Amy Gallivan takes a peek into the handbag of Lynn Turner, owner of Cake & Catwalk boutique in Ipswich to see what it says about her style
Trendy fashion boutique, Cake & Catwalk has already made a very welcome addition to the bohemian area of St Peter’s Street in Ipswich after setting up in a spacious new shop last summer.
Owner Lynn Turner, originally ran her business through event fairs and markets , but when a unit became available at Jerwood House, home of DanceEast, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. She spent the last five years there before choosing to close that site in January. Lynn explained: “I worked as a dance teacher and when a unit came up, I took the opportunity. I spent five years there and business was great – I loved it but it dipped a little last year, so I decided to pour all my efforts into my new shop at 15 St Peter’s Street, which is far larger and has allowed me to focus more on fashion, which is great.”
And so far, business is going well for Ipswich-born Lynn who believes the county town is on the rise and is only set to get better and better. “I love being part of The Saints, it’s certainly the best street in Ipswich and I’ve lived here all my life. I think Ipswich is just going to get better and we should talk up and be proud of our county town. It’s a pleasure to live and work here!”
So what does this busy boutique owner carry in her bag every day?
Lynn’s handbag
My bag is a slouchy taupe-type grey colour which is available to buy from my shop, priced at £60. It isn’t any particular brand but it’s comfortable to wear and goes over my shoulder.
1. Bag tidy
It keeps all my items together and I can just take the whole thing out and pop it into another bag. We also sell these in my shop, available in small, medium and large. It keeps all my little bits together which can easily get lost.
2. Lipstick
I’ve worn the same lipstick for 20 years. It’s a Rimmel one in the shade coffee shimmer. The shade has actually been discontinued so whenever I see it, I always buy it in bulk! I do try different ones, but it is just never as good I find.
3. Purse
It’s quite a big purse by Fiorelli at seven or eight inches long. But I’ve got to have somewhere to store all my cards. I’m quite picky with my purses actually, so if I see one in a particular size and it has the right type of functions, then I buy them and save them for another time. I don’t tend to sell that many purses in my shop because I only like a certain type, much like my own. If I don’t feel confident in the style, then I don’t feel I can sell it. However, TKMaxx is a good place to shop for affordable, leather purses.
4. Pencil case
I store all my pencils in this tiny case from Tiger.
5. Fold-up shopping bag
I always have one of these handy when I hit the shops. I’m hoping to sell a range of these in my shop soon.
6. Glasses
I have two pairs actually. One pair is prescription by Oliver Peoples and the other pair, I bought at Heama in Holland. I really like the style of glasses they sell there. They are round, sort of like those Harry Potter wears. I usually pick them up for around three euros.
7. Phone
I’ve been using Pinterest recently. When I get five minutes, it’s always great fun. I use my phone a lot for Facebook too. I also use Instagram sometimes which is a great source of inspiration.
www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk
01473 871566
