1. What first sparked your interest in fashion?

My mother and grandmother are both beautiful, charming and stylish woman who have provided me with the perfect example of how to dress in a chic but still adventurous way. It also helped that my mother subscribed to Vogue so I was looking through, and was influenced by fashion images from a very young age.

2. How much should people be influenced by fashion trends in their day-to-day lives?

Being well dressed has very little to do with fashion and more to do with style. Work out what suits you, regardless of trends and aim for a cohesive wardrobe which makes you feel good. Being comfortable in your own skin will always make you look good, far more so than being covered in the latest trends.

3. How did you start your career in fashion?

This is the question that I am asked every day. The trick is to make a very good cup of tea and coffee and to get to know your local barista because, believe me, assistants spend a lot of time fetching hot drinks. That aside, networking, smiling and listening are the three most important start up skills for starting a career in the fashion industry.

4. Which hot fashion trend won’t you be wearing for summer 2010?

I can’t stand those high-heeled clogs that were on the runway at Chanel and Louis Vuitton. I think they are ugly, unflattering and uncomfortable.

5. What should you bear in mind when choosing beauty products?

Cost is never indicative of quality or efficacy; drugstore skincare is often just as effective, sometimes more so, than those tubs of two hundred dollar cream on the cosmetics counters. Companies like L'Oréal and Olay invest vast sums of money into research and development, and their products are excellent. If you are thinking about investing in an expensive product always ask for a sample to try first, and use it for at least a week to check if it is suitable for your skin type.

6. How do you choose the jewelry designers you write about on your blog?

I was writing about jewelry for print magazines for years before I started blogging about it; I bring that wealth of experience to the blog. I look for craftsmanship and something unique in design, setting and stones. I personally love antique and vintage pieces, and am also very keen to support young designers who may not always get much exposure in big magazines that rely on advertising from the big brands.

7. Which US stores do you think sell interesting clothes at a reasonable price?

I love, love, love J Crew, which isn’t available in the UK where I’m from originally. It has very good at pieces with a twist, so you don’t get bored. I find Banana Republic good for pretty work dresses in the summer, and Steve Madden often has good everyday shoes. I’m a huge fan of Target too; I like their designer collaborations. Last year’s with jewelry designers Erikson Beamon was particularly inspirational.