Designer Interview ~ Ritchie*Rags

Where were you born and raised?
In Kansas.

Where do you live now?
In Kansas...the heartland.

How many children do you have? Names and ages?
I have 4 children...Kieran 13, Sally 11, Parker 8, and Sam 2.

What are your hobbies (besides designing and sewing)?
Running, trying to scrapbook our family's life, hiking.

What is your eBay ID?
ritchie*rags

How did you come up with your ID, is there a story behind it?
Well...Ritchie is my last name...and it just seemed catchy to me...Ritchie Rags. Doesn't every little girl need rags like these??!

Are you a member of a design group? How long have you been a member of that group?
I am a member of LimeVine. They are the best...so sweet and supportive! I have been with them for a few months.

How long have you been selling your designs on eBay?
I sold a couple simple onsie dresses before my 4th child was born in the spring of 2004. I took a break though after her birth, and started selling again in the spring of 2005, and have been selling ever since!

What got you started?
I learned to sew as a girl from my grandmother, and have always dabbled with clothing. I really became interested in designing though, when I discovered my 4th child was another girl. I really had all these ideas of what I wanted to dress her in and create.

What is your inspiration for your designs?
My kids...first and foremost....they are so creative and fresh! I am also inspired by the outdoors...I love to get wrapped up in a perfect sunset...or the smell of rain...fresh snow....a beautiful sunny day...the majesty of mountains...I could go on and on...but there is so much beauty around us..we just have to stop and notice it.

Is there any other designers you admire?
Can I say EVERY one of my fellow LimeVine girls! Outside of them, Geeta of babette!, mylilpixie, crabby*g, and sweet_feet_boutique.

What is your favorite design you have created?
Oh my...that is a tough question! Probably my Punk Princess! Sammy loved this set too...and that is always fun! She has worn it over and over!!



What is your favorite fabric designer?
Heather Ross! Her stuff is fun fun!!!

What is your favorite custom auction on eBay right now?
This one by Sara...crabby*g...this is sooooooooooo something my dd would LOVE!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Ivylane-custom-Bear-Cubs-Scrunch-A-Bunch_W0QQit
emZ260113439876QQihZ016QQcategoryZ79714QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would that be?
Oilily

What can we expect from you in the future?
I have some more m2m Oilily items ready to get listed...and some fun summery sets...strawberries, candy, roses, cherries! You will see patchwork jeans, skirts, dresses, ruffle pants, applique tops...plus more!!! I try not to get stuck with one look!!

Jeramie's "Me" Page

Jeramie's Auctions

Jeramie Is Offering FREE SHIPPING if you mention you read her interview on my Blog

What's Hot ? ~ Summer Trends

So I thought it would be fun to do an article on the trends I am seeing on eBay. Mind you, I am no fashion expert, but I do consider myself fairly knowledgeable when it comes to fashion trends, for myself, and my kids. Please remember that this is just one buyers opinion. So, here we go...

Bright Colors ~ Definitely in for Summer! I would say, the brighter the better.

Ribbon Pants ~ These new ribbon pants are making their way around eBay in a big way! Everywhere I look, there is a set with ribbon pants. The design below is an example of the top two trends. Click Here for a link to this beautiful auction by Spoiled*Sweet.



Euro Fabrics/Styles ~ Pretty much anything with the word Euro in it is HOT! Euro fashion has made it's mark, and there are a few designers that specialize just in Euro Couture, like Janea04, designer of the set below:



Zuma Pants ~ These are what I would consider "Euro" in style. I am really on the fence with Zuma pants. Sometimes I like them, and sometimes I don't. In the auction listed below, by Blu*Moon*Design, I think they are super cute!



Wrap Dresses/Apron Dresses ~ I love this look! These are done a few ways...in the auction below, by Pumkinlittle, the under dress is separate, which is a plus for buyers because you are getting two dresses in one. These are also done where the outer dress ties in the back, but is attached to the under dress. Same look, with the longer dress peaking out the bottom. Or some designers do it with just ties in the back, with no over dress. I think all of these ways are adorable!




Decoupage/Mosiac Jeans ~ These jeans will be HOT all year round. If you have a "Wild Child" these are a must have, LOL! Angie from That*Funky*Boutique is one of the first designers that I can remember doing this style of jean. Below are pics of her awesome work. The "Bon Voyage" set is a sneak peak of a design that is going to be listed soon!




The "Birdie" Trend ~ Weather it is in the fabric, appliqued, or painted, the Bird theme is a big hit in the eBay custom boutique world! The first design below is by That*Funky*Boutique, the second design is by Pumkinlittle, and the third design is by Pixie*Couture. I love 'em all!





Bubble Dresses ~ I am so in love with this style! The design below, by Nanabobana!, features an overlay, and the bubble is underneath. You can also just do a bubble with no overlay.



Dresses/Skirts Over Jeans ~ This style is a plus for buyers because it gives us more wear out of our custom couture! When a set comes with jeans and a skirt or dress, you can practically wear it all year round! Plus, the look is completely adorable! Below are two examples, both from BowzNStuff_Boutique.




Palazzo Pants ~ These look so comfy for Spring/Summer. I am glad they are a trend. Sydney just loves them! They are practical for kids who don't want to wear the skirt, and moms who still want them to be a little dressy. Kandy*Kisses* designed the set below.



Apron Front Dresses ~ This look is very classic, yet trendy. This style is similar to the apron/wrap dress above, except it has a little apron attached to the front. Below is a set by Mamapatrice.



***And For The Mommies***

Custom Purses/Totes ~ Dare to be different! Set aside your Louis's and Coach's and pick up one of these custom purses! These would be perfect for beach trips! Let your personality fit your style! The purses below are by Clutterbags.




Okay, that is all I have for now. I am sure that I am missing some hot trends, but geez, there are too many to list!!

It's "Summer In The City" With StudioE

And boy, will you be disappointed if you don't check out this launch! I am a big fan of StudioE designers as it is, and this launch has brought out some of the best sets I have seen in a long time. The launch title "Summer In The City" is named after Moda's new fabric line, and it is a beauty! I love the bright Summer colors, and the fabric that was used in many of the sets is absolutley delicious! In this launch you can find a more casual lounge type set, awesome for everyday wear, from Hannahs*Hangers, a frilly ruffle dress set from SweetBettyCo, an adorable Under The Sea set from Bellabebeco, and of course this launch wouldn't be complete without one of Bellabebeco's famous gaucho sets. I couldn't be happier with this launch! I am now obsessed with every single bit of fabric used! The sets pictured are a couple of my favs, but honestly, I would be happy with any one of the sets in this launch. I can't even remember the last time that I liked every design offered! Great job girls!

Mother's Day Sales

Here are a few coupon codes for some websites that are having sales. Enjoy!

This one is for www.sweetsoles.com

Save 20% on all purchases when you enter: CLUB20 at the checkout. (Update your cart to see the discount calculated)

+FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OF $100 OR MORE!

This one is for www.forgetmenotkids.com

WOW! 15% off our entire site! SALE!

*excludes preorders*

Happy Mommy's Day!

Use code MOMMY for savings.

It's A Small World...

After All! I came across this adorable set in one of the boards, and wanted to share it with my readers. It was made for the Children Of The World launch. What a totally unique look if you are going to Disney. I can almost gaurantee that you will not see another child there in a Small World set! The thing that makes this outfit even better, is that it is not too specific to Disney. Your child could wear this any time! Some of the Disney theme sets are sooo Disney orianted, that you almost don't want to wear them outside the Park. Amber from Cherry*Tea did an excellent job on this unique set! Another bonus for buyers, you get to choose between a dress, jeans/capris or skirt, top combo. I love it when the designer gives the buyer options!

Rave Review's For The Month Of May

So this one actually snuck in there for April, but I just got a chance to photograph it, so I am listing it under May. Girls, you will not believe this, but what I am about to tell you is the truth, and nothing but the truth...this set was done and shipped in 1 day! The designer is Rococo*Kidz, and the set is called "Twist On Twirl". It is stunning, and I am so very pleased with this whole transaction. I can guarantee you that I will be buying more from this designer! There are more rave reviews for May to come, so check back!

LimeVine Launch Brightens Up eBay...

And could this stuff get any cuter? The new LimeVine launch titled "Soleil", is making me daydream about Summer, on a tropical beach, sipping a fruity drink out of a coconut shell with an umbrella sticking out. Okay, it is partly the launch, and partly the rain here in Oregon making me dream about the warmer climates, but in any case, these girls have put out some amazing sets! There is everything from an adorable boys set by Abby*Lane, to a knit shorts set, also by Abby*Lane, and even a Lotus flower pin by ModKidBoutique, to match her Costa Rica set. The M2M jewels created by Winipoo are the perfect addition to these cheerful designs. The two sets pictured are my absolute favorites of this launch. The one on the top is by Ritchie*Rags, and the one on the bottom is by Sugar*Sweet*Boutique. I also wanted to mention that one member had their contribution to the launch snatched up pretty quickly with a Buy-It-Now. Kippydoodles Surfer Overalls were gone in a flash, but don't worry girls, she has relisted them as a custom size! Be sure to check out all the gorgeous items LimeVine has to offer! I am lovin' this fairly new design group, and can't wait to see what they have in store for the future! Good luck with this launch, girls!