Friday, February 27, 2009

Miss Ruby Sue & a GIVEAWAY

I (Dove) went to high school with Lori and at the time all I knew about her was how beautiful she was. We became better acquainted when we lived in the same apartment complex a few years back. I was amazed when I first went into her apartment because creativity seemed to be oozing from the walls. At the time I was blown away by her super cute hand made window treatments. Those valances have nothing on what she's creating now!


If you happen to see an offbeat botanical babe dressed in a hint of tulle with pom poms or feathers in her cool do or around her neck, she might be wearing a creation of Miss Ruby Sue an independent vintage inspired accessory company founded by Lori Ward from Rexburg, Idaho (might I add a very conservative and difficult place for such original creations to be born).

"Every woman," says Lori, "I don't care how old she, is or whatever her circumstances may be, still loves little girlie things. So many chicks out there use the excuse- "I'm too old" or, "It doesn't look good on me" There is a little girl inside each woman that loves ballerina tutu's, pom pom trim and flowers. I center my work and my heart around this theory."

We sat down with Lori, to get the answers to a few questions everyone's been curious about.

WHAT IS MISS RUBY SUE- AND WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?
Miss Ruby Sue is a brand of accessories that I created for girls of all ages, developed around beautiful rosettes made of vintage fabrics. I add feathers for hairpieces, and I also put them on necklaces for a funky original look. I'm dabbling with rosettes on the wrist for a corsage look all year long- Not just at prom!


My love for old names inspired the name Ruby Sue. In fact, I loved it so much, my little boy Kyler was going to take on the name before I found out he was a boy.
FROM WHAT SOURCE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION AND GOOD KARMA ORIGINATE?
First I'd have to say the little girl inside of me: I was a destructive kid and tore things up for fun. I don't know why! It was just fun. I still enjoy ripping fabric into shreds for my rosettes. Color also inspires me-color from clothing, nature, and magazines. I decided to embrace the fact that I loved bright colors. Blacks and earth tones just don't excite me. I've been scrap booking since I was 12 years old and have gotten pretty good at matching colors from that.

My two daughters, Rilee and Madison, are good karma catchers. More than anything I love to see them wear my work. It makes me feel like a cool mom. I can tell a hit from a dud by their replies, "OH MOMMY-IT'S SOOOOO CUTE-CAN I WEAR IT? " vs "oh, that's cute."


I used to make them ballerina outfits made from oodles of tulle and later made curtains out of fur and pom poms for their bedrooms. Exotic dancing girls in feathers from Vegas always got my attention! I guess I never outgrew those little girlie things that made me so happy. You'll notice most pieces always have a little bit of everything I love.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
Well, I could really go OCD about work, but my little boy keeps me grounded and pretty much working for him during the day. Cleaning up the house so that I can make a mess in my studio and feel good about it is top priority. I get as much done as I can before Kyler wakes up, then pop in the movie CARS after he eats breakfast. I try to beat the movie by finishing all my orders before the movie is over. Then lunch with my toddler, and off to the post office we go to deliver packages. Housework, picking up kids from school and taking them to gymnastics, making dinner, homework, responding to emails, advertising, wow, that can take up a whole day!


ARE YOU EVER EMBARRASSED TO WEAR THIS KIND OF STUFF AT YOUR AGE?

Who me? Are you kidding? I think they make me look hot and sexy!

ARE YOU AFRAID THAT PEOPLE WON'T LIKE YOUR WORK?
I focus on my own work, and not on others. I trust in myself and intuition and do what I want. Odds are, someone will like it!


YOU LIVE IN A VERY CONSERVATIVE TOWN- WHAT DOES THAT DO TO YOUR BUSINESS?
That has been a challenge for me- that's why I'm so in love with the internet- I can reach a worldwide audience and not just locals. My work is a little eccentric for my town, but I have found people who do like that sort of look and they will find me. I had a friend tell me "you'll never sell that here- it's too expensive and eccentric" I just smiled because I know women want to feel and look beautiful no matter what the economy is like.


DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM YOUR FAMILY?
YES! My husband is amazed I am doing so well. I showed him I could make a goal and achieve it, even in retail. My children think it's awesome that I can design and sell. They tend to look at me a little different now. Maybe I look at myself a little differently. I think I surprised myself!


ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY?

I believe in following your heart! Oh do I ever! You must believe in yourself. Don't let anyone discourage you from accomplishing your dreams - you're never too old. Not ever! And don't forget to Pray,Pray,Pray.



I'd say she's darn hot & darn sexy! I am so inspired by how creative, driven & authentic she is. And she is being featured in the fantastic magazine Small. You can see some more creations here, here, and here (have a click around the pages, she is featured on several).

Okay, to enter the giveaway
THE WINNER GETS TO CHOOSE WHATEVER THEY WANT FROM HER SHOP!!! NO KIDDING!!!
Ok, here are the rules to enter:

1. Visit Miss Ruby Sue and look around. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you are going to choose when you win.

2. To receive another entry, email 4 of your friends about the giveaway or our blog and CC us on the email (wechirp@gmail.com), including our blog address in the message. One email per participant, I mean you can email as many people as you want (and we would love that) but only one entry will be counted. Note, this is different from last week.

3. To receive another entry, blog about his giveaway on your blog and then leave us a comment on this post telling us about it (include your blog address).

4. Another entry? Place our We Chirp button on your sidebar and leave us a comment with your blog address. If you have already done that weeks ago, just tell us again.

Use a separate comment for each entry.

That's right, 4 different ways to enter and win.
.....

And if you can't wait for something, check out her site. Friday is half off day. One item. One day.

Enter the drawing by Tuesday, March 3rd at midnight MST. We'll announce a winner on Wednesday.


45 comments:

Amanda said...

Oooooh, it's like a Baz Lurhman movie! All the color, all the texture, I LOVE IT! I love the Angel's Song necklace and the Weathering Heights headband. I'd probably go with the necklace if I had to choose. She seems like such a tremendous lady and artist and I love that she creates for herself - let the customer find her versus the other way around.

Shanny said...

I think my favorite would have to be the Rockabilly Band. Though, I like a lot of the other stuff, too. I'm one of those women who wonders if they could really pull off wearing some of this stuff. . . I suppose the key is to wear it with confidence! Right? :)

Shanny said...

Oh, and I've got you on my sidebar!

sblockburger.blogspot.com

MZB said...

Very cool stuff lori!

MZB said...

LITTLE VIVIANNA - cocoa bean

Emily said...

Oh, so much to choose from! I My favorite is the Wuthering Heights headband.

Kathleen W. said...

How charming these are! I love how brightly shabby (an oxymoron?) they are, and my favorite is the Pink Sabbath brooch.

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

oh, it is all lovely, so colorful + vibrant. i would have such a hard time choosing. the vintage artist tote is divine. and the pink sabbath - bursting pink and red is beautiful.

Natalie said...

Love all the color! I think the Rockabilly band is my favorite but I could also use one of those headbands!

Natalie said...

You've been on my side bar!

Ashley Calaway said...

I think I would either buy the Blue Billy Band or the Feona Loves Vanilla. Everything is so fun and cute and colorful. I love it!

Ashley Calaway said...

You're on my sidebar! www.dacalaway.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Loving the home town pride! Especially loving THE VINTAGE ARTIST TOTE...sunny yellow and eternal green and RETRO RUBBISH-INDIE IN ORANGE AND GREEN SCANDINAVIAN AUSTRALIAN BAG. I have become somewhat of a "bag" lady since having a baby. So many things, so many cute places to keep them! But if I was wearing Ruby Sue, it would be ANTHROPOLOGY- neck news in Summer. I already have the perfect blouse to go with it. Enough info from me...thanks Miss Ruby Sue.

Kellie and Justin said...

i love hope for spring! that is all i hope for nowadays. love your work. it makes me want to burst out of my conservative shell!
thanks,
kellie

Muthering Heights said...

I would choose the "Weathering Heights" headband...it's absolutely beautiful!

Emily said...

Did I forget to mention you have been on my sidebar?

Jessie Anne said...

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION IN WAVE GREEN is FAB! I love green and this would be so fun.. So many cute things it is hard to choose!

Lisa Christine said...

I am going to choose the rockabilly band when I win. Can't wait! (aren't I presumptuous?)

paula said...

Way to go Lori! I want the Pink
Sabbath brooch.

paula said...

I have you on my sidebar too! I also like the Independant headband.

paula said...

I also e-mailed four friends about the blog and the give-a-way.

paula said...

Yep-I mentioned it on my blog too.
paulishedyou.blogspot.com

It's private....Dove is a reader.

suzan said...

Wow! She really is very talented! It's hard to pick a favorite, but will go with the rockabillie band because I really would wear it all the time!

Mrs. Olsen said...

Giddy-up girl. Me wantie. Lori is so fetchin' cute!

Shila said...

Hey I left a post on my blog too! www.shaneandshila.blogspot.com

Shila said...

I emailed my peeps and I don't think that my comment from that showed up. Just in case my pick would be the Rockabilly band in black for my daughter and her favorite Twilight t-shirt! Go Lori!

Shila said...

I am choosing the Rockabilly Band!

Shila said...

I also put your link on my blog! Hope I win!

Miss(Michelle) said...

Count me in...I want the pink sabbath flower...I desperately need it to jazz up a new sweater.

So pick me...pick me

Miss(Michelle) said...

ok...I emailed my friends.
So pick me!!! pick me!!

Miss(Michelle) said...

I blogged about it too... You can check it out.
http://utexans4ever.blogspot.com/

So pick me!!! pick me!!!!

Miss(Michelle) said...

It is done...I added your button to my side bar again you can check me out at
utexans4ever.blogspot.com

Again...pick me!!! pick me!!!

KATE (QUINN) SCHROEDER said...

OMG her work is beautiful! I'd like the Weathering Heights headband, please...and, if I knew what a sidebar was, I'd do that for ya, too! Haha I AM vintage!!! Love this blog. Love. PS. She would sell like mad here in Paia: you should run a boutique for her over here!;)

Erica said...

I love all the color she uses. Everything is so unique, I just love it. If I won (crossing my fingers!) I think I would pick the Giddy Up Girl- What's in Dotties Closet necklace. I love it and am so glad you found her for me!

TJ said...

I am trying to win this one for my wife. She has been dying over the necklaces and would love to win her own. I would pick the ANGELS SONG - Big Star Bib necklace for her. Thank you.

Amy said...

GAA GAA lady 2. SO CUTE!!!

Anonymous said...

Little Vivianna, for sure. If I win, I kind of feel compelled to get a 20's bob to match the cool headband.
Also, I blogged about your totally adorable site. I love what you guys have done so far!

Bunny B said...

I love the FUNKIFIED FASHIONISTA- hair art for the punk princess!! There are so many other beauties, but I'd love to win this one!!
bunnybx at gmail . com

Bunny B said...

button's up: http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/03/monday-links.html
bunnybx at gmail . com

Bunny B said...

Emailed you and 4 friends!
bunnybx at gmail . com

Berta said...

Love the VINTAGE ARTIST BAG . . . better late than NEVER, I always say. Lori-babe, you're doing great.

My little Clan said...

How do you decide? These are all so cute and so fun. If I were to choose, I would have to decide between the FEONA LOVES VANILLA headband or the rockabilly writstband. Thanks for the fun browsing...its a trip just to picture me wearing these!

My little Clan said...

Hey!
I have you on my blog and I sent an email to my sister and sis in laws before I even knew that was something to do to enter...I just thought they would love those headbands! Great stuff.

Anonymous said...

I love Independence or Weathering Heights, or Pink Sabbath. Do I have to choose one?

Andrea Weaver said...

I'd have to go with THE VINTAGE ARTIST TOTE...sunny yellow and eternal green. Love it!

I also put you on my sidebar and sent the word to my friends! This blog is amazing by the way.