Blogger Babble: Pour Porter

By The Inside Source
April 19, 2010

The TIS editors love a find, and apparently, so does standout blogger Noel, the creator of Pour Porter. Noel, an environmental manager by day (who wishes to have her last name witheld), and her web developer/graphic designer husband collaborate on a fascinating, super-sophisticated style blog that treats us to insider glimpses of lesser-known designers and labels.

Just this week, the two launched an e-shop, where they're selling a thoughtfully curated selection culled from the types of under-the-radar brands they feature on the blog. While even more merchandise will be added soon, we're already coveting a pair of high-heeled clog boots by Swedish Hasbeens and a graphic, handpainted leather bangle by Manu by Lauren.

TIS: We love your blog because we always see something new. What inspired you to start Pour Porter?

Noel: Growing up, I was always torn between my fascination with the natural world and my passion for the creative. When it came time to go to college, I chose the practical route and studied the biological sciences and kept my creative pursuits as a hobby. I started Pour Porter in 2005 after having discovered the internet and online shopping in 1997. It was very exciting to always be finding out about new designers and online shops and I was excited to share my discoveries. For now, Pour Porter remains a hobby and creative outlet, but I hope with the opening of my own online shop, I can plunge into it full time.

TIS: The name of your blog (and your new shop) is so unique. What's the story behind it?

Noel: I had a French username on LiveJournal (where I first started the blog), so I just thought up a French name! Not the most interesting story, but true! Pour Porter can mean “to wear or to carry,” depending on context, so I thought that worked well, since I was posting about clothes and accessories.

TIS: So where do you mine your ideas?

Noel: Honestly, from everywhere, be it books, my job, magazines I still read, colors, whatever. The natural world has always been a big influence and both my parents had a really great eye for design. My mom graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a fine arts degree and her artistic passions always influenced me. She was a big reader, so all three of her kids were big readers too! I'd spend entire summers locked up in my room consuming books, encyclopedias, and magazines. That sparked my imagination, which I think is where I find most inspiration.

TIS: So, how do you interpret fashion—mainstream or otherwise—for your readers? Do you wear what you share on Pour Porter?

Noel: Right now, I want to stress how important finding your own creative voice/style should be. For readers, that means really thinking about their clothing needs, what they themselves want to express (instead of just slavishly following trends to fit in) and if their choice truly fits their personality and identity.

As far as my personal style goes, I like an eclectic mix of things, but am drawn toward neutral colours and simpler silhouettes that I like to punch up by layering. I used to just love the all-black look, but given how overdone that look has been lately, I’ve been desperate for some variety. I’ve been integrating pattern and some brighter colours into my wardrobe lately, so I don’t get stuck in a colourless rut! I think accessories are really key to adding interest to an outfit too, so I am always on the hunt for jewelry, shoes, and bags to liven things up. I’ve also found that’s it’s really important to find the shapes that work best on me so that I can wear them all the time and with everything else in my closet.

TIS: What about the home front?

Noel: I tend to decorate our house the way I dress, too, although I'm a bit more adventurous with color and 'layering' in the house than I am with clothing!

TIS: Do you have a personal favorite designer "of the moment" or do you return to your familiars again and again?

Noel: I don't really have of the moment favorite designers. I can be intrigued by some, but I mostly follow my favorites or seek out unknowns who are really doing something fresh. I tend to always gravitate toward Rachel Comey's pieces and designers that are really doing their own thing year after year. The shop will have the designers that I'm really impressed with and want to support.

TIS: Is there anything in particular you are searching for on eBay right now?

Noel: We live in the Denver area, so I'm always on the lookout for cold weather staples. I want to do a bit of browsing for some good fall and winter choices…

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