Week of Inspiration :: Day 4 :: Going the distance

I love my "job". Most often than not, it doesn't feel like work. Sure, I am exhausted all the time, and frazzled or stressed about some fast approaching deadline, but it's such a hard feeling to describe.... working for yourself. You don't have someone telling you what to do, yet you just do it because it makes you feel good. Some days I'm really tired or even sick, but I still want to work. I think I have some form of attention deficit disorder... I definitely have a bit of OCD... but I can't stand still. It drives me bonkers. I have to keep working on something!

I like photographing my pieces in natural light so it always seems like a race against the clock to have all the pieces finished so I can photograph them before the light dims too much outside. In the summer, 7pm would roll around too quickly and I'd almost curse the clock, wishing I had more time to work just so I didn't miss the sunlight. Sound a bit wacky yet? I used to be SO competitive with everything. It wasn't healthy! But even now, I like challenges. I like keeping my plate piled high with projects.

Some days, I admit, are tougher than others. Sometimes it feels like I'm spinning my wheels and not really going anywhere. Other days, I have huge personal or business-related successes and it makes all those exhausting days worth it. You know... those instances when you get off the phone or click out of an email and start jumping around and dancing with your arms in the air like no one is watching. I know everyone reading does it - don't deny it! I had one of those moments today... but I'll have to tell you more about it later! ;)

I am rambling again! So I wanted to dedicate today's post to Leanne Marshall who has inspired so many with her work ethic and otherworldly talent for designing fabulous clothes. I know Leanne was uber talented and hard working before getting on a tv show. She had such drive and such a passion for what she did that it was so great to see her get amazing exposure on Project Runway. I remember before she was totally famous, exchanging a chain of convos with her about all things business and all things that make us roll our eyes. And even though it was tough, she worked through it and is really on her way! Thank you Leanne for working so hard so the rest of us can enjoy your beautiful clothes!!

Leanne Marshall
Photo from here.

I love how Leanne sports her own creations all the time!
Photo from here.

Woohoo! :: Leanne Marshall has won!

Congrats to Leanne!!!
Matt and I were cheering for Leanne while watching the Project Runway Season 5 Finale tonight. Her collection was so gorgeous and cohesive. She used my favorite color palette - seafoam, aqua, mint! She is completely deserving! Leanne was so talented and I think won the hearts of many with her quirky and sweet personality. She really is that down to earth, which is so refreshing! Aw... now it is off to bigger and better things for her and we wish her all the best!

Here are some favorites:

I would love to be able to wear this one! It is so fluid. It actually was not going to be on the runway but was swapped last minute when there was a slight wardrobe malfunction with another design.

What dreamy colors. Just like the ocean.

I really like the perfectly fitted bodice of this piece.

Matt liked this one, especially the pants.

What a stunning wedding dress. LOVE IT!
Photo credits: Bravotv.com

Good luck Leanne!! :: Project Runway Finale tonight!

Just a reminder for all those who have been paying attention: Project Runway Finale is tonight and I know who I'm cheering for! Leanne of Leanimal of course! I've been so excited for her throughout the season. Did anyone watch last week? She made the most dreamy wedding dress ever. I couldn't stop staring at it and oogling the wavy layers. AND I loved the seafoam bridesmaid dress. Head over to the Project Runway website to view photos.

Just about now, I'm kicking myself for not getting more of her amazing pieces last winter. I have long stalked her shop and was able to get a few pieces, but now it is just about impossible. At the moment, I am in love with her Cesare vest.

Matt thought I had too many of her dresses but now he thinks that I made "wise" purchases. ;D
Here is my mini ode to Leanne and my mini Leanimal collection:

The Josefina dress. This is the cutest! Please excuse my wreck of a room. Matt and I were running out the door in this photo to catch a movie. My closet presently doubles as my shipping center. How embarrassing!

The Eva dress. I love the ruffles on this one. I'm wearing it in a few listings in my shop at the moment.

The Karine dress. I had Leanne square off the neckline on this one and just love it. It seems so romantic and girly at the same time.

Thank you so much Leanne and good luck!!!

Congrats to Leanne of Leanimal!

Hey everyone! Leanne of Leanimal is a contestant on this season's Project Runway! I cannot say I'm surprised. T'was only a matter of time before more people took notice. She is a wonderfully gifted designer in Portland, OR. I splurged on a few of her dresses earlier in the year and I just gush about them all the time. I'm excited to tune in! I generally don't watch shows on tv/cable, but how could I miss this? Yay Leanne!

Photo Credits: Bravo