Thank you, library

I've been without the internet since my free wifi source moved out of the building. At first there was panic but then it made for a great excuse to go to the beautiful Central Public Library.

A new shopping page for anamuonline.com is in the works so I spent several hours at a study desk uploading images and creating listings...the only thing that got me out of there was hunger and their 5:30pm closing time!

Still not done but stay tuned....

Trunk show

Last week, 3020 Designer Resale in Santa Monica hosted the first ever ANAMU trunk show. Between  introducing the new GO NATIVE collection* of clutches and jewelry, mingling with old and new friends, and seeing happy customers, the event couldn't have gone any better.

3020's very own Gina and Jessica were beyond hospitable and supportive...I mean, check out the cute sign they made! So sweet.

Their neighbor, actor (and sculptor) Paul Sorvino stopped by while we were getting ready and ended up staying the entire time. He just couldn't leave when every few minutes a new woman walked into the room!

I'm so thankful to Gina and Jessica for the opportunity to share ANAMU in such a great setting. Thank you to everyone who came out!!!!

*Some items sold but remaining one-of-a-kind GO NATIVE clutches and cuffs will be online soon!

Summer Trunk Show

The fabulous 3020 Designer Resale will host a trunk show for ANAMU on Thursday, July 15th from 4pm -7:30pm. Be the first to shop from ANAMU's new "Go Native" clutch collection, never before seen jewelry, and more.

Wine and snacks will be served and some good ol' fashion mingling will be had.

We hope to see you there!

3020 Designer Resale | 3020 Nebraska Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404

*Visit the 3020 Designer Resale facebook page for peek at their amazing space and selections! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Monica-CA/3020-Designer-Resale/162844907196

Conscious shopping. Just my size.

Very excited that ANAMU is featured in the Conscious Shopping section of The Great American Apparel Diet!

I don't know if I could go without buying ANY apparel items  for one year but I do know that I can shop in a responsible manner.

What exactly does that mean? Responsible/conscious shopping can mean different things to different people but when it comes to apparel, for me its about buying pieces that:

- I truly adore and will use for years to come

- complement my existing wardrobe in multiple ways

- demonstrate style vs. trends and fashion. The latter are fading and cause for more consumption (Forever 21's fast-fashion anyone?)

- are made locally or in the US

- use sustainable materials (vintage, reclaimed, organic...)

- have quality construction and are timeless if buying from non-eco or  non-independent options

- inform of the following as much as possible:

WHO - who made it?

WHAT - what is it made out of?

WHERE - where is it made?

HOW - how is it made?

This shopping philosophy began after I left my job at Nordstrom my junior year of college.  I thought about all of the clothes I had bought simply because of the great discount or because they were in-fashion. This made me sick. A ton of money spent and a tired wardrobe of trendy items that I could care less about.

At that moment I vowed to think about my purchases and what they mean to me, my life, and to the lives of those who make and sell them. I've never looked back and have loved my wardrobe ever since.

Kudos to all of the TGAAD participants, you are rock stars!

Sew machine, sew

Started sewing over the weekend but it didn't go too well: my machine needs yet another stitching adjustment...gggrrrr.

It has served me well, but I think I'm ready to find some help and maybe buy an industrial machine for myself. It's amazing how much time is needed for every little thing (websites, designing, shipping, buying, sourcing, etc) and since I do it all myself in addition to my day-job, having help with the actual construction would be beyond amazing. I'd love to focus more on design, creating more samples, and getting ANAMU into stores. All in good time, right? :)

Unique LA Spring 2010 is in the bag

It just gets better and better. The folks at Unique LA (spearheaded by the amazing Sonja Rasula) pulled off an incredible two-day event filled with independent design, craft workshops, music, and good people.

ANAMU lucked out with a corner space that was perfect for creating a walk-through gallery feel. I learned a lot from the last show: each bag needs to be highlighted individually. With so many different prints and colors, they each need to shine!

The bags and display got incredible reactions. Lots of oohing and ahhing with some personal compliments that included gals saying that they loved my sense of design and overall aesthetic. So cool :)  Some women literally bolted into the booth from across the walkway to check out a bag that caught their eye!

Though it's always difficult to see my bags go, it's also gratifying and joyful to know that they are going to adoring new owners. Thank you to everyone that came out to support local talent. I had a blast sharing ANAMU with you!

View more booth photos here