How do I look? Latasha Malik, Haircare entrepreneur, age 31

(Portrait by Claudia Janke)

No matter how beautiful someone is, a bad outfit can ruin their whole look. Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls is a prime example: she needs to sack her stylist. It's not that what she wears is too revealing – after all, Madonna does raunchy very well. Some people just let themselves down with a lack of style.

I don't like wearing what other people are wearing. I like unique pieces that you can put together in your own way. Portobello Road [in west London] is my favourite place to find unusual bits. My sister bought me the most beautiful top there. It's an oversized gold, block-print T-shirt, which I can dress up or down for whatever occasion.

I dress down for work at the hair salon, as there are always children about so it's not appropriate to be too flamboyant. At meetings, I'll wear smart trousers, a shirt and heels, but on a day-to-day basis, I'll opt for Ugg boots.

It's hard to find pumps that fit. These were only £25, from a shop called Austique, on the King's Road. They are so comfy. I bought this top online at Oli. It's really neutral and perfect for summer evenings. People always ask where I bought it. I prefer going into a shop than visiting a website. I like to touch the clothes, and see the shape.

I hate sale shopping, the hectic-ness of it all. If something fits well, I don't mind spending money on it. That said, I found these jeans in the H&M sale for £29.99; a total bargain, but most importantly, they fit perfectly. I like flicking through magazines and choosing bits to put together: a bit of Moss, a touch of Kylie.

The natural look works well for me. I rarely wear make-up, but if I do, I'll go for a bit of mascara, Bobbi Brown blusher and a shimmer-tinted chapstick. My hair is what I invest the most time and money in. I have highlights, put in at Trevor Sorbie. It can cost in excess of £200, but hair is the one thing you have to get right.

I'm a big fan of big jewellery. The other day I bought a huge gold ring from Yves Saint Laurent, filled with blue rhinestones. The next day I got an equally pretty ring for just £5.

Latasha Malik is the co-founder of the fashionable children's hair salon Tantrum, based in London's King's Road. Visit www.yourtantrum.com