The New 2012 Collection :: Twigs & Honey

Posted on | Tuesday, February 14, 2012 | 7 Comments

Our new collection took over a year - yes - over a year to complete and we couldn't be happier with the results. I personally wanted to slow some things down this year... specifically, I wanted the designs to be nurtured and created with time as opposed to being rushed together. Most of the new styles began as a concept, then a sketch. After I made a sample, I would tweak for weeks or months until it was perfect. I'll admit that some styles didn't make the cut. But after an absolutely crazy year for the business on many levels, I really wanted the core of what Twigs & Honey has been built on, to truly shine.

Some of the pieces in the latest collection feature brand new techniques for us that we've been learning over the last year or more. In addition, we revamped our entire website to help showcase the new designs AND because we wanted a site that reflected the direction we're heading and which was different than others out there. To view the new collection, click HERE.

Some favorites:

I truly have to thank an amazing team of women that helped make the shoot come together.

Elizabeth Messina: Elizabeth and I have been working together for several years now and I couldn't be more grateful to be friends with such an inspirational and kind individual. Her photography captures the most beautiful moments in life. Elizabeth and I have been working on another huge project for the past year and there will be more on that later.

Erin Skipley: Erin is one of the most talented makeup and hair experts I know. I met her in France a couple years ago and feel so lucky to know her. She is not only amazing at what she does, she is an absolute delight to be around.

Claire Pettibone: Claire Pettibone's designs are simply put, out of this world. They are the prettiest creations a bride will ever put on. Her designs ooze femininity and romance. I feel so lucky to have been able to dress our model in her ultra pretty designs.

Leanne Marshall: Leanne is one of the most innovative designers I know. Her designs are matched by her pure and raw talent in the art of dressmaking and draping. She is the real deal. I've adored her work since before her Project Runway win and will continue to fawn over her designs for years to come.

Dominique: Our gorgeous model. Dominique is sooo endearing. She's a ball full of sweet energy. Just love this girl. Everyone loves her after they meet her. I'm sure that you will be seeing much more from this emerging talent in the years to come!

Amy Stewart: Amy, my big sis, made gorgeous jewelry for us to use in styling the shoots. She is quite the talent so be sure to check out her shop HERE.

I also want to thank, Nora, who was the nicest woman ever on the day of the shoot. She helped with so much! I want to thank the better half, Matt, for helping during the shoot (but before and after as well!).

photo credits: Elizabeth Messina
Hair/Makeup: Erin Skipley
Dresses: Leanne Marshall and Claire Pettibone
Veils, headpieces: Twigs & Honey
Model: Dominique

Week of Inspiration :: Day 4 :: Going the distance

Posted on | Thursday, March 5, 2009 | 1 Comment

I love my "job". Most often than not, it doesn't feel like work. Sure, I am exhausted all the time, and frazzled or stressed about some fast approaching deadline, but it's such a hard feeling to describe.... working for yourself. You don't have someone telling you what to do, yet you just do it because it makes you feel good. Some days I'm really tired or even sick, but I still want to work. I think I have some form of attention deficit disorder... I definitely have a bit of OCD... but I can't stand still. It drives me bonkers. I have to keep working on something!

I like photographing my pieces in natural light so it always seems like a race against the clock to have all the pieces finished so I can photograph them before the light dims too much outside. In the summer, 7pm would roll around too quickly and I'd almost curse the clock, wishing I had more time to work just so I didn't miss the sunlight. Sound a bit wacky yet? I used to be SO competitive with everything. It wasn't healthy! But even now, I like challenges. I like keeping my plate piled high with projects.

Some days, I admit, are tougher than others. Sometimes it feels like I'm spinning my wheels and not really going anywhere. Other days, I have huge personal or business-related successes and it makes all those exhausting days worth it. You know... those instances when you get off the phone or click out of an email and start jumping around and dancing with your arms in the air like no one is watching. I know everyone reading does it - don't deny it! I had one of those moments today... but I'll have to tell you more about it later! ;)

I am rambling again! So I wanted to dedicate today's post to Leanne Marshall who has inspired so many with her work ethic and otherworldly talent for designing fabulous clothes. I know Leanne was uber talented and hard working before getting on a tv show. She had such drive and such a passion for what she did that it was so great to see her get amazing exposure on Project Runway. I remember before she was totally famous, exchanging a chain of convos with her about all things business and all things that make us roll our eyes. And even though it was tough, she worked through it and is really on her way! Thank you Leanne for working so hard so the rest of us can enjoy your beautiful clothes!!

Leanne Marshall
Photo from here.

I love how Leanne sports her own creations all the time!
Photo from here.

Woohoo! :: Leanne Marshall has won!

Posted on | Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 2 Comments

Congrats to Leanne!!!
Matt and I were cheering for Leanne while watching the Project Runway Season 5 Finale tonight. Her collection was so gorgeous and cohesive. She used my favorite color palette - seafoam, aqua, mint! She is completely deserving! Leanne was so talented and I think won the hearts of many with her quirky and sweet personality. She really is that down to earth, which is so refreshing! Aw... now it is off to bigger and better things for her and we wish her all the best!

Here are some favorites:

I would love to be able to wear this one! It is so fluid. It actually was not going to be on the runway but was swapped last minute when there was a slight wardrobe malfunction with another design.

What dreamy colors. Just like the ocean.

I really like the perfectly fitted bodice of this piece.

Matt liked this one, especially the pants.

What a stunning wedding dress. LOVE IT!
Photo credits: Bravotv.com

Good luck Leanne!! :: Project Runway Finale tonight!

6 Comments

Just a reminder for all those who have been paying attention: Project Runway Finale is tonight and I know who I'm cheering for! Leanne of Leanimal of course! I've been so excited for her throughout the season. Did anyone watch last week? She made the most dreamy wedding dress ever. I couldn't stop staring at it and oogling the wavy layers. AND I loved the seafoam bridesmaid dress. Head over to the Project Runway website to view photos.

Just about now, I'm kicking myself for not getting more of her amazing pieces last winter. I have long stalked her shop and was able to get a few pieces, but now it is just about impossible. At the moment, I am in love with her Cesare vest.

Matt thought I had too many of her dresses but now he thinks that I made "wise" purchases. ;D
Here is my mini ode to Leanne and my mini Leanimal collection:

The Josefina dress. This is the cutest! Please excuse my wreck of a room. Matt and I were running out the door in this photo to catch a movie. My closet presently doubles as my shipping center. How embarrassing!

The Eva dress. I love the ruffles on this one. I'm wearing it in a few listings in my shop at the moment.

The Karine dress. I had Leanne square off the neckline on this one and just love it. It seems so romantic and girly at the same time.

Thank you so much Leanne and good luck!!!