ALL WHITE : BOLD COLORS

It's always an exciting thing for me to meet new people.  And nothing is better than connecting with someone who shares the same passions and values as you.  Boy did I hit "friend jackpot" with Adrienne Nixon of Adrienne's Essentials!  A simple conversation on Instagram lead to an in person meet.  What better place to get to know one another than at the fabric store?  And for these two girls, I don't think there could not have been a better place to talk fabric, fashion and eventually food!.....Mmmmmm,,,  I think by lunch we had both decided in our own minds that we COULD BE real friends now!!!  .......So what do you think happens when two artistic minds join and challenge each other's creative boundaries??  **MAGIC**  Connect with us as THE GREY BUTTON and Adrienne's Essentials lead up to our BIG Memorial Day reveal!!!!

Cropped Denim Jacket

Sometimes you just have to let the fabric speak yo you. It knows what it wants to be. And that's exactly what ended up happening with this denim jacket project. What I set out for in the beginning grew into a completely different product in the end. I originally imagined a loose fitting cropped jacket with flowing sleeves. But when I searched through my fabric stash, I came across some leftover denim from another project.  I didn't have much so this could work out for my cropped jacket. Well..... now that changes everything because the denim is way more stiff than my original design.  Almost immediately- I felt a structured jacket was the way to go!  A couple of snips and tucks and this jacket started coming to life. My goal: keep things simple to allow the eyes to be drawn to the clean style lines and defined sleeves. Descrete pockets, a crisp top stitch and covered buttons finish the garment.

What I love most about this jacket is its versatility. Initially it feels dressy but I can easily dress it down with some jeans and a tee.  Throw in a cute clutch and some earrings and I am good to go! That's the beauty of being an artist! YOU can bring your vision to life!!  

Bella Clutch ~ "Grey and Stripe"
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

"Fanned Out" Leather Hand-Painted Earrings in Silver
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

2015 is off to a great start! What projects will you be working on this month to start off the new year?  You can follow my journey as I sew my way through my portfolio and into a brand new wardrobe! I've created a Pinterest board just for my looks and you can also see what I'm up to on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you!  Bye for now buttons!!

Pleated Peplum: Done!

Last week I draped the beginnings to this top with absolutely NO idea what I was going to do with the sleeve.  As you can imagine, whatever I decided to do with the sleeve would determine the entire look of the top and ultimately make or break the design.  No pressure, huh?  Well it always helps me to grasp a look by sketching out all of my options.  It seems to always open up my imagination.  So when I sat down to draw, the first thing that came out was this dramatic sleeve.

I did really like it.......but I still wasn't sure.  And so I asked the question in a few groups on Facebook and I got so many responses.  THANK YOU!!!!     {Side Note:  I love the new sewing groups I am a part of!  Finally a whole community who is on what I'm on!}  I sketched out the top suggestions and put a poll on my website.  Here were the choices:

Over any other design, the majority agreed with me with the dramatic sleeve. Yay!  Now to make it!!!  I have to mention that I did not use any patterns on this entire garment and certainly did not want to start in having to plot out the sleeve on pattern paper.  So I didn't!   Here is the finished top with that amazing sleeve.

 I love it!  I styled it with a pair of turquoise skinnies (is that a word?) and even found a pair of earrings that went perfect!  2015 is going to be fun and this was just the jump start I needed,  If you missed the first part of this project, like the fabric I chose and a look at the pleats click here.

Pleated Peplum!

I love to design!!  .......But sometimes I have so many ideas floating around in my head that it's hard to decide where to start ....... or finish!  So I am soliciting your help.  I started this peplum top with a real shaky plan for the sleeves to begin with.  All I knew was that I've been sitting on this fabric for months (about 7) waiting for the day I figured out what to do with it.  That day finally came yesterday.  First, let me say if you ever find yourself near Goodville, Pennsylvania, check out the fabric store Goodville Fabric Outlet.  They have LOTS of fabric at super cheap prices.  Downtown LA has me so spoiled that I am forever on the quest to find discounted fabric places!  Okay, back to the top.....

Here is the fabric I started out with.   I only had 2 yards so I had to be creative.  I love fabrics that allow you to get use out of both sides!  Surprise!!  This on had it!

And I wasn't sure what the fabric content was so I did the burn test.  I think it is a cotton/polyester blend.

Confession:  So, after I draped the right side of the body, I decided to take the piece off and trace it for the left side.  Only problem was I traced it on the wrong side.  Well, I was trying to figure out how to incorporate both sides of the fabric before and my accident did it for me.  The result was fabulous!

The pleats are just a labor of love.  I happen to adore pleats because they are so simple but make such a beautiful statement.  You can probably still see my "stay" stitches on the above picture (and all the others until I'm finished) that way I keep things in order while I'm pressing away.  Here is a close up.

I know, I know.. I should have hemmed before pleating!  Got half way through before I realized my mistakes.  Oh well!  Next time will be better.

And now I'm at the part where I always find myself wondering....."What should I do with the sleeve?"  This makes or breaks the whole thing.  Initially I wanted a dramatic sleeve but the more I think about it........the more I second guess everything!  And so I am soliciting your help.  I posted the top in a couple of groups I am a part of in Facebook and got a lot of feedback and suggestions.  Now to narrow it down!!!  Help me decide...

Here is a complete look of what I have so far.

And here's the initial sleeve I thought about doing but who knows now!....  Help me decide by  a voting. 

 Click HERE to see the additional sketches for sleeve options and to vote for your favorite!

My week!

The past week and a half have been really exciting for me.  I have met so many new people who are supporting me on my journey and I am happy to be a part of theirs.  I can't wait so see what the future holds!  Here are some recap pictures!

I love the RawArtists.org family that I am a part of.  They are creating opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.  I have already been to two shows here in Atlanta supporting the other artists and they haven't disappointed yet.  Fingers crossed I get to showcase in September!

Very fortunate to have joined a fashion group on Meetup.com and our first meeting was last week. You know it is really nice being around like minded people focused enough to achieve their goals. Here are a few of the new members.

I'v been meeting so any new people who are showing me so much love and making new friends along the way and I am so thankful.  I am having a good time and I want t keep going!!  I don't know why I always have a crazy face but I'm not ashamed to be me....I'm silly!

Then I get to be a part of a fashion show for a that makes me feel good to be a part of.  The models are waiting to see what they will be walking to.  So exciting!

And last night I was lucky enough to be invited by Demi from DemiStyle Boutique as she featured my my accessory designs at her sip and shop/ fashion mingle!  We had a ball!  You can check out more pics here.

It's been a busy week for me..... meanwhile my sister had a baby!

* Don't forget to get social with us!  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  See what we are doing!

My 1st Meetup Event: A Fashion Mixer!

Last night I attended my first Meetup.com event and I must say it was nice!  I met a bunch of ladies that were energetic and open to talking fashion which is right up my alley!!!!  I first learned about the Meetup website when I was up in the Philly area.  I started regularly stalking the site for events that I could attend.  I guess I really felt out of my element sinceI didn't really know anyone on that side of the world.  Although just about everytime I went out I met amazing people some of which have turned tto into awesome friendships. I like the idea of meeting at a location with total strangers who have common interests.  But I'm not sure if I was nervous or there wasn't an event that appealed to me but for whatever reason I never went before and that all changed last night.  So yesterday while doing my a. m. research I came across a fashion mixer event that said, "Bring cards".  I can do that!  Glad I made it because last night I met a lifestyle blogger, vintage store owners, an accessories wholesaler and a fashion editor.  Now that's a mixer!!  --Side note....I got so many compliments on my "Fanned Out" earrings.  Winning!!

Here are some of pictures I managed to snap of a few of the ladies in attendance....

Can't wait for the next mixer!!  Make sure you follow us on instagram for more pictures of our journey!! @thegreybutton

Supporters!

I had such a good weekend that I am still in a super spirits!  I remember working at VZW and not being happy.  I already knew what I wanted to do in life.  Design!!  I could see myself being so happy creating things and sharing it with people.  So to bring my dreams into focus I started to bring my sketchbook to work and started designing.  I was determined to acheive happiness.  A couple of my co-workers took interest and I recall some of them saying, "Nadia, when you get big, I am going to come work with you!"  I'm not sure if at the time they really believed that it could happen, but I know I did!  I can honestly say that my old Verizon Wireless family has done nothing but shown me love and support from the beginning and I am sooooo very thankful for them!  They were some of my first customers and still show their support.  

Ms Vera at the old office in her TGB Signature Tee!

Fast forward, three years removed from the corporate world and I have reconnected with an old  co-worker and friend, Ms. Vera.  When I got back in town I called her up to see how she was doing.  And to my surprise her work situation has also changed and allowing her a bit more free time and more than anything happiness.  Now I must say... we make a great team.  This past weekend she was my partner in crime as I went out promoting THE GREY BUTTON.  It means the world to me to have people like Vera by my side rooting me on along this journey.  We met some amazing ladies.....and men, who were all open and excited to listen to me pitch our brand to them and with the support of their purchases we added a bunch of people to the button family!  Here are some pics from a few of the places we went to!  I have to get better at remembering to take pictures.  I LOVE going back and flipping through them but unfortunately I don't have a lot this time!!

Party!!

Today's post is brought to you by our new fashion partner, Vanessa at the Budding Fashionista.

Head on over to her blog to see what we have to party about!!
www.buddingfashionista.com

http://buddingfashionista.com

Greyaway has Launched!

"Corners"  ~  Red
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

GREYAWAY

  

The holidays are fast approaching whether we like it or not!  For most of us we never quite master the holiday savings plan we promise ourselves each year.  We understand and have added a new option just for you.  Greyaway is our take on layaway and allows you to order that item(s) that you want within a budget that works for you.  We allow up to six months to spread your payments out and once you are paid in full, we will ship your package to you!  That simple and with no additional fees.   CLICK HERE for details.

Check out what's new!

New Style! "Blossom"

Are you bold enough to step out wearing this statement bag? The hand dyed leather straps and closure detail deserve all the attention as they bloom open for access to your goodies. The bag is fully lined in 100% cotton duck canvas and has two pockets. Details

Corners ~ Hand Dyed Chocolate Brown 100% Genuine Leather This bag may have a lot of corners but it is a very spacious leather handbag with details that can handle the "over-sized bag" girl! Get ready for fall with a statement! The leather was hand dyed in house to get the perfect shade of chocolate brown for this unique handbag. It also has one zipper pocket inside of the grey canvas lined bag. And for those who just have to have a strap, we have that for you too. An adjustable, removable shoulder strap has been added to for comfort. Details

Bella Clutch

This is a small and classy clutch is our most popular bag and offered in an  array of colors!  The clutch is made of 100% cotton duck fabric and measures  approximately 12" x 5.5" inches, is fully lined, includes an inside pocket and a  zipper closure.  Check out the complete handbag lineup.

Price $47

HUGS & Hoods

The HUG. A brilliant, new accessory that has style and function. The HUG has comfortable contouring straps that “hug” your body and features a dramatic detachable hood. So not only can you transform your hood-less jacket or sweater, you gain a new and worthy  accessory when the HUG is worn alone. *Hoods sold separately.

Price: $39 and up!

Brrrrrr.....It's cold! Scarves are back!!

The weather is changing.  Don't get caught out with a cold neck.  These unisex scarves make the perfect gift.

Price: $15