This week, along with some other bloggers and journalists, we were invited to have breakfast with people American Express and Claudia Winkleman. American Express were promoting their new Express Rewards Card and Claudia is their spokesperson.
Over breakfast at the super stylish Sketch we took the chance to ask Claudia some questions about her style, and of course, who she thinks will win Strictly Come Dancing.
When it comes to clothes, Claudia loves the high Street, listing Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, Top Shop and French Connection as her favourites. She did however admit this wasn't the case with footwear as she has a passion for Christian Laboutin. Her current favourite shoes of choice, however, are ankle boots from River Island.
Her style icons are Kate Moss and Chrissie Hynde and she aspires to looking like 'Chrissie Hynde meets a badly behaved teenager'.
So how does she looks so good? She has a brilliant hairdresser, who makes her look 'like I've been outside behind the bins with a boy'. She doesn't eat what she wants and hates it when celebrities claim to have a 'fast metabolism.' She eats what she calls, free food, 'a lot of Twiglets, prawns and sushi, but always has a big breakfast'.
When asked how she feels about getting older (she's 37) and the medias current obsession with aging and cosmetic surgery, she was full of praise for her mother (Eve Pollard former editor of the Sunday Express) 'I was brought up to appreciate the wisdom of age and don't worry about getting older, I would always rather talk to an older person. Who wants to listen to a 23 year old. Anyway, cosmetic surgery is making everyone look like Mrs Doubtfire'!!
One of her favourite recent radio interviews was with 76 year old Joan Bakewell, 'one of the wittiest, sexiest, clever people', she has met for a long time.
When it comes to juggling work and two small children, Claudia thinks she is much luckier that some of her university friends with real jobs, as she doesn't have to work every day. 'I just slap on some fake tan and read stuff out'!
We loved her honestly and seemingly down to earth approach and think her wit and intelligence will surely turn her into one of the wise older women she admires.
As for the reason we were at the event, we think American Express is a little bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it, but we have to say that the Express Rewards card (if you are a lover, not a hater) seems like a pretty good idea. Simply use your credit card as usual and for ever £1 spent, you get one point. These then add up and when you have enough points, you can spend them at one of the many retailers Amex have partnered. Whats not to like?
We also found out Amex has a 90 day returns guarantee, which is more than a little bit appealing if you are an indecisive shopper. You don't even have to go back to the shop, Amex will do it all for you.
BTW, Claudia was giving nothing away about the winner of Strictly, she claims, 'its all in the hands of the public now.'
