Pressure Of A New Year...

I don't know if it's the weather, or if it's because the holidays are coming up, but I've just been in a funk lately. I've been lacking motivation, and I feel really guilty about it. The pressure of starting a new year has me a little stressed too. I have all these ideas that I want to run with at once, but I know I have to take my time and set them apart. And that kinda leaves me at a standstill because I'm not sure how I want to move forward with everything. It's hard to explain because of course everything makes sense in MY head, and sometimes that's hard to explain to everyone else. I just have to show you, and unfortunately that takes time.

I am excited to start a new year, but with that new year comes new goals and that's where the anxiety sets in. When I look at the entire year ahead of me it becomes overwhelming. I know I need to do more...search for bigger shows, sell more, be more active with my business. I need this to become my full time job, but is that gonna happen this next year? To be realistic...probably not. And that's a little heartbreaking to realize because I want that so badly.

I guess I've hit that point where most people ask themselves if this is really something they want because this is hard...it's very hard. And some days it feels like it doesn't even really matter. But I know I want this to work out; I've never wanted anything this much. I don't have any intentions of quitting any time soon, but I am more aware of how tedious and long the road is ahead of me. And I'd be naive to think it will get any easier. I guess I'm not really asking for it to get easier; I'm just asking that with each year I see progress and growth to know I'm on the right track.

I doesn't do me any good to worry myself with this because in the end I'm only going to get back what I give to this. For now I'm just going to take a deep breath, collect my thoughts, and make the best plan to move forward.

Holiday Fashion Show

I just booked a holiday fashion show in Omaha, NE! I'm really looking forward to this show for a couple of reasons. This will be the first show that I will actually be able to set up and sell my own designs, and it's only an hour from my home town so a lot of my friends and family will be able to be there. I've been trying to work in a show closer to home, and this one fell right into my lap! It means a lot to me to be able to share this experience with those who have been right by my side supporting and encouraging me from the beginning.

I will be participating in Raw again making this my 5th show with them. I started showcasing in August of 2013, and to have 5 shows added to my resume in such a short time frame is something I'm very proud of. I've work extremely hard these last couple of months, and what better way to end the year then with a holiday fashion show!!

I'm a huge advocate for Raw because it has opened up so many doors and opportunities for me. I've met so many talented and creative people that I've been able to collaborated with. Every show gets better, I'm able to network more and really get my name out there, plus it's just great experience to add to my resume. I love these independent/underground shows...this is exactly where I need to be right now as I continue to grow my brand and grow as a designer.

So although I have a show to prep for this coming month, I will still be in the running for Chicago's Fashion Designer Of The Year. I was told that might start in January once these holiday showcases have ended so I have that to look forward to as well.  I'm extremely competitive especially when it comes to something I'm passionate about, and I really want to win this competition! Fingers crossed I can get the votes I need from those who follow and support me.

CHICAGO FASHION SHOW 

SEPT 24, 2014

Rock Dollie Fall Photo Shoot

I can't tell you how excited I was to finally have another Rock Dollie photo shoot!! I spent most of this year working on my Muryl Jean collection that I had put Rock Dollie on the back burner, but not anymore!!!

Most of these looks were created using recycled materials that I found at a local thrift store. I purchased a few 1970's vintage suits and recreated a few outfits of my own from them. I even used some vintage floral prints as well to add a little color into this line.

I've always been inspired by vintage styles, patterns, and prints. And looking at these photos, I think you can get a sense of that 70's influence. There's just something about recreating a piece from the past and merging it into modern day fashion that I absolutely love. After all fashion does have a history of repeating itself, and vintage trends do make their way back and become fashionable again.

Rock Dollie was created to be one of a kind. I don't repeat patterns and prints, and each piece is created to be the only kind of its existence. I feel that this line is more authentic that way. Each design has value being one of a kind, and I love that concept about Rock Dollie. -Amber

RAW Chicago Fashion Show

I had an absolute blast in Chicago for my latest Raw fashion show!! It was by far the best Raw show I've been a part of. Everything from the people I worked with to how the show ran; it was a great showcase! I can't thank everyone enough for making that night such an awesome experience!

I really enjoy traveling to these shows because it allows me to meet so many talented people who are trying to do the same thing I'm doing. They're trying to make their dreams and passions into their careers. This is what I really love about RAW; these shows allow all of us to come together and showcase our best works as we collaborate and network with one another. I've been really fortunate to have met so many wonderful people at these shows. I've gained so many contacts at these events. It's also very inspiring to see other people chasing down their dreams. To everyone I've met at all my RAW shows..never give up! You inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing!!

As a designer, I'm still in those early stages of trying to brand my business and just make as many contacts as possible. I still have quite a few goals I need to reach by the end of this year so I'll be focusing most of my time on those. I'm hoping to have another photo shoot for new designs as well as a few promotional videos. I also want to put more time into Rock Dollie since most of this year was dedicated to the Muryl Jean Collection. I'm thinking about submitting for a LA show so fingers crossed on that! Hoping to showcase new Rock Dollie designs in the spring sometime... so keep an eye out for those things! 

As always, I'm so grateful for the support and kind words from everyone!! My mom is always telling me how people from back home are always asking how I'm doing. That means so much to me! Knowing that people care and support my dream puts a huge smile on my face. It's very endearing, and I appreciate it so much. Thank you!

-Amber

10 days Until Showtime

10 days until the Chicago show, and things seem to be working themselves out. I was a little apprehensive about finding my own models for this show, but word of mouth through supporters and friends has made this search surprisingly easy. I'm looking forward to working with the people booked for this showcase.

Now with that said..I'd be a little naive to think the night will go smoothly as planned. I've done 3 independent shows within this last year, and I know how unpredictable and stressful they can be when it's go time. Although it's a fun/laid back night filled with art, music, and fashion...behind the scenes can feel a lot like a panic attack. So as the days get closer, i'll work vigorously on any last minute details hoping and praying my designs will be runway ready in time for the show.

I wasn't able to fit a photo shoot in before the show since i'm currently working on my gowns, but here are some pictures of what I've been designing so far.

A Look Back At My First Show

It's been a year since my very first fashion show! I remember how excited and terribly nervous I was...thankfully I had the support of my family and friends there to help me through it. Meeting new faces within the industry and being inspired by other artists/designers is what makes these shows worth it. I've fallen in love with this mad chaos, and I hope I never cease to feel the rush of ambition it gives me. 

Here are some pictures we took that day before and during the show. I didn't get the chance to take that many behind the scenes pics, but this next show I'll make sure to take more so I can share the experience with everyone!

"Go for it now. The future is promised to no one."- Wayne Dyer

New Designs, New Fashion Show, New Competition

There's less than two months until this next fashion show, and I'm getting a little nervous. The whole reason for this next show is to get into a new competition. I'd like to see how I do in another city. It's almost as if I'm starting over completely from scratch, and quite honestly, I love that. It creates a whole new challenge where I literally have to start from nothing and rebuild my Muryl Jean Collection.

I have to throw myself into a whole new atmosphere to see if I can face off with designers from bigger markets. So starting over with a whole new set of designs is exactly what I'm doing. I'm trying to better myself as a designer, and traveling to these shows and stepping outside my comfort zone is the only way I'm going to know if I can really do this.

When I started designing, I had no idea where it would take me, but it has led to some pretty amazing opportunities, and I'm just putting myself out there as much as I can. Who knows if I'll make it very far in this next competition, but knowing that I tried makes all the difference. I've worked extremely hard on these dresses, and the moment they hit that runway I know I've already won. I'm proud of the work I put into my dream so far, and I'm thankful for all the people who believe in my dream. I have a strong core of supportive friends and family that keep me on track and who are excited to see what I can do with all of this. I'm also excited to see what happens next, and having the mindset that anything is possible is what keeps me running with this dream. -Amber

Throw Back From The Start

Thought I'd share some throw back pictures from the start of AVCD. Just a girl with a sewing machine, mannequin, and studio apartment. This is where it all began! Maybe it's silly to get nostalgic about all of this because it's still so new, and I know the journey has only begun. But tracking where I started to where I am now...a lot has changed in the last couple of years. And for those reasons these silly little memories will always be important to me. I'm not just a girl with a sewing machine, mannequin, and studio apartment...I'm also the girl with the drive and ambition who is out there conquering a dream. -Amber 

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."-Walt Disney