Minneapolis Fashion Designer Amanda Christine

Below is a short profile I wrote on Minneapolis fashion designer Amanda Christine for the January issue of METRO magazine. She's the prime example of an indie designer whose determination, business smarts and artistic talent have enabled her to make clothes full time. It isn't easy, of course, and she hasn't become an overnight millionaire, but her work is sold in boutiques around the country (and even a few in Japan and Toronto), and it's only growing.

Figuring out how to mass-produce designs, hire remote sales reps, balance the books, source affordable fabrics, maintain a showroom AND turn out fresh collections each season is challenging, to say the least. Most designers start and stop at making collections, but Amanda has the right amount of business savvy to become a "real" fashion designer. And she's based in Minneapolis! Pretty cool.

Holiday Jewel Tones and Glossy Lipstick

I'm feeling inspired by this moody editorial starring Keira Knightley, from the January issue of Vogue UK, for the following reasons:

1. My skin is currently that pale. Thanks, winter.
2. The rich pops of color and jewel tones in Ms. Knightley's attire feel so ripe for the holiday season.
3. Same goes for the sultry, lacquer-like finish on her lips. What a cupid's bow on that girl!
4. This looks like it was shot in a romantic Mediterranean plaza, and couldn't we all use a little Mediterranean plaza in our lives? Hello, Greece; let's hang out.

Since I'm making lists, here's what I still need to accomplish before the holidays:

1. Find a Christmas present for my boyfriend. He's the last one left on my list. His interests include expensive booze, expensive outerwear, expensive cookware and expensive camping gear. Remind me again why I'm dating someone whose tastes begin in the triple digits? (oh yeah — those cute dimples, and his culinary abilities, and his dorkiness, and maybe some other things too)
2. Shop for shoes online. I'm looking for sturdy boots with a thick heel that still manage to look chic. Maybe a wedge? Anyway, Macy's has a killer sale right now, which just might be the ticket.
3. Wrap gifts.
4. Muster up the self control to not eat myself into oblivion over the next two weeks.

How have your holidays been? Are you finished gift-shopping yet? Do you plan on watching your waistline this month?