Self-Love

This past week I’ve put all my focus on the Muryl Jean Collection. I’ve started creating 2 gowns, and I remember why I love this so much. I get so much joy out of this process! I've made a promise to myself that these gowns would be created out of recycled clothing/materials. So far this is going pretty well! I’ve found a lot of curtain and table cloth fabric… perfect for skirt material. 

I’ve realized that creating these gowns is coming a lot easier to me than ever before…and I’m assuming it’s because I’ve had a lot of practice over the years. BUT it does feel almost effortlessly…which in reality it is not. It’s a long, careful process constructing a dress, but it just feels like everything is flowing as it should right now. I've just put myself in this mentality that there’s so rush…and that these gowns will be a representation of myself and that I need to make sure that I’m in love with them. I need to be in love with this process of creating them as well as how they turn out. It’s a weird form of self-love, but it works for me, and it’s exactly what I need right now.

Complacency

The year is winding down, and it’s got me feeling impatient and a little exhausted. I honestly just think I’m ready to start fresh with a new year. Like most people, I feel more motivated at the beginning of a new year. 2019 has actually been the best year for me, and there’s still more events I’m hoping to be apart of before it’s over, but I just can’t shake this sense of complacency.

I think as an artist, designer, or any creative individual, the most unsettling spot you can find yourself is when you’re complacent. Things are going so well for you that you don’t realize how you’ve stopped growing …you’re not challenging yourself to be better…or to create something better. This is where I’m at. Don’t get me wrong; I’m extremely grateful for the business I’ve had this year and the many pop up opportunities I’ve been a part of…like I said, this was the best year for AVCD. I’m just not sure I’m where I want to be yet with all of this, and I’ve let myself down this year by not pushing myself.

So now that there’s only a few more months left in the year, I’m really trying to pick up my motivation and do something that I can be proud of before it’s over. I’m trying to decide if I can swing a Raw Fashion Show next month while trying to design gowns for the Muryl Jean Collection. I haven’t created pieces for this line in years…I think this is what I’ve been missing. I’ve been so focused on the selling aspect of my brand that I’ve forgotten how much I love making these gowns. Even if they’re just for the runway, they are my art, they are my dreams coming to life. In some weird way, creating for this line, has become a sense of self-worth for me….sounds kinda silly, but I’m sure other designers/artists understand what I mean by this. Our creativity is not just something we do…it’s who we are.

With only a handful of weeks left this year, I’m going to shift my attention to the Muryl Jean Collection. If the fashion show doesn’t happen, at least I have my gowns to kick off a new year. I can always showcase them in January or Feb for AVCD’s anniversary. I hope I can end the year with a collection I’m proud of and start a fresh year with new possibilities and opportunities.

Hometown Fall Festival

I had an awesome time back home at Audubon’s Fall Festival last weekend! Very grateful for my mom’s help with setting up the tent and getting the booth organized – she was a GREAT assistant! Thanks Mom! XOXO!

It was great seeing friends and home town supporters who stopped by my booth! I can’t THANK YOU enough for all your kind words, and how much I appreciative your business! It makes my heart happy knowing that others genuinely care and support my little fashion brand. It means the world to me! Hoping I can be a part of this event in the future!

Keep an eye out for AVCD Fashion – there might be a few more pop ups later this year!!

XOXO

Amber

Hello Fall

Feels like I’ve been MIA recently, however, I’m grateful for the busy summer I’ve had. It’s been nice to shift my focus from work to myself for a change…to just soak up the summer and live in the moment. It’s a learning process for me though. It’s hard to take time for myself…but I needed it to keep myself sane, healthy, and motivated. Now that summer is coming to an end, I’m ready to dive back into work! Y’all know I love this too much to keep away too long!

September is my favorite time of year….yes, partially because it’s my bday month, but also because it’s finally fall! I have some new items I want to make this month – I’m hoping to create some sweaters, hats, and jackets. I will be dropping off jean jackets to Wanderlust soon…those sell out pretty fast so I’ll make sure to keep ya updated! I also have some new kimonos, bleached plaid shirts, and some dresses that will be restocked this month.

I’ll also be back home Sept 15^th for the Fallapalooza event in Audubon! It’s my first time doing a pop up back home, and I’m excited for this event! It’s going to be great setting up next to friends and local hometown businesses! Looking forward to this – make sure to stop by if you’re in the area. I would love to chat with my hometown supporters and customers!!!

Until next time,

XOXO Amber

Summer Vibes

Almost half way through June, and things are starting to pick up again! Had a little hiatus the last couple of weeks, but I’m getting back to work now. No complaints though! It’s good to be busy…you know you’re doing something right! 

Just wrapped up a mini shoot at Wanderlust this weekend. Hoping to get those pics and videos uploaded to my site and use them for marketing. Jen at Wanderlust is a pro at styling my pieces with items from her boutique…it’s fun to see the outfits she puts together. It’s also exciting to see my designs on models – sometimes it’s the first time I’ve seen them worn! I get a little shocked when that happens…as a designer I’m just used to seeing my clothing on mannequins so when they’re finally on somebody it’s a totally different visualization. It’s definitely a rewarding moment for me.

I have another small shoot coming up later this month – looking forward to that. Plan on taking some pics in and around the small towns I live by. Also have another Creative Chaos event coming up! These have been the highlight of my year – getting to hang out with other designers and boutique owners for a fun night of fashion, music, and art….what’s better than that! I’m so grateful that Soren and Kristin have put these events together…another big reason why I love this city and the people who are involved with the fashion scene.

Besides staying busy with my clothing line, I have some film festivals coming up that I’m involved in. I’ve produced a short documentary that I’ve been submitting to local film festivals in Iowa and also around the Midwest. I’ve been accepted to one this month, but waiting to hear back on a few others. As most of you know, I’ve also had a love for film…starting a production company has also been a dream of mine. I’m slowing getting there with that one, but taking my time. This documentary has been a dream achieved on it’s own, and I’m so proud of it. I just want to take this summer and enjoy the moment.

This has been the best year by far with all my projects and events. I’ve always wanted to be at this place where I have peace and a sense of accomplishments for the things I’ve created. In some small way, I feel like I’ve made it. I’ve made it to the point where my dreams aren’t only in my dreams anymore…they are being lived out. It is the most amazing feeling in the world.

Spring Events

I just wrapped up my first Market Day experience, and I have to say overall it was a great event to be a part of. It was nice chatting with other vendors/makers, and of course, selling my designs was a highlight! Grateful to be a part of this event, and I’m hoping to apply again for their Market Day in November.

So not only did I participate in Market Day, but Wanderlust had a style event back on May 3^rd that also showcased some of my latest designs. You should definitely check out my Facebook page for the promo videos we put together for that event! Also make sure to follow Wanderlust for new items and upcoming events. Hint…Hint…first Fridays of every month always have great deals that usually come with yummy drinks!!

This Wednesday (May 15^th) I have another event I’m a part of – Creative Chaos II. This event will be held at Hello Marjorie in downtown Des Moines. Creative Chaos highlights local designers and boutique owners in Des Moines - It’s a fun evening that pulls together, music, art, drinks, and fashion. Hope to see some of you out that night!

So lots going on this month, but I can’t complain! It’s a blessing to be this busy – must mean I’m doing something right!

2019

The beginning of 2019 has been good so far! I restocked at Wanderlust in the East Village, I participated in a pop up event, I celebrated AVCD’s 6^thanniversary, and I’ve been more consistent with video blogging! I love this energy and motivation I have right now – hoping to keep it up throughout the entire year.

I have a few new announcements coming soon – can’t wait to share those! With that said, I truly feel that AVCD is growing up! I know that’s so weird to say, but its kinda how I feel. I started this clothing line in my studio apartment in downtown Des Moines, and now I’m selling my clothing at a boutique and pop up events. It feels amazing to be at this point. I’m really grateful.

So since this is the 1^st post of 2019, thought it might be a good idea to pick out a few goals for the year. My first and most important goal is to stay consistent…consistent with selling, designing, and marketing. That means I need to stay busy and create new things weekly and also stay on top of my video blogs. My second goal is to sell my brand in more boutiques. I would love to have 3 by the end of the year…seems a little too ambitious, but I love a good challenge! My last goal, which I know will be my favorite, is to participate in another big fashion show. I don’t really care if it’s a RAW showcase or a fashion week somewhere, I just want to see my designs on a runway in the spotlights! With that said, I have to get my butt in gear and produce a new and brilliant Muryl Jean Collection.

2018 really brought AVCD into full force, and I’m ready to take all that momentum and creativity into 2019. I know what I’m capable of, and I know how to work hard. These may be some pretty tough goals to reach, but I don’t believe in limitations! READY OR NOT…HERE I COME 2019!!

XOXO

Amber