 Anne Singer is founder of The Monogrammed Linen Shop  , one of the UK’s finest and most prestigious linen retailers.
We had a coffee with Anne 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 The Monogrammed Linen Shop?
I ‘ve always been passionate about design and when I came to England I realised that there really wasn’t much going on with linen like there was in France and Europe. I thought there was a niche market for luxury, good quality and interesting linen and so The Monogrammed Linen Shop began...
What makes your product unique?
It’s a combination of quality and the way that it’s made. We have always used the most beautiful laces and embroideries together with the finest cottons, linens, and silks and we still use hand embroidery directly taken from 18th and 19th century designs which allows talented people to craft which, unfortunately is a skill that’s dying out. We also offer opportunities to people in Europe rather than just going straight to China which I believe is a very important and an integral part of our ethos.
 How do you get a good work/life balance?
I love what I do (as I’m know many people that have their own company do ) so it’s more of a hobby than a chore - I think it’s important to find ways to enjoy working. I love to travel and when I’m away I am always looking for new artists, designs and craftsmen. It’s fun.
What’s your best selling product / label?
Our bed linen and all of our children’s products .
How would you characterise your fashion style?
I like to go quite mad but my husband is very conservative so I try to compromise and meet somewhere in between.
 Where do you buy your denim and why?
I’m not really a denim lady and would much rather shop for an amazing top, accessory or, feed my fetish for shoes.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
I buy a lot of my cashmere in Italy as I’m constantly back and forth from there for work but The Cashmere Company also has some beautiful pieces and I find myself visiting their website more often than perhaps is necessary!
If you’re buying luxe lingerie where do you head and why?
Comfort is very important to me so I actually wear Hanro for their quality and ease but I do also love the odd sexy bra. Elle MacPherson has some beautiful (and affordable) pieces at the moment.
 Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Unfortunately after an accident I can only now wear flats which, having worn and loved heels all my life is rather depressing to say the least. I do have some great flats and have learnt to love my moccasins though once a year I’ll go bananas and buy myself a pair of heels (even if they’re just to look at and make my wardrobe look pretty). I don’t think anyone does heels better than Prada .
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I always have a few Guerlain soaps in my cupboard and I’ve recently discovered Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil for body which you put on after a bath; it smells absolutely delicious.
I also have a huge supply of Omega 369 Oil which I take every morning - it does wonders for my skin. Much better than any moisturiser.
What’s your signature fragrance?
Joy by Jean Patou (which just happens to be the most expensive perfume there is)! I did change to Serge Lutens fragrances for a while but now that perfumes are all getting so expensive I don’t feel quite so extravagant so I’ve gone back to Joy.
 Which skincare brand do you depend on?
Caudalie and Lancome
What are your three must-have make up products?
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (of course), By Terry Baume de Rose and Dior Airflash
How would you describe the style of your home?
A comfortable mix of styles.
I have some incredible modern paintings, some beautiful old furniture and some really comfortable sofas. A real mish mash thinking about it but I love it.
Where do you go for home furnishings?
Andrew Martin has some beautiful things and of course the good old faithful John Lewis .
 Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
No!
I’m not saying that I eat tinned food but I just can’t see the point in spending so much more when the laws that classify something organic are so broad.
People always ask if we’re going to sell organic sheets but I won’t sell something that may have organically grown cotton but then dipped in bleach. I just think it totally defeats the point of being organic.
Do you ever buy food online? And if so where from?
I buy my turkeys online every year for Kelly’s Turkeys . My husband is American so we have all the family for thanks giving and it’s a huge affair.
Other than that I prefer to go into the shop and see and feel everything myself.
And finally, what are your favourite 5 online stores?
Net-a-porter.com , Amazon.co.uk , Johnlewis.com , And I love gadgets so I find myself spending far too much time on Iwantoneofthose.com and Kodak.com where you can make your own photo albums online - they make a great gift of thank you present for friends you have stayed with or shared some happy times with.
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