Street Seen: 'I can funky-up anything'

ELENA SANFILIPPO, 43

I AM IN Bourke Road, Malvern East.

I AM an optical dispenser.

I AM WEARING a blush jacket with a big furry collar from Forever New and simple black leggings, Joanne Mercer boots and just a fleecy top. My glasses are from Central Park Optical and they're Cazal.

MY STYLE IS a mix of feminine and punk. I'm in my 40s so I have to be age appropriate but I still want to feel like I've got my own look happening.

I ADMIRE THE STYLE OF Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord, a South African band. I stole my haircut from her. Otherwise, I like to do my own thing really. I know what I like and I know what suits my body type, so I work with that.

MY FAVOURITE PLACES TO SHOP are op shops, Diva and Forever New. I don't plan what I'm going to buy. I like to just browse and see what jumps out at me.

MY BIGGEST FASHION MISTAKE WAS I think I've always pretty much nailed it! Actually bad hair, rather than bad clothes. I've always had bad hair styles.

WHEN I WAS A KID I WORE fluorescents, bobby socks, braces over jeans and bow ties. It was back in the '80s and masculine and feminine styles were really crossing over.

I WOULD NEVER BE CAUGHT DEAD IN I think I can funky-up anything. I like having an ugly piece and making it modern. I don't think there's anything that's wrong. You've just got to make it work for you: have the right colour palette.