Ungrateful clients

Have you ever had that one client that assumes that because they are your regular client they get preferential treatment? Or the one client that was your friend then became a client; the one that expects "friendly" rates and forgets that you are running a business?

Well recently I've had to deal with both. They left me drained and second guessing myself. Those 2 chapter have been officially closed and Brown Stone Creations has taken a new stand. You book your time, pay for the services at standard rates, and we all remain happy.

It hasn't been all gloomy though. There are regular clients as well as what I classify as friend clients that not only abide by the rules but make it all worthwhile. To those ladies that appreciate BSC and have a good working relationship with me, let's soldier on looking as pretty, sophisticated, and absolutely gorgeous as ever.

BSC
XOXO

Frustration

When matric dance/ball/banquet season comes I always end up frustrated. Its sometimes because people do not understand their body types and refuse to listen to reason. Sometimes because the client can't put what they want into words or pictures. Sometimes because the client doesn't understand that all these Hollywood artists have silicon for boobs and therefore that dress without support will sit differently on them.

Before you decide on that Janet dress, or Kim dress, or Beyonce dress, or whoever's dress please consider the jobs done on them to look the way they do. I speak for most designers/ seam stresses when I say: I may work miracles on fabrics but not your bodies.

XOXO

Ladies clothing vs Men's wear

So a new challenge has been thrown my way. To be or not to be? This time the question has nothing go do with English literature but everything to do with clothing. Brown Stone Creations has primarily been a ladies wear brand. The designs have come to me in a feminine approach.

Research has shown that there is a serious gap in the masculine side of boutiques in Cape Town. So the question is: To be the one filling the gap or not to be and rather stick to the tried and tested?

Only time will tell...

Summer is around the corner

Its a beautiful sunny day in Cape Town and although the temperatures don't really allow us to run around in short shorts just yet, that time is definitely around the corner. Word is pastel colours are taking over from the neons. Who knows really? All I'm saying is we all have identities/personalities and we all need to let them be seen in the way we dress. Be it in bold colours or muted tones of sophistication, JUST BE YOURSELF.

I'm being myself today in this Brown Stone Creations original skirt and vest. Yes the colours are loud and in your face and that is exactly how I feel today. If I wake up tomorrow and I decide to wear the muted grey check dress, that is also perfect. As long as I'm being true to THIS (me) girl!

XOXO
Let the beauty continue

Brand Ambassador

If I would have to choose 1 brand ambassador, I'd be in huge trouble. Over the years I've experienced so many beautiful people who love BSC just about as much as I do.

If it would be based on the number of Brown Stone Creations outfits hanging in their closets then it would be a tie between my older sister, Sisa Ndebele, an old time friend, Unathi Tandwa and a client turned big sister, Sindi Giwu. These ladies have more BSC dresses than I do.

If I were to choose the ambassador based on passion and love for BSC then it would be another tie between Elona Hlatshwayo and Bongani Tladi. These ladies sell BSC like no one's business. Opening doors to people and places I never thought I'd encounter.

I think its about time I invested more in men's wear so I can have more ties. All in all, thanks ladies for making Brown Stone Creations your brand of choice. The beauty continues... XOXO

Knit dresses

In South Africa, knit dresses have been trending all summer. Beautiful stripes, prints and plains. So I sat and thought about how these can be functional in winter as well without having to cover up with a jacket or scarf. The trick is in the weight if the fabric. The heavier it is, the better. This is just an example of how a winter knit dress should look. Simple, classy and comfortable. You can dress it up or down as you please. Another Brown Stone Creations creation.

The Challenge.

Every year I have that 1 dress that makes me sweat with excitement just at the thought of making it. I sometimes fear the my knowledge and interpretation of the idea won't do justice to the desired dress. And every time I have one of those I pleasantly surprise everyone, myself included. So far this year I made Alissa Flemmer's matric dance dress. I was excited with the results. The other challenge was making two major dresses at the same time for the same event. Although Siyolise's dress wasn't a breeze it was much easier to manage. Also very stunning. Let me know what you think.