I've got mail...

Happy October Everyone!

 I'll keep the pictures to a minimum as I am in my pajamas and covered in thread- one of my happiest ways to be! I'm at home working on my new fall things. The weather is so beautiful here in New York and inspiration abounds! There is a change in the air and in the momentum of ErinElsie. I received news that some of my items at a boutique out west have sold. As always, I celebrate the little things, little stepping stones on my creative journey. 

To my delight, I also received a package in the mail from a dear blog reader, Joy Lee. She has been hanging on to a unique, huge, patchwork suede cape for the last 20 years. She has only been able to wear it once, and now has no use of it in southern Louisiana. Joy offered to send it to me to use as I'd like and I could not resist. I love a good vintage piece with a story. She bought this cape in Deadwood, SD, and it was originally made in a leather factory in south Texas. It feels good when others trust me enough to hand special things over to me. Finding and using unique materials is such a huge part of my work, and a huge source of inspiration. I can't wait to get my hands on this cape. I love the basic idea of the cape, so I plan to try and update it into a shorter, more wearable one. I'll use the leftover suede for some other pieces I have in mind...

Also, speaking of Texas, I received an email from a sweet, stylish, and accomplished blogger named Tori Johnson from San Antonio, TX. As a souther girl myself, I love the warmth that comes across in her blog, The sTORIbook. I will be working with her soon on a little promotion and I'm so excited that she reached out me. Please stay tuned and check out Tori's blog :)



Okay, back to work for me. Thanks for reading and have a super weekend!

xo,
 Erin
www.erinelsie.com

A little spring in my step...

When profoundly sad events happen, it causes me to personally reflect on my own life and re-instills my resolve to never take love ones for granted, never give up on my dreams, and to never live in fear. Recently, my dad sent me a sweet text. These days, text messages are a very common occurrence, but not for my dad. He rarely sends them to anyone, and so his make a big impact with their small, yet powerful messages. The most recent one was, "Just finished playing golf, and decided to drop a line to say mom and I love you." and the previous a few months ago, "Just a message to tell you I am proud of you. You got it together. We love you." As an adult, I sometimes forget how nice it is to hear encouraging words from my parents and they often come at just the right moment. My dad's text brought me back to a dad moment 10 years ago when I was in a distraught, post college breakdown of "what to do with my life." His words have stuck with me and have finally come full circle (paraphrased), "Erin, calm down- just keep working hard and following your heart and I have no doubt that you will end up doing exactly what you want to be doing." Sometimes if I over-think about the current state of my life, I realize it is a great risk- but it never phases me in the end. It is a joy to wake up excited about what I am doing and to fall asleep overwhelmed with ideas spinning in my head.

With all that said, I am feeling more inspired than ever in these past couple of weeks. This past Saturday, I woke up with the idea for the below tee-shirt transformation, made it within a couple of hours, and wore it out that night. It's been a while since I have made anything for myself, and it felt good. The front is made from a remnant of an awesome, silk blend fabric and the back is taken from one of my boyfriend's old tee-shirts. Recycling with an old tee-shirt can be lux...even chic. Going to make more of these to sell ;)

Also, with a pending lookbook photoshoot coming up and a million ideas, I have been furiously trying to finish up my latest little collection. Everything handmade, and everything special and unique. Special props to my neat and tidy boyfriend for being patient as my materials remain strewn all over our tiny apartment. A few sneak preview photos below :)

One of my takes on the crop top trend. It's a little less intimidating when you're mostly covered in the rest of the top. The main print fabric is from a vintage Hawaiian shirt (before photo is below).

A super cute, high-waisted skirt- my favorite features are the pockets and super fun lining. 

(before)

current top in progress:

Also, I was super excited to receive these leather remnants from one of my dear friends! It's such a joy when friends take part in what I do. I can't wait to work it into some special pieces such as my leather earrings. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128629441/graphic-chevron-leather-earrings?ref=shop_home_active

Alright, back to work for me. Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey. Wishing you all the best!

-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com/

Coffee Talk and Craftsmanship

Hello!
It's October already...wow, where does the time go. I have been quite the busy little bee.

It generally takes long days, many late nights, and lots of coffee for some of my clothing designs to be completely done. I am patient because I know that all the little details will be meticulously finished, and I am certain I would not be content with anything less. When my mom taught me how to sew, it was more than just a basic construction lesson. It changed the way I analyze clothes and the quality of the craftsmanship.   

My mom and I always love to shop together and still do. I think it was often just the two of us because not many others would not want to put up with our tedious critiques. Often, when I would pull something I like and show it to my mother, it would be followed by,"Erin, but the front is all sewn crooked" and then me "Oh yeah, your right mom." I use to find these moments annoying at times during my teenage years, but in hindsight I am so grateful for this type of education. Another big pet peeve is when certain items were overpriced without lining or proper under-construction. In most cases, these 2 aspects have everything to do with how something looks, fits, and feels against your body.

Our fitting room sessions could often turn into fit sessions. If we loved something enough, and thought it was a great deal for the price, we would be content to actually purchase it and alter it slightly to be perfect. Women often complain that "nothing fits" when shopping for certain items, but often this is really true. Clothing manufactures, although they try, cannot accommodate every person out there. Every body type is different, and so every item you try on may not fit you perfectly. Find a good tailor, make a few minor adjustments and you'll see the difference. Also, if you ever have the opportunity, collaborate on something custom made for yourself. Nothing beats something tailored made specially for you. Then you'll have a one-of-a-kind garment you can pass down to your family.

At my previous corporate fashion job here in in NY, I was responsible for the overall fit and look of each and every garment we produced. I saw all this past life experience come full circle. Now, I am pouring ALL of this knowledge and experience into my own work. I am as passionate about the inside of each garment as I am the outside, and I hope that comes through in my work.

Here's a sneak preview of one of my latest projects- inside and out. A big thanks to my dear friend Jessica for sending me a box of vintage materials with this awesome, inspiring print! Other materials in this dress include more fabric from a vibrant, purple linen jacket and and a few pieces from a leather jacket.

 

 About to sew down the front bodice lining

 

Still trying to decide how dramatic the sleeves should be...

Slightly stressful learning experience: Inserting an industrial zipper from an old leather jacket into a a dress. Mission accomplished!

Stay tuned for the the finished piece! To find more of my work, check out my website at http://www.erinelsie.com/ and click on the Shop the collection link.

Cheers!

 -Erin