free for all the travelling on tubes.

Who has great style?

Cate Blanchett in anything, but especially a trouser suit.

Name your favourite high street shop.

For quick and easy: H&M. For indulgence: Club Monaco.

Any fashion disasters you’d care to tell us about?

I went to an all-girls boarding school where the summer uniform was a blue skirt with daisies, boater hats and navy-blue capes. And I once wore a hideous green skirt suit to a really important interview for a major Caribbean scholarship and I’m convinced it’s the reason I didn’t get the scholarship!

What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe?

A red Alexander Mcqueen jacket that gives instant panache to anything I wear under it. ■