Tomorrow, Sunday, December 5th, just days before my 25th celebration of life, my very own boutique opens in the Cypress Vanguard fashion house along with those of 8 other incredibly talented, beautiful designers. It goes without saying that this is huge.
Not only is it a large deal to me, personally, as it signifies that I am now an adult - officially - but in the world of fashion, it is a great thing for ladies who don't necessarily fit the mold. I am so excited to be able to celebrate this as part of my adventure! Three and a half years ago, I had no idea I would be sitting here now, dreaming about my studio space and the gorgeous ladies I get to create for every single day. (I didn't even know how to sew then!) This is soon to be my reality, a storefront in downtown Austin. How am I so lucky?
I am so grateful for this opportunity, given to me by my friend and peer Megan Summerville, who is not just one of the sweetest ladies on the planet, she is one of the most confident women I know and her ability to make the finest crafted lingerie is extraordinary. I get to work beside her every day, and hopefully, channel her wisdom and strength.
So! This is a thank you to all of the love, excitement, and support I've had over the past few years, and also to all of the No's I've heard, the heartbreaks, the slander, and the disdain along the way. All of it has come to this point, and I'm very fortunate to say that it has made me and not broken me.
Miss curvy, are you ready to play with savannahred? Come on down to 606 E. 3rd St. beginning tomorrow at 11 am and we can start our journey together or maybe even continue the beautiful thing that we already have.
Inspired,
Anslee / savannahred
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Honest Hopes
A little bit of housekeeping to kick us off:
+New website! Heyyyy, go check it out! http://savannahredislove.com/ is up and running so take a look and tell me what you think, lovelies!
+Are you on Facebook? Be a fan of savannahred! Like us here.
+Do you love savannahred a whole bunch? If so, please vote for savannahred to win a grant! Or maybe even 2! You can leave some love at this site and you'll be loved forever by yours truly until the end of time.
In the past few months, there have been a lot of photo shoots and contests and reality tv show applications, and it's just been a whirlwind of craziness! In the midst of all of this, I can't help but be reminded of the people who are in my life right now and how much they mean to me, especially when they support what I'm doing.
I started savannahred as a way to open people's eyes to what beauty, art, fashion, and self-expression are all about. I started out as a photographer and I grew into a clothing designer in the 3 years I've lived in Austin, my favorite city in North America. While it's true that I'm still growing and challenging myself, I'm taking moments to be grateful for the talent and the vision that I have. I've been working overtime on things the past couple of months that I never thought I would, and there are so many people who encourage me to keep going that extra step every day.
My personal and business motto is "Be inspired, not influenced," and I've been met with overwhelmingly positive remarks as to what I am doing and how I am inspiring others with something that makes me feel more alive than ever. I feel like with this business I am able to enable women to feel beautiful and sexy and confident, perhaps even for the first time, and I do it simply with fabric. I care about the environment so much more than I ever did growing up [Read: didn't care at all!], and now I want to build a company that embraces being good to the earth as well as the gorgeous women who wear these dresses. SavannahRed is more than dresses or skirts or whatever fabric is used, it's about a community now that empowers women of all sizes to embrace themselves and be the strong, confident, beautiful women they are. Through this business, my hopes are to unify women of all backgrounds, races, religions, sizes, and strengths, in hopes that we can redefine beauty as being ourselves and not necessarily conforming to a societal viewpoint or ideal.
I feel there is too much stock put into using magic potions or quick fix love spells in the form of products and surgeries and crash diets or crazy pills to make the organic magic inside us become real. What I aim to do with my company is enable curvy ladies, and all ladies, to get back to the core of who they are and see the beauty there. Essentially, it starts with you, not with manufactured magic but your magic, and if you cannot see that for yourself, then I hope you'll take this journey with us.
Love yourself, woman of the earth. No matter how much your belly jiggles, praise it. No matter how much your booty can't fit into those old pants, shake it. No matter if you have cellulite or dimples or rolls or anything labeled as "unsightly" or "ugly", enjoy the body you have for what it is because it's yours and you are, most undoubtedly, gorgeous and worthy of being loved - especially by you.
Austin Fashion Week is so close and I have an excellent team that I am working with to create a look for a beautiful, curvy model. It's going to be very exciting and it's going to take a lot of hard work! I hope you will be there and be just as excited as we will be! Thank you for your support. Thank you for your magic.
<3.
SavannahRed
+New website! Heyyyy, go check it out! http://savannahredislove.com/ is up and running so take a look and tell me what you think, lovelies!
+Are you on Facebook? Be a fan of savannahred! Like us here.
+Do you love savannahred a whole bunch? If so, please vote for savannahred to win a grant! Or maybe even 2! You can leave some love at this site and you'll be loved forever by yours truly until the end of time.
In the past few months, there have been a lot of photo shoots and contests and reality tv show applications, and it's just been a whirlwind of craziness! In the midst of all of this, I can't help but be reminded of the people who are in my life right now and how much they mean to me, especially when they support what I'm doing.
I started savannahred as a way to open people's eyes to what beauty, art, fashion, and self-expression are all about. I started out as a photographer and I grew into a clothing designer in the 3 years I've lived in Austin, my favorite city in North America. While it's true that I'm still growing and challenging myself, I'm taking moments to be grateful for the talent and the vision that I have. I've been working overtime on things the past couple of months that I never thought I would, and there are so many people who encourage me to keep going that extra step every day.
My personal and business motto is "Be inspired, not influenced," and I've been met with overwhelmingly positive remarks as to what I am doing and how I am inspiring others with something that makes me feel more alive than ever. I feel like with this business I am able to enable women to feel beautiful and sexy and confident, perhaps even for the first time, and I do it simply with fabric. I care about the environment so much more than I ever did growing up [Read: didn't care at all!], and now I want to build a company that embraces being good to the earth as well as the gorgeous women who wear these dresses. SavannahRed is more than dresses or skirts or whatever fabric is used, it's about a community now that empowers women of all sizes to embrace themselves and be the strong, confident, beautiful women they are. Through this business, my hopes are to unify women of all backgrounds, races, religions, sizes, and strengths, in hopes that we can redefine beauty as being ourselves and not necessarily conforming to a societal viewpoint or ideal.
I feel there is too much stock put into using magic potions or quick fix love spells in the form of products and surgeries and crash diets or crazy pills to make the organic magic inside us become real. What I aim to do with my company is enable curvy ladies, and all ladies, to get back to the core of who they are and see the beauty there. Essentially, it starts with you, not with manufactured magic but your magic, and if you cannot see that for yourself, then I hope you'll take this journey with us.
Love yourself, woman of the earth. No matter how much your belly jiggles, praise it. No matter how much your booty can't fit into those old pants, shake it. No matter if you have cellulite or dimples or rolls or anything labeled as "unsightly" or "ugly", enjoy the body you have for what it is because it's yours and you are, most undoubtedly, gorgeous and worthy of being loved - especially by you.
Austin Fashion Week is so close and I have an excellent team that I am working with to create a look for a beautiful, curvy model. It's going to be very exciting and it's going to take a lot of hard work! I hope you will be there and be just as excited as we will be! Thank you for your support. Thank you for your magic.
<3.
SavannahRed
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Confessions of a Curvy Girl Designer ;)
Thursday. night. was. AWESOME! Dear Lord! I felt like the show lasted 15 seconds because it went by so fast, but there we were, struttin' our stuff. I am so proud of all of my ladies. They really shined that night, and I have received nothing but the best compliments anyone could ever hear. It makes me tear up a little bit, honestly. It's a wonderful feeling!
Overall, it was a really great experience. There are a lot of things that I felt should have been done differently, but as far as this being the producers' first show, I was pretty satisfied! I know they worked so hard on this show, and I hope that they continue doing this because of such a great response it got. It was a sold out show and the bouncers were turning people away at the door. That says something right there.
First off, Barbara Morin is a goddess! The hair and makeup was perfect. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but she dreamed something up based on the clothes and the overall vision I had for the runway, and her execution was flawless. She is wonderful to work with, she can do anything, and her cheerful, positive attitude can make even the craziest person in the room feeling like they have the whole world in the palm of their hand. I could have been that girl the other night. Michelle McClendon did such a wonderful job as well. She worked alongside Barbara and the two made a great team. It wouldn't have gone nearly as well without either one of them. You can find Barbara at Siren's Salon and Michelle at Regency. That's right - Michelle is still learning this stuff and she is already rockin' it out! Be on the lookout for that one.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when two of my friendmodels (These ladies are more than just a model to me!) Polly and Erin saw one of my other friendmodels, Cuesta, who was in the other shows with them. They were so excited to see each other, and it made me so happy! I felt like there was a community built around this company with my friends, and they had such a sweet interaction. They squealed a bit, hugged and kissed each other, caught up on each other's lives, and pumped each other up about the craziness they were about to embark on once again. I really wish I had my camera for that moment.
After the show, 2 of my other ladies told me how this experience really helped them with their self-image, and I couldn't have been happier when they expressed this to me. The main reason I started this clothing company is to provide a way for a gorgeous, plus size woman to not only express herself through her clothing but to make her feel so great she forgets any insecurities. For one, the whole runway experience really made her feel wonderful, even though I know she was nervous. That sweet girl brought a flask of whiskey, ok? I thought that was pretty awesome! ;) (Love you, girl!) Plus, there is always the fear of busting ass on the runway, but I hope that flask took some of the edge off. She did great! And the other lady said the dress was what took her focus off of an area she is a little insecure about. You never would have known, and it made me really happy that a well-fitting dress could make someone forget about an area of her body she finds unflattering. She was absolutely stunning! All of these beautiful ladies made me so proud, and I couldn't have done this show without them.
Seeing all of the outfits put together head to toe as we lined up to go out almost took my breath away. At one point, I said, "You guys are making my dreams come true." Polly said she started tearing up when I said that, and it's true! I had this dream of a line of clothing and it grew into clothing + jewelry + hair pieces, and the looks totally rocked! Jillian Simmang (+ her incredible mother Jean Hays) worked herself to death on the jewelry, and each piece was incredible. She is so talented, and her creative energy + mine became a force to be reckoned with! I wouldn't want to see the outfits without her jewelry on that runway. From earrings to necklaces to corsages, Jill is a super classy bitch who knows how to work it. I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with her and to simply be her friend.
So, thank you, all of my friendmodels who are gorgeous, talented, and so dear to me! Their names are Cuesta Murphy, Erin Hickok, Polly Smith, Dollie Hodges, AnnMarie Wilke, Jillian Simmang, Mindy Sea, and Michelle McClendon. And of course, thank you Barbara Morin for all that you have done for me.
There is a lot of stuff coming up for SavannahRed, so check back soon. Until then, love yourself for who you are, but if you need a little help, you know who to call!
<3.
SavannahRed
Overall, it was a really great experience. There are a lot of things that I felt should have been done differently, but as far as this being the producers' first show, I was pretty satisfied! I know they worked so hard on this show, and I hope that they continue doing this because of such a great response it got. It was a sold out show and the bouncers were turning people away at the door. That says something right there.
First off, Barbara Morin is a goddess! The hair and makeup was perfect. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but she dreamed something up based on the clothes and the overall vision I had for the runway, and her execution was flawless. She is wonderful to work with, she can do anything, and her cheerful, positive attitude can make even the craziest person in the room feeling like they have the whole world in the palm of their hand. I could have been that girl the other night. Michelle McClendon did such a wonderful job as well. She worked alongside Barbara and the two made a great team. It wouldn't have gone nearly as well without either one of them. You can find Barbara at Siren's Salon and Michelle at Regency. That's right - Michelle is still learning this stuff and she is already rockin' it out! Be on the lookout for that one.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when two of my friendmodels (These ladies are more than just a model to me!) Polly and Erin saw one of my other friendmodels, Cuesta, who was in the other shows with them. They were so excited to see each other, and it made me so happy! I felt like there was a community built around this company with my friends, and they had such a sweet interaction. They squealed a bit, hugged and kissed each other, caught up on each other's lives, and pumped each other up about the craziness they were about to embark on once again. I really wish I had my camera for that moment.
After the show, 2 of my other ladies told me how this experience really helped them with their self-image, and I couldn't have been happier when they expressed this to me. The main reason I started this clothing company is to provide a way for a gorgeous, plus size woman to not only express herself through her clothing but to make her feel so great she forgets any insecurities. For one, the whole runway experience really made her feel wonderful, even though I know she was nervous. That sweet girl brought a flask of whiskey, ok? I thought that was pretty awesome! ;) (Love you, girl!) Plus, there is always the fear of busting ass on the runway, but I hope that flask took some of the edge off. She did great! And the other lady said the dress was what took her focus off of an area she is a little insecure about. You never would have known, and it made me really happy that a well-fitting dress could make someone forget about an area of her body she finds unflattering. She was absolutely stunning! All of these beautiful ladies made me so proud, and I couldn't have done this show without them.
Seeing all of the outfits put together head to toe as we lined up to go out almost took my breath away. At one point, I said, "You guys are making my dreams come true." Polly said she started tearing up when I said that, and it's true! I had this dream of a line of clothing and it grew into clothing + jewelry + hair pieces, and the looks totally rocked! Jillian Simmang (+ her incredible mother Jean Hays) worked herself to death on the jewelry, and each piece was incredible. She is so talented, and her creative energy + mine became a force to be reckoned with! I wouldn't want to see the outfits without her jewelry on that runway. From earrings to necklaces to corsages, Jill is a super classy bitch who knows how to work it. I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with her and to simply be her friend.
So, thank you, all of my friendmodels who are gorgeous, talented, and so dear to me! Their names are Cuesta Murphy, Erin Hickok, Polly Smith, Dollie Hodges, AnnMarie Wilke, Jillian Simmang, Mindy Sea, and Michelle McClendon. And of course, thank you Barbara Morin for all that you have done for me.
There is a lot of stuff coming up for SavannahRed, so check back soon. Until then, love yourself for who you are, but if you need a little help, you know who to call!
<3.
SavannahRed
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Fashion Show Madness!
Ohhhh my GOODNESS! This month has flown by! It's been so much fun, though, and I am super excited by what is about to go down tomorrow night. I know all of the designers have worked so hard, as have the producers and models and anyone else involved, and I cannot wait to see what goes down the runway.
I have a few more pieces left to "perfect," but all-in-all I feel really great about the entire collection. It definitely helps to have one of my very best friends, Jillian Simmang, design the jewelry for this collection. We have had a blast together, working out all the fun details and feeding off of each other's creative energy. It really will be a fun line to watch! Plus, Jill is a model for this show, too, so we have had an extra fun time.
I've also had such a wonderful time getting to know some of my models! Each moment I get to spend with them is so nice and fun, and I know we are going to have a blast tomorrow night with all the other models and designers.
The hair and makeup for this show is provided by Barbara Morin of Siren's Salon - She came back for more! - and Michelle McClendon, who is also modeling with us.
There are so many talented ladies who have given me their time and energy, and they love me so much - I can feel it every time we get together. I cannot believe I am so fortunate to have such lovely, curvy ladies in my life who want to help me in this great endeavor that I feel so passionate about. It means more to me than anyone could ever know.
Well, I hope to see you there tomorrow night! Here are some details:
Austin Eco Fashion Show 2010
at United States Art Authority beside Spiderhouse
510 W 29th St.
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8pm
Cover: $10
http://www.makesenseofyourworld.net/
Michelle McClendon is pictured in the photo above wearing a piece from the show! Come see it in action for the full effect! Until then, stay gorgeous, baby...
<3.
SavannahRed
Monday, March 1, 2010
Austin Eco-Fashion Show!
Hey, beautiful people! How are ya?
SavannahRed will be featured in the Austin Eco-Fashion Show on March 25 at the United States Art Authority behind Spiderhouse on 29th St. Guess what - you're totally invited!
The doors open around 7pm and the show will start around 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, but only $5 if you purchase through the website for Make Sense of Your World Magazine. That's a pretty sweet little deal there, so go right now and do it!
Just be prepared for SavannahRed to bring a show - we've got a lot of crazy ideas and a whole bunch of fun planned, so come out and support me and other local designers and models in Austin in our endeavor to make fashion a greener place while still looking painstakingly hott!
Hope to see you there, lover!
<3.
SavannahRed
SavannahRed will be featured in the Austin Eco-Fashion Show on March 25 at the United States Art Authority behind Spiderhouse on 29th St. Guess what - you're totally invited!
The doors open around 7pm and the show will start around 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, but only $5 if you purchase through the website for Make Sense of Your World Magazine. That's a pretty sweet little deal there, so go right now and do it!
Just be prepared for SavannahRed to bring a show - we've got a lot of crazy ideas and a whole bunch of fun planned, so come out and support me and other local designers and models in Austin in our endeavor to make fashion a greener place while still looking painstakingly hott!
Hope to see you there, lover!
<3.
SavannahRed
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Updates, updates!
There's a super cool place down on South 1st called Lovely Austin that is now a *proud* consignor of SavannahRed! They have been really enthusiastic about consigning my designs, dresses and hair pieces, so I know this will be a great, local place for me to really get my work out there. (The photo above was lovingly yanked from their website, so enjoy and thank you, Lovely.)
I'll say some more soon, but look for information on Shop Austin 2010 and the Eco Fashion Show in March!
Stay beautiful, gorgeous!
<3.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hey, Etsy! I got something for ya!
Good afternoon, beautiful!I just wanted to let you know that SavannahRed is now listing handmade and upcycled pieces on Etsy! Yay!
You can find these treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/savannahred!
So, take a look around and please feel free to give me some feedback. Anything helps and don't be shy! I love constructive criticism. After all, this is my first attempt, so let the good times roll.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Lots on the SavannahRed agenda!
Here are a few things to look forward to! Get excited!
+photo shoot with Caleb Miller
+A feature in SKORCH Magazine
+A feature in Make SENSE of Your World Magazine
+Eco-Fashion Show: March/April
+Collaborative Fashion Show with Blue Velvet: Spring (potential)
There are a few craft fairs that SavannahRed will be applying for, so stay tuned for those details as well.
Hope your new year is a fabulous! See that gorgeous face of yours soon!
+photo shoot with Caleb Miller
+A feature in SKORCH Magazine
+A feature in Make SENSE of Your World Magazine
+Eco-Fashion Show: March/April
+Collaborative Fashion Show with Blue Velvet: Spring (potential)
There are a few craft fairs that SavannahRed will be applying for, so stay tuned for those details as well.
Hope your new year is a fabulous! See that gorgeous face of yours soon!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Crafty Business Seminar Thoughts
Tonight, I went to a Crafty Business Seminar taught by the fantastically lovely Jennifer Perkins of The Naughty Secretary Club. I learned so much valuable information for my business, as well as some notes on perhaps what I could be doing wrong from time to time. (It happens to the best of us!) I really wanted to blog about something I've been thinking a lot about with SavannahRed that she touched on in the very beginning of our class. I think it's important for those who invest in my company to know the heart behind the woman who is whipping these things up.
Mrs. Perkins (who is completely fabulous, by the way) explained in the first few minutes that when you own a crafty business, you must really enjoy what you do. It seems so simple and easy, but this has been on my mind a lot lately as I'm putting in so much time researching, reapproaching, and reorganizing to make this lovechild of mine into something really great. I've gotten down to the Why of it all, and here's what I've come up with.
When I sat myself down and started thinking more about what/who SavannahRed is - the clothing part, at least - I got excited again like I was from the very beginning! Anytime I make myself see what this identity is, I get this feeling that I am meant to do something really great. I get to create something and offer it to the world in the form of a beautiful, lovecrafted, handmade dress that can make someone really happy. How can you go wrong there? Having the ability to create something is such a wonderful gift in this world, and often I take it for granted. Every now and then, I allow myself to get overwhelmed when I think about the process or the time or the little things I have to actually care about, and I think most people do that from time to time. But since there have been all of these changes in my life lately - weight loss, money issues, exercise, lifestyle (in general), relationships - I knew that I needed to change the way I handled SavannahRed, and bring back my passion for what I do that I absolutely love! I love the simple concept of being able to make something, so add to that the fact that I get to make dresses for gorgeous ladies who are a lot like me and very disappointed with most of the clothing options we have available to us. There is a powerful voice in my heart that tells me to never give this up and pour myself into it, even if it's slightly terrifying - but in a good way, of course! I am more than glad to have this drive to do what feels so right for me, and I am eager to see what is about to come my way. New, wonderful experiences are on their way to me. I can feel them. And don't worry, you'll read about it all right here! :)
Stay beautiful!
SavannahRed
Mrs. Perkins (who is completely fabulous, by the way) explained in the first few minutes that when you own a crafty business, you must really enjoy what you do. It seems so simple and easy, but this has been on my mind a lot lately as I'm putting in so much time researching, reapproaching, and reorganizing to make this lovechild of mine into something really great. I've gotten down to the Why of it all, and here's what I've come up with.
When I sat myself down and started thinking more about what/who SavannahRed is - the clothing part, at least - I got excited again like I was from the very beginning! Anytime I make myself see what this identity is, I get this feeling that I am meant to do something really great. I get to create something and offer it to the world in the form of a beautiful, lovecrafted, handmade dress that can make someone really happy. How can you go wrong there? Having the ability to create something is such a wonderful gift in this world, and often I take it for granted. Every now and then, I allow myself to get overwhelmed when I think about the process or the time or the little things I have to actually care about, and I think most people do that from time to time. But since there have been all of these changes in my life lately - weight loss, money issues, exercise, lifestyle (in general), relationships - I knew that I needed to change the way I handled SavannahRed, and bring back my passion for what I do that I absolutely love! I love the simple concept of being able to make something, so add to that the fact that I get to make dresses for gorgeous ladies who are a lot like me and very disappointed with most of the clothing options we have available to us. There is a powerful voice in my heart that tells me to never give this up and pour myself into it, even if it's slightly terrifying - but in a good way, of course! I am more than glad to have this drive to do what feels so right for me, and I am eager to see what is about to come my way. New, wonderful experiences are on their way to me. I can feel them. And don't worry, you'll read about it all right here! :)
Stay beautiful!
SavannahRed
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