My style: Lizzie Staples

Occupation: Flower remedy practitioner

Age: 'I shall say only that I have grandchildren'

Personal style: Enlightened chic

Interview by James Sherwood

James Sherwood: It may surprise you to hear that I'm well acquainted with Dr Bach and a believer in the power of flower remedies. What pleases me about your look is that you don't fall for any of that Hampstead Bazaar (read bizarre) new-age bauble, bangle and kaftan clich. You look like a woman who knows herself.

Lizzie Staples: I love what I do with a passion and have been practising for 12 years. I've always been intuitive and loved helping people but I don't have a huge ego or show off about it. I'm just myself.

JS: Do I detect a flavour of flamenco?

LS: The skirt is tiered black velvet and reminds me of Spain a passion of mine and the boots are Spanish riding boots. I have an instinct that draws me to bold silhouettes.

JS:What surprises me most is that a lady who understands flower remedies isn't wearing any talismanic jewellery.

LS:I have a turquoise piece that in the language of stones means protection but the only jewellery I'm wearing today is a gold-and-silver cuff to match my watch.

JS: Your hair looks as sleek as a Palomino's mane. Have you always worn it long?

LS: Yes, long blonde hair has always been my signature.

JS: Not that I'm drawing comparisons but have you seen Nancy Dell'Olio since she swapped the mega-mane for a gamine crop? It's definitely taken her from Eurotrash footballer's wife to Italian contessa.

LS: It's brave of her. Hairdressers always tell me never to cut my hair, which is quite rare. You'd expect they'd want to chop it off.

JS: In your case I'd say mane and frame of mind seem to be in harmony.

Get the flower power look

Cashmere jumper 49.50, from Autograph at Marks & Spencer, 0845 302 1234, www.marksandspencer.com

Belt 59, by Jocasi, 020 7734 2828, www.jocasi.com

Black ruffle skirt, 55, by Monsoon, 020 7313 3000, www.monsoon.co.uk