Lou Lou Chats with Charli Cohen, sportswear designer

 Since I started training for the Cardiff 10k I have not surprisingly become a lot more interested in fitness wear. I have previously posted about some of my fitness fashion buys, so was really pleased to discover a new brand on the sportswear style scene: Charli Cohen. Charli kindly agreed to answer questions about her eponymous label and her top fitness tips.

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Describe the brand in three words.

Contemporary. Sophisticated. Functional.

Please tell us more about yourself.

Fitness and fashion are my two biggest passions and I realised early on I didn’t want to choose between them. I qualified as a personal trainer during the first year of my fashion degree, and had my epiphany that sportswear was the perfect consolidation of the two and the rest is history!

Does your brand have a signature style?

I aim to balance statement with sophistication - classic, flattering shapes are given a twist with bold colour blocking, anatomical panelling and tough hardware. The idea behind each design is that it should function as a high performance garment in the gym but also as sport-luxe fashion wear. Fabric is really important to me too - not only are all the fabrics I use high tech but also super-soft and tactile. I want to step away from the traditional shiny or scratchy sportswear fabrics and provide a luxurious alternative.

What is your favourite piece from the collection?

The Voltage Sweatshirt – it’s such an easy throw-on piece to transition from gym to street.

Where can we find your collection?

The collection is currently available for pre-order at charli-cohen.com and will be available both online and in selected retailers from next January. Updates are coming soon on stockists and two special trunk shows next month!

What has been the highlight for you since starting up your brand?

The launch in July: it was the first time showing my collection to press, buyers and the public and the feedback was incredible. I also worked with an amazing team to put it together - it was rewarding to see the collection showcased in exactly the way I wanted to portray it.

Looking back is there anything that you would have done differently?

Not yet! All the mistakes I’ve made have provided valuable experience to move forward with.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to start their own fashion business?

It’s important to be super-organised. When you’re running a business (especially in fashion) if something can go wrong, it probably will. You need to stay on top of everything all the time and leave nothing to chance.Know your numbers too – being talented and creative is one thing but funding yourself beyond the first season takes careful planning!

And don’t give up: if you’re passionate and 100% committed to making it work, you can move mountains!

What next for the company?

Right now, it’s all about breaking into the UK market, doing the very best I can with my debut SS14 collection and working on my AW14/15 collection. Moving forward,I aim to be stocked internationally – a global reach would be amazing. In a few seasons’ time, I’d like to branch out into accessories, menswear and perhaps a collaboration or two!

What motivates you?

I’m pursuing my passion and doing what I’ve always wanted to do: if I’m going to make anything work, this is it! It’s completely worth all the hours, blood, sweat and tears.

Who are your inspirations, and why?

My personal training clients and those I work out with! Movement and physiology influence much of what I do. From a creative perspective, they inform the silhouettes and style lines of my designs. In terms of function, my work as a PT enables me to understand the practical needs of performance wear, how to make the garments ergonomic, supportive and flattering.

Top Fitness Tip?

Make it fun! Experiment with recipes, vary your workouts – there are so many different ways to get fit and healthy, so find the methods that YOU enjoy. It’s much easier to turn these into permanent lifestyle changes.

What is your motto?

I’m a problem solver. If I can’t figure out a way to do it, it can’t be done!

Lou Lou Chats with Robyn Coles, Milliner

Describe Robyn Coles (the brand) in three words.

Easy, comfortable, cool.

Princess Eugenie wearing one of Robyn's creations

Please tell us more about yourself.

I am a former luxury international fashion buyer turned milliner. I am based in Cardiff and passionate about producing all of my pieces here in Wales. Most of our work is bespoke, made to measure/order/match etc but we are increasing the brand awareness of our seasonal collections across the globe by showing internationally.

Does your brand have a signature style?

I think that my pieces are cool, contemporary and easy to wear. I personally like to be comfortable all of the time, this is represented in how I dress and in how I design. I think that if you feel uncomfortable then you usually look it.

Starry Night cloche from the AW13 collection

Would you say that your hats are more classic, or trend-led?

A mixture - classics never go out of fashion but it's nice to be able to mix them with new fabrics, techniques and styling.


There are lots of beautiful hats in the collection, but have you got a particular favourite?

From SS13 I like the leaf, it's so comfortable and easy to wear, and a little bit bonkers. Also the lily is becoming a staple of our collections and something that we start to replicate and develop season after season, there is a lot of mileage in that style and no one else does anything like it.

Princess Eugenie wearing the lily hat at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party

What has been the highlight for you since starting up your company?

Well two years ago I had never made a hat so the journey has been a very quick one. My first show at London Fashion Week (on the nude models) was a great point for me and really put the brand on the map. Most recently gaining the Royal family as clients was a wonderful moment too.


Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I think that there are a few minor things I would change but they were lessons that needed to be learned. In the grand scheme of things I would take the same path as I am proud of where we stand today as a company and however rocky the path was to get here it was necessary and memorable.


What next for the company?

Showing at fashion week again, increasing our global stockists and seasonal ranges. I still love to do the bespoke work though and I didn’t think I would cherish that part of the business as much as I do. It's so wonderful working with individual clients for events and I am honoured to be involved in their special days from weddings to picking up OBEs. We have met some lovely clients in our store and you really get to know them, it's very rewarding making something for someone that they associate with happy memories. Working with brides is great as we get to see dresses and pics and experience the tears of their special day.


What motivates you?

It’s a fairly frivolous industry which I have worked hard in but I love. I am motivated by creating something beautiful and unique and although it's not world changing, to make something that a client loves and which make her smile and makes her happy is inspiring.

The responsibility of having a company and all that entails like staff, suppliers, clients etc – it’s a pretty big weight on your shoulders and you are the boss so the buck stops with you.


Who are your inspirations, and why?

They vary, design wise I see a lot of other milliners who I respect and admire, there aren’t that many of us around so we tend to know each other which is quite nice. I am inspired by other leading women in fashion such as Natalie Massenet, Tamara Mellon, Angela Ahrendts and Michelle Mone for sticking to their guns and building huge brands.


What advice would you give to people who are looking to start their own fashion business?

To have a good business head. I see so many inspiring designers with the greatest aesthetic and creative talent but they have no idea how to calculate mark ups, margins etc. They don’t know how to market a product or run a small business. In these cases no amount of creative ability can help. It's boring and dull but to create a big, lasting brand you need maths skills, tenacity, drive and the right attitude. Failing that get a good business partner, that often proves successful!!


Where can we find your hats?

In 28 Castle Arcade, Cardiff where all pieces are totally hand made by our small team. We stock everything there from bespoke, samples and seasonal collections. Our website stocks seasonal collections as does Boticca.com , www.thecools.com , www.njal.com and we have more store locations buying our new season collections.


If you could see anyone wearing a Robyn Coles creation, who would it be?

Anyone who feels happy and confident in it!


Top Tip?

With hats and/or fashion in general ignore the rules. If you feel happy and comfortable and confident then that is the most important thing – and that shows.

Lou Lou Chats with Simon Daniel, Salon Director at Belle Toujours

As you will know, I was extremely impressed with my haircut and biolsculpture gel manicure at the Belle Toujours salon in Cardiff, so I couldn't resist taking the opportunity to quiz Salon Director, Simon Daniel, to find out a bit more about the salon.

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Describe 'Belle Toujours' in three words.

Beautiful, warm & luxurious

Please tell us more about yourself.

I’ve been hairdressing around 15 years, I’m passionate about the industry and love making clients feel good!

Image: Wales Online

How would you describe your personal style?

Clean, classic, with a twist.

Why did you decide to open 'Belle Toujours'?

There was a gap in the market for a salon within Cardiff that offered all areas of hair and beauty, that maintained high standards at affordable price.

What has been the highlight since opening the salon?

All of the support from local media, existing clients and Pontcanna residents.

Is there a typical 'Belle Toujours' customer?

We have a varied clientele, all of which expect and receive high standards from warm and friendly staff.

What are the most popular treatments at 'Belle Toujours'?

Elemis treatments in their entirety, nails are massive and the hair speaks for itself.

Looking back at starting the business, is there anything that you would have done differently?

Employed more barbers, as its crazy busy in the male grooming salon.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to open their own business?

Think, plan and do your research

What is in the pipeline for 'Belle Toujours' in 2013?

Wait and see!

What motivates you?

Seeing people happy and educated

Top tip?

Enjoy life to the full as everyone deserves too. Look good!

Lou Lou Chats with jewellery designer Clare Hynes

One of the things that I have loved about writing my blog is having the opportunity to connect with creative and talented individuals in the fashion industry. I always find their passion for what they do really inspiring. Today's post focuses on Clare Hynes, designer of some VERY beautiful pieces of jewellery.

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Describe your jewellery in three words.

Statement, colourful, unique

Please tell us more about yourself.

I was born and raised in the UK. I then moved to Ireland where I lived for several years, before relocating to Northern China, where I now live for most of the year.

I studied graphic design in the UK and after graduating, began a successful career in magazine design, working for various women’s magazines in London, Sydney and Dublin.

It was during this time that I discovered my true passion for jewellery design. I began exploring my creative talent by making jewellery at home and creating experimental pieces for myself, my friends and family. Over the years I have developed and honed these skills and evolved my designs.

My designs have appeared in a wide range of UK and Irish press, including Grazia, Woman & Home, Marie Claire, Irish Tatler and The Irish Independent. My designs have also been worn by UK X-Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos and were selected to be worn by two lead charaters in the popular American series 9O21O.

The New SS13 Empress collection takes inspiration from my surroundings in China.

Xiao-Xing necklace

Is there a signature ‘Clare Hynes Jewellery’ style?

The Statement necklace - rows of colourful stones combined with chains and threads.

Would you say ‘Clare Hynes Jewellery’ is more classic, or trend-led?

Trend-led, I like to look at the catwalk trends each season for inspiration for the next jewellery collection I’m designing

There are some stunning pieces in the collection, but do you have a favourite piece?

Thank you! At the moment my favourite is the Xiao-Xing necklace. We’re in the depths of Winter in Northern China at the moment so this piece adds a bright pop of colour to my outfits and reminds me of Summer!

What has been the highlight for you since starting your label?

When I saw my pieces adorned by Ariel Kebbel and Jessica Lowndes on 90210. I couldn’t quite believe that my designs were on an American TV series, and one that is watched by 1.6million people!

Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?

I don’t think so. Because of having two young children and then moving to China,  I was limited to what I could and couldn’t do. I know I have made mistakes but I have also learned from these mistakes.

What motivates you?

Just to keep on designing pieces that people want to wear. I am forever thinking of new designs and ideas. And I think I will always make and design  jewellery. It’s my passion and something that I can’t not do!

What is in the pipeline for ‘Clare Hynes Jewellery’ in 2013?

To carry on building my brand awareness and to increase my stockists.

If you could see your jewellery on anyone, who would it be?

Olivia Palermo without a doubt!

What advice would you give to people who are looking to start their own fashion business?

Be prepared for putting in the hours but trust your instincts and keep at it. Your first order or your first piece of press will make it all worthwhile.

Be organised, but things will not always go to plan so you also need to be able to adapt to work out different solutions.

Where can we find ‘Clare Hynes Jewellery’?

Anthropologie – Kings Road, and Regents Street London; www.cottonandgems.com www.littleblackdress.com, www.clarehynesjewellery.com

Top Tip?

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! 

 

Lou Lou Chats with 'Jemima Vine' designer, Jennifer Markham

One of my most worn style of shoes this Autumn/Winter has been the smoking slipper look. Therefore, I was very excited when I came across new footwear brand, 'Jemima Vine', who have some fantastic smoking slippers in their collection. I like to wear heels, but very often find that style doesn't always equate to comfort when it comes to shoes. Therefore I end up wearing flats for my daily commute and back and fore to meetings, and heels in the office. But with 'Jemima Vine' it appears that I just might have found the Holy Grail when it comes to shoes: stylish shoes that are still comfortable.Yes, they do exist! Jennifer, the designer behind the new label kindly agreed to answer a few questions for my blog.

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Describe ‘Jemima Vine’ in three words.

Beautiful AND wearable.

'Matilda' court shoe in python, available at www.jemimavine.co.uk from Friday, £149

 Why ‘Jemima Vine’?

She is a woman who is incredibly stylish in a very British way; spirited with little quirks and details.  I had an image of her in my head and I just thought that the name really captured her.  

Please tell us more about yourself.

I’m originally from Melbourne, Australia and moved to London in my early 20s.  I worked in the City in sales and investment roles for about seven years, but I always hoped I would be able to tie my interests in fashion and business together and run my own company.  As I was often running to meetings and through airports in stilettos, I recognised that I needed a more comfortable alternative that wouldn’t sacrifice on style.  I also realised that I was increasingly buying clothing that I could style to wear for both work and weekends.  This gave me the idea to develop a range of chic but highly versatile footwear, from flats to mid heels, bridging the gap between ballet flats and stilettos. 

Does ‘Jemima Vine’ have a signature style?

Polished and sophisticated, individualised with detailing and high quality materials that nod to current trends.

Would you say ‘Jemima Vine’ is more classic, or trend-led?

There is definitely a trend led element in our styles, both in structure and in materials and detailing.  At the same time, we would love our shoes to become wardrobe staples that are worn for seasons to come.  We are very focused on crafting each shoe to a very high quality, so we aim for them to have a real trans-seasonal element as well.

There are lots of lovely shoes in the collection, but have you got a particular favourite?

For Spring Summer 2013, I think that our Edie Dalmatian print slipper with neon pink trim is the quintessential flat.  Monochrome is becoming a huge trend this year and adding splashes of neon pink makes these shoes so fun, but in a sophisticated way. Some customers have reported back to us that this style is the most comfortable flat they own so it is very wearable as well.

'Edie' slipper with neon pink trim, available at www.jemimavine.co.uk from Friday, £159

What has been the highlight for you since starting up ‘Jemima Vine’?

I love hearing from customers that they wear our shoes all the time and some have even come back for a second colour in the same style.

Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?

It is very early days and there are so many different decisions you can make relating to all aspects of a new business.  You have to make the best decision you can at the time and feel decisive about it (which I think is better than procrastinating) and then adapt as best as you can when things then take a slightly different path to what you expected (which they will!).

What motivates you?

Creating products that I really love and that others will feel the same about.  Having a passion for the task at hand and an opportunity to be creative in my work.  Meeting lovely and interesting people along the way.

What’s in the pipeline for ‘Jemima Vine’ in 2013?

Our Spring Summer 2013 capsule range grows at the end of this month with the launch of the Edie slipper in Dalmatian print and neon trim and the Matilda, a chic court in this year’s hottest heel height – the midi (in python leather and Dalmatian calf hair).  We will build up to a full collection for Autumn Winter 2013.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to start their own fashion business?

I do have a business background but did an excellent short course at London College of Fashion with Toby Meadows, writer of “How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label”, an excellent read.  This focused me on the questions I needed to ask myself before I wrote my business plan and got my head around issues in business that are specific to the fashion industry. 

Cash flow is the crucial issue for any business, and is even trickier to manage in the fashion industry because you have a lot of upfront costs to create a collection each season and will only start getting your money back when your product is in store or online in at least a few months time.  Understand a) costs you will have to pay for as you develop, manufacture and promote your product, b) when cash will start flowing back to you from sales and c) how you will manage that nasty gap in between the two!

Where can we find ‘Jemima Vine’?

On our website at www.jemimavine.co.uk.  We also host shoe parties where we bring our range into offices and homes, so we would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in organising one.

Top Tip?

I just finished reading Clare Balding’s delightful autobiography “My Animals and Other Family” and she said something about having to have confidence within yourself in order for others to have confidence about you - very true, it just doesn’t happen the other way round!

Lou Lou Chats with Alex Stedman, blogger ('The Frugality') & Junior Fashion Editor ('Red' magazine)

Today's 'Lou Lou Chats' is with Alex Stedman, whose blog 'The Frugality' is one of my favourite recent blog discoveries. Alex describes her blog as "not about shopping in Primark, or living off toast every night. I believe there are people out there like me: I live off every penny I earn. My wage goes towards my mortgage, bills, travel, food and (sadly) my credit card bill. But I don't set my sights low, I still want Eames chairs for my flat and the Mulberry Tillie handbag. I'm just sensible with money where I can be to afford the luxuries." In addition to writing a fabulous blog, Alex is also Junior Fashion Editor at 'Red' magazine, so has a great insight into what goes on in the fashion industry.Therefore I was delighted when she agreed to answer questions for my blog.

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Describe your style in three words.

Boyish, preppy, contemporary.

Alex Stedman. I love this outfit that she is wearing - great combination of leopard print and neon!

Please tell us more about yourself.

I work on a magazine, live in South London, love fashion and am a workaholic.

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I just thought there were too many blogs that look the same. They had pretty pictures but were all photos of them wearing shoes that cost £700. This is not normal. I wanted to show people the ‘real’ side of fashion. A Fashion Editor that does cook her own meals, rather than go to Shoreditch House every weekend.

This 'Theyskens Theory' bag inspired serious bag-envy in me!

Why did you decide to take the direction you have with your blog, as opposed to a ‘straight’ fashion blog?

Same as above really, everyone who I told about my idea said ‘I’d love to read that’, so that gave me the push I needed. I also wanted to do it before someone else did.

Has there been a particular highlight for you since starting up ‘The Frugality’?

Just seeing how many people click onto the site has been really gratifying. The amount of people who have found my blog just from browsing the web, or through recommendations has been overwhelming.

What has been your best bargain ever?

Oh god. Everything I buy from H&M is always a bargain. They are so on the pulse without the hefty price tag. I love my New Look studded brogues. I also have a pair of Balenciaga sandals that cost me £200 in the Matches sale 3 years ago, but they are STILL my favourite sandals of all time.

Studded brogues, £44.99 - New Look

What would be your top tips for hunting down a bargain?

With shops like H&M, Cos, Zara, the key is just to go in regularly, there is always new stock. With designer stores, make sure it’s only something you wanted full price but couldn’t afford.

If money was no object, what would be the first thing that you would buy?

Proenza Schouler PS1 bag….and a desk for my study

Do you think that there is a perceived divide between people working for the ‘traditional’ fashion media and bloggers?

I am turning to bloggers more and more for information hot off the press. Whenever I google a fashion news story, it’s always a blog I find it on first. I think it has made the ‘traditional’ magazines up their game in terms of fast, on the pulse information. However, I also think that magazines have more time to think about the reader and the articles, and hate it when I see ‘filler’ posts on blogs that haven’t got a specific purpose.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to get into a career as a stylist/fashion writer?

Sorry to say, work experience. It is invaluable: what you learn, the contacts you make, not just on the magazine but also the other side with PRs. Every paid position I ever got was through recommendations from work experience or making a contact somewhere. I was also a hard worker.

What would your ideal weekend be?

A lie-in. My weeks are so hectic I enjoy being in my flat on the weekend, watching films on the sofa, maybe a takeaway.

Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you in the fashion industry?

I have always loved the effortless style of Emmanuelle Alt. And people like Sarah Curran from my-wardrobe. The website is looking great these days.

Top Tip 

“Expect the worst. Hope for the best.” This is what the 75 year old twins in Angela Carter’s ‘Wise Children’ always said. I can’t even count how many times I have said it now, but it has got me through many a stressful moment!

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You can find Alex on Twitter as @TheFrugality and can see her fashion styling in 'Red' magazine, which is on a newstand near you now!

Lou Lou Chats with Sam Brightmore from 'Bottega'

Today's 'Lou Lou Chats' is with one of my favourite and most stylish friends on Twitter, Sam from 'Bottega'. I first bonded with Sam over a mutual love of all things 'Chanel'. She later turned out to be my Fashion Fairy Godmother when she lent me clothes for my 'Red' magazine photoshoot. Sam runs her own boutique and cafe ('The Birdcage) in Cheshire. Well when I say 'boutique', I think that that is a massive understatement. 'Bottega' is a veritable emporium of all things lovely and stylish, from clothing and accessories to gifts and gorgeous items for your home. I was so pleased when Sam agreed to answer some questions for my blog. So here she is, the super-stylish and lovely, Sam Brightmore.

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Describe 'Bottega' in three words.

Eclectic. Escapist. Indulgent

Please tell us more about yourself.

I’m a workaholic but genuinely love my job. The only thing more important to me is my partner and parents and my 3 children who all share my passion for art, fashion and travel.  My friends are also really important to me. They ground me and are hugely supportive. I’m also lucky to have some firm friends in retail with whom I can bounce ideas off. My ideal day would be breakfast in Paris with a croissant and the perfect coffee in the sunshine, followed by an afternoon shopping in New York’s Barneys, Henri Bendel and ABC Carpet & Home on Broadway; with a trip to the Frick or The Guggenheim. My perfect  evening would obviously be at the Blue Marlin Ibiza, watching the sunset with a Mojito in hand listening to Balearic beats.

Sam on a recent trip to New York

How would you describe your personal style?

Hugely eclectic, I’m a fashion chameleon and actually quite fickle! I love everything from strong and quite masculine tailoring to bohemian chilled out. I am never girly and feel quite ridiculous in overly feminine looks. I will always ‘edge’ an oufit. I call it ‘Glunge’ - Glamour meets Grunge! I am also a total jeans girl, and day or evening outfits always revolve around them. I own too many pairs! Fashion is my enjoyment so I’m playful with it.  It reflects my mood.

Why did you decide to open 'Bottega'?

I saw a gap in the market for a concept store, and was frustrated at not being able to find unusual items either for design projects whilst working as an interior designer, or for myself.  I was also constantly disappointed with the North’s lack of bridge brands in fashion. I couldn’t add to my wardrobe without going to London, something I love but couldn’t do at the drop of a hat. Having worked in some of London’s most eclectic & unusual stores such as 'Liberty' & the 'General Trading Company', everywhere seemed quite pedestrian in comparison!

What has the highlight been since opening the boutique?

The most recent highlight has to have been being nominated for Mary Portas’ & The Daily Telegraph’s Best Small Shops in Britain, where we have been shortlisted as one of the top three in the Womens’ fashion category. We were also very happy to be thought of as one of the top 50 boutiques outside of London by Stella Magazine.

Is there a typical 'Bottega' customer?

No, there really isn’t. We cater for women aged 16 to 60 and beyond. We have always believed 'Bottega' ''has a style for everyone. We buy pieces that appeal to different people in different ways and that can work for anyone. However, I would say that our customer appreciates the service level and the next level we always go to.

What are your most popular pieces in 'Bottega'?

There isn’t really a ‘one’ piece that sells more than others. We sell capsule wardrobes to clients, so everything is worn to its optimum and complements other pieces. We don’t believe in throw away fashion, but a commitment to a long and fulfilling wardrobe life. We don’t sell anything too basic...basics can get lost in the store...there has to be a real twist to most items we buy. It has to be remarkable! Even a tee needs to have something about it!

What new brands are you stocking for S/S12?

We are very excited about our new S/S 12 brands. My personal favourite is 'Elizabeth and James'.  I love the neon colours, floral prints and edgy but feminine styling. We have also started stocking 'Victoria Beckham Denim' which has had a massive response, and we have virtually sold out with clients coming back to buy in a second colour. We have yet to have a client who has tried and not bought!

'Elizabeth and James' S/S '12 - I love the vibrant print and the candy pink jeans.

'Elizabeth and James' S/S '12 - I love the combination of mixed prints in this look.

 Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?

No, I’m really happy with where 'Bottega' is now, how it’s grown and translated from its origin, which was a tiny village in the middle of nowhere with absolutely no footfall. We quickly gained a reputation for offering something different, and those clients that found us in those very early days are still very much with us and are firm friends. It’s been really hard and there have been struggles, but I’m pleased with how I’ve got here today. I guess even inspite of the relocation in Sept ’10 and huge refit costs, we are still here and I guess that has to mean something.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to open their own business?

First and foremost you have to be very realistic about the time you are able to give to it....It is not and nor will it ever be a 9-5 job. It is your baby. It is the first thing and last thing I think about every day. In addition to that you must be passionate about what you are doing because as well as time, it takes incredible energy and so much drive to keep moving forwards. I never switch off from it and there are times that I feel as if I step away, I will lose my foothold. It’s a huge step and everything has to come secondary to it. If you aren’t prepared to put in the long hours then don’t even consider it!

What is in the pipeline for 'Bottega' in 2012?

2012 is going to be an exciting year for 'Bottega'. We are collaborating with Cleo B, the shoe designer in April for a fashion show being held at Cleo’s family home, Bolesworth Castle also in Cheshire, and not too far from Tarporley. Think Studio 54 meets Ibiza - it’s going to be a hot ticket to an excellent party. It is strictly invitation only and we are very excited about it. The 'Bottega' website will also be going live in 2012 and will be in an editorial style, highlighting all areas of the store; cafe menus; press and events. Finally I will have a forum from which to blog!

Sam and Alicia from 'Bottega' at an Olivia Rubin show

What motivates you?

My passion for my job, the desire to find under the radar brands and seeing 'Bottega' flourish with the clients. I really get a buzz from the faith and trust that our clients have in us. They truly respect and appreciate our opinions, and seek our advice on more than just fashion decisions. We are so much more than just a store. We literally have been here through some of the worst times in our clients’ lives, whether it be divorce, illness or bereavement. That sounds trite but it is so true, and there’s nothing nicer than hearing how that outfit picked them up off the floor! 'Bottega' is like a little haven, and a lot like therapy for many!

Top tip?

The mantra that I live by is "Do unto others as you would be done by." I also think it's nice to be nice.