The Haute Dame

Summer Clearance Sale

2010-08-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

A little thing called life is making me shut down The Haute Dame for a while. Although I still love crafting and sewing, I have no time to do it full time anymore. So in an effort to clear out the current inventory, I am offering a special summer clearance sale!

I have went through and marked every single item in my shop, down 50%. Everything is half off. Many of the prices are under $10...even with shipping included!

Be sure to stop by and get your fill of Steampunky/Renaissance/Fantasy goodness!

http://TheHauteDame.Etsy.com
Till next time!

Pretty Things!

2010-05-26T22:08:00.000-04:00

Today was a very productive, and a very hot day for me. The weather reached 91 degrees today, which was hotter than Las Vegas. It got to the point where I had to turn on the air conditioner, which is something that we try to hold out on until the very last minute. It's only May, but it's so hot! So even in my semi hot-box of a house, I did get quite a lot done today. I finished two new items, and I even had the time to photograph, edit, and list my items! But this time was special, as I actually had a model wear my items as I photographed her! It makes a difference to see the item being worn by a person as opposed to being displayed on a table. Here are some of the shots of our session along with the new items. Today she was modeling my victorian inspired chokers and wrist cuffs. Have a look:

And be sure to keep a lookout for the giveaway. I will be posting details later this week. I'm still trying to work out the details and select an item to give away. So it will be soon!!!

Have a great night everyone, and happy shopping!

About to kick of the summer!

2010-05-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Hello you lovely folks out there! I hope your day, week, month has been going well! We are just a couple of days from Memorial Day weekend and then June is among us! June is my favorite month because, it is my birth month! I will be 24 on the 24th!

So what plans do you folks have for the Memorial Day weekend. It's the holiday to kick of the summer, so I'm sure there are lots of bbq's and parties that will be happening! As for me, we have a couple of bbq's lined up, and I can't wait. I LOVE bbq!

In other good news, I was just notified that I was featured in an Etsy treasury. This is my very first time being featured and I am extremely happy about it! If you can be so awesome as to click and take a look, that would rock!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48019478/copper-shantung-silk-choker

I have new items coming up in the shop over the next couple of days, so check back every day! If you like something, heart it!

I am also working out details of a giveaway, so keep a lookout for that!

Have a great night everyone!

Hot off the Press!

2010-05-25T01:28:00.000-04:00

I've been busy at the sewing table today! I created five new items that I am very proud to show you. My new favorite item is the Victorian inspired choker. It's so feminine and stylish, I absolutely adore it. I've made three so far, but there will be lots more to come! Take a look for yourself:

And of course-the signature item, the ruffled jabot

And there is a new item in the shop...skirt hikes. These are conveinent for those who go to ren fairs and such. It lifts up your skirt to show your legs or your underskirt all the while being so stylish! My favorite thing to do is to create swags and then clips the skirt like so.

There will be more of these coming as the local renaissance fair season approaches, So get them while you can!

Back in Action!

2010-05-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

Ok! So my break wasn't that long! I am back in action with new items already listed, and new items to come. Here are the new items in my store. I hope you enjoy! Lots of Steampunk inspired items for you.

*Ruffled Jabots* oh! And keep a look out because I will be release more of these with lots of different colors and whatnot!

*Steampunk Necklaces*

*Steampunk Wrist Cuffs*

And that is it for now :) But I am loving what I am putting out. Especially these wrist cuffs and the jabots. They are soooo cute. I want to keep them for myself!

Keep a lookout, lots of new items will be coming up!

Steampunk World's Fair 2010

2010-05-17T23:58:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I attended the first ever Steampunk World's Fair which was held in Piscataway, New Jersey. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. I cannot even begin to describe how much fun I had! I met lots of great people, saw amazing works of clothing and accessories, and the shows-they rocked. I was definitely inspired to jump back into sewing and make new items to list in my Etsy store.

While I am working on the new items, the Etsy shop will be in Vacation mode. I hope to have new items made, photographed, and listed before June 1st. There will be a couple of new items in the shop including the new line of Jabots (not just for Steampunk, but for all eclectic souls), collars, wrist cuffs, and more. I can't wait to show off everything!

In the mean time here are some photos from the fair. Enjoy!
Steampunk World's Fair photos!!!

Let's get it started...again

2010-05-02T17:16:00.000-04:00

It has been quite a while hasn't it? Lots of things going on, some good, some bad, some in the middle. But I am still trooping! So, what is new for The Haute Dame? Well first, SPRING IS HERE! And oh, I am glad, I get really creative when spring comes, and it definitely helps to boost my energy levels when it is sunny outside. So with that, within the next few days I am going to release a couture line of ruffled jabots. I figured since the jabots are my best selling product in the etsy store-then why not specialize in them. There are going to be all sorts of amazing fabrics, textures, and sizes! I cannot wait.

In addition, I have finally gone into business as a licensed photographer, it has been a long time coming, but it has finally happened, and I am glad it is here. There is nothing more rewarding than having a job that you love. In this case, my jobs are photography and crafting!

I will be traveling to New Jersey May 14-16 for the Steampunk Worlds Fair! I am very excited about this!

But this was just a quick update for now, more updates, pictures, and items to come.

Time to get back in gear

2010-01-25T04:39:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. I have been lazy. But I have every reason to be! Remember, I had gastric bypass back in December, on the 21st. So although I felt that my body was fine a week and half out of surgery, trust me, I was not. I basically overexerted myself, and somehow developed an aversion to red meat. It was not a pleasant situation, trust me.

But moving on, I am ready to get back into gear! There is so much that I need to do. For one I have to redo my sewing area and maximize my table usage. Currently I have a sewing table and a cutting table, sitting in an L-shape in the corner. The sewing table is at full usage, but since I have the cutting table in the corner position, theres about 1/3 of the table that I can't use. So basically I have to switch tables, and all will be well.

I am also going to start working on new bags. They are a twist on my current Gypsy Bag design:

They will be bigger, and have two pockets instead of one. Also the flap will be longer for better closure. I can't wait to get started on them, especially with the fabric that is in the photography above. I LOVE that fabric.

And besides making bags for my shop. I am starting on working on garb for this year. I need all new garb since I have lost weight. 43 pounds since surgery and counting. I have a couple of underbust corsets that I would like to make for myself, as well as skirts, and chemises. Then I need to make my husband a new doublet, two new shirts, and two new pants!

The reason for so much garb? Well in April, it is Rendezvous 2010 in Texas. Basically a big gathering for all the members of http://www.renaissancefestival.com (which is an amazing site by the way, I highly suggest you join it). We will be going down from 4/23-4/26 to the Scarborough Renaissance Fair! And being me, I of course need variety! At least two outfits for the trip! Then in May we are going to New Jersey for the SteamPunk Worlds fair, which I am ECSTATIC about. It is the first big production steampunk fair on the easy cost. 3 full days of Victorian merriment. And of course, I need variety with my outfits. Which is why two of my corsets will be used for both Ren fair and steampunk garb! And I have to make my husband some items for the steampunk event also

I also got in a lot of new items for jewelry making. Earrings are coming soon!

Oh! And I have had a major headache with the USPS. From now on, EVERY order that is sent out will be sent out priority mail with a tracking number.

But for now, I must go. It is late, and if I am going to do anything productive, then I need to go to bed!

http://TheHauteDame.Etsy.com

2010 will be great!

2010-01-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope all of you have had a great new year! I know I did. I know I have been missing in action, but I have had good reason to. On December 21, I had surgery, gastric bypass. So I am now on the road to being much healthier and much more productive. And the past couple of weeks have been resting time for me.

But I am BACK! Yay! And feeling much healthier. I have alot of awesome fun events coming up! In April I am going to Texas for the big RenaissanceFestival.com Rendezvous 2010. Rendezvous 2009 at the Maryland Ren Fair was AMAZING! And I cannot wait for this one. And in May, we are hopefully heading to New Jersey for the Steampunk Worlds Fair, which will be fun also.

And with those two major events coming up, plus the start of the ren fair season in August, that means I have to make new items for myself since I will be much smaller than I was last year. Since December 21, I have lost 30 pounds!

With regards to my Etsy store, I know there have not been a lot of new items. But I have been ordering items to make awesome new jewelry pieces with, and I have been working on some new bag designs. I love my Gypsy bags, they are small, great price, and holds your valuables. But I have been wanting to design a bigger, and more sturdy bag. Preferably something with two pockets in it. So we will see where that goes.

Here's to 2010!

Holidays are right around the corner...

2009-12-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

Yes! I love Christmas. I just put my little tree up yesterday. Grant it, it is only three feet tall, but hey it's still a tree! And it's mine, and I love it.

So with Christmas right around the corner, it's time to get in gear and finish all of your Christmas shopping. There are perfect gifts in my shop right now for you and your loved ones. Great prices, and they make great stocking stuffers!!! With Christmas being next week, be sure to order now to get it in time!

Here are some great gifts for the lovely woman in your life:

Drop Earrings-$7

Gypsy Bags $12 and $15

There are lots more items, so browse around and have fun!

Happy Holidays!

Reserved listings

2009-12-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

Just to let you lovely people know, I do accept custom orders :) So if there is something you want in my store, but want it made differently, I can accommodate that to the best of my ability. When you see something you like in my store, for instance my gypsy bag; but you want it in a different color or fabric that is not listed, feel free to shoot me an email at TheHauteDame@Gmail.com or send me a Convo on Etsy. Like I said, I will work to see what I have, and what I can acquire, then we can go from there. If I do have what you want, then I will make a reserved listing for you in my shop, so you can purchase your item.

But for now, I must go! Cleaning needs to be done!

Bags, bags, and more bags

2009-12-09T23:46:00.000-05:00

I have FINALLY gotten around to completing the bags that I had to do! It feels good to get them out of the way! Here are some previews:

I will be making more bags in the next couple of days. Tomorrow and Friday are very important days. I have two important doctors appointments, and my husbands birthday is on Friday!!! yay! Unfortunately I cannot indulge in the cake, I am on my 2 week pre-op liquid diet :(

But for now. I must go. Friends are coming over to visit on Saturday, and I must clean the house, or at least make it look somewhat presentable.

Oh, remember:

20% off all items in store!!! Refund applied via PayPal!

Sale!

2009-12-07T12:10:00.000-05:00

It's time for a sale! Christmas is rapidly approaching, and before you know it, it will be here! So The Haute Dame is offering 20% on all products! Refund will be applied via PayPal :) So be happy shopping, knowing that you saved some money!

I am going to be listing LOTS and LOTS of items the next few days. There are two reasons why. 1-I have to build up Christmas inventory for all of you lovely shoppers out there! and 2-I have surgery on December 21. And recovery will be a few weeks, so unfortunately I won't be able to do any sewing at all. It's amazing to know that moving around at your sewing desk and getting fabric, standing and cutting and whatnot is considered strenuous! So I guess much of my time will be spend sleeping, or in the etsy chatroom! But don't worry. All the items in my shop will still be available for sale, and will still ship out! (Thats what my lackey husband is for! just kidding!)

So I have to get back to work! Happy shopping!

It's snowing!

2009-12-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

Looks like we might be having a white Christmas after all! I am happy. I've been working on bags lately. I believe I completed three yesterday, in between engaging in shenanigans with my sister in law. And today, the shenanigans will continue! But when I come back, more bags will be made and photographed and listing. I am trying to get a lot of items up so there is a good selection for Christmas shoppers :) I will probably make a cut off date of December 15 so customers can get their items in time for Christmas!!!

So, for now I must go! Shenanigans are about to commence in the snow!

New stuff!

2009-12-02T01:06:00.000-05:00

I love new stuff!

First let me tell you about Victoria Wilde. Victoria is AMAZING with graphics/banners and the like. She made my NEW banner for my Etsy shop. And let me say, I was speechless! Take a look for yourself!

It's not really that small, but it still is awesome! She is new to Etsy, but awesome. Check her shop out: http://victoriawildesigns.etsy.com

Now, here are two new items added to my shop. I love these bags! Perfect for Ren Fairs, or even to carry around ANYTIME!

Oh, and this!

Now, time to crochet!

Blog Giveaway

2009-11-29T21:27:00.000-05:00

So I am going to do a blog giveaway! It will be fun, and there will be an awesome prize for the winner. The prize will be one of my signature design bags that I will be posting soon in my etsy shop. Now this is my first giveaway, so please bear with me to get everything kinked out. I'm not sure if I will be choosing the winner by random or by a selective process.

So any of you, that have done blog giveaways before, have you got any advice??? It will be much appreciated! Thanks loves!

Super Sale!

2009-11-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

There two earrings, sell for $9. Super sale, both for $15 plus free shipping/free gift included! Refund applied via PayPal! (You purchase both items at full price, I go back into PayPal and send you back the difference)!

Black Friday starts now!

2009-11-26T02:40:00.000-05:00

Since I'm sure I will be busy chowing down, and then sleeping it off all day on Friday, I decided to put my Black Friday Sale up right now! Here is what you get:

Free shipping on ALL items
Free gift with purchase
Items are already reduced 10-20%

How awesome is that!

Well for now, I must go.

Oh, wait! Here is that garter!

I'm quite proud with the way it turned out. Still working on some jabots :)

Garters, and Cuffs, and Clothes oh my!

2009-11-25T16:44:00.001-05:00

In talking with some fellow steampunkers, I discovered a couple of items that many would like to wear. From a females point of view, they discussed wearing a steampunk garter, especially if they choose to wear a short skirt. Admittedly the idea sounds great, I just need to make a test run, and then we will see how it turns out. Also as far as male products I was told that they would like to see attachable cuffs-like the neck collars I make, jabots, scarves, boot covers. I was surprised that the men had more ideas than the females! And most of these ideas came from my husband, who is the least fashion conscious person in the world...except when it comes to his costumes and his garbing!

If you were to take a look at my sewing area. One would wonder how I am able to get anything done. Fabric is EVERYWHERE! But there is a method to my madness! haha!

Keep in my mind, that my Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale is ALREADY going on. Prices have already been reduced, shipping is only 99 cents!

Oh, and if I forget to say it tomorrow...Happy Turkey Day!!! The one day of the year where it is ok to pig out, and although somewhat sad for me to say-this is my last pigging out! I'm scheduled for Gastric Bypass surgery in December! And I am very excited for it, and all that will come!

Well for now I must go. Items need to made, friends need to be visited, and a baby may be born! My friend Kendall is having contractions, and the baby may be born tonight! I am so excited!!!

Reduced Prices!

2009-11-24T04:39:00.000-05:00

I think I am getting in the Christmas spirit a little early! So in addition with the 99cent shipping, I have decided to reduce prices on ALL items in the store! Everyone loves reduced pricing right? I know I do! The next best thing is to get them for free. Haha!

So I have added two more items to my store. Now I know that with each item I make, I always say that it is my new favorite. But this first one I am about to show you is REALLY my favorite. Take a look :

Tomorrow I think I will be working on some wrist cuffs :)

Free Gift

2009-11-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

Everyone loves a free gift. Who doesn't??? I know I do. That is why I have decided that with every purchase from The Haute Dame, you will receive a free gift. Now I can't tell you what the gift is, but I know you will like it. So get those orders in now, while there is still 99cent shipping on all new items.

I will also be taking part in the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale. All prices will be reduced on all items in the store. You will receive a refund of the reduced priced different via PayPal. So let's say the item is $10, and there is a 10% off sale in my store. You end up saving $1. Now what you will do is pay the $10 like normal, and once I receive payment, I will refund $1 back to you via PayPal.

And keep in mind that PayPal is probably the most useful and the easiest way to purchase items in the store. It makes everything extremely easy and efficient. So if you don't have a PayPal account, it is very easy to sign up for one. Visit: www.PayPal.com

In other news. I came up with some awesome ideas for earrings! These are definitely different but still very stylish. Perfect for pirate and wench outfits for the ren fair. Or even an extra flair for your Steampunk adventurer outfit. Keep an eye out for those items!

Holiday Special

2009-11-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

So, as we approach the holidays, every one usually gets in a frantic rush to order things. Trust me, I've been there. And as a designer as well as a consumer, I know that sometimes the shipping cost is what usually throws me. That is why, from now until November 30, 2009 I will be offering 99 cent shipping on all NEW items added to the store! Thats right, shipping for only 99 cents. And after November, 30..ANOTHER special will be coming up. So be sure to keep a look out for that!

Now, in store news, I've been sketching up different designs for different things. I was thinking about making wrist cuffs, but still working on that idea. I am in sort of a crocheting craze right now, and I love crocheted flowers. So lots of items with flowers will be showing up! Perfect for Christmas. So be sure to visit the store, get what you like!

Time to steam it up

2009-11-22T01:49:00.000-05:00

Now this! Is perhaps my favorite piece. It is so awesome I want to keep it for myself!

For the record, can I just say..how much I LOVE this item!. Love it Love it Love it! Like I said, I want to keep this one for myself :) As you know, I love and adore anything steampunk! And this piece, with the gears and sprockets is definitely at the top of my list.

I am loving making these collar pieces ;) They finally allow me to use my small pieces of fabric! Hey, I am always resourceful!!! The next pieces I want to work on are wrist cuffs. I am trying to acquire leather to get that happening. But I'm going to make a fabric cuff. See how that goes!

My new favorite item

2009-11-21T05:01:00.001-05:00

Ruffled Collars/Neck ruffs! I have been ruffle crazy these past few weeks. So I wanted something that is elegant, Victorian/Steampunk inspired, but still with ruffles. And I came up with these awesome neck ruffs, and to add a dash of prettiness, I put crocheted flowers on them!

I already have an idea for an even more Steampunk inspired neck ruff! I just need to go throw all of the little trinkets I have and see if I can pull it off. But neck ruffs are definitely my thing now :).

What do you think of matching Neck ruffs/cuff sets? Yes or No? Give me your input :)

Pretty Pretty Princess

2009-11-18T01:12:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to completing some of my tutu's and listed them in my store. These are my Pretty Fantasy tutu's for women and children :). I personally LOVE tutu's, always have and always will. There is something about putting on a tutu that transports your imagination to a time away from here, it is indeed awesome!

I think the cutest thing is seeing little babies in tutu's! Now I have no babies of my own, but if any of you have daughters and you have purchased a tutu, PLEASE send me a picture of your little girl in a tutu! I would love to see it and showcase it on this blog!

In other news, we have been having freakishly warm weather for the last week or so. It has been gorgeous. Some days it was in the high 60's. This past Sunday, I did an engagement photo shoot for some Wedding Photography Clients, and the day was PERFECT! The weather was great, the scenery was great, everything was great!

Since the weather has been so warm, I have not been as motivated to work...inside that is. I mean, it is going to be cold soon, and I will be all cooped up in the house. Right now is the time to be outside! Maybe get some shots of people in my clothing out in fields and such :) Hmmm, we will see. Until next time loves!

Insomnia and the creative mind

2009-11-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

It is about 8 am, and I have not been to sleep yet. Why? You ask. Well it's due to two things. 1-Insomnia and 2-My crazy creative mind!!! I've been up all night doing stuff with Google, and promoting the website and whatnot!

I know that right now there are not a lot of items in the store. But there will be soon, trust me! Fr right now, I'm working on the minor things such as pouches, jewlery, neck ruffs, etc. The big time stuff: Corsets/Bodices will probably be coming sometime around December or January. I actually have surgery in December, so for the first few weeks I will not be able to do any orders. The only thing I can do is ship out custom items.

So earlier today, a friend introduced me to a site called Stickam. It is basically a web site that lets you chat with your webcam. And as a host, you have your own "room" and people can come in and talk. And I thought it would be somewhat of a cool idea to have a weekly Sewing/Fashion talk with that! I have the laptop, I'll set it up, and I will work on some items while talking to people out there! I think it's awesome. But while in the process of setting everything up, my computer went all crazy. So all we have right now is the username: CrazyDame.

I am feeling the sleepiness starting to edge it's way in. And I think that just perhaps, if I am lucky, I can finally get to sleep. Then wake up to a day full of sewing. Because I WILL have new items in the store if it kills me!!!

Thanks for being so patient with me. Once I get a good rhythm going, everything will eventually work out smoothly!!!

Standing out

2009-11-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

So, in the world of sewing and owning your own clothing business, the goal, or at least my goal is to try to be unique. Try to make signature products that stand out in the crowd. Now admittedly some things will end up looking a like based on basic shapes. I mean a corset or a bodice will always have a pointed front (usually) and the same basic shape. Now I will be making and selling basic bodices and corsets in my store, but I still want something signature, something unique. I have been working on making awesome patterns to make my items really stand out. But woe is me, I am never satisfied until it is perfect. There are so many great seamstresses out there, that I admire, I just want to be up on their level. Have someone go to a Renaissance Fair and be able to spot my work. Basically be recognized. Now I know that that will take time of course, but it's nice to dream, isn't it?

Well today will be filled with finishing up items, photographing them, and then listing them in the store. I'm still going to hold off on working on bodices/corsets until I am done with the first sample, and am happy with it. TOTALLY happy.

So happy shopping and happy sewing :)

Oh! Here are some items that were listed in my store yesterday:

Awesome upside down heart bohemian style chandelier earrings. Available in only THREE colors. Pink, Aqua, and Light Green. These are the ONLY THREE that I have made with the limited supplies I have. So you will definitely be one of a kind with these on :) Well more like three of a kind if you get my drift. Happy sewing and happy shopping!

Shiny things!

2009-11-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

Well it's Tuesday. The day where the Monday blues are over, and we are anticipating Wednesday, also known as hump day!!!

Today, there is a lot to do. Cleaning, making things, and listing the items. I have some awesome jewelry that will be going up, and a couple of other items.

I've been working on a new design for The Haute Vixen corset. I love the original design, which has a sexy sweetheart neckline, but I need to give it more umph :) The Haute Pirate is also undergoing a makeover, but the thing that will stay the same is my favorite-underbust corset :). the corsets will make their debut into the store probably sometime in January. Right now we are possibly moving into another apartment, then I have surgery in December, so I have to keep my workload very light. After January I can really push for the super awesome sexy fitting corsets and bodices :)

Well gotta go!

Welcome friends!

2009-11-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome! I finally got around to getting a couple of things together in regards to The Haute Dame, the blog, and a bunch of other things! So this is the first post here. Now, I also have another blog, which features my random bouts of dress making rambling and rants! But this blog is reserved just for my business! So I will try my best to keep things interesting and fun here!

At the moment, I am on a cleaning spree, and I NEED to clean before I can start sewing or make any other items. It looks like a tornado ran through my house. And since I work from home, I find it extremely distracting to work in a mess.

I believe today I am going to work on some neck ruffs, and bags, and list some other items that are already made.

By the way-I have a couple of online stores. The main one is TheHauteDame.Etsy.com