Suzanne Porter (Boutique)

Newcastle Fashion Week 2012

2012-02-24T10:26:00.001-08:00

Last year you may remember I took part in Newcastle Fashion Week's - Fashion Front Row Catwalk Event & Made in Newcastle Pop Up Shop.

Well this year I've been selected along with a whole host of different designers from around the North East region to showcase my clothing range at this years Fashion Front Row event taking place at As You Like It, Jesmond on Tuesday 29th May 2012 & I can't wait. Not only will I be showcasing a few pieces from my Occasion Collection (available to buy from: http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk) I will be also showing a few one-of-a-kind pieces which will be coming soon to my Fabric Box Collection.

Newcastle Fashion Week kicks off on 26th May & lasts 9 days - there's a different big event happening every day!

Check out a small youtube clip from my catwalk show from last year Fashion Front Row Event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYVH3ED7Fg

Christmas Gift Mix!! NOW OPEN

2011-10-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Get all you Christmas shopping all wrapped up in minute!! The newly launched 'Christmas Gift Mix' shop is now open at Suzanne Porter (Boutique).

So what is the Christmas Gift Mix I hear you ask??
I decided to set up a shop which showcases 3 or 4 products from lots of different indie designers from around the UK. So if your looking for the perfect gift for Christmas & wanting something for the fashionista in the family - well this is the place to find it. It's showcasing large selection of handmade Fashion & Accessories items.

New items are being added regularly to the shop so keep checking back to find the perfect gift.

Check out all the items at: http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk/ourshop/cat_476017-Christmas-Gift-Mix.html

Here is just a selection of the items which are currently on the site:

Royal blue, Hello Sailor Cocktail Hat from indie Designer Talulahblue!

Blue Agate Flower & Mother of Pearl Necklace from indie Designer Blue Forest Jewellery

Keep your head warm & stylish with these wool berets - from indie Designer Imogen's Imagination

Steampunk Sprockets & Gears Charm Bracelet from indie Designer Putting On The Charm

'The Occasion' Photoshoot

2011-09-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in my blog for a few months now (even though i promised i would keep it up) but in all fairness i have been completely busy the past few months getting garments ready for 'The Occasion' Photoshoot - which will be the launch of my luxury range of occasion wear dresses.

Last Thursday was the day of the photoshoot - this time i opted for a studio shoot - keep things simple & the focus on the clothing! I had Hayley Damms to do the make-up while i "attempted" to do the hair!! As we needed a large space 'The White Horse' in Darlington kindly let us use there function room as the studio.

I had Alice Jameson-Watt & Natalie Taylor-Robinson modelling for me & even though i was running around like a headless chicken all day the shoot seemed to go fairly smoothly & most importantly of all there was some amazing photographs taken of my new collection. As i'm waiting for the photographs to come back edited from the photographer (Andy Watson) I now have the task of pricing all the pieces up & writing the descriptions, which is always the fun part (not). Keep checking the website for updates http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk & until then here is a sneak peek of one of the dresses & photo's from the new collection!!

Next Collection Preview: Print Making!

2011-07-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

So today i've been printing my own fabric - the fabric i have been printing will be used on a garment which will feature in my next collection "The Occasion" I print the fabric using craft stamps a special fabric ink pad. However my thumbs are now hurting from pressing down on the stamp block :( but it will be worth it as the fabric is starting to look pretty & the garment is now starting to take shape!! I normally do put one garment that i've printed myself in every collection i do - i think it helps make my collection unique & exclusive just to me as you won't find the fabric anywhere else!

All over Demask Print

Boarder print around the bottom of the skirt

Fit For A Princess...

2011-07-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say since the Royal Wedding in April of this year we have been a little bit obsessed with Kate Middleton's (Duchess Of Cambridge) wardrobe - no more so than me! I think she is the lady to bring back classy & sophisticated clothing (& god knows this country needs a bit of a style injection). So for my next collection "The Occassion" i have design & am now making a dress which is inspired by the Wedding Dress! It will be an occassion dress (so don't worry you don't have to getting married to wear it).

Duchess Of Cambridge on her Wedding Day

Working Progress - the start of the Kate M. Inspired Dress

As you can see from the above picture i've used one of the Princesses favourite colours blue - the lace on the dress is beautiful - it has a very subtle sparkle - i'm really looking forward to finishing the dress - but you'll just have to wait until September to see the finished piece :)

NEW STOCKIST....City Attic, Durham!

2011-07-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Porter (Boutique) is pleased to announce that from Thursday 21st July I will be stocking a range of One-Of-A-Kind pieces to City Attic a fabulous shop! All pieces which will be sold in the shop are made in standard dress sizes ranging from 8 to 16 (so there will be something for everyone). Items will include both Dress & Skirts all of which are truly unique, which you will find no one else wearing! City Attic is based at 76 North Road, Durham, DH14SQ! This wonderful shop sells a range of homeware, gifts, crafts, arts & sculptures, a treasure trove of beautiful items all in one place.

Also on Thursday night they are hosting 'Uncover something Divine at our Late Night Summer Shopping Event' all proceeds from each ticket sold are going to their chosen charities: Marie Curie Cancer Care & Samaritans. This should be a wonderful event not only is there Drinks & Nibbles while you browse around the shop, the body shop & saks hair dressing will be there too & there’s also a raffle!! You will also get to have a sneak peek at some to the clothing which i will be stocking!!

Check out their website to see all the lovely things they have to offer;

http://www.cityattic.co.uk/

Introducing....Chain Of Daisies

2011-07-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is the third blog post to introduce the new designers which are starting to stock to my website! I've now got a whole host of wonderful products & still some more to come - which i can't wait for!! This post is all about 'Chain Of Daisies' who creates lovely jewellery which is described as “Vintage meets modern simplicity with a floral twist.” To check out all the new products click on the following link: http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk/ourshop/cat_432200-Chain-Of-Daisies.html

Read the following to find out more about Chain Of Daisies:

Rosalie Earrings - Snowy Pink

When Did You Start Your Business?
I have been running Chain of Daisies full time since late 2009.

What First Inspired You To Start Your Own Business?
I have always loved to create, my earliest memories involve painting and
making beads from fimo, stringing them together and going everywhere with my
sketchbook! So it has been a natural progression into now running my own
creative business full time.

How Would You Describe Your Products?
Chain of Daisies jewellery is described by "vintage meets modern simplicity
with a floral twist" a love for colour, flowers and "winged things" shines
throughout the collections.

“A Little Birdie Told Me” Earrings

Who/what is your inspiration?
I am inspired by the beauty of nature- especially flowers. I'm a keen
photographer and the simple beauty of my designs is mirrored in my
photography- I love how all aspects of my work are identifiable as "Chain of
Daisies".

What Influences Your Designs?
What Are You Favourite Materials To Work With?
I love working with silver because of the infinite possibilities that come
with it and with glass because of how light reflects through it.

Do You Make Custom Made Pieces?
I love commissions and am always happy to create work for my customers. My
commission portfolio is wide and I love turning my customers ideas into
reality.

Eternity Necklace

Where Else Do You Sell Your Products?

I sell my jewellery in several galleries online as well as through shops and
galleries across the UK and Europe.

Do You Have A Facebook Or Twitter Account?

Yes! I tweet @chainofdaisies and my facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/chainofdaisiesuk

Introducing....Cinnamon Jewellery

2011-07-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

As i mentioned previously i am doing a blog series to introduce the new designers who are stocking some of there lovely new products. This post is all about Cinnamon Jewellery - a gorgeous collection of unique pieces of art - using beads, lampwork, copper, silver. To check out some of the range which Suzanne Porter (Boutique) is stocking click the following link: http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk/ourshop/cat_432185-Cinnamon-Jewellery.html
Read the following to find out more about her ....

Pink Pearl Wirewrapped Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

When Did You Start Your Business?

I opened my first Folksy shop selling jewellery in Nov 2009 and my handmade findings shop in June this year.

What First Inspired You To Start Your Own Business?

I first started making and selling jewellery 7 years ago after seeing handmade jewellery on eBay and thinking "I could do that". I bought some tools and supplies and with the help of the internet and a book I taught myself how to make basic wirework and strung jewellery.

How Would You Describe Your Products?

I make wirework, metalwork and torch enamel jewellery using sterling silver, copper and lots of lovely beads! I love using bright, colorful beads and like to produce jewellery you won't find on the high street.

Pink Agate Coin Pendant Sterling Silver Spiral

Who/what is your inspiration?

I got into wirework jewellery after being given the book Bead On A Wire by Sharilyn Miller. I loved the look of her jewellery and I was hooked! I taught myself some basic metalwork techniques as it allows me more freedom in designs - you can really let your imagination run riot when you're starting with a piece of sheet metal. Enamelling is something I've recently got into after buying a tutorial from Beaducation.com. It's another area where you can really let your imagination run riot. I am influenced a lot by jewellery trends in the US.

What Influences Your Designs?

I love bright colours, swirls and spirals, abstract and geometric designs.

What Are You Favourite Materials To Work With?

Sterling silver and copper.

Pink And Yellow Enamel Flower Earrings

Do You Make Custom Made Pieces?

Yes and I've noticed an increase in requests for custom made pieces this year (which is good!) My designs are available in different colours or metals or completely new designs from the imagination of my customers.

Where Else Do You Sell Your Products?

I sell on Etsy : http://www.cinnamonjewellery.etsy.com

I also sell my handmade findings on Folksy and eBay:

http://www.cinnamonjewelleryfindings.folksy.com

h ttp://stores.ebay.co.uk/Cinnamon-Jewellery-Findings

Do You Have A Facebook Or Twitter Account?

You can find me on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Cinnamon-Jewellery/130668159949

A Journey Back To Elegance

2011-07-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Bowes Museum which hosts a collection of wonderful period pieces dating back from the 17th Century. The workmanship & beauty of some of the clothing was outstanding & I long for the past times when women looked elegant & sophisticated - making think I was completely born in the wrong era. There is just something about the big dresses with the corsets & the crinolines which make me want to make one of them dresses - dress up in it & go walk my local town centre (however i would definitely get some strange looks)! The detailing in the dresses is amazing too - lots of fringing & frills, even the smallest details adds to the look of the dress. It was well worth a visit - however I do wish there was more of it! As I am currently in the middle of designing my new collection - I found it inspirational & will sit for the rest of the day coming up with idea & designs for pieces.

Picture from Bowes Musuem Fashion & Textile Gallery (via facebook)

The Vivienne Westwood Shoes collection is also at the museum - although V. Westwood is not one of my favourite designers it was interesting to take a look the shoes on display & well worth a visit if you get the chance over the weekend.

Introducing....Nostalgia Knits!!

2011-07-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know but Suzanne Porter (Boutique) will be stocking some New Sellers products - from unique Jewellery to some lovely Bags. I'm going to be doing a series of blog features to introduce you to the up & coming sellers who will soon be stocking products to http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk - todays interview is with Nostalgia Knits - who designs & makes a wonderful range of bags.

Envelope style clutch bags inspired by Suzanne Porter 'Irregular Striped' Dresses

When Did You Start Your Business?

Feb 2010

What First Inspired You To Start Your Own Business?

This is honestly a true story! In 2009, I was living with a friend who was very keen on business and was always coming up with ideas. On evening, during one of our late night ramblings on life, we decided to challenge each other to start a business and make some money within six months. If he had failed, he would have had to give me his car and if I had failed, I would have quit my job and had to work in McDonalds!

After several weeks of daydreaming and soul searching, I came to realise that I loved craft and design. If I was going to walk away from my awful day job (as a transport planner!) then now was the perfect time. Over Christmas 2009, I bought a new sewing machine, wrote my resignation letter and never looked back.

As it turns out, he still has his car (and an incredible award winning business) and I’m not flipping burgers for a living

How Would You Describe Your Products?

My bags are based around classic shapes with ever evolving contemporary touches. I design each bag to be fun yet highly functional. I want my bags to compliment a customer’s outfit to make them look effortlessly beautiful.

Summery floral bags with bamboo handles and coordinating wooden buttons

Who/what is your inspiration?

I’m a greedy magpie when it comes to absorbing ideas from everyday life, whether it’s daydreaming whilst out riding my bike or rummaging through clothes swap parties with friends.

What Influences Your Designs?

I’m really drawn towards interesting contrasts in textures and colours such as satin ribbon against denim or delicate lace on top of smooth leather. There’s something very satisfying about bringing together materials you wouldn’t normally associate with each other.

What Are You Favourite Materials To Work With?

What a difficult question to answer. I love all sorts of interesting fabrics from vintage style cottons to bright contemporary African waxed prints. I like to think there’s room in my life (if not my studio) for all of them!

These bags all feature the rainbow stripy buttons and are proving to be popular

Do You Make Custom Made Pieces?

Yes! This is definitely my favourite type of work. I love it when customers see one of my designs and wants to have it altered to suit an outfit for a special occasion. It means working with someone who truly appreciates handmade and bespoke designs. I recently made a handbag for Sophie Cooke, the brains behind Imogen’s Imagination. She wanted a summer style bag to coordinate with a dress she wanted to wear to a smart wedding in a castle!

Where Else Do You Sell Your Products?

I have several stockists in Manchester selling various ranges. Hurricane in Chorlton sells my cushions, quilts and homeware. Nood is a boutique, also in Chorlton selling my handbags. Boho’s is an eco-friendly gift shop selling my upcycled tie bags. Purl City Yarns is a fabulous knitting and crochet shop in the Northern Quarter of Manchester selling my knitting bags

Do You Have A Facebook Or Twitter Account?

www.facebook.com/NostalgiaKnits

http://twitter.com/nostalgiaknits

On The Way To Helsinki...

2011-07-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

So my order for 'Paloni' is now completed & the final parcel has just been posted today. What made my day even better was when i e-mailed Minna to thank her for purchasing from my collection, i recieved a lovely reply from her;

"It's been a pleasure to work with you - all of the items are so professionally made, and you've always been so responsive and easy to do business with. Please keep me updated on your collections!

Let's keep in contact, and hope you have a wonderful rest of the summer!"

It's great to have some really positive feedback about my products & hope this will be the start of great things to come & anticipate I will get many more Wholesale orders :)

Re-Starting Blog! Welcome To Suzanne Porter (Boutique)

2011-06-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since i last wrote on my Blogspot blog - so I’ve decided to start from scratch again & this time i will update it regularly.
So just incase you don't know anything about me - I'm Suzanne Porter - I'm an Independent Fashion Designer based in North-East England, my shop is based online @ http://www.suzanneporterboutique.co.uk I love making elegant & feminine Womenswear clothing perfect for special occasions. There's not only clothing on my website i also stock accessories from Hatastic! & Chiyo - who create some wonderful Headwear & Jewellery. My business started in April 2009 & has been growing ever more popular since.

Recently I started stocking some of my latest Spring/Summer 2011 collection to a fantastic new concept store called 'Paloni' based in Helsinki, Finlandhttp://www.paloni.fi/ Paloni is stocking 16 pieces for my current collection including 6 pieces which are made in an exclusive fabric - specially made for Paloni. "Paloni" means "my passion" or "my fire" in Finnish. The store is selling only hand-made pieces from independent designers from around the world. Once i have completed the order at the end of this week I will be starting my new collection - watch this space for updates on what will be featured in the new Occasion Collection.