My very first solo, in-person event has come and gone. The preparation was a roller coaster of emotions from nearly having my entire collection stolen to not being able to get into the venue to running out of fabric for some of the styles.
I was on autopilot preparing for the event, and it came and went in a blur, but I couldn’t have asked for a better event. It’s funny how much preparation went into a 2 1/2 hour event, and suddenly, my everyday routine is back to being somewhat quiet again.
In no less than 12 hours after the event, I hopped on a plane to enjoy a week-long vacation in Bald Head Island, NC with my family - another significant festivity that I’d been looking forward to since November 2022. Yet again, it was another event that came and went in a blink.
Those two big events reinforced how nothing - good or bad - lasts. Life is constantly moving.
I never understood the idea that “time is an illusion”. Maybe so, but it’s never failed to keep moving forward. That idea has never been a comfort to me.
The best we can do is enjoy life’s pleasures around us right now. One of my favorite of life's pleasures? Beauty. I plan to soak in as much of that as possible in preparation for the next collection, and because of this, you can plan to see a strong connection between fashion and art from me in the coming Fall months.
Design can be very technical, and the technicalities can become somewhat stressful for someone visually minded like myself, especially when what I love most is creating beautiful things. I find myself yearning to paint, sketch, or make a funky mixed media collage because it allows my brain to dump beauty onto a piece of paper instead of fine tuning the fit of a dress or working to get a neckline to lay flat.
A stressed brain doesn’t thrive when it’s time to be creative. I told myself that post event I’ll allow myself to “play” again. To paint, drape fabric, clip magazines, find pretty beads - whatever my inner artist child feels like doing so that I can bring the beautiful ideas in my head out into the world and hopefully into the next collection. After all, that is what the SS23 Jovial collection is all about. :) Isn’t it funny how we can start to map out our life's story through what we create?
Beauty is one of my favorite out of all of life’s pleasures, and I feel it is my responsibility to bring the ideas in my head out into the real world. The fact that nothing lasts can really be a beautiful thing. One idea, mood, emotion, relationship, or stage in life leads to the next. Once we get on the right path, the journey is really quite exciting.
]]>The biggest lesson I learned from the past 3 months is that sometimes we have to let go of controlling every little detail.
I didn’t come up with the name for the spring/summer collection 'Jovial' until maybe 10 days before I launched the collection. From concept to creation, Jovial changed so much! I was constantly trying to make everything perfect, and in the process had to scrap styles I was developing, purchase fabrics that I ended up not using, and was almost missing 3 styles a week before shooting the collection.
I’ve been through the craziness of putting a collection before, but by mid-March I decided to let go of things that I couldn’t control. If I wasn’t sure of something, I would let the issue simmer until I slept on it. I'd wake up the next morning to find I had the answer to whatever was making my brain rattle.
Maybe it was clearing my head, maybe it’s divine intervention, maybe I just wasn’t ready to make a choice. Regardless, as soon as I stopped trying to control everything, I let the answers fall in place on their own.
All we can do is put in the work and accept there are things we can’t control. Creativity is a funny thing. Where do our ideas come from? It’s fascinating to think of the domino effect our brains follow from inspiration to development to creation to final product.
Through it all, the best part is sharing it with you. :)
Check out the collection here.
]]>Love can come in many forms. I feel it when I return home to Pennsylvania. When I see a dress come together on a mannequin. When my niece and nephews wrap their little arms around my neck. When my sweetheart leaves a brilliant bouquet of coral tulips waiting for me at home.
Love is waiting for us in little moments throughout the hustle and bustle of life. We end up missing them if we don’t stop and pay attention.
We use beautiful things to express our love. There’s a reason my boyfriend surprised me with coral tulips over an ugly toad. We have an innate draw towards beauty. I’m fascinated by the way humanity can agree on what’s beautiful: a sunset, the Mona Lisa, Brad Pitt. We agree on these things as if they are definitive and yet we can’t define it.
Even my 3 year old niece can recognize beauty- “pretty dress”, “pretty flower”, “pretty princess”, “pretty nail polish”. This recognition is ingrained in us.
The morning that we shot this collection, I felt compelled to include flowers, so I walked to the store and chose light pink and fuchsia carnations.
How many places are there that you can spontaneously pop into a bar Thursday night and listen to a band with unimaginable talent? Or leave a Broadway play to see the lead actress smiling at you on the train? Or experience a spontaneous dance party at the subway station on your way to meet a friend?
A few weeks later and it feels like a distant dream.
Longgg walks through the city resulted in some musings in my phone notes. Here's a few thoughts I had from New York:
NYC is tough like it went through something and came out on the other side of it rebuilt.
LA feels rough like, “I’m going through something right now, and it ain’t pretty.” LA doesn't feel rebuilt. Yet.
NYC feels like someone touched every little crevice and left their mark. No space has been left untouched. No detail has been spared. From the ceiling of the sandwich shop to the roof of a public restroom.
Every crevice is occupied:
The sink that I used to put my toiletry bag in while I showered.
The tiny corner store with items up to the ceiling.
The pizza shop with a kitchen the size of my bed back in LA.
New Yorkers are living right now. You can spontaneously pop into a bar and experience the best live jazz performance you’ve ever seen.
Angelenos are dreaming. Living to fulfill an idea in their head.
The world needs both. New Yorkers are fact. Angelenos are faith. New York is the Ego. Los Angeles is the Self.
What would we do without the risk takers, the dreamers? Those who create to make life worth living? They pass the unknown onto those who are ingrained in reality. They shuttle between earth and the unknown to deliver faith to those who aren’t familiar.
Cheers to the dreamers! Those of us who don't know where we are going but are sure to find it and come back from it rebuilt.
I recently asked the question on my Instagram: What’s the first memory you have related to fashion? Here’s a few of the responses:
Having a favorite red summer dress that was great for twirling down the sidewalk
My mom made all our clothes
My brother’s green sweat suit
My personal favorite: Wearing tutus while having chicken pox (spoiler- that was my sister!)
My personal first memory related to fashion? The earliest one I can think of was wearing my dinosaur dress to preschool every other day. I LOVED that dress.
I grew up the youngest of three. Anyone who has been the youngest knows about hand-me-downs. Funny enough, I used to get excited about the hand-me-downs! It was like a new art medium to use. I could spice up my wardrobe with whatever was given to me.
Like most children, I couldn’t afford a shopping spree, so I worked with what I had. So I’d make use of my existing wardrobe, mixing and matching, styling and editing.
Most of us can agree we like “new”. But with everything new, the excitement fades eventually, and inevitably we want MORE.
The experiences we have with things are what keep us fond of them. This concept is something I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older.
But I, like most people, know that wearing the same thing everyday to work or school or out to eat can still get monotonous if we let it, so here I’m going to share with you a few ways to add excitement to your outfits/wardrobe without overspending:
1. Accessorize
Use an accessory you forgot about. The one that’s been collecting dust at the back of your closet shelf. Or pick something from a category you tend to neglect like belts or neck scarves.
2. Freshen up your hair and makeup.
Find a look you love on Pinterest and try to recreate it. Maybe get a new lipstick or eyeshadow color in a different color. Do the same with your hair.
3. Go to Goodwill and buy something you would never normally pick.
This is a way to challenge your creativity. Add it to your wardrobe and find out how you can make it your style.
4. Make something :)
This is my favorite. Whether it’s jewelry, an accessory, or an old item of clothing that you can make into something new. You could cut and re-sew something, embroider something, or dye it a different color.
We are all creators, whether you like it or not. When we get older, a lot of times we don’t spend enough time with our inner child. We don’t spend enough time doing nothing. I know I get caught up in the mindset that everything I do has to be productive. When was the last time you did something just for fun?
Don’t know where to start? Learn how to make something on Youtube. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Need inspiration? Look through magazines, Pinterest, make a mood board, or go for a walk!
Add whatever you make to your wardrobe and see how you can style an outfit around it :)
Purchasing mindfully is a beautiful thing, but we don’t need to constantly purchase something new in order to get satisfaction. Getting creative allows you to add excitement to your personal style without feeling like you need to add more.
Love always,
XO Emily
]]>Before I tell you about the very fun, challenging, and exciting process of creating a custom suit, I must introduce you to my friend (and fellow designer!), Nhu Nhu! Nhu Nhu designs jewelry and has her own brand Mochi Mochi. She handmakes everything herself as well. Each piece is so unique and elegant. :)
Nhu Nhu came to me knowing that she wanted a pink houndstooth suit with sparkly fringe. She likes things a little "extra" (as she likes to put it!), so I was very excited to tackle this unique project.
I started by sourcing fabrics from pink tweeds and knit fabric until I landed on one both Nhu Nhu and I loved.
Styling an outfit from the office to a night out is the perfect way to get the most use out of your wardrobe because you’re adapting what’s already in your wardrobe for multiple occasions.
If you haven’t built your capsule wardrobe yet, I’d suggest watching this video about capsule wardrobes. A capsule wardrobe gives you the versatility to mix, match, and rotate different looks, so you can look corporate chic at the office and sexy chic by night. There’s no feeling like shedding your workplace persona for your social, ready-to-throw-back-some-margaritas self that comes alive in the night :)
Here’s my thought process when choosing outfits to transition from day to night:
1. Choose Your Base. This is what you’ll style by accessorizing and layering. It’s like choosing bread for your sandwich. It guides the overall flavor, and the shoes/jacket/accessories are the meat/cheese/condiments that make it yours. …lol that was a stretch, but hopefully you get what I mean.
Here are a few wardrobe staples that transition easily: the little black dress, a jumpsuit, any type of skirt, a shirtdress, or a charmeuse blouse. These pieces can be worn for either day or night, so they are a perfect place to start.
2. The Jacket(s). Blazers transition easily from day to night, so they are a great pick. I love a good trench coat or ¾ coat, which can be worn for day or night.
Denim or utility jackets are perfect for the daytime but maybe not be for the office, so you’ll need an option for the evening. Leather jackets are my go-to for a nighttime option.
For Daytime, I'm wearing a 3/4 coat from my very first Fall collection! And then I swapped it for my favorite worn-in leather jacket for the evening.
3. The Shoes. This is where I’d pick an option that you’ll definitely trade for something else in the evening. Options like loafers, ballet flats, or those super cool slip-on square-toed flats that look terrible on me (does anyone know what those are called??) come in handy. Sandals or a cute sneaker are great if you can go more casual.
Trade those babies in the evening for something sexier like tall boots or heels to help you really let down your hair.
4. The Accessories. I typically opt for simple jewelry for daytime and then pile on the earrings, bangles, necklaces, and rings in the evening. Chunky, statement jewelry is best for night (most of the time), but there are some exceptions for daytime! Also I feel that some people that just LOVE jewelry and wear it all the time can get away with this during the day. For me personally, it’s not the most comfortable during the day, but I love lots of accessories at night! Stacking hoop earrings and rings and layering necklaces are great ways to dress up your outfit for the evening.
5. The Makeup. Not too revolutionary here, but stick with neutral simple makeup for the day time to highlight that natural beauty. Less is more :) Night time is for the higher contrast, shimmery eye makeup and fun, vibrant lipsticks that make your features pop in the night :)
Comment below if this blog helped you or if you have any questions! Subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>I’ve been getting quite a few questions about fabrics lately, and I figured I should make a blog about this topic. I’m referring to identifying fabrics. It’s probably one of the most useful courses I took in fashion design school.
Understanding fabrics is SO important. A design is completely dependent on the fabric. It’s what brings your garment to life. Fabric is what allows you to structure a design. For example, you can’t create a bodycon fit with a stiff, woven fabric. You can’t achieve the fluidity of charmeuse with duchess satin. And you can’t substitute the sculptural effect of taffeta with a single jersey knit.
Learning fabrics and fiber content takes time. It also takes using different fabrics and practicing with them to understand them. But you have to start somewhere. That’s what I hope to help you do today.
For this first lesson, I’d like to start with the basics. That means starting with the building blocks of fabrics- the fibers. Stick with me here. Fibers are not the most fun part about fabrics, but are the foundation to understanding fabrics. :)
Defining fibers
Fibers are the building block of yarns. Yarn makes up fabrics. They are by definition a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed.
There are two types of fibers: Natural and Synthetic.
Natural Fibers come from nature. There are two types of natural fibers: cellulose and protein. Cellulose fibers come from plants. Examples are cotton, flax, and hemp. Protein fibers come from animals. Think silk and wool.
Synthetic Fibers are man made. Synthetic fibers consist of regenerated cellulose and protein fibers and chemical and regenerated chemical fibers.
Regenerated Cellulose is a manufactured product of cellulose. Examples include lyocell, bamboo, rayon. An example of a Regenerated Protein fiber is soy.
Chemical fibers have a chemical composition, structure, and properties that are significantly modified during the manufacturing process. Examples include acrylic, polyester, and rayon. An example of a Regenerated Chemical fiber is acetate.
Identifying Fiber Content
With practice and time, you’ll eventually be able to see and feel a fabric and have some idea of what the fiber content is.
When in doubt, you can also try a burn test. A burn test is performed by setting a small piece of fabric on fire, monitoring the flame as it burns, and inspecting the ashes after the flame is gone.
In general, you’ll know if a fabric is made from cellulose if it smells like paper and has a light feathery ash.
If a fabric contains protein fiber, it will likely smell like burning hair, won’t hold the flame, and create a gray-black bead that is easily crushed.
Chemical fibers will melt when burned and produce a bead that is very hard to crush.
From Fiber to Yarn
First thing to know in regards to fibers is that the length of fiber in a yarn determines the appearance of the fabric. There are two fiber lengths: staple or filament.
Staple fibers are shorter and create spun yarns. Staple fibers come from natural sources except silk. Silk is a filament fiber. Filament fibers are long, and they create filament yarns. They come from silk and manufactured fibers and are the strongest of the types of yarn.
There are three categories of yarn: spun, filament, and novelty. Filament yarns create fabric with a silky, smooth, cool feel. Spun yarns create fabric with a fuzzy, dull, warm feel.
There are also novelty yarns:
That’s all I’d like to cover today. Stick around for a much more fun lesson where we learn about fabric structures, so we can start identifying fabrics and what to use them for.
Comment below if this blog helped you, and I will make another lesson! Let me know if you have any questions :) Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>Boyyy is it hot outside!! High summer in SoCal has me wanting to wear a bathing suit everywhere, but with the way 2022 is flying by, I know cooler weather will be here before I’m ready for it.
It kinda feels like I bought summer clothes and there was about a week long timespan when it wasn’t too hot to wear real clothes (like actual clothes other than tank tops and shorts). Being able to style your summer clothes for winter is more eco-friendly, less work for you (since you don’t need to pack up the items), and forces you to be a little more creative with styling your outfits. :)
So how can we maximize those summer clothes, whether they are new or old, and get the most use out of them? I’ve put together 3 tips for how to wear your summer clothes in the cooler fall and winter seasons.
#1: Layer, layer, and oh yeah… layer!
This one seems fairly obvious, so I’ll get specific here.
Remember those floral-ly, brightly printed maxi dresses you wore almost everyday in June? (They are so trendy this season!). Pair a jersey turtleneck under those spaghetti straps for a quirky, yet fashionable look.
Using my pattern mixing skills from my blog on prints!
Turtlenecks also look great with a slip dress:
In fact, you can pretty much layer a turtleneck under anything. Check out this cute tee/turtleneck combo:
One rule: the tee shirt can’t have too tight of a neck or you’ll start looking like an actual turtle, and it will be quite uncomfortable.
Layer an oversized blazer over your mini dress or skirt. There’s something about a blazer that just says: "Fall". Maybe it’s the back-to-school vibe?
You can also cover up that mini dress/skirt with a long or oversized cardigan!:
Leggings under your mini skirt or shorts you ask? I say go for it! I def did this circa 2007:
Scarves are one of the easiest layering pieces to apply to your summer clothes, but definitely add a cardigan or jacket to go with it!
#2: Pair with accessories/shoes made from Fall-ish textiles and/or prints
Suede shoes can make any summer maxi dress turn into a fall, boho look:
Anything leather!:
Check, houndstooth, Glen plaid (a few of my favorite things) scream fall/winter, so pair your summer-y tops, shorts, and dresses with layers and accessories in these pattern families:
#3: Add tall boots
A surefire way to get your look to pass for fall/winter is to pair it with tall boots. So swap out those platform slides for this classic fall favorite!
Comment below how you plan to wear summer styles in cooler weather!
Watch my video on the Trend Spotlight: Cottagecore!
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]]>I just got back from vacation in Bald Head Island, North Carolina. It was awesome. There’s no cars on the island, the population year round is about 400 people, and there’s maybe 3 or 4 restaurants to pick from. I definitely needed the quiet, peaceful lifestyle outside of big ol’ Los Angeles.
Now I’m back on the mainland, and I want to talk about a lifestyle/fashion trend that’s been on my radar for a few months - Cottagecore. This whimsical, rural inspired trend has me craving the peace and quiet of my most recent trip to coastal North Carolina and the countryside where I grew up in Pennsylvania. This trend is the epitome of country meets city. Like just about every trend, there’s things I like and don’t like about it. So I wanted to share with you what it is, what’s so great and not so great about it, and ways to wear it.
But first, what is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is the culmination of clothing, interiors, and lifestyle activities inspired by living in… welp, a cottage. You could even say it’s partly a side effect of slow fashion because it favors a more intentional approach to dressing and everyday life. The Cottagecore aesthetic gives off an air of whimsical romanticism. Some might say it includes a pinch of practicality needed for living on a farm or a plot of land in the middle of nowhere, but I basically grew up on a farm, and I can tell you firsthand no one is wearing this stuff haha. But that’s fashion!
Cottagecore has been flitting about the past few years, probably from the Covid 19 pandemic when people were (and have still been fleeing) busy cities and opting for a simpler lifestyle. It’s frequented by models in rose print puff sleeve dresses that are way too formal to wear to work on your garden, but represented in that way nonetheless - thanks Instagram ;)
The trend consists of chunky knits, Victorian inspired details, and puff sleeves, as well as midi and maxi dresses in natural fabrics and pastel colors. You’ll see frills, eyelet, intricate details, and quilted pieces lumped into this trend.
What do I like about this trend?
I love that this trend touches on handmade- embroidery, puff sleeves, corsets, floral dyed prints. Some might say this trend encourages investing in timeless pieces, but I’d say that should go for every trend! And that’s probably why I’ve been drawn to Cottagecore, considering my love for slow fashion and handmade :) It’s about embracing a rural lifestyle, and that’s how I grew up. With some aspects of the trend, you can see that practicality is a priority, which is also important to me. IMO, if it’s not practical, it can’t be an investment piece.
A few things that aren’t my favorite…
I’m not a huge fan of corsets. To me they are impractical and not super chic, probably because they were intended to be undergarments. But I would never discount them completely. I love seeing a design re-thought, and I’m sure there is a designer out there rethinking the corset in a new, elegant way. :)
Another thing- puff sleeves aren’t for everyone. Especially when they hang off the shoulder. They make shoulders look broader, which isn’t a bad thing, unless you have a straight, stocky or large bust-ed body type, and you are looking for a flattering, elongating silhouette. I’m personally weary of them because I have broad shoulders. But alas, there is a time and place for everything and sometimes it's about the design as a whole and not a single element.
Tips on How to Wear/Practice It
Cottagecore is one of those trends that you don't just wear; it’s also about a lifestyle (remember hygge??). It’s a trend that transcends the clothes; it’s also about how you choose your clothes and being mindful of where you purchase from, too. :)
Here’s a few looks/labels that embody the trend:
Genevieve Dress! Hehe had to sneak this in here! I can’t get over this ditsy floral print. :)
Sneakers + Maxi dress/skirt:
Patchwork pieces like this make me hope this trend never goes away!:
Not just patchwork, but actually quilted :D:
I love Stan clothing! Vintage materials upcycled to these awesome jackets. Classic designs have me thinkin’ this trend is not going anywhere.
Another awesome handmade brand. Olivia Rose the Label is all handmade - another one woman show just like me :)- with lot’s of puff sleeves and romantic details:
Another colorful floral print on white:
Comment below what you think of Cottagecore! Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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]]>In fashion, we hear a lot of words like “artisanal”, “handcrafted”, “handmade”, “craftsmanship”, etc.
But what does that really mean? And why would these terms mean better from a marketer's perspective? And what does handmade mean for my brand? Why did I decide to take that route? I’m going to answer each of these questions. :)
These terms (“artisanal”, “handcrafted”, “handmade”, “craftsmanship”) refer to some part of the garment being done by hand, the old-fashioned way. This could mean a hand-stitched collar or zipper or embroidery. It could mean a single person made the garment rather than an assembly line in a factory. (Shoutout Emily Westenberger the Label!). In marketing, “handmade” intends to make the garment seem more valuable.
Alternative to handmade is mass production or manufactured clothing. Clothes in this setting are made from an assembly line where humans have little involvement.
For me, I love handmade because of the human connection and my true love for the process of making clothes. I love that people are passionate enough to take the time to make it themselves. It literally puts a smile on my face to see people pursue their passions, and I want to support them!
For the record, manufactured clothes are not necessarily better or worse than handmade clothes. There are too many processes and factors that go into making a garment that factor into quality, style, sustainability, craftsmanship and so on that could make a garment better or worse. Some of the factors come down to preference, too. There can be good and bad things about hand making or manufacturing garments.
[Fun fact: when assembly line made clothing emerged, handmade clothing was considered cheap and unstylish whereas factory made clothing was associated with designers and exclusivity. Fashion production has increased to such astronomical levels that has caused that view to flip ]
Handmade now carries more sense of intrinsic value because of its typically superior construction, detailing, sustainability, and human connection.
When I’m making clothes for my brand, I do the draping, pattern making, sizing, cutting, and sewing by myself and mostly by hand with the exception of using a sewing machine to piece together most of the garment.
What’s so great about handmade clothing?
Besides the human touch and connection, what makes handmade better? We can’t say that solely because it’s handmade that the garment is more durable. It’s not that simple. We tend to want an easy answer, but most things aren’t that simple.
1. Durability and Longevity
What I CAN say - coming from someone who owns a handmade brand- is that I take steps to ensure durability and longevity. I use french seams. French seams are basically sewn twice and keep the fabric from fraying. These can be used in manufactured clothing too, but it is much more expensive to produce and you usually only see it in luxury brands.
I use smaller stitching when appropriate for the fabric. Some fabrics that stretch, depending on the style, you may want to use a longer stitch. But usually a smaller stitch will mean that the stitching will not come apart. These are construction related things I pay attention to when handmaking - but spoiler alert, a good manufacturer can tackle these nuances as well!
Longevity and durability tie into sustainable fashion because the hope is that because they last longer, you won't need to buy as frequently. They’re investment pieces :)
Small makers that hand make items themselves can take care of the minutest details, which is also why it may be more expensive.
2. Small Batches and Exclusivity
The fact that each garment is handmade means I produce in smaller quantities, like most small makers. Each item is limited and exclusive. Some designs are very difficult to make in an assembly line, so by hand making each item, we can create very unique designs.
3. Custom Sizing and Styles
Handmade makes it easier to customize sizing and styles. I can adjust bust, waist, hips, etc, change hemlines, swap style details because each garment is individually made just for the customer, especially if you are making each item to order. When manufacturing, you can’t make adjustments for single garments because there’s processes already in place.
4. Deadstock Fabrics
Brands that manufacture often have lots of leftover fabric. That’s where I come in! :D
I take their leftover fabric and put it to use. You may have heard of this referred to as ‘deadstock fabric’. This, along with many other processes, adds to the eco-friendliness of handmade fashion :)
5. Transparency
It’s not hard to explain to your customers who and how your clothes are being made when there’s only one person making it! (Hi, again! That’s me).
With large global brands that manufacture, it's so difficult for a customer to trace where there clothing is being made, if the workers are being paid fairly, and if they have good working conditions.
So I hope that answers some questions about handmade vs manufactured clothing. Like I said, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. There are so man nuances and preferences that you could sway a customers preference.
For me, I love handmade because of the human connection and my true love for the process of making clothes. I love that people are passionate enough to take the time to make it themselves. It makes me smile to see people pursue their passions, and I want to support them! That for me is the biggest reason to love handmade <3
Comment below what you think of handmade clothing! Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>Denim doesn’t take much thought to style and really allows you to express yourself. It’s like a smoothie that’s just protein and milk and the rest of your outfit is the add-ins- your almond butter, fruit, greens, etc - excuse me, I’m on a smoothie kick right now.
There’s something about the spring that I find myself walking out the door with mismatching (or perfectly matching) denim jeans and a jacket, which is also when my boyfriend right on cue exclaims, “CANADIAN TUXEDO!”.
Mismatching denim or a perfect pair- both versions truly work. However, there are a few rules that I naturally abide by when wearing denim on denim. (PS this can 100% be for Fall weather, too.)
When wearing denim on denim it’s helpful to pay attention to the following:
1. The Fade
Not referring to the haircut here- I’m talking about the wash of the jeans. Washes consist of fades into white or a yellowish tint. Denim with white tint tends to be more blue, while darker denims have a tinge of green/yellow to them. Keep the blue and green tints separate, and you’ll look less homeless in your all denim attire.
2. The Stitching
This one isn’t as crucial. There is usually yellow or gray stitching. It’s not as important to match these but keep in mind, this may affect how much you like your denim garment without you even realizing it. If you can’t figure out why your outfit isn’t working, but you just know that it isn’t - this element may be the culprit.
3. The Cut
Straight jeans are the easiest and my personal favorite to pair with a denim jacket or top. It’s like having a blank canvas to style. Skinny jeans are also easier to style with denim but are a little out of style, and I’m not big on a cotton/spandex combo. There’s something icky about it against the skin. Wide legs are tough, as you may end up looking like a box, considering it’s likely the denim on top isn’t super fitted. If you have a denim corset- then go for it! It’s all about balance, and the fact that straight jeans are a more moderate cut, makes a wider variety of styles on top work.
4. The Shoes
Ahhh the eternal battle with shoes and spring. It’s always a toss up, especially in Los Angeles where springtime consists of 50 degrees in the morning, the Sahara desert by noon, and then cloudy and 60 degrees the next day- and that’s considered normal...
I usually opt for a cute sneaker. I’m LOVING these white high tops. I feel very artsy yet agile in them.
Brown leather sandals are also great. Both high top sneakers and sandals compliment denim in that the length of the pant leg has some flexibility. Sandals especially create balance with exposed skin and the heavier fabric that denim on denim tends to bring to your look.
5. The Accessories
This is my favorite part about denim on denim. I think this is really where you can play with your personal style. I’m a gold metal jewelry kind of girl. Gold metal has a utilitarian vibe that pairs really well with the working class roots of denim, but you could totally pair pearls, beaded jewelry, or something sparkly with your Canadian Tuxedo to create a statement look.
Voila! Now study up on these tips or you’ll look like a bag lady! ..JK these are just some thoughts that I hope make your denim styling a little less of a hassle if you find it so. :)
]]>As I build my channel, I have been reflecting on what I love about sharing content with others and following others content. I love to learn from other creatives. I believe everyone can be creative and should be in one way or another, so I decided to start a workshop series to share what advice I have about putting your work into the world and making a difference with your craft and ideas.
In this video, I’m going to discuss the importance of trusting in yourself when creating.
So, let’s get started!
1. Defining Creatives: What Makes Us Unique?
Creators are not a cog in the machine. Creators are problem solvers. We create a new way forward. Creating comes out of desire for a new truth, a new way to solve a problem, a new approach, a new way to serve another person.
We don’t create senselessly; we create to make things better. At the same time we don’t create solely for an output. We are not necessarily looking for a result because the process is what is most important. The process is what we can control. When we allude to the process, we acknowledge that creativity is not an event. It is just simply what we do.
This may be confusing, but I can think of a quote that puts this plainly from the late, great Kobe Bryant:
“Those times when you get up early and you work hard, those times when you stay up late and you work hard, those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway. That is actually the dream. That’s the dream. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. And if you guys can understand that, then what you’ll see happen is you won’t accomplish your dreams, your dreams won’t come true; something greater will.”
For creatives, the journey can also be referred to as the process. To enjoy what you do you have to enjoy the process and not focus on just the outcome
2. Why creatives should not seek reassurance
Nothing ever works perfectly or how we plan it to. When we don’t know what to expect we either seek reassurance or give reassurance as a way of protection. But when we want change to happen, we must understand that something just won’t work. That’s part of learning, and it shouldn’t discourage us. Reassurance cannot compensate for lack of commitment because the satisfying feeling of being reassured does not last.
That leaves us with one option - trust yourself. You have to be a leader for yourself. Reassurance also amplifies attachment. As I said before we cannot get attached to an outcome. We must pursue the creative process instead of focusing on success. Successful artists know that certainty is not required to create and make change.
Hope is the key to trusting yourself but recognizing that what we are working on right now may not work.
3. Why artists don’t need to please everyone
Everyone has different thoughts, beliefs, and desires, and that’s ok. Your work will not be for everyone and you probably don’t want that. Work that pleases the masses is different from work that pleases a certain group of people.
It’s okay to say that your work is not for everyone. Your work as a creative exists to serve and change someone and make something better. Mainstream work that pleases the masses requires sacrificing the change that we seek to make. Part of creative work is leaving the safety of your own narrative and entering into someone else’s, so we should happily take on the challenge of taking what you see and believe and understanding what others see and believe. We have to meet the group we seek to serve where they are rather than waiting for them to come to you.
I hope that this advice on being creative has been helpful for you! I encourage you to embrace your creativity unhindered and enjoy the process!
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on creativity. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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Watch my video on How to Make a Mood Board for Your Fashion Brand
Watch my video on the 8 Tips for Vintage Shopping
Watch my video on How to Unlock Your Creativity
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]]>I’ve done a few videos on mood boards, and they seem to be consistently my most popular videos, so I thought I’d share my process for making a physical mood board. In this blog, I’m going to show you how I assemble a physical mood board utilizing colors, fabrics, textures, sketches, photographs, and magazine clippings, and then I will show you my sketching process using the board as inspiration.
I’m so excited to do this video, because I genuinely love assembling mood boards. It is definitely one of my favorite parts of the design process. I have so many ideas and inspirations that I want to pull from.
So, let’s get started!
I remember when I was in school for Fashion Merchandising, the first time we were instructed to make a mood board, I had way too many things stuck on my mood board. I sort of liked what I created but you have to keep in mind that a mood board serves a purpose. If it’s for yourself then go crazy, but if you are creating one professionally you will want to refine it. I’m sort of in between that because I work solo for my own brand. I might go a little crazy so stay tuned!
I usually start out pulling things that I like and then see what goes together - or doesn’t go together in some cases. That’s when things get really interesting. Now I’m going to take you with me as I search for my inspiration!
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Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on the design process. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Watch my video on How to Make a Mood Board for Your Fashion Brand
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]]>I don’t know about all of you, but something seems to cheer up my day when I put on a vibrant outfit. I have my go-to staples that are comfortable, bright, and happy, which inject a little fun into my day. Even putting effort into creating an outfit can uplift my mood. Clothing not only affects how others perceive us, it affects our thoughts and mood as well.
I’m very excited to share with you several studies that show our mood can be affected depending on what we wear. And vice versa - how we feel upon waking can affect our choice of outfit and subsequent moods. In this video, I’m going to share the power of fashion and how what we wear effects our mood in terms of shape, style, and color, along with how we can utilize this information to create a happy wardrobe!
So let’s get started!
Shape and Style
From the University of Hertfordshire in Britain in 2012, Professor Karen Pine from the psychology department conducted a study where she found that 57 percent of women admitted to wearing a baggy top when depressed, compared to a 2 percent wearing one when feeling happy. More than half of the 100 women interviewed turned to their trusty denim jeans on a blue day.
When women were happy, 62 percent would put on a favourite dress, compared to 6 percent when sad. Also when women were happy they tended to wear flattering, tailored clothing in bright fabrics.
Research by senior marketing lecturer Dr Alastair Tombs of the University of Queensland's business school further backs up the strong link between women's emotions and their clothes. By interviewing women, Dr Tombs found that outfit choices are made to match mood and as a form of self expression. They are also used to control or cover up emotions. Even memories tied to certain garments can evoke good or bad emotions. For example, if someone compliments your outfit, often people will remember that compliment and how it made them feel when putting on the garment again.
Furthermore, as a woman, our bodies change very frequently, and we may even have a “big” wardrobe” and a “small” wardrobe. Not being in your “small wardrobe” is another aspect of shape in fashion that can affect your mood.
Color
The role of colors in nature are strongly linked to the emotions that we draw from them, and that link carries over to fashion as well. Professor Pine gives the following example: the color blue is almost always associated with blue skies, which is a positive thing. Evolutionarily, it also means there are no storms to come. This is why it reminds us of stability and calm.
Red, on the other hand, is often the color we choose because we want — subconsciously or consciously — to stand out and to demonstrate our power and courage with a bright, exciting color that is impossible to ignore. For example, prominent politicians and public speakers are often seen wearing a red tie, which has been coined “the power tie”. Psychologically, red is also commonly associated with blood and danger, meaning that if we wear red we are a force to be reckoned with. Think Tiger Woods on the last day of a golf championship.
Like style and shape, color is important to convey emotions but also to mask them. Take the color black, for example. Sports teams wearing black are often deemed more aggressive than those wearing colors. Black can also be used as a defense mechanism. Think Goths and how they mask their emotions by wearing black.
How We Can Build a Happy Wardrobe
We can alter our mood by making an effort to choose clothing that we associate with happiness, and that will give us confidence.
One way to make changes for a happier wardrobe is for women to focus on shopping for outfits that emphasize the body parts they love. Emphasize your assets and play down features you dislike. Wear clothes that fit beautifully and feel physically good, such as cashmere, cotton or wool silk blends.
Assess your wardrobe twice annually – once per season. Take out anything you associate with bad feelings or you just don’t wear. Donate clothes that no longer fit – let someone else enjoy them. It's important to let go of clothes we associate with bad times or feelings.
Try to avoid item shopping. Instead focus on outfit shopping so that you have clothes that coordinate. Also when shopping, don't buy clothing that is "out of your comfort zone" – the chances are you won't wear it, or will feel self-conscious if you do.
Have an arsenal of statement, happy accessories, so that when styling an outfit, you have pieces to make an outfit shine. This can be a necklace, special top, pair of pants or even heels.
Learn which colors and cuts flatter you, as well as how that color makes you feel. For example, when choosing colors, maybe wear blue on a date because it offers an image of calm and stability — a quality many of us seek in a long-term partner. Equally, by wearing calming colors we will feel calmer ourselves.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on building your wardrobe. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>In an age where sustainability is taking over fast fashion, thrifting for vintage clothes is a genius option. Not only does shopping vintage help the environment, but it also helps build a more unique personal style.
I am so inspired by nostalgia and vintage clothing. When designing for my own brand, I love to pull inspiration from details of previous decades from the 20s to the 60s. The vintage silhouettes and style is a huge part of my brand, Emily Westenberger. I love to design, but I also love to window shop. In this video, I’m going to cover 8 tips for vintage shopping.
So let’s get started!
1. Know the Best Vintage Stores Near You
This can be as simple as googling "thrift or vintage stores near me" and making a list. I like to look at Instagram as well, so you can get an idea of what sort of designers and merchandise they carry.
I would be weary of online reviews for vintage shops because thrifting is such a hit or miss. You really need to see for yourself. If you see something really consistent and you are definitely turned off by then maybe relying on the review is a good option.
Thrifting in affluent areas is also a great way to find higher quality vintage pieces.
2. Check for Garment Quality
Whether you are looking just for style or looking for higher end designers, it is a must to feel the fabric, check for any damage, and make sure the closure still works. Even for the oldest or most expensive merchandise, this is a must. Also if you check the tag, and it says “Made in America”, the garment is likely vintage.
Checking the tag for fabric composition can also tell you if you are getting ripped off or not, but you have to know fibers to determine this! If you are familiar with feeling fabric for quality that helps, too.
It also helps to know vintage designers!
3. Don’t Rush and Know When Stores Get New Merchandise
Finding valuable vintage items takes time. You probably won’t find something ultra valuable at first. It will probably take trying a few new shops over the course of time.
You can also take note of when your favorite stores get new shipments or items out on the sales floor.
4. Try it On and Know Your Measurements
Vintage and thrifted pieces have been worn and loved and shrunk. Vintage item sizing tends to be a bit different than modern sizing, so the tag may say size 8 but it will actually fit closer to a modern size 4. Don’t rely on the tag, and shop ready to get dressed!
You could also know your measurements and measure the clothing with a tape while shopping. Don’t forget that clothes can be altered as well, but don’t overestimate what they can do. There is only so much fabric they can let out. Of course, it also helps to learn how to sew and fit garments yourself :)
5. Stains are a no-no
Unless you are planning to re-construct an article of vintage clothing, I wouldn't buy it if it has a stain on it. If something is old with a stain, it likely won’t come out. Odors on the other hand can often be removed at the dry cleaners.
6. Note How the Store is Organized
I like to strategize where to look in a vintage shop. Are the garments organized by color or style? Mens or Womens? Shopping vintage mens can be fun, especially since oversized details are trending!
7. Shop with Cash
Depending on the location, some thrift stores don’t take credit cards. Paying in cash can allow you to bargain a bit, too!
8. Make Sure What You Pick Truly Speaks to You!
You can truly only pull off vintage clothing if it’s something that you really love and aligns with your personal style. You could say this about modern or vintage clothing, but it especially applies to vintage because bringing back old trends and garments takes personality and if you’re faking it or trying to be someone you aren’t, it will show!
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on vintage clothing. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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Watch my video on How to be Stylish and Still Shop Sustainably on a Budget
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]]>We live in a world where visuals, imagery and media are so important to growing a brand. Whether you are conveying your brand on Instagram on your website, or in a fashion portfolio, it is so important when trying to grow your brand to illustrate your origin, vision, goals, culture, and qualities through your content. In this video, I will go over how to accurately display your brand through a mood board and take you along as I assemble a mood board.
So let’s get started!
Mood Board Basics
A mood board is like a collage containing a variety of images, text, and other objects that define your brand and communicate your brand identity. Mood boards can be part of a professional portfolio or a jumping off point for a website or social media themes. Whether you’re just launching your business or rethinking your existing brand, a mood board is a valuable tool for inspiration, guidance, and communication.
You can either make a digital mood board or a physical mood board. Physical mood boards are fun because you can utilize touch. I’d use a foam board base and spray mount images and materials to the surface. You can source your images from magazines, newspapers, old books, your own photos, or materials from a craft/art supply store, fabric store.
I typically use digital because it’s easier for me to source images. Unsplash has beautiful, high quality images that are royalty free. Pinterest is also one of my favorites. You may know that if you have seen my other video on how to make a mood board. I like that they use trends from your search history or previous pins to show you similar images. Moodstream by Getty images is another one similar to Unsplash with lots of stock images. I haven’t used that one as much.
To assemble a digital mood board I typically use photoshop on an iPad. A free option is also Adobe Draw, which I use on the iPad as well. Obviously you can use these on a desktop, too.
Choosing Images for Your Brand
Too much imagery can be confusing and overload the senses, while too little won’t provide adequate direction or information. It’s about finding a balance. For a brand mood board, I would choose 5-7 images.
You should know your target demographic. Millennials or seniors? Married couples or singles? Urban, suburban, or rural residents? Male or female? With that target market in mind, ask yourself what kind of imagery they might find appealing? What might capture their interest or grab their attention? Those are the images you want to seek out and select.
You need to know what qualities you want your target market to feel when looking at these images. Your brand may identify with bravery, strength, leadership, energy, serenity, playfulness or seriousness, simplicity or sophistication, feistiness or calm. For example, with my brand I want to convey luxury, timelessness, elegance and nostalgia. For nostalgia I might seek out vintage photos. I would recommend starting a mood board on Pinterest for each quality you want to convey.
You can see images here that say “Classic” to me. Another tip is not to choose images where there are other brands’ clothes, especially statement clothes. Because you are a fashion brand and you don’t want to confuse people.
You also want to consider colors. What colors are you going to use consistently? What do those colors convey to you? I consistently use black and white, as well as neutrals to convey timelessness, minimalism, and calmness. Don’t be afraid to include artwork or words, textures or patterns as well.
Once you have chosen images, position them on your mood board. Concentrate on key themes with larger images, and place smaller images or materials around those to support your message. Pay attention to how your eye is moving from one image to another. You can even show it to a friend and ask them where their attention is focused on the board.
Producing a mood board for your new fashion brand is an ideal first step to help with business development. It will prove useful as a guide when you begin creating your company’s marketing, taking it from mood board to something as impactful and memorable as this brand identity package.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on mood boards. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>In this video, I’m going to show you my outfits for the week. From going to the office to working from home, to going out for dinner, I’ll be showing you my outfits from jewelry to shoes to clothing. You’ll probably notice I don’t know where everything is from because I tend to save things for a long time. I love to intermix my own pieces from my collection with old pieces in my wardrobe. Most of the things I have kept for a long time are because they are basics and really timeless additions to my wardrobe.
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Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on my personal style. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Shop my looks here:
Outfit #1:
Sam Edelman Heels
Outfit #2:
Hoops from Isabella Boutique in Claremont, CA (Brand is Vera by New York)
Outfit #3
Top from Wasteland
Earrings from Ashby in Richmond, VA
Outfit #4
Kate Spade Bracelet
Bracha Ring
United Nude Heels
Outfit #5:
Watch Other Videos:
Watch my video on Worst Trends from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s
Watch my video on 7 Iconic Looks and Why They Made History
Watch my video on 5 Iconic Carrie Bradshaw Looks and Stories Behind Them
Watch my video on Queens Gambit: Fashion History, Design, and Sustainability Analysis
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]]>In this blog, I will discuss the fast fashion model from an operations perspective and talk about its harmful effects on consumer perception, garment workers, and the environment, as well as what you can do to mitigate the harmful effects.
So let’s get started!
The Fast Fashion Model
Fast fashion is a business model that offers the perception of fashionable, trendy clothing at an extremely affordable price. It requires a highly responsive supply chain to support a frequently changing product assortment.
If you have ever been into a Forever 21, it’s barely ever the same twice. The cheap prices and immediate satisfaction of large retailers like H&M, Zara, and Forever 21 have a stronghold over most people’s shopping habits, despite the rise of many independent designers and online shopping brands.
The XXXL retailers with ridiculously low prices come at a cost. Their super speedy supply chains rely on outsourced underpaid labor often from factories overseas. The process comes with environmental damage and intensive resources.
The fast pace at which clothes are manufactured, worn, and discarded from the fast fashion model results in clothing being perceived as disposable rather than long lasting keepsakes. Consumer perception has shifted to expect a new stream of items constantly. In fact, Fashion Nova launches 600-900 new styles every week! The rapid rate at which new collections are released feeds into a shopper’s desire to buy more, as well as the rise of social media and influencers that desire to avoid outfit repetition for a low cost.
We usually don’t hear of the harmful effects on garment workers until we hear a news story about a factory collapsing or catching on fire. For instance, the New York Times published a report on Fashion Nova revealing factories producing their merchandise were under investigation by the US labor department for underpaying workers and owing them millions of dollars in wages.
Although consumers are being increasingly driven to purchase more mindful and sustainable products, fast fashion is still present. In my opinion, we cannot rely on retailers to change, actual change will happen when consumers decide what is more important - cheap, disposable fashion or higher quality, long lasting, sustainably sourced, and ethically produced manufacturing.
Let me give you an example: In the 1950s, if a woman wanted to purchase a dress, she would spend $9 (or $72 today) to order an item from a Sears catalog. Today a shopper can walk into a mall into an H&M and buy a dress for $12. The cost of material, labor, and supply chain logistics required for production is cheap and also not likely to last. We can attribute this cheap, fast production to artificial intelligence and the quick relay and feedback of information.
Fast fashion retailers often rely on middlemen factories to produce clothes which allows them to distance themselves from wrongdoing. Companies can manage to avoid claims thanks to a state law that places the burden on middleman companies.
Moving Towards Ethical Production and Sustainability
Consumers are changing their attitudes toward sustainability and transparency in fashion brands. 60% of shoppers surveyed by Nielson claimed they are willing to pay extra for products and services from companies with social or environmental commitments, but it does appear that there is a gap in what shoppers say they will do versus what they actually purchase.
What can you do? Consumer opinions are what will put pressure on big retailers to change their ways. The fashion industry today has conditioned consumers to keep buying.
The simplest thing you can do is stop buying clothing from fast fashion retailers. It’s not enough to have a mission statement that they will change their ways. We need to actually see them slow down production and manufacture in a sustainable and ethical way.
Once you realize the impact of cheap fashion on worker’s lives and consumer habits, I believe people can translate that knowledge into their shopping habits. Although smaller brands - myself included - may have higher prices, you can rest assured that you are making an impact when you know the clothing was produced ethically and sourced sustainably.
I’ve talked about it before, but making clothes to order like we do at Emily Westenberger and upcycling old materials offers respect to garments workers and decreased waste in the environment. Ultimately, my mission is to utilize my love for style, fashion, and design to benefit society at large, while serving as an example of success that will shape the future of society.
I created my brand to fulfill my desire to balance business, creativity, style, and goodwill within a fashion brand through a passion for the process, small scale production, and an appreciation for the customer. I hope to educate customers to help change the fashion industry and that truly starts with the customer.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more blogs on fast versus slow fashion. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>Whether you’re looking for some outfit inspo via the big screen or simply want to study up on some great style in cinema, I’d like to share 5 of my favorite movies with iconic fashion.
So let’s get started!
Sex and the City
Say what you will about the film, but the fashion in Sex and the City is one of my personal favorites. It’s just plain fun. Some people say the fashion was a mess, but what costume designer Patricia Field did was definitely a risk, and that risk created a moment. Field, who styled the television show, also styled the film. With fashion from the biggest designers, she brought the four ladies into the present. I mean Carrie Bradshaw wore a bird on her head for the wedding, which was a very memorable moment, and her Vivienne Westwood wedding gown was spectacular.
By the early '20s, just about any silhouette--from a bias cut slip to a strapless dress had all been invented, as well as one shouldered looks, beading, embroidering, harem pants, feathered skirts, halter necks, v-necks. We typically think of the 1920s as just shift dresses with beading, embroidery, and fringe, but in reality the silhouettes were incredibly varied and had all kinds of influences. I think we really see that in this movie.
Devil Wears Prada
It’s one of the most enduring representations of fashion journalism in modern memory. I love the blend of superstars Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep in the big screen adaptation of the best-selling book. They wore the best of the best from Chanel, Fendi and of course, Prada, not to mention cameos from designers like Valentino. It’s a must watch if you love fashion. I personally love how the looks are very timeless - lot’s of neutral colors but beautiful silhouettes, and I especially love the pearls!
For example, the wedding dress that Araminta wears is actually a sheer jumpsuit with thousands of Swarovski crystals on it. The skirt on top of it has a dancer feel. There is a row of marabou, which is feather trimming, that’s dyed to match the dress that’s on the first row of the skirt. It goes all the way down into the feet, because costume designer May Vogt said she had to be barefoot because the floor was too slippery to walk on in heels.”
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on iconic fashion and fashion in movies. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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Carrie Bradshaw is undoubtedly a fashion icon. In fact, I even named one of my dresses after her! She has so many recognizable looks that although are often considered ultra quirky are also beloved. Sex and the City was just as much a fashionromance, sort of like a fashion fantasy. Carrie outfits were definitely taking pleasure from the characters’ elaborate dress-up games as styled by costume designer Patricia Field. In this blog, I’ll be discussing 5 of my favorite looks from Sex and the City and some of the little known stories behind them.
1. The Tutu
Of course Carrie's iconic tutu was going to make the list. She wore the iconic style in the opening credits of the show, pairing the tutu with a pink tank top and strappy stilettos. It definitely set the bar for Carrie's unique sense of style. Patricia Field also revealed it only cost $5! The famous tutu also appeared in The Sex and the City film, when Carrie was cleaning out her closet with the girls and had a mini-fashion show. I believe it will always be a beloved piece from the series.
Even those who don’t know Sex and the City will recognise this look. It’s officially Carrie’s first ever outfit – a tiered tutu teamed with a pale-pink tank top and strappy sandals for the show’s opening. Patricia Field revealed that she sourced said tutu from a showroom bin, and bought it for just $5.
I wanted to take a deep dive into this look, and I found some interesting commentary on the Internet.
A grown woman wearing a tutu in public seems out of place, especially before this show aired. Typically utus belong on only two types of people: ballerinas and toddlers, not street clothes and were associated with performance and/or youth.
The tutu had a purpose. In the dance world tutus enticed the male patrons who provided financial support for impoverished ballerinas — often in exchange for sexual favors. On stage the tutu represented ethereal spirituality but carnal availability offstage. Sort of a paradox, right?
Parker conjured a modern-day version of this paradox. Carrie was the thinnest of figure and also the “airiest” and most Romantic, the one most desperately searching for true love. She sort of embodied that romantic ethereal spirit but she’s also sexually available; I mean the show is called Sex and the City.
In conclusion, not something I ever thought about before but really interesting to dissect one of my favorite Carrie looks - the tutu.
2. The asymmetric XXL flower dress by Eugene Alexander
The white flower-adorned dress SJP wears in the 2008 movie’s opening scene was originally designed for the musical icon Whitney Houston. She wore it in a 1987 promotional photoshoot that later wound up on the cover of Life magazine.
The gown was created by Sarasota, Florida-based brand Eugene Alexander. I could not find much information about him, but apparently he also outfitted stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and Loretta Lynn in the ’80s and ’90s.
The difference between the Whiteney Houstin dress and Carrie’s dress is that it was chopped into a mini and features just one super-size hibiscus blossom, while Houston’s original had two.
After doing some research I found that apparently Sarah Jessica Parker absolutely loved flowers, and it was her idea to incorporate them into Carrie's style. She wanted to to do a big flower. They started with a smaller flower and got larger and larger. Her signature flower is apparent throughout the course of the show, whether it was broach or a headpiece. Carrie wearing the flower inspired real life fashion designers to use flowers as accessories and it sort of started trending during that time. In fact, I remember I had a shirt with a big flower on it when I was young, but I had no idea where that trend came from!
3. Christian Dior newspaper dress by John Galliano
Sex and the City fans will likely remember slinky bias cut number from season three of the series when Carrie asks for Natasha's forgiveness after sleeping with her then-husband Big. Styled with her equally iconic namesake necklace and big hair, it was a moment. The style moment became so iconic that it was revisited for the second movie and we saw Sarah Jessica Parker wore the famous frock one more time.
Just a little background about what is going on when we first see the dress: Essentially we’re at the point where Carrie and Big couldn’t keep away from one another and his marriage to Natasha is on the rocks. Carrie is looking like a little bit of a homewrecker at this point. And with a good costume designer we know clothes chosen for a scene are never just clothes. There’s always a story. Here’s what I found from my deep dive:
John Galliano lifted the idea from a brilliant Elsa Schiaparelli. Newspaper print first entered the fashion stratosphere back in 1935 when couturier Elsa Schiaparelli took press clippings written about her and transformed them into printed blouses and accessories. The “Christian Dior Daily” print debuted during the infamous “Hobo Chic” couture collection of 2000. Under the influence of Moët and coke at 3AM, Galliano was inspired by the homeless people that he saw on the streets of Paris. He also drew inspiration from Tramp Balls, which were essentially lavish 1920’s-30’s-era parties where Parisian socialites dressed up like poor people for fun. The show enraged critics. Not fully satisfied with his flagrant glamorization of poverty, Galliano reworked the newsprint theme into his next ready-to-wear show and this dress was born.
So how is Galliano’s inspiration connected to the costume choice for Carrie? I think you can draw a connection between the glamorization of affairs- referencing Big and Carrie’s affair- with the glamourization Galliano used in regards to poverty.
4. Grey Versace Couture Dress
During Sex and the City’s finale episodes, we watched Carrie leave New York to follow her new man, Aleksandr Petrovsky, to Paris. While the relationship didn’t work out for, her Paris outfits were epic, but looking that good comes at a cost.
This dress was created by Atelier Versace. It was selected because of how over-the-top it was. It’s absolutely gorgeous but came with a large price tag valued at $80,000. In the end, the outfit was Patricia Field’s favorite from the entire series. She said she loved how it literally covered the bed and became the perfect princess moment.
She loved the acres and acres of tulle and chiffon, in this darkly romantic color--the perfect dress to be dumped in. She stated that there's nothing more woeful than seeing a beautiful woman all dressed up with nowhere to go. Ironically, Carrie didn’t even get to wear the dress out. She fell asleep in it while waiting for Petrovsky.
It is the saddest and most beautiful ball gown of all.
5. The Fur Coat
Worn over Pjs with a party dress or to a baseball game, Carrie has no shortage of uses for the Fur coat. In fact, I’d consider it part of her capsule wardrobe.
No one is able to do a fur coat justice quite like Carrie Bradshaw can. Though in today's world it's a bit taboo to wear a fur coat, back when Sex and the City was airing it was the epitome of fashion. She got so much use out of the large, ultra-full fur coat. She wore it with her little black dress, checkered pants, a floral dress and even a voluminous skirt and bold blue and pink blouse. It’s one of few clothing items Carrie repeated throughout the show, and she looked beautiful rocking the different ensembles with it.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on iconic fashion. Don' forget to check out my collection here :) Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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There is so much beauty in giving waste a purpose, and fashion is no exception. In this video, I discuss what upcycling is, what makes it sustainable, and how I will be using it for my brand.
So let’s get started!
Sooooo...What is Upcycling?
Upcycling is the epitome of one man's trash is another man’s treasure. As a designer, especially a new designer, I don’t have a ton of capital to work with, but I do know that there is a ton of waste in fashion, making upcycling a more creative and economical approach for me.
Clothes are made, bought, and discarded every single day, so there’s so much material for me and other new designers to work with. Who is to say that discarded clothes have no value? They shouldn’t be burned or sent to a bin, as some companies have done in the past. There’s value in a shirt that maybe someone wore a few times and just got tired of it. There’s still fabric in that garment! There might even be zippers, buttons, any kind of trim that can be reused. Taking those materials and remaking them is what upcycling is all about. It’s the process of reusing existing materials.
Upcycling doesn't just apply to old clothes. It can be deadstock fabric or unconventional materials as well, like old bags, old quilts or blankets. The best part about upcycling- each piece is completely unique. Conjuring up these crafty visions may seem like the opposite of luxury, but the industry is changing.
Until recently, less than 1 percent of the fabric produced by the fashion industry was recycled into new garments, according to a 2017 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Now I am seeing jackets made from antique quilts go for thousands of dollars! Fashion trends in general tend to go from one extreme to another. Right now I believe we are seeing fast fashion turn into slow fashion. Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends, which is countered by Slow fashion, an intentional, holistic, and an argument against excessive production and mindless consumption.
Fashion has been defined by its relentless quest for what’s new with labels creating multiple collections a year, all of them made from new fabrics, where often those unused fabrics become…. DEADSTOCK! For a designer like me who produces on a small scale, I can take that unused fabric and make it into unique samples.
In the past, I have created collections using deadstock fabric, but I have been thinking. Even just for myself, I have a lot of fabric in the studio just from those two collections. I have decided the best thing for me is to start upcycling. With upcycling I can replicate the process rather than scale it. The benefit of this is that each piece will be unique. I’m collecting old quilts, blankets, bags, clothes from my elder family members, and it’s creating a new form of inspiration in me. Each piece has a story and gives me a new appreciation for fashion and clothes.
My goal is to look at other ways to reduce waste, not just by using the made-to-order model. I will be meeting that challenge with an optimistic and nostalgic collection of separates. I just finished my summer collection, but I will be releasing these samples under my new business model this summer where 99% of the materials (with the possible exceptions of zippers/buttons) will be made from archival fabrics and donated materials that will be reworked. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for the latest details.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on sustainable fashion. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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In March I dropped my Spring collection called Darling, and now I’m in the process of releasing the rest of the styles for summer. Today I’d like to go over each of the styles and talk about the inspiration, how I designed the pieces, and how I kept sustainability in mind.
Also keep in mind I’m not releasing everything at once, so stay tuned for what is available on my site by following me on Instagram or signing up for my newsletter.
So let’s get started!
The Olivia top is made from white, lightweight linen with a semi-transparent appearance, making this top suitable for cool summer nights or as a beach cover up. The breezy fabric and effortless silhouette is cut for balmy days and features pleats stemming from the yoke down to the waist. The Olivia top has a single button closure, deep V neckline, and a cuffed bishop style shirt sleeve with a hemline that grazes the hips. The Olivia top is versatile enough to pair with a straw beach bag and bikini or with your favorite jeans or the Elizabeth skirt.
Continuing with the idea of slow fashion through timeless and effortless styles, this collection champions the idea of barefoot glamour through sweet, feminine designs. With the Olivia Top, I wanted to capture the effortlessness that I always experience when I go to the beach - that feeling of ease and not really thinking too hard about what to wear. At least that’s how I feel at the beach. I wanted to make a piece that was versatile- you could wear it over a swimsuit or with a tank top and jean short.
When designing this piece, I wanted to capture ease into the comfort of the piece. I included pleats around the bust for a comfy, roomy fit. Originally I made the Olivia Top sort of like an ankle length cover up, but it looked a little like a hospital gown, so I made the adjustment to make it a top. It’s all part of the process!
In order to incorporate sustainability into this piece, I made it from deadstock fabric. Using deadstock fabric supports a circular economy by upcycling old materials, so there are limited quantities available in this style.
Cut in Los Angeles from a Ponte di Roma knit blended for stretch and a flexible fit, the Bailey Jumpsuit has wide legs and an elegant ruffle at the shoulders that give the illusion of a slimmer waist. The pant legs end right where the ankle tapers for leaner looking legs and the slight V neckline elongates the figure. The bow detail in the back adds a touch of femininity. Transition yours from day to night by swapping chunky sandals for strappy heels.
This is my favorite piece. The fit is amazing and the fabric is so soft. It’s an elegant design but feels like pajamas! I wanted to make a summery jumpsuit that’s super wearable and easy to throw on.
This garment is made from fabric that contains TENCEL™ branded Lyocell and Modal fibers, which is produced with sustainably sourced raw material wood using an environmentally responsible process. Each garment is made-to-order to prevent excess inventory and waste.
The Carrie Dress in silk fuchsia 4 ply crepe fabric has a cool, peekaboo cutout between the bust which makes the minimal style all the more alluring. It's designed for a close fit with princess seams in this eye-popping color but still provides full coverage for a classy and graceful entrance to any room. This vibrant dress needs little styling thanks to its simple yet striking silhouette with details like a ruffled collar.
This garment is made from deadstock fabric. Using deadstock fabric supports a circular economy by upcycling old materials in limited quantities.
This style is another one of my favorites. I wanted to add in a dress that felt more premium and dressy and very luxurious. The Carrie dress is named after Carrie Bradshaw because of its bold, colorful statement and flirtatious silhouette. It definitely stands out against the rest of the collection. This piece was very difficult to make. The fabric is silky and is very difficult to cut. It’s slippery, which makes it drape beautifully, but it seems to change sizes as you cut into it because it shifts under the pattern. I felt like I was wrestling with it, but it did turn out!
Finished by hand, the Gia Dress is cut from crisp cotton voile with asymmetrical ruffles that elongate the figure. This dress feels like summer with its vibrant, peachy-coral hue and light, breezy silhouette. It's held by slim spaghetti straps and features built in bra cups. This versatile piece works for a variety of occasions - wear the Gia midi dress for Sunday brunch, or slip it on for dinner with statement earrings and team it with lace-up sandals.
This dress was inspired by what I would want to wear if I was going to a beach party. The cotton fabric makes it not too dressy, but the silhouette is pretty fancy. My favorite thing about it is the color. The peachy coral hue is to die for and looks flattering on absolutely everyone in my opinion! This is also deadstock fabric, so I can only make limited quantities.
Epitomizing clean-lined femininity, the Phoebe Top is cut from crisp cotton daubed in contrasting blue and white pinstripes. This top is sleeveless with a slight V neckline, which beautifully elongates the figure and draws the eye to the nipped in waist. This soft cotton is cut with a contrasting gathered peplum hem for volume, so it will sit neatly over jeans or pants. It is fully lined at the bodice and constructed with princess seams for the perfect fit. Pair this timeless top with denim or the Ellie pant.
This cotton blue striped fabric just says summer to me. It’s the same fabric as the Marcy pant from my Spring drop. The beach and parisian style inspired this top. It’s cut from an easy breezy fabric but the silhouette is very chic.
The Claire matching set feels and moves with ease. Cut from cotton matelassé for a looser silhouette, these shorts have front tucks for a comfortable fit - perfect for balmy summer days. These tailored bottoms sit at the natural waist for a flattering silhouette appropriate for a day outing or with heels and a blouse for a dinner date. Style the Claire Short with the Claire Top as a matching set or with a Coco Top and sandals.
This garment is also made from deadstock fabric. It’s the same fabric as the Claire top. I wanted to make a matching set that was youthful and playful while still being appropriate for a woman. When designing this short I wanted it to feel like a shortened trouser. These are super wearable and versatile. You can totally dress them up with heels or wear them with flats to work.
That’s it for my summer drop! You can shop the styles here. I’m not releasing everything at once, so stay tuned by signing up for my newsletter or following me on Instagram!
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on my fashion designs. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Watch the full YouTube video here:
What to watch next?
Watch my video on my Spring Collection
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I am an old soul and often find myself romanticizing the past. When it comes to fashion, I tend to do the same. It’s easy to romanticize the past when it comes to inspiring, elegant, and magical fashion trends, but we can’t ignore the bad fashion trends like some we have seen in the early 2000s….*cough cough pleated skirts and block heel shoes.
From popcorn shirts to workouts in leg warmers, there have been many questionable fashion choices from the past few decades. Trust me, I had a lot of fun compiling these. In this blog, I am going to round up some extremely cringeworthy trends from the 1980s to the 2000s.
1980s
The 1980s were a decade of bold style, colors, and silhouettes—and heaping amounts of permed hair. With trends spanning ripped tights and biker jackets, polished oversized blazers and poof skirts; it was one of the most eclectic decades in fashion. Here’s a couple of trends that stood out to me:
Legwarmers. Is it even possible for someone's ankles and calves to get chilly while working out? It is such a random item of clothes to tack onto your legs. If anyone has an answer as to where and why these were a thing, leave me a comment!
Wearing all of the brightest colors at once. I feel like Tim Gunn would say let’s refine this, cut back, and make it work!
60 rubber bands to weight train your wrists. These even came back in the 2000s in the shape of animals. Makes you look a little like a craft project.
MC Hammer pants. Nothing like the crotch of your pants bunching up between your legs! Even the founder can’t pull them off.
Sweatbands. Since when did the act of sweating become trendy? It’s funny to think about someone trying to improve and accessorize an outfit and the answer being a sweatband.
Sweaters Tied Around the Neck. I’m not sure what the point is here. Why don’t you just take it off? Somehow not having a place to put your sweater became a trend.
Acid Wash Jeans. They just look wrong. I usually get mad when my clothes get bleached in the wash.
1990s
Styles popular in the '90s — just like the fashion trends of any decade — reflected both old and new ideas. Because of the beginning of the Internet, some styles spotted often in the 1990s, like mod sunglasses and plaid outfits, were reminiscent of the '60s. Other styles, like patent leather and nylon clothes, symbolized a futuristic view and a look toward what people thought the year 2000, the new millennium, would bring. Here’s a few trends that stood out to me:
Tiny color tinted sunglasses. There’s something with the obscurely micro sized sunglasses that just make the face look extra large. Not a flattering look.
Blossom Hats. I just discovered this while researching 90s trends. Was this actually a trend? Why? It’s giving me Full House vibes.
T Shirt over Long Sleeve Shirts. I used to do this if it was cold, and I really liked the T shirt. I haven’t thought to do this since the 90s. Why wear a jacket when you can layer your shirts!
Parachute Pants: You can’t find them in any subtle colors. Only extremely bright shades of neon. I guess one benefit is the lightweight nylon has you prepped for an afternoon of falling from the sky.
2000s
If you grew up in the 2000s, you may have noticed some of the trends coming back. I was born in 1995, and the decade still feels like it happened just yesterday. I grew up watching Britney Spears music videos and watching The Hills. For me, 2000s fashion trends are even more nostalgic than those of the 1980s or 1990s.
The Velour Tracksuit. I don’t know guys. I know Kim K is trying to bring this back. I almost bought these off of Skims the other day (I did stop myself!), but they are pretty terrible to wear in public. Everyone had one and would style it with a cami underneath and a logo bag. You were really cool if you had a pair with the words on the butt. I think it’s much more attractive to be more subtle than that.
Very Low Rise Jeans. I believe, (correct me if I am wrong), this originated from Alexander McQueen and his bumster pants, but I think we need to leave this one on the runway, especially when the thong and/or belly is hanging out.
Trucker Hats. The fact that we took fashion inspiration from truckers says it all. From Von Dutch to your own DIY-airbrushed hats that you got off the boardwalk, this was another trend that we learned to live without.
Artful Sunglasses in the late 2000s. Shades were made to obstruct your vision altogether- artful, yeah, but practical, no. Any sort of fashion that halts your everyday functioning should be abandoned.
Lace-Up Shirts. Ties were everywhere during this decade: the bust of your shirt, the sides of your jeans, the fly of your pants. It didn't matter if it was totally impractical. It had a bohemian 70s vibe. I hope it doesn’t come back.
Barely There Sequined Shirts. Part shirt, part reflective gear for when you're riding a bike (because this is the type of outfit you’d be exercising in), sequined shirts served many purposes.
That’s it for my trip to the past! I think we see a common theme around these worst trends. They just aren’t practical. Practicality factors into timelessness and elegance. That’s what I would like you to take away from these bad trends, along with a little nostalgia and reminiscing.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos on fashion trends. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Watch the full YouTube video here:
What to watch next?
Watch my video on the Queens Gambit: Fashion History, Design and Sustainability Analysis
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Today I want to dive into the topic of fashion history and how it is reflected in one of my favorite series on Netflix, "Queen’s Gambit". I know there have been quite a few bloggers that have talked about the fashion history related to this series, so I’d like to add to that information that’s already been covered by discussing how you can use fashion history and utilize it in fashion today.
So let’s get started by covering a few key outfits that Beth wears and then discuss the takeaways!
Outfit #1: Plaid Pinafore
If you haven’t seen the show, Queen's Gambit follows the life of an orphan chess prodigy, Elizabeth (Beth) Harmon, during her quest to become the world's greatest chess player while struggling with emotional problems, drugs and alcohol dependency in a male dominated sport throughout the 1960s.
One of the first outfits Beth wears when entering the orphanage is her plaid pinafore. Quick note here- Plaid is used several times throughout the series to reflect the chess board. In the beginning, Beth is not a super trendy 1960s girl. Throughout the show, we see her use her winnings to upgrade her wardrobe and become more on trend with the times.
Her hair changes from a pixie cut with micro bangs when during this time voluminous hair accessorized with barrettes and headbands was very much on trend, so we can conclude she is not at the forefront of trends during this time. We see her hair evolve later in the series to a Natalie wood inspired cut.
Outfit #2: Green and Black Shift Dress
Another look I’d like to mention is when we see Beth very disheveled and headed to a chess match. The dress she is wearing is inspired by Pierre Cardin. Pierre Cardin designed modernist, space age aesthetic dresses with wool or thicker fabrics, which give dresses the trapeze shape that is very characteristic of the 1960s. The trapeze dress is so timeless and one of my personal favorites looks. He is also known for his avant-garde style, including his bubble dresses. He preferred geometric shapes and motifs often ignoring the female form.
There is a bow at the neck that conveys femininity which plays into the theme of Beth being a female amongst many male players The dress is pale green with black accents. Another quick note here- Beth wears a pale green shade when she is entering the orphanage and also when she plays in matches to make her stand out against the darker set, whereas when she wears that color at the orphanage she blends in.
That light green color was considered a hospital green during the 60s and was said to help with a patient's mood and was often associated with asylums as well. There’s even more symbolism with contrasting colors on the dress that mirrors the pills that she was addicted to.
Outfit #3: White Queen
The final look after she wins the final competition is an all white coat, hat and pant. The look is meant to mirror a White Queen chess piece.
This all white queen ensemble was inspired by Andre Courreges. Many of the coats throughout Queen's Gambit seem to be inspired by Courreges. Andre Courreges also designs space-age fashion which coincided with the Apollo space program during this time.
The white pants are also a reference to Courreges, as white suits were one of his signatures. Her white coat is made from a thick cashmere wool with a stand up collar and three big buttons. I love the tie belt in the back which cinches the waist but in the front keeps an A line silhouette.
Beth wears a black turtleneck underneath it which hints at the Beatnik movement during this time. The Beatnik movement came from post-war years when some Americans began to reject mainstream ideals, dissatisfied with their unexciting lifestyle. A radical shift started to spread through art, literature, and music, led largely by influential creative and intellectual types such as The Beatles. Inspired by this group of anti-conformist people who had been “beaten down” by mainstream society, the time period was coined the “Beat Generation'' by American novelist Jack Kerouac.
Beatniks wore roll necks, wide legs, skinny jeans, and striped shirts, black jacket, loafers, and berets.
Design, Style, and Sustainability Takeaways
Attention to detail and color are so important. These two things help to tell a story. Although we are talking about fashion history and costume design, we can use these ideas in fashion design and style today. The A line silhouette, color blocking, use of basics and neutral colors, and high quality fabrics are all elements of Beth’s wardrobe throughout the series. I love how she is always dressed appropriately. She doesn’t show up to her chess match in Lululemon leggings. She wears stunning wool dresses, and she commands the attention of the room. She dresses professionally at times when today we wouldn’t necessarily dress up, which is very typical of the 1960s. She exudes confidence.
From this series and studying the fashion in it, we can also learn what is considered to be timeless and how valuable timeless looks are. You see her use scarves creatively, mix prints, utilize long structured coats, shift dresses, and turtlenecks to embody class, elegance, and timeless beauty.
Many of the outfits Beth wears could be worn today and would not be considered outdated. In fact, they are very elegant looks. From the number of people who have enjoyed the costumes from this series, we can conclude that the fashion is something people would wear today.
This information is valuable from a designers perspective. Not only from a business point of view (because of course we want to make things people want and will buy) but also from a sustainability perspective. We should strive to make clothing that lasts. Not something that we wear once and throw out. Can you imagine if we continued to make those timeless styles that were worn in the 1960s up until today? You could possibly have the same wardrobe for decades and still be elegant!
That’s all I’d like to cover today! Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos/blogs on fashion history and/or costume design. Let me know if you have any questions or specific topics you’d like me to cover, and don't forget to check out my collections here :) Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday!
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In this video, you see clips of the making of the Eloise dress from my Fall/Winter Collection from cutting to sewing to photoshoot!
Thumbs up if you enjoyed this video and comment below if you’d like me to make more videos of behind-the-scenes footage. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday! Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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]]>With my personal online brand, I make everything to order, which allows me to make adjustments for a customer if she is worried about fit. Taking measurements properly is so important in order to translate a pattern into a custom garment that fits well. In this blog, I will show you how to properly take your measurements.
I’ll be showing you to take your bust, waist, hip, and length measurements. So let’s get started!
The shoulder measurement is taken by measuring from the highest point of one shoulder to the highest point of the other shoulder using a tape measure.
The next measurement is for the bust. Place the tape measure at the highest point of the bust. Make sure you are able to put your fingers through for some ease. I would like to note here that in super fitted garments like a bridal or evening dress, you probably don’t want too much ease. How much ease you give yourself will depend on how you want it to fit, as well as the design.
For the underbust wrap the measure tightly right beneath the bust.
For the natural waist measurement, find where the thinnest part of your waist is. It should be slightly above your belly button.
Next the high hip point is measured at the widest part of your hips. Make sure to allow the tape measure to move lsightly around the hip so you have enough ease.
The bodice length is measure from the base of the neck to see how long you want the bodice to be. For the back bodice. Place the tape measure at the base of your back neck. If you’re doing measurements yourself. You will need to probably use a mirror. For the length of bottoms place the tape at your natural waist and identify how long you want the length to be.
For the sleeves, tilt your elbow slightly, place the tape at the highest point of the shoulder and identify how long the sleeve should be.
Measurements can make or break your garment, so if you have questions, comment below.
Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday! Thanks for watching and have a great day!
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Watch my video on How to Make a Fashion Portfolio
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Watch this video on How to Design from a Mood Board
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Assembling a fashion portfolio can be a lot of work and time, but if you want to be a fashion designer it’s your job to put in the work, have an eye for detail, know how to edit, and create a presentation.
In this blog, I’m going to go over what should be included in a fashion portfolio and how to take your designer eye to apply it to your portfolio. So let’s get started!
What Should Be Included in Your Portfolio
You should have a mood board. This shows your inspiration for what you are presenting. It should show the origin of your ideas and research. If you’d like more information on how to create a mood board, you can take a look at my video How to Make a Mood Board. You'll find a link to this video at the bottom of this page. I would recommend putting together a board of 4-8 images. You don’t want to overdo it.
A market and trend report is an optional element to include. It will show that you have done your research and why you chose your inspiration, styles, and fabrics. I would include images with your report, so it is easy to digest.
If you really want to go the extra mile and impress your interviewer, potential employer, or investor, you should identify your customer. Explain who they are, what they want- everything from their demographics, which includes age, gender, income, location; to their psychographic, which includes attitudes and other psychological criteria. The more you can explain why you designed this collection and how sellable it is, the more impressive the portfolio. This isn’t the glamorous, creative part of the process, but it is very important. Today, fashion is a very crowded market and it’s not just about making the wildest or the prettiest clothing.
I would consider also including some rough hand sketches or a sketchbook to show how your ideas evolve. You don’t need to show every style.
You should definitely include digital fashion flats of your styles completed in Illustrator. This will show you know AI and understand construction. I’ve seen some really amazing hand drawn flats, but nowadays it’s usually good to show you know Adobe Illustrator.
For my portfolio, I added color to the front of the flats and showed the backs in black and white. Black and white versions are optional but definitely include at least the fronts in color.
Next, I would include fashion illustrations. If you haven’t seen my video on fashion drawing, there will be a link in the descriptions. That’s just the basic proportions though. There is a lot of great templates you can use to create illustrations with more movement. These can be hand or digital. It’s important to see this so that you can show how your styles look together.
If your interviewer or potential employer is looking for someone to create tech packs, I would demonstrate that you can fill out these forms as well. You should know how to spec a garment. There are resources online and templates to help you with this. Tech packs are important for production. I would include contraction call outs and close up details.
As an added bonus, it would be a great plus to show finished garments or photos of them to see how your designs translate from inspo and sketches. Make sure these photos look professional if you choose to include them. The garment could be on a mannequin , model or layed flat. You can include close ups of details.
If you’d like to see examples, I highly recommend searching Behance for fashion portfolios. There are some great portfolios on there.
Creating a logo and branding your portfolio can really pull the concept together. How you lay out your images and text is important to how the viewer comprehends the information. Every detail matters. You’ll have to use your designer eye beyond just fashion and use it for graphics and layouts.
I would also recommend having a digital version of your portfolio. You can have a sample to send in emails or for your online profiles.
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos/blogs on fashion portfolios. Let me know if you have any questions or specific topics you’d like me to cover. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday!
Watch the full YouTube video here:
What to watch next?
Watch my video on How to Make a Mood Board
Watch my video on How to Unlock Your Creativity
Watch my video on How to Find Inspiration
Watch this video on How to Design from a Mood Board
Watch my video on Fashion Sketching
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Creativity is a very important aspect of my life. It’s why I started my own brand. I had a desire to create. For me creativity makes a life worth living, but not only that- I think it comes from loving life enough that you just want to add a little something more to it.
Creativity means coming up with original thoughts. Now more than ever, we are sharing ideas, whether it's tweeting, writing, drawing, coming up with new ideas in general- whatever! We live in a culture where we want to find our voice and make an impact.
I’m not sure where it comes from, but I think many people have been brainwashed into believing creativity is a gift and a mystery and ideas pop out of thin air. This is not true. You can create original ideas. It takes making connections, combining two things that don’t necessarily go together to create something unique. You have to seek inspiration and educate yourself. Open your mind to what’s going on around you. I did a whole video on this.
As a fashion designer, I am so aware that each of us wants a voice, and I want to discuss how to do that. So let’s get started!
Creativity and Misconceptions Around It
The best kind of creativity is that which is something new and makes an improvement. To contribute and make change in society, you have to put your work out into the world. Creativity is misunderstood in that it’s not reserved for few. It’s not something you have to wish for or be scared of. It is yours for the taking whenever you want to take it.
I was recently reading a book called “The Practice” by Seth Godin, which is a great book for creatives. He mentions that creativity is a skill, not a talent. It can be learned and refined. Creativity is about trusting yourself and exploring you can’t be too picky.
Unlocking Creativity
It’s all about the process. What can you do right now or today to move forward with whatever you want to create. Sometimes it's repetitive drawing and sketching or writing a list of ideas. You just have to start. You have to manifest something in the world. This is the process. When you practice the process, you will have good outcomes. This isn’t a guarantee, but it CAN lead to good outcomes if you keep at it. It’s better than doing nothing and expecting everything.
Seeking perfectionism and reassurance can kill creativity. You have to have a good attitude about the work and yourself. I think this could apply to anything you want to do but now I’m relating it to creativity. When you're creating something new, you are a leader, and when you are a leader, you have to have the right mindset. Attitudes can be practiced, just like creativity.
A lot of people in creative work get into it because you have good taste. I found the first year or so of learning fashion design I hated everything I made. I tried so hard to make something I loved, but I hadn’t practiced the skill enough. But I could recognize it wasn’t up to my standards and that was key. My distaste for what I was making stems from my personal taste. I am still rarely 100% satisfied with what I create. I don’t ever feel 100% satisfied.
To cure this, you have to do a huge volume of work. Give yourself deadlines every week or month so you can finish something. Eventually you will close that gap of dissatisfaction. And your work will be as good as your ambitions.
Keep in mind that the process of practicing creativity is more interesting than the destination. I keep this in mind whenever I feel stuck. It’s comforting and I don’t know if I can explain why. I think it’s important to keep in mind artists are very generous in that they require going through a difficult process to produce something for the world.
The takeaway from today’s video- don’t focus solely on an outcome. Focus on good processes practiced over time. You have to commit to the process. Otherwise you are living in a lottery mindset that the universe is just going to choose you to be successful in your creative ambitions. This isn't just for fashion designers but all creatives :)
Comment below if you’d like me to do more videos/blogs on creativity. Let me know if you have any questions or specific topics you’d like me to cover. Subscribe to my channel and click the bell to get notified when I upload new videos every Friday!. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Watch the full YouTube video here:
What to watch next?
Watch my video on Slow Fashion and Why I Believe in the Model
Designing Fashion for Different Women's Body Types:
Designing from a Mood Board | 3 Steps to Bring Your Collection to Life
Fashion Design in the Circular Economy
Find me on: