Effortless chic, says a comment left under a photo of Ume Sacranie on her stylish Instagram feed @umeromaan. Ume does make dressing look simple – keep colour just-off monochrome, wear slim pants cropped above bare ankles, throw on a statement coat and leave the house carrying a neat little bag. Easy.

Well, style is simple when it comes so naturally and I can vouch that Ume has quietly been turning heads for years. I first met Ume when I had just graduated from uni and she was still studying Fashion Design. We both worked part-time in the womenswear department of a store in Leicester, while her husband Yusuf, was on the other side of the fixtures in menswear. Not yet married but already inseparable, they worked together and dressed immaculately even before there was an iPhone to capture it all.

CC : How do you manage to work and make the time to create such a beautiful Instagram feed that has grown a following of nearly 60K?

US : Unless I have content to shoot for a brand I don’t really plan shoot days and it’s really important that work for my social channels compliments my daily working life. I often shoot over the weekend or during days off and mostly always when I have something arranged for the day. It makes taking pictures more organic, but ultimately I really enjoy creating content so it doesn’t feel forced.

CC : Your husband takes the majority of the photos of you for your Instagram feed, do you enjoy working together?

US : On occasion I get to work with some really talented photographers but my husband Yusuf takes the majority of my photos. I prefer my pictures to look less choreographed and more candid and since we spend so much time together it only seemed natural that he’d be around to take my photos. Over time he’s learnt the kind of mood and style I like to achieve and because I’m comfortable with him taking my picture, it certainly feels more natural.

CC : You’ve been working on your online journal. Do you have a launch date and what can we expect?

US : I’m really excited; I expect to have this live in the coming weeks. It’s been something I have had in the pipeline for a very long time and the timing felt right as well as an audience. In essence it will be an extension of my social channels with more content and conversation.

CC : You live in Leicester, what do you love about the city and where do you take visiting friends?

US : Leicester has some great independent shops and boutiques and one of my favourite hangout spots is Northern Cobbler in Stoneygate. It’s great for good coffee and cake and the shop is located on the ground floor of the Northern Cobbler HQ, which is actually a local shoe brand. You’re likely to be sitting amongst an array of shoes from the latest collection of the brand.

I also really love Harriman & Co based in the historic St Martin's Square in the city centre. They have a great collection of pieces for the home, sourced locally and from around the world. They also produce furniture from their Leicester based workshop that’s sold in store.

^ Northern Cobbler, Leicester

CC : What’s on your wish list this winter?

US : When it comes to the colder months, I think it’s important to invest in the key essentials. I’m likely to live in outerwear for most of the season so a well-made classic coat that I can take from day to night is definitely on my fall wish list.

CC : We don’t often see you wearing dresses, so what are your style tips for party season?

US : If my Instagram feed is anything to go by, it’s pretty obvious that I’d take a trouser over a dress on most days. When it comes to party season or occasion wear, comfort and versatility are always on my mind. To add a little luxury I’ll opt for a silk jacket over a pair of well-tailored trousers and I might finish the look with a small heel. It’s in keeping with my minimal style but with a slight nod to luxe dressing whilst still feeling super comfortable.

CC : You have been carrying the Campbell Cole Simple A5 Pouch, what is it that you like about it?

US : The pouch is my perfect go to accessory when I don’t need to carry excessive items. It’s the right size for all my daily essentials; phone, charger, cards and even my small Smythson journal for making notes on the go.

CC : On your travels, you must treat yourself to a coffee or bite to eat, so where would you recommend? 

US : I’m always on the go when I’m in London, so it’s definitely nice to stop and have a breather. My husband is big on his coffee and we’re ticking off the best spots in London one coffee at a time. I’d probably swing by Monmouth and get a macchiato to go.

CC : You’ve got £100. Which shop do you head to?

US : I’d probably head over to Liberty and purchase a Byredo candle, Incense is on my wish list. With the left over money I’d treat myself to anything from Aesop.

CC : What is your most admired piece of simple timeless design?

US : I have a Burberry overcoat in my wardrobe that I have had since I was very young and although sentimental it’s still wearable. The very definition of timeless design for me is something that can transcend through the years and isn’t particularly trend-led.

Aside from fashion I am really keen on interiors, furniture in particular. So I would say our mid century Scandinavian lounge chairs we had upholstered and refinished are my most admired pieces in the home.

CC : Finally, who are your top 3 ‘Ones to Watch’ on Instagram?

US :

@eliinaolofsson

@thefashionmedley

@louloudesaison

Photography of Ume : Sujin Lee

Ume is wearing : Simple A5 Pouch by Campbell Cole, knitwear by Sophie H, jacket by By Malene Birger, trousers by Zara and shoes by Gucci

instagram | @umeromaan

twitter | @umeromaan

pinterest | @umeromaan