Last week I got to talk to Sophie Tran the owner of the gorgeous on-line accessories store Coco Kitten (You should check it out guys!) . Coco Kitten has a multitude of gorgeous leather handbags, clutches and wallets (and don’t forget jewellery too) so I was quite interested to hear all about it from her.

Sophie took some time out from her hectic day to share some behind the scenes info on Coco Kitten, her love for accesories and juggling her business and family.

Tell me a bit about yourself - what led you to open Coco Kitten?

I come from a marketing background working full-time as a Brand Manager for a services marketing company (see  right a picture of Sophie wearing her Fleur wood maxi and vintage earrings from her site) . Whilst working full-time as a Brand Manager, I embarked on what began as a passion and hobby which developed into a small successful online business.

The main driver of starting Coco Kitten was out of frustration when I noticed such an increase of horrible mass produced products flooding in from Asia with little attention to quality which I really hate. Not only was I finding it difficult to actually decide on buying something the price was quite expensive for what it was.

It has always been my dream to be a business owner and I thought what better way to fulfill that dream by doing something that I’m great at and particularly love and enjoy - SHOP. I commonly joke to my partner that this business is perfect for me as I’m very good at ‘buying things’

The aim of Coco Kitten is to bring beautiful high quality designs to women at an reasonable price, hand picking gorgeous items and putting them in the one place to especially help time poor corporate women and mothers who don’t always have time to shop.  I want people who visit the store to think ‘that’s exactly what I was looking for’!

What is your philosophy behind Coco Kitten?

Everything that I stock in store has to embody the Coco Kitten brand, which symbolizes simplicity, confidence, class and effortless style. I like people to get their moneys worth so I like to choose things that can be worn with anything and for many years to come!

I decide on what to stock by going back to classic designs that are timeless which is usually versatile and can be incorporated into any wardrobe, which makes the buying decision easy and simple. I like to incorporate basic classics with items from the latest trends. I also have a group of girlfriends who are shopaholics, so I get ideas and inspiration from them as well as Melbournians around me who are some of the trendiest people in the world. When thinking about my whole store concept, I wanted it to have a classy sophisticated feel that gives women a simple stress free shopping experience.

Tell me about your personal style?

My personal style is the ‘less is more’ philosophy. I like things to be balanced and not too over the top, I love simple clean lines, beautiful detailing and high quality fabrics. I usually wear simple designs and accessorise with pieces that stand out or make a statement. One of my favourite items is my much-loved round turquoise drop earrings (see above right) that always adds a little something to my all black outfits. I love Australian designers, Willow, Sass & Bide, Camilla & Marc, Nicola Fenetti, White Suede, Kirrily Johnston, Morrisey, Wayne Cooper, Alex Perry just to name a few.

How do you juggle having a baby and your own business?

Experienced mothers always say to new mothers as a word of advice ’sleep when he does’ in my case I work when he is sleeping. I have been fortunate that my son is a very good sleeper. Loving what I do also plays is a major part in being able to juggle everything, when you are passionate about what you do it never feels like work.  I think that is a luxury and blessing in itself.

5. What is your favourite item in store at the moment? why?

My favourite item in store right now is the Sam handbag (see left), it reminds me of the 1920’s fashion era which I love. This bag would have belonged to a sophisticated high-powered journalist.

6. What is your top tip for accessories this summer?

Hems above the knee, bracelets and big cuffs are a must and the strappy sandals are back.

www.cocokitten.com.au

The Carrie leather bag Melbourne Fashionista’s personal favourite I like to think I am a little bit like her - but doesn’t everyone!