Caye Shoals

I know, I know...

2011-05-23T09:58:00.002-04:00

Okay, it was never meant to get this bad. Truth is, I’ve been BUSY! Made yet another cross-country move (this time, the studio went w/me, instead of in the shipper’s truck…made no difference in my productivity!). Went “back” to work; first as a women’s retail clothing store manager (fun, you know I loved it, but all it did was make me think, “Seriously, I could make all of this.”) and then in the coporate world, which is where I still am. Pause for blank stare. Of course I’ve been working Caye in the wee hours, on weekends, and the occasional day off to meet a deadline. But, it’s never the same, and never quite right. Went back to Cali – again – to dig the rest of my studio supplies out of storage. Fail. Where is my box of lace!!!! Smh…

2011-03-30T15:50:00.001-04:00

OMG, so it has been forever since I stopped by! I’m so sorry (not to you, b/c there is no you, but in general). I need to do better. Okay, so quick catch-up since I’m here, then I’ll go into further detail later: did a prom and a wedding, moved back to ATL, have only half my studio, took on a women’s retail store management position…lasted a few months, worn out… quit to work full-time hours in a completely unrelated field, but a field I am educated in, let’s see how long that lasts, about to ramp up the spring/summer designs, as I have at least 2 group projects and one individual project in line. Let the fun begin!

Prada goes ethnic?

2010-06-09T14:59:00.004-04:00

Okay, so there were a million things that took place between my last post and now. But, this one I had to stop what I was doing and share with anyone who cares (or could care less, lol). Or, maybe I just want to see it everywhere I look. But, seriously, my heart skipped a beat over this bag, and I'm normally not that bad when it comes to brands and bags, but seriously...skipped a beat. Someone has got to join me. I can't even look at it...

Separating business and …family?

2010-05-05T11:59:00.002-04:00

So, my plate is full. Period. However, because I see or speak to my family every day, there’s always someone who has an event coming up, a dress that no longer fits right, or a slew of new clothes that they were never able to wear because they are the wrong size and the person knew this before they bought it but bought it anyway knowing they could just give it to me since I’m a “person who sews things” and that has become a variable in their shopping experience…whew.

So, I now have this huge section of alterations or random projects for my grandfather, my sister, my best friend, my mom, and my aunt, etc. and the pile is only growing larger. Coupled with my actual client projects – scheduled through September – I am simply overwhelmed!

To make matters worse, I received a call from my dear old grandpa asking about his pants (he gave me six pair to do a simple hem, and I’ve had them for over a month). I feel awful. I did, however, give 3 pair to my mom over the weekend. She sees him more than I, so I thought she could hand them off sooner. No dice. She forgot, wondering “what that bag was on the table.” Okay. I feel worse.

Caye Shoals was featured in Style Bakery Mom's March blog!

2010-04-08T18:46:00.003-04:00

4 Clever Ways to Conceal When You're Not Ready to Reveal featured the Raw Silk Halter Tunic.

Tattle tell or tattle tale?

2010-04-02T18:59:00.000-04:00

So, today, a company that I’m currently contracted with announced a merger – they’re being bought by an awesome company. Truthfully, I didn’t really care much because I am not an employee of this company, so at the end of the day I’m not directly affected. Of course, there are indirect affects and I’d be a fool to ignore those. However, for the sake of my argument, I’m not really bothered.

Now, as I pass by the whispering cubes and head out to enjoy MY afternoon, I ponder the thoughts of those who are involved in the aftermath of closed-door meetings. Will someone lose their job today? Will someone be promoted today? Will someone be “forced” to participate in the transition, only to eventually be let go? With all of these possibilities floating around, was there also a possibility that livelihoods could have been spared?

Okay. With that said, why does management keep stuff like this under wraps? How come, whenever there’s a huge decision like a merger and a lot is at stake, is it always kept under wraps? Do they think the average Joe Cubicle will learn of the merger, run-tell the masses, and there will be some sort of super protest in front of the building the next morning? Or, maybe the millionaires in the organization will hit the stock market and become billionaires by lunch…

Personally, I believe that an organization that truly values its employees will consider them in the decision. Not that they shouldn’t act upon whatever they feel is best for the company; just that they should give a heads up so that people can make well-informed decisions regarding what to do with their lives…and careers.

Wonder what Penelope would have to say about that…

Pointless Addictions

2010-04-01T16:26:00.004-04:00

I realized this morning that my daily routine consists of my new fave blog (P. Trunk rocks!) and responding to people’s drama. (I’ll leave the issue of my daily routine not really being routine, but more so just things I do each day, regardless of order). For a while, I was addicted to Yahoo! Answers. It’s like free therapy, or better yet, let’s call it free advice (as if advice normally has a cost, or maybe it does…later convo). Anyway, I got hooked on responding to random questions posted in YA, mostly in the relationship, marriage, family topics. Some are sad, people out there so desperate for any type of help, they’re reaching out to the vast knowledge of strangers on the web. Some are ridiculous, people just wasting time (my #1 peeve). Some really take that stuff seriously, like, they are truly affected by what is asked/answered on YA. I once answered a question from a younger woman dating an older man, wanting to know if there were signs that he was trying to “train” her into an obedient wife. After my response, I got an email (via the YA module, of course) telling me I was jealous of her relationship... Like I always say, cant save ‘em all.

I'm a Believer!

2010-03-30T19:27:00.003-04:00

OMFG. It has hit me. That inspiration that doesn’t come often, but thank God when it does (i.e. I’m still alive!)

“How do you know what you're doing wrong if you are not failing? How do you ever learn your limits?” Penelope Trunk

Man, is this supposed to make me WANT to fail, or just be okay with it when I do?! If I don’t fail, will I be doomed to ignorance? At least when it comes to learning my limits I guess…but, I thought life was supposed to be limitless, no bounds, reach for the stars, yada ya.

Well, whatever the case, I fell upon PT, AR, AG, Mrs. Farmer, whatever she’s going by these days while at “work” and looking through my Outlook for ways to expand my mind (or properly dispose of the company’s time). Wow, the wonders that RSS feeds you these days…. I am now her newest fan/follower.

New Fashions.org Listing

2010-01-21T03:14:00.004-05:00

Fashions.Org - "The Community"

Random screwery

2009-11-30T01:14:00.003-05:00

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.

And the party continued...

2009-10-17T01:31:00.002-04:00

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 :-)

Samba Mambo

2009-09-09T04:47:00.002-04:00

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!

Thanks, Nikki!

2009-07-28T23:05:00.001-04:00

"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."

Um, why are we here again?

2009-07-24T16:01:00.002-04:00

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...

Back in Cali...still twirling

2009-07-14T03:04:00.002-04:00

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!

Custom happiness

2009-05-21T09:03:00.002-04:00

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.

Egypt, Rome, India and such

2009-05-15T10:01:00.002-04:00

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!"

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

2009-05-03T13:38:00.002-04:00

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.

Setting it up for real, this time

2009-05-01T20:52:00.002-04:00

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

Setting up the shop

2009-04-21T17:47:00.003-04:00

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.

To style, or not to style...

2009-04-09T17:09:00.008-04:00

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?

April's Eco-friendly Fabric Tip:

2009-04-07T23:29:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-07T11:20:00.001-04:00

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

And, my innocence is given away...

2009-04-06T16:47:00.000-04:00

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!