Playing Dress-Up!

Making dress-up clothes for ladies big and small. That's a good way to describe my job..... I'm a dress-up clothes designer!  I really strive to help enhance your playtime experience, but this is a serious business too.  I like to think I'm in the business of costumes and dreams.

When it comes to show clothes my philosophy is It's time to play!!  I love flashy, flamboyant, and over-the-top!  Because why not?  Fashion should be fun!  If you can't dress up just for fun when you're pursuing your hobby, then when can you?  I know there are many who will disagree and think the show clothes industry has gone way too far these days.  I don't think so.

I share a love of the traditional western aesthetics of times past.  I know western wear has greatly contributed to todays' popular styles, both inside and outside the show ring.  What could be a more classic American style than a traditional cotton blouse or tailored western snap shirt paired with good old blue jeans?  I love beautifully tooled leather belts and intricately embroidered-yoke blouses.  Many of these classic western wear styles remain a popular part of mainstream fashion and our culture today.  What I think makes show clothes so much fun is the evolution of designs and styles, from way back when cowboy clothes focused on function and practical work wear to the edgy over-the-top blinged-up show clothes of today. The progression is what keeps things so exciting for me, and is a big reason I choose to make these costumes.  I know these costumes are a huge part of why we ride and show in western events.  I've always enjoyed English and hunter jumper events and showed in them myself, but the added fun of fashion is definitely the missing component.... if you ask me.

  Playing dress-up is a fun and harmless way we can express our wild side while reinventing ourselves.  Show clothes are just that, meant for SHOW!  I've noticed many trainers often favor more traditional western styles when influencing their clients' show wardrobe choices.  This is where your best judgment comes into play.  Many trainers are afraid of loud clothes taking away from the horse and rider in the pen.  Of course they have a valid point, but in my opinion a good designer should understand how to enhance your image without distracting from it.

Whether you're a wallflower just trying to blend in by wearing brown on the rail, or a show-off in fluorescents, remember it takes all kinds to keep things interesting.  Creative self-expression is a huge part of what inspires each CBH design I sketch.  Working with clients on custom orders is one the best parts of my job.  Image and confidence is key to success in every part of life.  I would encourage you to always have fun when playing dress-up!

Heather

Don't be Fooled!

Hello All,

We are working away on new CUSTOM BY HEATHER designs!  They're coming soon - so keep a lookout for them in our Boutique.  http://www.heathershotcouture.com/category/Boutique/c61  I've included some concept sketches below so you can see our original ideas in their early stages.    These sketches and pictures document our process from beginning to end.  We individually hand-make each original piece of art, that's what couture means.  We do it without computerized drawings, dye cuts, or mass-produced applique shapes used over and over again.  Our clothes are painstakingly one-of-a-kind!  No big factories and no outsourcing of customs.  We make every CBH ourselves, and yes....... we even really sew.  Call us crazy!  The creative process matters because we are artists and you can see the originality in each piece.  If you want to see just what I mean, look at our Gallery for a wide variety of our work.  http://www.heathershotcouture.com/category/Custom-By-Heather-Gallery/c59 

Unlike many of our competitors out there who claim to do one-of-a-kind show apparel, we really do.  This is a pet peeve of mine because I think it's misleading and misrepresents their product.  I may take the word "original" a little more seriously than most others, as a designer, but I have to ......... it's my job!  There are many ways to design, produce and run a successful business. This we all agree on. For me there still is only one way to define an original.  By definition ONE means only ONE. BUYERS BEWARE:  If you pay attention to other websites, or even take a closer look at many other show clothes companies' ads, then you may notice that many of their so-called one-of-a-kinds look remarkably unoriginal.   Here's a perfect example of how ONE can and is loosely used all the time in the show clothes industry.

"Beautiful ONE-of-a-kind black, gold and red Pleasure Jacket in a women's size 4."  Sounds great right?  Well, ONE meaning in that size.  "We have another in a size 0, a 2, and oh wait.......also in a 6 and an 8.  Just one in each size, or just one in the black, gold, and red combination.  We also have it...... or can make it for you in black gold and pink if you are looking for something more youthful." This is not what I consider a ONE-of-a-kind jacket at all! You be the judge........It's your hard-earned dollar.  You should know what you're buying and what you're not!!  Don't be fooled by misleading advertising and loosely used terms that make claims they define by their own definition.  Just a little advice to smart shoppers, ask questions about so-called originals.  Be specific, find out if it's avabile in other colors, sizes, or if it will be re-made to your size............because if so, the chances are you won't be the only one wearing it!  I have been told many times by clients that they had ordered a custom, a one-of-a-kind outfit and then got to the World or Congress show to find out someone else was wearing the same thing!!!!  Even worse, in their same class!!!!  What a nightmare!

I  hope I'm not coming off as a snob but rather a truth teller.  I must also say there are many other very talented designers and businesses doing beautiful work out there who are very reputable, along with many who are not.  Customs or one-of-a-kinds do always cost more, as they should. The hefty pricetag ensures that the time spent creating your look is yours only and won't be seen elsewhere.  As a designer, I understand a custom look is not in everyone's budget, but I do think you should know just what you are buying, no matter the price.  If you are in the market or shopping around you will see what I mean.

For now we have some stunning ALWAYS one-of-a-kinds for sale in our Boutique that are sure to get the attention you want.  We know there are many last-minute ladies out there preparing to head out for some of the summer seasons' biggest and best shows, with AQYHA and the Reichert Celebration as well as the many Regional Experiences coming up soon.  If you are planning for falls' fabulous championship shows then I hope you make the choice to invest in a custom while there's still time.  If you're worried about meeting an unexpected twin at the show, then consider a Custom by Heather from our Boutique or having something specially designed just for you.  More good news:  we now offer lay-away and in these rough economic times, as always,  we're happy to work with our clients' budgets.

Good Luck, Happy Shopping and Happy Showing!
Heather

Star Search!

Hi Gals,
The search has begun and the pictures are rolling in! Yea!  If you've been reading our monthly Newsletter then you know.......... we want your help modeling your favorite Hot Couture looks.  To subscribe to our Newsletter click on the link.

If you're ready to show off, send us your best or favorite show picture and we will share it with the world!  You will be in our Gallery, on our Blog, and could even be featured in our EQUINE CHRONICLE ad!

Many of you may remember a brightly colored outfit designed with a fun Peace, Love and Rock 'n Roll theme from  last winter's posts.  Back then I included some pictures of this whimsical project. Ta Da!  Now I've got a follow-up photo. A BIG Thank You to Hannah Taylor of Hot Springs, Arkansas and her family for sending in this adorable picture of Hannah and "Kramer," just back from their first-ever Appaloosa Youth World Championship Show.  We are so happy to hear you had a great time and looked beautiful competing at the BIG TIME show! Congratulations!

A BIG GIANT CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!  is in order for the new Appaloosa Youth World's 10 & Under Horsemanship Champion, Julia Aaron.  As you can see she is beaming in this great picture just after taking home the trophy.  She followed it up with the Showmanship Championship the next day, wearing her Custom by Heather showmanship outfit.  WOW!  Pretty impressive!  What giant achievements for such a little Lady!  Watch for her Showmanship Championship picture in our future EQUINE CHRONICLE ad.

Congratulations to all our clients on all your victories, big and small.  Thank you for choosing to Ride in an Original!  Keep the pictures coming  - we love sharing your accomplishments!

Sincerely,
Heather

Camera Shy!

This week's been about getting organized, finishing up old projects..........or should I say not so fun stuff we've been putting off.  Topping the list: alterations, book work, web work, and the dreaded TAXES! :(  One of our least favorite parts about being a small business owner is getting down to the real business part.  The designing, creating and working with our clients is the best part!  The books and numbers, although important, is not so fun, but catching up on all the neglected stack of papers does feel good.

I hope all of you have signed up for our newsletter.  It's a monthly email that usually features our most recent Equine Chronicle ad and special offers.  This last ad really turned out cute!  Many of you Paint and Pinto ladies may have recognized the familiar face in our ad.  We had beautiful Teddi-Lynne Solberg model for the ad.  She is an APHA youth all-around competitor and has been a great client of ours.  Teddi made the perfect model because she loves the camera and the camera loves her too!  I wish I could say the same!  Which brings me to my next least-favorite thing... getting my picture taken!  I REALLY HATE IT and it runs in the family because my Mom does too!

Many people have been asking me "why my face isn't on our website or our blog?"  Well the truth is I hate getting my picture taken.  I'd much rather be behind the camera lens.   Besides the fact that I hate the camera I've been procrastinating about hunting for a good picture to share with you.  I really love the images our graphic designer created of us.  Check out the Who's Heather page of our website and also the home page art work, which was custom made just for us.  I really love these images.  They are super cute illustrated characters Cathy designed of us.  Our talented designer Cathy worked closely with us using photos of each of us as well as descriptions of our favorite outfits.   The boots my character is wearing are really mine and paired with my favorite pair of skinny jeans.  My illustrated image is a pretty good likeness to me but....due to popular demand I will add a picture as well.  I understand the mystery of wanting to see the face that goes with the name or personality.  If you've been reading my blog then you have seen me a few times, usually being active and enjoying the outdoors when I'm not working.  I'd much rather show off our designs and clients' pics than show the world another pic of me having a bad hair day!  Oh well! I guess it's no secret anymore my curly hair has a mind of it's own!  Thanks for your curiosity and patience in advance.  I PROMISE a picture is coming soon - it may just take some professional help.  I think we need the talent of a photographer to get it right and show us off in our best light.

Until then here's a few recent pictures of me enjoying the California sun during my time off.  My favorite is me attempting to shuck my first oyster.  They not only fulfill my cravings for salt, but are great for silky locks because they are full of vitamins and minerals!  Healthy and delicious!  Maybe... better hair days are to come! LOL!   Next week I will show you some exciting new designs we're working on for the Custom By Heather Boutique.  They should be finished right in time for the late summer shows, Fall Classic and APHA and AQHA Amateur World Shows.

Thanks for reading,

Heather

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the Show!

Wow! 

Well, I know it's been a while since my last post.  Sorry I've been a little lax in posting lately, we've really been working our fingers to the bone!  Literally! (There isn't a garment that makes it out of here without a little blood and sweat going into it! ) Yikes!  We've been stitching and stoning non-stop getting Pinto World orders finished.  Somehow it always works out, even when it feels like the work never ends and there's not enough hours in the day.   I'm sure most of you can relate to being busy beyond belief, juggling jobs with family obligations, a household, and trying to squeeze in time for riding and showing.

For the weeks I've missed writing it was because....... something had to give, and as always, my NUMBER ONE PRIORITY had to be on the clothes, getting everything shipped in time for all our clients' shows.  I'm glad to say once again we did it!  As we always do, on time and beautifully.  So it's time to celebrate, right?  Or maybe just sleep in and relax.......too tired to party.  We enjoyed a large Mexican feast (one of our favorites!), a perfect blended Margarita complete with tropical umbrella and a few days off to recuperate.  A much-needed minivacation from all things work related except watching the live broadcast online of Pinto World from the comfort of my couch.  I have to say I'm very impressed and proud of so many of our clients out there in Oklahoma representing California and kicking butt! Go girls!  I hope you are soaking up every minute of your victories.  As for me, a little time in the sun by the pool, a little time in the garden and fetch with my dog at the beach are a few things we've been enjoying away from work.  For the first time in a long time I actually enjoyed dusting, vacuuming, and even doing laundry!  Wow!  I guess life as usual is pretty good after two solid months of SWEAT SHOP MANIA!  I've never been the type to enjoy catching dust bunnies and cleaning lint traps, but I guess I'm finally thankful to have time for chores and much needed balance back in my life.

Now that my permanently caffeinated state has worn off I want show off what we've been slaving away on!  Each of these new projects were headed to the World shows so hopefully they are being worn and adored as I write this from my recovery spot here at the desk!  For more new looks at world class Custom By Heather Show Clothes check out the Custom by Heather Gallerysection of the site.  Here's the link - http://www.heathershotcouture.com/category/Custom-By-Heather-Gallery/c59 


Thanks Ladies,
Heather

Whats Hot!

It seems there hasn't been a dull moment this month with so many fun shows sneaking up on us!  I'm sure many of you are looking forward to putting all your practice and training to good use out in the ring at the upcoming shows.  Springtime in northern California sure hasn't felt like springtime at all this year, with so many cool and cloudy days full of showers, but it makes for perfect sewing conditions!  It's harder to be cooped-up inside when the sun is shining outside.  Our saying around here is that "May is the new January."  As a team we've been keeping right on track for our much anticpated June deadlines for our Pinto World Show clothes ordered.

I must say this years' bunch of clothes have been a ton of fun for me as a designer because I've been given so much creative freedom with many of these designs.  I feel very lucky to be trusted by such a great group of clients who are adventurous and brave enough to let me do my thing!  Personally, I love surprises.....and I guess many of you do too!  I know my own personal show style would be considered by some to be over-the-top.  My own wild tastes aren't shared by everyone...that's just what makes the world go around.  So I tend to kept my crazier ideas on reserve for those daring gals who like to be trendsetters.  I often find just getting to know my clients and paying attention to their personality gives me enough insight to understand how to design something they will love.  We hope you'll all be pleased with your new looks!

I think there are two types of clients: the first are those who just want to "leave the designing to the designer" and the second are those who have a very specific idea of what they want to wear and how they want to be seen.  These clients just need a little help executing their vision.  I can honestly say I enjoy both types of clients.  Each pose a new set of challenges for me.  If I had to classify myself, I would be in the second group because I know what I like and what I want almost all the time!

Throughout the process we are always learning and listening to our clients.  Sometimes it's easier to find out what they dislike if they're not really sure about their own style.  As an artist I love the creative collaboration challenges that custom clients' orders sometimes pose.  Right now we're immersed in youth designs for the 14-18 group.  These young ladies are an adventurous bunch!  Working on their show clothes is making every day a lot of fun.  We are doing a lot of collaging of materials for a very 3-D effect.  Experimenting with multiple fabrics, laces, sequins and solids in combination with prints, leather, suede, and crystals is becoming a fun and exciting new trend.  I really like the intricate details created by layering, when using mulitiple materials together.  It is a great way to get more bling for your buck.  Sequins, beaded fabrics and fancy trims are definitely going to be a hot trend this year at all of the world level shows for youth and amateur riders.  That's my prediction on whats hot!

This is a picture we just received of Julia Aaron wearing a Custom By Heather Showmanship suit. She's looking as cute as can be and was the high-point walk trotter at the big Appy show in Findlay, Ohio. Congratulations Julia & thanks for the great picture!

Heather

First Fit Right!

I'm happy to report things are as busy as ever.  We need to invest in cloning ourselves because sometimes four hands and two brains just aren't enough!  So we recruited some much needed help!  Thanks to our lovely friend and talented seamstress, Janice, we can finally start sleeping at night.  She may be regretting her decision to jump in and join our sweatshop team any day now........especially if we keep her doing plenty of hand work and wearing thimbles!

Most recently while conducting a fitting it came to our attention many people are unfamiliar with the tried-and-true process of muslins, AKA mock-ups, and fittings. Measure twice and cut once is usually the best practice anywhere it applies.  Building a garment is a little like building a house, it requires plans and engineering to get the job done right.  The importance of a fitting should not be overlooked, even if it is a bit of an inconvenience.  A professional fitting is always the best way to prevent fitting problems, but if you can't get to a professional seamstress, help from a friend will do.

When you order a Custom or Couture garment, whether a wedding dress, ball gown or a pleasure jacket, measurements are the first step.  After measurements are charted, photos, videos and notes can also be helpful.  A pattern is then developed from plotting your measurements and following many steps to achieve a custom pattern meant just for you.  Style of garment and body type are the two major factors that determine how hard or easy making your pattern will be.  Pattern drafting is the most dry and extremely technical part of our job, and like most other things, practice makes perfect!  Next a muslin or "mock-up" garment is sewn from your pattern and finally it's FITTING TIME!

The purpose of the fitting is to prevent alterations and ill-fitting clothes.  There's nothing worse than tearing up a finished jacket, heavily embellished with leather and crystals!  In my opinion it's just as costly as taking the time to get it right the first time around. This is our chance to tweak your pattern after seeing what the muslin fit is like.  Minor adjustments are to be expected and usually require only small changes to your pattern before we're ready to go to final fabric or leather. This is also the perfect opportunity for the client to comminuate about their preferences (tighter pants, shorter hem line etc.)  Think of Project Runway or Say Yes to The Dress!

The chance to check our work and fix any potential fit problems is always the best way for a designer and client to know there won't be any surprises.   We find that unless you are "Barbie" and have a perfectly proportioned body, a fitting is like insurance, which is a good thing.  I know nobody wants to be the one standing out in her class for all the wrong reasons, so although this may sound like a strange and a bit of a painstaking process, we think it's worth it!

A custom made garment is an investment, and after your first pattern is developed you may be able to avoid more fittings when you're ready for a new look. Oftentimes entire wardrobes can be drafted once your initial patterns are created, unless of course you change sizes by dropping and gaining weight or are a young growing girl. When you think of all the money you're spending, measuring right and mocking-up first just makes common sense!  Then the real fun begins with the glitter and glitz!

Heather