It was to get my first-ever editor’s letter picture taken. I have been at ELLE for eight years and never had an ed’s letter picture because I hate having my photograph taken, but as you seem to like the blog I thought I’d bite the bullet and get it done by our very fabulous fashion and covers photographer Thomas Schenk.

(Thomas Schenk shot ELLE's March 2012 cover with Alexa Chung and our February 2012 special cover with Isabeli Fontana)

The trick to dressing for this is to keep it very simple – this picture will last over several seasons, so I stayed clear of trends or standout pieces to avoid looking dated. It’s a portrait of my face, so I chose a simple black jacket and white Hugo Boss shirt. We pinned and tacked the jacket to give it a sharper outline around the sleeves and shoulders and, as the picture is in black and white (makes you look more stylish I think), we kept hair and make-up simple. It felt very odd to wear such dark colours in our neon-filled spring/summer.

Always wear something you are comfortable in for pictures and if someone is shooting you, don’t be afraid to ask to see the first few pictures so you can work out if your silhouette is right. Black normally doesn’t photograph well unless you are shooting in black and white, and tight jeans really don’t work well in pictures so avoid them. Bright colours and clear outlines are good for pictures, as are standout pieces like the pink Michael Kors coat I wore for my first blog post.

When we shoot the What ELLE Wears blog, we always make sure we look at the shape the subject is making so you can see the clothes properly. And the familiar trick of putting one foot forward and keeping your chin down slightly can define your features and body better. Look out for my editor’s letter picture in the July issue of ELLE.

While I was at Spring Studios with Team ELLE, I met Georgia May Jagger. In my years of editing, I’ve met most of the world’s biggest models and cover girls. I’ve danced with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, had martinis with Helena Christensen and taken tea with the bubbly Coco Rocha.

When I met GMJ, it struck me that one of the things successful models all have in common is how well they have been brought up. The majority of models who make it to the top are so polite, respectful and professional that they keep a level head in everything they do. They are quite formidable and organised characters – they have to be given the whirlwind nature of their busy lives.

Nearly all of them have close relationships with their families, their mothers in particular, which I think provides a bedrock of stability for them and makes them confident to go out in the world alone and make their own careers work. It’s impressive to watch independent young girls like GMJ going about their business so professionally; they make good role models. I hope my three daughters leave home with this kind of confidence.

(Slipper shoes by Charlotte Olympia)

Who doesn’t want a pair of shoes with whiskers I ask you?

So now I am off to the Moshi Monsters album launch with my five-year-old son Henry. I start the day with Georgia May and end it with Lady Goo Goo. I’m putting that on my CV.

TODAY THE EDITOR:

Is listening to DJ, Ease My Mind by Niki & The Dove.

Is looking at Advanced Style: good style doesn’t age.