Personally I love muffs and can’t understand why they are not widely available anymore. What was your motivation when you started out?

I just love muffs and believe every woman needs one to keep their hands warm in. The real clever bit is that my muffs are also a bag and fit your mobile and keys, make-up or other small items in. It’s an allround must have accessory!

Was it not difficult to set up your own business?

Yes, it’s probably the hardest thing I have done so far but I’m determined. My concept won the 1st prize in the CULN Mind your own Fashion competiton which lead to a few opportunities and thet’s how it all began. I do everything myself which can be hard at times but works for me. I design the website, sort all the admin.

Where are the muff-bags produced?

Each piece is unique and handmade by myself,  you can even order your custom made version over my online store, just get in touch. If you need a bigger quantity that is no problem either, just ask. With all the “fast fashion” available I think a lot of people love the idea of unique handmade items and I that’s exactly what I do. One lady recently wanted one matching her wedding dress so she sent a fabric sample which I could use to match to.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Anything inspires me, it could be a piece of fabric or something else I see in daily life, a colour or texture, just about anything. I only make a muff I would wear myself, I need to be 100% behind it, the one I wear today matches my coat.

So what’s next?

I’m currently in the process of developing my next line which will be bang on trend and in which I explore different materials and colours. The shape will also be different and you can wear them as a bumbag too which will be great for the festival season.

Kate has allowed me a little peek at the new prototype and all I can say is it’s going to be so cool.

from top left clockwise:

Silver Sparkle £30

Red Rose £30

Cosy Honey Glam £40

Red feathers Extravaganza £32

Cosy Glam in Black £27

red & white Diamond Quilt £23

Do you remember standing in a sweet shop as a child and not knowing which ones to pick because each sort is sweeter and more colourful than the other?

I feel like that little girl in the sweet shop

Do you remeber smelling the scent of fine biscuits when someone told you the fairy tale of Hans and Gretel? The people at Les Nereides, Pascale and Enzo Amaddeo, must remember both because the things they make are all so wonderful and once again I feel like that little girl in the sweet shop. When I was a child I used to have this drawer with all my little treasures like marbles, hair pins, glittery things, little stones and shells – anything I found and loved. Once I gave a pair of hair clips out the drawer to my friend under the condition not to wear them in school but she did. I remember how disappointed I was. Though I am happily sharing any hair clips I own now I want to put all these lovely pieces in a drawer and treasure them. With one difference this time: I couldn’t help but wear them out every day.  SInce the founding of their original brand Les Nereides another brand has evolved called N2 which was due to their desire to use new forms and colours. (You can enter the website via the other one.) Les Nereides is available in selected stores, check their website for locations. Pieces are from € 30. (make sure to visit Alice’s shop in Oxford opposite Christ Church)

The dance we go to is stimulus @ smack in Leamington Spa. It’s still early but full of people, very well dressed people in my opinion. The music is the finest selection of drum’n'bass upstairs and what I would call R’n'B and HipHop downstairs (correct me if I’m wrong). I’t a brilliant place. Stylish with friendly staff presenting you monthly with a variety of events. Stimulus runs once a month. During my night I met a few people who were outstandingly stylish dressed which is why I picture them above (lovely handbag to lovely dress on the left don’t you think?). Because you can move between different floors you never get bored. There is cool lights and some chill areas with comfy seats. Everything you need for a good night out. Come down to the next one and check it out for yourself.

Buy everything here at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com