You're Hilarious My Friend.

Hey all!

So last Sunday I had a photography session with Mel Klemz Photography, so I can get the gowns out there that I have designed for this season.  My goal was to get them out and available by January, but since this is the 31st, and Obviously I need to give editing time for the photos, I am thinking February is a safer bet.  It was awesome to see my designs come to life and work again with my breathtakingly beautiful friend Kayla...Who is also freaking hilarious as I'm finding out more and more.  Here's an example of this...

This was her trying to give us cliche' poses while Mel, her husband (who looks more like he would be out hanging with the duck dynasty folks than helping us figure out fashion poses), and I tried to figure out how to direct her.  She also scared the crap out of me screaming "Ouch!" when I was putting some hair pins on her...then looked at me with a grin saying "Just kidding."

Now, Mel ("Missy") as I've aways called her, has been my friend since 6th grade.  She did a photo shoot back in the fall with my bestie Michelle and I and it turned out amazing.  I will have a special blog post all about this later in February.  It's been so amazing to see her grow so much as a photographer...A career she really only got super serious with a little over a year ago.  But know this...this girl has always had a love for photography.  As a shy sweet girl, I look back and think she was probably a lot more comfortable behind the camera so it makes a lot of sense, but at the same time she was always joyful with her camera in her hands...Even since we were kids.  Here's a shot she took of my best friend Valerie and I back in the day

Why we thought it was a great idea to pose on the toilet together is beyond me.  No wonder Missy was joyful with her camera.  Probably because as soon as she took it out, we hams would do ridiculous things for her to record.  Also, I just have to say, Dang my glasses were awesome.  I was a hipster before it was cool.  haha!

Anyhoo, back to the story here.  So I was able to take a few more shots of Missy in action, and Kayla trying to be serious on my camera phone...

It was such a fun night hanging out and working with my friends.  I seriously didn't want it to end.  We actually probably should've ended it sooner in all honesty because there was a horrible snow storm that left Kayla and I in white out conditions for our drive home, spending more of our time talking out loud to Jesus than cracking jokes.  Obviously we made it home safe though and all's well that ends well.  :)

As for the photos, I can't wait to get them back!  I'm ready to show the world what I have to offer...I think.  lol!  

I will leave you with this tho.  I contacted Missy and told her about this blog post and asked if I could get just a couple of the professional pics to share with you guys, and she delivered!  So here is a sneak peak at a couple of the gowns.  Hope you love them as much as I do...

         

This one is "The Valerie" named after one of my bff's who has been a flower child since we met.  She's actually the one from the picture up top!  We put a western twist with the lace boot cuffs and cowboy boots and I thought it worked beautifully.  This would be a beautiful choice for a boho bride, a laid back reception dress, or even an adorable option for a bridesmaid.  :)

This one is "The Jenni"... My girl Jenni is a lover of all things vintage and inspired this when I thought about her vintage inspired engagement ring.  :)  A total Gatsby dress.  Hand beaded rhinestones cover the straps, neckline, and the belt.  And it's finished off with a ruffled bottom.   

I pulled this one out of the bag and Kayla started clapping and saying"yes!"...Ya think she was excited to wear it?  It made me feel great.  Such an awesome day.  Can't wait to share the rest when they are done!

XO

Christina

Getting Ready for Indie Wed

Hey all!  Sorry for the late post.  I am a busy woman!  As most of you know I was chosen as a vendor for Indie Wed in Chicago.  Indie Wed is an awesome wedding expo/market geared toward artsy fartsy folks.  I am really excited to go, but I am also so crazy busy right now preparing for it all.  I basically have to represent myself and what I'm about in a 6 foot square.  I'm a big diy-er which has come in handy.  Anyhoo...here's a little bit of what I've been working on...

I am going to build some stands for my "heads" to sit on with some lamps with plates on them, but to keep the lamps at an even level, one has to have a little boost, so I decided to use some old books.

And paint them for a perkier look.  :)

I also decided to make my own table coverings with some satin, since I usually have a ton on hand.

I just cut them to the right size and am now in the process of  hemming them all.

I do most of my work while my little one naps or late at night in this case.  So here's me being tired and over it.  haha!

Another thing I have put together is "swag".  The first 50 brides that come through the door get tote bags and a list of vendors that hand out goodies.  I wanted to do something useful yet memorable for the brides so I bought an array of colorful scarves they can pick from...

From there, I printed out a nice note and a coupon with a hefty discount for my Etsy store and of course my business card.  :)

 

I attached it all to the scarves and voila!  Instant, useful swag!

Another thing I thought about was signage.  Now I have an awesome banner of a sign made of vinyl, but it is way too big to fit in my booth, so I printed out and framed a small version of my sign and I am going to try and put it up on a shelf on my table.  We'll see if my vision comes to life.  :)  Also I wanted peeps to know that I can take credit cards, so instead of doing a cheesy paypal sticker, I thought I would do something a little more quirky and cute...

 

I will also have a "wandering model" at the show.  My sweet (and totally gorgeous) friend Kayla will be walking around with my pieces on.  When I contacted Kelly (the lovely and super helpful creator of Indie Wed) about it, she said to maybe have a table number for her to hold so people know where to go if they have any questions.  I thought that was such a great idea.  Here's my take on it...

I just made it a hanging tag, so I can tie it to her and she can roam around and have some fun at the show...hands free.  :)

Well I guess that's about it to share for now.  There really is a ton more, but I have to leave a bit of surprise for my friends that are going out to the show.  I hope if you are a bride (or groom) getting married, you will consider going.  Although this will be my first year being a part of it, I have done my research and it's going to be an awesome time with plenty of ideas and entertainment.

Have a great week, and tune in next week to see how my photo shoot with Mel Klemz photography went for my 2014 Bridal Gown (mini) Collection.

So how was the show?

Hey all!  So as promised I wanted to do an entry on the NWI Bridal Expo.  Last year I kind of got in at the last minute, threw some pictures in a photo album, and hoped for the best.  This year it was nice because Michelle and I did a booth together and could help each other.  Also, I took my time preparing.  Well sort of.  I prepared while trying to make fur wraps for winter brides who ordered on Etsy, so it was a bit hectic at times...but I'm not complaining.  I welcomed the work as it is not wedding season so it was nice to have the extra cash coming in.  :)  What was also nice is we had beautiful flowers surrounding us via Magda with Fleurishly Inc.  I don't know about you, but flowers always make me feel a little sunnier inside.

Anyway, this year it was really nice to know what to expect.  One thing I learned last year is how much set up sucks...

And ya know what?  It still does. 

Regardless we all managed to keep a smile on our face through the process.

It also helped that there were 3 of us to share the work load and help each other figure out how things looked best.  I got suddenly tired right before the brides were going to be let in, and my brain was a bit mushy, so Michelle and Magda made lots of suggestions on where to put what.  Thanks girls.  :)  So within a few hours we were finished...and things looked really amazing.

Michelle set up little themed tables so brides could get an idea of her decorating style.  I think it really showed what a versatile designer she is.  There was Moroccan, Vintage 1920's, Rustic Valentines, and a classic Black and white Glam....And the florals were just gorgeous!  I have to say though, my faves probably had to be the Moroccan...

And the Rustic Valentines...

Don't you just adore the little heart plates?  They actually said things too...One said "xoxo" and one said "love."  Too cute!

As for me, my heads got to make their debut appearance which I was really excited about.  I thought the whites and gold headbands from this year's collection really popped out on the black velvet.  :)  

Don't the little orchids look so cute on the table?  Thanks Magda!

 And I also printed out some faces of vintage women to display some of the pins and barrettes.  Thanks pinterest.  :)

 After we were done setting up, it was time to "woo" the awesome brides!  We were ready...

And we were off...

Maybe it's just as I said, that I knew more of what to expect this year, but I really felt like I got a chance to talk with brides more one on one this year.  And trust me, it wasn't because it wasn't as busy.  In fact, I think there were even more brides this year!

I managed to take this really quick in between the madness...this was actually a lull in the day!  But even with all that madness, there were lot's of sweet girls that really appreciated what I had to offer and I was really glad I made the decision to be a part of the day.

 There were also many girls that loved the fact that they could get a custom design and be totally one of a kind for their day.  I have to admit, I'm so glad to offer that option too, but all the love and sweet feedback I got for the pieces I designed myself warmed my heart the most.

I met this cutie patootie bride who asked to try on one of my bridal caps...

Isn't she so adorable in it??  She looks like a little 20's flapper with her awesome haircut and it fit like a glove.  Her mom even came back and talked to me again at the end of the show.  So sweet.  :)

All in all, it was a very successful day and I am looking forward to working with some awesome girls in hopes of making them look totally original for one of the best days in their life.


On top of a really warm crowd, I got to talk to a few really great vendors, and Beck's Crown Bakery fed us their awesome donuts in the morning.

I guess the only other thing to report is that I made it home safely and I'm now currently enjoying my beautiful orchids from Magda on my own kitchen table...Dang these things live forever!

So anyhoo, I hope you got an idea of what the show was like.  If you are getting married within the coming years, I definitely recommend coming out to the show.  It's a lot to take in, and yes you are going to get a zillion emails from all of us vendors, but in the end it's worth it.  You will get a lot of ideas and it's just a fun day.  If your fiance doesn't want to come, bring your girls and have a free mimosa on me.  :)  See ya'll there next year!

XO
Christina

My fashion Design School And A New Year's Resolution

So did I ever tell you that I went to the same fashion school as Vera Wang?  Pretty cool huh?  For those of you who really know me, you are probably a bit puzzled right now and maybe thinking something along the lines of..."Okay, I think Christina has finally lost it."  Here's the thing... Vera didn't go to fashion school.  Surprised?  I gotta say I kind of was.  I mean, it's Vera.  Her work is beautiful right?  I guess she wasn't happy with what was out there for wedding gown choices when she was getting married and that's pretty much what started it all for her.  She worked as a design director for Ralph Lauren for a short while too.  Maybe you're thinking..."Well working for Ralph was probably like going to design school since he probably taught her all of the things he learned when he went."  But guess what?  Ralph didn't go to fashion school either.  Surprised again?  I was too, but in a totally awesome way.  I think learning this really helped me embrace something I have always known.  Some people are just meant to do what they do.  Some people are just called for it.  I LOVE THAT!  The list goes on too...Kate Spade, Diane Von Furstenberg, Coco Chanel,Versace, Hilfiger...None of them went to school for it!  So for any of you with dreams out there...go for it.  I know if you are anything like me sometimes it's easier said than done, but ignore that little voice of doubt.  And on the days, it's too hard to do that...tell it to get the hell out of the way.  Even though sometimes it's really hard to juggle it all,  I have no regrets of starting 27 Dresses.  I was meant to do it...school under my belt or not.  Right Vera?

So how about you?  What were you meant to do?  I would love to know.  :)

Also, If you want to get the full low down and read the details on some of your favorite designers who you would've never thought skipped school click here.  It was interesting and inspiring!

In other news, I have made a resolution to blog once a week this year.  So far I am doing a terrible job since it's January 11th and this is my first entry, but I have been getting ready for the NWI Bridal Expo and Indie Wed and time just got away from me...So...starting now, I will blog once a week.  :-/  I am hoping to have something up by Saturday of each week...Sunday at the latest.  Lord knows there is plenty going on with me lately to fill everyone in on!  Next week tune in for how the expo went.  :)  I'm really excited...doing this one with my bestie Michelle (AKM events) and she is gonna make our booth look amazing.  I will get some pics to share with you all!  As for now, I should probably get off here considering set up starts bright and early in the morning and I'm beat from all the preparation.  Goodnight loves... Hope you are having a fantastic New Year so far!

XO