Friday, December 23, 2011

Design Insight/Hindsight

Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays!

Back in the days when I was a little kid (about four or five years old), growing up in the “country of New Mexico”, we were poor. We were really poor, and there was no money for pretty clothes, shoes or any decoration of any kind.

Now, this was OK, because no one else had anything fancy either, but somehow, I knew that there were really pretty things out there, in fancy stores…. and I wanted that stuff!

Every weekend I would stay up all night. I was either sewing or knitting an outfit that was really outrageous, colorful and eye catching.  I would wear it to school the next week and get lots of attention.  To my surprise most of the attention was positive.
These expressions and yearnings to be noticed and pretty, were really the beginnings of a design career.  I realized that I had a passion and love of all things handmade and unusual.

My old Granny taught me to hand sew, use a sewing machine and knit when I was four. My other Grandma, the fashionista, taught me to shop in second-hand stores for antiques and vintage wear.  These” skills” came together to form a design philosophy and style that has never left me.

I never knew, back then, that there was a career called "designer", but this love of the history, cultural celebration and all things wearable has lasted a lifetime and continues to grow with each new discovery.

Clothing really does influence and express who we are, how we feel about ourselves and what we would like others to think of us. It is a wonderful creative expression and can actually make others feel good about themselves!!

Making others feel good is not a bad way to make a living, and that's why I made it my business.  Talk to you soon, have a Happy Holiday. 

Ann

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

On-or-off the shoulder?

Women always ask me why I design with the on-or–off the shoulder neckline shape so often…there are several reasons that I have learned over years, by studying the feminine body from all angles!  


A wider neckline actually makes the rest of the body look smaller!!!! Crazy right? It also creates the illusion of a smaller waistline, balances the hips to give an hourglass silhouette, and frames the face. 

Now to our friends the shoulders...Did you know that the shoulders are one of the last body parts to age? Most women have lovely skin on their shoulders, and this neckline emphasizes it. If you have small shoulders, they will look larger and if you have wide shoulders, it will show them off.  Think of your neckline as the perfect accessory to make these looks even more fabulous! If you want to see some examples check out rojacollection.com

So focus on the positive, show off that neckline, and give your face a beautiful frame!

Ann