New Office, New Equipment, New Goals: The Power Week

Day 22.  (REALLY?  Already?  FML. You know...why didn't time go this fast when I wanted to turn 21?  I remember THAT taking FOREVER. But now?  I cannot have a detour in self employment without turning around and seeing a freakin' week go by).


Had an exciting week. 


Exorcising The Dust Devil. Replaced the shelves.  Yep.  That's right. Had to. Because they were falling off of the wall.  Yes. All of them.  In my shop.  Nothing puts a cramp in building assembly quite like the slow decline of the storage area. So it all had to go lest it tear (literally) a hole in the wall.


Let me tell you a little something about plaster dust.  It. Gets. Everywhere.  My hepafilter is churning and my eyes still burn.  Plaster dust is a wily little devil. 


But - I exorcised it and banished it all to the pits of hell from whence it came by channeling a strong female archetype from my family:  My Great-Grandmother, Rosalija Kriskovich.


My Croatian Great-Grandmother Rosalija was from Novi Vinodolski near Rijeka on the coast.  She stood at 5'11" tall and could lift an armoire over her head majestically. She was strong.  Stoic.  And had little patience for dirt.


I follow in her footsteps as our family's resident stitcher. She taught me a lot about my craft and about how to get things done.  So.  Out of respect, I called upon her in my moment of battle with the Devil made of plaster dust. 


The answer was clear.  Hand-floor mopping.  Hands and knees. She did it that way, as did my grandmother and my mother after her - and now I dutifully follow.


 I armed myself as she'd have done with cloth, bucket, piping hot water and soap.


I will spare you all the gory details of the day, but it made the Battle of Agincourt look like Spamalot.


The shelves are up the dust is finally gone and I can finally get back to work in my ultra chic and super clean organically savvy pet free smoke free dust free and allergen free work space


Now I have so much SPACE. It's awesome.  I emerge victorious!

Valentine and Button, Mine.

Day 18.  I have 18 bags only 6 of which are posted and blogged.  (Okay, okay you caught me.  I have 17. I didn't sew on New Year's Day.  I was, then, hashing out this brilliant bag-a-day plan.  So far, it's kept me on task.  The challenge is the social and photo.  More on that in a bit)

The newest challenge is implementing improvements as I go along so as not to slow down the process.  Chicagoans are typically very fashion savvy...but also extremely practical.  Why?  The weather here is just awful.  It is cold from October through and including May.  This means that not only all clothing and outerwear - but also all accessories must be efficient and sturdy. Does this mean that accessories cannot be beautiful and whimsical?  No.  But the challenge is making sure that these items can battle the domineering Mother Nature.

So I'm constantly reinventing each piece. As it stands, all of my pieces are one of a kind (even if they are similar in outward appearance and basic materials).  It just sort of happened that way. If I wanted piping, I took things apart and put it there; if I wanted a stronger zipper, I got one; if I wanted a fool proof pocket, I took the lining apart and reconfigured; and if I needed a stronger bottom structure, I found one.

This is taking blistering amounts of time away from networking and photographing, but I feel confident now that I have stronger products.  Incredibly important to me, that.

Speaking of social networking, I have to say that it is super fun. No idea what everyone in big business is complaining about.  I enjoy talking about my findings and adventures as an accessories designer. It makes me happy to tell my client and my friends what I'm up to and why I am up to it.

It is, however, truly easy to get lost in it.  I blog, I tweet, I facebook.  Most of which are already connected and post to each other all savvy like.  But now, my graphic designer says that there are even MORE social networks.

To this, I say an articulate: OMG.

I'm currently prepping for Valentine's Day Sales. So that means amping it up.  (Case in point, this is the first time I've seen 7am in a long time. Ha.)

Today is all about the bag. Erin Rose Design forges forward with the vegan line and the pet accessories line as planned, while still sticking to the bag-a-day challenge, blogging, photographing, etc.

Can it be done?  Oh yes.

To quote my friend, Button (her nickname because she is not only fashionable, but also super cute in that whole Mary Pickford sort of way):

"I don't know what this game is...but I am going to WIN"

Where Did A Week GO?

OK, people.  I know you're sitting on the edge of your seats!  The bag-a-day challenge continued and continues.

I have seven to post (I know...I'm a sassy over achiever)

Thing that's holding up the works?  Trying to find the idea space for all of my snazzy photography equipment.  Budget friendly lot, this.  As advised from my gal-pal...I got a white backdrop and some ornament displays.

I'll be set up in no time.  And soon to be editing pictures and then we can resume the blogging of the bag a day challenge....

Stay tuned.

RiotGirl Collection Featured Item: The Tatt Bag

Day 10 of the year 2011.  (actually...it's day 11.  I didn't set this blog to post yesterday....booo)

This bag a day challenge is super.  I've gotten the opportunity to go through all of my really fun fabrics and recycle them....and....what's even cooler is that I've also been able to go through my wardrobe and upcycle things I never ever wear and give them a new lease on life.

I'm not thin, I'm not fat...I just am.  However...I've held onto so many items in my sad little wardrobe that I "might wear again".  As if.  So I decided...in addition to being strict about my goals to create a bag a day for Erin Rose Design....I've also decided to give things in my closet the old "heave ho".

I had this great silk 90s blouse.  It had shoulder pads fit for a hawk to sit on. So....I transformed it into the lining of a sassy little evening bag since it already had great details and a pocket.  Continuing the rock star theme, I have this tattoo fabric that matched it perfectly:

Here's the pics of the fabric....purse pics to follow.

RiotGirl Collection Featured Item: Rock Star Red and Black Zebra Glam Bag

Here's the newest in the bag-a-day challenge.

I love black

I love red

I love love love animal prints.  According to WWD, animal is very desirable this season.  And you don't have to be an omnivore to enjoy it.  I use peace silk (the silk that has come by the empty cocoon and sans little bittty worm).  So - even though it is made out of silk this bag is ethically savvy....as no little worms were injured to make it.

In an effort to be a leaner and greener designer, I am constantly looking for ways to enjoy the styles I love while still loving the planet on which I groove merrily..........

Enjoy!

RiotGirl Collection Featured Item: The Mia Purse

My sister, Mia was a tough girl as a kid.  Fighter. First in our family to stand up to prejudice face-on in our hometown of a, then, very angry Baltimore; First in our family to get a visible tattoo; (It's a gorgeous vintage style dragon that wraps down her arm.  At the time, she had magnificent dredlocks...and is possibly the only person who smelled good wearing pachouli oil.  Everyone else smells like old hippies.  Sorry.  It really is a rank and atrocious smell......except when my sister wore it....); and she was the first in our family to leave home in order to fight Mother Nature  with nothing more than a protective suit, hard had and a shovel (more on that in a bit).  


She lifted weights for fun back then.  And she still has "two tickets to the gun show".....lol....WITHOUT looking like Nichole Bass.  


(Not that there is anything wrong with Nichole Bass.  She rules too for different reasons..especially her cameo in The Cell.......but she's also built like an Amazon Warrior Queen...and although my sister shares the spirit of an Amazon Warrior Queen....she still stands, vertically challenged, at 5'5" so ultra large guns would make her look like Popeye)


Her strength training took her from being the only girl at the gym...to an incredible summer of fighting forest fires in Montana and its surrounding states.


My ever adventurous sister subsequently followed this career with attending mechanic school and became a welder (and I have the picture of her standing INSIDE the engine of a tank to prove it).  She...got bored....with fire and iron and then became a sous chef.  Self taught.


My sister has overcome every gender stereotype there is...and is still all woman.  She giggles like a Japanimation cartoon; she wears black eyeliner with bright eye shadow; she is a rock star; she is a force to be reckoned with.  And she's my sister.


This purse....had to be made.  I immediately thought of Mia when I saw the fabric.  It's a bold choice.  It's pink.  With GLITTER woven into the fibers....like a secret treasure.  It has Sailor Jerry Style tats on it.


It's tough and feminine...just like Mia.  


Gives one's girl side...a drop-kick. 

This glitteriffic bag is tough as nails on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside because the exterior consists of candy pink cotton tattoo printed novelty fabric (and glitter) that is lovingly encased in a layer of clear plastic recycled from an old rain coat. The graceful interior is a soft and seductive blush pink silk charmeuse.

The base of the bag is about 2 inches. No pockets. Slim an prim for any quick getaway from paparazzi with plenty of room for the glam essentials.

This bag is equipped and prepared for any party - from cocktail to kegger - and will still maintain its beauty.

No muss, no fuss, no drama....no problem.

RiotGirl Collection Featured Item: Pinup Purple Glitter Retro Inspired Bowling Bag (VEGAN)

Accordingly to WWD there are about 15 top hot trends in accessories for Fall/Winter 2010-2011....and this accessories designer is not going to overlook a single one.  That's right.  I am up for a lofty challenge.  


First few on the list:  Shiny/Glowing Glossy; Weather/Practical Fashion; Rock-Chic; and Retro Flair


Sooo....I had  this fabric:  glittery fun.  Discoballolicious.  Retro and rockstar.  100% good girl gone bad.


Well.  Paint my lips ruby red in a Benatar snarl and snap my bubblegum! 


This is the bowling bag of your dreams! It's glittery, it's sparkly and it's purple!  A purse of the now...and a purse for the future.

Fully lined, sturdy, and reminiscent of a vintage bowling bag, this tasty little number is meant to be a stylish handbag for that Pinup beauty in your life.

The bottom has little silver-toned purse feet and the handles are kept in place with silver "D" rings.

Best part? (Drum roll, please) This bag is totally vegan friendly! It's completely synthetic...no animal byproducts whatsoever. Green. Fashion forward. Ethically sound.  From the handles to the tiny little purse feet.

This one really fueled my hot hot haute desire to want to put piping on all of my bags....I am trying to keep myself from going back and doing so at this point...and am having rather audible conversations with myself to do it only going forward so that I can stick to my "bag-a-day" challenge.


Piping...for those of you playing along at home...(At least this is what it is when it comes to sewing, I mean, obviously plumbers would say differently, LOL) piping is a type of trim or embellishment consisting of a strip of folded fabric inserted into a seam to define the edges or style lines of a garment or other textile object. Usually this fabric strip is cut on the bias, and is, rather often if not always, folded over a cord. It may be made from either the same fabric  or contrasting fabric...depending on the desired look for the project or garment...it is used as an embellishment....and typically gives things more "pop".


So that all being said.  I have to say that this challenge has plunged me head first into a passionate love affair with details. 


Back to the shop for me....but I will be sure to detail all about the details.  (Like....I really want to add piping...)  I'm now on the quest for perfect zippers and fun things with which to make zipper pulls.......

Stay tuned.

The Abracadabra Slim Tote

So I've decided to reshape my business:

I'm leaner;

I'm greener; and

I have completely embraced recycling.

There are so many excellent mixed media opportunities for me as an accessories designer nowadays.  A few of my favorites are: old dryer sheets can be used for embroidery backing; bottle caps can be buttons and brooches; and old playing cards can be decorations.

That's right.  Playing cards.

I live with a magician.  He is a comedy magician who uses...and subsequently throws away once they are crimped, a ton.....of playing cards.  Not that he's a wasteful man...not at all.  He simply cannot use them for his act.  Typically, the cards end up in his office....then eventually the recycle bin.

I have this wonderful pin striped fabric that I've had in the back of my fabric closet...for well over a year. I'd held onto it because it was so "Chicago gangster".....black fabric with a thin savvy pinstripe....all it needed was a red carnation...or....wait.....hold on......

I ran to gather all of those lost little forlorn playing cards.  I collected them up and I found about two decks worth.  All different decks with different sized numbers, different, art and different backing art.

So..I envisioned the basic small tote bag.  Big enough for transferring papers from one place to another.  Perhaps even some groceries...so just wide enough for one's favorite beverage cartons

I'd collected several cards from my new "card stash".  I put them into  row onto the pinstriped fabric and then covered them with a thin matte vinyl.  There were several old grocery bags that a cut apart to make the handles.  Clear crinkly plastic....that otherwise would have been thrown out...or made into a poop bag for the large drooling hounds that also reside with us....LOL.

The plastic added a character all its own....each wrinkle and fold not only tells the story of a trash bag turned tote bag....but there is something sort of nostalgic about it.  It's completely local.  The story, the idea, me...

Attached is the wicked slick outcome.  Gives a whole new meaning to "Trashy" I suppose.  LOL.

It was a challenge to photograph, but the whole bag actually is "tote-ally" squared off at each corner.  It ended up being about 15x15x4.

RiotGirl Collection Featured Item: The Roslyn Purse

The RiotGirl Collection


Each one of the accessories that I designed in my RiotGirl Collection represents a strong woman in my life.  (Consequently, I called it the "RiotGirl" collection after a punk fashion movement in the mid to late 70s/early 80s).


I absolutely am enamored of that era.  My two favorite designers, Vivienne Westwood and Betsey Johnson, got their newbie starts in that era...and basically blazed a huge path for self taught designers, like myself.  


I figure that it's only fitting that I give reverence to the women in my family, all of whom have shaped my life for one reason or another...mostly for the creative inspirations...and for the empowerment.


They were/are all RiotGirls, really...each in her own way.


The Featured Item:

Alexander Henry's Swirly Girl Illusion cotton fabric reminded me of the early 1970s because it is very "Charlie's Angelic". 

It also reminded me of a very important woman in my life: she is an artist; she is my biggest cheerleader; she is a positive influence; she is a creative force; she has taught me everything I know about my craft; and she's my mother.

As I am a child of the early 1970s, I recall platform shoes and bell bottoms and macro minis (and maxi dresses). 


I also recall that my mother, very patiently, taught me how to sew and to appreciate art when I was a little girl. 

Now that I'm grown - I decided nothing would do but a super groovy hip purse had to be made in her honor. 

Modeled after several purses from the 1970s that my mother actually carried - this is the perfect handbag for running "to and fro" and "here and there" - made especially for that person on the go who needs little more than a tube of lipgloss and some car keys. 

(Ok...there is a bit more space in the bag for more...as the modern go-getter also needs a cell phone....)

This particular fabric is now quite rare. 


I gave the Swirlie Girlies their own stardom by carefully encasing them in recycled clear plastic. The interior of the purse is lined with a synthetic moire satin. 


The handles are lucite and metal. (I kept it cotton and synthetically lined so that I could categorize it as a vegan product).

The Purse-A-Day Challenge

Day 5 of the year 2011.  It has been exactly one year since I've opened my shop.  I've decided that I want to work...for me....I can design what I want, when I want to design it.

Recent obsessions/fixations?  What is my crave?

The perfect handbag.

Oh yes.  And I shall find it....and in the process whip up some sexy inventory.

I am proposing a goal setting challenge for myself:

I will build and blog about one purse or hand bag PER DAY....for the rest of the month.

Take that, goals!!!!

I'll churn them out and you get to follow me on the journey of keeping up with the fashions and keeping it green...and keeping it real.

Who's ready to get "Accessorized"?