I started this blog (for the first time) in 2011 as a way to document my clothing and travel whims, but knew that at some point it was supposed to act as an online portfolio for things that I design and make. While you have seen glimpses of my designs over the past few months, I’m hoping to finally make my prints and designs a bigger portion of this blog.
It can be hard in the blogging world to not attempt to ‘monetize’ everything. As we spend so much time creating content for the blog, it is tempting to try to get paid for every action, whether it is through instagram, advertorial type posts, or only wearing clothing that you can get a commission on. This has been one of the struggles of designing my own clothing… I will spend so much time on it, maybe wear it once to photograph for the blog, and then reap zero rewards down the line as it sits in my closet. I would love to commission when you ‘like’ my instagram post, or be able to return this dress after I wear it… but that doesn’t work when you make your own things!
But oh, how it’s worth it when you are proud of something you have made.
For the first time in a LONG time, I feel full to the brim with opportunity and inspiration. Over the past few months, there has been an inspiring thought around every corner. The idea that I can make my own clothing, athletic wear, wallpaper, home goods and custom gifts for friends has truly opened up my design world, and I am breathing in every but of creativity that comes my way. While I may not be making any money (in fact, spending quite a bit of it instead!) I am growing creatively and getting one step closer each day to identifying the Style Safari style…. what my look is, and what my lifestyle is.
Designing has always been a dream of mine. Designing what you ask? Everything. I don’t believe that I have to be one thing. I don’t believe that I have to just do fabric design or just home goods or just athletic wear. This is my life, my brand, and I hope that someday soon I am able to share my design visions with you. It may be jewelry, it may be blankets, it may be bathing suits. But if it’s great and fun, why can’t it be all of those? It can. But I need your help. This is what I ask of you, help or encourage my design growth in any way you can, big or small. ‘Like’ me on Facebook or share this post. Pin your favorite room I designed. Buy a baby blanket. Leave a comment. Spread the word on Instagram. Click on that little heart next to my post to show you like it. Help get the word out about me and my designs in any way you can, because I can’t rely on big brands to re-gram my designs and help me share my dream. I can’t rely on commissions or clicks in order to start my brand. I can only rely on the people that read my blog and follow my journey. And for you I am so thankful! The fact that anyone reads this blog at all is remarkable, and I feel lucky to have friends, family and an instagram husband who support me, take photos for me, and generally engage in my silly fantasies.
On that note, let’s talk about this DRESS of which I am so proud. You know I designed the butterfly print while in Mexico, (specifically while I was in the airport for 24 hours), but I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do with it. When I went to the Oscar de la Renta exhibit in March, I was inspired by ODLR’s use of print in gowns, and knew that the fuchsia version of my print would be perfect for an upcoming wedding. The shape is simple, but believe it or not I have never made a dress with this much volume before, OR one with pockets. It is so liberating to be able to dance and move and carry your cellphone and lipgloss with you at a wedding. I loved every moment of wearing this dress, and I think these photos that my BF Angie took of me in Brooklyn create the perfect romantic inner-city setting for this bold print. What do you think, aren’t these photos fun?
I bet you’re glad you made it to the end of this post! That’s what happens when I treat myself to a breakfast sandwich at a cafe as I write a post. But I’m glad I shared with you my blogging struggles and successes, and only hope that you will share as well. Thanks for reading and putting up with me!
Monarch Butterfly fabric available at Spoonflower, Sephora collection luster matte long wear lip color in Luster Magenta, old Zara sandals.
