Reevaluation...

The past two days I have been in talks with a boutique that is opening up soon and wants to sell my stuff! I am geeked!!! Nothing is final yet, but things are looking good! Anyway, certain circumstances have arisen from this opportunity that have forced me to reevaluate certain areas of my business...mainly prices. It sucks. I hate despise raising prices, especially because I don't want to make my clothes unaffordable for anyone! I am proud to offer affordable boutique clothes for everyone. However, with the prices of supplies rising paired with my demand rising--I am only one person and can only make so many outfits a month--some prices have to be adjusted. Not only all this, but I must admit that I've never actually figured out exactly what it costs to make an outfit and I was very surprised because I was underpricing myself. So now, I must raise prices on certain items, not because I want to bit because if I want DDD to survive I NEED to.
Interestingly enough, I came across some inspiring articles while trying to research HOW to price my items "correctly". This one in particular made me really realize how much we undervalue handmade items, myself included. I NEVER buy handmade items because I never think they are worth it, yet I sell handmade and want people to pay for my items. A few months ago, I went shopping for some clothes for myself at Target. I got everything out of the clearance section (just like the article) and what do I have to show for it not even 2 months later? A bunch of clothes with holes in them! Seriously, its maddening! I might as well have spent the extra money on a shirt for myself from a seller on Etsy that WON'T fall apart after 3 washes.
I really feel that this article hit the proverbial nail on the head when it comes to buying handmade. I also hope that everyone can understand why I am raising the prices of some of my items. Now go out there and buy something handmade!!! I know I am right now...

In Case You Missed It...

My friend Tiffany, from Whimsical Willows Couture, decided to go back into business together--we used to own Cookie Crumbs Couture together with another friend--to make patterns! After both of us getting emails from people requesting patterns for our personal designs, as well as having many more pattern ideas we want to see come to fruition, we finally decided to do it! And it only took a year...lol. Seriously.
We are hoping to open up shop in the next two weeks as our first 3 patterns are out to testers as we speak. We have gotten a couple reviews back from testers and so far (surprise of surprises) their stuff is turning out and they love the pattern! You don't know what a relief it is knowing that the hard work on these patterns shows!
Here are the first 5 patterns Create Kids Couture will be offering:

Chloe's Party Peasant Dress



Anika's Peasant Romper



Ruby's Cap Sleeve Sun Top & Gaby's Side Ruffle Capris



Penny's Patchwork Twirler Dress



I hope you love them and they inspire you as much as they inspire us!

How to Tie the Perfect Bow

Yes, I realize that this is a video of someone tying a bow on a chair, not a moving toddler. But it gives you the basic idea. It took me a long time to find a video of someone tying a bow that actually turned out good so I'll take it! I Get asked all the time how I tie my sashes and bows so here ya go!

It's That Time Again...

time for Prom!!! How does this effect me, you ask? Well, my husband is a high school teacher in Detroit so we get to go "chaperone" every year! That means going to an AH-MAZING place in Detroit--yes, these DO exsist--eating delicious food, and sometimes dancing. This part is a little harder since we're at a Detroit High School dance and they like to listed to mainly rap music. Although, I cannot believe I'm going to admit this, I really like rap music. My husband "has" to listed to rap music everyday and it has grown on him; it has since transferred over to our car music and has grown on me. SOME of it, not all of it. Regardless, as much as I'm sure his students would LOVE to see us dance to some rap music at their prom...it ain't gonna happen! lol.

I got off course though because I wanted to show you some gorgeous places in Detroit that I have been--places I can assure you I would have never been to had we not been "chaperones" (I always put that in quotations because its used very loosely).
-The first year we went to Prom we went to Sinbads at the River. What a view! I don't actually remember much except the view. Oh well...
-The second year was at the Hotel St. Regis. One word to describe this place would be...ritzy? lol. Actually, I don't think I can do it in just one word. The decor was modern and trendy, but the architecture was breathtaking; it was an interesting combination that they got to work.
-The third year (last year) was at The Detroit Yacht Club. This place in to die for. I actually wish it was there again this year. DYC is actually on Belle Isle which is an island in the Detroit River. The view was incredible we could stand on the balcony and watch the sunset--which was beautiful that day. The food was impeccable and it was fun exploring the building and grounds. They actually have a members only room which I was dying to go in, but it was all men in jackets. lol. I think I would have been detected. I'm sure the price of the banquet rooms is ridiculously expensive but I would have LOVED to have got married there had I known about it!
--Finally, this year we are going to the Antheneum Suite Hotel as far as I can remember. I can't tell you about it because I haven't been their yet, but I'll be reporting about it tomorrow I'm sure.

SO right now, I having a mini-meltdown deciding what to wear tonight. Why must we always have this challenge? I wish I could just through on a suit and call it a day like men do. Life would be easier and as a stay-at-home-mom, I need easy today because I can already tell its going to be a loooooooong day.

Treasury Example for Challenge 2

I just made a treasury a little bit ago. Here is an example for all of you who are still confused. It is very simple.
Just had a thought: Wouldn't it be funny if I got myself on the front page with this treasury? lol. That would be ironic. Luckily for you, I put myself in it so  I doubt it will even get looked at! lol. Its a good one though. Definitely evokes feelings of vintage summer picnics as the name says. Good luck!

Do You Accept? Challenge 2

Okay, so I admit it, I like competition and challenges I think that's why I'm doing so well as a boutique right now. Of course, I support my fellow boutiques--at least the good ones--but I really enjoy trying to better my boutique (aka kicking other boutique butts!* lol) There is nothing wrong with a little FRIENDLY competition. Keeping this in mind, I've decided to try out some little "Challenges" for my fans so they can try to win my clothes! I'm done with freebies these days. To be honest, I'm tired of making things to get my name out there and not receiving even a "thank you" in return! Crazy, I know! So now, if you want a "freebie" from me...you gotta at least work for it! Which leads me to my point of this whole blog....

I want to be on the Front Page of Etsy. Who is gonna get me there? Hopefully, one of you! lol. In return, you will receive the outfit that makes it to the front page in the size of your choice. Here is a little info on how to get me on the front page of etsy. First, you have to make a treasury. You can see the past treasuries I was featured in here (none of which got me to the front page). Second, you have to include ME in the treasury. Third, well, there is not third. That's it.

The front page treasury on etsy is changed every hour. Thats 24 chances a day for you guys to get me there. I recommend doing a little research about getting your treasury on the front page first because there does seem to be some "rules". For example, I'm pretty sure that you cannot put an item of yours in the treasury because they want you to spread the love.

Oh yeah! And here is a website to check to see if your treasury made it to the front page. It shows all the treasuries, BUT I will most likely know before you so no worries! Feel free to leave a link to your treasury in the comments so everyone can see them!

This blog will self destruct in 10 seconds. lol. Good luck everyone!


*hopefully, you know me well enough to know that this is, of course, a joke. 

A Match Made In Heaven....

That's what Dashingly Dainty Designs and Model Source Magazine are! I pitched them my "British Rock" line that I was planning on putting out this fall and guess what? They LOVED it!!! They are putting out a casting call for models in their area and I am sending them the outfits in July for the photoshoot! I also have Shake-Up Snow Designs, Belly Bell's Bowtique, and possibly a jewelry boutiques working with me on this to make sure that these kids are dressed to the nines!
I am beyond excited right now! It's so nice when hard work pays off!