Alas, Poor Yorick!

After spending a day and a half on this puppy with the intention of wearing it to the RAW Showcase... I'm debating listing it in the shop instead since I'm constantly selling out of my skull tops. Who knew lace skulls would be such a big seller?

So, to be (selfish) or not to be (selfish)?

(See what I did there?)

Honey Cooler Handmade at RAW:Stimulus on Thursday March 15th!

I am so excited to be a part of the RAW Artists Showcase at 1015 Folsom on Thursday March 15th! RAW Artists is an awesome organization that carefully selects the best of the best (fashion designers, artists, photographers, accessory designers, musicians) from various cities and displays them all in one amazing event each month. This month's event, Stimulus, is on the sexier side so it's the perfect venue at which to show my pieces!

I'm delighted to announce that I'm a featured designer at this month's showcase! This will be Honey Cooler Handmade's first runway show ever, and an all-around amazing event. The event staff has assured me that in addition to the amazing lineup of talent, there are some uber-fun and sexy surprises in store for those who attend.

Check out more information and buy tickets here. When purchasing tickets, make sure to select Honey Cooler Handmade from the drop-down menu on the right - if you buy them through me, you get them for $10. At the door, they're $15 (if they haven't sold out by then, which they generally do).

More information is available on the RAW site and on the Facebook event page. Hope to see you there!

Now on Etsy: The Suzette, Lonnie and Chloris Private Eye Sleep Masks

Since my Private Eye Sleep Masks have been selling so well, I figured my first order of business for the week was to do a bit of replenishing. Welcome Suzette, Lonnie and Chloris to the fold.

New Private Eye Sleep Masks: Suzette, Lonnie, and Chloris

Sweet dreams!

Preview: Ginger Deco Camisole

It's 3:52 on a Saturday afternoon and guess who's still in her pajamas...

But don't judge. I may be a slob at the moment but at least I'm not a lazy one. I've been sewing up Ginger all day and just finished. Sometimes being on a roll means forgoing a normal routine, catching up on Downton Abbey and plowing through a project in one sitting.

Take a peek! She'll be in the Etsy shop tomorrow. As for me, it's time for a shower.

Fashion Love Affair: Vintage 1930's Silk and Lace Nightgown

I am crushing so hard over this gorgeous 1930's nightgown from Bohemian Bisoux on Etsy. It's in wonderful shape and is listed for $198, not at all unreasonable considering its age, condition and striking design sensibility.

Peachy!

With a sheer appliquéd lace bodice, itsy-bitsy cap sleeves and hip-level pintucks to boot, this puppy knocks it out of the park.

Sexy never left.

And don't even get me started on the back. This, my friends, is what Art Deco is all about. Angular ribbons of silk charmeuse amplify the va-va-voom power of a sexy low back and vertical pintucks add a pinch of perk to the derriere.

Snap this one up, lingerie lovers... gems like this come around but once in a blue moon!

Flapper Fashion at NYFW | Autumn/Winter 2012

The runways of New York Fashion Week were bursting with achingly chic, sometimes unapproachable and always forward-thinking looks. While that's great for the trend setters of the world, I found myself a little bummed at the lack of nostalgia exhibited this season. Never fear, though. NYFW wasn't a total bust for me because some awesome Deco-inspired looks still graced the runways.

Silent Film Star: Badgely Mischka, Bora Aksu, L'Wren Scott

La Garconne: L'Wren Scott, Kaelen, Vera Wang, Proenza Schouler

Sheer Joy: Derek Lam, J. Mendel, Honor, Marchesa

Beaded Empire: Dennis Basso, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren, Naeem Khan

Doubtless, much of the 1920's throwback has a lot to do with the upcoming Christmas 2012 release of The Great Gatsby. Regardless of the reason, let this be a reminder that "old-fashioned" is something that never falls out of fashion!

When Off-The-Rack Just Won't Do

When I was in college and armed with my first credit card, I bought whatever clothing fit me. Even if I was iffy about the design, color or tailoring, if I could afford it, it made it into my closet. That tactic made for a very full armoire and a haphazard style that I shudder to think of now. These days I'm part of the 'curated closet' movement: I only buy what I don't already have. I covet clothing that few others own or think to try on, and it's pretty common that I find myself passing over a potential outfit just because it doesn't have that 'something special', that one facet that makes something truly unique when compared against everything else.

Even though Honey Cooler Handmade pieces are each special and different in their own way, there's nothing like putting your personal stamp on an existing design, or even creating something completely from scratch.

Custom work is where it's at!

Above are some of my more recent custom pieces. Whether you're in the market for a made-to-your-measurements ribbon corset, or simply a cropped version of an existing Deco Cami, I'm happy to help out. And unless I have to draft something completely from scratch, you'll find that custom work is generally not more expensive than my ready-made pieces.

Got some ideas you want stitched into a reality? Tired of run-of-the-mill undies? Shoot me a convo and let's make your laciest dreams come true!

Preview: Geneve Moonshine Chemise

It's been awhile since I've made a piece so time-intensive that I was actually excited for it to be finished. Geneve turned out lovely, and why wouldn't she? This baby boasts five lace bows and an insertion lace hem, all crafted on the most delicate and classic silk jacquard ground you could imagine.

San Francisco's been handing out some icky weather lately, so the sun's been coming and going. Depending on how the weather behaves for my photographs, Geneve may be in the shop this time tomorrow. Stay dry, everyone!

Dark Garden's Valentine Boudoir Photo Event

Check out Honey Cooler Handmade insertion lace pieces at Dark Garden tomorrow night as they celebrate their 2nd annual Valentine Boudoir Photo Event!

Photo by June Moody, via Dark Garden's blog

Individual shoots begin at 6pm and run between $75 and $195. Slots are running out fast, so be sure to call and book ASAP: 415.431.6784.

Honey Cooler Handmade at Cupid's Corner in Austin on February 11th and 12th!

Still searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? In Austin next weekend? If so, you're in luck!

Cupid's Corner is a Valentine's Day pop-up shop organized by Glade Hensel of Glademade and Carissa Leos of Studio C Textiles, showcasing awesome design talent from all around the country! (Click here to see a Pinterest preview.)

Head on over to Cupid's Corner to check out a bright selection of HCH pieces, one of which is sure to suit even the most discerning sweetheart.

A bit more about the event:

What is it?
A 2-day consignment pop-up shop dedicated to all things “Love” featuring artists and designers from all over!

Why?
Because we know finding the perfect gift is a challenge, and we want to make it easy. 

When?
Feb 11th and 12th
Noon-6pm 

Where?
Hypercastle Studio
1807 E 22nd St. 
Austin, TX 78722
Hypercastle studio is a home studio where Glade Hensel makes Glademade cards, and has been featured in the East Austin Studio Tour for the past 3 years. 

Hey, Where'd it Go??

If you've noticed that a bunch of pieces have suddenly gone missing from my Etsy shop, you're not crazy. Last week I had the amazing experience of handing off a large amount of stock at local lingerie purveyor, Dark Garden. Having Honey Cooler Handmade in that amazing shop is an honor and a delight, especially since Dark Garden is pretty much THE corset capital of the West Coast! Below is a selection of some of the pieces now in their inventory.

If you'd had your eye on any of these pieces, you can snag them in person at the store, or shoot me a message and I can check to see if it's still available.