Anastasia Drawing & Dreaming

A Girl called... Charlie

I'm delighted to introduce another creative girl so lets head over to England to meet Charlie!

Charlie specialises in creating stunning

hand-crafted bridal hair accessories for her label 'House of Istria'.

Welcome Charlie!

Can you tell us what us currently Inspiring you?

I have so much that inspires me every single day. Playing with my fabrics and laces and ribbons.

Changing seasons.

Cities- memories of Paris, Tokyo, New York.

Sketchbooks. Coffee. My family. Quotes. Light. Cameras. Long walks along a cold seafront. Dreams of the day and of the night. Notebooks. Horses. Car boot sales. Decaying houses. The Bible. Intelligence. Forests. Overheard conversations. Cafes. Bookshops. Love.

What three things couldn't you live without right now?

God, my husband, books

.... although they aren't 'things' so I'll add a camera, a notebook and coffee.

Can you describe your personal style?

Im a typical Libran so it changes often from one to another.

Generally, anything a little eclectic, dreamy, whimsical- and then a big dose of something or other to add glamour or a bit of toughness or surprise.

If I wasn't nine months pregnant I'd quite happily live in floaty vintage dresses; currently, you're more likely to find me in my dressing gown.

Do you have a Favourite Colour or Colour Combinations? I love White. As for colour combinations,

Metallic gold, bright pink, black and white stripes.

Eggshell blue, bright white.

Black and white

Turquoise and gold.

What is your Favourite Smell?

My favourite scent is Chanel No5. My Nan bought me my first bottle; I always return to it.

I also like very masculine scents, woody, spicy. I have Matthew Williamson candles at home; they're amazing.

What do you love about your City/Town?

I live in Cheltenham, a pretty regency town in England. I love the history of it; the stunning period architecture, the ornamental parks, and they way we are surrounded by beautiful Cotswold countryside. I love looking at the decorative Juliet balconies, and sweeping entrances to all of the grand old houses.

Do you have a Favourite Quote you'd like to share with us?

I have so many....
'Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage' - Anaïs Nin

'Wheresoever you may go, go with all your heart' - Confucius
'Anyone who lives within their means suffers a lack of imagination' Oscar Wilde

thanks SO much Charlie!!

To see more of Charlie's beautiful pieces head on over to

House Of Istria , Blog,

House of Istria Etsy Shop

Twitter and House Of Istria Facebook page