Coffee With Sally Walton
of Carry-a-Bag 
 Sally Walton is founder of Carry A Bag (lovely bags to be used as a stylish alternative to plastic carriers). After bringing up her four children, and fuming about plastic carrier bags stuck in trees, washed up on the beach and generally messing up the planet, Sally founded the company in 2006.
We had a coffee with Sally 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 Carry-a-Bag?
Well it was a couple of things really. Firstly I was getting hugely irritated by the sheer amount of plastic bags that people use and just throw away, and secondly I really wanted something to do!
I’ve always been a creative person and thought I should probably do something with it now all of my children are that much older and can finally look after themselves.
So, I came up with the idea of creating bags that would help the environment, be strong enough to carry a weekly shop and also look too nice to leave at home.
 What makes your product unique?
Each bag is original because of all the different fabrics I use. I love using bits of this and that and the lining of most of my bags comes from an old curtain of some sort.
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I think the answer is I don’t really. In fact I'm completely dominated by work at the moment but I do love it so it’s not a problem.
I work from home and my husband is really creative as well so we’re constantly sparking up ideas off each other and I’m also getting a huge number of orders coming from the States too so my computer and I are pretty inseparable and I'm permanently checking it at strange hours of the day and night!
What’s your best selling product/label?
Our bag which is the size of a normal carrier bag but with a long shoulder strap. It just says Carry A Bag on the side of it but they fly out the door.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
Very eclectic! I try to buy a couple of things each season but I don’t really go with the trend thing unless I really love it. I wear a lot of dresses and I suppose I dress quite young.
My 18 year old daughter always keeps me on track - she'll give me the look as if to say “no mum” and I’ll know it hasn’t worked that time!
 Where do you buy your denim and why?
I’m not great on denim actually. I think it looks fantastic on young, long legs but when you’re no longer blessed with those (which unfortunately I’m not), I think it’s best to stick to dresses and skirts.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
There’s a lovely vintage shop just round the corner from me and I love to pop in there because they’ve got a great selection of styles and colours and they’re always a good price.
I also love Pure for their styles and quality only when I feel a bit indulgent!
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
A bit of both. I live in Converse most of the year round but when I have to be a bit smarter I love Kurt Geiger , especially now they’ve redone their site. Infact their heels and flats are just to die for.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
At the moment I'm using a moisturizer by Liz Earle , and I've just bought the Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom face serum which is actually great.
 I also always have something from the B. Kamins range in my bathroom. At the moment I'm using the face mask which makes you look completely blue. I know some people hate them but when I put it on I feel like I’m in an old holiday movie! I love it!!
What’s your signature fragrance?
I've been wearing Joseph for the last 20 years but I've just bought Amanda Lacey’s Aria di Collina. It’s very Mediterranean and gives you a feel of the summer, which at this time of year is just what you need with the weather outside!
What are your three must-have make up products?
I'm never without Lancome Definicil mascara and something on my face throughout the year. In the summer I use Kiehls tinted moisturiser because it‘s nice and light and in the winter when I need something a bit stronger I use Chanel’s foundation . I love Bobbi Brown lipsticks . They have such wonderful colours that always give you a bit of a boost if you’re feeling a bit dreary.
 How would you describe the style of your home?
A bit like my fashion, I’d say my home is pretty eclectic and like no one elses. It’s sort of shabby, arty, colourful and full of crazy interesting things. Shambolic is probably another word!
Where do you go for home furnishings?
The Conran Shop has some great things. I always go there if I need a new lamp or something. But for furniture I prefer to shop round little antique shops so I can touch and feel everything. I find it really exciting wondering around.
What kind of linen do you go for and where do you buy it?
Always 100% white cotton and I know it’s not very adventurous but I just love The White Company . Their quality and service is always fantastic! And I've just discovered the Toast home collection.
And finally, are there any favourite places to shop online that we haven't mentionned?
Definitely Toast , Re-found objects and
The Shop Floor Project – I just think the whole experience is wonderful. From ringing the doorbell to walking up the stairs and going into each room looking at the different categories, it really is a very clever idea.
I love sifting through the Sunday supplements seeing all the interesting things other people are doing and all the new great websites there are out there!
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