Now, I’ve never met Fiona, the super-talent behind Black Pearl boutique, but I want to. A lot.

She’s created a li’l bit of retro-hearted fabulousness in the heart of Central London. Black Pearl has everything you need to create that retro pin-up look, well, apart from the hot, well-coiffed man-candy to carry your shopping, but she apologises for that. She makes her own range of jewellery and accessories under the Black Pearl brand, and shares the vintage love by stocking fabulous accessories, clothing and lingerie by other designers too.

Love Fi, love Black Pearl. I have a sneaky feeling that you might too.

So, what is Black Pearl? Care to share?
Black Pearl is my boutique located in Kingly Court, just off Carnaby St, London and also the brand name for everything I make – jewellery, hair accessories, hats, pasties etc.

Your prods rock our world and we want ALL of them – is it hard to be creative and business-y? How do you find a balance?
Thanks!  Yeah it is kind of hard sometimes, like when I just want to make lots of earrings but should really file receipts or update my website or something.  I guess you just have to set time aside for the business-y stuff and stick to it.  Then you can do the fun stuff!

What 5 tracks would be essential to a Black Pearl soundtrack to life?
Ooh, that’s tricky…there are lots but I think these are appropriate…
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Aerosmith – Crazy
Elvis – Viva Las Vegas
The Beach Boys – Fun Fun Fun
Blondie – Dreaming

We are all about the retro pin-up girl look – what are the key items a girl needs?
A good hairdresser!  I go to Miss Betty at It’s Something Hells, which is handy as it’s just across from my shop.  Hmm, what else, definitely a high waisted pencil skirt, I have about five.  Seamed stockings are a must, I sell lots of the What Katie Did ones which are great.  A good red lipstick – I have about 10 in my quest of trying to find the perfect one!  Oh and a good tailor is a must, I rarely fine vintage dresses which fit perfectly, but a few alterations and they’re great.

Who are your style icons and why?
Right now I love Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett,  they always look so elegant but also daring.  Tilda always seems to get put in the worst dressed lists though which is insane.  Who else can say they inspired a whole collection by Viktor and Rolf?!  From years gone by I think Katherine Hepburn, she was always very understated but beautiful, and I love Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde.  Love that beret!  And I love the classic pin ups – like Marylin Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Lilli St Cyr.

What are your must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Ooh….Mac Blot Powder (gets rid of that nasty shine instantly), Rimmel liquid eyeliner (I like the brown for day and the black for night), my fave red lipsticks are Nars in Heatwave and Mac in Russian Red, and a Mac Please Me is a nice daytime pink.  I got some Dries Van Noten shoes in the sale just after Christmas, which I haven’t stopped wearing yet, they’re a nice high heeled 40s shape in brown leather.  Oh and I have about 4 trench coats, essential!

Reading your blog and checking out your awesome pix, it’s clear that  your business is a total reflection of who you truly are – how did you make that happen?!
It just happened naturally I think, I can’t help it!  I make things that I enjoy making and would wear myself, otherwise, what’s the point?!

Tell us who inspires you/who you admire and why?
My Mum and Dad and my friends.  And Dolly Parton.  Because she’s great.

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Shopping, cupcakes, when my hair does what I want it to, when it’s nice and sunny but not too hot (that just plays havoc with my makeup) and seeing tiny dogs being walked (They make me laugh.  How do their legs move so fast?!).

What’s your life motto?
It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite…
Shop: Liberty
Book: To Kill a Mockingbird
Website/blog: Go Fug Yourself  (those crazy Fug Girls!)
Hang-out: The London Fields (a pub within walking distance of my flat)
City: Las Vegas
Must-have beauty item: Prescriptives foundation.  Hides everything!
TV prog: Gossip Girl xoxo
Food: Dessert

You HAVE to go visit Black Pearl at: www.blackpearlboutique.co.uk – it’s the Sassy Minx law! I’ve started to make a list of my want, need and must-have items and I’m starting with these…

£35.00 – This necklace features a sailboat, anchor and heart charms with black pearl beads, a diamante bead and a silver ribbed bead. They hang on a 24 inch silver coloured chain made up of thick curb and thinner belcher chains – ship ahoy!

£20.00 – This freakin’ adorable mini beret measures 10.5 cm across and is made of hot pink felt fabric. It comes on a clear plastic hair comb so sits securely in the hair – WANT IT!