Monica Meredith is the Assistant Centre Manager at The Buttermarket shopping centre in Ipswich. Her role requires her to look presentable, yet she is able to deliver her own sense of individuality through her fashion choices. In this interview, Monica talks us through her style and how she channels fashion into everyday life.

Can you describe your average workday outfit?
Comfortable but smart. I need to look presentable but still be able to move around easily.

Being Assistant Manager of Ipswich’s largest shopping centre, you must do a lot of walking around – how do you work around this, yet still adhere to your own style?
Low heels or flats are a must but even comfortable shoes can be funky. I try to keep a little quirkiness through accessories; I always have a blazer on the back of my chair to smarten up even a more casual look and a bright lipstick can add punch to a simple outfit.

Which style icons inspire your wardrobe?
In terms of smart/casual wear I look to Olivia Palermo. She always gets it right and I love her use of accessories to finish an outfit. For my off-duty look, I prefer a more urban style. For this I look to Beyoncé and Rihanna for inspo.

It’s so important to keep our local businesses alive – where are your favourite places to shop in the area?
Aside from the stores within our centre and the high street, I love to shop in boutiques. I find there’s something really special and individual about boutique owners. You are buying a part of someone’s personality, as they chose everything in that store.

I love to have different clothes and try to find one-offs, so my go-to stores are Madison Boutique in Felixstowe for beautifully printed dresses and quirky jewellery, Fairweather Vintage (next door to the Buttermarket) for unique, vintage finds, and Urban Vintage in Queen Street, Ipswich, for cool designer bags and shoes.

The new fashion season is in full swing! What are your favourite trends for SS14?
My favourite trends for SS14 are: sports luxe, as it’s a trend that just keeps on going and is so versatile. Nineties again (another one still going strong and it’s super comfy). And I’m absolutely loving the ‘mom jean’ trend! But I’m not really a fan of pastels or florals; I prefer monochrome and colour blocking.

Fashion faux pas?
My biggest fashion faux pas? The ‘boho’ look – can’t pull it off! My clothes have to be structured and fitted.

Oh, and I don’t know what I was thinking when I purchased a monstrosity of a macaroon-printed jumper!