There are certain times of year when I feel especially drawn to the kind of pretty textiles and faded prints you find at London-based indie shop Cabbages and Roses. Now is one of those times. This is a company with a characteristically English vintage sun dress and wellies kind of vibe - which they do so well it's no surprise to learn they have a shop in Tokyo too. Founder and owner Christina Strutt started her mail order business in 2000 from her kitchen with a range of fabrics which then became homeware and finally a fashion line. She's also written seven books; most recently Living Life Beautifully which features lush photography of work/home spaces, including her own London apartment and her home in Bath - a 600 year old cottage where she also designs her fabrics. The team remains small and since earlier this year has been based above their new shop in a grade II listed building in Chelsea. Where else?

Who are you? Christina Strutt of Cabbages and Roses

Where can we find you? 121 - 123 Sydney Street, London, SW3 or online at cabbagesandroses.com

Describe your store in five words: Home sweet home. Delicious clothes.

What makes you different? I think because everyone is individual the company, our designs and our products come from our heads and our hearts. We are not a corporation without a soul, so I think that what we make and sell is an unadulterated edit of what we love.

How you decide what makes the cut? If we love it it gets in, if we have doubts it doesn’t.

What were you doing before you did this? Vogue Living, motherhood, freelance styling, interior decorating.

If you were starting again what advice would you give yourself? Start earlier, understand a budget, be careful who you trust.

What are you most proud of? Surviving for 14 years, our beautiful shops, the best staff I could wish for, recognition that what we do is worthwhile. Having seven books published.

Do you have a favourite thing in the store right now? All the knitwear.

What's hot for 2014? Beautiful new stripe fabrics that co-ordinate so beautifully with our floral fabrics. Our linen clothing.

'Indie of the week' celebrates the best independent stores around. These places sell interesting and varied collections of design-related things you don't see everywhere else. They may support young or local designers or be great at finding unique things from around the world. By thinking a little more creatively about what they stock they are fighting the bland homogenisation of so much of the high street. And since I'm down with the realities of modern life, online only stores count too, because a beautiful and easy to use website is just as delightful an encounter in cyberspace.

Do you you have a favourite store? I'd love to hear from you.