CATCH A SNEAK PEEK INTO NASHVILLE DESIGNER AMANDA VALENTINE'S BUSY LIFE AND CHIC STUDIO!

I had the pleasure of catching up with fellow Nashville fashion junkie and Project Runway contestant Amanda Valentine a few weeks back - we giggled and shared our love of occult symbolism along with ethnic prints and the frustrations of pattern making.  I'm always thankful to find like minded ladies to rant about the joys and tears of sewing, something I'm mediocre at - but Amanda is thriving and creating remarkable things with her unique vision and passion for her craft. 

Amanda will be having a summer preview sale / party for her line VALENTINE VALENTINE this Friday, April 5th at Bar No. 308. Come out and say hi, buy some awesome things and get drunk. In that order. You can find event information HERE on Facebook. 

AND

If you're going to be out and about for Nashville Fashion Week's activities this week you can also catch Amanda Wednesday, April 3rd at the Trolly Barns at Rolling Mill Hill. Get your tickets through NowPlayingNashville HERE.

Q+A 

What spring trends are you into right now? 

I love the black/white/red color blocked look for spring.  It feels so- unfussy and tough.  I've never been a floral/pastel girl, so anything bold I will latch onto immediately!  

Any predictions for what will be hot this summer?  

I love a kind of athletic aesthetic for summer.  I'm going to experiment with sweatshirt/sweatpant looks in lighter fabrics, mixed patterns and easy shapes.  Maybe even mix a tough crop top with a flowy skirt.  That's what I'll be in this summer!

What do you look for in a creative space / studio? 

Easy access to my supplies and great speakers!  I'm a horrible interior designer so it's all about function for me - with a few quirky items mixed in!  I keep gifts from my husband near my desk.  He recreated a Man Ray sculpture for me when we first started dating and recently bought me a spider frozen in Lucite.  My creative space must always include Spotify.  I listen to music all day everyday.

What bit of advice would you share with someone who is interested in starting their own line?

Pay attention to craft!  That's a lesson I learned via Project Runway.  I always assumed that I was the designer, so I didn't need to be the seamstress.  But having an understanding of how every aspect of construction works is CRUCIAL.  And when you start out, you are the one sewing it all (I STILL hand make every piece)!  Your pieces need to compete with a lot of amazing work out there.  So hustle!

If you could do it all over again, is there anything you might change?

I think I would have apprenticed a designer right out of college - that would have improved my craft and expanded my knowledge immensely.  

And I know I would have had more confidence in my voice and vision on Project Runway.  I know where I "slipped" - and although I'm grateful to have learned those lessons - it's tough to learn those lessons on national television!

It really is ALL about trusting your gut and following your vision.  100%.

What was your favorite Project Runway challenge? 

Miranda Lambert!  For so many reasons!  First of all, it started in a western bar, so I felt right at home.  Second, Miranda is a genius, and a real representation of the type of women I want to dress in real life.  But really, that was the only challenge I trusted my gut on!  I did exactly what I wanted to do and it was received wonderfully.  What an incredible feeling!

Any hints on what we can expect from you in the future? (hoping it involves more holographic fabric) :)

Coming home after the show has been such a whirlwind, and I've spent months saying, "uh, what next?"  I'm still styling, working on some collaborations and making clothes!  I'm planning an event for next week- a mini trunk show/party at 308 and already have plans for a fall fashion show at a new venue, "The Crying Wolf", opening later this spring! DIY!

ART CRAWL, AFTER CRAWL, EASTER

When I was a kid, my Mom used to tell me that April came in like a lion but left like a lamb. Sure, she was talking about the weather - but I'm talking about life! Things can get crazy sometimes so it's important to take time to be thankful for the good things, the happy things, the things that make your heart smile. I've had some great opportunities lately and thought I'd make sure that you all know how much I appreciate you! 

Anecdotes and thank you notes aside, here is a mini update on whats been going on with my life. Enjoy this bombardment of instagram photos! Hurray.

Edgefield Bar + Grill

ART CRAWL

I'd just like a moment to rave about Nashville's Art Crawl, downtown at the Arcade. I love it, I love it, I love it.

Okay, I'm done. But really. 

Held the first Saturday of each month, the Arcade opens up its doors between 6-9PM and art lovers far and wide come to browse each gallery's latest talent, get a little buzz off some free booze (usually beer or wine - but I had something at the Rymer Gallery that involved Melon, which was divine)or just people watch. That's fun too. 

AFTER CRAWL AT THE BRICK FACTORY

Now the only thing better than the Art Crawl, is The After Crawl - hosted by Brick Factory. Find out more HERE. 

This go around there was a great photo booth set up by Generation Domination complete with bicycle theme, a raffle for some pretty sweet bike gear, and need I not forget the "free" (suggested $5 donation) beer / wine. I also saw puppies. Everyone likes puppies.

EASTER//ETC

Easter, regardless of which way you choose to celebrate it - is a celebration of rebirth. Spring is such a perfect time to celebrate change and moving forward.  Every direction we turn, things are blooming and sprouting and becoming new again. It's important to appreciate spring not only as a change in season, but a representation of change that comes from within. I encourage everyone to take time this spring for yourself, your dreams and your creativity - and know that anything is possible!

A little DIY dip dye ombre lace table cloth for Easter.

Kate Spade has won me over this season. 

Lemon Poppyseed Cookie  // Coffee 

Ugly Mugs

My pictures from NFW in Out & About Newspaper. They sure look good in print! ;)

And why not end on a great note: Shoes.

NFW: SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE PINNACLE BLDG

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK: SATURDAY, CLOSING NIGHT AT THE PINNACLE BUILDING 

 Randi Rahm, Sylvia Heisel, Jamie and the Jones, Kal Rieman, Magid Bernard

This is the amazing view from the 21st floor of the Pinnacle building. Impressed? Afraid of heights? I was feeling both, along with an overwhelming amount of excitement to get to experience closing night in one of Nashville's classiest looking sky scrapers. The whole of the top floor is nearly all windows, so it's easy to feel like you're floating. I was already on fashion cloud nine, and had it not been for the weight of my purse - I can be certain I'd have floated away. 

I hadn't anticipated being able to go Saturday night so I wasn't able to plan out an ornate, perfect NFW ensemble, instead I just threw together my "comfy" go-to outfit with my Jeffrey Campbell Litas. They hold the record for easiest to walk in and stand for long periods in, so naturally they were a good fit tonight. 

The rest of the outfit: Cashmere Sweater, Free People // Crop Top, American Apparel // Skirt, Vintage Re-purposed DIY // Purse, DIY NEON LEATHER PURSE // Thigh High Socks, American Apparel // Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell Lita //

 Jamie Frazier and Hannah Jones

JAMIE AND THE JONES


By far my favorite of the night. I'm such a huge fan of soft, neutral tones. I'm not a big 'color' person, unless I'm adding in a crazy neon colored accessory. Not only did they impress me with their beautiful selection of muted tones, but the fabrics themselves were so weightless and playful. Alright, but enough about the color - the geometric shapes! I'm such a sucker for geometric shaped prints and knick knacks this season, and I was so glad JATJ included them!

 Kal Rieman

I picture the perfect modern French woman owning everything in this collection. Each piece looked business chic, but could easily be dressed up or down. I also appreciated the incorporation of men's wear styles in several of the pieces.

 

Sylvia Heisel

Crumpled paper was on everyone's mind when Sylvia Heisel graced the runway. Her collection incorporated some interesting textures and shapes, including something of a "cross" print which was reoccurring throughout the collection. The paper/fabric was the most curious - I wanted to touch it so bad! 

Randi Rahm

What a gorgeous collection! It had a subtle Marchesa feel, but with more practicality. I mean, what more could a woman want than a collection of glittery, lacy, poofy, feather gowns? It was so hard to pick a favorite since each piece was entirely unique, but somehow all pulled together to form a cohesive collection.  

*I made the mistake of running off to stock up on drinks for Codie + I (okay, who says no to free drink tickets?) When Magid Bernard started, so I wasn't able to get any pictures of her collection - you can visit her website HERE or check out the official NFW photography HERE.

I was lucky enough to run into one of my style icons and fellow blogger, Zarna of 

Zarna's Runway

It was a great end to another perfect NFW Night. Thanks for all the support, and I'm so glad I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful, kind people in the industry - I hope I see you all again soon. 

Till next year!