My name is Sofia Cardoso, I´m portuguese (hope you will understand my english) and I live in Lisbon, a beautiful city on the beautiful West coast of Portugal. Lisbon has I like it: good weather, a cosmopolitan lifestyle and amazing beaches. I'm journalist and I write to women magazines about lifestyle, well-being and beauty. I love my job but I'm always searching for new things to do, so recently I have decided to create a my own shoe brand, Sienna Shoes, inspired by Italian elegance, my favourite place in Europe - and maybe in the world.

What is your favourite place to shop?

It's not very original in Europe but I have to say that I like very much going to Zara because I believe that it's a perfect example of elegance and fashion trend combination with a good relation quality/price. When I want to buy some clothes more "creative" or fashionable, I like to go to multi-brand shops with different international brands or new national designers.

What is your favourite outfit to feel confident?

Really depends on the context. When I work I prefer to use elegant trousers with stilettos. But if I plan to go out with friends I likely prefer a long dress or jumpsuit with high heel sandals.

What is the worst fashion crime you can think of?

One bag that doesn't have nothing in common with our outfit. I believe that true elegance is in details and a good bag is essential.

What is your favourite brand and why?

I love the design and the fabric quality of Uterque. It's elegant and at the same time is very modern. This brand has a small collection and it's my favourite one when I search for a different piece for my wardrobe.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important because I thing that it is a reflection of society evolution and it's also a way to express our personality and the position that we want in our social context.

Who is your fashion icon or inspiration?

Olivia Palermo. She is my "style icon". One perfect example of elegance, sophistication and fashion. She has the potential to dress very creative clothes and keep always an unique elegance.

Do you have any advice to find a bargain?

A good outlet shopping it's an excellent opportunity to buy casual clothes in premium brands.

Do you think fashion varies across cultures?

I think that there are global fashion trends that can observed in different places in the world but I believe that they are some other trends that depends on culture.

What is your favourite accessory and why?

I love earrings. When they are in harmony with our natural colours (of our skin, hair and eyes) they can do miracles! And I'm loving the actual big earrings trend.

Do you prefer summer or winter fashion and why?

It's difficult question to answer. It's really a "mix" because, in general, I prefer summer colours but I like also very much some clothes that are available just in winter. I like very much dresses with floral prints for summer, for example but I also like a good winter long robe coat, it's so elegant!

Thanks Sofia.