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There are four more episodes left of Ugly Betty and over the series I've realised that Mode Magazine's made a huge impact on me. I've always been interested in fashion - not fashion shows, yawn etc - more making my own clothes and mixing and matching things and shoes.

Even though I've always enjoyed it, I've never realised just how crucial fashion actually is though - nor why it is - and Wilhelmina of all people has shown me the light.

There was something in particular she said when she was trying on an outfit that struck me - I can't remember what it was but it it made me realise that what you wear and how you wear it is directly linked to your attitude.

As a result I've decided I want to be Hilda Suarez (played by Ana Ortiz) and I've started dressing like her.


I've gotten myself a pair of high heels (wedge ones) and sequinned flipflops (for a break in between natch) and I have a handbag (also white) that hangs over my arm so that it sways when I walk and waddle like she does.

I've got a tight pair of jeans like hers and started concentrating on boobing it up big time with plunging necklines on T-shirts and dresses - all I still need for maxim cleavage is a Wonderbra and I'll be sorted.

I haven't done the false nails - I don't think I'd be able to do anything with them on but I'm tempted to give them a try. I have a friend doing a course in nails as we speak and she offered to do them for me as practice.

I've also painted my toes a bright orange colour - it's called Porte Bello something or other - it sounded exotic I thought, sort of like Hilda's accent.

I never thought I'd ever be so influenced by someone's choices in fashion but hers thrill me like you can't believe. She really is my ultimate Style Star.

Some fab Hilda quotes:

Hilda: Who moved all of our decorations?!
Justin: And what’s Santa doing to that elf?
Hilda: This has the skank prints of Gina Gambarro all over it.
Justin: Well you did run over her Christmas tree. And Christmas is a time of love and forgiveness.
Hilda: Grow up Tiny Tim. This means War!
Hilda: A job is not about making friends. It’s about making money and stealing office supplies.
Hilda: God! I hate this house! So out of here when I’m 40!

Justin: Hey Mom? Is it okay if I sit between Dad and Christina? I really want to talk to her about Stella McCartney’s spring line.
Hilda: Great! I’m sure your father would be very proud.

Hilda: OHNOSHEDIDNT!

Hilda: Your case worker was fired two months ago.
Ignacio: What?
Hilda: You heard me. She lied. Bitch crazy! (telling Ignacio what she found out about Constance.)

Hilda: Do you want a sundae? Tough, it’s Monday.

Justin: I read on the internet that Madonna came in today.
Hilda: Ah yeah yeah, sure she was there. Kabalah this, Kabalah that.

Hilda: I loved my prom and nine months later I had a wonderful reminder. (comparing her prom to Betty’s)

Hilda: Papi we live in Jackson Heights - the grass smells like fried onions.

Hilda: Looks like a gay version of Star Trek. (to Betty when she first sees Mode offices)

About Hilda:

Ana Ortiz was born in New York and raised in Philedelphia. Her dad's a Puerto Rican city councellor and her mom's a social worker.

Initially Ana wanted to be a ballet dancer instead of an actress but she had to give it up when her feet gave in after she started dancing on pointe.

She went to the New York performing arts high school - the same one the TV series Fame was set at - where she concentrated on acting and singing and went on to study performance at University.

She worked in theatre for a while after graduating and then she moved into TV with guest roles on different shows. She's been in: ER, Commander In Chief, Over There - that depressing Iraq war series - The New Adventures of Old Christine and Boston Legal, playing DA Holly in four episodes.

In June last year she had a daughter, named Paloma Louise Lebenzon.

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