Before I was an author I was an air hostess and because I had to wear a uniform every day I got really dressed up on my days off. I really love to look glamorous, you will often find me at a book launch on a rainy winter's evening dressed as though I'm off to the Oscars in sunny LA.

I love bright colours like red and pink.

The first item I ever bought was a Simon le Bon t-shirt. I had to send away for it to England. I put a fiver in the post and prayed it wouldn't get stolen. Three weeks later the t-shirt arrived and I was ecstatic.

My mother and granny influence my style. They always invest in classic clothes and warned me not to follow trends.

The most expensive purchase I have ever made is a pair of suede Ralph Lauren trousers which I bought in New York in a moment of madness. They were half price at $1,400 and a size two, so I had to starve myself into them. I have only worn them twice.

I also bought a Hermes scarf when I was 13 and I had to hide the Brown Thomas box from my mother.

I adore evening dresses and I wear them as often as possible. If someone is having a party I would wear one. I don't save my clothes for special occasions.

I don't devote much time to grooming. I rarely wear make-up during the day.

After five years wearing bright red lipstick for 6am flights, it's not surprising.

However, I do spend quite a lot of money on my hair and seem to live in Toni & Guy.

Not only am I an author but I'm a creative writing teacher also and I usually wear a grey or black classic Armani suit, as it will take me through to evening wear.

'Chinese Whispers' by Marisa Mackle is available nationwide.