From Sketch to Shoe to Rejection

This shoe is one of my favorites and it's not being made. It happens way more often than I'd like unfortunately.

We rely on stores like Nordstrom and Macy's because without big orders, shoes just don't get made. That means that shoes that don't "fit in" at Nordstrom or Macy's don't usually get bought by their buyers.

Well apparently this shoe didn't fit what they think their customer would like. It's the nerdy shoe with a great personality that nobody picks to be on their team in P.E. cause she's not the cheerleader shoe. Don't worry nerdy shoe, the cheerleader shoe will peak early in life and get pregnant her first year of junior college.

Ummm. Ya.

It starts with an idea-

I saw this vintage lucite heel (that is not my wrinkly thumb) and thought it was so pretty and could be very Betsey.

Then, there was this Charlotte Olympia shoe that was such an amazing shape...

Based on these two things, plus the other ideas I had for a group of vintage inspired shoes, I drew a sketch...

I thickened the heel shape and changed the platform a bit. I added a sweet little bow as a maryjane strap.

Then after a trip to China and a few prototypes, the real deal was finished!

Pretty awesome! :)

Unfortunately... we won't see it in stores. They didn't think you'd like it/buy it. Maybe they're right but I wish they would have tried.

What I Wore...

Off to the mall to make a second check on my HL shoes at Macy's. They look much better now that there are more styles. Thank god.

I stopped by the Louboutin boutique to say hi to my favorite people. I swear, I have so much fun every time I go in there. 

I look so dorky and awkward. haha.

Can you believe these are comfortable. They are, I swear.

Someday I'll buy a better camera. Any suggestions?

(top- Forever21, jeans- William Rast, shoes- YSL)

Macy's... You Made Me Sad.

So I have to tell you, when 2 of my girlfriends separately sent me texts with pictures of my Harajuku Lovers shoes at Macy's, I was super excited. It was the moment I've been waiting for- my shoes in a department store for the first time! I was ecstatic! 

So I threw on one of my favorite pairs of HL shoes (above) and headed to the mall with my sister Katie. I was seriously on a high. I know it sounds silly, but come on. I mean, I was about to see the fruit of my labor in all its retail glory. 

I imagined a shiny bright table filled with my shoes with a glowing spotlight on them and girls gathered all around the table fighting over the last pair!

Well, what was actually there almost made me cry.

Katie and I walked all around the store looking for the table with my shoes on it, my smile fading with each passed table. I found a sales person and she said "Someone will be with you in a minute, sorry, I've been here since 6am."

...Ummmm, really?

Next sales person:

me-"Hi! Do you guys carry Harajuku Lovers footwear?"

her- "Uh, I'm sorry?"

me- "Hara-JUKU Lovers?"

her- "Hmmm. No? Oh! wait wait! I know what you mean- they're junior's shoes. Over there." (points and walks away)

Reeeeally??

Next:

me- "Hey. Where's your Harajuku Lovers shoes? Do you have any?"

him-(with bad teeth and an ill-fitting suit) "Uh. No, we don't have.... oh wait- um, I think I've seen those. Ya, they're over there. Just one style though." (points.)

me-"Well, are you getting any more in?"

him-"Uh, no, I don't think so. We've never really carried them before."

You guys I was literally clenching my fists and gritting my teeth here.

me- "Oh, really?"

Then this fabulous gay man peeks his head out from the back.

fabgay- "Did you say Harajuku Lovers? Ya, were getting like 7 more styles in, I was just looking at our on order and they're really cute! Oh- I love your shoes!"

(aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! light beaming down on him from heaven) 

me- "Awesome! Thank you!"

You guys, seriously. I wanted to punch someone. Then I went over to look at my shoes and they were on a table squished in with a bunch of M.I.A shoes (yuck) and there was no sign or anything. It's so frustrating because this is a launch collection and they shouldn't have put just ONE effing style on the table. They should have waited and had a full table of all the styles. URGHHH!!!

On a brighter note, that was only South Coast, and I head that they are already selling well at other stores. I wanna go check out the Fashion Island store too. Maybe it'll be better there? Hmmm. 

Well, I cheered myself up with a new pair of shoes. 

...but more on that tomorrow ;) hehe.

One more thing- Nordstrom isn't carrying my line until next season because apparently they had a really bad time with the sneakers cause they didn't sell well. OBVIOUSLY not my fault cause I don't do sneakers. Well, if any of you have some free time I'd LOVE it if you'd help me rub it in their faces. Click on this link and select a store near you and just call, ask for Brass Plum shoes and say something like, "Hi, do you guys carry Harajuku Lovers shoes? (NOT the sneakers, the heels, sandals, etc.)" 

You could also say something like, "Do you have the Harajuku Lovers sandals that were in Teen Vogue?"

Hehee!! Thanks guys! I truly love you.

xoxo