STYLE NEWS / STYLE FILE: TRACIE BEDWOOD

Featured in Style Guru  Date 18th September 2008

Tracie Bedwood runs Adage, the most well-known and respected model agency in Birmingham. Here she shares her shopping secrets.

1:  When you need to feel great, which item of clothing do you reach for?That would have to be my Roberto Cavalli black dress – it's beautifully simple and makes me feel a million dollars!

2: What is your biggest fashion faux pas?I can honestly say that I don't believe I have one, other people may say otherwise. I have, since a teenager, worn exactly what I like and feel comfortable wearing. Some outfits may have been slightly outrageous but I have always felt confident in the clothes that I wear.

3: What does "style" mean to you?Style isn't about wearing the most expensive, latest trend available. It's about the whole being. It's about being confident (but not overly) with yourself and being comfortable wearing what suits your shape and lifestyle. Money doesn't equal style!

4: What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection?Hmmmmmm, I have thought long and hard about this and although I do have some very naff CDs in my collection I do actually like all of them, nothing is left off my i-pod (even the old Bucks Fizz numbers) and I can often be seen singing my head off whilst driving about the city. Not a lot embarrasses me really.

5: Describe the best night out in Birmingham?Cocktails at Mal Bar followed by Dinner at Filini, at Radisson SAS.

6: What would you say to people who think Birmingham is lacking in style?Where have you been for the last five years? Come and take a look at our beautiful city. Visit Birmingham for the Style in The City weekend next spring then tell me if Birmingham lacks style.

7:  Which celebrity would be your dream date?Gok Wan, Mr Style himself! I think he'd be great fun and I could extract all his secret styling tips from him.

8: What are your guilty pleasures?My fabulous shoe collection, although when I am wearing them guilt is the last thing I am feeling.9: When it comes to shopping in Birmingham, where do you splurge and where do you save? I splurge big time at Harvey Nichols, where else! Save at All Saints, Top Shop or River Island.

10: What's your top fashion tip?It would have to be: learn what shapes, colours and cuts suit your body. Please don't squeeze yourself into something two sizes too small. Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you feel confident. Invest in a couple of key items from the season's trends and always remember, to look stylish doesn't mean it has to be expensive.