Monday, November 30, 2009

Random screwery

So, the end of the year just arrived and is close to disappearing into twenty ten. I am still not completely setup and comfortable in this new studio, but I'm never gonna be all in because it's simply too small and I miss my Atlanta studio. I have, however, been able to get things done - even if it is at the most snail crawl pace ever. I am barely motivated, a little bored, and slightly anxious. I'll get over it.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

And the party continued...

So, after the theme party and horseback riding, I went on my annual girl's trip. This year's destination was New York (recession vacation) and I couldn't wait for Garment District and Sak's window shopping. Well, long story short, best vacation ever!!! Love the city that never sleeps, fabric heaven, and never needing to go to the gym! So, I'm back, bored in CA, and ready for the next trip to the Big Apple. Keep an eye out for the latest garments born of this year's New York fabric run :-)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Samba Mambo

So, I just finished these vests for a Samba Drum Band and it was a bit of a revelation. I mean, during the course of production, a lot took place. I had a milestone birthday (OMG, I see "the hill"), made yet another cross-country transition just because (I can't seem to get enough, huh?), and am knocking on the door of yet another degree.

Well, somehow, right when I was crossing the finish line for the vests, all of these things came crashing down. I was on deadline with the vests, in my last week of class, it was my birthday, and labor day weekend. So, I had very little time to do anything - could barely celebrate my birthday. So much so that I didn't plan a single, fun thing. Well, to my pleasant surprise, somehow my weekend became jam packed: I did some horseback riding, went to an "80's Baby" theme party, and was thrown a surprise dinner. It turned out those around me had my 5-day weekend planned for me, and in the end I had an absolutely fabulous birthday!

It's been so long since I've been able to say that, I just wanted to share. So, today, I am genuinely happy. Ciao!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Thanks, Nikki!

"I love how they look like [you could] just throw them on and go, but still look put together and classy. That's so sick."

Friday, July 24, 2009

Um, why are we here again?

Okay, so this time, I'm not as excited about the ATL to CA trip. Normally, I dream about the beach, the perfect sky, and the fresh smell of San Francisco air. But, lately, I've been a little less enthused. Maybe it's because I absolutely DO NOT like how my studio looks this time around. It is just not as creative a space as I'm used to. Or, maybe it's just that I totally and completely LOVED my ATL studio. It's just perfect as it is. I wouldn't change a thing. This one...not so much.

Either way, I'm still booked through the end of the month and still have to perform. But, the space is draining me...it's taking away from what I love about all this. It's kind of sad, really. Wonder if I should start looking for a real, brick-n-mortar location...

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Back in Cali...still twirling

Okay, okay, I give. I'm exhausted. But, of course, "just keep swimming."

I mean, business has picked up and I'm all but out of commission. Bad timing for great things. Nothing to unpack - your guess where everything is! Desperately want to partake in the recession handbag sales...gotta figure that in somewhere...quickly. Okay, it's late. Ciao!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Custom happiness

So, the majority of my work is custom. Random people find out about me from wherever, they contact me with a dream and a budget, and I make it happen. I think it's less about the money as it is about giving them something they will be really happy with, and maybe challenging myself. I mean, I was up until 3am absolutely determined to finish the first (of three) seersucker dress. I did not want to leave a thread uncut, a seam unpressed, or a fold "misfolded." So, I made it perfect, boxed it up, and sat back in satisfaction - eyes burning, stomach growling (simply canNOT eat at 3am then go straight to bed), and terrified of the alarm that would be going off in about 3.5 hours. I digress as usual.

The thing now is to learn when to say "no" to a project. I simply do not have time to do everything I want to do, and I have the sickness of wanting to help everyone, but I am only one woman.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Egypt, Rome, India and such

So, today I'm wearing my denim, cargo harem pants. Yes, that does seem to be a bit much when you look at it that way. However, they were super cute when I bought them (in '02?) and they're super cute now. It's weird how the trendy stuff circulates, and how lately things have been circulating twice as fast. I mean, gladiator sandals are right on time, in the center of their prime for trends. Then, harem pants kicked in again, and look smashing with the sandals. Next thing will be the twisty, curly, pinned hair designs with floral and earthy accents. Might as well be costume.

Not that I'm complaining, I mean. I totally heart this particular trend. There's something ethnic and cultural about it that makes me feel good. And of course, along with my harem jeans, I'm wearing my saucy, suede, green, beaded, zip-back gladiator sandals to boot! "Lici, stop hatin' on my pants!"

Sunday, May 3, 2009

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali....

I'm going back to Cali, styling, profiling...where is that CD, anyway?

So, I got my ticket back to CA for a secret purpose, i.e. I can't tell you, but the people who should know, do know. And, I'm just happy about it. First stop? La Pinata on A Street! Best Mexican food in the Bay, with "interesting" margaritas. After that, sometime in the 5 days I'll be home, I will be sure to have a Slurpee and Jamba Juice. That's all I'll need to pick up right where I left off. That and hitting the road to visit the family and friends who are sprinkled throughout Northern and Central Valley...jet lagged, red-eyed, and happy to be home. Ah, smell that ocean air. Think I'll try to sketch out a dress while I'm there, maybe a sister for the Parrot Maxi dress http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23745471.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Setting it up for real, this time

Okay, so today I setup my Google Analytics accurately. No comment.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Setting up the shop

Got my Google Analytics set-up ...k, thanx.

No, seriously, I'm interested in this kind of market research. It makes sense and you can't argue with numbers. Soooo, let's see who REALLY visits the site.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

To style, or not to style...

Blending theromanceofstylewiththefunkofindividuality...or do I, really.

In my dreams, I see all of these beautiful things. They don't go together, but yet they do. There is color and texture. I drool. I wake up. I am inspired. I try to sketch and it comes out alright, the idea is there. Then, I cut, I sew, and I place the garment on my form. And, it looks great - except, it is not what I set out to create. So, how did this beautiful piece end up looking like this? Am I really a "classic" at heart?

I guess I am. I always have been. Why? Because I'm too anal and Type A to be a true designer. I won't let spontaneity and abstract find its way into my work. There must be process, clean lines, symmetry and such. Otherwise...well, I don't know, but there just must be.

So, then why am I in love with all things madcap. Why did my heart skip a beat when I saw Marc Jacob's spring release?

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

April's Eco-friendly Fabric Tip:

Your emery board can remove small stains from suede. Gently rub the file across the stain a few times to remove the mess and rejuvenate the nap.

Day at a time

No, you're right. It wasn't that bad. It's actually kind-of fun. Is anybody out there? Echoooo.....

Monday, April 6, 2009

And, my innocence is given away...

So, I am joining the masses. I have been successfully peer pressured (or, maybe market pressured). I am a follower, a bandwagoneer....a blogger.

This is my first time. It's a little scary. Maybe someone can tell me just how easy is it to forget that this is not just between me and my laptop. How soon will it be before I am type-ranting and all of my personal business is in the streets, ha! Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Thank you and goodnight!