Thinking of you, Mom.

I just got Refinery 29's most fashionable moms email and it made me think...
My mom is so much more than fashionable, oh goodness, she's fashionable! But her style goes so far beyond fashion. She was the mom who used to tell me animals waved at me when I was never looking! I remember late at night in my pj's her holding fabrics up to measure my little shoulders, and in the morning -there'd be a dress. I remember the way she looked at my dad, and the way they danced. I remember thinking she was the most elegant woman in the world. I grew up to realize that that this was true. But it wasn't because of the way she dressed (although to this day she is always impeccably dressed, hello!). It is the way she loves. Fiercely and with incredible loyalty. She loved us enough to let us fail and learn to stand ourselves up. She loved us enough to tell us when she didn't approve. And she loved us enough to stand back, with tears in her eyes, giving us all the credit for what we know she prayed into our lives. xoxo


ps. This is my niece in the pic, not me. Some would say by our look and humor, "whatever same thing."

These people I don't have to ask.

But if you want me to publish your picture I will. xoox Heidi

JJ

We had a studio soiree. Here is my husband. He loves cameras. xo

We don't mess around.

We actually work most days... Yesterday we really worked. Today, Hilary is reading blog comments out loud and we're teasing Meghann about her virtual fame... But yesterday we shot the Blixen in our African paisley (shown here), hired a high school intern (fun), and basically stayed in communication til midnight until we finished the day's shenanigans. What I want to know from you, reader, is can we get some strange ecstatic comments on our home blog? Beautiful! Fantastic... Feminine, mmm. Stuff like that. We love to give Hilary fodder.

Spring dressing.

Transitioning seasons isn't easy. I guess it's true, Spring comes in like a lion... I tried to find a black cotton blazer I know I have somewhere in my closet and it just didn't exist. Instead I've black moire lined in charmeuse, black wools and black poplins, and even black fur. (As seen in this charming pic from last week in nyc. Note: I've one pose and I'm not embarrassed.) Today, it's 90 degrees in downtown LA and I still have on black pants -(from fall need to perfect fits so it is considered work).

Kelly is so cute.

Here's a tiny tiny pic of Kelly Rutherford in the teal Swami. Now the amazing thing is:
a.) It's Kelly Rutherford and she's beautiful.
b.) Her character on GG is from Montecito, so they are practically writing her to be my friend.
(And hello, the spin-off! Call me for story lines it was a very specific upbringing.)
c.) I made only seven of these dresses, and now I can name everyone who has one. Bidou, Razzy, Rani, Jessica, Melinda, me and Kelly.

Holy Week

This is my most favorite week of the year, by far. I'd like to make it your favorite week too! So, for those on our mailing list we are sending our a little cyber gift to help prep you for your Easter egg hunt, or Sadar which ever it is... Email info@heidimerrick if and request to be on our mailing list!

Special Requests.

Is there a size or dress you want but we don't have on the website? For example here is our bikini, which I've been hoarding for myself and not putting on the website. Why? Because I go through bikinis. I'll make more, I'm cool with it -just request one. Email us and we'll gladly try to locate some sizes for you... Email sales@heidimerrick.com.
xoox

Dear Katee Sackhoff,

Hi Katee,
You probably don't know me. (I say probably bc maybe you happened to see me in the LA times the same week Boomer was in -the article did note I was a BSG fan)??? Anyhoo, I'm familiar with you, as Starbuck, and I thought it'd be worth mentioning... I'm a designer and your an actress, so it seems like a great opportunity for friendship.
Things we have in common:
You work a lot -I work a lot.
You work in Canada -I sell to stores (or store) in Canada.
You're finished with Battlestar, I just finished Fall 09.
You kick butt, and well you get it.
But if you'd like to contact me, email me! Maybe you could wear some of my dresses around, or you could come over for a bbq, or we could go surfing or dirt biking sometime. Let me know!
xoxo Heidi

The New Face of Heidi Merrick.

If this were a contest and we were really looking for the new "face of Heidi Merrick" it'd be a done deal. No one's cuter than this. This is just one in a series too. But really, why don't you send me pictures of yourself in your Heidi Merrick's. We'd love to see them. Send to: heidimerrick@heidimerrick

Revolve.

I want to encourage you to shop Heidi Merrick on Revolve! It launched today! They have an amazing return policy and free shipping.... xoxo
www.revolveclothing.com

Made in the USA

Someone emailed asking if our collection was made in the USA. Of course it is! Have I not made myself clear? Do you know anything about me? How could I be who I am while making things over-seas? Though I love the term "over seas", romantic -I hate the idea in terms of production. I believe in this country! It's given me and my family great opportunity. I love working with people, I love working with hard working people. So yes, everything is made in the USA! Not just that, but made in LOS ANGELES and not just that, but made within walking distance of my studio! What part of, hands on - a wee bit of a control freak-make my own patterns-love certain stitches - didn't I communicate?

Hatton Pant.

I'm wearing the Hatton pant today -hooray you say. I want to pass on some details to my customers so you can shop with knowledge. Linen has a gradual stretch. It's slow coming but it does not recover. Only after washing. I'm saying this because unless you want a dumpy bum you should buy them so they're very fitted in this area. I've sized them appropriately. When you try on a 4 and you are indeed a 4 it should be tight in you bum and thighs. When you move and stretch through out the day you'll end up looking good. Not dumpy. Not that I'm not down with dumpy pants. They're cool, especially if you're Euro.

Obi Belt

I love to tell people how to dress, obviously. Especially for their bodies, so if you don't want help with your silhouette don't read on. The obi belt is small -ish, meant to be worn on your true waist. Above your belly button, people love to argue it, oh I don't have time for that. Watch some old Liz Taylor movies, see her hold her waist in even in a bathing suit -lovely. Please don't push it down trying to cover some feeling you have of a pouch, it just looks worse. Believe me.

Tailored pockets.

Recently a customer emailed regarding her recently purchased blazer pockets. She was wondering why they were "fake" pockets unlike the ones in the pictures. Oh, it makes me sad that someone even for a moment would think I'd fake pockets. I love pockets! I like to put special colors in them or hide in them beautiful details that are just for the wearer. Hello? It's practically a signature of mine, an outrageous lining color and an understated dress... But my point is, sometimes a tailored pocket comes gently sewn shut for the owner to open at his or her own time. Just poke a finger in find the stitch and pull or trim, it should come right out. oxxo

Spring yippee!

Sometimes it's hard for me to control myself and not tell everyone else how to dress. I don't want us all to dress the same. Mais non! I just want people to step into their look. For example my friend -just kidding, I'm not calling anyone out on my blog. But I will say, I love when a look clicks. It resonates with your lifestyle and you look relaxed and put together at the same time. This is a look from my Fall 09, it clicks for me.

Daily Candy

Do you get it??? Because if you do, there might be a sweet little treat from "Heidi Merrick" in the deals section. You should sign up!!!! xoxo
p.s. I only refer to myself in quotes if it means the company as a whole. We need a little separation, yes?

Pretty dress.

Sometimes I just want to show you the back view and give you some details of dresses I'm into right now... This is the Natalie in blood orange. It's named after one of the sweetest, kindest, most well-mannered little girls in the world who actually wants to grow up to be a fashion designer. I want to grow up to be as sweet as Natalie. The dress is on sale in the shopping cart now and my cousin just bought one to wear around Barcelona -very chic. It's shown here with the belt we wear with everything, the Obi. Thought I'd let you in.

Finishing touches.

Here's a pic of Jessica Holmes in the dress, that I did finish on time. I'm also adding a link to the news clip!

Watch us on the news!

Tomorrow, (Friday) on KTLA's Morning show you can see the beginnings of the Oscar dress I'm making for Jessica Holmes -the beautiful and charming blond who's working the red carpet for the channel. It's sort of a goal of mine never to be photographed with supermodels (because I look dwarfish) or TV personalities (because I become a giant). Needless to say, I'll be the giant tomorrow but hopefully not too crazy a one. Fingers crossed! But we are hand stitching on details now and the dress won't be revealed until the Oscar pre-show, which now I suggest you watch on KTLA because they'll show me trying to make the dress in time. If I do make the dress in time...
P.S. It will be on in the 9 o'clock hour!

Up and running!

People, we are up and running on the website.... Please shop and shop and call us if you need any help, we'd be happy to help you now that we're back in business! xoxo

Little glitch...

We've had a wee little glitch in our shopping cart system and had to resort to taking orders by phone. If you've been madly trying to purchase and it hasn't worked -call Hilary and she'll happily take care of you. 323-717-2153 Our customers have been so sweet, and we know how quickly sizes go -so we sympathize and thank you for your patronage! oxoxox

Model Casting...

Aside from draping, cutting and sewing our last 10-ish samples for next Fall, we are hosting go sees for our shoot on Saturday. Oh it's crazy in the studio! If you are my friend and a super model and I forgot about you and you want me to remember you for this shoot, email me. My mind is running in a million directions right now and I can always use help!

Fantastical.

My husband JJ, loves to say how beautiful this model was in our show. "She's my favorite! She's so you!" he likes to say. Which is why I love him so much... If you were to see me and this model in the same room you wouldn't even think we were the same species. That's just a fact, me, you and any model in the same room -we'd all have some questions. But what's wonderful about fashion is it communicates what's fantastic to me, subtly to you. And it's lovely... to see your most fantastical notions become realities in the worlds of those you love.

Spring means New!

Today we are doing our full Spring launch on the website. The styles available now are not yet in stores and some of our personal favorites that we couldn't wait to wear! We've done some refreshing on the website, I hope you love it!
xoxo Heidi

Happy Birthday Hilary!

Saturday is Hilary-who-runs-the studio's birthday! I'm going to offer 20% off to anyone who wishes her Happy Birthday through the weekend! code is "happyhilary"
xoxo

Mountain dreams.

I had to share this picture with you, it's just so lovely. One of our favorite stores, The Gallery, in Aspen just sent us this editorial from Aspen Peak. You can't see the credits in this pic but it's our Marisa blouse, and how I dreamed to see our Marisa blouse. Isn't it the kind of girl we dream we are, styled out on a horse wandering through the mountains in Colorado.

Bringing back the mail.

Sometimes we send little previews to our favorite customers. And sometimes those previews include little discount codes for the website. So, if you'd like to be included in out next mailer send your snail mail address to info@heidimerrick.com and we will swiftly get something out to you!
xoxo

Flying South.

We all know the economy is in shambles. But are you really canceling ALL your travel plans? Maybe you downsize; Palm Springs instead of Morocco, Sayulita replaces the Maldives. But whatever we still need a little winter sun. And what to wear when you get there? Well, this little gem is what I have packed in my bag (along with an assortment of berry colored Nonnie Kaftans)! But I'm not naming where I'm headed because no one loves a crowd!

All things new.

Beautiful New Year to you...
I love emerging from the holidays and finding routine again. All the nostalgia of a Fall is gone and you break through into your real life. Only it's so far removed from the grind of the old year it becomes something absolutely new. And this years life's not even a re-write -its a first draft. But you don't even pause to contemplate character and plot because you've spend a lifetime developing them. So you usher in, being everything you were ever meant to be. I'm happy to begin revealing our Spring collection, it's lovely and it's moving. It's geographical and classic, like journeys of old, but adventuresome enough for all things new!

International Shipping.

Sometimes, if I'm binging too hard on my blackberry, my husband says (bc evidently it's something I've claimed) "You blowing up on facebook right now?" I usually answer yes. But where we are really blowing up right now is London. So, I'd like to say if there is anyone out there who has a need for international shipping, email us at sales@heidimerrick.com and Hilary will kindly take care of you. oxoxox
And if you have any leads, as to why we are blowing up in the UK, email or call us... and we'll chat you up.

Holiday Wishlist.

If you aren't on our email list and you'd like to be, email us at info@heidimerrick.com and you too can know about our sales ahead of the public!
xoxo

Holiday Dress Sale is 40% right now.

Showroom Sample Sale

Our showroom is having a sample sale. I don't mean to brag but I did get a coat that retails for over 3 grand that I'll be sporting in Vail in a couple weeks. Hoorah! Here's the flyer but if you need more info email hilary@heidimerrick.com
xoxo

Holiday party notes, again.

If you must wear black ( I fully encourage color amidst a sea of black party dresses) please involve some tulle. Preferably some uncontrollable tulle like on our Jessica dress.

Holiday Parties!

I just heard a hilarious story about my Auntie at a holiday party having valeted, mingled and enjoyed a drink at a holiday party before she realized it was the wrong party, her party was six homes down. I find that hilarious!
I'd like to encourage woman not to all wear the same things to these parties, so, I'm going to offer some suggestions. Mistaking a house, hilarious! Mistaking a wife, just plain sad. This is our Heather dress, shown in cream moire, it has classic features, high neckline, demure length but with the sexy twist of low open sleeve. A dress for woman who -well, get it.

Trunk Show

Geography is not my strong point. So, when I told my Auntie Betti Lynne we are headed to Detroit for a trunk show, she said I must mean Bloomfield Hills! And I did! Evidently it's right by my cousin Kristen's alma mater, Michigan. So we will be there for Spring pre-order and all the crazy dresses we just shipped out of the studio. Now my mom just called and said she'd heard I was going to Detroit and would love to come along. Well Mom, you are always welcome, where ever I go, when ever I go. xoxo

Here are the hard facts for all of Kristen's Buddy's.
We'll be there Friday, December 5, 10-6
4076 West Maple Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI
She's phone # 248-594-8181

Labor of Love.

Sometimes it takes an entire studio and 3 days to make me finish a pattern. But the beautiful ones, the ones I wear for people I really love -well it's like a puzzle on a rainy day. There's nothing else I'd rather do. I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, and of course it will be formal. (The studio will be closed and I'm spending the week matching china and polishing silver!) I think this is what I'm going to wear. I wore it in green to my friends Georgia and Nathan's wedding and it was the prettiest thing I've ever worn. I'm hoping my niece Daisy will think I'm real pretty in this.
xoxo

Skirt me!

The space between the moment I design something and see someone wearing it can feel like an eternity. But sometimes pieces come in and to me it is fresh and new and charming. This skirt we've been wearing at the studio with things like Rolling Stones tees. Because that's just hot.

Seasons change.

It's just 5 and the sun's setting in the windows of the studio. LA really has the most epic sunsets. But it makes it hard to keep working when the day ends so quickly, I'm not going to lie, today I googled where it was summer now so I could go there. For vacation. From LA. Then I could sport our Resort collection that Hilary just put up on our site. C magazine just featured this scarf (from Resort that suspiciously matches the sunset), I wore it yesterday -and I don't have to be south of the Equator (or on the other side of the world -I don't know couldn't get any solid answers from google) for it to make sense!

Flat Stanley

My nephew Isaiah sent me Flat Stanley to acompany me to our fashion show. He was all the rage. Let me know if you're interested in the rest of his vacation and I'll publish some sweet shots.
xoxo

Every Buddy needs a posse.

This is mine.
Photo: Hilary Hays, Heidi Merrick, Jenny Murray Hooks, Vivian Patao

The last days.

All good things come to an end, and I need to break it to you -our 200 DOLLAR SALE ends Monday at 5 oclock! So, you are warned. Don't email Hilary asking for thus and so for 200 bucks, or choose a random pic on the website and call and ask if there is one that's available. It won't be. I'm just saying. xoxo
PS. This pic has my famous orchid rehab in it. Looking at it now I realize none of these orchids made it through the program. Maybe you people (you know who you are) should slow down on giving me your wanting orchids.

Kelly Rutherford

We love Gossip Girl, and we love even more the rosebud-lipped-beauty that is Kelly Rutherford. It's as if she's walked out of my imagination, but even better! My mom and I have always discussed Kelly. Conversations went like this.
me - "Mom, do I sort of look like her?" (I was blond at one point in my life.)
mom - "Yes Sweet-heart, I think you do."
me- "Why?"
mom- "It's your little rose bud lips."
me- "Really?"
oxxo

Here she is in our Aunt Judy dress...

Process

I love shots like this. The breakdown of the process is far more interesting than the polished end. I'm always trying to subtract back from the finish and redirect my design process. Such things are heady and boring but actually where the day lies.