Angela Scanlon is one of Ireland’s leading stylists and fashion journalists. As a photographic stylist, her infectious enthusiasm and personal, relaxed style has already impressed upon Kanye West, Paul Costello, Bob Geldof, Nicola Roberts, Jasmine Guinness and Roisin Murphy. As a writer and broadcast journalist, Angela has contributed fashion pieces and editorial to leading publications - both domestic and internationally - and is a regular guest on television and radio where she shares her passion and insight on trends and fashion news.Currently, Angela maintains the fashion blog for The Irish Independent. Angela can also be seen presenting Style Nation, a weekly/monthly online show.

First Fashion Memory?

Getting togged out in a fancy local kid’s boutique called Whistles as a birthday treat. My outfit that consisted of a red patterned sweatshirt, a purple jersey skirt with braces teamed with black and white jail-stripe leggings! I insisted on taking a “bird’s eye view”, my Mum was mortified, I got in trouble. Good times.

Favourite Designer Label?

There are too many to mention. Balmain is having a moment and Alexander Wang rocks. I also love Stella McCartney for her tailoring.

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

Christian Louboutin Stelis wedges. They’re on his “total madness” list and divine!

Favourite High-Street Store?

Zara and Topshop for different reasons. Zara’s stuff is always cutting edge versions of current catwalk pieces. Topshop do their own thing and set trends the way high-end designers do.

Most treasured piece?

A diamond ring I got from my parents for my 21st. I usually go for chunky pieces or wear multiple rings but this baby never leaves my finger. I’d be heartbroken if I ever lost it.

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

A black leather jacket from Zara that’s buttery soft and getting better with wear. It’s like the Rick Owens one but was a fraction of the price.

What’s your favourite boutique?

A vintage store in Milan called Humana. It's full of unbelievable pieces. I bagged a Gianni Ferre leather dress with huge sculptured shoulders for €35 on my last trip. In Dublin, I love Circus Store and always have a peek into the Loft.

What’s your biggest style weakness?

Jackets, coats and blazers. I love how they finish an outfit and am constantly drawn to them regardless of the season. They do take up a serious amount of room though!

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

There’s no such thing as a faux pas once you had fun making it!
I think mistakes are part of fashion. It’s about having fun and expressing yourself; some people just take it too seriously.

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

Lip balm-it drives me nuts when I leave it at home. Other than that eyebrow pencil & mascara. Sorry that's three.

How would you describe your style?

Relaxed and casual, boyish even. I live in skinny jeans or cut-offs, a t-shirt & leather jacket. I’m drawn to wearing men’s clothes-t-shirts, blazers, jeans and shirts mixed with statement jewellery and accessories. I love playing with silhouettes and tend to stay away from really bright colours or anything too frilly or feminine. A rocked-up, teen boy with an 80’s streak who raided his parents wardrobe.

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

Gianfranco Ferre dress mentioned above!

What is the most admired piece in your wardrobe?

A black Chloe coat that I got from the Ruby Couture after a job with them (thanks). I adore it and someone admires it every time I wear it. A good coat and bag are things I think are definitely worth investing in.

Where was the last sale you blitzed?

I spend my life in the shops for work so tend to be very focused when I’m buying; riffling through the sale rail has become my worst nightmare!

What was the last item you bought and where?

A sequin disk headpiece from my friend Beatriz Palacios (she sells her vintage inspired pieces in the Loft)

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

Online it's got to be eBay. I’m also a fan of some of the recent design collaborations on ASOS.

Most Expensive Item in your Wardrobe?

Pauric Sweeney Python bag.

And if you’re feeling brave tell us how much it cost?

€670 (ouch) but was reduced from €2,100 so is actually a bargain!!

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

I’m a hair whore and am extremely low maintenance so I get kind of embarrassed at the time I leave between appointments so find moving around eliminates that awkward moment! My friend Maurice Flynn is a hair genius and has most recently taken control of my hair. He’s firm with me and I trust his judgement.

Share your best fashion tip?

Be comfortable in whatever you wear. It’s so much more important than being on trend or “fashionable”. It’s so obvious when someone is confident about their choices and that in itself is attractive.

Do you have any beauty secrets?

Boring and old school but drinking water makes a huge difference to my skin and my energy levels. Also, lavender on my pillow, I’m a very restless sleeper so this helps a lot.

What’s your most memorable fashion moment?

Being photographed by an Elle photographer during London Fashion Week.

What should every woman have in their wardrobe?

A leather jacket and a great pair of boots.

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

Berocca Boost before you hit the tiles! Relax and smile…

Finally, how has the recession affected how you shop?

I’ve always been pretty price conscious and have been shopping in charity stores forever; this hasn’t changed. If anything I tend to buy less but pay more for quality. The idea of disposable fashion is becoming a bit vulgar so re-wearing and really loving the things you buy are more important than always appearing in something new.