 Gail Goodrich co-founded jewellery company, Argent of London  with her husband in 1996 with the aim of providing women with jewellery they could afford to buy themselves. Gail lives in London but escapes to the Alps and Corfu whenever she has a spare moment.
We had a coffee with Gail 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 Argent of London?
My husband Michael’s contract came to an end after 13 years and we were sitting on a bench in Cambridgeshire when we decided that we wanted to set up a mail order company; we wanted to do it together but we didn’t know what in. After numerous ideas we decided that everyone always compliments me on the jewellery that I wear so we decided to give it a whirl!
 We wrote to the Thai, Mexican and Italian Embassy’s explaining our interest in importing silver jewellery and before we knew it we had a girl from Mexico in our drawing room working on ideas. I spent months carrying Tesco carrier bags of jewellery to and from my job in the city to get the opinon of the girls in the office.
To have a mail order company you need a database of names, so we wrote to all our friends and asked them to send us their Christmas card list; a year later we sent out our first catalogue had a 13% response rate which really was amazing.
What makes your product unique?
It's simple and classic design (and of course the price). I like things to be clutter free and I'm allergic to anything looking like anyone else’s. Nature is always a theme in our jewellery as well - there's always a dragonfly, daisy or olive leaf in there somewhere.
 How do you get a good work/life balance?
I don’t! Michael and I spend 24 hours a day 7 days a week together but we both absolutely love it! Our social life does take a knocking though, especially at this time of year!
What’s your best selling product / label?
It has to be our Dragonfly Necklace . It has almost become our signature piece and it's definitely my favourite.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
It's very fuss free. If I had to wear one designer day and night it would have to be Ralph Lauren - all his designs are so elegant and so simple.
 Where do you buy your denim and why?
Made in Heaven . They are terrific and I love the girls there.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
Pure Collection more than anywhere else. They wash like a dream (which for me is number one priority) and for their quality are great value.
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
I have had huge problems with my feet so I don’t spend a vast amount on my shoes. I adore Hobbs for smarter shoes. I love the style of their ballet pumps and they always have great colours and patterns which are great for weddings and parties in the summer.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
 I suffered some skin problems when I was in my 20s and saw a dermatologist in Harley Street who put me on an antiseptic cream, Cetavlex, and I still use it to this day. It’s amazing and I don’t think I look bad for my age - even if I do say so myself!
What’s your signature fragrance?
Caleche by Hermes. I've worn it for years. It's like a second skin.
What are your three must-have make up products?
Like so many women, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat. I use No.3 which is getting harder and harder to find. Although I've just discovered they sell it online at LookFantastic.com so now I won’t have to wait till I go on holiday before I can re stock my supply levels.
I don’t really stick to a particular brand for the rest of my makeup, just as long as I have some definition around my eyes and a lick of lipstick on my lips.
How would you describe the style of your home?
You won't be surprised to hear me say uncluttered! And I'd like to say elegant.
 Where do you buy your furniture and home furnishings?
I have just ordered some beautiful cushions from Susie Watson . They're really quite divine.
I've also recently ordered some furniture from the French House . The people there are wonderful and they offer a really great service.
What kind of linen do you go for and where do you buy it?
Always white Egyptian cotton and from The White company or John Lewis .
Where else do you love to indulge?
Realflowers.co.uk ,Iloveyoumorethanyoulovechocolate.co.uk , and, of course, good old Marksandspencer.com.
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