Brainstorming My Range

In amongst preparing for the annual Christmas party at work, and thinking about Dancesport, I've had little time for myself!

I've been madly researching what's out there activewear-wise, brainstorming what I think should be out there, and putting pen to paper and sketching. Right now, my sketches resemble something of a 5-year-old (I'm no Picasso!), so I'm a bit apprehensive about sharing them with you! 

Researching

In the beginning, I went to Lorna Jane and the big department stores to see what activewear was about and was shocked at my findings - it's all very masculine, form-fitting and basically, dull. I want to design for real women - those with hips, those who want something more feminine to set them apart from the men in the gym, those who want COLOUR!

Ideas

My first idea for the range is a white cotton jacket with silver sequins lining the hood, maybe silver fabric on the cuffs or on the zip with my logo emblazoned on the back. I want something fabulous that I can throw on and wear to the gym, or just down the road to get a juice. Casual design that is fabulous all at once.

I'm also thinking about pants to match the tracksuit top. When I'm exercising, there's nothing worse than tracksuit pants that get stuck in your sandshoes. If you're going to buy $300 personalised Nike's (like me!) then you want them to stand out! I desperately want pants that are knee-length, but not daggy. I'm thinking a pair of grey marle pants that are elasticised at the knee, yet comfortable around the waist. None of this skin-tight legging stuff! I'm not quite sure how it will work, so need to get Clint's advice asap.

Fabrications

And the most important thing - fabrications and embellishments. I've been browsing fabric stores and scouring the Web for the BEST of the BEST. But first I ask Toni-Maree if they are cleanable, washable and will stand the test of time. There's no point buying activewear - clothes to wear day in, day out - if they are just going to fall apart. 

Until next time,

CC xo

Camelia Carlton for DANCESPORT!

A LOT has changed in the last week! Soon after my last blog entry I contacted Toni-Maree, sat her down, and told her my idea to create a range of glam activewear for Dancesport. The good news: Toni-Maree is as excited as me! And she has already actioned a lot within elaundry to get the ball rolling. Think spec sheets and costing sheets, enquiries into custom fabric design and fabric testing.

In other news, Toni-Maree applied to purchase from Swarovski Crystal months ago, and has been approved! This is good news for the Dancesport sportswear range we have in the planning process. And it just goes to show, I could never do this alone. Toni-Maree has all the contacts and the business-mind to make everything happen. I just have good taste!

So, onto my custom fabric. If we are to design a Dancesport range, it needs to be feminine and fabulous with my signature touch. I took the camelia design in my logo, and made a great pattern out of it...

I'm thinking a black background with a white outline of the flowers in a gorgeous silky fabric. From here, I need to start thinking about WHAT I want in my Camelia Carlton for Dancesport range. 

Until next time,

CC xo

Could I?

I've had a revelation - and it must be important because I'm sharing it with you guys!

The Brisbane Dancesport titles were on the weekend, and as I mentioned earlier, my godmother's business elaundry sponsored a local girl and created a costume for her. The designer, Clint, is truly talented.

I went along to show my support, and was FASCINATED at the whole world of dance. I never knew that there was a market for my style - think silver sequins, bling and plenty of glam. The costumes were amazing, but I noticed the competitor's outfits before and after the titles were less-than glam. Boring tracksuit pants with stretched elastic, too-big hoodies, stained bags. If only my Boot Bag were completed by now!

This has got me thinking - what if I could design for Dancesport? Not the costumes, but activewear? Pants, dresses, bodysuits, bags, accessories with all the glitz and glamour of the costumes but without the cost.

I've never been so excited about an opportunity before. Could this be the door opening to a whole new world for me?

Until next time,
CC xo

Boot Bag Sample #2

Here it is! My AMAZING Boot Bag with custom logo in heavy duty black canvas fabric. The design is not quite there yet, and as this is my first big project in my designing career, I want to make it PERFECT!

So I've asked the manufacturer to remove one pocket on the side of the bag, so you know exactly where your iPhone is, double stitch around the pocket to make it look like your back pocket, and put a visible seam on top of the bag. Any other feedback? I'd love to know your opinion!

Until next time,

CC xo

PA TIps

This week I'm working on my website again. But it's not so much about fashion design as it is about my other great love - ORGANISATION! Yes, I am still working as a PA in a law firm during the day, and am quietly designing my range at night and on the weekend, hence "PA by day, Fashionista by Night". 

So I've now added my top PA Tips to my site - follow the checklist and become an APA, a.ka "Amazing Personal Assistant."

I've also added Tips to Improving YOU for all those non-PA fans from removing clutter to dressing for your body type. Lot's more to come!

Have you entered my Facebook comp?

Until next time,

CC xo

Clint & Dancesport

Remember Clint? I mentioned him a few weeks ago - he is the new tailor that my godmother Toni-Maree hired for her business, elaundry. Well, you should see what he's been up to! 

elaundry is sponsoring one of their girls, Lauren, in the regional Dancesport titles at the Greek Club in Southbank. For those who don't know dancesport, might I direct you to Dancing With the Stars! Dancesport is all things ballroom - and the costumes to match are TO DIE FOR!

Clint has designed and created a totally amazing gown for Lauren with feathers, crystals and every embellishment under the sun. She is going to look spectacular on the day. 

Seeing what Clint can do has given me faith that he should be the one to design my range. I'm still thinking about what I should design, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve!

Until next time,

CC xo

Enter my Facebook Comp!

My screen printed shirts and bags have arrived and I'm in love! The chandelier design is so classic. To celebrate, I'm launching a competition on my Facebook page and giving away two shoe bags, a t-shirt, an Ireney.T feather cuff and a couple of cute "Fashionista" badges I had made.

To enter, see my Facebook page!

Until next time,

CC xo

An AMAZING Local Designer Find!

Now that my range is coming together slowly, bit by bit, I've started working on the shopping component of my website where you will be able to shop my Camelia Carlton range. I've also had my radar out the latest few days for fabulous local designer accessories to stock on my site under 'Fabulous Finds'.

The feather cuff above is by Ireney.T - a super fashion college graduate from Brisbane. I'm all about supporting up and coming designers, because I am one myself! If you know any one who would be interested in being stocked on my website, please get in touch!

Until next time,
CC xo

Boot Bag Sample!

So my first Boot Bag sample arrived a few days ago! Excuse the grainy pictures, I just had to share it with you! The first sample is just of the shape of the bag with the design elements attached, like the inner pockets and sturdy handles. So don't worry, I won't be selling an ugly, white canvas bag like this one! The bag has been sent back now with the alterations we want and the next sample will have my logo and the white fabric.

Until next time,
CC xo

Designing Fever

So I attended the Shopaholics Day Out at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Thursday - what an amazing time it was! I'm truly a fashion girl at heart. It featured the best of Brisbane boutiques selling their fabulous wares from jewellery to clothes and shoes, and it made me so excited about my fabulous range that is well underway! I never thought this would actually happen to me! My boot bag is at the manufacturer having a sample made, and my t-shirts and shoe bags are being screenprinted as we speak!

In other news, Toni-Maree has hired an award-winning tailor to work at elaundry. He can create patterns and design made-to-measure garments and is willing to help me out! It's like I have a guardian angel or something - everything is falling into place so quickly and so easily that it must be fate.

Until next time,

CC xo

SCREENPRINTING!

Toni-Maree and I have been having lot's of meetings lately about my Boot Bag - we've nutted out the final design, fabrication and fine tuned a few design hiccups. The next step is to have a sample made! I have so much to be thankful for - without Toni-Maree this dream of mine would never have become a reality.

With the Boot Bag well and truly on it's way, our conversations have recently turned to other fashion design opportunities. I have only ever wanted to design items that there is a true need for - like my fab tote bag. So I thought, what about gorgeous screen printed t-shirts? Toni-Maree and I got creative on Photoshop for a day, and this is what we came up with...

These are the two designs that I feel really represent ME as a person. My love of animals (especially birds!), my appreciation for my job, and my adoration of New York City.

We've decided to have the two designs above screenprinted, as well as my chandelier design in different sizes on white t-shirts. I found an amazing company called Aftermath Screenprinting & Clothing Co on an online fashion discussion board who can do this for me. I've chosen white ibiza t-shirts - they're high fashion slim fit tee's with a rounded neck and super soft fabric - love them!

As well as the t-shirts, I'm screenprinting shoe bags (because who can live without these?!) and maybe even towels or tea towels.


Until next time,
CC xo

The Camelia Carlton Logo is HERE!

I've also got big news about my Boot Bag - I've consulted Toni-Maree and she knows the people who can make my bag a reality! I am BEYOND excited!

Since everything is moving so quickly now, my thoughts turned again to my logo. I needed something that screams Camelia Carlton, something glam, stylish and a little bit quirky. I've been on the hunt for a few days now, and think I've FINALLY mastered the Camelia Carlton logo! I decided to go with the camelia flower dotting the "i" in my name, so needed a silhouette - a tree, an animal, nothing seemed to fit. Then it struck me - the chandelier. It's classic, timeless and oh so me.

Until next time,

CC xo

Solving My Handbag Dilemma

As a PA I can't begin to tell you the amount of STUFF that piles up on my desk (and under it), in the boot of my car and all over my living room at home. From Mr. X's dry cleaning and paperwork to my own text books and gym gear, it's a mission and a half trying to lug it all around in my high heels. My calves are killing me!

I'm feeling very inspired lately (after creating my own logo), and since I'm on the ETERNAL hunt for the perfect handbag, I thought to myself, why not design one yourself? 

I put pen to paper and this is what I came up with...

It's a larger-than-life tote bag in heavy duty, durable and washable black fabric. I think every one should own a black bag to cart around all their stuff - it won't stain! Anyway, the bag will have sturdy, short handles for easy lifting, an iPhone and magazine pocket for convenience, key toggles and much more. I've tentatively named it the Camelia Carlton 'Boot Bag', and it will of course feature my fab logo on the side.

I'm not sure where to go from here, so I'm going to ask my godmother Toni-Maree who is in the laundry and fabric industry about her contacts.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, this could be the start of something HUGE!

Until next time,

CC xo

Creating My Logo

I found this picture in my web-browsing travels the other day, and OMG I love the colour! It inspired me to think about my own personal mantra in life, and that in turn encouraged me to get a bit creative with my own 'personal logo'. As you know, my name is Camelia, which is also a beautiful flower!

I went with a more 'hot' pink because that's my favourite. Then my thoughts turned to fonts. I need something a bit fancy-schmancy, a little bit 'posh' if you like. This is the font that spoke to me...

I'm still playing around with the design of it all. I could take the giant Camelia flower and write my name underneath in Scriptina font, or I could dot the i in my name with the flower. Decisions, decisions...

Until next time,

CC xo

An Update from Last Week

OFFICAL UPDATE FOR CONVERTING YOUR DOWDY BOSS INTO A FASHION ICON!

If your following me on twitter you'd be well aware that over the past week I've been "discretely" (read: not-so-discretely) passing on ideas and suggestions to my boss, Mr. X.

Mr. X (my lab rat) is responding very well to the "boss improvement" treatment. The positive signs that assure me that he is doing well are as follows:

• His shirt & tie combo's are less mismatched and more Ralph Lauren quirky
• He knows that shops like Marc by Marc Jacobs exist, and sell nice suits. As opposed to Target..
• Has given his PA (ME!) an honourable mention for the discouragement of black suit pants and brown shoes
• And is it just me or does he look more confident? Maybe I need to clean my eye glasses.. Wait I don't wear eye glasses?!

Until next time,
CC xo

Converting Dowdy Men into FASHION ICONS

MR.X NOW:

MR.X WHEN I'M DONE WITH HIM:

 
Fashionably speaking, this post is dedicated to internal office improvements.

To be exact, this post is dedicated to my fellow receptionists, secretaries, PA's and anyone who works in close contact with their boss.

Read on if you want to score serious brownie points in guiding your boss in the style department. My inspiration for this blog came from my role of shadowing my boss (let's call him Mr. X) all day, every day. And everywhere I look, I see dowdy men in equally dowdy suits. Consider this a FASHION EMERGENCY!

I must admit, Mr. X does take good care of himself - owed in part to his lovely (and stylish) wife, but either way I'd like to inspire him to improve his overall business look. The first step is the establishment of a genuinely trusting relationship. This may take months to cultivate. But believe me, the end result is worth it.

Secondly, drop subtle hints re: style. Comment on a client's tailored suit jacket, forward menswear sales to his email inbox, pass by the shops on the way to a client lunch.

But also consider the thought that he might be shy of asking for style advice, and would rather find it himself. Direct him to the Art of Manliness - a style website with loads of information regarding fashion, money & career, health & sports, and the cultivation of other manly skills.

The Art of Manliness recently featured '15 Great iPhone Apps for Men', covering everything from tying a half-windsor knot to an SAS survival guide. I recommend 'borrowing' his iphone and downloading these apps immediately.

This week, I'm going to put this guide into practise and report back on how Mr. X responds.

Until next time,
CC xo

My Fashionable Office Picks

As a personal assistant, I'm usually trapped behind my desk for hours at a time. And since I'm in the office 5 days a week (sometimes 6), I want my workspace to be bright, fun and comfortable.

Other PA's and receptionists, I know you feel my pain!

I also know that most offices don't allow you creative reign over your personal work space, so here are my top picks for fashionable office accessories that are discreet enough to pass under the nose of management, but fun and funky enough to make work just that little bit easier!

• Purchase a fashionable wall or desk clock. It could be digital or analogue, red or black, you name it. Not only is a wall clock essential to organising schedules, it's imperative you know when your next break is coming up!
• Invest in bright coloured document holders, staplers, pens and other stationery items - Officeworks, Kikki-K, Smiggle or David Jones are great places to start
• Hang a white magnetic board with Command hooks above your desk and decorate with funky magnets, personal pictures, timetables and more. The white of the board will blend in with the wall, and the command hooks ensures no marking on the walls (and ease of removal if a manager catches you out!)

Stay tuned for more hints for the workplace very soon!

Until next time,

CC xo

An Interesting Experience

Yesterday I had an interesting experience that I thought I should share. 

Seated at my desk strategically placed outside Mr. X's office, a client appears with a request to see The Boss. He's staring, and not in the "Pleased to meet you, I need some help" way, but in the "I am imagining you naked" way. I fumble around, trying to look elsewhere as he steps forward to my desk.

"Hi, I have an appointment with Mr. X…"

"No problem, please take a seat and he will be with you shortly."

The man doesn't move.

"Busy day?"

I try to hold back rolling my eyes, I'm too busy for idle chit chat.

"Very busy"

That's right, I think to myself, keep it short and sweet.

"Mmm.. Perhaps a nice lunch will take your mind off things? Care to join me?"

I'm shocked. What to do? What to say? I have a boyfriend at home but risk offending said client and ruining Mr. X's professional relationship with him. I wish I could crawl into a hole.

In the end I look him in the eye and politely decline, citing other plans. Luckily for me, he takes it no further and happily resumes contact with The Boss. Today is not the day for clingers. 

*Phew*, I sigh.

Has anyone else been put in a position like this?

The Man-Style Girl

This totally goes against my femininity, but I'm oddly attracted to the notion of man-style dressing. Maybe I'm spending too much time in a male-dominated office.

But if you see me out on the weekend I'll be decked out in black, silver sequins and pletty of GLITZ & GLAMOUR ('Cause that's what I'm about!)

Until next time,
CC xo

The Obligatory "First Post"

Welcome to my blog! My name is Camelia Carlton. I'm a 20-something Personal Assistant working in an upmarket law firm in Brisbane, Australia. That's me, above, if you're wondering. I'm a bit apprehensive about showing my face on the net so had a friend draw up a cartoon of me - he's seriously talented! Love that he threw in the Chanel handbag.

Anyway, I love my job. I'm an incredibly organised person who thrives by organising the lives of others. So I couldn't really imagine myself in any other role..

Another great love of mine is fashion. I've always been fascinated by the world of clothing and accessory design, but never had the opportunity to pursue my dream. It remains in the back of my mind everyday though.. Who knows what will happen in the next 5 years?!

I can't wait to take you on my journey of work and play! Follow my blog and adventures through Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time,
CC xo