Make It Work!

Being a diligent designer, I'm doing my very best to take Tim Gunn's advice!  But, I'm trying to make it work MY way -- the only way I know how.  I'm back on the genius site, Kickstarter, to fund my latest collection.  It was just one year ago that I first dipped my toes into the crowdsourcing pool on the advice of one of my biggest supporters, Wendy Brandes.  I was thrilled at the response I received and even more thrilled that I raised the money to put on my first runway show. 

Tim must be obeyed

Most of you know the story and most of you sponsored me.  Thanks!  It's been an amazing feeling to finally be designing my own collection rather than someone elses.  That's been my goal since I was a young girl, so I don't see any reason to turn back now.  I've made quite a bit of progress over the last year (WWD, Huffington Post, LIFE, Dstripped Mag, DFR) and I sincerely believe my big break is coming!  It takes time.  Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say.  I'm still working on getting my foot in the door with a store that is willing to buy more than one or two pieces of a style.  Persistence is key.  In order to be persistent, I need to be relevant which means, I need to consistently show collections.  Season after season.  You need to be in it to win it, so to speak.

my sketch in WWD - September 15, 2011

So, until I find a backer (I love when people suggest that to me like it's something that never occurred to me -- I'd much rather somebody could give me a name and a number!) or until I get a big order from Neiman's (Ken Downing, I love you!), I'm going to need to find other ways to finance my shows/collections.  Another one of my favorite suggestions that I get all the time is, "Why don't you get a celebrity to wear one of your pieces?"  To which I respond, "GREAT idea!  Do you know any?"  Then, there is usually an awkward pause.

Kim... you're my girl!  Let me dress you!

Anyway, I guess you can say I'm a little naive in that I still believe that people can become successful based on talent, hard work and sticking around long enough.  Well, you need to take all that, add being in the right place at the right time and sprinkle in a little luck!  That's the recipe.  So, you guys are my luck.  Help me make it happen!  Sponsor my Spring 2012 line (click this link or the widget)... any amount is appreciated and every little bit helps.  Spread the word!

Let's let Tim know that we "made it work!!"

Gone With The Windows

All this talk about the fashion at the Golden Globes has me kind of burnt out.  Best dressed, worst dressed, fashion police, Joan Rivers says yay or neigh, Giuliana Rancid, uh, I mean Rancic's red carpet comments...so much pressure!  I would guess that Hollywood stars and starlets have enough money to pay for a good stylist if they can't figure out what the hell looks good on them, but nobody looks perfect ALL of the time.  I bet even Tim Gunn wears sweatpants on occasion or has a bad hair day.  But, he "makes it work!"

OK, I scoured the Internet and could not find a picture of Tim in anything but a suit!

 So, I think they should all take themselves a little less seriously and just follow WendyB's mantra, "wear what you want."  Just take it from Carol Burnett...

Rhett:  "That gown is gorgeous."

Scarlett: "Thanks, I saw it in the window and I just couldn't resist it."