Honey Cooler Handmade at Dark Garden on Saturday February 9th

When I first moved to the Bay Area, I was just beginning to explore sewing and fashion/costume design as a career path. My love for Victorian clothing inspired an obsession with corsets, so the second I discovered that Dark Garden existed, I hightailed it there. Like everyone who steps foot in Dark Garden, I was instantly blown away by the creativity, craftsmanship and inspiration behind the atelier. Proprietress Autumn Adamme is so intensely talented and passionate about her craft, and it shows.

My humble beginnings as a really bad sewer and corsetière have given way to something I never dreamed, and now I am beyond blessed to be selling my insertion lace lingerie at one of the most well-known lingerie boutiques on the West Coast. If I'm ever having a bad day, I remind myself of just how far I've come and landing a trunk show at Dark Garden is quite a milestone.

So, I hope you'll share this big day with me! Tomorrow night, Saturday February 9th from 4 - 8, I'll be at Dark Garden at 321 Linden Lane with a lovely stash of lingerie, including lots of pastel pieces that haven't yet been seen in the shop. I, along with the Dark Garden staff, would love to help you pick out something perfect for Valentine's Day for yourself or your sweetie. See you there!

Where Are All the Skulls?

Flying off the shelves, so to speak!

In probably the most delightful surprise of the past month or two, my Skull Deco Camis have become quite popular... so popular in fact, that I sold out of all but one at last week's private trunk show! They are my favorite pieces to sew, and my most time-consuming, so it's been a challenge to keep up with demand. But never fear, there are two new Camis on their way to the Etsy shop, and they'll be making their in-person debuts at Dollhouse Bettie this Friday.

Bellinda Deco Cami

The first is above, a new take on an old classic, bias-cut and sewn from a gorgeous navy animal "print" silk jacquard. Bellinda sports a dragon crown too - one of my favorite laces.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Etsy shop for more newness, and don't forget to swing by Dollhouse Bettie on Friday and Dark Garden on Saturday for two delicious trunk shows featuring my pieces!

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

I just hit a huge milestone - 400 Facebook followers! Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to commemorate this achievement by thanking YOU! Yes, you, my friends, followers and fellow lingerie lovers. Your support and affection for HCH makes my world go 'round, and I figured I'd show my gratitude by throwing a giveaway.

From tonight until Friday, February 1st at 6pm PST, I'm offering the chance to win a 20% off coupon code to the HCH Etsy shop. Possible entry methods are below, and the more entries you make, the more chances you have to win!

Entries:

1. Tweet about the giveaway. An example tweet: I just entered the @HoneyCoolerHM Valentine's Day giveaway! Score 20% off anything in the shop - find out how here: http://bit.ly/XKWkOq
2. In the comments below, tell me what you'd buy from the shop if you won the code.
3. Join the mailing list.
4. Invite your friends to follow HCH on Facebook too by sharing the giveaway details.
5. Add HCH to your favorite shops on Etsy.

For every entry you make, comment below to let me know. That may mean making multiple comments! Include your Twitter handle or email address for each entry so I have a way to get in touch with you if you win. The winner will be chosen at random. Email addresses shared in the comments will not be used for any purpose other than winner verification.

Good luck!

Dollhouse Bettie Trunk Show on Friday February 8th!

Don't miss this one! Honey Cooler Handmade and Dollhouse Bettie are teaming up to present a trunk show that's practically guaranteed to land you with the Valentine's Day gift of her (or your) dreams.

Join us on Friday, February 8th from 5 - 9.30pm at Dollhouse Bettie in the Haight. I'll have a bunch of new pieces in my stash, plus Dollhouse Bettie has a fresh collection of lovely bits to share, including the gorgeous Mille Fiori collection (pictured above right). Sip some champagne with us as we help you find the gift that will make her feel like the gorgeous leading lady she is this Valentine's Day.

Hope to see you there!

I'll Let You in on a Little Secret...

She'd rather get silk than paper this Valentine's Day (and who are we kidding? You'd probably love seeing her in it too). Chocolates get eaten, roses fade, and cards get tucked away into dusty shoeboxes. Change up your routine and give her a pair of Honey Cooler Handmade's sexy, flattering Knickers this Valentine's Day - they're the gift that keeps on giving, and will make her feel like the goddess she is!

Check out what's new in my Knickers & Bloomers section of the Etsy shop - there will be many more pairs to come in the next few weeks, and stay tuned for details on local trunk shows featuring HCH lingerie.

Top row: Maura Knickers, Hattie Knickers,

 Bottom row: Josephine Knickers, Mimi Knickers

Martha Ribbon Corset Shot by Peter Gaan

I am continually amazed by the power of social media. Case in point: Peter Gaan (the talented photographer behind last year's DList Magazine photo shoot) is one of the people I follow on Twitter - and checking my feed at the right moment this evening meant we got to connect and chat about last year's shoot. Which also revealed that the shoot produced one extra photo that never made it to DList's pages.

Featured in this shot, the Martha Ribbon Corset and the since-sold Melinda Knickers on the gorgeous Renee Russell.

Photography by Freaks SF

New photography by Krystalyn Jade and Caroline Leonardo of Freaks. I love the moodiness of these shots and I'm so flattered to have my lingerie featured in them.

Samantha Vaudeville Bralette

Leonora Garçonne Tap Shorts

Photography: Freaks

Model and Makeup: Annalysa Longworth