We started off the road trip by taking a day off. It was met with open arms, family hugs, a stormy walk, sunny southern Savannah, new design ogling, a homemade meal, and a couple martinis.

It was just right.

Love~ betsy

***Song of the moment: Sunlight, by tune-yards***

We started off this trip sort of like how we’ve started off any big thing we’ve done in this business: by pulling all nighters and drinking a ton of coffee (and maybe a little beer here and there). I keep thinking one day we’ll grow out of the cramming-for-a-major-school-presentation mentality. But then I realize it’s not arbitrary, not a project by project sort of thing; it’s what we do when we want something to be the very best it could possibly be. It’s our hands and it’s our hearts.

I also thought there was no way we could possibly get through everything we needed to get through. It was around 5:30 in the morning, the night before we flew out, when I realized we were going to make it.

I could not believe it. I was about to hop on a plane for another one of my favorite things (re: epic road trip) and there was an actual real chance that everything was going to be completed.

New designs. New processes. New machines. New everything. It was all feeling a bit overwhelming. Then I made this:

And this:

The cuffs and the rings and designs I have been dreaming about and drawing and touching for AGES …designs that I feel more connected to than anything I’ve ever created before—these things were actually materializing before my very eyes.

After months and months of hard work, we finished at 12:30pm on Sunday, minutes before we had to rush off and catch our flight.

We made it. We’re in Georgia. We’re happy. We’ve got stories for you.

…and we’re sooooooo not done.

Love to all~ bets

***Song of the Moment: Clean Slate, by M. Ward***

Remember yesterday’s post?  Well, everything I’m wearing today is so old that it’s almost not worth mentioning, but the coolest thing is I’ve never ever paired these pieces in this way—and I LOVE the way it so oddly came together.

Top: basic from Nordstrom.

Skirt: Grandma’s. (Literally, this came from my Grandmother’s basement.)

Tights: I’m not sure, so I’m just going to give you a link to my favorite local leg-accessory place: Sock Dreams.

Belt: Gift from my Mama. (actually, I complimented her and the next thing I know, the belt is in my hands…her generosity can’t be STOPPED!)

Shoes: Biviel.

Ring: NEW simple statement rings from betsy & iya. Expect it on the site in just a few days!

Earrings: Modern chevron dangle earrings from yours truly.

I am a super dork today, and I love it.

I hope you all have GLORIOUS weekends!  It’s supposed to be super sunny + hot in Portland all weekend and intend to soak it the heck UP!

xo~betsy

***Song of the Moment: This Tornado Loves You, by Neko Case***

When I first started betsy & iya, I met an awesome friend who is the absolute queen of purging (the good kind).  She taught me that it’s okay to let go. And when one begins the process of letting go, it cracks open this new world of breath and space.  It becomes addictive and invigorating.

I used to think I wanted a huge closet to store all of the massive amounts of clothing I would obtain through the years.

Several years ago, when W and I realized we would be living in our tiny condo for a lot longer than we’d hoped (indefinitely), I had to accept that our bedroom wasn’t getting any bigger; in fact, it was getting way smaller—swelling up fast, like a kid with a bee-sting and a bad allergy (don’t worry, he survives it).  I had to let go of some of the mass that  I’d carried with me for…years.

Like this one.

With Susan’s recommendation, I decided I had to enlist help…I could NOT do this on my own.  I invited a good friend over, sat her down on the couch, pulled out the wine, and explained to her what she had to do—stay open, focused, decisive and trust her gut.  When the whole process was over, I felt like a new WOMAN!  We both had such a good time and she wanted me to come over to her house next.

When I was faced with a small closet for an indefinite period of time, I realized that I wasn't actually craving a huge closet. I was craving an INTENTIONAL closet--one where everything has its place and is organized appropriately.

Here’s how it works:

• 1. Prior to friend arriving, go through all corners of the house that contain your clothing.
  2. Collect into a Goodwill box, any clothing that you would rather not expose yourself to any more.
  3. Create a—-do-I-look-like-a-@#$%-in-this, do-I-really-like-this-thing-I-bought-10-years-ago, is-this-just-something-I’m-confusing-with-a-special-memory, have-I-completely-lost-perspective-on-style —-pile of clothing.
  4. Organize back into your closet and dresser any clothing that you’re absolutely sure you feel like a beauty queen rockstar in.
  5. Good friend arrives and you prep her with a fun drink, a comfortable seat, relaxing lighting, and all the instructions she needs to make the right decisions.
  6. Walk out of your bedroom wearing one piece of clothing from the pile.
  7. Good friend takes a quick look at what she sees.
  8. Good friend makes a decision within 10 seconds.
  9. Good friends says out loud ONLY ONE of 3 things: yes, no, or maybe.
  10. Throw items in their designated yes, no, or maybe piles.
  11. Giggle a lot (especially at certain pieces of clothing like the crop shirt you bought back in high school that could still be cute if the bottom of your boobs weren’t hanging out of it).
  12. Cry a little?
  13. Finish and go back to the maybe pile.
  14. Good friend has another 10 seconds to make her specific maybe case (e.g. well, I like that shirt because the color is so good on you. I’m uncertain because it doesn’t really seem like your style any more?).
  15. Then you have another 10 seconds to make the final yes or no decision on the maybe pile.
  16. Discuss with Good Friend new ways to wear the old stuff.
  17. Be creative and ridiculous! Have fun!
  18. In another 6 months, REPEAT!

A closet where I want to wear everything I see and I don't feel overwhelmed by choices---now, that's my kind of closet.

Will and I are ready to take on this project again.  We’ve waited too long and both of our never-wear clothing collections have gotten way out of hand.  We might invite friends over OR just be the other’s Good Friend.  It should be a blast.  We plan on posting pictures of the oh-so-fun process!

This is a quick and fun way to deal with something that can sometimes feel overwhelming, unreachable, or even sad.  In the end, you have a new closet and a new wardrobe.  I can’t wait!

Let me know if you take this on!  Or do you have any advice on how to deal with this kind of thing?  I loooove looking at old things in new ways.

HAPPY Thursday to all!

so much love~betsy

***Song of the Moment: Cracks, by Freestylers + Belle Humble***

Oh, what’s that?  You can’t smell it through the computer?  NBD.  We have just the fix.  Allow us to show you what it smells like.  That’s right, folks: you are reading the world’s first ever see-n-sniff blog entry.  Behold.

It's crisp, refreshing...

...relaxing, soothing...

...surprising...

...and so, so smooth.

See!  You smell it now, yes?  Yes?  Yes!

From all of us here at betsy & iya: You’re welcome.  OH!  And if you’re not doing anything tonight, come see us at the New Vintage Pop Up Shop (click for details!).  Happy weekend!!!

***Song of the Moment, All My Friends, by LCD Soundsystem*** (BLASTING it at the betsy & iya shop right now)

This one melts my mom's heart.

Put some aviator shades on me and you can barely tell us apart.

It’s been so rainy in Portland lately that I’ve been getting a little antsy.  I’ve been turning over one too many pillows, taking really long naps, sulking.  I’m not sure if I’m doing the best job, but I’m still coming to work and trying.  Is that enough when it’s so dreary out there?

Mom takes a break to Draw Something. I wedge. (she gets a KICK out of this one).

when I lay my head on things, my mom says, "AWWWWWW." (every time. EVERY. time.)

I think my human parents have been feeling it, too.  So I’m doing my part to put little flutters in their hearts (that’s what they call it).  I know I’m doing my job when I hear things like this…”I love your face, I love your eyes, your Latisse eyelashes, your pink nose, your fake yawns, your little pawsies, your seal-part mouth.”  (okay, sometimes I fake yawn.  I make a little squeal when I yawn and it makes them laugh.) (The black parts around my mouth remind my mom of seal skin–again, whatevs).

Turns out that laying my head on things is good for business, too.

I really like music in my right ear, and making people smile.

One day, I accidentally fell asleep with my head on the balcony.  I woke up to the sound of a human baby pointing and asking her mother if I was “stuffed.”  While in any other circumstance this would annoy and offend me, I realized that my presence could actually help my mom and dad.  So…I started doing it on purpose.  Like, everyday.  If I can make an up-sell with my balcony head, I’ve done my job.  Plus, I love the tunes. It can really help on a slow day in the shop.

This is so not fake.

I know I look super glam (and cute—yeah yeah) in this picture, but it turns out— I just love it. When I was younger,  my mom and dad used to put me on my back all the time. When I lay like this now, it reminds me of that bonding time.  Now, I can accomplish two things with my favorite position: comfort + human parent sighs.  I really think they’ve been needing the sighs lately.

I just want them to know that I see them working hard.  Even though I’m annoyed about not getting much park time in (why do we live in Portland, again?), I want them to know that I get it.  I think they tell me they love me at least 20 times/day.  If I could speak English, I think I’d say it all day long.

To everyone else, HANG IN THERE!  Whether it be Portland weather, a bad breakup, or getting in trouble with your human parents—remember, it will pass.  Just know you have one peppy doggie on your side. Feel free to come by the shop and see me.  I love everything and everyone.

~Gingham

p.s. betsy & will… those designs you’re working so hard on are looking so cool.  don’t give up.  if it wasn’t weird for dogs to wear bracelets, I’d stack them up and down my legs and prance them all around town.  I would.

***Song of the Moment: Objects of My Affection, by Peter Bjorn and John***

It’s GORGEOUS outside today (which for us Portlanders…feels a little bit like a Christmas miracle).  And I’m inside with my new specs, contemplating design.  The sun is shining on my face and I’m loving it.

I’ve been thinking about, dreaming up, and drawing out these new designs for months now.  This might be the longest I’ve ever thought about one collection.  Lots of things contributed to its delay, but I think major advantages have emerged as a result.

That said, I’m ready.  I’m ready to share this collection in its complete form.  I’m proud of it.  I’m excited and surprised by it.   I want to put some of it on RIGHT NOW.

This collection will feature things that I didn’t think I was capable of featuring.  It will feature them well; and I can’t wait.  And…that’s all you’re going to get right now.  WHOOP!

I hope you all have incredibly productive, sunny, happy weekends.  Much love to all.

xo~betsy

***Song of the Moment: Little Secrets, by Passion Pit***

Humble Beginnings.

Dorkin' it up with one of my first sales!

March 15th, 2008:  I opened a tiny studio to the public with a lot of heart, a little drive and a touch of insanity.  I had no money, no accounts, no dedicated buyers.   A band played.  It was raining.  People bought stuff.  We celebrated.  It felt like everything was going to be okay.

And it was.

A thriving (100+ indie shops) wholesale business, fresh retail store with 50+ vendors, growing online business, a love partnership, multiple local indie contractors, and 6 employees later…

brick + mortar, view from the loft.

The shop view from the door.

Thank you for believing in this little company.  Thank you for seeing us through our growing pains, for building genuine relationships with us, for giving us a reason to make it even better, tighter, and stronger.  Thank you for being such awesome, supportive, encouraging, vibrant– customers, partners, friends, and family.  We have so much love for you.  We can’t wait to show you what else we’ve got up our sleeves.

From our family to yours...

Thank you for 4 awesome years.  Thank you.

xo~betsy + will

***Song of the Moment: The Winner Is, by Devotchka & Mychael Danna***

Will: Do you want a cup of coffee, sweetie?

Betsy: Please don’t look at my texts until after Friday because I’m planning something special.

I knew something was up, but I had no clue what.  After all, most of our couple celebrations happen between August 9 and September 10.  We like to cram everything in one month.  Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency.

Turns out this was not just a gift from Betsy; it was a full-staff gift.  It was the kind of thing you just hope someone would think up for your retirement party, only I’m 30 years old and this was just a random Friday in March.  The entire betsy & iya staff dressed up like me: tee shirt, pants, snazzy socks, and a watch on everyone.  What can I say … apparently, I think outside of different boxes than the ones clothes come in.

Man, I love my job.  Thanks, team.

***Song of the Moment: Silvia, by Miike Snow***

The South.  Best Mom in the world.  Fried Green Tomatoes.  Design Inspiration.  Skies to new cities.  Cranking out orders.  Beautiful new stores for b&i goodies.  The best hotel bedside treat…all while stuck in Houston.  Love.  Newest incarnation of our brick & mortar.  Happy Friday.

xo~betsy

***Song of the Moment: Let Your Love Grow Tall, by Passion Pit***