Modern Day Inspiration

It's been a few months since I've really spent much time continuing to develop Modern Material. I've been extremely busy adjusting to a new full time job in which I am designing fashion accessories and graphics for numerous retail brands. I am really enjoying the exciting projects and creative atmosphere during my 8 to 5. At first I thought I might loose some of the creative motivation I had over the last year, but instead I'm finding it more inspiring as I am constantly surrounded by creativity and style. Time, is still however the hardest part to find.

I found this site while looking over my website analytics and thought you might enjoy it. It all started by someone adding some Modern Material products to their profile, and from there, many other users have branched on. The site is called Polyvore, and it's a fun place for inspiring fashion and style. I've spent the day building my own profile, and hopefully adding more items from Modern Material for other people to use in their style sets. Remember how as a teenager you would cut out your favorite things from your magazines and create a bulletin board on your wall? Well this is basically an online edition where you search the internet for anything cool and trendy, and create your own collage. So far I've seen dozens of users add Modern Material items to their collages. It's cool to see the inspired trends by potential customers.

Here are a few sets I pulled. If you ever have any free time, start your own profile and see what inspires you.


Click to view image.

Well my long weekend is nearing the end. I still have some freelance work to finish and it's finally time to watch the premiere of Gossip Girl! It's a great new show for inspiring trends in fashion, design, style, and music. It's the new O.C. replacement for today's fashionistas.

xoxo

annie

Queen Alexandria Reigns New Mexico

I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend. Ohio weather is actually coming through for us this year! I have so much work to do on Modern Material before I get started on a freelance project for Crabtree & Evelyn for the next few weeks. Steve and I moved our computers out to the patio so we can enjoy the crystal clear weather and watch the neighborhood garage sale bring lots of traffic to our quiet circle. So I probably look like the biggest dork with my 24" iMac desktop computer sitting on the patio table. But hey, it's much better sitting out here listening to Cake with the cool spring breeze as summertime approaches.

Speaking of Cake, I just checked out pictures from Cutie Pie Boutique, in Albuquerque, NM, who has been carrying Modern Material in their shop via Hey Pretty Cupcake, another cool boutique carrying my line. Here are some photos from some rockin girls in New Mexico.



Gabbie at Cutie Pie Boutique






Betty, owner of Cutie Pie Boutique knows how to look like a Rock Star wearing the Alexandria necklace.


Interior of Cutie Pie Boutique, Albuquerque, NM

Introducing Couture Tees...Pre-Order NOW

This idea came to mind late one night while I was watching Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers tour on HDnet. I had just received my spot in Gwen's celebrity baby gift basket and I wanted to be inspired to design some new products to send her. I started thinking about how much I enjoyed creating my Gwen Halloween costume a few years ago. It was a costume but I loved it so much it was hard to shove it in a box, never to be worn again. So I started thinking....how could I translate this costume into daily wear? The answer...Couture Tees.



I started designing a shirt based on an aqua American Apparel tee I had in my closet and some left over lace and ribbon from my costume. After a few days I felt I had runway material. The next step was order the materials. I ran into many roadblocks along the way. American Apparel had discontinued every style and color tee I felt could work for this design. There were limited sizes and quantities available, so I knew I would never be able to make this a permanent addition to the Modern Material line. But then I realized that would make this tee special. Once they are gone, they're gone.

As soon as I got my materials, I sat down at my sewing machine and let my imagination run. I have to admit, I was quite impressed when I was all finished. The next step was to see what everyone thought. I slipped on a black pencil skirt, black heels and accessorized the shirt with a wide black patent belt and chunky chain link necklace. I decided not to mention that it was one of my designs. I figured people would think it was either some weird crazy trend I was sporting that hasn't caught on yet...or they would love it. I was hoping it was the later. That day, I seriously received more complements in one day than I thought was possible. People I didn't even know very well were saying how much they loved my outfit. One of my friends realized I designed it, and couldn't shut up about it. I wore it out on the town that night, and my husband said he noticed a bunch of girls checking me out. I'm pretty modest, so it was hard for me to accept so much attention, but I knew I was on to something that could set me apart from the millions of other tee shirt designers.

So if you are looking for something amazing to add to your wardrobe or want a special gift for a friend, you'll know where to find it.

I am accepting pre-orders now, before this design is introduced to my web store. Keep in mind that sizes and quantities are extremely limited, so if you want one, please let me know. For more information, including price, please send an email to annie@modern-material.com.

Be Bold. Be Daring . Be Different.

- a n n i e -

http://www.modern-material.com