Pleasure Notes

So, it’s been one week since I opened my Etsy shop, and I’ve already made two sales! It’s so exciting and humbling. The support and encouragement I’ve received has been unbelievable and I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude and glee. I have a feeling this is going to be an awesome ride, full of challenges, revelations and firsts.

I’ve never been interviewed before, for anything, so I was blown away when Jenn over at The Style Geek approached me to request an interview regarding this new entrepreneurial endeavor. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. Check out what I said! And while you’re over there, poke around a bit. Jenn’s great and has an awesome, carefree and refreshing take on accessible fashion.

Also, I must let you know I just added two new earring designs to my Noted Design inventory. Swing by the shop if you’re curious to see them.

Yes, I know, I’m a tease. That’s why you love me, right?

Oh heavens, my lovelies, I just got the most gorgeous catalogue in the mail today! I don’t normally receive catalogues, and I have no idea how this one ended up with my name on it, but I’m ever so happy to have received it. It is from a British company called Toast, which specializes in women’s fashion and home decor. The clothes look absolutely perfect – much more classy than my yoga pants and hoodie but equally as comfortable. And the photographs to illustrate each item? Oh lordy, they just make me sigh in appreciation.

by Jenny Zarins for Toast

In fact, I barely got four pages into the Spring 2010 catalogue of clothing before I salivating and dreaming of escaping to some Mediterranean hideaway with a shoulder bag packed with choice pieces of linen, a good book and a feather.

by Jenny Zarins for Toast

I have no idea why I had the impulse to pack a feather, but that is how inspiring this catalogue is to me! Check both the Spring Line and House & Home catalogues for yourself, and let me know what you think.

by Jenny Zarins for Toast

The photographs are by Jenny Zarins, the wardrobe styling is by Lesly Dilcock and Gaelle Paul, and the design and art direction is by Lesley Dilcock. I think I’d like to have them all over for tea.

Is there any particular catalogue you’ve received, unexpectedly or not, that transported you someplace delightful?

Anyone who is visiting my homepage today will notice a new badge in my sidebar. It’s my oh-so-subtle way of letting everyone know I JUST OPENED UP AN ETSY SHOP! I decided to send this wee announcement out as well, because I’m just so damn excited, and anxious, and a whole gamut of other emotions. Yep, I’m kinda emotional. Shocker, I know. The shop is called Noted Design.

NotedDesign at Etsy.com

If you feel like moseying on over there, it’ll be like giving me a great big ole smooch and, really, haven’t you been wondering what that would be like? I’m sure it’s been keeping you up at night.

I’m selling handmade jewelry using semiprecious stones and beads and silver and gold and anything else I think is pretty. I’m also doing some hand stamping. I’d love to know what you think of it all!

I’ve only hinted about my intentions to open up the shop a few times, and put it on my list. Why haven’t I regaled you with tales of every step I took to get here? Because I was doubting that I’d actually accomplish the task. I’ve been creating jewelry forever, it seems, and I’ve wanted an Etsy presence since I discovered the site years ago, but fear and doubt have always kept me solidly anchored in inaction. UNTIL NOW.

I have you, my lovely dear readers, and this blog to thank for providing the kick in the butt necessary to see this particular dream become a reality. THANK YOU!

Now, let’s take another moment to let it soak in… I have an Etsy shop, folks. KICK ASS AWESOMENESS, I tell you! Makes me feel like anything is possible. Now if only I could figure out how to bottle that feeling, I’d be golden. But, hey, clearly stranger things have happened…

xo

I’m not exactly the most renown fashion maven in Los Angeles. In fact, putting me and “fashion” in the same sentence rarely occurs, unless “bad” is also somehow involved. However, every once in a while I surprise myself and everyone around me by actually putting together an ensemble that wouldn’t horrify my less fashion-challenged Hollywood compatriots. That being said, I’m basically a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal or, more accurately, a yoga pants and t-shirt kind of gal. And so I have an enduring love affair with the most awesome of wardrobe-providing websites: Threadless. Let me just highlight a few reasons I’ve fallen head over heels with something that might actually be considered – gasp! – hip...

From Threadless.com

OMG! Isn’t it the cutest thing ever? I mean, really, who wouldn’t be over the moon for this design by Budi Satria Kwan? I admit I’m extremely partial to the moon, and I’ve always thought cows get a bum rap, but really, doesn’t this Fail t-shirt just make you immediately think of milk and cookies? And what could be better than that, FROM A T-SHIRT no less?

by Budi Satria Kwan/threadless.com

Well, the stuck cow might not agree. I kinda feel sorry for him, don’t you? He looks like a “Bob.” Hope you find your way down, Bob. I’m rooting for you!

by Ross Zietz/threadless.com

I become even more impassioned about endangered species than cows, however. Surprising, I know. Which is why I adore Ross Zietz’ Pandamonium. Quite a profound little statement he’s captured with his design, don’t you think? It gets me all riled up, I tell you! And the panda is so damn cute!

by Lucas de Alcantara/threadless.com

Laughter is the best salve when my emotions get hot. I don’t think you even have to be a Star Wars fan to get a chuckle from Lucas de Alcantara’s clever creation. If only we all could be so transformed with a simple New Hairstyle.

by T.J. Zhang/threadless.com

Bangs may not bring about world peace, but flowers put a smile on almost anyone’s face, even the ones in those little tanks who are bent on hurting that poor panda above. You, my lovely readers, are already familiar with how much I love blooming things, so just image how giddy I was to discover T.J. Zhang’s Blooming tee. It about sent me over the moon all over again!

I swear, if Bambi’s mom had gotten a prom picture, this would have been it!

To be fair, I’ve just pointed out my favorite designs. There are plenty of other graphics on the site that might float your boat with more bounce, so go explore (if you are so inclined). The thing I like best about this company is that it is community-based, meaning the Threadless.com membership/readership creates all the graphics, and design decisions are based on community feedback.

Like a big ole Love-In commune for cool t-shirts.

Do you have a favorite t-shirt graphic, from anywhere? Do tell!

I’ve never offered a give-away before on Pleasure Notes, and I’m not even sure this officially counts, but I was over on Le Petit Pois earlier today and got very jazzed by this Five for Five meme. Wanna join in the fun?

Here’s how it works:

The first 5 people to leave a comment on this post will get something from me (a gift – yea!). But in return, you must do the same thing on your blog and make something for 5 other people. If you want in, copy this all into a post on your site and leave me a comment. The details follow, and the italicized bits are my modifications:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make (though I wouldn’t bet against it, either). Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, made with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2010) – and sooner rather than later.
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird, beautiful, monstrous, or annoying. Heck, I might bake you a treat. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.
7. Lastly, if you are one of the first 5 people to comment here, I will contact you via email and ask for your mailing address so you are sure to receive your surprise!

What could be more fun than that?