Moonfly Kids

For my birthday a few weeks ago, I got a few excellent presents. My hubby got me this awesome watch from Sundance. Please note-I don’t wear a watch. I like time to mold itself around me, not the other way around. But my gift is lovely.

Then, my inlaws presented me with this huge box, cleverly covered with pages from Vogue magazine and the most recent Nordstrom catalog. I really just enjoyed looking at it. Bet it was fun to wrap, too.

The fashion-billboard-box contained 1 zero gravity lounger.  For those of you not familiar with this Cadillac of lounging equipment, I urge you to try one on, like right now.  You will never get up again.

My husband, who is a professional lounger-and that is another post altogether-he already has one of these slices of heaven.  And, the sweet, caring husband that he is, he wanted me to have one too.  I’m pretty sure I’m going to combine the two gifts, so, as I am lounging away my Saturday afternoon, I can glance at my watch and say, “Honey, it’s time for another gin & tonic.”  And, like that! a fresh cocktail will appear.

The only flaw to this plan is the wooden whistle my son is holding in this picture.  It’s one of those whistles that makes the sound of a train when you blow in it. While I’m lounging, I’m pretty sure my son will be galloping around me, whistling and shouting “All aboard!” I’ll have to be careful he doesn’t bump into my drink.

I have these sandals, my favorite sandals, you know the ones.  You throw them on for running errands, playdates, Starbucks runs, walking trade show floors and the like. They seem to match every outfit, are super comfy, and never go out of style. No matter where I go, someone ALWAYS asks me about these shoes. I’m amazed because they really aren’t statement-making, bring-the-house-down Jimmy Choos or Blahniks.  Nine West, purchased while I was pregnant, and stretched out around the ankle from shoving my feet into them after I got too fat to actually bend down and operate the buckle. Don’t you wish you could know how fabulous your favorite pair of shoes is going to be BEFORE you buy them? So you can at least snag two pairs?

I’m packing up tonight and heading out to LA tomorrow for the LA International Textile Show held at the California Market Center. Usually I love going to the 3 day extravaganza of textile glory, but I’m not feeling inspired right now. Sigh.  I’m forcing myself to drive there anyway in the hopes that something spectacular will jump out and lift me from the doldrums.  Is it my imagination or are all the offerings just so “blah” lately?

The highlights will be catching up with Lady M of Fabric Hound and Lorraine of Bobinette. See you soon girls!

I was tagged by my friend Krystal!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Random, weird facts:

1. I only curse on days ending with “y”.

2. I once went six straight years without eating any meat or dairy products. I can’t remember why exactly.

3. I married an engineer, therefore I will always know the slope of our driveway and the definition of “acre-feet”.

4. I saw John Travolta eating sushi. In Cancun. I’m pretty sure he was wearing make up.

5. I’m afraid of the water. And Pai Gow. And pants that taper.

6. I had the most fabulous wedding. I walked down the aisle to a harp solo of “Stairway to Heaven”. Our first dance was a two-step to a duet by John Prine and Iris DeMent called “In Spite of Ourselves”. Of course everyone got shit-faced.

7. Nothing ever could have prepared me for the complete and utter chaos that is motherhood.

Seven people:
Fabric Hound
The Domestic Diva
Visual Adventures
Redhead Writing
Tote and Tee
Boutique Cafe

Wow! Look at the beautifully styled spread in the October issue of Earnshaw’s. Funny, they picked one of my least favorite outfits in the whole Spring line.  If this style goes to production, I’m going to refine the ombre colors and placement.  I think it could be better.  Yes, I’m a perfectionist like that. Thanks to all my friends at Earnshaw’s for their excellent taste and keen eye for detail.

This PACKAGE! has been teetering on the edge of my cutting table since Monday. I know! Can you believe I haven’t had time to open it yet? I have been THAT busy around here.

But honestly, part of it has been procrastination. I have to admit, lackluster Spring sales, trouble collecting on Fall 08 shipments and the general tailspin of the economy really cut into a person’s creativity. Design inspiration comes from all that I absorb around me and lately, things haven’t been chipper. I’ve held off taking scissors to fabric, lest I come up with some ghoulish monstrosity that would send buyers running from my booth, screaming and tearing at their face-”my eyes, my eyes!” Now THAT would be bad for business. After all, I design children’s wear, the epitome of all things hopeful, cherubic and flowing over with eternal lightness. 

The inspiration wall in my studio is still covered with images from last season. I’m going to update it soon, soon, soon. I promise. One can’t really plan when inspiration will strike. 

And here’s what was in the box.  What was I thinking? Was I having a grunge moment?  What in the hell will I do with all this flannel? It’s slightly hilarious when I start receiving all the orders I placed at the last fabric tradeshow. Hilarious, mainly because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.  I just order whatever catches my fancy that day. I don’t have a premeditated method to design my line, but somehow, in the end, everything seems to come out as one coherent collection.  Creativity is really cool that way-you internalize your influences, order away, then cut, cut, cut and sew, sew, sew.  Finally, you edit- ferociously.

And, out of yet another box, emerges this mish-mash of feathers (yes, feathers!), faux leather trim and medieval metal buttons. I remember the day I ordered this, I was in a Sex Pistols mood. Now how to reconcile Nirvana meets The Jam? Where the hell is all this headed?

 

Read a review of the Moonfly gift pack on Cool Mom Picks!  Order yours now just in time for the holiday season. Free shipping for a limited time. Check out the  Gift pack

I know Vegas is the land of excess, but are there really no limits? My friend Lorraine of Bobbinette contemplates the huge salad, most likely wondering if it might stand up and EAT HER FIRST!

Another PACKAGE! arrived today, and this one contained a little surprise for my little man. Even though my little man has been sleeping in a toddler bed for the past several months, he still did not have a pillow.  In my typical OCD-fashion-perfection-mode, I simply had not found him a pillow that was cool enough to touch those angelic golden-red curls. The search is over, thanks to a visit to Dillyhearts late one night.

Tiny Man digs this pillow because it has cars and trains and bygod-CHOO CHOOS-all over it.  I dig it because it is 100% cotton and the perfect pint size. I also enjoyed the 10% off coupon I got from Dillyhearts to use on my next purchase.  And the little handwritten thank-you from Vickie is a great personal touch. Thanks Dillyhearts!

See, it has a CHOO-CHOO!

Does anyone know how to work a camera? I want to blame the camera, but I know it’s operator error. A work in progress…

Today’s ensemble is embroidered lace blouse from Elie Tahari, Banana Republic Martin pants, scored on sale for $32.99, and some pearls with a little sapphire clasp my mom gave me way back when. Outfit would not be complete without deflated beach ball and discarded plastic motorcycle.