New York-born fashion journalist and Style writer Annmarie O Connor has worked with the likes of The Irish Examiner, RTE, TV3, Dazed and Confused, Elle, The Sunday Times Style, Trace, Image, The Dubliner, The Irish Independent, Prudence and ChicToday.com interviewing designers, chasing trends, styling and profiling . Her mantra is - burn the tracksuit honey and learn to walk in a pair of damn heels. Life's too short not to look tall and fabulous. You can find Annmarie sharing all things fashion related at I Blog Fashion Here Annmarie gives our Chiconomics readers her top tips and insights on fashion.

First Fashion Memory?

There's a framed picture of me aged 15 months, lounging in a jumpsuit and enamel beads on my aunt's shag pile carpet - knee tilted, arm draped, broody stare. I knew how to work my angles - even then!

Favourite Designer Label?

Haider Ackermann. The Columbian-born designer and former Galliano intern is a master of edgy elegance. He had me hooked from his AW09 collection at Les Beaux Arts de Paris. Fluid draped maxi dresses with thigh high slits, jackets embellished in floral metal rivets...sigh.

What’s on the top of your wish list at the moment?

A pair of nude patent stiletto heels from Kurt Geiger. I meant to buy them in Brown Thomas about a month ago and now they've sold out. I'm going to have to hit up House of Fraser or buy them online. They're perfect for polished summer evening wear.

Favourite High-Street Store?

Like most people, it has to be Topshop. Regardless of Sir Philip Greene's inability to fathom the current sterling exchange rate (ahem!), you can always rely on TS for of-the-minute pieces.

Most treasured piece?

A Moroccan gown I got in Portobello market for £15. It's handstitched with gold thread and was originally bought in Paris in the 60s. It wouldn't look out of place with a gold lamé bikini and turban my a pool side with a Dirty Martini. I like mine with a silk cami, jeans and super high heels.

What’s your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe and where did you get it?

I'm don't play favourites. I love everything in my closet for what it does for me from my failsafe leather jacket and jersey maxi skirts; to my 1960s beaded vintage dresses and my father's Claddagh ring.

What’s your favourite boutique?

Smock, Dublin.

What’s your biggest style weakness?

Dresses. Someone stop me.

Can you remember the biggest fashion faux paux you have every made?

Yes in Dolby Digital Surround Sound. I wore a gold futuristic mini dress to a photoshoot with gold tights. I looked like an extra from Star Trek. Enough said.

Stranded on a dessert Island...what makeup products could you not live without?

Moisturiser and eye-cream -preferably SKIN.NY or Nuxe.

How would you describe your style?

Edgy elegance.

What’s the best bargin you’ve ever nabbed?

The Moroccan gown without a doubt.

What is the most admired piece in your wardrobe?

I'm not sure but my sister keeps threatening to steal my 1970s floral maxi coat. I've got my eye on her!

Where was the last sale you blitzed?

I'm not big on sales. They scare me to be honest. As a stylist I'm on the front line so I tend to find cut price goodies throughout the year generally.

What was the last item you bought and where?

I bought a Savida top from Charlestown shopping centre.

Do you shop on-line? If so what’s your favourite website, if not, why?

Asos.com for appeasing my inner trend junkie.

Most Expensive Item in your Wardrobe?

I'm a bona fide bargain hunter. My most expensive item is a €910 Veronique Branquinho blazer I got for €260 in Smock boutique. The most I ever paid for one item was
€360 for a Vivienne Westwood bowling bag marked down from €720 - also Smock.

Do you have a favourite place to get your hair done?

Anthony Murray's in Temple Bar. Ask for Donna. She is Dublin's best kept secret!

Share your best fashion tip?

Fit comes first. Never be a slave to sizes. A 12 in some shops can well be a 14 in another. Nothing looks worse than someone pulling and tugging at their clothes.

Do you have any beauty secrets?

Water - drink lots of it. Take Udo's Oil and Floradix liquid iron and vitamin supplements for vitality.

What’s your most memorable fashion moment?

When Manolo Blahnik complemented by €20 patent Penneys shoe boots.

What should every woman have in their wardrobe?

A pair of amazing black heels. They can save even the most modest outfit.

What’s your best last minute tip for feeling fabulous on the inside at an event or party?

Silence that inner critic and have fun. That's what going out is all about.

Finally, how has the recession affected how you shop?

I shop less often and tend to consolidate my cash for long term style staples rather than quick fashion flings.