By Katrice
I follow Rocquelle Porch, a.k.a. Consider Me Lovely, on all her social media channels. The first time I clicked through a link that came down my twitter timeline to an outfit blog post she did about two years ago, I was all in. My first impression: I like her. I favorited her blog and went there often for her outfit and DIY posts ... I still do. She was consistent; a plus. She was interesting; another plus. And she was vibrant and believable ... Rocquelle struck me as a woman who enjoyed her life. We were becoming friends in my head. Social networking has a way of not only making you feel like you know the people you chat with day in and day out — virtually — but it also causes you feel as if you've known them all along. How you know you've transcended a mere social media connection is when you move from calling them by their handle and addressing them by their real name.
I've admired every sewing and accessory project Rocquelle has shared on her site and so when she announced that she was taking that talent on the road with the launch of her brand Clutched and Covered, all I could say was, "yes."
I follow Rocquelle Porch, a.k.a. Consider Me Lovely, on all her social media channels. The first time I clicked through a link that came down my twitter timeline to an outfit blog post she did about two years ago, I was all in. My first impression: I like her. I favorited her blog and went there often for her outfit and DIY posts ... I still do. She was consistent; a plus. She was interesting; another plus. And she was vibrant and believable ... Rocquelle struck me as a woman who enjoyed her life. We were becoming friends in my head. Social networking has a way of not only making you feel like you know the people you chat with day in and day out — virtually — but it also causes you feel as if you've known them all along. How you know you've transcended a mere social media connection is when you move from calling them by their handle and addressing them by their real name.
I've admired every sewing and accessory project Rocquelle has shared on her site and so when she announced that she was taking that talent on the road with the launch of her brand Clutched and Covered, all I could say was, "yes."
The concept: Why buy a new clutch when you can cover the one you have? Put your zipper or snap closure clutch into a clutch cover for a completely new clutch look, or put your envelope clutch in a clutch cover to be on top of the mixed prints, color blocking, or mix of bold prints with solid colors trends. All you do is shop the design you want from her inventory of styles and send her your clutch's measurements, and a cover is made to order in a custom size for your bag.
She calls it "one of her DIY projects turned business," I call it brilliant. Here's a little peek behind the scenes of the brand.
How did the concept for Clutchedand Covered come about?
Clutched & Covered is a concept that I sort of happened upon. In December of 2011, I wanted a bit of fur for my winter wardrobe, but living in Texas, I knew a coat didn't make sense (I have a vintage fur from my mom, but I never get to wear it, such a shame, lol). So, I hand sewed a fur concoction for one of my clutches and shared it on my style blog, Consider Me Lovely. So many people started asking about it, wanting it, and encouraging me to turn what I was now calling a clutch cover, into a business. I didn’t even know how to sew, lol!! 8 months later, after some sewing lessons, a financial investment, and lots of praying, Clutched & Covered was born!
What inspires you in business?
My greatest inspiration is my family. I am trying to build a great brand, so that I may take care of my family and leave them a legacy. I desire to have a company that provides opportunities for others. I am very much so inspired by fellow entrepreneurs, their stories, successes, failures, and struggles, and I am visually inspired in things I see in everyday life, from the color of a flower, the ladies at church, clouds in the sky, a fabric I spy in a thrift store, to the trends and styles in magazines and on blogs. Inspiration is everywhere for every facet of my business.
What brand do you look to and admire its trajectory?
Generally speaking, I try not to keep up with too many people and brands, as I fear comparing myself (which has led me to think I’m not succeeding at times). Nonetheless, the story of Sophia Amoruso and the Nasty Gal brand is very admirable. Fashion industry vets like DVF and Carolina Herrera inspire me, but I love knowing that a young brand, like Nasty Gal, can start from nothing and grow into a global business. I strongly adore Maya Lake and the organic more grassroots growth of Boxing Kitten. Boxing Kitten pieces are so well made and beautiful, and I try to emulate that. The brand is worn by celebrities with a unique style, but also can be afforded by everyday women and found in local boutiques.
Describe your brand aesthetic in one sentence?
Clutched & Covered is eclectic and bold in that there is a print, color, or texture for every kind of woman, the fabrics and prints are inspired by and come from a varying of sources, and each clutch cover is bound to make a statement. (ok, I know that’s a long sentence, lol)
What has been your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur and your greatest success thus far?
I guess you can say my greatest challenge and success are tied to one another. My greatest challenge has been figuring out how to get my brand out there and increase clutch cover sales. My greatest success thus far has been not giving up! There have been may days where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel (every entrepreneur feels this, I believe), but I know God didn’t give me this idea, this vision, for nothing.
Want to change the look of one or more of your clutches? ClutchedandCovered.com is offering MVL readers a special 15 percent off discount for a short time. Just use the code VicariouslyClutched at checkout.
And follow Rocquelle on social media:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
And follow Rocquelle on social media:
By Katrice
On Saturday, I hosted a shopping soiree at the beautiful Muse Boutique Atlanta and invited a few friends of MVL to mingle, eat and of course enjoy the store's lovely apparel and accessories. Shoppers received a 15% discount off their purchases of summer clearance and newly added fall transitional pieces. So much to choose from! If you haven't shopped Muse yet, you're missing out!
Chevelle Lott of Humble Sunflower greeting cards
Eboni Hudson of The Fashionista Next Door and boutique owner Sacha Jo Creamer
Stephanie Allen, one of my favorite Stella & Dot independent stylists
Loved this floral and lace blouse by ArynK so much I had to have it
Ikeda Williams
By Katrice
I'm still getting used to my BlackBerry Q10 camera (thanks to the Verizon Ambassador program) ... The filters already available on it are okay but there isn't a vast selection to choose from. So, I downloaded the Photo Studio app. Eh ... It'll do. But, I'm having fun today with my trusty PicFrame, this tennis dress of sorts and electric blue wedges. Love.
Follow me on IG and Facebook for more of what I'm doing, what I'm wearing, where I'm going and what I'm loving about life!
Follow me on IG and Facebook for more of what I'm doing, what I'm wearing, where I'm going and what I'm loving about life!
By Katrice
It's time to update your wardrobe for fall. Destination: Muse Boutique Atlanta.
Muse is one of Atlanta's chicest go-to destinations for unique fashions you won't see on the racks of every other boutique. Whether you are looking for everyday attire or a head-turning outfit for a night on the town, they've got it. And MVL is a major fan. So, join me there for an afternoon of shopping, mingling and light eats - plus 15% off of your entire purchase on Saturday, Aug. 24th from 6-8 p.m.
*Must RSVP.
Try this: The next time you get ready to complain, stop for several seconds and think of something good that is happening in your life. If you can't think of a second thought, you may just have a right to complain. Because for sure, then, you might actually be having a downhill moment. But, even in those times, I hope you'll be able to muster something to lift you enough to think on the good things. In other words, stop again, and try not to further empower whatever it is that is getting you down.
I say this because some days my social media timelines stream with one or two people who seem to be reveling in the fact that they have an audience for their misery. Do I expect to see nothing but good things coming through? Eh ... Yes, I do. We all have complaints at different times, and some of my friends are patient enough to sit through mine but I refuse to be overcome by my bad days or whatever it is that is getting me down. And beyond that, what good does it do to broadcast it? Your conversation says so much about you; More than how you think, it tells who you are.
I watched a youtube video last year of Bishop Tudor Bismark preaching: The I AM Factor, in which he talks about the power of our words and specifically what we put behind, "I am." Powerful stuff.
Oddly, social media has turned into an extension of our circles. Not only am I frequently in contact with my friends and family on a daily basis, there are people on Twitter and other sites who impart into my day. In real life, I steer clear of negative people. {Think, self preservation.} And my life on social media is not a fairytale ... I'm still living in reality. So, if you're a complainer, I'll be unfollowing.
Oddly, social media has turned into an extension of our circles. Not only am I frequently in contact with my friends and family on a daily basis, there are people on Twitter and other sites who impart into my day. In real life, I steer clear of negative people. {Think, self preservation.} And my life on social media is not a fairytale ... I'm still living in reality. So, if you're a complainer, I'll be unfollowing.
By Katrice
The first thing I do when I get a new phone is test out the camera. Even before IG, taking twitpics made me put my pocket-sized digital camera down to shoot and post directly from my phone. I actually bought one touchscreen phone a few years ago because it had a 5-megapixel camera and it literally did make the phone more enjoyable. Now, not only is it about posting to IG and facebook, I use my phone's camera on the fly everywhere. So, of course, the first thing I did with my new BlackBerry Q10, courtesy of the Verizon Ambassador Program, is take few selfies. Perfect, crisp photos of footwear today. Love. Expect these BBGrams a few times a week here, on IG and the MVL facebook fan page.
Shoes | Charlotte Russe
BlackBerry Q10 Filter | Sixties
The first thing I do when I get a new phone is test out the camera. Even before IG, taking twitpics made me put my pocket-sized digital camera down to shoot and post directly from my phone. I actually bought one touchscreen phone a few years ago because it had a 5-megapixel camera and it literally did make the phone more enjoyable. Now, not only is it about posting to IG and facebook, I use my phone's camera on the fly everywhere. So, of course, the first thing I did with my new BlackBerry Q10, courtesy of the Verizon Ambassador Program, is take few selfies. Perfect, crisp photos of footwear today. Love. Expect these BBGrams a few times a week here, on IG and the MVL facebook fan page.
