After months of working with graphic designers and marketing/pr experts…I almost have a new logo!!! I say almost as I am showing this to you before it is actually mine, we JUST finalized the design a few moments ago and I have yet to pay the tab…it also may need to be tweaked color wise to be totally done. But I am SO excited that I had to share with you!!
This was by far the biggest step in the re-branding evolution process. Meetings, conference calls, emails and lots of layers of decisions led to this moment. I am very pleased with the final result and excited to start the next stage…designing new printed materials such as labels, business cards etc…woo hooo!!!!
I have been grappling with how often I release new products and realized that the perfect answer will in fact not come from me, but from you! I put out 2 cohesive collections a year, but always have other jewelry in the works as well. The problem is that I am stuck on figuring out what to do with all of this “other” jewelry. Please take a few seconds to help me out…if you want to add thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear them!!
Thank You!!
I’ve been immersing myself in the life of designers recently…I have Seamless on right now while working in my studio. It has my favorite quote about the industry ever…
“[Fashion] is the only industry where you can be perceived to be successful and not make money because a lot of the success is because of the hype from the press.”
Speaking of designers from Seamless…
“I often wonder, sometimes I think the people who buy our clothes live in a parallel universe. Hell, we can’t even afford our clothes.”
- Fashion designer Lazaro Hernandez, of Proenza Schouler, points out that he and Jack McCollough cannot afford their own label’s high-end, pricey clothes.
Fashion. Gotta love it…
Image from Vogue Nippon, June 2010
My sister Gillian has always gone to the movies by herself…not to say that she doesn’t go with friends as well, its simply that if she wants to see a movie and no ones around to join her, she just goes. I have followed suit a few times and agree its a pretty great way to go…I get a cup of coffee, sit wherever I want, don’t have to deal with anyone trying to talk to me and just get lost in whatever I’m seeing. Its been ages however since I’ve taken myself to a movie…since Where The Wild Things Are in fact. I like matinees the best…there is something a bit decadent and naughty to run off by yourself to the movies in the middle of the day.
The question however is…what should I see???
If you have ever been to my house or read this blog, you know I adore my dog Faye. She’s basically my kid and I honestly think that I wouldn’t have gotten through the last 7 1/2 years (divorce, family deaths, career changes and lots of similar fun stuff) as happily without her. She’s a very patient listener, pillow and never judges when I cry. Anyway, little Faye is getting on her years and I have started to think that one day I will have to get a companion as she ages and to live beyond her. My chest just tightened when I said that, I’m dead serious…but the other day I saw this…
I think that this particular dog has a similar look in the eyes to Faye…it actually is kind of a rounded version, almost the exact coloring…but not nearly as cute. Anyway…my point is that I have no idea what breed this dog is and am rather curious to find out…anyone have an idea?
Image from Elle, March 2010
Having lived the life of an over achieving, type A, grab the bull by the horns, pack leader I started to think today if life would be easier/better/less stress filled if I was more of a back seat participant in life. Don’t get me wrong, I know there is not a chance in hell that I can change the way I am, but sometimes on those days when I feel as though I am failing at everything I do, I wonder if I would be happier otherwise. Would I be happier to not run my own show? To just show up to a job everyday instead of living my job every moment of my day? This little pity party usual lasts about 5 minutes as I realize how much I love my work…and that my happiest moments have been mostly work related, and 99% of those moments have been from running my own business. Ok, so I guess I have also lived life as a major dork, but eh what can you do.
In the midst of my freaking out I jumped in my car to run an errand and ended up at my moms house. I didn’t talk about my bad day, or my stress level, and I actually just realized I left without a hug (how did that happen??). I just babbled on for with mom, chatted with my sister, step father and family friend who had all wandered into the kitchen then picked some basil and drove home.
By the time I walked in my door I felt a bit back to my normal self…perhaps it was being with family, perhaps it was literally being in the drivers seat for an hour…whatever the case I felt better. I also realized that no matter what I hold tightly to my keys and even though I will often share the driving, I have never seen the view from my own back seat.
With great excitement, i give you today’s final Sneak Peek at the Game Night Collection…why the final you ask? Because it DEBUT’S on MONDAY!!! If you are not already signed up for the mailing list, make sure you do so on the blog, website or facebook (join my list tab) page so you are one of the extra special first to know!!
Gamblin' Man Necklace
Monte Carlo Tumbling Dice Ring
Circus Circus Tumbling Dice Ring
Mirage Tumbling Dice Ring
Annie (Duke) Gamblin Man Necklace $60
Vintage Game Pieces & Chips in Assorted Colors and Materials*.
Gunmetal Aluminum Chain, Wire & Toggle Clasp. 19”/48cm
[Named for song: Gamblin Man by Woodie Guthrie]
Each Necklace is named for one of the Worlds Best Women Poker Players
*Other Colors Available
Monte Carlo Tumbling Dice Ring $30
Vintage Dice – White with Black Dots Wrapped with Silver toned wire* 5/8”/1.5cm
[Named for song: Tumbling Dice by Linda Ronstadt]
Each ring is named for a Casino
*Other Colors Available. All colors available in all 3 wire tones
Circus Circus Tumbling Dice Ring $30
Vintage Dice – Red with White Dots Wrapped with Gold toned wire* 5/8”/1.5cm
[Named for song: Tumbling Dice by Linda Ronstadt]
Each ring is named for a Casino
*Other Colors Available. All colors available in all 3 wire tones
Mirage Tumbling Dice Ring $30
Vintage Dice – Yellow with Black Dots Wrapped with Gunmetal toned wire* 5/8”/1.5cm
[Named for song: Tumbling Dice by Linda Ronstadt]
Each ring is named for a Casino
*Other Colors Available. All colors available in all 3 wire tones
Game Night Collection available at www.manictrout.com August 16, 2010
Woo Hoo, check out Manic Trout on NBCnewyork.com today!!
Manic Trout on NBCnewyork.com
Just because I have declared my life to be free from child rearing, it does not mean I do not plan on being the worlds coolest Auntie! I say this with great authority as my brother’s son Ryan is 3 1/2 and the kid adores me, so ’nuff said. I believe this is largely due to his seeing me only once a year, my declaring upon his birth that I will never arrive without gifts for him and that 99% of the year he only thinks of me as this vague creature who shows up with presents, tons of energy and doles out neck kisses and attention like its going out of style. I mean what’s not to love?
Ryan and his Auntie Si si
This summer on my trip to visit my family in NH, I had the pleasure of adding a niece to lavish with Aunti attention…I think Zoe was a bit freaked out by all the hair and loudness, but she gave me a shot anyway…
Sierra and Zoe
I figure that by the time my three sisters have kidlets, I’ll be a pro!
Do you ever see something, read something or hear something that makes you think, sigh and utter “hmmmm, that is just so very, very true.” And then think that you could have saved so many hours of wasted heartache if you just realized that ten minutes in? Oh well, we live, we learn…we try again.
