Moms at Work
A Sew-cial Butterfly
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
"Where did you get that?"
It was a question asked repeatedly to Susan Burns about her clothing, embellished with ribbons, crystals and fabrics to give personality to otherwise pedestrian, mass-produced items.
It was a question that launched her business, Social Butterfly last year, and it took flight earlier this year selling on the web at www.shopsocialbutterfly.com.
"My idea originated when I was bored with my own clothing," Burns explained, "and couldn't find anything exciting enough in the stores. So, I started embellishing what I already had to make them more interesting."
Burns, Fairfield U grad from Long Island, had yearned for a job where she could use her creativity. She took a sewing course with Fairfield Continuing Education, and it unleashed a passion for design that she had not yet indulged.
"It wasn't long before I began making pillows, drapes, tablecloths, really anything and everything," she said. "I do all the work of my business myself, including all sewing, designing, marketing, shopping and bookkeeping."
Burns sews during the day when children, Patrick (age 9) and Katharine (8) are at school. The Social Butterfly brand is marketed by "word of mouth" and sells at local shows as well as private parties.
"I have a passion for detail, including beautiful fabrics and trims," she said. "I like fabrics that are fun and whimsical, especially Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley designs. My favorite color combinations at the moment are turquoise/blue and pink/green, but that could change at any moment."
Social Butterfly's most popular item this spring has been Burns's newest item, a Swarovski-crystal-embellished Alligator tee ($35) and the ribbon-embellished denim jean skirt ($70).
The trimmed jean jacket ($50-$125) has proven to be a best-seller, no matter the season. Customers can also choose their own fabric and bring items to be embellished by Burns.
Shop www.shopsocialbutterfly.com and get 10% off your entire order by being a loyal Suzy Said reader. Enter the promo code SUZYSAID10 at checkout to receive the discount.
5 Questions for Susan Burns:
Why the name "Social Butterfly"? It reflects what I do. It's whimsical and fun.
What's your favorite store in Fairfield? Sunny Daes! I am addicted to the Coconut Gelato with hot fudge. Where else can you get a kid's cone for just over one dollar?
What fashion item from your line is a must-have? The embellished skirt. Whether it's the short Abercrombie style or longer Levi's style, one can wear it year round and stand out in a crowd.
Most embarrassing iPod download? I am not embarrassed about anything I downloaded. I'm a huge alternative/dance/punk fan and used to be a DJ back in college.
One thing you would change about Fairfield? That's a hard one because I really love Fairfield! But I would like to have a Target here.
Contact Information for Susan Burns, owner Social Butterfly
www.shopsocialbutterfly.com
Email Address:
It was a question asked repeatedly to Susan Burns about her clothing, embellished with ribbons, crystals and fabrics to give personality to otherwise pedestrian, mass-produced items.
It was a question that launched her business, Social Butterfly last year, and it took flight earlier this year selling on the web at www.shopsocialbutterfly.com.
"My idea originated when I was bored with my own clothing," Burns explained, "and couldn't find anything exciting enough in the stores. So, I started embellishing what I already had to make them more interesting."
Burns, Fairfield U grad from Long Island, had yearned for a job where she could use her creativity. She took a sewing course with Fairfield Continuing Education, and it unleashed a passion for design that she had not yet indulged.
"It wasn't long before I began making pillows, drapes, tablecloths, really anything and everything," she said. "I do all the work of my business myself, including all sewing, designing, marketing, shopping and bookkeeping."
Burns sews during the day when children, Patrick (age 9) and Katharine (8) are at school. The Social Butterfly brand is marketed by "word of mouth" and sells at local shows as well as private parties.
"I have a passion for detail, including beautiful fabrics and trims," she said. "I like fabrics that are fun and whimsical, especially Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley designs. My favorite color combinations at the moment are turquoise/blue and pink/green, but that could change at any moment."
Social Butterfly's most popular item this spring has been Burns's newest item, a Swarovski-crystal-embellished Alligator tee ($35) and the ribbon-embellished denim jean skirt ($70).
The trimmed jean jacket ($50-$125) has proven to be a best-seller, no matter the season. Customers can also choose their own fabric and bring items to be embellished by Burns.
Shop www.shopsocialbutterfly.com and get 10% off your entire order by being a loyal Suzy Said reader. Enter the promo code SUZYSAID10 at checkout to receive the discount.
5 Questions for Susan Burns:
Why the name "Social Butterfly"? It reflects what I do. It's whimsical and fun.
What's your favorite store in Fairfield? Sunny Daes! I am addicted to the Coconut Gelato with hot fudge. Where else can you get a kid's cone for just over one dollar?
What fashion item from your line is a must-have? The embellished skirt. Whether it's the short Abercrombie style or longer Levi's style, one can wear it year round and stand out in a crowd.
Most embarrassing iPod download? I am not embarrassed about anything I downloaded. I'm a huge alternative/dance/punk fan and used to be a DJ back in college.
One thing you would change about Fairfield? That's a hard one because I really love Fairfield! But I would like to have a Target here.
Contact Information for Susan Burns, owner Social Butterfly
www.shopsocialbutterfly.com
Email Address:
