Although you may not have heard of Alison Chow, chic Londoners have certainly heard of the shop that she co-owns with Sophie Oliver, Coco Ribbon. This girlie-girl boutique in Notting Hill resembles a boudoir, with plenty of chandeliers, Venetian mirrors and painted furniture. Coco Ribbon stocks Sass & Bide, Collete Dinnigan, Jasmin di Milo, and Alice Temperley but everything in the store is for sale so if you like that hand painted display table, it can be yours. Coco Ribbon is also famous for its “Panty Postman” service where you can sign up for a year's supply of knickers to be delivered to you (apparently the life expectancy of a pair of pants is three months, who knew?). Coco Ribbon also sells its own range of cashmere and accessories like gold compacts and butterfly garlands. No wonder celebrities like Sienna Miller, Jools Oliver and Elizabeth Jagger are all fans of the store.

Where is the last place you visited and where's the next place you're going?
I've just come back from skiing in Verbier. One of my girlfriends is trying to convince me to go to Greece or South America, so we'll see.

When you want to relax and get away from it all, where do you go?
I like to go back to Sydney and get spoiled by my parents and hang out in Bondi Beach.

What was the inspiration for starting Coco Ribbon?
The idea just developed organically. There wasn't a shop in London where you could walk in and buy everything that you see, where it's like, wow, I want it all. We wanted a very boudoir and feminine feel with lots of soft fabric and where everything is beautiful.

How would you describe your personal style?
I like my sparkles and being glam. I like to dress up with high heels, big earrings, long dresses and bright colours.

Who is your style icon?
Kylie Minogue. She has great style.

What do you always pack when going on holiday?
I always bring cowboy boots because they're comfortable but they look good. Cashmere wraps are great. I take a lot of jewellery for accessories. When I'm on a plane, I take my Coco Ribbon eye mask and my iPod with my sleep hypnosis recording on it.

What are your favourite cities for shopping?
New York and London, but I don't have to shop that much because of the store.

What are your favourite items you have purchased when traveling?
A silver fish vase from Christofle in Brazil. I'm a Pisces so it was perfect. I like to pick up unusual things.

And what do you regret buying?
A four foot wide straw hat in Rio. It was like a beach umbrella for your head.

Where would you suggest that visitors to London check out?
If you like antiques, everyone has heard of Portobello but head to Alfies. Go walking along Hampstead Heath. Don't go to Madame Tussaud's or Oxford Street.

Top hotel tip?
Try Miller's Residence in Notting Hill. It's like staying in someone's eccentric bohemian home.

What are some of your favourite London restaurants?
E&O, The Electric House, Cuckoo Club, and Zuma.

Click here for Alison Chow's address book.