My Indie Wed Experience

Hey all!

So if you've been keeping up with me, you know that last Saturday was the Indie Wed show!  It's funny because when you get ready for these shows or expos, they are like a wedding itself in a way.  You take months and months to prep and then it's all over in the blink of an eye.

For those out of the loop (like I was for the last few years)...Indie Wed is a wedding show/market geared toward super artistic people or people that plain old want something a little different for their wedding day.  It's held at the Ravenswood Event Center in Chicago which I must say is in a fantastic neighborhood and would probably be one of my first choices for a wedding venue in the city.  :)  Maybe when Johnsie and I do our 10 year vow renewal...  :-D

Anyway, Since the show was so full of vendors, there wasn't enough room for a fashion show, but Kelly (the lovely owner and operator of the show) suggested bringing wandering models if you were a fashion vendor.  So of course I asked the beautiful Kayla to come along, help me unpack, look pretty, and most importantly make me laugh.  She succeeded at all of it.  :)

Between the fact that I am NEVER on time as it is and the crazy weather we had, it's safe to say...we were late.  We pulled up to the entrance, ran everything in, and then went to search for parking.  Surprisingly enough, it wasn't too hard to find and we made our way back in no time.  I set up the whole booth in about 40 minutes, which was all I had until they started letting everyone in so it all worked out great!  Here's the booth...

I thought it turned out really cute, and I was super proud of all the diy I had going on.  All of my black coverings were made out of flat sheets, and my "rug" I made out of black faux fur.  My vintage ladies were sitting in shelves I made from milk crates and white faux fur gave them a solid bottom for the easels to stand on.  The rest you've already heard about a few posts ago.  :)

In the meantime, I had thrown Kayla into her first gown (a fun 50's style) and put her hair in a side bun and threw the mini hat on.  She looked adorable and went to do a lap or two.  Soon after she said she saw someone doing hair in the next aisle and was going to try and see if they could fit her in.  I didn't think much of it, but sure enough she was back in 10 minutes with a professional updo.  It cracked me up, that not a half hour into the show and she was already getting the royal treatment.  So thank you to Antje Kastner Studio for the BEAUTIFUL vintage hairstyling!

After that, she was coming back with all kinds of random food people were offering her as she walked around.  One guy looked at her and said: "Here.  You look hungry."  and handed her a tamale.  One time she came back with a taco.  And I would say throughout the day, I probably saw her eat about 5 cupcakes.  Must be nice.  :)
We did a few costume changes throughout the day.  Here's her in her favorite gown.  :)  I guess a guy came up to her all confused asking if she was walking around in a different outfit earlier.  She told him yes and he said good because he thought he was going crazy.  I told her she should've freaked him out and said no.  :)

Don't you just love the vintage signs and the cool cars in the background?  See there was even something for the grooms there...lol!

For most of the show I just had to stay put, as I didn't want to miss any potential clients.  I had a lot of fun talking with people and handing out my "swag".  All the women went crazy for the choices of colors and thought it was so awesome that I gave scarves out.  Some of them looked at me dumbfounded.  They'd say really?!  Kind of like "Ok, what's the catch?"   It felt good that they appreciated the gift and it made me think I had accomplished what I wanted to...offering them something useful and memorable to remember 27 Dresses Designs by.  :)  I met so many different kinds of people and it seemed like everyone who came in the booth was genuine and really liked my work, so hopefully I will get lots of business from the show.  Time will tell!

I also ended up hitting the neighbor jackpot.  :)  The booth next to me belonged to a lovely girl named Carolyn.  She owns The Bread and Butterfly which does a little bit of everything.  Backdrops, decor, flowers, day of coordination, and even will do a headpiece or boutonniere if needed.  :)  She was just so...Nice.  Maybe you are thinking, there are a lot of nice people out there.  But let me just say without going into too much detail here that "nice" in this business is refreshing and harder to come by than one might think.  She is going to provide the decor for a future photo shoot, so I can't wait to see what she comes up with!  This is Carolyn...

I also met another nice girl a little down the way...
Once the day slowed down a bit I had Kayla man the booth and decided to explore a little bit myself.  I had scoped out some of the vendors online before the show and had a little mental list of who I wanted to make sure I spoke with.  One of those peeps was Calli with Color & Cake Photography.  Her photos are an awesome combination of soft, chic, and fun.  I thought she would be perfect for an upcoming shoot Michelle and I are doing together so I asked if she would be interested in shooting it.  She said absolutely and we even traded some of our swag.  :)  We are so excited to be working with her in the near future!  So here's Calli (playing tool man to her booth)

The others I was most interested in checking out were my competition.  lol!  So I took a walk around and did that.  There were some awesome designers there!  One came up and introduced herself.  She was so sweet and we realized we have a lot in common.  For example, we would rather be at home right then making headpieces.  Haha!  In the end though, I just felt like I fit in with them and that none of us were "better" than the other.  I think we all do great work and we are all completely different.  I even felt like maybe all of my nervous butterflies before the show were pointless.  I can hang with those city designers if I do say so myself.  :)

And with that all said, here were a couple other noteworthy things at the show...
#1 Awesome photo backdrop...This was on the second floor.  I didn't catch the name of the business that designed it, but it was really stunning!

#2 The 3rd Floor Lounge...  They made the top floor of the event a Vaudeville style circus lounge full of can can dancers, hula hoop tricksters, and even vintage music.  I missed all the exciting stuff, but I had to run up and at least snap a pic before I had to pack up.  Check out the awesome furniture.  I would love that rust colored couch for a photo shoot!!!

#3 Umbrellas!  They also had hanging umbrellas in the amazing window of the 3rd floor.  It looked so cool, I had to catch that as well...

It was definitely an amazing event and I'm so glad I got to experience it all!  Made some contacts, got booth ideas for the future, talked to some cool vendors, and hopefully made some new clients.  :)  Hope you got an idea of the show and if you are a wedding vendor looking to broaden your horizons, check it out and maybe try to get in for next year.  :)

Indie Wed Site

Mwah!

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

2014 Bridal Headpiece Collection is here!

Hey everyone!  So...I have been working really hard on my 2014 Bridal Headpiece Collection, and it is here!  I will also have 5 gown designs that will be available January 2014, but let's just take it one day at a time.  :)  So before I reveal the beautiful photos I must give credit where credit is due.  The photography was all done by Mel Klemz Photography and it is absolutely superb!  Thanks also to Michelle with AKM events for volunteering her family's land for the shoot and helping me get the headpieces placed just right on our beautiful model Kayla!  And as for the gorgeous hair and makeup, my awesome sister in law Stephanie Hauser donated part of her afternoon to do that, so thanks lady!

Ok...I think that's it....

So without further Adieu, here it is.

2014 Bridal Headpiece Collection by 27 Dresses Designs

Golden Goddess Bridal Crown

Art Deco Inspired Double Band

Satin and Lace Vintage Flower Bridal Comb

Ivory and Champagne Bridal Cap (Veil Alternative)

Satin and Lace Boho Bridal Headband

Gold Birdcage Veil with Champagne and Gold Floral Fascinator

Set of 3 White and Champagne Cherry Blossom Hairpins

Cherry Blossom and Peony Tulle Headpiece

Beaded Blush Boho Headband with Chiffon Peonies

Vintage Style Flower Trio Bridal Comb

Vintage Lace and Chiffon Boho Bridal Cap (Veil Alternative)

Well, I hope you like these labors of love!  My heart and soul goes into every piece.  Please stay tuned for the gowns!  Mwah!