Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays Everyone! Wanted to share one of my favorite holiday pictures of my sisters and I. We can be a little weird sometimes, but it's all in good fun. These two beauties are my best friends; I could not imagine life without them. Love you, Ramie & Lacey!

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Thrift Shop Tuesdays

I love thrift shops and consignment stores because I can always find something inspirational there. This is how I started designing. I would go to Goodwills and other thrift stores, buy old dresses, and create something entirely new out of the material I found. It’s a great way to shop for material at a discount rate, and most times I find patterns and fabrics that are unique…things I would not be able to find at a local fabric store. Designing is an art form, and as an artist it’s important to find inspiration in places like this. There’s something gratifying about taking a piece of clothing from  someone’s past and remolding it into another person’s present wardrobe.

Portfolio Updates

While updating my portfolio, I've realized how far I've come since last Feb. when I decided to start AVCD. It's amazing to see the growth within this past year. I started this from my tiny studio apt down town Des Moines, and now i'm determined to take this to the moon and back! It may have taken me a while to fully understand what I wanted to do with my life, but everything happens for a reason, and for the 1st time in my life I feel that I am exactly where I need to be. It's a surreal moment when you surrender to your passion and let it drive your ambitions. I love what I do!

(Samples from AVCD's portfolio/look book 2013)

Rock Steady Idol

I have been obsessed with Gwen Stefani since high school. She is my idol! I even started a rock band in high school because I was determined to be just like her! She was the essence of the "cool girl". Not only is she an amazing front woman for the band No Doubt, she is also a talented fashion designer! I've always been in love with anything she's worn. If there's one celebrity's closet I could raid, it would definitely be hers! She started her line L.A.M.B in 2004, and it's a perfect representation of who she is. This is why I love her. She remains true to herself, her own style, and she's a good business woman all around. When starting my line, I knew I wasn't your typical/average designer. I've had no formal training, and I often times like things a little out of the box. Seeing Gwen Stefani start and run her own line has definitely sparked ambition in me. I'm not afraid to be who I am and have fun with designing. Now I have another reason to mold my career after my rock steady idol.

Rock Dollie 2013

Rock Dollie was the 1st line started by AVCD, and it incorporates a lot of retro influences. I wanted to portray a line that was girl friendly, flirty, and fun. It's simply described as pin-up girl meets girl next door. I love using florals, polka dots, and other fun patterns for this line. I'm currently working on the 2014 looks so make sure to check out avclothingdesigns.com to see what's available!

Retro Fashion

I talk a lot about inspiration, but isn’t that what fuels everyone’s fire!? You can find inspiration anywhere…that’s what’s so magical about it. You can find it in other people, cultures, music, film, history, art, photos, fashion, quotes, books, ect. It’s literally everywhere…that is if you’re open to finding and seeing it. This week I’ve been hugely inspired by the 50’s & 60's fashion and pop culture. Some of those trends have influenced my Rock Dollie line.

Throwback Thursdays

For my 1st throw back it was only appropriate to post pictures of the designs my late grandmother, Muryl Jean Vokt, created for me. She passed away the day after Christmas in 2011, and she has been the biggest influence for the startup of AVCD. She had the biggest, gentlest heart of any human being I’ve ever known. Although I may not have inherited quite the kindness and humanity she possessed, I was given the ambition and drive to be creative. And I dearly wish she was here to see all this, and also so I could tell her thank you.

Chocolate

Music has always had a huge influence on me, and if you ask a lot of other artists, I’m sure they would tell you the same thing. Everything from the meaning of the lyrics, to the beat of the song, and even the art behind the music video serves grounds for finding inspiration. I first started listening to The 1975 this past summer and fell in love with their sound and style. I’m a huge fan of the black and white theme and their artistic videos. I was captured by their song “Chocolate" and used it in my first runway show in Minneapolis this past summer. Now every time I hear this song it makes me think of that show. I love that this song has become a part of AVCD history.