Name: Sharon Garlepp Age: 31 Title/Occupation: Director/Buyer - CLOSETPRINCESS.COM What makes a good fashion buyer? One that knows the market, understands and picks trends and has commercial acumen.   How did you get into it and how long have you been one for? I come from an investment banking and finance background and my passions in life have always been finance, fashion and food. The world of commerce has always fascinated me so I started my own business in February 2008 with the help of my husband and our CLOSETPRINCESS.COM site went live online in November 2008.   What’s it like to be surrounded by beautiful clothes? Whilst the pursuit of glamour is not going to save the world, life is too short not to pay attention. Being surrounded by beautiful clothes makes each day all that more electric and exciting. It makes me happy when I feel a luxurious silk and look at beautiful colourful prints.

What do you love about your job?
Having the privilege of viewing the designer collections months before they go to market and being surrounded by beautiful clothes!
 
What does a day typically consist of?
I wake up at 7am and immediately jump into the shower, check the daily sales and site traffic, have coffee and toast for breakfast and depending on what the day looks like, frantically juggle calls and meetings. I usually eat lunch at my desk unless I have a lunch appointment and work to about 7pm. Have a glass of red with my husband on our deck and we talk about our respective days. One final email check before I go to bed at 11pm - another day another dollar.
 
Is the industry as glamourous as it seems?
At the end of the day, business is business. It comes with all the same trials and tribulations of any company except that in this case, I am surrounded by deliciously beautiful things and wonderfully creative artists.
 
Fave designer?
There are just too many to mention, however if I need to pick just one, it is Lisa Ho for her feminine silhouettes and beautiful prints. She really understands how to dress a woman who is classic with a pretty and interesting twist.
 
Buy online at www.closetprincess.com