—————- Dream job ———————-

There is a brand new T by Alexander Wang dress (in gray, of course) hanging in my closet that was recently acquired with one event in mind: the realization of a dream, my dream. That event has finally been given a date and a venue and it happens to be occurring tomorrow, August 30, 2010, at Accessory Network in New York City. I am going to be an official, by corporate standards at least, handbag designer.

I have been handling this news now for over a week with a certain excitement, maybe a touch of apprehension, but until I wrote the sentence prior to this my overall bodily reactions to such overwhelmingly unbelievable circumstances have been decidedly minor. Until just now. Knot in stomach has arrived. As it should, I guess. It’s not every day that a girl actually realizes her dream of having the title “Handbag Designer” on her business card. (OH BOY! I get business cards, too!) Sure, I’ve been designing handbags for a few years now, but I was never paid to do it. I did it out of a pure addiction to accessories and a desire to accessorize even the most accessory-challenged. The pure fact that someone out there saw this crazy obsession of mine as a possible asset to their company is beyond my thirty-odd years of fathomable facts. But I do plan on making sure that they never regret their choice.

Stay tuned for the first-day-at-dream-job wrap-up…

——– NY-NJ beaches ———–

I recently jumped at the opportunity to visit the recently re-opened Governor’s Island two weekends ago. First of all, there was a participatory art “installation” on the island that weekend that was sure to be interesting. Secondly, the ten-minute ferry ride is free as of this summer. (Gotta love free in this city.) A friend was supposed to join me but got tied up with work, so I was on my own, and I am sort of glad that I was. It was my most surreal experience in this city so far.

The title of the “participatory” art piece was Figment. To me and my limited experience of participatory art, it seemed more like a group of carnies released on a automobile-less island in the middle of the Hudson River than an art experience. There were stages featuring wacky performers asking the audience to kiss the human standing next to them and tell them you love them and mobile art installations tacked onto boom-box-enhanced golf carts suited with microphones and the obligatory naked man draping along the side. There was one bit of installation art that I did appreciate, though. I came across two women applying chalk drawings of birds-in-flight on the pedestrian/biker road that loops around the island. It was subtle and not so unnerving as the other installations yet had a profound effect on how one experienced the bland asphalt ring that rung the island.

Just last weekend I visited New Jersey for the first time. At the mention of heading to the New Jersey coastline for a day of sun and fun I instantly thought of the Jersey Shore “comedy” on MTV. Up to this point, I had only dim illusions of what New Jersey had to offer. I am happy to report that the MTV representation of the Jersey Shore is mostly incorrect. Not only did I not encounter one guido/guidette, I also experienced a very solitary and peaceful veg-out on the beach…in the bitter cold. It’s one thing to be required to adjust your sunbathing position from southern exposure facing the water (Gulf of Mexico) to southern exposure situated 90 degrees to the water (Atlantic Ocean) and then also freezing in the blustery breeze, enough to require a cover-up. Overall it was an amazing experience, rock outcroppings and all. Who knew the beach could be so “cool?”

——— working girl ————

After searching for a job in New York for more than six months, I have finally landed. No, it’s not the dream job of designing bags and accessories for Brooklyn Industries or Built NY or Hayden-Harnett, but it is no doubt enhancing my skills as an accessory designer/marketer. And in true New York fashion, I have found this job through a friend of a friend.

Truly, as I have personally witnessed, it is not what you know in this city, it is who you know. Much like in BR. Hmmmmm, do I sense a similarity here? How does one stand out from the crowd in a city of this size? I think that is my next task.

———- Crafty NYC ———–

The plan for the day was to veg. Unfortunately, that is an extremely difficult task to hold to if you live in New York City. This place has a complete over-abundance of time consumers. This is where I ended up. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very pleased I made the effort to attend.

———— NYC observations —————-

It’s just too hot outside to wander the undiscovered locales of the city today, so here I am, blogging.

I’ve been in the city for two weeks now and every day I am awed and inspired and appalled and shocked and overwhelmed and extremely thankful for every last bit of this amazing little island and its neighboring boroughs. There are so many museums to tour and shops to explore and parks to enjoy and restaurants to indulge and bars to imbibe that it makes my head spin. I have not even begun to put a dent into the long list of things I must do while here.

Along the way, though, I have cataloged quite a few cultural differences between residing in a region with unlimited space in which to spread versus one in which everything is sized to be wedged into a box the size of a shipping container. For your reading enjoyment, I’ve listed a few of my observations below.

1. The Concept of Personal Space
The first image that comes to mind when I think of personal space is the scene in Dirty Dancing when Johnny says to Baby, “Look, spaghetti arms. This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don’t go into yours, you don’t go into mine.” (I know, I’m dating myself here.) When one is only able to afford to live in a 300 square foot, 8-foot ceilinged vanilla box, space is a premium. (BTW, my studio is 21′-4″ x 18′-2″ and is almost 400 sf! Luxurious!) Not only is physical space compromised, so is one’s sense of personal space. This I have confirmed by observing what happens when crowded into Century 21’s handbag section (the store’s tagline is “Fashion Worth Fighting For”) and in subway cars, among other instances. In Louisiana, and I am sure in most other states in this grand country, when shopping in a large department store, even during a hot sale, there aren’t many instances when someone will knock right through a small opening all the while slamming her oversized handbag against your side. And then not apologize. It happens so often here that no one even notices that it is quite rude. There just isn’t an option when space is limited in every aspect of life. And have you ever been on a downtown train at 6pm in NYC? If you are even slightly claustrophobic, I highly recommend you travel by other means at that particular time of day. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the amount of germs that must reside on the grab bars! Yikes!

2. Public vs. Private Transportation
I have to say this is a very delightful cultural difference for me. Driving has never been one of my favorite things to do. I could list many reasons for this lack of enthusiasm, from being stuck in a sealed container to being stuck in traffic, not to mention the cost of gas these days and the effect our dependence on oil is having on our coastline right at this very moment. Owning a car in NYC is sort of pointless to me. The monthly parking rates are outrageous and gas is about $3.75/gallon. I quite enjoy hoofing it to the nearest subway station because along the way I actually get to really experience the world around me. The sights, the smells (not always appetizing, but it’s fun to figure out from where they emanate), the shop windows, the dogs on leashes, the human interaction, the sun (or rain) on my skin, you get the picture. None of that is possible when stuck in a metal box on four wheels, stressing because the idiot in front of you must have acquired his license in the dark ages in another country and is going to make you late for work. The controls are out of your hands when depending on public transportation, therefore lowering the stress level because there is not a damn thing you can do about it but patiently wait for the next train to pull in.

That’s all I have for now. I’ll post more observations as they become apparent. Until then, I leave you with a few lovely photos from hubby and I’s trip to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, a definite must-see on your next visit to New York. Ciao!

*06/06/10 NOTE: In reference to observation #2, there is one thing I DO miss about private transporation…air conditioning.

———— summer sublet in the city ————–

I have a confession to make. For those of you in my immediate circle, this isn’t entirely fresh news, but I just need to get it off my chest, so here goes: I’M MOVING TO NYC!

I know, I know, you hate me for it. I just couldn’t put it off any longer. I have always regretted not venturing out to the big city after college and when I finally put it out there to the universe, she answered with a four-month furnished sublet in Chelsea and a buyer for my car. The only tricky detail yet to be ironed out is a job, which I have been searching for now for over six months. The universal reason for the lack of response to my job inquiries, according to residents of New York City and many others, is that I have to LIVE there first. That is definitely easier said than done. Until now.

Hopefully once I get settled in the city I will find some time to keep up with this blog again, so stay tuned for future installments of “Sherry and the City,” which ironically opens the same exact night as SATC 2. (maybe I’ll see SJP at our big premiers!)

————- urban chicks —————–

This past Saturday was Spring Cleanup day in Spanishtown and because I have a difficult time actually picking up a broom in my own home, this doesn’t seem like an event that someone of my sort could enjoy, but I am very glad I did. I met a few new interesting neighbors, and if anyone knows anything about my neighborhood, “interesting” pretty much applies to everyone that lives within Spanishtown, the oldest and most diverse neighborhood in the city.

Loaded with brooms, shovels, gloves and one very large dust bin, we headed out at 8:30, Gorilla Cart in tow. Our final destination was Bungalow Lane, where we found Ms. Beverly tirelessly sweeping the street. We joined forces and began a systematic scouring of the street and sidewalks. Rake, sweep, bin, trash. Rake, sweep, bin, trash, all the while idle “get to know you” chatter is shared. By the time we reached the corner of Bungalow and Spanishtown Road, we had bagged 22 large outdoor trash bags and hauled off, in the Gorilla Cart of course, three loads of leaves and one load of dirt to become compost in a neighbor’s yard. In the process of all of this, we encountered worms, dog poop, and chickens. Yes, chickens.

It turns out that one of our neighbors keeps chickens in her backyard. This isn’t altogether a foreign concept for this urban dweller, but up to that point, I had never witnessed this type of farm. It is legal within the city limits of Baton Rouge to keep up to three chickens in your backyard. Roosters aren’t allowed, for obvious noise ordinances, I assume. There is something alluring about having fresh-from-the-hen-house eggs on my plate on Saturday mornings, but having grown up in a rural area, with many of my relatives living on farms, I am of the opinion that chickens are a nuisance. They are untidy, smelly and would most likely become snacks for the wild dogs that roam the area, of which I have already had first hand experience (R.I.P. Tigger). Therefore, no chickens on my farm.

As we swept along Bungalow, we were fortunate to meet the owner of one of my favorite gardens in the ‘hood. As it turns out, he is a world class hibiscus breeder and trades seeds with the like worldwide. We were granted permission to tour his extensive collection and were thrilled with its diversity. Even though most weren’t in bloom this early in the year, there was still lots to see. I am looking forward to another tour in a month or so when his entire backyard will be an explosion of color and texture.

Even though my body still aches from four hours of sweeping and tidying the entire length of Bungalow Lane, I am happy to report that we definitely made a difference in the appearance of our quirky little ‘hood. Thanks to Keep Baton Rouge Beautiful and our own Beautification Committee for taking pride in Spanishtown.

———– making it happen ——————

As I wander along this meandering highway called life, I am beginning to realize that nothing is what it seems upon first impression. We all have preconceptions about the future of our decisions and discoveries, but little do we realize that first impressions are actually light years away from reality.

Point in case, owning my own business has become more of a burden than an actual reward. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy spending my days clocked in to my own schedule instead of some time-clock-punching boss’s, but I am beginning to realize that a time-clock-punching boss will (usually) have my paycheck signed and deposited every two weeks as scheduled as opposed to scavenging for the little remnants that I produce upon completion of some small project or another. Money, or the lack of, has become much more life-steering than I have ever wanted it to be. What ever happened to working to make a living at what you enjoy? Is that too much to ask these days?

Just to put it out there, I enjoy graphic design, accessory design, gardening, fashion, and shopping. Is there a way to make one or more of these pleasures in my life a career? I am not even concerned with the money they may pay, well, maybe I am. But not so much so that it interferes with my happiness. I don’t need “things,” I want a life experience. “Things” are great when you are comparing with peers, but a true “peer” has the same philosophy as me–am I truly happy with how I choose to spend my time and is that what will ultimately send me to my grave believing I achieved my purpose?

Ah, that sounds so deep. I don’t mean it that way, because I am not so deep as to be accused of being shallow. My daily desires are extremely volatile and change at a woman’s rate of indecision. All I know is that happiness has nothing to do with the amount of money you bring in at the end of each month but rather with the contentment you have procured with an honest day’s work at what makes you feel alive. I am ready to live. Where shall we go from here?

—————— In the Bags ——————–

urban:kitty made the cover of the Advocate’s People section! Woot!

BR designer producing urban:kitty line of unique handbags

By KAREN MARTIN
Assistant People Editor
Published: Nov 23, 2009 – Page: 1D

There’s only one thing Sherry Brown discovered she didn’t like about architecture after she got her degree from LSU.

“It takes too long to see the finished product,” she said.

Brown, 35, likes change.

And there’s nothing that changes faster than fashion.

So, in 2005, Brown started her own line of handbags.

“I’ve always been a fashion person,” said Brown, who grew up in Donaldsonville, where her mom taught her to sew. “One day I found these handbags online, but there’s no way I could justify spending that kind of money.”

So, to satisfy her fashionista soul, she made her own.

Friends saw and liked. She had a show. Then she had a hit. Her urban:kitty line was born.

Today, Brown continues to produce handbags unique not only in the design, but in the utilitarian qualities she builds in.

For example, there’s DECONstruct, which, by a quick presto-chango of the straps, goes from being a two-handle handbag to a messenger bag to a smart clutch, which can be worn with or without a strap.

“It’s really four bags in one,” said Brown, who works out of a small house in Baton Rouge not far from the Mississippi.

Then there’s her TravelCITY bag, a roomy tote that reverses to a completely different look. On one side, the “Driftwood” model has an abstract animal print and bronze metallic leather pockets; on the other, it is a brown/blue fleck pattern. “It’s like a walking gallery,” Brown said of the display of rich upholstery fabrics, which she uses for all of her bags.

The EL, her most popular style, is just an all-around bag, particularly nice in either a bright green “Bamboo” or rich orangey-red “Cypress.”

Her Roadtrip bag, which Brown, of course, designed while on a road trip, has an adjustable strap and extra large pockets.

“I sketched the design while I was in the back seat on a trip,” said Brown, pulling out the tiny notebook where the sketch appears, looking very much like the finished product.

She particularly loves this bag with its bright splashes of orange and lavender dandelions on the “Yield” version in pewter metallic and the green and lavender dandelions on the “Merge” version in gold metallic leather. She had the dandelion images screen printed by Storyville.

“I am very proud of this design because it showcases all the things I am passionate about right now — graphic design, local sourcing, handbags, and, for some reason, dandelions.”

She has her bags manufactured in Dallas from her specific design instructions.

“But I always sample first in the actual fabric before I have it made,” Brown said.

Beautiful leather straps, which she has specially crafted, are found on some of her bags, which retail between $140 and $260.

Brown enjoys that her bags get noticed.

“I like to design something that will stand out,” she said, adding that there’s nothing she loves more than hearing compliments her customers get on their handbags. “If you have a sense of style, people will notice.”

You can find Brown’s bags in Baton Rouge at Loft 3H, the LSU Museum of Art, SOGO Boutique and Stella Boutique or online at http://www.urban-kitty.com.

While she waits to someday go full time as a handbag designer — she currently pays the bills with her Twitch Design Labs graphic design business — Brown dreams even bigger.

She wants to expand her style beyond the handbag business into a home collection.

“I love placemats,” she said, adding with a laugh, “I’m a placemat freak.”

And throw pillows and cloth napkins. And other contemporary home textiles.

So someday, urban:kitty may be a litter of goods. And, if you’re wondering about the name of her enterprise, the story is bittersweet. When Brown and her husband, Rick, were living in a downtown loft, her cat, Tigger, roamed the rooftop deck.

“He loved it. I called him my ‘urban kitty,’ because no other cat had a life like he had,” said Brown, adding that she equated urban with home and kitty with fashion.

Sadly, after the couple moved, Brown said the 14-year-old Tigger was killed by wild dogs.

———— Cuff It! ————–

About two months ago a group of my close friends joined me @ the studio for the first ever Cuff It! event. We indulged in a bit of wine and grilled veggie pasta salad and then designed and fabricated a cuff for each one of them to wear home. A great time was had by all so I have been thinking…anyone interested in making this a regular event?

I’m envisioning a “cover charge” of about $20-$25 and urban:kitty will provide the bevs, snacks, cuff supplies and fabrication skills and everyone gets to take home their very own custom-designed, one-of-a-kind wrist art. Maximum attendants would be 5-6 ladies since the studio is rather small.

What do you think? Send me some feedback and let me know if you are interested. Thanks!