My First Business Trip

St. Augustine, Florida, is where Florida Scarf was born. An event called “The Café 11 Trunk Show” was where I sold my first items in 2007. On November 16, 2010, I returned to the same people at the same show and had just as much fun as I’d ever had. It is the farthest I've ever traveled to do a show. I was most excited to use the company card for gas and food. Usually it only sees the light for internet purchases. I was in town for a total of 51 hours, and boy, did I make the most of it. In this post I plan to highlight the most awesome parts.

I did a bit (a big bit) of shopping. But isn’t that what one does on a vacation? (Oops. I mean business trip) I would like to highlight for you my most awesome finds. The first piece I found at the end of my trip. But it is by far the best, a real “once in a lifetime.”

There was a thrift store that was closing. Everything was 75% off. You couldn’t beat it! I have to thank my buddy Tara Ferreira for dragging me there and making this purchase possible. In case you are wondering, yes, it’s a sculpted beer-coozie.

This next piece I purchased at the Trunk Show. It is by Paper Root, a local design company. Ever wonder what you get when you cross Willie Nelson with a Leopard?

I have to really thank Paper Root for this gem of a t-shirt.
P.S. this shirt is not one of a kind. You can get your own at http://paperrootclothing.com/
It’s better if you give it as a gift.

I also got an oversized owl ring. This look isn’t for everyone, but it suits me. The manufacturer has taken a symbol of ancient forestall wisdom and made it out of cheap metal and fake diamonds. Does it get anymore ridiculous? For this piece I apologize to anyone who prefers his or her owls made out of patchwork vintage fabric and sewn onto a journal cover.

Available at St. Augustine Art Glass (if anyone has taste like mine)

I also scored some killer pieces at an American Apparel Outlet Store. I’m psyched about them, but I don’t need to show you. We all know you shop at American Apparel when you need clothes to make you look like you just stepped off the set of FAME.

Not only did I get all this great new stuff, but I also got something returned to me. It’s a totally rockin’ purse that isn’t even big enough to fit my wallet, but I love it. I forgot I was missing it until it was returned. That’s like when you put your winter coat on for the first time and find a bunch of goodies in the pockets. $$

Good Old Boxing Glove-Purse. I've missed you and your gold tooth.
The Trunk Show itself was a blast. This year they had it at a much bigger venue and incorporated DJ’s and a fashion show. Florida Scarf closed the show, so the models really let loose. It was great. I feel like I made some new friends. And of course, it was great to see my old friends. (like the one in particular who stayed and helped me pack up in the dark. Amanda, we know ho you are)

I apologize but I do not have any photos. If you are interested you might check a few spots.
http://www.surfthedrift.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/classicblends
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-Augustine-FL/Two-Hundred-Lounge/115325628516378

If I get my hands on any they will be posted in the future. In the mean time you can see/shop my fashion show pieces. I call them, “ Florida Scarf Couture.” 

They will be at http://www.etsy.com/shop/scgeraci

Thank you very much for reading this post. I trust it was more enjoyable than the last.

Until Next Time. Keep Your Holidays Rockin'

New Tricks from Old Friends

Those were the good old days, when people used to get together and sew. Now sewing is an individualized sport. I spend most of my days solo in my sewing studio, longing for the stimulation of other like minds. That is one of the reasons I decided to ask some crafty friends of mine to sew scarves for me. It has been really fun for me to show them how I do what I do. They each took my instruction and then went their own way with it. You can see all of the results on my etsy site. Each one of us five girls has a style all our own.

During this project I kept very open to how other people might do things and I picked up a few new tricks. I'm so glad I did it because it has helped me to keep my own style fresh and ever-evolving. When you are on your own and in your routine, sometimes you don't realize what you are doing is becoming very "routine." 

One day Lauren and I were comparing scarves. I noticed that she sewed on her four-hole buttons in two straight lines. I sew mine in an "x." We both laughed at ourselves because neither of us had thought to do it the other way, but it was such a simple concept. Likewise when I saw the scarves from Cassandra I noticed they had a soft, fuzzy texture. I really liked the chunky grain on this light fabric she used. I asked her where she got it. She said that she had taken sweatshirt fabric and turned it inside out. I smiled as I thought, "no kidding, sweatshirt in reverse." You know I'm going to take that idea and go places with it.

I'm beginning to realize how important it is to have friends, and share ideas. The more tips I learn, the more I'm working and thinking, "What can I turn upside-down or inside-out? What material haven't I used yet?"

I often have to remind myself that it is OK not to innovate all the time. Being open-minded can make you so much better at being you. I mainly apply this thought to my sewing, but it works for life too. I don't do anything any better than anyone else, just different.

Available at Earthtones

 

Florida Scarf fans in Southern New Jersey get pumped. This is what will be available at Earthtones. This retail location is at 19 N. Centre St, Merchantville, NJ. The number is 856-488-1830. Aside from these fabulous scarves and hoods, Betsy stocks great pottery, jewelry, and gift ideas. Merchantville is a great place to hang out and have lunch, or coffee, and shop.