NEW TOY

Oh, Mother of God-it's been so long since I posted I forgot my password. But anywho, as I worked on new spring pieces today, I thought about what it was like to not answer to anyone-to just DO. Your day flies by, there's no worries, and all is good. It's a nice option-it isn't reality, and if no one buys what I made today, not so smart. I did some great stuff today, but I was never 'alone'. I always think about how viable something is, am I showing what you need to show, is what I'm doing smart? But I do love collections, and I feel pretty lucky to be doing it. Hope to see some of you on Thursday at Southport Galleries for the preview, and all of you for the real deal at the Delamar on 4/12.

I'm In Love With a Sleeve

So it has been a long time since I posted on my own blog-I've been blogging for Patch for a while now-check it out my last entry if you haven't yet: www.patch.com/blogs, but I'm finishing the fall collection, and I can barely contain myself over my my new stuff.
I've been doing this a long time. A REALLY long time. We're talking a lot Fall collections at least-I lost count after 20. But every year, in order to survive, it has to be fresh. Phoning it in doesn't work-I have too many repeat customers-they're bright bulbs. They need to be wowed. Or why bother? If they already own something similar, why would they open their wallets? And if it's so 360 from what they know me for, that won't ring true. So I evolve, and they evolve, and hopefully we make new friends on the road less traveled.
So anywho, jackets. And more jackets. With a capital J. And tailoring, because that's why you have things made. But not uptight tailoring. And versatility, so you can wear it a LOT, like 365 days a year. Hence, my love for my new sleeve. A little bit of interest, not trying too hard, a bit of flourish. Functional flourish, because it's hiding the Weenis, it's not getting in your way, and it looks cool. What more could you ask? See more of this at my show at the Delamar hotel on September 27th. Who knows what I'll come up with in the meantime..

Here Comes the Dress

Someone asked me today "Do you think Kate's dress will bring you lots of brides?" and I thought he meant our mutual friend (and mode)l Kate, whose wedding gown I made 2 years ago, but he didn't, he meant THE DRESS on THAT Cate. Oy. Quite frankly, I loved the dress I made MY Kate better that THAT dress, but the fact that was on this guy's mind just shows how important your wedding gown choice is. I'm so happy for the house of McQueen, because that man was a genius, and a master tailor who made some beautiful clothes, and this will help his business and name carry on. I would have loved to see what he'd have done with THE DRESS, but I loved the choice of silk gazaar, and the graceful back pouring into the train. I would have liked to see a more modern lace used, and the sleeve a little longer, but that's my nit-picky, professional, rip her to shreds side. My polite regular side thought she looked lovely. Except her face was smushed by her veil. Whoops. I'll stop now. I can't believe how many people, many with no wedding in their immediate future, watch that Godforsaken 'Say Yes to the Dress' show, and the hideous parade of tripe they send out. I used to think there was no such thing as an ugly bride until that show came on, recording train wreck after train wreck. And I'm not just talking silk ones, and I don't throw around the term ugly very freely. It's the excess that kills me. On all levels. The money, the attitudes, and the complete loss of what is important. A wedding gown should reflect the bride's personality, and the setting. Period. No one else has to be happy, just the bride. Then she moves on to the important thing-getting and staying married. When I make a wedding gown, the first thing I ask is the where and when, and then "How do you want to feel on that day?" Maybe you want to feel like a a princess, maybe you want to look hot, maybe you want to look like Grace Kelly, and maybe you just want a dress to have a great party in, and it happens to be white. I've heard it all. Actually, I'm sure I haven't. But that's the fun part-never knowing who will walk in the door, and what adventure you'll go on in Fabricland. It's great honor to be chosen to make anyone's wedding gown, be they a future princess, the girl next door, or her mother going for another go at it with someone she hopes is the love of her life. The whole process should be as beautiful as the product. At least on my end. Good luck with the rest....

waaaaaait for it....waaaaait for it.....

Nope. Spring's not coming. But luckily, some people are holding out hope, and getting spring clothes. In the grey pre-spring misery that is damp New England, some people, men and women, and even children, are holding out hope that wearing white, gold and perhaps, even aqua, will some day be an attainable goal. As we muddle through another 45 degree day, let's all brave the future together. Ladies, may I recommend the We 2 Are 1 silk wrap top or dress-I know I'm getting involved heavily in that one, and perhaps the Flight Plan cardigan to ward off any chills. Those appear the hot sellers, but with over 30 color options, you will not see yourself coming and going. And the knits light enough to get you through summer. Which I think we're heading straight for, like a melting iceberg.

The fat lady sang.

A very late post show report-I have found the floor in the store. Phew. That was some hootenanny. The Delamar was just lovely, jam packed, and fun. I want to thank everyone who helped make the show such a wonderful time and turnout, from the lovely Grace and Sage, who said "Of course, a grass edged runway-we're happy to help you make that a reality, Jen", the awesome backstage dressing crew from Ward(the best crew ever!!), the hair team at Ryan John who may still be recovering from the 14,000 teens and preteens that swarmed on them Friday afternoon, of course, the gorgeous models, who are as lovely inside as out, Matt and his portable studio, Cafe Lola and Health in a Hurry for saying yes, we will, to the crowd, that made it possible for me to be delivering a $3.000 check to the Fairfield Library later this week, and most of all, to The Delamar, for being such a gracious host. I look forward to many more fun nights there, and I must say, that bed in the model's changing room? That was very hard to walk away from at midnight...

Spring?

I know, it's cold, it's rainy, it's..Spring in the northeast. My remedy? Shiny. a little metallic goes a long way to relieve the drab outlook. I'm seeing everyone embrace it as well-the metallic tints, the slight lurex in a cardigan, the shimmer of a bronze skirt-it's enough to get you through April showers. Even when they're snow showers...

10..9..8..

It's count down to showdown. I mean showtime. Except shows are like a brawl with yourself. You have to beat your best self of last season. You have to do it on budget. You have to stay sane so your modeling and sewing and intern companions don't roll their eyes and mutter about you TOO much, and you have to keep energy level of a crackhead without looking like one, because no one really wants a crackhead to dress them.Although I'm told it happens sometimes. I'm so excited about the new collection. It's risky, bold, different from my past, but still truly wearable. So much so that pieces are selling while they're still in pieces on the cutting floor. So hopefully, I'm onto something. Come see the whole thing on March 25th, at the Delamar Hotel in Southport-tickets are moving and space is limited, so get them while they're still around, or you'll have to wait until next season, when I give this season a smack upside the head.

Spring Clean-Up

I'm thinking of putting one of those lawn care signs in the store window. You know, the kid you see in the yards of pick-up truck running, leaf hauling manly-men. Except it applies to your closet. Because no one has time to fuss and fumble-when it's time to hit the pavement, the nightlife, the train to work, we are all almost always running late. I see it in myself, and I see it in my clients. So make it easy on yourself, and make great choices-clean lines, amazing fabrics, great silhouettes, and lighten it all up. No flowy, floppy, hippy crap-clean it all up, make it right, make it look like it can handle the mess the world is right now. Fitted, but easy to move in, fluid, but precise. A great hit of beading on a fun chemise that goes day to night. The surprise hit of cornflower blue and navy twisting together in a one shoulder silk cocktail dress that begs for a spin on the dance floor. The crisp line of a sheath with a cool square cut armhole, that will make a deal, and then buy he drinks. Do it clean, you know what I mean?

Navy really IS the new black

I'm dripping with navy here. I don't even like navy, and it's all over the place here, and it looks fantastic. I always associated navy with uptight conservatism and helmet hair, and that is so very much NOT what the navy pieces I'm working on are now. There's a beaded bodice long sleeve gown with a bare back, a fluid georgette draped gown with a moving giant, slit, and a sassy short shadow stripe chiffon over periwinkle charmeause dress, and all sorts of slate(the color, not the online news sight) leaning navy for day that looks fresh and modern. What gives? Maybe it's the change from tired, dry, dull, everywhere black. For evening, I know it's the idea of not being another person in a black dress at whatever event you're going to, a flock of crows at the bar, but maybe not being up for being the girl in the red dress, especially if it's a long dress. But a tall drink of water in Saphire? Now that sounds like a vision...

i like to party?

i was talking to a friend going to the shows, who said "all anyone wants to do is make evening gowns". Which is so true-so many times you wonder "who will wear this that doesn't get it for free at the Oscars?" But someone came in for a gown today, and I nothing but what I'm doing for Spring seemed fresh. I'm so excited about Spring, all the rich blues and metallics and glam. But I also know, I've got to wake up the next day and go to work. So the answer for me-great dresses. Zip and be done with it. And keep going until the next day. And a jacket that gets you through day after day. Come see it all at the Delamar Hotel, March 25th

Time For a Cool Change

No,no, no-not the Little River Band-time to switch it up.It's this time of year I start actually making the spring clothes. You know, while you head's real clear, looking at 2 feet of snow. Seriously, the absurdity of it all is pretty amusing. But one thing I do know, there with be a new way to show-I am going to the still evolving Delamar Hotel, in Southport, and showing as a fundraiser for the public library. So save the date-Friday, March 25th, 7:30 PM. I'm very excited-new venue, new clothes,new ideas, but same concept-amazing design at your fingertips that fits you like a glove. We'll do cocktails in the lobby, show in the meeting room, tours of the suites, and more food an drink, while you paw over the collection and chat me up-hope you can make it. Tickets go on sale through my website, www.jenniferbutler.com-just click the "Delamar show" link for info. meanwhile, I better get back to making this stuff....

drink me, eat me, fit me

So a very tiny, very lovely woman came in today with her slightly less tiny daughter, and when I stepped into the dressing room, to fit her, and show her how a long dress can NOT overwhelm a littler person, it was like I was Um, Alice, after she eats too much of the 'makes you bigger cake' in Tim Burton's recent Alice in Wonderland. A giant person, in a world of smaller people. Now those of you who have met me know I'm not Um-like, and pretty much avoid cake, but do actually have questionable Mad Hatter hair. But the whole point of this is that if it fits, if it's made for you, you can wear a lot of stuff that otherwise seems off limits. Both she and her daughter were amazed how weightless the clothes were, how great they felt one,and how a little tweak here and a little nip there makes all the difference. The same goes for people with Um-like bodies. But none of it matters if the dress is a big yawn-it's got to wow you. Not every dress does for every person-me, I love all the stuff I make, but when the right dress meets the right person with the right fit-now THAT'S cause for a party involving more than tea.

That Fresh Feeling

Nine weeks until showtime-time to get crazy busy. Time to make the new ideas real, get the samples finished,fix what isn't right, and take a long look at everything I'm saying. I can't imagine what I'd do if I couldn't re imagine clothing twice a year. Not doing a collection, not rethinking everything, not coming up with something new-it would be a rather joyless existence. But so would sitting in a shop with nothing selling. There's nothing like that moment, when someone says-"Wow! I love that-it's just what I needed" when it didn't exist a few months ago.The relationships I have with 'the regulars', the people who know they can come to me, and get something fantastic, that easily works with their lives, but makes everything new, is a fabulous way to spend your day. But when someone who has never been in before stands there astonished saying "you made all this?"-that's the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Jacket, you're dead to me now

So it's only the first day of June, and already, it's time to take stock. What sold, what didn't, what you loved and thought was great idea, but sits there unordered, what you thought was nuts and sold through the roof. Welcome to retail. Or at least retail at my place. My husband just made me watch a few minutes of Jersey Couture. My eyes bled. Now I'm in the middle of making the Fall samples, deciding what to produce, what to take a risk on, what answers the needs of the women who walk in the door everyday, and maybe don't know what they want, but more what they don't want. And i hope I'm more on the side of knock your socks off than "Oh, that's nice", said with a yawn. But I also hope there's still some hope for the cool red eyelet jacket that hasn't made anyone swoon. Yet.

The Idea Farm

"Where do you get all these ideas?" I hear that all the time. From everywhere. From everything. From daily life, as in, I overslept this morning, have a terrible headache, and had to get ready for a 10 hour work day in minutes. Answer:a gorgeous green hounds tooth wool jersey. From customers:"My son is getting married, I can't find anything that doesn't make me look 60 and tired, or like I'm 60 trying to look 25" Answer:a silk chiffon and stretch lace gown that weighs less than a pound, and looks like a million buck (for a whole lot less, I may add). From the fact that's it's been freezing in May, and I had no great jacket to grab every morning that made sense.Answer:I'm working on it.. From the smart, modern, thinking grooving Massive Attack show I saw on Wednesday.Answer: Come see my Fall 2010 show at FTC on September 24th, but in the meantime, keep checking my blog and facebook page for updates as we make the samples for the show. And in the meantime, pop into the store for some of the great pieces that make that 5 minute morning dash easier.

It's dark in here....

Okay, half a foot of snow, grey skies, colder than anyone wants to be-this has put me in a blue mood. But that's not bad, because I'm talking actual blue, the color. As I line up the collection, baby, it's dark in here-in the world, in our brains, and on the racks. I am not really sure spring means pink and flowers anymore. Which is not a bad thing in my eyes. The reality of what the customer wants? She wants a black suit. A grey one if she's feeling frisky. How do I know this? Because she walks through the door, and says "I need a black suit". That's the trouble with not being in an ivory tower-you hear when the people say what the people want. And I listen. Except..I..uh..I didn't make a black suit. I made a slate one. Actually, two. One with my new Weenis sleeve. Do you need to ask? Can I tell you, it came as a shock to me,at first, but I can never look at elbows the same way again. No one wants to see your elbows. Even Angelina Jolie's, but I'm not 100% sure on that- let's google her elbows, but I'm thinking, there's other parts of most of us we ought to highlight. I like having the whole arm out there, a full on gun show, but then again, not everyone wants that. Yes, the people speak on that, too. But luckily, we live in a democracy still. So despite the dark, the future is very bright in the end.

she put in her thumb, and she pulled out...

PLUM! Lots of plum. And slate, all sorts of blues, grass green, and grey that won't make you think of your grampie and grammie, and lots of metallics. Yes, super cool is the word for spring. Who wouldn't want to be super cool? It all looks so new, and fresh and USEFUL. Superfine lightweight wools, fantastic silks, and some great metallic linens, and drop dead evening looks. I'm terribly excited. Come see what the fuss is all about on March 12th, and don't forget the sale is going on all through January and February, but things are flying out the door, so come in soon!

It's that time again..

Time for new ideas. Frankly, if I couldn't do new ideas all the time, this would be no fun. But by the same token, the ideas from "the beforetime"-they're still good. I wore them today, and they worked. I looked great, I crouched around the floor fitting coats and skirts on people, I hemmed, I hawed, I went out,and people said_that looks fabulous". I started at 9am and ended at 9pm, and all was good. Now, to do it all over again, but make it better, fresher, newer.So this season, I think we all need to be super cool. In our heads, our bodies, our outlooks. Armored to deal with the stress of everyday, but not look worn down by it. No one wants to see you like that, let's be honest-"I saw Jen, she looks like crap-things must not be good-she looks tired". Well of course I'm tired, who isn't? But I'm thinking if I put on that plum sheath with the cool asymmetric pin tuck stitching I'm working on, tired would not be in my vocabulary. And if I donned that iridescent blue raincoat with the black moc croc trim, my inner outlook forecast? Quite bright and sunny. The sad truth is what we wear-it colors our day. Somewhere between false pastels and black holes, I'll find a new way of living. See it all at the show at Fairfield Theatre Company on March 12th. Tickets go on sale soon. In the meantime, you know where I'll be.

Spring hopes eternal

Wow, this page and I have not been together in a long, long time. Deadlines, life, and so much more have gotten in the way. But as the year winds down, and I'm working on the last party wear of 2009, my mind is on spring, and what it will be, and when you'll all see it. This is very much a hard time for many in their day to day life, and so many more of us in our brains. What will happen, where is the world heading, what should we do and not do? One thing I know for sure-for spring, i will not look back, and neither should you. The future is now, we all need to get there.I think about these things all the time, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to make a really pretty dress. I'll show you things that make sense, but they should still wow you. In the meantime, come one down to the store and be wowed for the right now. There's so many great pieces to get you through the holidaze, and all at great prices for right now-you don;t need to wait for a sale, I built the sale price in when I designed them. Pop in for one of the Saturday Soirees, and help me celebrate the three fastest, and most rewarding years of my life.

A dress well suited

I can't stop making dresses. For daytime. Maybe the part of me that plays adult Garanimals every morning wants to call it a day. Maybe acting out against the sight of one more black fitted suit, one more supposedly new boyfriend jacket, one more rehash of skinny pants/man jacket pretending to be fresh. But the idea that I can zip up and go, hold my own in a roomfull of "suits", and still feel more than fine-I'm up for that. You?