We’ve always had a girl crush on Louise Roe thanks to her impeccable style and successful career.
Ever since she appeared on reality TV show The City, alongside fellow fashion maven Olivia Palermo, we’ve been in awe of her style and sitting down for the chats was pretty exciting.
The bubbly brunette is the new style ambassador for Karen Millen and visited Brown Thomas this week to meet with press.
Louise, is an English Literature grad who interned at Elle UK and Vogue before moving to Los Angeles where she’s now ruling the red carpet*
*You may have a little career envy by the end of this piece*
It’s your first time in Dublin. What do you think?
It’s really lovely. I’ve heard the people are nice and they are more than nice. Trinity College was amazing as I’m an English Lit grad and we had a tour a from an English Lit grad.
I found out where Oscar Wilde lived and was nerding out on that. We’ve wandered around a little too, Brown Thomas of course is institutional.
Belted Stripe Dress, €225
As an English lit grad, how did you make the transition into presenting and TV? Was fashion always a love of yours?
No. It’s weird, I just always wanted to write. My dad’s a journalist and so I did my degree and got an internship at ELLE magazine. I was working my way up there, mainly feature writing, I loved interviewing people.
After a few years of working at different magazines, I got the opportunity to go on TV and then it all of kind came my way.
I then ended up moving to Los Angeles and got working on a couple of different shows. I still love to write, hence my book, Front Roe.
I just found the energy in LA incredible and everyone is very motivational. If you say you want to do something like “I want to write a book”, they don’t laugh at you and instead, introduce you to other people. Stuff just happens there and I fell in love with that mentality.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to get their dream job?
You have to be ballsy, I would always say to people now, just go for it. As long as your cover letter and CV are well written, and you’re polite and to the point, then why not?!
Belted Trenchcoat Dress, €250
You had a role on MTV show The City, tell us all!
I was actually covering New York Fashion Week for ELLE at the time and they filmed me doing that. I was quite keen that they were covering me doing that as opposed to my personal life.
It was a cool show, I wish it was still around.
What about Olivia Palermo? Are you a fan of her style?
I love her style. It’s absolutely incredible, she’s flawless. If you notice, she’s very covered up and elegant and I think in this day and age when we’re bombarded with a lot of questionable outfit choices, Olivia is one to look to.
Blouse €140, Waistcoat €210, Trousers €140, Boots €275
I also think Miranda Kerr has a cool style, she always wears beautiful prints and colours. Nicole Richie is really experimental, I couldn’t wear what she wears but it’s still cool to look at her.
Also I’m a huge fan of the seventies trend.That’s why this Karen Millen collection appealed to me as it has that kind of feel. Ali MacGraw and Lauren Hutton. I love that it’s laid back with muted colours, sexy without being overt.
If you have to give one style tip, what would it be?
Dress for your body. We sometimes look at things and think we like that or it’s a bargain but you really need to think about shape and silhouette.
I think that’s key, looking in the mirror and thinking “I’m an hourglass” or “I’m a pear” and then go shopping with that knowledge.
Are there any stand out moments from the fashion shows you’ve attended?
There was one show. A few years ago in London, Matthew Williamson was showing and I was sitting on the front row in the corner. There was an empty microphone stand beside me and it was a bit strange. We all sat down and someone started singing.
Then the lights went up and suddenly, we realised that Prince was among the crowd, sitting in the front row. Next thing, he got up and performed and it was just unreal. I was this close to him, I could have grabbed him!
What about red carpet fun?
I had a fun moment at the Emmys almost a year ago with Julia Roberts. Occasionally you just have really fun banter with someone and there’s no PR spiel.She’s just adorable and hilarious.
George Clooney is also lovely, Nicole Kidman and her husband Keith Urban are gorgeous and so in love. It’s actually rare that you get someone who’s grumpy.
Louise loves Julia Roberts
For my career highlight though, it would have to be the publication of my book. That was a lifetime ambition fulfilled. Getting that first copy was fantastic.
What about future plans?
I’m off to New York Fashion Week, then I’ll be reporting from the Emmys and then I’m going to Australia on a mini book tour.
Louise pictured at New York Fashion Week yesterday
Tell us about the Louise Roe x Karen Millen collection.
I’ve always worn Karen Millen, since I was a teenager actually. I worked with them a few years ago and gave a talk so it’s always nice to come back again and collaborate.
Camel Coat, €499
It’s really nice wearing pieces and talking about the brand. I have my own fashion blog and I’m always giving out advice. I think women are multi-tasking now more than ever and there is a lot expected of us.
A lot of the pieces in this collection are easy to wear but don’t compromise on style. I think for this year, it’s all about the sleeveless coat or the wrap. I’m loving the bell sleeves and the print and it’s still light enough that you can wear a coat over it if you’re out in very cold weather.
Cape €325, Trousers €160, Boots €275
