Stylish with Substance

Here is a photo of some leather hides tanned, stamped, dyed and printed into luxurious leathers for COACH bags.

I think it's so interesting seeing how their hides of leather look so similar to hides I have, myself, for crafting. I really hope novices to leather crafting find this fascinating, too. A must peek for any Coach, bag or craft lover!

By the way, I have a few drafts/ideas for COACH-related posts, but I will try to vary topics! I apologize for either a lot of the brand coming up or more slow posting.

Source: COACH on FB

When I first told a friend I wanted to design fashion, she said it was as hard to be successful as it is to be a rockstar. Or that's basically what she said, 26 years of memories ago. I had thought there were levels (there are) but I was so gullible all through my youth (I hope not still!).

When I returned to that life dream with ever a-flamed passion in my early 20s, I heard the advice, "being a fashion designer is not as glamourous as you think it is." Did I think it was glamourous? All I really wanted from glamour is to be able to carry designer bags.

I attained that through a lot of blogging and a little (or a lot) of credit. Now that the credit is through with (he he) or rather I've rid myself of those naughty ways, is the same time I'm finishing the road to becoming exactly what I want. Learning, practicing, honing ... I've designed tons of bags through the years and have made many bags and accessories. Switched from knits to sewing to finally leather sewing and sourcing all the best and - well after testing the fun waters of Etsy and learning some business ropes - I've learned that starting a brand / real company takes a long time, even after all the initial prep.

As I take a break from this work to prepare for moving to a nearby city, I have time to write more again and reflect, too. What is the truth about being, and working as, a start-up - start-out - new and dues-paying designer? Is there any glamour?

Well let's break this down and see.

• Because of investing in a new business, if I want a new designer bag I have to make it. Meaning my brand is the designer - but oh this feels better than any other company's I can imagine, without any of the guilt from Hermès. I do still have all my old bags that I hadn't already sold through the years, and my wonderful BF won't let me sell any more - because he knows me all too well.
• It's hard work with the hands. I was not raised to do that kind of thing, but it's not heavy lifting, it's delicate craft. I don't mind the work, the more pain my back or fingers or whatever, the prouder I am. Sure someday I could have the funds or success to have bags manufactured or run a workshop of employees, but sewing at least for a long while in the beginning is definitely crucial unless someone's a socialite or something. And I learn so much with each gusset, etc. of a bag.
• My hands can get dirty even! I don't think I should have lotioned up that particular leather, which had ink bleed on hands, etc afterward, but I crave expirimenting, which is part of learning. Manicures? I hope someday!!
• I am sort of a kept-woman. Oh I shouldn't even say that!! :-x I have some luck in a wonderful partner who makes the bulk of the money that barely keeps us floating, and this life partner doesn't worry much - he often says, "I have no doubt they'll sell." (I still need to watch out for Future-MIL.) So while we struggle, I've somehow stumbled into that Cinderella story aspect I didn't quite want. I wanted to save myself, but this man is letting me do it - and teaching me about money. (Bad shopaholic, bad!)
• Something a bit more glamourous, too: We're moving into a bigger apartment. Sure The Boy needs to relocate to aid his work commute, but I'm the one with all the stuff and all the equipment/tools that require space. I'm getting my own loft studio with extra storage that should even be able to hold extra machines enough to switch thread less, etc. (That's like something called lean manufacturing by the way, read about that on The Fashion-Incubator.)
• Of course, until I'm booked-round-the-clock fulfilling orders, I should probably do that old Cinderella work and do some "housewife/maid" duty. Ugh.

Will my million dollar princess-life come? It would take a long time, but perhaps after I've had sales running for a year or so I should revisit this topic with a current-then list.

To sum up, little glamour but where else would I get it? And I don't need it, anyway! I do have the luxury of love - in whom I'm with and in what I do - or am building.

@ First Look: The Twilight inspired line coming to Nordstrom would fit in more at Delia's than with the store's mid-range/upscale image. Sadly, it's also too alone suited to the megahit's wild youthful fan base than anything more in tune with vampires or older admirers of the film and genre.

"Team" Tees Preview:

Right before and after the original film debuted, "Twilight" was also what a vamp-y trend-merely-film-inspired was called amongst the do-it-themselves fashion creators. Etsy.com was filled with Victorian-era inspired beauties like frilly wrist cuffs and luxe oldschool gothic jewelry (Read: no Hot Topic).

Example products from Fall 2008 by Little Sparrow Nest and Talula. Click images to view their respective shops.

But just like that keyword was thrown about, Sparkly Vampire mania has hit, and punched, and bitten  - extremely hard. Now the "underground" beings inspire further "Tra L.A. L.A. Land" carefree attitudes with this oh-so Junior's style.

The "glitter" from Hollywood glitz is spreading. Aside from the Nordstrom Junior's Department styles, the most recent evolution of this living trend has surfaced online from former-or-semistill-undergrounds, the indies...

Example Etsy.com clothing "Twilight" search

Another sad(ish) truth of today is that the movie-fangirlishness has brought graphic tees to Etsy as well, not that that's entirely bad and the items & slogans are not bad - or, beauty being in the eye of the beholder, at least they're not of popular-teenshop aesthetic. Fortunately, a lot of the designs are pretty dark - a stark contrast to this mass market promotion-in-sheep's-cotton-clothing at the department store.

At least we can help show fans that they have choices.

If your fashion style has a sweet tooth for notebook-doodles over Edward Cullen, by all means, shop mainstream.

If you crave something just a little more juicy or bittersweet, then do check out Etsy or other indie venues/shops. You can probably even do some hunting and find some "vamp" items, still.

Now I love that kitschy, stitchy handmade look, really. But that charming love doesn't come through with these just by-the/for-the lazy looking "house shoes" by FurParade. Who would wear these? Judging by those toes, maybe a Who (like from Dr. Seuess.) These are women's "size medium" but seem to be for men who think Crocs are too hip. "Love" the scratchy yarn? tie for added fug detail. They make these house boots seem like little sacks for the trunks of Christmas trees. Like those, this design idea should have gone out with the trash.

Sorry handcrafter, you can't always win. And we can't always be nice.

Also check out the non-boot version; suitable for giants. Ho hum is more than right!