Coffee With Annabel Gatward
of Glamorous Amorous

Annabel Gatward is the founder of online lingerie boutique, Glamorous Amorous. Annabel lives in Lymington with her husband and her new baby boy, Tate.

We had a coffee with Annabel to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.

What inspired you to create Glamorous Amorous?
I think the very initial thing was that I just couldn’t find any luxurious lingerie labels to buy online, so I decided to look into it a bit more and found the most irresistible niche in the market that was just too exciting to ignore.

After a bit of market research into the bra and knickers world I found it was all really positive and was an area that was really expected to grow.

The next big question was whether we went down the bricks and mortar route or went with online. We sought advice from lots of people and it seemed that the online presence was the right road to take.

What makes your product unique?
Two main things really. We’re on a mission to source the best designers and the most well known brands but we also offer a platform for designers who are just leaving university and are wonderfully talented.

We’re also so passionate about the service we give, from being on the site to the delivery to your door. Every detail is taken into account. We don’t charge for postage and packaging and everything arrives beautifully gift wrapped in our bespoke organza gift bag.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
Do you know since I had Tate (her baby boy) seven months ago it’s been an incredible juggle and I now have the most enormous respect for all Mums out there! You just don’t realise how much your life changes until you actually have one. Feeding, not sleeping and trying to work is very rewarding but my Goodness! I’m so lucky to have such a great team of girls helping me.

What’s your best selling product / label?
We've recently taken on a new label called Patrick & Skinner who do luxurious and delicious silks (delicious because she calls her pieces things like Mint Choc Chip and Raspberry )and the range has literally flewn out the door over Christmas.

Most designers have their moment though, some weeks we'll sell lots of one product but then the next only one or two.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
Oh My Goodness! A bit cookie I suppose.

I think fashion is very personal and I really enjoy the freedom of expressing myself. I don’t necessarily follow trends, instead I tend to base it on how I’m feeling - some days I’ll wear loads of colour and on others I’ll be all in black.

Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
I am a huge fan of Rosanna Ansaloni and have several gorgeous pieces from her. We're very privileged at Glam Am because we know what new stock is coming in every season so we can be the first to get our hands on it. I have the most beautiful creamy beige cashmere dress which is just like wearing a little piece of heaven.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
I think I prefer heels but then I do really enjoy wearing flats...

I can’t resist LK Bennett and my sister recently bought me the most beautiful pair of French Soles.

Where did you shop for your maternity wear?
Isabella Oliver. Everything there is just stunning and their customer service is second to none. Being pregnant for the first time is actually quite daunting and you really look for the reassurance that they give. It’s really very clever and I really appreciated it.

Where do you shop for your son’s clothes?
It has to be The Little White Company and Mamas and Papas.

Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
Yes, definitely. I’ve always had a healthy approach to the organic thing but I really made an effort when I was pregnant. It’s a weird position to be in to suddenly have to look after somebody else as well as yourself and it was a realisation that I should start taking it seriously.

Do you ever buy food online?
Yes, always forom Ocado. They’re definitely the leaders when it comes to food shopping online and they’re whole offering is excellent.

I love the way you can watch recipes, shop just organic (if you want to) and have it all delivered on time – not between 9 and 5 like some companies!

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I'm obsessed with Origins ginger products; I equally adore Elemis, Ren, and I also love Dr Haushka. It's good to experiment and see what's agreeable with your skin.

What’s your signature fragrance
When I got married I think I was very stressed and lost my mind a bit, but I bought a fragrance called Alien by Thierry Mugler. It was only when a friend of my mother’s asked me what scent I was wearing and I had to say Alien that I realised it wasn’t the most feminine thing to say!

I now wear Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood which seems much more appropriate.

What are your three must-have make up products?
I wear Givenchy Prisme Again! in Pink Fetish - it gives a lovely subtle shimmer to your cheeks, with a clear lipgloss from Lancome or Mac and a black mascara of some sort.

How would you describe the style of your home?
My husband and I are both project mad. We recently bought a completely rundown house that we pretty much knocked down to just a shell and then completely re-did it in our style.

It’s very open plan, with very neutral colours and I suppose quite modern, although things are changing at a fast rate to accommodate little Tate.

Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories
We actually own a few properties that we rent out so we're pretty well practiced at kitting them out from top to bottom and Heals is always our first port of call.

And finally, what are your five favourite online stores?
My-Wardrobe, The White Company, Boden, Heals and of course Ocado.

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