For this weeks questionnaire series meet the Artist, photographer & designer Heather Ross. Her boutique Heather Ross [In House] is our favorite spot for absolutely beautiful and charming home decor and art. Her blog, The Natural Eclectic is a daily source of inspiration and grace.

Occupation?

Boutique owner, painter, photographer, writer, stylist

Style Influences?

There is not really a designer per se or individual whose personal style I covet or am influenced by. Having been a textile designer for years [ yes really, add it to the list above ] I have come to learn that most often it is the cloth & not the clothes that draws me in and make me go ahhh! I just started on Pinterest [ addicted ] and see so many woman that have posted fabulous bags, & shoes & coats etc on their ‘my style boards’ whereas mine is all about the silk chiffon or the chunky knit or the pussy willow cashmere. I certainly prefer a European sense of style, in both interiors & fashion.

Momentary obsessions?

I am loving ‘blush tones’ in design, & lot’s of layers & textures. I adore the lovely garment dyed scarves my sister brings back from Italy. They are a light cotton/silk blend and drape so easy. With their subtle tones and nuances and lacy fringe they feel kind of bohemian. I can’t keep them in stock at my boutique!

What is your idea of happiness?

Simple time with the ones I love, cooking simple scrumptious meals, capturing & creating beauty, spending time in nature, cuddling with my cat…these are all things that restore me & make me feel grounded & content.

Who are favorite heroes/heroines of fiction?

hmmm, that’s a tough one. My favorite all time movie is OUT OF AFRICA written by a fellow Dane Karen Blixen, so I would have to say her even though she is not a fiction character. I admire her conviction, her courage, her loyalty to the people & the land of Africa, and for her ever romantic love.

Quality you most admire in a woman?

Courage

Quality you most admire in a man ?

Nurturance

What is your greatest indulgence?

I am all about the senses..can you tell??? Cashmere, alluring fragrance, mouth watering foods…& yes touch! I’m a Leo, I purr loudly when the sun warms my skin or I have my hair brushed. A bit of a hedonist I suppose, or perhaps sensualist sounds better…& I can’t live without massage.

Best beauty tip/product?

I am totally into serums made with essential oils that smell & feel amazing on the skin. Having just returned from the Baja desert, I am slathering them on! Jules at JSPA makes some amazing ones locally, & my friend gave me a wonderful bottle from France too. With geranium & lavender, clary sage etc they smell as good as they feel.

If you could only keep one item in your closet it would be?

If it was winter a soft flowing pale grey cashmere sweater, for summer a sarong that could be wrapped & tried in many ways and used as a skirt, a sundress, a shawl..or even a picnic blanket.

The best advice you were ever given ?

‘Don’t be inspired by art, be inspired by life’ was great advice given to me while in art school.
If I may add to this…..Lately I find myself mentoring young creative women, and the advice I give them is this ‘ Don’t try to be perfect and please everyone, and don’t waste your energy worrying about what other people think of you. Don’t waste your energy being self critical about your body or your looks either! One day you will look back once you grown to have more confidence [ usually just about the time you are starting to fall apart haha! ]and realize just how stunning and uniquely beautiful you were. Do not take your youth and your health for granted, life is precious. Don’t listen to jealousy or let other’s drag you down, shine as brightly as you can.

Favorite flower?

For fragrance, Gardenia. For cut flowers, I love Lilies [ which smell amazing too ] & Peonies.

Three essential things a woman should know about style?

Understand what sort of colors makes you feel and look good and surround yourself with them in both your home and wardrobe. Be comfortable in your own skin, it’s the most attractive and sexy quality a woman you could ever have. Be authentic to who you are & wear clothes that you feel good in, regardless of trends or labels.

Last meal before you die?

hmmmm, I was trying to think what I would really want and then it stuck me! I have a lot of food allergies to things I adore but cannot have …like cinnamon & pit fruits. So, if I was just going to ‘expire anyways’ it would be handfuls of ripe juicy cherries & nectarines & cinnamon toast with tea. In bed. That would be a good way to go : )