Interview with Peony – Part Two

Hello hello! I hope you all enjoyed meeting Peony yesterday. Too gorgeous no? Her photos make me want to go buy a bunch of beautiful summer dresses (too bad they will probably fall closer to maxi length on me). Enjoy part two!

I know that you are started your own shop soon last year. Can you share some more about that? What have been the most difficult and awesome things about starting your own biz?

I am so excited about it! It launched in November 2011.  Which coincides with my one year Blogiversary.

At the moment we will only be stocking one item. It’s called the Peony Lim Smock.  Based on fishermen’s smocks worn in Cornwall, they are a oversized top that can be worn year round.  My family have been wearing them for 3 generations and they are very much a part of our aesthetic.  Mine are special because they are made of vintage recycled fabrics and cotton denim. There are two styles, the top and the dress. I wore the dress to SS12 NYFW and one of the tops to SS12 PFW.  Each smock is unique, hand cut and made in Cornwall, England and most are one of kind due to the rare nature of the fabrics.

It has definitely been a lot of work to get to this stage.  Sometimes it is a real challenge to have faith in yourself, but when you believe in your product that pulls you through.

I am just itching to get them out there now.  Come and have a look…here.

Where do you shop and what are some of your favorite designers? High street and luxury brands? 

Luxury brands: Alaia, Hermes, Prada, YSL, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Alexander McQueen.High street: Zara, Zara, Zara! Sometimes ASOS and H&M.

How about sharing some of your shopping/budgeting tips? How do you choose where to invest/pay full price/etc?

1. Invest in the pieces that will last your lifetime, that are classic and will never go out of style.

2. We dont all have the budget to buy high end trends every season, so be inspired by them and recreate them with some help from the high-street. eBay can also product some amazing deals.

3. If you find a vintage piece you love, buy it and recut it to fit you.  This is a great way to get unusual and really expensive fabrics and designs that fit you like a glove on a budget.

I know you love antique markets and fairs. What are some of the coolest items you’ve found?

Some 1970s French folding chairs that are chrome and clear perspex and a 1920s straw boater.

Can you share some of your other passions and hobbies?

I love to cook, travel, eat, read, be with family and friends, visit museums and galleries and I love watching classic golden age cinema.

And finally – please tell us something surprising about yourself!

I dont like having my photo taken! Crazy huh?!

Peony’s photos and stylings have been a breath fresh of air to me. As a lazy Californian whose closet contains copious amounts of fleece (and possibly even a pair of Tevas), I am constantly seeking inspiration that pushes me to be more stylish and find stock my closet with beautiful items. Peony is definitely someone that inspires in that way – thank you again to her for doing this interview, and for more of Peony, check out her blog here.