Sometimes you just gotta step back

And that's exactly what I did! I have the nasty habit of expecting too much of myself.  I'm sure that never happens to anyone else!  And when too much is taken on it's nearly impossible to make the work GOOD!  And I just don't want to settle.  So here is a little of what has been happening!
I took a break for SS13.  BECAUSE, for FW13 I began working with a sales rep.  And I wanted to focus on making that debut one that represented who I was and wanted to be as a designer.  And let. me. tell. you.  I wish I could shake myself from two years ago and say just do it!  It's a daunting thought, but it was truly the smartest thing I could have done for my line.  Cabana Reps is awesome!!
I also changed day jobs.  Which was huge.  It was the backer of my passion for 7.5 crazy years.  I now have a new backer which I LOVE!  In fact, that job just took me to Iceland!!  Though I wish I could focus 100% of my time on my line, money doesn't fall like glitter. Sooo, I consider myself quite lucky to not only work in the industry, but be in an industry that takes me all over the world.
My website also got a make-over.  I love you Sarah Giffrow!!  She also did my gorgeous logo.  You know when something just feels like?  Great jeans, sexy heals... Amazing art!  It's very reminiscent of Studio 54.  I will also be doing First Thursday with Sarah at her new location in Old Town.  There will be wine.  And I am wine drinker!
So, here is a sample from my FW13 line.  I love it from the bottom of my heart :)

A favorite

Happy 2012! I thought I would start off 2012 with something from the past. I came across this dress that I made a few years back. This was one of my favorite creations. The photo doesn't quite do it justice. It took 12 yards of fabric in total to create it. It's 100% silk and wasn't wide enough so I had to piece it together in order to make the skirt portion how I wanted. It was draped on the bias which is why it took so much material. This dress literally feels like it has a life of it's own!

A work in progress...

Today I draped garment #1 of my year long project to create one unique piece of clothing every month. This is a challenge I'm placing upon myself so that I never settle and take the easy, plain old road!

As I was draping this dress it began to speak to me and I strayed a bit from my sketch book. But that is my favorite part of designing. Yes, I will color outside of the lines if I really want to! I can't wait to see the final product already. I will post my original sketch along with the end result. (I apologize for my mess in the back ground but Zoolander had to say hi)

Happenings

Here are some fun events to keep in mind as you plan your holiday activities!

"Little Boxes" ~ Please shop local business come Black Friday. Check out the site for a handy dandy list of who is involved.

www.littleboxespdx.com

"A Bowlful of Hearts" ~ As you are out and about holiday shopping and sipping cocktails pick up some doggie or kittie supplies and donate to this awesome cause. I will gladly pick up the donations if you can't drop them off at one of the drop-off locations. (If you work at adidas, bring the donations to work and I will retrieve them from you.)

www.bowlfulofheart.org

"Small Business Saturday" ~ Yeah yeah, it's sponsored by Amex but the subject is what matters. Shop local! xo

My pretty website

With many thanks to the fabulously talented Sarah Giffrow, my website is now updated with photos from my Fall/Winter collection. Seeing the garments come to life on "film" makes everything so alive and worth every single sewing needle prick!

Most pieces can be found at Union Rose & Mag Big in Portland Or.

http://www.carolynhartdesigns.com/

First Friday Oct 7th

I am doing a First Friday event with Sarah Giffrow Creative and Elizabeth Jewelry! Sarah photographed my FW11 collection which will be on display at this event. I absolutly adore her and feel so lucky to have worked with her. This will be the first time working with Molly of Elizabeth Jewelry and I couldn't be more thrilled. She makes gorgeous handcrafted silver jewelry I could see my self wearing everyday. Feel free to pop by and say hello and have some wine!

http://www.sarahgiffrow.com/

http://elizabethjewelry.blogspot.com/

Ally 33 Fashion show

OK friends, this is going to be a fantastic fashion show! Not to be missed! Some of Portland's greatest designers will be showing their yummy collections.

July 23rd ~ Doors open at 4:00, show is at 6pm.

Alley @ 33rd and Hawthorne Blvd

Get tickets ahead of time here ~ http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180803

xo