I was a total jock growing up. I went to super-dorky basketball clinics and was handpicked to play on a state team called the Texas Heat.

I don't like precious things; I don't spend thousands of dollars on jewellery for myself. I like going into a junk store and finding something for five dollars. That's my style.

I was in a business for years where the stylist styled me, and I was wearing things from other designers. I was just there to be a conduit to those things. To be lucky enough to be embraced, having branched out from being a model, has been the greatest gift ever.

I loathe hair salons. People have always told me I am in the wrong business because I can't stand getting my hair cut or having it messed around with. Hairdressers feel as if they've got to be your shrinks. I just want them to do my hair so I can get out of there.

I don't have a background in design, so I think it's always about what I see in the world and what inspires me. So yes, I am designing for myself. I'm going through this whole evolution, which is a process of growing up and going from modeling to styling to designing.

When you can take something that is a reject at the thrift store sitting on the bottom of a pile of junk and make it work, make it look interesting, that's real style to me.

I love being a gypsy. Home is between New York and California.