The Doctor's daughter Erys turned 7 yrs old. So I made her a Custom Embellished Hoodie!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Ability to Maintain
3am...Hurting with a tommy ache from eating waayy too honey buns, I can't help but reflect on life...yeah kinda weird right. It's such a fuckin a roller coaster. It has its highs, when your beating the streets cool as can be and ain't nothing stopping you. Damn sure has it's lows when the rain pores. But the odd times are seemingly cruise control but actually the most critical. You've somewhat figured out life for right now, gained an understanding of what should be accomplished and what it takes to get to the next level but there is always life's resistance sitting next to you with the constant reminder life isn't easy.
A few nights ago someone proposed a statement and asked me to fill in the blank.
"If I always have ____ I can be successful.
Initially blown away, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I could think of all sorts of necessities that enables life success, but whose to say what the true determination is? Any one's answer could be purely based from circumstance or situation.
So I answered for me......."If I always have stability, I can be successful."
And not necessarily financial, or emotional or material stability, those are just bonuses. I mean personal stability. The will to want, and the ability to maintain after the foundation grown beneath me has been shaken with that same constant reminder. I could think backwards through my life. I grew up without a mother and I always knew that it was the worst thing that had happened to me, but it inevitable became my source of strength and taught me that nothing else can amount to worse so EFF the rest...thus, my somewhat careless demeanor. When it all hits the fan, I know the rain wont last forever and sooner than later the sun will shine and Ill collect my successes. My grandmother made sure I had foundation, and then it was up to me the analyze, understand and obtain the rest for myself and gaining my own personal stability became embedded. Knock me down, but Im getting back up! I may not have everything I want from life, but its just a matter of time before life success and highest potential bonuses will follow.
So now I challenge you to fill in the blank.
"If I always have______ I can be successful."
Photo by Derek Blanks
~Embellished
A few nights ago someone proposed a statement and asked me to fill in the blank.
"If I always have ____ I can be successful.
Initially blown away, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I could think of all sorts of necessities that enables life success, but whose to say what the true determination is? Any one's answer could be purely based from circumstance or situation.
So I answered for me......."If I always have stability, I can be successful."
And not necessarily financial, or emotional or material stability, those are just bonuses. I mean personal stability. The will to want, and the ability to maintain after the foundation grown beneath me has been shaken with that same constant reminder. I could think backwards through my life. I grew up without a mother and I always knew that it was the worst thing that had happened to me, but it inevitable became my source of strength and taught me that nothing else can amount to worse so EFF the rest...thus, my somewhat careless demeanor. When it all hits the fan, I know the rain wont last forever and sooner than later the sun will shine and Ill collect my successes. My grandmother made sure I had foundation, and then it was up to me the analyze, understand and obtain the rest for myself and gaining my own personal stability became embedded. Knock me down, but Im getting back up! I may not have everything I want from life, but its just a matter of time before life success and highest potential bonuses will follow.
So now I challenge you to fill in the blank.
"If I always have______ I can be successful."
Photo by Derek Blanks
~Embellished
Monday, September 15, 2008
It was all good a week ago.....
ok, ok , ok.....I haven't been here in a while, so it's probably best if I update :)
This isn't the actual footage of Fashion Industry's break in, but it will provide a definite idea of how it all happened, and other stores around the city that have been robbed just the same.
Last Friday morning turned out to be a crazy one for Atlanta's West End boutique Fashion Industry. This being my neighboring store, I felt bad for them. An inside connect tells that an organized group of thieves known as the blue jean bandits hit their store like others around the city, this time RAMMING A STOLEN CAR INTO THE SECURED GATE AND THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR! Gun shots were even fired at the assailants!! Crazy right!!! Whats even crazier is...I slept through it all and didn't hear a sound!
This isn't the actual footage of Fashion Industry's break in, but it will provide a definite idea of how it all happened, and other stores around the city that have been robbed just the same.
Fox News, August 9, 2008
CLICK HERE
It's sad that the lively hood of Atlanta boutiques are put in jeopardy at the hands of thieves. Store owners are reluctant to purchase premium brands with fear that their store will be broken into. Having relationships with stores, I know first hand how a split second robbery can close a store for weeks at a time or even for good! This isn't the first time Ive seen a car driven into a store to create a pathway for thieves and I'm sure it wont be the last! Being robbed and having someone take from you what you've built is one of the worst feelings in the world!! Store owner's better lock it down!
The Rest of Weekend
It's sad that the lively hood of Atlanta boutiques are put in jeopardy at the hands of thieves. Store owners are reluctant to purchase premium brands with fear that their store will be broken into. Having relationships with stores, I know first hand how a split second robbery can close a store for weeks at a time or even for good! This isn't the first time Ive seen a car driven into a store to create a pathway for thieves and I'm sure it wont be the last! Being robbed and having someone take from you what you've built is one of the worst feelings in the world!! Store owner's better lock it down!
The Rest of Weekend
So of course I headed over to Standard for Supreemes's Album release party. Me and G arrived doing their performance and the music sounded hot! But because the store is so narrow and their performance was staged as the back of the packed store, we weren't able to see them, so I took a quick glance around to get a feel for the store and their premium brands but before I knew we were out and headed off to the next adventure.
Ill have to check Standard on a not so busy day!
Ill have to check Standard on a not so busy day!
Be sure to check out Supreeme's Music
I asked for a change of scenario, and I guess I got it. Sol Fusion! I had never been before, but I had heard the Doctor mention it. The party was cracking! It's pretty much for the old school, hip hop crowd, they were break dancing and everything. I saw a couple of familiar faces but everything else was pretty new to me so I let loose and had a good time as was happy I went along for the ride.
The rest of the weekend seemed to go pretty smooth. It wasn't all play, as I productively checked out the Apparel Mart for merchandise on Saturday, and also a couple of stores for potential business relationships with Stitches. By the conclusion of the weekend, I had gotten some pretty concrete idea's jotted down for design and also got some more work done with my web designer. Pretty soon my site will be up and you'll be able to purchase!! The steady process continues.
I asked for a change of scenario, and I guess I got it. Sol Fusion! I had never been before, but I had heard the Doctor mention it. The party was cracking! It's pretty much for the old school, hip hop crowd, they were break dancing and everything. I saw a couple of familiar faces but everything else was pretty new to me so I let loose and had a good time as was happy I went along for the ride.
The rest of the weekend seemed to go pretty smooth. It wasn't all play, as I productively checked out the Apparel Mart for merchandise on Saturday, and also a couple of stores for potential business relationships with Stitches. By the conclusion of the weekend, I had gotten some pretty concrete idea's jotted down for design and also got some more work done with my web designer. Pretty soon my site will be up and you'll be able to purchase!! The steady process continues.
CoCo Chanel
Ohhhh...... another big part of my weekend included the lifetime movie for Coco Chanel. It premiered on last Friday, but I caught snippets of it all weekend. If you haven't caught the must see, please check your local listings for replay. Its actually a motivational life story of how Coco Chanel came from nothing and conquered her dreams. I just have to catch it in it's entirety.
~Embellished
Ohhhh...... another big part of my weekend included the lifetime movie for Coco Chanel. It premiered on last Friday, but I caught snippets of it all weekend. If you haven't caught the must see, please check your local listings for replay. Its actually a motivational life story of how Coco Chanel came from nothing and conquered her dreams. I just have to catch it in it's entirety.
~Embellished
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Market Research
When I have free time, one of my favorite things to do is cruise boutiques and hot retail locations and see whats in...whats selling, what apparel customers gravitate to, check out price points, different brands including non competition and just obtain an overall sense of what buyers are looking for including fabrics, feels, materials and design executions. This was pretty much a job requirement when I worked for Rocawear and LRG. We can call this Market Research! So when my homegirl invited me to Warner Bro. recording artist Supreeme's Album Release party, I was glad to accept! The venue is one of my all time "I have to go to stores"....STANDARD!!
I'm usually in the area sorta late grabbing Intermezzo's so as I cruise by the closed boutique I glue my face to the window trying to sneak a peak inside, but tomorrow no more! And that it's Supreeme's album release makes it even cooler. I'm sure this event will bring out some of the cities underground fashion elite, industry heads and will for sure be a change of pace from the average party scene.
As fashion goes hand and hand with music, Come & Enjoy Supreeme, sushi & drinks, nice clothes and fresh kicks....if you see me...say what up!! :)
I'm usually in the area sorta late grabbing Intermezzo's so as I cruise by the closed boutique I glue my face to the window trying to sneak a peak inside, but tomorrow no more! And that it's Supreeme's album release makes it even cooler. I'm sure this event will bring out some of the cities underground fashion elite, industry heads and will for sure be a change of pace from the average party scene.As fashion goes hand and hand with music, Come & Enjoy Supreeme, sushi & drinks, nice clothes and fresh kicks....if you see me...say what up!! :)
~~Embellished
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Finding Balance
Sometimes I'm at a loss for words. Not sure exactly what to do or where to turn next, I realize not everything will go as planned and I don't have an answer for it all. I feel as if no matter how hard I work, I'm still no where near where I want to be. Not with Stitches, not with Embellished and not with personal goals I've set for myself.
I know that things take time and patience is key.....blah blah blah, but I want it and I want it now!!!!! I'm just fucking tired! Excuse my language but I am. Sometimes you just get fed up no matter how promising a situation could potentially be and your not really sure why.
My friends tell me I work to much, but without question I don't have any other choice but to. Work=Money and Money makes the world go round! My hard work doesn't necessarily go without play, so I hit the city well dressed to some of the best parties and events, but trust me it is all the same! Different places same people, girls putting on, dudes thirsty to holler, crowded vip's, marijuana, spilt drinks and fucked up shoes. There was a time where I thought this was the coolest shit ever...
but I've grown and I know better now.
Since I'm at Stitches so much, the Doctor is always telling me that I need a boyfriend. At this point, even that's over rated! It has its perks, but I don't think I want a boyfriend, I just don't feel like making the time, I do want a man though. The dudes I come across are either, not for me, extra thirsty or more than often just simply expect me to fall for the okey dope. Not happening! I'm from Chicago and a family who made sure I knew the bullshit when it came knocking. So as it approaches disguised as a cute new face or a nice car with dinner plans or an outing for drinks...I kindly dismiss it and keep it moving. I would rather hang at Stitches then go out with someone I'm not feeling....I don't even like drinking!
Yesterday I played hooky from business work and didn't even feel bad, the irony of it all is that I was still just as busy as if I went to work. A couple of the most successful people I know says that finding balance is one of life's greatest challenges. I quickly agree! Not everything is at your will to control. I have to work hard but I need to find some sort of balance so that everything isn't so repetitive. Just balance to keep me sane in my own crazy little world because my brand damn sure won't build itself.
~~Embellished
I know that things take time and patience is key.....blah blah blah, but I want it and I want it now!!!!! I'm just fucking tired! Excuse my language but I am. Sometimes you just get fed up no matter how promising a situation could potentially be and your not really sure why.
My friends tell me I work to much, but without question I don't have any other choice but to. Work=Money and Money makes the world go round! My hard work doesn't necessarily go without play, so I hit the city well dressed to some of the best parties and events, but trust me it is all the same! Different places same people, girls putting on, dudes thirsty to holler, crowded vip's, marijuana, spilt drinks and fucked up shoes. There was a time where I thought this was the coolest shit ever...
but I've grown and I know better now.Since I'm at Stitches so much, the Doctor is always telling me that I need a boyfriend. At this point, even that's over rated! It has its perks, but I don't think I want a boyfriend, I just don't feel like making the time, I do want a man though. The dudes I come across are either, not for me, extra thirsty or more than often just simply expect me to fall for the okey dope. Not happening! I'm from Chicago and a family who made sure I knew the bullshit when it came knocking. So as it approaches disguised as a cute new face or a nice car with dinner plans or an outing for drinks...I kindly dismiss it and keep it moving. I would rather hang at Stitches then go out with someone I'm not feeling....I don't even like drinking!
Yesterday I played hooky from business work and didn't even feel bad, the irony of it all is that I was still just as busy as if I went to work. A couple of the most successful people I know says that finding balance is one of life's greatest challenges. I quickly agree! Not everything is at your will to control. I have to work hard but I need to find some sort of balance so that everything isn't so repetitive. Just balance to keep me sane in my own crazy little world because my brand damn sure won't build itself.
~~Embellished
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Logo is In!!
So I don't know if you remember my last post where I had slight difficulty getting my logo done. My first option didn't quite pan out so I hit up a good homie of mine, told him what I wanted and he delivered!! So....it's officially in! And I'm super duper excited, it gives Embellished a face in a way!! But as bad as I want to post it from the roof top, I cant quite reveal the new logo just yet, but I promise when I do it will be well worth the wait.
For now...here's a sneak peak at my latest design.
As soon as I finished it, I was ready to wear it, but when I put it on..I spilled something on it!! BUMMER :( !!!! Guess I have to go to the dry cleaners.
~~Embellished
Don't Park Here!!
hello everybody!! :) Its been a minute since my last entry so it was a must that I update today!! It's been so much happening..I don't even know where to begin. But I'll feel you in on the basics and then get down to business.My Labor Day weekend was pretty cool! I worked through Saturday and slightly partied in between. Feeling no way in particular I skipped Church on Sunday and opted to just getting organized for the week and working on my forever pending business plan. I know exactly what I want to do and how I want to do in regards to business and production but it's the hardest thing for me to do is to write it all down. It's a waste to have someone else write my plan. I'm perfectly capable, I just have to get focused on it because I know it's top necessity. When I did get out the house I ran a few quick errands then came home to cook a nice meal all for myself and watched TV until I fell asleep.
On my first Monday off in a super duper long time...I slept until 1pm. :) My kinda morning!!! Usually I hate it when I sleep past 9 or 10am, I feel as if I'm losing time. But Monday I didn't care at all! I got up for breakfast and then headed to check out my home girl G's new house. She showed me around and we headed back out the door for a breezy walk around her new nice, seemingly quiet and friendly neighborhood. They prepared to party hard at the pool though! When I made it back to my car, where G instructed me to park. I found a note:
LMAO.....How Rude! Thanks a lot G!
Anyways, I was slightly shocked that I hadn't spoke to the Doctor, I was almost sure that he would disregard the Holiday and call me down to the shop! I was slightly disappointed that he didn't though. I didn't have anything else to do. I find myself saying that infrequently so let me change that. I didn't have anything that I wanted to do. But I know for sure that when I have "nothing" to do, I have Embellished to do. Getting on top isn't easy!! Anyways, here's a few things we've been working on at Stitches.
Custom Boxing Uniform and Corner Jackets....
Custom Boxing Uniform and Corner Jackets....
Jacket and Boots for Girl group, Couture.....they were going for the old school Janet.
These projects alone have obviously kept us pretty busy!! But like usual...the Doctor wants more work. So, if you need anything custom, altered, tailored, screened, embroidered etc. etc. whatever you want, we can do... Drop me an email or just feel free to contact us.Stitches
43 Walton Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404.827.9074
~~Embellished
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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