EST. SPOTLIGHT: GULL + MARIE + GIVEAWAY!
I'm not sure if you could get any more "California Girl" then with GULL + MARIE. This independent label, based in Los Angeles, handcrafts and pairs one-of-a-kind vintage denim with beautiful unique fabrics. Their jackets, vests, shirts and shorts are carefully picked by hand from some of the best vintage stores around. While their unique fabrics are sourced locally (and globally) are then sewn on by the designer, Tiana Gallagher, to ensure each jacket is special and unique.
SAVE THE DATE and RSVP for the private GULL + MARIE trunk show this Saturday, January 24th from 1pm - 5pm in Hollywood. Address given upon RSVP. Also - all guests receive 25% off! Pssst...she also makes amazing men's and children's clothing too!!
Can't make the trunk show, you may be in luck because we've teamed up to give a lucky winner the chance to win one of these amazing jackets! Scroll to the bottom of the post for more information on how to win.
We recently were able to sit down with Tiana to find out more about her journey and what keeps her inspired. Here's what she had to share:
Where is the origin of the name GULL + MARIE from?
GULL + MARIE comes from two things that are very special to me. Gull, is the name of the sailboat I grew up with on Bainbridge Island in the Pacific Northwest. Marie, is my grandmother's name, one of my best friends and partner in crime.
What inspired you to start GULL + MARIE?
I needed a creative outlet from my full-time job at the time. I have known how to sew since I was a kid and I have always loved and worn the classic denim jacket. It was all just a random stream of thoughts one night when I was trying to fall asleep and it just clicked. I was like “I can to do this!” – it has been a lot of tiny steps leading to where I am today.
What piece of advice could you give for someone who wants to start their own business?
I would say to prepare to be working ALL the time – it never ends and there is always something to do. Be easy on yourself, this is something I have had to learn because I am very hard on myself and as the only person running my business there is always so much to do. Also, stay positive and keep on pushing ahead, there are hard days and you have to keep the faith that you are onto something. It is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you could travel to one place in the world to collect unique fabrics where would it be?
I am dying to get to Morocco! Everything about the culture there draws me in.
What is your favorite thing about living in California?
Obviously, you cannot beat the weather! Being originally from the Seattle area, I love the sun and warm weather down here. One of my favorite things to do is just hop in my car and drive up the coast with the windows down and the music up.
Define a “California Girl”:
She is laid back and effortless in her style.
Quick lifestyle tip?
Stay patient and trust your journey.
What inspires you?
My family, Venice, CA, a great art exhibit, fashion magazines and traveling to new places.
A VERY SPECIAL GIVEAWAY
We've teamed up with GULL + MARIE for a very special giveaway! A vintage one-of-a-kind jacket! And there are several ways to enter below. (Be sure to come back every day for more entry opportunities!) Giveaway ends Tuesday, January 27th at 11:59pm. US Residents Only. 18 years and older.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Woods is an internationally traveled entertainment executive by trade, yet a California woman at her core. California identifies who she is; down to earth, successful, beautiful inside and out, positive and always looking for more. To her, California is love, life and the ambition to explore the very special elements of this planet all in her own backyard.