We spent last Saturday and Sunday at minorwhite studios (next door to our workspace!) shooting the look book for the Princess Lasertron dress line. Here are a few pictures from the day. Of course I have to save the big reveal for the runway show, but there are a few fun moments here.

My mom came both days and brought tons of snacks for us. Flower-shaped sandwiches, fruits and veggies and cheeses, nuts, candy, and chips.

My little model friend Emily came to wear our flower girl dress. She could not have been more fun or professional! She was a great sport and took direction from me and Scott so well.

Okay, check out this building next door…when Scott Drickey (and totally gonna namedrop here…he’s worked for Elle magazine, with Gilles Bensimon, Jean Paul Gaultier, Azzedine Alia, Kenzo, Comme De Garçon…and now he’s just my sweet neighbor here at the Mastercraft Building in Kick-ass Omaha) and I first started talking about the shoot, he got really really enthusiastic about shooting on top of this building next door, owned by our super-supportive landlord. Then we thought, could we actually shoot on the watertower too?

sooooooooooooooo.
that was bananas.

I think the look book is going to be mindblowing. If you are a stylist, editor, boutique owner, or otherwise interested individual be sure to e-mail me as well as sign up for our mailing list on the dress website to receive a copy.

I had to take a moment and look around the room at everybody present to support me–my assistant Shannon. Courtney Stegmaier of Garbos Salon, one of our stylists. My mom (who fed us all weekend). Photographer Scott Drickey and his colleague Bill Sitzmann. My web designer friends Eric Downs and Steve Gordon. Our little flower girl model, Emily, and her mom. My landlord and his family even stopped by. Nothing I’ve ever done has been a one-woman operation and I am so grateful for the huge network of support and encouragement I have behind me.

Back to work.
xo

Acted by Kathy Wheeldon, the play is set in 1975 in Ann’s office while she is trying to write a particularly difficult column. Recounting her experiences, sharing stories of some of the best advice she has doled out, and even musing to the audience and asking for their input–for example, polling us on who is married and which way we like to have the toilet paper facing. I went from having tears in my eyes to laughing out loud, and overall it was a wonderfully engaging comedy with these brilliant moments of poignancy and emotion.

From the Omaha World-Herald:

If you’re familiar with Landers’ voice, speech patterns and mannerisms, you’ll know Wheeldon not only studied the essence of this real-life character — she’s got it down cold. The wry grin, the sparkle in the eyes, the energy and humor that radiated from Landers in personal appearances are all there.

Costumer Lynne Ridge has done her job, too: the bouffant hairdo with a flip, the bright red nails and lipstick, the sparkling chunks of jewelry, an elegant dressing gown and pajamas, a full-length mink. The illusion is complete: Ann is in the room.

Nice room, too. Jim Othuse’s set design features cream-colored wooden pillars with crown molding set in a black void, an alcove with the skyline of Chicago peeking out, a couple of Impressionist paintings, Ann’s desk and typewriter, a cabinet hi-fi on which crooners and light jazz give Ann something to dance to. Even a collection of owl statuary.

Truly! The styling on the set was brilliant to me. I loved the hanging crystal chandelier, the vintage furniture, and the way posts were used to create the illusion of walls–they displayed photos and artwork but through them we could see into her hallway and foyer. The owls were also a thoughtful touch–Ann loved collecting them because they represented wisdom. Even Ann’s styling was perfect–she reminded me of my ever-stylish Grandma (who is from the same town as Ann!).

So I think we were the only people in the room under 60 for this particular matinee, and Eric seemed to be the only unmarried one (judging by Ann’s poll). He swears that some lady gave me the evil eye when she saw us together. Ha!

It was such a professional and memorable experience and I wish more people in the metro realized what awesome acting talent we have here locally. I also feel like I have a new personal heroine in Ann. She advised people through their troubles through four decades of American history and culture. The grace and class with which she approached tough issues throughout the decades is remarkable.

I had so much fun at the Playhouse–I resolve now to go more often. I forgot how beautiful the building is, how kind the greeters and employees are, and how easy it is to lose yourself in a quick afternoon at a performance. It’s cheaper than a movie. The audience is more polite. And they have wine, hello.

I am getting a season pass to the Playhouse and I would love to see more college students and young people in my generation support this art. Seriously such a blast. Actually, yeah, just go buy tickets now. Other shows coming up that I really want to see include Footloose, Nunsense (heeelarious), Steel Magnolias, and Guys & Dolls.

Photos (except the one of me) courtesy of Omaha Community Playhouse.

Walking to Dundee Days to visit the Pancake Man (here are my photos from last year–I love thinking I was pregnant then and didn’t know it!)

Shooting the look book for the dress collection with Minorwhite Studios (my CAMP neighbors and friends), and gorrrge model/stylist Sarah.

It’s all done.
The collection is done.
I am so.
…beyond.

This collection represents the ending of the conceptualization and the beginning of who knows what. Diving off a cliff. I have such an intense feeling of accomplishment and completion, and just as much anxiety about opening the next chapter:

Organizing two runway shows.
Printing a catalog.
Launching a new website.
Sending press kits to magazines, stylists, and bloggers.
Mailing pieces to influencers.
Creating branding for hang tags, garment bags, shipping boxes…
Re-making each dress dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens…

And it all begins tomorrow with the two-day look book shoot.
In my building. Back together with my friends. How it all started.

I’m so desperate for this collection to succeed. To even sell one dress. To receive photos from a happy bride in one of my pieces, from a girl who wore the short polka-dot princess number to her sweet sixteen, from a woman who is excited to have worn a bridesmaid dress that she actually wants to re-use. From a new mom who just wants to feel pretty again.

My tummy is in knots, I’m sure I’m going to throw up on the runway, I feel like so much could happen for me if this works out. So much could happen for Alice.

So. Here we go. This will be my month. Get your ticket to Omaha Fashion Week today. You will have a ball and maybe even get to see me barf on the runway in front of over 5,000 people.

So let me set the stage for you.

It’s 1am and I am just taking a break. Today I came in at 3pm, left for a party at 8pm, and got back at 10. I declared today Vengaboys Day at CAMP because I have had Boom Boom Boom stuck in my head all day. (and yeah watch that video, next year’s fall collection is based on that.) (jk.) (I miss the 90s.) All week has been fittings, sewing, fixing, reinventing. I keep getting new ideas and then I spend all day implementing them and I really need to just FINISH something.

Right now I have fabric stiffener on pom poms drying in the microwave. (Danny, if I break your microwave, I’ll buy you a nicer one.)
Painting polka dots on stripper shoes.
Dying tights.
Making wings.

As my assistant said, “If you aren’t peeing yourself in anticipation of this collection, you’re doing it wrong.”

(For your time, an Alice.)
Back to work so I can get this all right.
xo

These shots of them as a couple are so cute. And talk about a handsome groom!

And check this out. Wowie zowie!! I think this is the first time anyone has gotten a felt flower tattoo!

Congratulatons Janni and Dennis and thank you so much for letting me share in your big day.

So funny story, I haven’t done a bouquet like this (with buttons and flowers around the outside) in over a year, and now I have three of them to do this month!

These are Becky’s flowers. Hot pink and white with love from me.

Her flower girls are taking these two huge posie flowers down the aisle…I love that! I wanted the polka dots to look like confetti…

Congratulations!
xo

Fancy pro photos by Bill Sitzmann. Go vote!!!!!!! Every day!!! And win a dress!!!!!

2. Last Saturday we hosted one of the legs of the Joslyn Museum’s annual Young Art Patrons art crawl event at CAMP where I showed the progress of my dress line and explained the coworking concept to attendees. It was a great turnout–almost as many people as we had for our opening party. Here are a few pictures from the night.

So yeah Dave and his friends came and played Magic the whole time.

3. I had so much fun reading the comments from Meg Duerksen’s blog about things to do with your kids in the summer. I can’t wait until Alice gets older and we can do some of these awesome activities. Actually I can wait…she’s already growing up so fast. Take your time, pancake. Anyway this stuff looks way fun and creative.

4. CAMP was recently featured on the front page of the Omaha-World Herald money section. It’s a good read about coworking.

5. …and we were also featured on KPTM news here locally. I’m linking to my friend Andy’s site instead of KPTM’s because I don’t know when they are taking the video down and I don’t want the link to be broken. Also the KPTM site has too many ads. I had to be here at 10am for the interview! Too early!\

6. I’m in the final stage of finishing up all the embellishments on the dresses…I can’t resist a tease.

A LITTLE tease.

xo
meg

1. I have a huge pile in my office of unsent thank-you notes from Christmas and Alice’s birth. Should I send them anyway?

2. I think I have made food for my husband just three or four times, ever. I often feel guilty that I am not a better cook, because to me that represents being a good wife.

3. I may never share pictures of my house because it is too messy. Our realtor, who sold us the house, has asked at least six times–every few weeks or few months–to come visit, but I am too ashamed to let anyone inside. I think people observe my love of design and style and assume I live in a gorgeous, well-decorated incubator of inspiration but it could not be less true–I’m a slob. Most days I would rather be anywhere than in my home.

4. I’m not a person of faith. I guess I’m not afraid to admit that to others, but I admit that I wish I was a believer because I think it’s just nice. It must be nice. I think that believing in a creator would give me comfort. But I believe that faith can only come from revelation–not from just being “raised with it” or from tradition–and I just have not been stirred to that. I don’t think it’s right to pretend that I have and I don’t think I ever will.

5. I have lost touch with friends because of my work. I’ve become pretty unreliable socially.

6. Before I had Alice, I used to smoke once in a while–like, a 3-4 times per year–and I miss it sometimes. I am good at quitting things–meat, soda, smoking–and I won’t start again–but there, that’s the truth.

7. I’ve been in an abusive relationship.

8. I don’t watch the news or read newspapers. I used to–I was a newswriter for a while and planned to work in journalism–but it’s just not enjoyable and I don’t find the time.

9. I’m sort of afraid of microwaves.

10. I’ve peed in a pool.

11. I’ve never tried spaghetti, soup, a hamburger, a salad, or a sandwich other than pbj.

12. The most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done is call a girl fat once when I was at a camp as a child. Maybe I was ten. She cried. I still think about that and it hurts me so much to know that I said something so heartless to a young girl–though I was a young girl myself–that I made her feel less than, that she felt less special and beautiful because of me. It kills me to think that someday that could happen to my little girl. If I could take back anything I’ve done in my life, it would be that moment. I regret it so much. Kids do such mean things and it’s so awful.

13. I don’t think I remember how to do long division.

14. Sometimes I look at pictures of my exes on Facebook and check out what they’re up to these days and feel really really really smug. (Don’t we all do that?)

15. I have a huge compulsion to peek in people’s bathroom medicine cabinets.

16. I’ve had that freaking egg pancake for dinner every night for the last 4 nights.

17. Sometimes I wish I was Lady Gaga.

Don’t feel bad about yourself.
You are awesome and loved.

xo
meg

Photos via Mary Ruffle, Tatielle, Paul Mathers.

Congratulations to Alexis and Alan and have fun in Vegas!

xo

Q: Any tips on how to get unstuck? I just graduated and right now none of the job postings appeal to me. I’m sorta stuck.

A: Here’s a dirty secret: Many employers, including me, don’t hire from job listings. For employers they can be expensive, and it is a clerical hassle to formally begin a search for a new employee. What is often more convenient for employers is asking their industry peers if they can recommend anybody. You can get into this inner circle of opportunity by attending local networking events, volunteering in your community, and getting to know people who work for companies you would like to be a part of.

If you aren’t interested in a traditional job at all, it’s totally possibly to “make your own way”–especially in this economic environment. What are you good at, what do you love? If you aren’t sure, take a part time job and use your time to test your own small business idea or dabble in a few different things you would love to try.

I know it’s easier said than done. In lots of towns there are just no jobs to be had and Omaha luckily hasn’t been hit as hard by the depression. But just start something, or become a part of something, ask someone how you can help. The experience is always worth it for the relationships you create.

Q: You mentioned that you eat the same thing every day–what is your relationship with food?

A: I am not an adventurous eater. Trying new foods has been extremely upsetting to me my whole life. I do eat the same thing every day. I used to desperately want to change and “fix” it, but now I am comfortable with it and the thought of trying to get over my picky eating is just too stressful to really address right now. Owning my business gives me more control of my life and social situations, and I no longer have to worry about dating, so I deal with it just fine.

Q: I’m in the process of learning German and am trying to find some good German bands. So far, there aren’t many that I actually like. Do you have any recommendations?

A: I listen to a lot of industrial/goth (I know), and most of the bands from Germany don’t even sing in German most of the time. I really love Melotron, Girls Under Glass, Front 242, Seabound, S:I:T:D, and And One. Anyway, here’s a playlist of some of my favorite songs auf deutsch–just click the arrows on the sides to scroll between songs. So you might not like this either, but it’s what I love.

Q: What annoys you most?

A: When people act insecure. People who want me to believe the same things they believe. Traffic.

Q: What gives you “instant happy?”

A: Smiles from Alice. Having meetings with my friends at CAMP. Visiting my parents. Grocery shopping with Dave. Coming home to see all the glorious reality tv shows on my DVR. Napping with Alice during the day.