My day starts with what I call my “school run” look… Unless I have to get up early to shower and really make an effort my style is very Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin.. a lot of khaki and caramel cashmere.. with sneakers.. usually tired old Converse or my rather OTT Pink Gucci Garden ones. I prefer to then drop my kids off, walk our teeny Pom and then calmly dress for whatever my day is. Again it really depends on what I am up to but I really am a trouser and shirt kind of a girl.. A dress for the day definitely makes me feel very dressed up. I have kept most of my wardrobe in good nick so I have quite a wide variety of options. 

 

You have an amazing shoe collection. Which pair do you always go back to? 

Shoes are definitely my thing.. I love them… strappy sandals are like friends.. you have fun memories of great nights out! I also can’t resist little black ankle boots but they are much less used! I only dislike very trendy shoes so squared of toes for example are so not for me.. I have some amazing Charlotte Olympia’s that I bought purely to enjoy looking at on my shelves.. my green section has definitely grown!!

 

You have an amazing sense of style. What’s your Christmas outfit this year?

Oh that’s very kind.. I feel sometimes it all pans out and others are a little squiffy! Not even vaguely thinking that far ahead!!

 

You’re married to an Italian. How do you celebrate Christmas? 

We tend to celebrate on Christmas Eve to make his Italian side happy and then we have full English Traditional Christmas Dinner on the 25th. My Christmas would not be ok without a Turkey and all the bits.. my bread sauce is still not perfect.. I like the whole preparation of the 2 days almost as much as sitting down to have such a feast.. We also seem to have adopted wearing red for Christmas.. quite unintentionally.. The Children all love it and my heavenly in laws have been incredibly understanding of embracing our Englishnesses!!

 

 I’ve seen you in action at the events you host and the confidence with which you carry out public speaking is admirable. Where does this relaxed sense of confidence come from?

I think as I have got older I care less about impressing others and feel very grounded. My Lady Garden Foundation has given me so much to be proud of and also a great sense of purpose and drive. We have accomplished a lot. When you speak from the heart its much easier to sound real.. I have been doing this for quite a long time..

 

 Of all the Lisou pieces that you selected which is your favourite? 

My pink Pyjama suit with the little red lips!! Just love it! Oh and the coat…

 

Could you give us the name of a strong woman you admire?

I have three, my darling late Mother, The Queen & Dame Joan Collins… All of them are remarkable in their own way…. 

 

What is your life mantra? 

“Keep Buggerring On”