Eleanor Gall - Competition Designer

Ellie Gall, also another category winner from our competition last year, has had the opportunity of creating her own window display with her wonderful designs!

Changing the window display is always fun, but equally daunting at the same time, especially when you want to make an impression.

Ellie came over on a cold winters morning, laden with her props and garments, and raring to go!

When the girls come in, they know they have free reign of any of the props in the shop, although I am there to offer suggestions, I quite like to see what they come up with! I am always changing the window myself and only get to see what I create, so its always interesting to see how they take on the challenge!

Our window is always very popular with passers by, more often than not you get cars that will drive by and then reverse back up to our window, very funny to watch and also its nice to know that your displays are appreciated!! Its definately a confidence booster!!

Ellie managed to create a window within a couple of hours, she seemed to know what she wanted her display to look like straight away and so started immediately.

A couple of cups of tea later, and we braved the cold weather to see what Ellie had produced.... it was fantastic, a few suggestions and tweaks and it was perfect!! Even at that point passers by were commenting! Its great for Ellie to see that first hand!!

Ellies stock is still in store and there will be more from Ellie in the new Clifton store too, so watch out!!

Come and have a browse!!

Love

Becky

Marissa Harmon hits Heartfelt

After winning first place in her category (18 and over Autumn/Winter evening wear) in our competition last year, Marissa Harmon has had the opportunity to showcase her collection in Heartfelt.

Her dress blew many away at the finals, the amount of time, effort and talent that went into making her garment was undeniable, and her model definately knew how to catwalk!

Marissa's outfit, like many, was sellable straight away!

Over lunch we had a great natter about Marissa's talent and there was no doubt that we wanted her to sell her delights in the shop! We arranged a date for her to come over so we could see what other pieces she had created.

You can tell from how much time she puts into producing such beautiful clothing that she enjoys being a designer, she likes to source vintage pieces to incorporate into her designs and her garments are flawless, she even has her own labels!

Marissa has made a variety of wonderful things that we are lucky to have in the shop from dresses to scarves to boleros to baby coats. Her talents are endless and I have huge admiration for her snoods!!!!

We are so happy to be working with Marissa and I can't wait for Clifton to see Marissa Harmon!!

Love

Becky

xxx

Happy New Year!

Hello fellow followers,

We're nearing the end of January already! Where does time go these days?? It doesn't seem like only yesterday that I was over indulging on all those naughty christmas delights, by the way hope everyone had a great one!?

Like everyone else, I have adopted several new years resolutions, number one typically being to lose weight! This one however does seem to be one that I am keeping despite my lack of inner strength whenever anything slightly sweet catches my eye.

Number two, to be much more positive in everything I do, to have more confidence and accept change, as life can get pretty boring if you don't!! Thats 3 in 1!

Whilst in France on our new year vacation, I had the opportunity to have my angel cards read. Mandy had explained to me in the van on the way home that she had pulled the same card 3 times in a row, what are the odds!? She was delighted and as always, ever optomistic and full of ideas, I had to have some of this!

I pulled 12 cards, one for every month of this year, the cards I pulled out were so poignant to where I am in my life, it was amazing. With the opening of a new shop, relocation for me and Theo, the launch of our website, the excitement of our competition and the great friends and family I have are all I could ever want, and its only January!

We have so much to look forward to and this year is going to be fantastic!!!

Lets give it our all guys!!!!

Much Love
Becky
xxx

Christmas Late Night Opening

On the 17th of December, I will be holding our christmas late night opening!

A time to enjoy a drink and a cheeky mince pie, to meet with friends, to buy yourself a Christmas outfit or just a well deserved treat!

It will be from 6pm ,but as usual, I will be there all day!

Please come along, with friends or family.

You are all welcome!

Love
Becky

A Very Merry Heartfelt Christmas!

That special time of year has come around again, it has gone so quickly and to think that at the end of January we would have been open a year!!! Wowsa!

What a success! For me it has been a blast and I am so very grateful to be a part of this wonderful creation, I have learnt so much, met so many lovely people and made some fantastic friends!

I want to take this time to thank everyone who have supported us this year, we are so very grateful and appreciate every bit of generosity and friendship.

We hope that everyone has a fantabulous Christmas, over indulge! I will, and then worry about the few extra pounds later, thats what New Years resolutions are for!

As its Christmas, opening hours will change....

Wednesday 22nd December - 10am - 3pm


Thursday 23rd December - 10am - 5pm


Friday 24th December ( xmas eve) - 10am - 6.30pm

Christmas Day - CLOSED

Boxing Day - CLOSED

Monday 27th December - CLOSED

Tuesday 28th December - CLOSED

Wednesday 29th December - 10am - 3pm

Thursday 30th December - 10am - 3pm

New Years Eve - 10am - 3pm

New Years Day - CLOSED


Normal hours resume.

Vintage Wedding Shoot

Hey guys,

Sorry its been a while, much to tell you!

Back in September, the Heartfelt team decided to do another photo shoot with the great Martin Hill! Vintage Weddings was the theme, and Mandy wanted to do a different take to what the average bride might want to look like on her special day!

I have managed to get hold of some of the shots from that day!

Similar to the shoot back in February on the trainlines at Crowcombe Heathfield, we decided to use the same models, Kate and Annabelle Hinckley and of course the amateur in the team, me. Having done this before we are always very aware of the demands and effects of volunterring ourselves to model but as usual you can always guarantee that its going to be an amazing experience and you get dolled up!

We needed the right setting and for us it was Chapel Cleeve, an old hotel, very famous in this area. It is owned by Jeannie Wilkins, such a lovely lady who made us feel very welcome. The building is outstanding and so traditional, it was amazing to see the inside and all the paintings and furniture that she had on display.

Although it was September, typically for us it was freezing, but when you have to produce shots, you have to suck it! As for me too, heels are not my forte and by the end of the morning my feet were literally killing me. As ever though Kate and Annabelle were amazing, they are always the professionals, and always make me feel confident too.

Mandy didn't want to dress us in the traditional white gowns, she wanted to do things in her own quirky way, which is always exciting! The dresses that we got to wear were from our shop and they were gorgeous, you simply cannot imitate these pieces, they are unique, and each have their own story to tell, they have stood the test of time!

With the help from our team, we were once again able to transform ourselves and look the part! Bella Hodge, the master of make up artists, created beauty. Susie Logan with her floral designs produced some beautiful bouquets for us to hold and Susan Hinckley, the ever amazing wonderwoman who always gives us her support and love.

It was a fantastic day and have a look at the shots!

Winter Warmers

With the competition and fashion show that we had organised it was undeniable that Mandy had to bring dear old Mollie over, her collection was divine and definately couldn't be shipped over by plane. The journey was certainly a long one but was sure another opportunity to bring over a selection of new clothes from ZOUM in France and some Vintage items too.



Whenever Mandy comes over its always exciting, a great chance to try on what goodies that she has brought over with her! Very tempting!!



The shop is now fully stocked again, as always though!! Full to the brim with Winter warmers.



Come over for a brew, the kettle is always on!



Love

Becky

WWW

We've decided to go for it.



ONLINE is the way up!!



Whenever customers come in from afar, one thing they always ask us is whether we are on the internet and we say unfortunately we aren't but now we have decided to bite the bullet and go for it, so watch this space!!



With Fran, Mandys niece on board we are well on the way to establishing ourselves in the virtual world.



In the new year we should be up and running. Fingers crossed!!

20th of November!

Hi guys,

On the 20th of November I am holding an evening opening in the shop! A chance for friends to get together with a glass of bubbles and browse to your hearts content.

Sometimes our lives can become really hectic and retail therapy for me is always the best remedy.

I know its a Saturday evening and your probably usually glued to the telly with Strictly and X Factor on the go but please press record and come on down!

It will be from 6pm onwards, bring a friend too.

You can't g wrong with 15% DISCOUNT either!!!!

Muchos Love

Becky
xxxx

Aaaarrrgghh Crikey!!

Its been too long guys!! I'm so sorry.

Much to tell you all.

Of course you will all remember the competition that we held this year to find "Somersets Young Fashion Designer Of The Year 2010"....its now over.

Everybodys hard work and dedication paid off and we ended it all on a high on the 23rd of October at the lovely Regal Theatre in Minehead.

The week running up to the competition was hectic, me and Mandy were actually drowning in a sea of to-do lists, there were moments of complete and utter chaos and times where we thought the jobs would never get done, but with a great team of friends, we got there.

With 16 contestants through to the final, there was much to be done, the rehearsals were on the Friday and Saturay before the show, and unfortunately there wasn't as much time to prepare everything comfortably, but a bit of faith goes a long way.

As well as the competition we were running a full on fashion show too, Mandy spent her whole summer creating a collection of gorgeousness. With beautiful fabrics, she worked away in the silence of her open barn. Whilst out in France, I had had a sneak preview of some of her pieces but was totally blown away when she returned to old Blighty, I was the only one!!

It came to the evening event, crunch time, all contestants and models had been preparing all day, it was there chance to show the public what they had created! Models were responsible for the whole image of their model and it was interesting to see the end products.

Mandy on the other hand was in charge of alll her models, she had the look in mind of what she wanted and needless to say there was HAIRSPRAY, HAIRSPRAY and oh HAIRSPRAY!

The talent of the contestants blew us all away, such committment and dedication was put into their garments and judges had a very hard time deliberating who the winner would be.

After the contestants models had strutted their stuff it was time to spectate the full on fashion extravaganza that Mandy had put together. A non-stop collaboration of Bridal by Susan Hinckley of Parham House Brides, Dunster, Millinery by award winning Tracy Chaplin, Vintage by Heartfelt, Watchet and Autumn/Winter collection by Mandy Hawkins of Heartfelt, Watchet was greatly recieved by such a supportive audience.

After much umming and arring, the judges had reached their decision, there was 1st and second places in all 4 categories and one overall winner.

Results:

1st in 18 & under day wear: Kate Rogers, 17 from Glastonbury.

2nd in 18 & under day wear: Jess Coombs, 18 from Radstock.

1st in 18 & under evening wear: Kitty Tredwin, 14 from Wellington.

2nd in 18 & under evening wear: Shannon Watts, 16 from Taunton

1st in 18 & over day wear: Eleanor Gall, 19 from Axbridge.

2nd in 18 & over day wear: Holly Spencer, 25 from Cullumpton.

1st in 18 & over evening wear: Marissa Harmon, 25, Somerset.

2nd in 18 & over evening wear: Vicks Thomas, 25, Old Cleeeve, Somerset

The overall winner was Georgia Rose, 17 from Wells.

Winning design is below.

All creations of Mandy Hawkins are now in store and also we await gorgeous pieces from winning contestants.

All in all, the evening was a great success and we are delighted with how it went. With it being the first, of course there were a few hiccups and mistakes but this has been a big learning curve and we are pleased to say that next years competition is in the pipe line and we're heading for the top!!

We would like to say a BIG thank you to all who entered and all who supported us.

BIG PATS ON THE BACK!!!

Lots of Love

Becky

xxx

Tracy Chaplin

Whilst living out in France Mandy has learnt how to felt and has created her designs that you may have seen in the shop. Mandy learnt how to master this technique with the help of Tracy Chaplin, an artist is so many talents also living out in the south of France.

Tracy Chaplin is a Milliner who has an interesting and varied background, she attended the Royal Ballet School, has worked in the fine art field and has also practiced and taught Alternative Medicine.
Tracy Chaplin has created and run courses in Felted Textiles and it is here that Mandy met her. Tracy has attended a millinery course with Rose Cory, Royal warrant holder and milliner to the Queen Mother alongside creating her own designs and selling them in boutiques all over the world.

She is busy creating designs for our Competition finale and fashion show, very exciting times but here is a sneak peek at some of her early designs

The Finale and Fashion Show

Tickets are going rather fast in the shop, I have a limited number of great seats left. You don't want to miss out so contact us now!!!!!

This night is going to be fantastic.

Love

Heartfelt

Bon Voyage!

Last week I managed to get away again for a little break at Chateau Hawkins, some very kind family members took over the shop to give me and Theo the chance to spend some time with everyone all together.

We had a lovely week and much of the time me and Mandy were out gallivanting in Molly, her new but old Citroen 3CV, chasing the trees of the scenic meandering roads. The little beuaty can't go very fast but it simply is a must have for out there, who want's to go speeding when you can enjoy the ride and have a few giggles along the way.

With 3 "vid greniers" and a trip to the local fripperies we managed to pick up some quirky bargains, a trip to one of them saw us trying to squeeze a beautiful cabinet that Mandy is going to work her magic on into the back of Molly, it was so funny listening to the two gentlemen bickering about which way was best, this food shopping trip turned into an adventure and we found ourselves travelling along alot slower but it was realxing all the same.

A couple of gloomy days found us curling up with the dogs and watching a few films and a lot of gorgous meals and delicious desserts found us bloated and guilty but we were happy, we were lucky this time to actually see the sun, May brought us snow!!

A lovely bonfire built by Theo was a slow starter but was lovely to watch along with the lightning in the sky, why is the sky always much nicer out there than here I ask.

The week was amazing and I'm so lucky to have such lovely family.

This dress.........

I thought I would show you some snaps of our latest window display, haven't done it in a while but thought this is one that you just can't miss!

Finding different ideas for the window is sometimes a challenge but when I picked out this particular garment, I knew the rest would just follow easily and the dress is sort of a jaw dropper in itself, to me it is anyway!

The beautiful original 1950s prom dress is a stunner on its own but so sweetly it comes with a little bolero and also its very own tiara and veil, yes ladies you read correctly. The dress has had so many lovely compliments it must be flattered tee hee....

Of course the dress is old, so of course it comes with some noticeable wear and tear but honestly to me that would mean it was perfect, I would choose a dress that had tonnes of history compared with a new mass produced outfit any day! They just don't make clothes the way they did back then. So much demand I guess means short deadlines.The colour is subtle too, nice and light and very easy to match with goodies in the shop. As you can see I've displayed the window with a few beauties that you may want to wear with the dress.A few selected pair of heels, a gorgeous vintage brolly/parasol, a selection of jewellery and of course a pair of vintage gloves and purse.

Let me know what you think!

Becky

xxx

Competition Finale!!!

Hey guys,

Remember me telling you about the finale of our competition, well the date is 23rd of October and it will be held at the Regal theatre in Minehead at 7.30pm.

This will be a great event, a celebrity panel of judges including fashion designer Alice Temperley, Actress Susan George, fashion designer and Central St.Martins lecturer Sophie Gorton, award winning photographer Martin Hill, designer and business woman Susan Hinckley and Heartfelts own Mandy Hawkins, will be deciding a winner of Somersets Young Fashion Designer Of The Year competition at the end.

Plus you get a chance to see displays of Vintage, millinery and bridal fashions plus a peek at Heartfelts own label designs.

Tickets are available from me at the shop or you can ring the Regal on 01643 706430 or visit their website.

Ticket prices are £12 adults, £11.5o for friends of the Regal, £6 students.

Come along, don't miss out on this exciting event!!

Love

Becky

xxx

New season!

Hey guys,


Its going to be your last chance to snap up our Summer bargains, soon the new stock for the Autumn/Winter will be in! Exctiting times but please please please do NOT miss out! There are so many lovely treasures to be seen.........

Come in and browse, have a cuppa tea!

Becky
xxx

Browse Online!

Hey guys just a little note to let you know that I have put selected Vintage dresses on our blog that you can buy!

There is a little link on the top left below "available to buy" and it says "The Real Deal" PLease click on this and check out the gorgeous frocks we have on there.

If you are interested in any of them please let me know!!!!!

Becky

xxx

SALE!SALE!SALE!

You should really come down to the shop if you haven't already! We have our Summer sale on and there are plenty of bargains to be had!

Don't miss out guys!

Becky
xxx

My new blog!

I thought it would be cool to do a separate blog for myself, use it like a diary really but fill it with things that I think are interesting and things that I have opinions on, its still being worked on but have a ganders.

You can get to it by clicking on BeeBee at the side of this blog.

Becky
xxx