…Tantrums and Tiaras! Firstly it’s a great name for a company and secondly through our combined love of all things vintage, we just had to have a sit down and a cup of tea in a vintage china cup and saucer, to find out more about this fabulous bridal accessories boutique…
Tell us a bit about your company
I’m Kelly and I have been running Tantrums and Tiaras since 2007.
Tantrums and Tiaras is a family run business based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. We offer both internet based sales, as well as the personal touch at our studio and are just 5 minutes from Junction 9 of the M40.
How did you get into the industry?
I made jewellery as a child and when other life events took over, I left that behind in pursuit of other interests. In 2005 I became quite ill and got bored, very quickly. It was then that I started making jewellery again. It soon became clear that I actually had a very strong liking of crystals and pearls which are so obviously bridal and from that, came the idea to make a tiara. I’m entirely self taught, developing new techniques and concepts all of the time.
What’s your best seller?
I have three best sellers. They are May (vintage inspired headband), Divine 1 (vintage inspired headband with pearls) and Phoebe. She’s a lovely traditional style tiara which uses 3mm pearls which give it a really intricate and vintage feel.
Which designer from your industry inspires you and why?
My favourite designers at the moment are Madeline Isaac James, Sharon Bowen and Lindsay Fleming. I love their interpretations of vintage styles and these are three designers whose dresses are quite different from other designers out there.
Tell us about someone you follow on Twitter that we should be following or an fashion-related blog that our fans should be reading and why?
I love following Wedding Ideas Magazine (@WIMagazine), they’re great for keeping you up to date on all that’s happening out there. I also like seeing what Rachel Simpson is up to as I do have a bit of thing for shoes so I love getting up to date gossip on what’s coming out. Finally I love following my sparkly friends. We have such a great community we’ve built up and although we’re all in direct competition with one another, we work together to ensure a bride gets the best regardless of who it’s from. We’re also working together to stamp out the copying of designs within the industry and will keep an eye out for each others interests.
Celebrity shoppers- who buys your product or who would you love to see wearing (or using) your product?
I’ve not had a celebrity buy any of my products yet, however if I did I’d like it to be quite a down to earth celebrity like Colleen Rooney or Charlotte Church. They are both ‘real’ girls who I think my brides would really connect with. Of course, if Kate Middleton phoned for an appointment, I wouldn’t say no!
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I’m really looking forward to making quite a few big changes to Tantrums and Tiaras this year. I’ll be having a new website, a new way of shopping, an innovative new product and a new collection which I’ll be launching at the National Wedding Show next February.
Tell us what you think is going to be hot next season
I think brides will want to be a little more girly and therefore will be looking for intricate and floral details.
Describe your personal fashion style
I will change my style depending on my mood and will usually opt for comfort above all else. That’s probably why I love your shoes so much, they give the girly glamour whilst still being amazingly comfortable.
What is your biggest fashion faux pas?
A Ramsay Street shell suit in the 1990s!
Think back to ‘shoe’ purchase when you were younger, describe them please
I remember being bought these camel colour sandals which I absolutely hated at the time. I had my eye on some patent black shoes but my mum insisted. I remember that I wore them for absolutely ages and really fell in love with them. I wore them beyond when I was supposed to as my toes would stick out the end but finally had to admit defeat when the tiny little heel (which I though was huge!) eventually gave up on me and fell off.
What is your favourite pair of Rachel Simpson shoes?
From Rachel’s new collection I absolutely love the Carmen design. Very 1920’s Art Deco and will be able to worn again and again, so not just for your wedding day.
Pick a pair of Rachel Simpson Shoes and match it to something you sell, why this combination?
It would have to be Carmen and our Divine 1 headband. It’s got a lovely Art Deco detailing that would be fantastic with the Carmen shoes.
Describe Rachel Simpson Shoes in three words
Comfortable, girly and stylish.
If Rachel Simpson Shoes is known for its vintage inspiration and simply beautiful shoes, what is your company synonymous with?
Affordable quality – A designer headpiece doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Marilyn comes in three beautiful shades, ivory for the big day and sumptuous mink and teal if you love this shoe so much you need to buy all three!
If you do want to keep your shoes as a memento why not have them framed, either on their own or with other items like your jewellery, invite or flowers. This looks fab and makes a chic artwork of your day. Alternatively you could buy a keepsake box to safely store your mementoes and add a stylish touch to your room.
If your shoes are satin or suede like our 
Remember they can be hard to clean though, so try and avoid the rain if possible but don’t let it ruin your day! Go for leather like our gorgeous 
Go for leather linings that allow your feet to breathe- sweaty feet are a real no no! It’s a good idea to wear your shoes around the house a bit to get used to them and wear them in to suit your feet. It’s worth having a pair of party feet on hand just in case..
This Thursday 23rd September from 5pm-9pm at the Oxford branch of Ellie Sanderson, our new 2011 collection will be showcased alongside Claire, designer and owner of 
Think back to an early ‘shoe’ purchase when you were younger, describe them please
What is your favourite pair of Rachel Simpson shoes?
