Life is a balancing act. We juggle home, family, work, love, relaxation, fitness and dreams every minute.
Guess I have not added to this blog for sometime as I have been throwing my energy in other aspects of life and when more weight is put onto one thing then another suffers.
Enough heavy stuff.
Spent the month of June sewing bridal gowns. Just a sucker for making a bride Divine on her special day. Only problem then is that Miss Carla's own collection in store gets put on hold.
As the daylight is extending so quickly now, I have a real sense that winter's end is on it's way. Manly is sparkling today. I know nature is throwing us a dummy with the warmth, and it will get freezing a few more times yet, but for now, I am loving the gentle move to spring. I am going nuts with all the ideas for new pieces in my head.Vibrant colours, stunning silks ..... The problem still is getting it from my head to the rack.
Hopefully I am not the only one guilty of wasting my time thinking "if only" , "wish I could" , "I want to but....", "the problem is...".
Like Ivan said "it is all just excuses, just do it!"
Anyway, after a brief meltdown this morning I am feeling alot better. One day when I am driving in my gorgeous, leather seated, latest model Mercedes convertible, I will think back to my little Corolla with the draped ceiling, strapped down boot and permanent squeal, and appreciate what I have done.
So that covers the dream sequence...
Guess I better get doing now. Got a long way to go.
Only way to make my dreams come true is to is to go after them - it does suck a bit that you don't get anything for nothing - would be nice. So I better start putting in the hours.
I reserved Bloodwood for a launch party of my new collection in 2012. Better get creating as Claire will hold me to it. Will be a very cool launch party. You are all invited. Details to come.
It is posted so no turning back - better get onto that registration for the 14km Pub to pub run too. Once I am registered I am too scared to do it without training. Anyone want to join me?
xxxxxxx
Monday, July 4, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A successful event
Well, the big VIP Shopping Event has come and gone. I must say that the taste of success after putting in so many hours before hand was so much sweeter than the millions of tiny Easter eggs sitting on the counter here in front of me.
The night was great. Come Thursday afternoon, the boutique was filled to the brim of new exciting stock. Denim, denim, denim. I finally got myself a pair of the FDJ jeans I rave about and must say they are all that and more!
Sometimes I have to take them off and wash them!
I managed to finish 4 new designs in the week before the event. A complete mini story of black, charcoal and a supernova print introducing vivid blue and sea green. Rich texture and gorgeous wool, cotton blends makes it very luxurious at an attractive price. Wow, almost sounds like I sell stuff.
I feel like this business is moving on to the next phase - or maybe just moving into the 1st phase properly. Hope I don't jinx it now! Actually finding it all quite exhilarating.
I am starting to see that time is the key in a new business. Everyone says it but I hate waiting for anything. The clients are talking and people, I am finding, may come in 3 times, before they make a purchase. The word about Miss Carla is spreading.
My signature brand is doing better than I could imagine. This is a huge confidence boost. I am so excited to do more and more.
There is another event in the pipe line. Bigger and better than the last. Details to come.
Anyway, I am thinking about making a start with the production company now. I have 3 styles I need to expand on straight away.
Also want to build the online store. Anyone know anyone who can help? or recommend. I am faced with many different options and IT is a language I am only just speaking pigeon in.
Till next time....xxxxxx
Thanks as always for the love and support. Especially my hubby. Don't think I would still be with me through this sometimes.
The night was great. Come Thursday afternoon, the boutique was filled to the brim of new exciting stock. Denim, denim, denim. I finally got myself a pair of the FDJ jeans I rave about and must say they are all that and more!
Sometimes I have to take them off and wash them!
I managed to finish 4 new designs in the week before the event. A complete mini story of black, charcoal and a supernova print introducing vivid blue and sea green. Rich texture and gorgeous wool, cotton blends makes it very luxurious at an attractive price. Wow, almost sounds like I sell stuff.
I feel like this business is moving on to the next phase - or maybe just moving into the 1st phase properly. Hope I don't jinx it now! Actually finding it all quite exhilarating.
I am starting to see that time is the key in a new business. Everyone says it but I hate waiting for anything. The clients are talking and people, I am finding, may come in 3 times, before they make a purchase. The word about Miss Carla is spreading.
My signature brand is doing better than I could imagine. This is a huge confidence boost. I am so excited to do more and more.
There is another event in the pipe line. Bigger and better than the last. Details to come.
Anyway, I am thinking about making a start with the production company now. I have 3 styles I need to expand on straight away.
Also want to build the online store. Anyone know anyone who can help? or recommend. I am faced with many different options and IT is a language I am only just speaking pigeon in.
Till next time....xxxxxx
Thanks as always for the love and support. Especially my hubby. Don't think I would still be with me through this sometimes.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Nearly there......
Hi, sorry been chained to the sewing machine ...but....I have nearly nearly finished all I wanted to show for my shopping event tomorrow night. A lovely friend of mine told me recently her trick to getting out a collection on time is no sleep, lots of coffee, MTV and no smiling. So I have done that, contended with a flooded house, dead hot water system and now have a cold...but I am happier than ever. The boutique is stocked to the brim with amazing things. The gorgeous Natalie Wakeling of Embody Denim has given me her entire range for the night - awesome!
I have no idea how many will turn up but it is starting to get very exciting!!!!!
I just made up another dress last night which is Divine. I think my signature is starting to show through. I love prints and comfort and styles that can be worn so many different ways. No brain surgery degrees required.
For the 1st time since launching Miss Carla I am feeling like this monster is starting to pick up speed.
I will keep you up to date on how tomorrow night turns out. Can only be good.
Thanks in advance to all the support from my gorgeous family, friends and regular amazing shoppers.xxxxxx
I have no idea how many will turn up but it is starting to get very exciting!!!!!
I just made up another dress last night which is Divine. I think my signature is starting to show through. I love prints and comfort and styles that can be worn so many different ways. No brain surgery degrees required.
For the 1st time since launching Miss Carla I am feeling like this monster is starting to pick up speed.
I will keep you up to date on how tomorrow night turns out. Can only be good.
Thanks in advance to all the support from my gorgeous family, friends and regular amazing shoppers.xxxxxx
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Exclusive VIP shopping event
Hi,
Well I have set the wheels in motion and have 15 days to pull together a shopping event in store to showcase some new designer denim I love and to drive the sales to places they have not reached before.
The date is set. Thurs 14th April 6-9pm in store. I am having a denim night. Inviting all friends, family and loyal customers to share a fun night of music, bubbles and best of all fashion!
So invitation is mocked up. Styles are set. Tomorrow is a shopping day to restock Miss Carla with fabulous knitwear and accessories. Then the challenging bit of making up about 10 new original styles for the night. On the hunt for help!!!!
The production team I found is great but I am talking 10 units in a week. Don't have 6 weeks for turn around.
Will keep you posted as the event unfolds. Nothing like a challenge!!
xxxxxx
Well I have set the wheels in motion and have 15 days to pull together a shopping event in store to showcase some new designer denim I love and to drive the sales to places they have not reached before.
The date is set. Thurs 14th April 6-9pm in store. I am having a denim night. Inviting all friends, family and loyal customers to share a fun night of music, bubbles and best of all fashion!
So invitation is mocked up. Styles are set. Tomorrow is a shopping day to restock Miss Carla with fabulous knitwear and accessories. Then the challenging bit of making up about 10 new original styles for the night. On the hunt for help!!!!
The production team I found is great but I am talking 10 units in a week. Don't have 6 weeks for turn around.
Will keep you posted as the event unfolds. Nothing like a challenge!!
xxxxxx
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wanted (take 2)
(love it when you are just about to post something and then somehow something goes wrong and it is gone...Where did it go though?)Try again.
Hi,
Last week I had a stunning lady stumble across my boutique. She bought one of my designs which I down sized for her as I only had a large one left. She rang her friend on the way out the door.
On Saturday they met in Miss Carla's.
I had just cut out a piece of leopard print yoryu fabric from the last overseas trip. The ladies went crazy for the print. We even held up the unsewn pieces to see if the style suited.
The wet, wet, wet weather put me in a sewing mood. The 4 dresses were made up in a flash.
As requested, I sent a text to let them know the style was now on the rack. Minutes later the phone rings....
"my friend is coming down for the dress, if she doesn't buy it then I will" Fabulous.
Within half an hour her friend has been in and bought the new design. Minutes later the phone rings...again..
"My friend does not mind if I get one too. What time do you close?" Fantastic.
The stunning lady also bought my dress and wants to know whenever something new hits the rack.
Thank you ladies.
Every time something like this happen it makes me want to race out and get more fabric.
There is lots more to come.
I started this journey trying to abide by the rules of business and fashion that I thought were important. I am slowly realising my own rules are very important. Days like yesterday are brilliant. Miss Carla is shaping up to be wonderfully unique xxxxx
Hi,
Last week I had a stunning lady stumble across my boutique. She bought one of my designs which I down sized for her as I only had a large one left. She rang her friend on the way out the door.
On Saturday they met in Miss Carla's.
I had just cut out a piece of leopard print yoryu fabric from the last overseas trip. The ladies went crazy for the print. We even held up the unsewn pieces to see if the style suited.
The wet, wet, wet weather put me in a sewing mood. The 4 dresses were made up in a flash.
As requested, I sent a text to let them know the style was now on the rack. Minutes later the phone rings....
"my friend is coming down for the dress, if she doesn't buy it then I will" Fabulous.
Within half an hour her friend has been in and bought the new design. Minutes later the phone rings...again..
"My friend does not mind if I get one too. What time do you close?" Fantastic.
The stunning lady also bought my dress and wants to know whenever something new hits the rack.
Thank you ladies.
Every time something like this happen it makes me want to race out and get more fabric.
There is lots more to come.
I started this journey trying to abide by the rules of business and fashion that I thought were important. I am slowly realising my own rules are very important. Days like yesterday are brilliant. Miss Carla is shaping up to be wonderfully unique xxxxx
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Designing , designing, designing.....
Hi, sorry I have not written for a little bit. Didn't realise how many of you were actually reading. Thank you.
Anyway, I finally made a decision on what Miss Carla's next move is. I came to this decision after some awesome people, complete strangers gave me the little nudge (OK massive kick) in the right direction.
First was the client who got the very last wild Safari print dress. Her text to me out of the blue on Friday saying how much she loves her dress and that I need to keep coming up with more was so motivating.
Then there was a new gorgeous customer who came in on Saturday and restored my faith in what I set out to do all along. She is the Miss Carla customer I have been looking for. Gorgeous, fit, curvy and outgoing. The exact person who I wanted to create this label for. She is not the 1st one through the door. There have been others. But this woman made me see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I realised that the older ladies have waned off and the younger, trend orientated, curvaceous types are coming exploring.
Lastly, but definitely not least. I was going through my wardrobe, and the suitcases under the bed, and bags on top of the closet and boxes in the garage, full of clothes from all occasions for all sizes of my life. I was looking for some wedding outfit ideas to maybe lend a gorgeous friend. I came across so many things I made over the years to compliment my curves. Why was it so easy then and so hard now? (that's another whole other blog - losing 30 plus kg kind of mucks around with your sense of self - in a nut shell) Anyway, found the garments, taa daa.....a winter collection is born!!!!!
Took the morning off on Tuesday - don't think anyone missed me.(Only Gran and Joe who came to visit) Shut the shop and went to town literally. Got in to see the fabric wholesalers, the ones who are left, since the fashion industry moved to China.I had the best morning!!!! Was inundated with knits, lace, prints, colour,etc etc. So exciting. So inspiring.
I have thought about nothing else but this little 1st collection all week. It has to be concise, clever and sell! No pressure.
So I thought I would let you know where it is up to. Better go now though, already missed 10 minutes of Desperate Housewives. See, I am only human.
Thank you for reading. xxxxxx
Anyway, I finally made a decision on what Miss Carla's next move is. I came to this decision after some awesome people, complete strangers gave me the little nudge (OK massive kick) in the right direction.
First was the client who got the very last wild Safari print dress. Her text to me out of the blue on Friday saying how much she loves her dress and that I need to keep coming up with more was so motivating.
Then there was a new gorgeous customer who came in on Saturday and restored my faith in what I set out to do all along. She is the Miss Carla customer I have been looking for. Gorgeous, fit, curvy and outgoing. The exact person who I wanted to create this label for. She is not the 1st one through the door. There have been others. But this woman made me see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I realised that the older ladies have waned off and the younger, trend orientated, curvaceous types are coming exploring.
Lastly, but definitely not least. I was going through my wardrobe, and the suitcases under the bed, and bags on top of the closet and boxes in the garage, full of clothes from all occasions for all sizes of my life. I was looking for some wedding outfit ideas to maybe lend a gorgeous friend. I came across so many things I made over the years to compliment my curves. Why was it so easy then and so hard now? (that's another whole other blog - losing 30 plus kg kind of mucks around with your sense of self - in a nut shell) Anyway, found the garments, taa daa.....a winter collection is born!!!!!
Took the morning off on Tuesday - don't think anyone missed me.(Only Gran and Joe who came to visit) Shut the shop and went to town literally. Got in to see the fabric wholesalers, the ones who are left, since the fashion industry moved to China.I had the best morning!!!! Was inundated with knits, lace, prints, colour,etc etc. So exciting. So inspiring.
I have thought about nothing else but this little 1st collection all week. It has to be concise, clever and sell! No pressure.
So I thought I would let you know where it is up to. Better go now though, already missed 10 minutes of Desperate Housewives. See, I am only human.
Thank you for reading. xxxxxx
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Options are limitless
Hi,
Thank you for the comments.It works! I am wondering now if there might be a couple of people as equally challenged with technology as I am , they still say they cannot leave a comment. Just a thought.
A few weeks back I was sitting at my cutting table, sewing away, and wondering where on earth I might find someone who can help me with all the styles I have going round and round in my head. Pity I cant twitch my nose and make a new style appear as it comes to me. Oh think of the money I would save and make.
Then the phone rings......
It's help...
a production company run by gorgeous ladies my age(or lets just say so), offering me a world of services that I need. So now I am trying to work out where to start. Met with them yesterday.Options are limitless.
Does the world need a "design your own" formal/bridesmaid/evening dress using basic templates. Choose your size, fabric, colour, silhouette and details such as straps, belts, flowers, feathers etc etc.?
or
a basics range of well made pieces in quality fabrics for the over 25's up to size 20?
or
an on trend collection of mid market pricing sizes s, m, l, XL.
What do you think? Love some thoughts.
On another topic, but always still about business of course, last week I wrote on the shop window , looking for innovative designers who would like to put there pieces, be it fashion , footwear, bags or jewellery in my boutique. I felt like I was putting it in the hands of the gods. Somehow expecting artists, designers etc to come stampeding my way. Last week the street was quiet. Then, today, a bite. A gorgeous artist/ jewellery designer walked through the door .(of course at the same time the friendly window washer had water flying everywhere and my window display sprawled across the shop)
Effie will be back tomorrow with her wares. If what she was wearing today sets the tone for her style - I like it alot. She has ocean of contacts of other local artisans from her time in the market scene around Sydney. Hopefully Miss Carla, Manly will soon be full of original, gorgeous things that people will travel miles for.
Oh working on the Internet shop too. Any tips of how to go about it? Found sites to run my shop from massive to intimate and arty. Decisions decisions.....
Anyway, better go. Got some sewing that needs doing. Last of my wild safari dresses needs a little taken in to fit the lucky lady who needed the limited piece.
Just been to Fashion Exposed Trade Show for Spring / Summer 2012. Obviously we will all be wearing colourful silk kaftans around the streets, Camilla and Marc style. I do love colour thoughxxxxx
Thank you for the comments.It works! I am wondering now if there might be a couple of people as equally challenged with technology as I am , they still say they cannot leave a comment. Just a thought.
A few weeks back I was sitting at my cutting table, sewing away, and wondering where on earth I might find someone who can help me with all the styles I have going round and round in my head. Pity I cant twitch my nose and make a new style appear as it comes to me. Oh think of the money I would save and make.
Then the phone rings......
It's help...
a production company run by gorgeous ladies my age(or lets just say so), offering me a world of services that I need. So now I am trying to work out where to start. Met with them yesterday.Options are limitless.
Does the world need a "design your own" formal/bridesmaid/evening dress using basic templates. Choose your size, fabric, colour, silhouette and details such as straps, belts, flowers, feathers etc etc.?
or
a basics range of well made pieces in quality fabrics for the over 25's up to size 20?
or
an on trend collection of mid market pricing sizes s, m, l, XL.
What do you think? Love some thoughts.
On another topic, but always still about business of course, last week I wrote on the shop window , looking for innovative designers who would like to put there pieces, be it fashion , footwear, bags or jewellery in my boutique. I felt like I was putting it in the hands of the gods. Somehow expecting artists, designers etc to come stampeding my way. Last week the street was quiet. Then, today, a bite. A gorgeous artist/ jewellery designer walked through the door .(of course at the same time the friendly window washer had water flying everywhere and my window display sprawled across the shop)
Effie will be back tomorrow with her wares. If what she was wearing today sets the tone for her style - I like it alot. She has ocean of contacts of other local artisans from her time in the market scene around Sydney. Hopefully Miss Carla, Manly will soon be full of original, gorgeous things that people will travel miles for.
Oh working on the Internet shop too. Any tips of how to go about it? Found sites to run my shop from massive to intimate and arty. Decisions decisions.....
Anyway, better go. Got some sewing that needs doing. Last of my wild safari dresses needs a little taken in to fit the lucky lady who needed the limited piece.
Just been to Fashion Exposed Trade Show for Spring / Summer 2012. Obviously we will all be wearing colourful silk kaftans around the streets, Camilla and Marc style. I do love colour thoughxxxxx
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