Donna's Diary - Marie Claire Inspire & Mentor 2013 - #IJ

September 09, 2013

When Marie Claire asked me to join their Inspire and Mentor panel for 2013, I was so excited to see who I would be working with. Meet Indre, a handbag designer specialising in using the highest quality hardwearing Italian wool felt and luxurious natural leather. I'll be mentoring her for the next year so make sure you take a look at her amazing handbags on #IJ Here's a little bit more about her:

Behind the Seams with Indre Jakumaite

Handbag designer: Indre Jakumaite

Who is your Style Icon?

Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn for their timeless beauty, but if I had to choose someone current I would say Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Middleton would top my list from UK and Aimee Song from the fashion blog Song of Style from US.

Where in the world are girls best dressed?

Definitely UK as this country has it’s own spirit and different take on things and it clearly shows in fashion, music and all the other creative fields. I think girls in this country like to experiment with fashion as a way to express their individuality and uniqueness and that’s what makes them gorgeous!

What kind of style do you admire?

All of them – I would happily wear a vintage dotted dress one day and rock chic J Brand leather skinnies the other, but most of the time my choice is a elegant bright dress, purely because I think wearing a dress is as easy as wearing a onesie.

How do you wear your jeans?

I love dresses but I always have a good pear of jeans in my wardrobe. I normally wear them with mid-heels, a blouse in bright or pastel colours and a tailored navy blazer – a very simple and smart casual look.

Where is your hometown?

I grew up in a small town by the Baltic Sea named Klaipeda. Although it’s the third biggest city in Lithuania, it’s tiny comparing to London – you can drive from one end to the other in about 30 minutes! This and the seaside I probably miss the most since moving to London.

What do you do to unwind?

My partner and I are absolute movie fans! I particularly love comedy, as laugh is the best remedy from the stresses of modern life. I am also quite creative, so getting immersed in any kind of DIY project – from fashion to reclaimed furniture always gets me excited.

What’s on your iPod at the moment?

Currently I can’t get enough of Lady Gaga's ‘Applause’ and Bruno Mars' ‘Treasure’

Where do you like to shop?

I always pop in to Whistles and Hobbs if I am after the dress or a winter coat. For shopping in general I like Anthropologie, Austique and the gorgeous little boutique 202 in Notting Hill. For something more luxurious, Joseph is the one.

Where is your ultimate holiday destination?

Australia and Alaska are the two most beautiful places I have visited so far and I would go again any time. To chill and relax, little gorgeous bungalows with the sea beneath your feet in the Maldives are pretty amazing.