We’ve been quiet for a while now, but Veronica and I have been largely preoccupied. She became engaged (yay!) and has been planning what’s sure to be the wedding to beat all weddings in 2010, making her own dress and most of the decorations. I made a big decision and decided to accept a full-time job (having freelanced for the past few years), at a lovely company that I have a hard time believing how much I enjoy working at. And, amongst all of this excitement, we realized that we just weren’t enjoying the process of making clothing as much as we used to. It was proving very taxing trying to produce substantial collections while holding down a full time job, not to mention market each collection to enough boutiques and afford trade shows, and having some semblance of a personal life. We are both hard workers, but we need our down time.
We have always joked to each other, “Gee, I wish we could do accessories, like our friend so-and-so, they can just do street events and tons of fun stuff, and sell at a lower price point on Etsy so it’s more accessible, without people having to worry about trying anything on.” Suddenly, we realized; why can’t we? Why couldn’t we also create accessories? Veronica then had a eureka moment and realized that she has spent many years of her life collection various vintage and antique fabrics, baubles and notions from the many antique fairs she frequents – why not incorporate those into sewn necklaces, belts, cuffs? So then it was decided, in late summer, to make the switch, and have our new collection ready in time for the holidays. We both felt giddy, it just seemed so right! It made so much sense. The pieces still have the same feminine, chic yet unique feel of our clothing. Not to mention it makes it so much easier for us to sell affordable items, which we’ve always wanted to do, directly to our consumers.
We’re pleased to announce that our debut accessories line is now available on our Etsy page, www.cocoirene.etsy.com. Veronica is having a blast creating these pieces, and I’m proud as all get out to sell them. Also, check out our new website! We love the new design, I think it really compliments our new aesthetic.
Enjoy the new collection! Hopefully the love will shine through.
p.s. Our Josephine Bib necklace was featured in this week’s Time Out Chicago! http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/shopping/80284/bib-necklaces
A huge thanks to everyone who braved the ridiculous snow storm last night and shopped at our Holiday Jubilee! We had a lot of fun and drank a lot of spiked egg nog and mulled wine – mmm. The snow was a real drag, no doubt – all of the vendors were stuck in traffic on the yet-to-be-plowed roads, but you can’t stop us broads. Even our friend Heather came out to model our Eva Dress – here she is being fabulous. Doesn’t she really make you want that dress?
