(UPDATE - SOLD)  So continues the saga of the multigenerational belts. Here is a sneak peek of how the next belt sits on the hips, although I am going to dig in there and add a bit more detail (it's already had around 8 hours of hand sewing- just a baby compared to most of the belts we're putting out. It's got a hip-revealing side area, with two off-center points that will come down one leg. From these points drapes a super shiny piece of silver/black, floaty fabric with PERFECT drape. Loads of glittering sequin trim and hand sewn shinies (with more to come), as well. (It will go up in The Gypsy Kiss' shop for $220, unless I decide to add something super expensive to the design. If you want to reserve it, my email is raven@thegypsykiss.com - it can be reserved for at least half down, nonrefundable.) 

So the funny thing is that as a designer, I have hundreds of dollars of  materials in my inventory - trim, vintage laces, vintage appliques, kuchi, beads of iridescent or bone or brass persuasion, flowers, and more... and with Mom working like one of Santa's elves, I'm nearly out. Yes, folks. My coffers are almost empty. She literally leaves my house with shopping bags full of lace and trim. Her tiny 5 foot body slowly trudges out to the car, her head bowed in the deep thoughts that only artists have, oblivious to anything else but driving home and getting her hands on a sewing needle. I always underestimate her. I figure she'll come back with the nice, simple design we'd decided on before she left. She comes back with that mofo COVERED in glitz and sequins and venitian glass fringe - sometimes more than one kind, and layered. It makes me laugh every time. Genius.

Skirt by the illustrious Dusty Paik.
 
 

I've been through a lot, like you, I'll bet - and I've learned that you have to set your imagination free. Allow yourself to pretend, to let parts of yourself shine in the light, and remember your value not just as someone who serves the needs of your family or community, but also as someone who is amazing and juicy and crazy-fabulous all on your own. 

I want to be a catalyst, to awaken and sensitize people to the wonder that's all around them and inside of them every day.