What inspires you the most and why?
London and Londoners. I think London is the best city in the world – the diversity of the people, their style, the fashion, the architecture, the history… I could go on.
Why did you choose Notting Hill for your boutique?
Beside the fact that it’s very pretty and a fun place to be, it’s full of women with great style who appreciate beautiful clothes, who follow fashion but aren’t defined by trends – they always retain a certain individuality. I also think there’s a real lack of independent boutiques left in the area. It’s all become very high street.
Who is your style icon?
Laura Bailey. I just love the way she dresses; she’s brave in her choices but never gets it wrong. She’s always ahead of the trends, is very feminine, yet always cool.
Who is your favourite local designer?
Studio Nicholson – its understated androgynous luxury for women who require a practical yet chic uniform. Not surprisingly it’s been my bestseller.
What is in your fridge at the moment?
A lot of fruit and vegetables as I always cook everything from scratch. And a lot of alcohol. I am Irish after all.
You also source some of your fashion from Sweden and LA. What is about these countries that caught your eye?
There are a lot of great designers coming out of Sweden at the moment; Diana Orving and House of Dagmar for example. They have a certain aesthetic that appeals to the women I’m buying for. The clothes are quite deconstructed and have a real attention to detail. LA has a knack for doing great prints and using colour really well. They know how to design a great summer dress.
What fashion item could you not live without and why?
Any of my blue dresses. I’m obsessed with the colour, particulary baby blue.
What has been your proudest moment?
Opening my boutique – it took 18 months of very hard work and a huge degree of stress, but nothing great comes easy. Thank god though for meditation – it kept me sane!
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s hard to be objective. I think I’m feminine – I do like a pretty dress. Also I love colour and print and as I have a small frame I look best in more structured items. So I’m a big fan of good tailoring.
What is your most cherished childhood film?
My Fair Lady for the costumes, the costumes, the costumes. Thank you Cecil Beaton!
Which celebrity would you most like to style?
Adele – not that she needs any help but purely from the point of view that I think she’s amazingly talented and a wonderful role model to young women. And I think she’d be a right laugh.
Who would you most like to be stuck on a desert island with?
The writer and film maker John Waters – can you imagine what great stories he would have? You would be seriously entertained.
What are your aspirations for this year?
To grow the business and start retailing online, to build on my customer base and hopefully find some exciting new labels.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Champagne.
