WE'VE all dreamed of giving up the daily grind to do something we really love.

By Nicola Paul

WE'VE all dreamed of giving up the daily grind to do something we really love.

But for Hayley MacLellan, 26, that dream became a reality when she gave up her stressful job as a social worker to open her own lingerie boutique.

Betsy La Belle, in the West End, specialises in glamorous, retro underwear, nightwear and accessories.

Hayley, originally from Shetland, thought hard before deciding to change direction. She said: "I just did one too many child protection cases - I was constantly battling.

"I thought wouldn't it be great to do something lovely?'"

The store combines Hayley's love of vintage fashion and unique lingerie, and it is like walking into a 1940s film star's dressing room.

Kitsch wallpaper, retro furniture and fairy lights set off the glamorous pieces perfectly.

Her clothes feature jewelled colours, ribbons, lace, silks and satin. Prices start at £4.50 for stockings, £14 for a pair of knickers and £20 for bras.

The recent rise of the burlesque scene in Scotland has helped to boost sales.

Betsy La Belle has sponsored some burlesque club nights and the popularity of the Dita Von Teese look has inspired many customers.

Even the shop's name sounds like a burlesque dancer, and Hayley confesses she spent hours online searching for 1950's girls' names.

And Hayley's ability to spot a gap in the market for chic underwear, and her decision to open in the face of the credit crunch, seems to have paid off.

She said: "I don't think it has really affected me because the people that shop here aren't your 2.4 children families - I get a lot of students and well-off women."

But she admits it has been hard work: "It's tiring - but its fine compared to social work.

"When it's your own shop you just get so enthusiastic."

But the social work career may not stay in the past forever, Hayley said: "I don't know if it's something I'll ever go back to. Never say never!"

Betsy La Belle is at 57 Byres Road. For more info visit www.betsylabelle.co.uk