The Great Unknown

 It has been AGES since i've posted a blog! it is no secret that i'm just not very good at this sort of thing. my biggest obstacle is time management. being a mother of two young children is a lot of work, and although i still manage to make stuff, have a social life, and spend time with my husband, i have spread myself rather thin. i have decided to take my online store off of my plate for a little while. i've been doing it for so long, i forgot what my life looked like without it. i have often thought that i might be a better mother/partner if i didn't juggle so many things. so now i'm gonna take a much needed break to examine my next move. i am thinking about going to school, i'm thinking about finishing all of my open ended projects, and maybe even just enjoying my life while my kids are so little. i can't say how long my break will be, but i plan on continuing to make clothes and push myself as a designer. i just don't want to run an online store for a little while.
 i will still be available on facebook, and through email. i'm on instagram, (user ID mermaidsoup), and Tumblr.
 you haven't seen the last of me, yet. i am working on a new logo and hope to come back better than ever. for now i'll leave you with some of my recent projects and will keep you posted on my return. thanks for all the love and support. here's to my reinvention in 2013!

cut out bodysuits

jewelry catchers

jewelry catchers

hooded velvet dresses

recycled t shirt mini dresses

Short Stack

 I am totally into cut off jean shorts right now. As you can see from my shop, I have been busy experimenting with different styles. It has proven to be a great creative outlet for me, and one that will come in handy around July, when the temperature starts to go crazy.
There have been TONS of posts about the recent Coachella festival, and an endless supply of pics of cute fashionistas sporting the jean cut off trend. You can see stuff here and here.
  Here's a few pics of my shorts you can find in my shop!

And if you are on Instagram, you can find me! username: mermaidsoup

Shifting Gears

       So it is pretty clear that i suck at blogging. I'm not deeply upset about this, as i have been working hard to take care of what's in front of me. My home and family come first, then I spend free time making new clothes or shopping for new vintage for the shop. Then maybe I can squeeze in some much needed time to hang with my amazing group of girlfriends. It is a good life, this I know, and I am forever grateful. 

        I am switching things up, and streamlining my networks. From now on, "mermaidsoup.com" will land on my etsy store. This blog will still be around, for the occasional dialogue and updates. You can now bookmark this blog at mermaid-soup.blogspot.com. 

       I also have a Tumblr, (which is just a visual blog, full of inspiration and projects),and you can find me here. 

      If you are an iphone user,  you can follow me on Instagram. search "Amber Bass".

     I won't overwhelm you with my new "twitter" account, as I rarely use it. That may change, and I will let you know if it ends up being worth your time. (but just in case you want to throw me in your mix, for good measure, I am @mermaid_soup)

   For now, I will leave you with a few pics of things I've been working on. And I hope to stay connected to you through my various networks!

                              

       my new hang tags (handmade, of course!)

           a new "Heirloom Dress", that I have dyed the most beautiful dark wine color! more pics to come!

            
                  another new "Heirloom Dress" that I have dyed a smokey black, and yes, pics soon!

  I have some more stuff "on the pins" at the moment, and I find that I am in a motivated and creative space. Now, if i could just find some more time....

Etsy Update

 I have been incredibly busy the last couple months, but have really put effort into managing my time. With the help of my hubby, I was able to take a whole Saturday to catch up on my shop. I took a TON of pictures and have been listing new stuff all week. The recent name change has been fun, and I am confident it will hold new opportunities for me. I have also been working on some new designs and got to shoot them as well. Take a moment to poke around my etsy shop, and don't hesitate to leave me feedback.
  My favorite look for this holiday season is a simple maxi dress with tousled locks and chunky jewelry. I am not a fan of too much fancy, so I opt to pair a pretty dress with lace up boots or cowboy boots. Being that I am 5'10", heels have never been my thing. I  will also break  into dance at any given moment, so I gotta be prepared at all times.  Here are a few maxi dresses already in my shop or waiting in line to be posted with plenty more.

And here are the pics of my Bustier/T Shirt line:

 I am also trying to take advantage of my facebook community, so if you haven't already "liked" Mermaid Soup, you an join the fun here.

 Wishing all of you a wonderful season! xoxox Amber

Turn and Face the Strain

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes! Lots of new and exciting things are brewing over in my world. First off, I have started the process of re-branding my clothing line.  Renouveau Clothing has changed to Mermaid Soup. All things are the same in my shop, I will still continue to offer bad ass vintage clothing as well as my own designs. I have loved "Renouveau Clothing" for a few years, but have found too many of my friends have a hard time spelling/remembering my name. This will make it easy. Since it has already been my blog, Mermaid Soup as a shop/brand/clothing line will/should be seamless. This is the first step, of the many, I will be taking on improving my online presence and making my mark as a designer.  I am so very excited about the future of Mermaid Soup. And a big premature thank you! for all of the love and support I hope I will be receiving. Stay tuned as change is inevitable and I embark on my new journey.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the new dresses i have been working on.

How Embarrasing?!

  This whole summer, there was a nagging voice in the back of my brain urging me to get back to mermaid soup. With a wave of my hand, i told myself, "tomorrow". But tomorrow came and went. The next thing you know, it is fall and I have neglected to even bother updating a single post. I guess I will just claim to have taken the summer off.
  There are a lot of new and exciting things happening for Renouveau Clothing, and I am waiting to get things lined up to share them with you. For now, I finally got a paper backdrop for my photos, and finally got to be the photographer for an outdoor photoshoot,. I got some of my own designs modeled by a couple of gorgeous friends. Here are some pics to keep you in the loop, and a promise to stay in better touch.

 

Tons of new stuff in my shop! 

A Place in The Sun

 Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy summer solstice! The temperature is getting hot and summer break has officially started. Things are crazy busy in my little bubble, so my blog and shop have taken the back seat. All is well, not to worry. Things should hopefully fall into place soon and I hope to be in much better touch with all my beautiful friends and family. For now, praise the sun and dance around in your bikinis (or swim trunks)!