However, despite narrowly missing out on the grand prize, Daniele’s intelligence, strength in competitions, fun personality and fabulous sense of style has won her a firm place as one of Big Brother’s most popular house guests ever, particularly amongst fashion conscious female fans!

Being one of those fans, I was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with the Big Brother beauty about her life, her shopping habits, her sense of style and her plans for the future. She even rummaged through her wardrobe and modelled some of her favourite outfits especially for OMG I Love Her Style!

Laura Jane: Hi Daniele, thanks so much for doing this interview! How are you today?

Daniele: I'm doing quite well. It's raining in Sunny Southern California so I'm loving it.

LJ: So first of all, congratulations on coming second in Big Brother last summer to your Dad! It was quite an achievement and I was rooting for you from day one! What have you been doing with yourself since the show and how have things changed for you?

D: THANK YOU!! It definitely was an experience. I have kinda been just laying low, doing my own thing. I feel as though everything has changed, I came back to a different life pretty much. I am still trying to get back into being normal; basically life is still pretty crazy.

LJ: I can imagine! It sounds pretty fun though! You were definitely something of a fashion icon to many fans of the show, myself included. How did it feel to come out of the house and realise lots of girls loved what you were wearing?!

D: Haha. One of the first things my friends from work said to me was "We're so proud of you, you never wore anything twice." The producers actually informed me that I set the record for packing the most stuff out of all houseguests in 8 years!! I love clothes it is my way of expressing who I am. I am so flattered having all these females telling me how much they love my style, it feels great!

LJ: Wow, packing the most stuff ever, that’s quite an achievement! You must be an expert packer! I guess you really love your clothes, so has fashion always been a love of yours?

D: It truly has. Fashion is an art, you express who you are through what you're wearing. I'm that girl that won’t leave the house in sweats…ever! When you look good, you feel good about yourself.

LJ: Very true. So how would you describe your personal style?

D: Eclectic. It depends on what I'm feeling. I usually dress kinda boho/girly/dressy. But I like the beachy look too. I enjoy putting different things together and making new/unique looks. Life is too short to blend in.

LJ: That’s one of my favourite fashion quotes, that I try to live by, said by Paris Hilton! Who would you say are your fashion icons or inspirations?

D: I LOVE Mary-Kate Olsen. I think she is gorgeous and her style is genius! Victoria Beckham…also, obviously...Gwen Stefani, she is pretty much everyone’s fashion goddess.

LJ: Which are your favourite stores to shop at for clothes and has that changed since you’ve been on Big Brother?!

D: I'm a bargain shopper. Clothes don't have to be expensive to look good and the cheaper they are, the more you can buy…plus I don't like wearing things a million times anyways. So no I still shop the same places as before...Urban Outfitters, Heritage, Forever 21, Macys etc etc…

LJ: A girl after my own heart, I’m definitely a bargain hunter! As for labels, who are your favourite designers or do you prefer to just stick with high-street brands?

D: Like I said, I like to mix it up. When you mix cheap with high end, it makes everything look high end. As designers go…I love Betsey Johnson... Jay McCarroll. Tons.

LJ: Those are very interesting and bold designers. Do you ever design or modify your own clothes?

D: Modify, yes…design, no. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SEW!! I really want to learn though.

LJ: Me too! I’m actually saving for a sewing machine and a “how to” book. Do you hope to have some kind of career in the fashion industry in the future?

D: My dream job is to be a photo journalist for a fashion magazine. But I would settle for any job for a fashion magazine

LJ: So if any magazine editors out there are reading, get in touch!

It was rumoured that your Dad was going to pay for you to go back to school with his Big Brother prize winnings, is that the case and if so are you considering studying anything in the fashion or design industries?

D: I do plan on going back to school. I will most likely end up going back for photography once again…but who knows what the future holds.

LJ: Indeed, that’s what makes it exciting! I’m sure you would be a success with whatever you decide to do.

One question I’ve been dying to ask you, being a shopaholic and fashion lover myself; I was so jealous when you, Jessica, Jameka and Amber (three of Daniele’s housemates on Big Brother 8) won the two-minute designer shopping spree in the luxury competition (see video below)! I remember you came out with the most clothes out of all the ladies! How much fun was that and what were some of your favourite items that you managed to get?

D: Oh my goodness it was one of the funnest things I've ever done actually. Haha! The bad part was that I am a very petite girl and so honestly barely anything ended up fitting me. I have a few shirts and two dresses I love though.

LJ: Feel free to send any of the leftovers my way! Only joking!

Okay, for those out there who love your sense of style, what are your fashion and beauty tips for Spring 2008? What will you be wearing?

D: Less is more! Especially when it comes to face makeup! Don't wear foundation, go with a tinted moisturizer. And with clothes, just because the stores are trying to bring it back, doesn't mean it’s fashion forward. I'm loving bright colours! Stand out & be seen.

LJ: Great advice. Bright colours are definitely in right now.

And finally, I have to ask, as an avid Big Brother fan myself, will you be watching the new Season which is starting February 12th on CBS?

D: Most definitely. It is going to be weird watching it after I've "been in their shoes" plus they have a lot to live up to after last season.

LJ: I agree! Last year was one of my favourite seasons. I wonder what this year’s twist will be? Anyway, thank you again for you time Daniele and good luck with all your future projects. Just make sure to keep us updated on what you’re doing!

D: I most definitely will. I am working on a website and that should be up in a few weeks, as well as a few side projects…so I will keep you posted. <3

LJ: Fantastic, I look forward to seeing the new website and good luck with everything else!

So what did you think of Daniele’s interview and fabulous mini fashion show exclusively for OMG I Love Her Style!? I think she looks great whatever she’s wearing but I particularly love her yellow dress with the adorable owl pendant, and her beige shorts with a sexy backless top. She really does have great style doesn’t she?!

Make sure you tune in to watch Big Brother 9 on CBS starting February 12th, and lets hope they have another stylish contestant this year to keep the house looking good!

For those readers outside of the U.S. (or just ones who didn't see last year's Big Brother), check out this brilliant video of Daniele and the other girls in Big Brother 8, beating the boys in the luxury competition and winning loads of fabulous designer clothes!

"I really didn't wanna do it but of course I'm not gonna let my team down and when lots of clothing is at stake, what is a girl to do?!" - Daniele Donato