Spring In the Studio

Hey guys! Sorry that I went all M.I.A. last week!!! I've been gearing up for my "Hannah Everly Spring 2015"launch, which means 1. Making lists, 2. Not ordering enough fabric, 3. Lining up models, 4. Matching up skirts with everyone's hair colors, 4. Getting super busy. 

But no worries... I have no intention to stop blogging. (aka it will be unintentional when I don't post for a few days).

Also I think spring is by far my favorite season to dress for, which means planning my spring line photo shoot is making me feel like a kid in a candy store. Goodness I can't wait to show you it!!!

Here are some skirts from my past two spring lines!!! It's distracting to get work done in there with so many cute skirts staring at me ;). (Well you know... if they had eyes)

I can't remember if I introduced "Imogen" to you... but she's a real life saver. As an extrovert I get lonely spending all day in the studio, but she keeps me company these days. Here she is modeling a dress I made this weekend for my bestest friend Caitie! 

Are you in love with the back? (Cause I'm in love with the back)

I call this my $1 outfit because my mom got me this genuine leather metallic trench for $1, and I got this black pencil with the sweet trim for $1. Consignment stores are my heaven on earth. 

Trench: Consignment, Skirt: Consignment; Shirt: Loft; Shoes: Old Navy

End It

So you may notice a red X on my right hand and also that I have titled this post "End It". Surprisingly I'm not addressing the snow, but human trafficking. There are still 27 million people trapped in the sex trade and and other forms of slavery.27 million too many. Together we can put an end to it and raise awareness! Draw a red X on your hand, take a selfie showing your red X, and hashtag it #enditmovement. We can't sit back and wait for it to end itself. It's time to do something about it. 

(maybe staying home for a week is starting to get to me...)

I really love clothing or jewelry with a story. I think that may be why I wear so much second hand or vintage. I love dreaming about my 1950's gowns being twirled around at parties that took place almost 70 years ago. I love wondering what kind of girl owned my 1960's mod dress. Was she feisty or gentle or radical or a woman's rights activist or a mother? What I love even more is when you know the stories. I have dresses from the 70's hanging in my closet and I have the photos of my great aunt wearing them to parties and on cruise boats. But I think my favorite story is the girl who wore this necklace. Her name was Karin.I remember seeing her sit in front of us in church when I was little and never giving her much of a second thought. In fact... I didn't even remember her name when my parents mentioned her a few years ago. As I sat in my seat in a room jam packed with people tearing up and smiling at each other... I was sad I didn't remember this girl. People stood up and told the most amazing stories and memories about her. She got sick when she was 17 and fought her sickness for 10 years until it finally took her life. She never once complained about her problems but instead devoted her life to helping others and bringing glory to Christ. I'm so touched her parents (who are good friends of our family) decided to give me this necklace of hers, and every time I wear it I want to make Karin proud by how I live and treat others. She left the most amazing legacy and is one of my biggest inspirations in life, and I can only hope to impact the world like she did. 

(Not cute Han, Not cute.)

Coat: Tulle ; Shirt: Juicy Couture; Jeans: Loft; Boots: Nordstrom 

Fashion is Art

"There's an emotional element to anything you make" -Oscar de la Renta 

Growing up it was never necessarily "cool" to be known as the girl that sews. When I was younger I never felt passionately about fashion or clothing. It wasn't until I started designing my own pieces that I saw the art behind it. Fashion is art, painting is art, and music is art. There are feelings and thoughts and people who inspire each piece, and behind each piece of art is someone who took the time to create it. To dream it up and bring it to life and either save it for themselves or to choose to share it with the world. Whether you feel passionate about drums or watercolors or designing dresses...let's not discriminate the way anyone else creates art. Let's celebrate art for what it is and appreciate everyone's way of creating it.

Dress: Made by me; Jacket: Juicy Couture; Belt: J.Crew (borrowed from Rachel), Shoes: J.Crew; Earrings: Charming Charlie ($3 holla!)

Oh and P.S..... YOU are art too and made by the PERFECT designer. 

The Hardest Part of Winter

Ok so 2 things:
1. Does anyone else feel like it's hard to find ways to wear color during the winter? Maybe because it's cold I gravitate towards blacks and greys. Whenever I find something bright and warm my hear sings. That's probably why this sweater is my new bff. Cashemere and Chartreuse? A recipe for warmth and happiness. 

2. Does anyone else feel like it's hard to wear skirts in the winter? Maybe because it''s cold I gravitate towards fuzzy pants and the occasional jeans. Whenever I find a warm and cute skirt I have a little dance party. This skirt is wool and warm and $2.50 at goodwill. Basically the best.  

Sweater: Kate Spade; Skirt: Goodwill; Earrings: Charming Charlie; 

Shoes: Consignment store

Q&A video

I finally got around to filming my question and answer video!!!! It's probably the worst quality you've ever seen and I talk very fast, but whatever. It's all I have to offer. If you have any questions or video requests please feel free to comment or email me! Thanks for everyone who sent me questions! Sorry I had to go through them so quickly! 

You can hear my opinions on dating in high school and 50 shades of grey/my biggest dreams and favorite quotes/what kind of music I like/ top 3 business tips!

I'd love to hear your answer to these questions in the comments!

(P.S. To add to what I said for the first part of my "outward beauty" question...

 Each and everyone of us is beautiful without having to try or make an efffort... but it is fun to experiment with fashion and makeup and hairstyles! I had to answer on the spot and wasn't able to articulate my answer very well. My apologies!) 

Dress (for) Yoself

Whenever I get dressed I still think about that time last year when THREE different guy friends in the same week said to me "I like girls who dress really simply". I remember looking down at my striped sweater and polka dot pants, laughing, and sarcastically replying, "well its a good thing I don't dress for guys!" Then in my head I repeated more seriously, "it is a good thing I don't dress for guys." Now I'm not talking about disregarding modesty and the whole "whatever to guys" movement, but more so that the way you should dress should reflect your personality and what makes YOU happy. For me I have a very colorful and bubbly personality so I never flinch at wearing several patterns or colors at one time. I have friends who are very laid back and prefer neutrals, and I have friends who are more classic and prefer black and white. But the point is... whatever style you prefer you should rock. Never EVER change your style (or personality) around what a guy or anyone else likes. 

*end sassy rant*

2fab2care

Wasn't that empowering? I agree! Glad we had that talk. 

Jacket: Kenneth Cole; Sweater: Banana Republic; Pants: Loft; Necklace: BCBG: Boots: Nordstrom 

Blueberry

I think this is still one of my favorite bow skirts I've ever made. I mean... not to toot my own horn, but.... that color. Can you even? It's definitely one of my most worn bow skirts. 

I think I like it so much because it reminds me of blueberries and blueberries are my all time fave of everything. Blueberry muffins with crumbly stuff on top? Favorite breakfast. Blueberry muffin girl on Strawberry Shortcake? Favorite Character. Blueberry candles? Probably my favorite scent ever if I had ever seen a blueberry scent candle. 

(Low back tops are the real mvp)

So fresh

Skirt: Hannah Everly; Shirt: Goodwill ($2!!!); Earrings: thrifted; Heels: J.Crew