Fall is almost here, but we are thinking Spring 2016!

Hey everyone! So I know its been AGES since I did a blog post, but hey, I've been busy!! We had our Grand Opening in August which was a huge success thanks to our new assistant, Ashley Hoppes' hard work! We got to celebrate with old friends who have been along for the ride with us over the last 3 years, as well as with our new friends in Denver!

It's been back to business ever since the party and we have been working hard to bring you all our S/S 2016 collection, "Whirlwind"!

I have been thinking a lot about the direction of the company and objectives for this collection and really, this is the "Make It Or Break It" collection. We are excited to be producing our collection through the Denver Fashion Design Center with help from Lisa and Brian. Their expertise will assure that this collection is of the highest quality construction aannndd allows us to support the industry right here in our home city! In addition, our main fabric is a stretch recycled polyester and hemp chambray, as being as eco friendly as possible is one of our company objectives. 

Whirlwind features updated versions of Puff and Flash, styles our customers know and love. (Don't believe me? Check out some testimonials on our homepage @ www.blackberrymaverick.com ) It also is enhanced by new separates that compliment the classics:) The "Bolt" pants feel like your wearing nothing. Like, no pants. None. Just air. Flowing freely around your bottom half. It's pretty epic. 

So c-mon ladies and gentleman!!! Support us! Get yourself something from the collection! Get your mom something, your little sister something, your brother's girlfriend something, your wife's besty something, your roommate who has grocery shopped the last three weeks in a row something, you get the gist;)

I need all of your help and support to turn our samples into a production run!! We are running up to a size 12 this time so all of you curvy hotties who are lucky enough not to be shaped like a soda can like me, show off them curves!!!!

Over the next week I will be finalizing our Kickstarter campaign, so keep a look out on our social media for when that goes live! This will allow you to pre order a piece from Whirlwind or donate to receive special BMAV gifts made with love just for you:) 

On the wholesale business side of things, my mentor and fabric source, Jay Arbetman from The Sourcing District has told me how cool and up and coming Nashville is. Turns out, he is right! (Per usual:)) and therefore, I am planning a sales trip to Nashville for the second week in November! Anyone know of boutiques that we might be a good fit for or cool places we shouldn't miss while we are there give me a shout @ blackberrymaverick@gmail.com . 

xxx, 

Leslie

The New Digs in D Town!

Welcome to our new digs! Blackberry Maverick is up and running in Denver! Come by to shop our retail selection,...

Posted by Blackberry Maverick on Thursday, June 18, 2015

Climb up the fire escape at the 751 and this is what you'll find

Since my last post so many things have happened! Story of our lives, haha. 

My downstairs neighbor came up to check out our current Colorado Springs space last month and told me how she turns up her cricket nature sound thingy so she can sleep since we work late into the night. She was also entirely puzzled as to when we actually slept and how we maintained our day jobs, ha. 

In addition, she couldn't comprehend why people needed to walk around in heels at 2am most nights.... I just shrugged and smiled, we live on a totally different wavelength then the rest of the world.

I've done a couple stints on the runway recently, one in what has been named the, "Trout Dress" at a fashion show for Veda Salon and Spa. Me. Modeling. REDIC!!!!! At least I had a backup plan - If I ate shit on the runway, I was just going to lie there and flop around like a fish until someone helped me.

We also have been checking out fabrics that are recycled poly, hemp, organic cotton and other beautiful eco friendly blends and are super excited to be utilizing them in our next production run!!!!

I can't wait for swatches from Jay at The Sourcing District  showcasing the new line of Eco Friendly fabrics by Kendor Textiles in Canada. 

It was awesome to get to hang out with Dan Rimmon at the Fashion Design Center in Denver. We plan on utilizing the center for LOCAL PRODUCTION for our next collection! 

Lexi went to Phoenix and got some great shots of our dresses on the runway for a charity show and then we did another in Denver to support St. Judes Hospital!

The custom orders keep coming in and we have been spending some quality time in the office. 

Just to give you a glimpse of what a day in the life is like imagine the following: getting down to the Glitch Mob, Beats Antique, Die Antwoord, and what has become our theme song as of recent, "Push and Shove" by No Doubt. There is the occasional 90's alternative moments as well, gettin' our grunge on with Nine Inch Nails, some A Chains, Tool and Soundgarden.

Joey, one of our HMUA's did my hair the other day and announced, while sweeping the floor, that she might have swept up more glitter, thread, pins, fabric bits and feathers then actual hair..... TRUTH.

My trash is constantly overflowing with togo boxes from taco express and empty bottles of shitty Vodka, OJ, and the occasional Four Loco.....Yes. I'll own that shit.

We need a new ironing board because it is covered in hot glue and our crimpers now have glitter melted to them.... life is rough I tell you!

I woke up on the couch/bed, (which is a mattress in our living room propped up on big green, my super old suitcase that I refuse to let go, a steamer trunk, and the remains of a piece of shit couch I chose on Ebay), to a love note from KJ another one of my HMUA's and a bag of sour patch kids, still wearing heels from the night before.

We have family dinners and all do our part to take out the trash. We share clothes, shoes, blankets, ciggies and drink way to much coffee. 

We have a quote book. The word "Shenanigans" has a special place in my heart, and the words "Perf" and "Totes" are used excessively (to Lexi's dismay.) 

Some people work best in an office with their laptop, surrounded by organizers and ambient music. Others work better in the field, outside, building with their hands. Others work better on the go, driving from place to place, checking things off the list.

This is how we work. Late into the night, taking breaks to paint each others toenails, swapping projects when we hit a wall, getting feedback and advice from the many talented individuals that pop by all throughout the days and nights. 

At any given moment I can look up from my project to see an amazing photograph that was taken, painting that was made, hairpiece that was built, roledex that was organized or hairstyle that was created.

I can take a break and watch these beautiful, creative people that I am proud to say I love radiating beauty and happiness as they share their lives with me. I am the luckiest girl in the world and as Lex and I sat smoking on the fire escape squeezing each other, we didn't even have the words.

On May 14th, 2015, Blackberry Maverick turned 3. When we started out, Lex and I sat day dreaming on the front porch of my old house about what it would be like when we had an actual office. Give it 5 years I said, and we will be there. Well, In reality it's 3 years and 16 days.

On June 1st we are moving to Denver into Live/Work unit #5 in LoHi, where Blackberry Maverick will officially have a Retail and Office space with a loft apartment above:) 2 dogs and 3 women in a one bedroom:):):) Lets Get COOOZZZYY!!! It's a good thing we love the fuck out of each other and also can tell each other to GTFO if need be :) Again, PINCH, We are living the dream. 

2785 N. Speer Blvd.

Unit L/W05

Denver, CO 80211

Well, now that I have talked your ear off for ever, I will leave you with this: Camel Toe = Don't Serge The Edges!!!! Come visit us in our new space and you might find out what this means;)

xxxxx, 

Les 

Month 1 at the 751

The BMAV Army of Fearless Females (and males) have been hittin' it harrrdd!! March has been full on with a trunk show, a photo shoot, another fashion show, new photographers and models and inventory on beautiful ladies in C Springs and D town.

I have been in my new place for over a month now and haven't been grocery shopping once, aside from the 2 block walk to the mini mart to get monster energy drinks, cigarettes and heavy whipping cream for my coffee (yes, I am a coffee snob.... Barista Espresso, whole beans only, a french press, a scoop of brown sugar and serious pour of heavy cream). I've spent many a night eating taco express in bed at 2am and woken up around 4 with my arm in salsa..... pretty sexy I know:)

It's a good thing I've got some new helpers in the mix! Ashley Hoppes has become my right hand lady, answering my phone, directing models and now taking charge of what will soon become, "BMAV Betty's and Foxes" our modeling, HMUA and photography agency.

I have to pinch myself daily, and rightly so. Here are some quotes from, "Crazy Shit at the 751":

"I saw a muffin top so bad it was like a 3 tiered cake!"

"I'm 86'd on patience"

"Can I tell you a secret? The Flash Dress put a dent in someones marriage"

"You are the hurricane, stay in the middle"

"If I could eat music and poop glitter that would be awesome" 

And it's only month numero uno! This summer is gonna be redikkkk! 

When work and play come together, amazing things happen. Connections are made, inhibitions are lost, love is found, tears are shed, creativity flows endlessly and there is always a shot of vodka left for the morning, (well, most of the time). From sadness grows joy and then laughter hurts your belly and brings you to tears. I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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Inventory is here: Step into spring in a BMAV Dress!

So the last few weeks have been a whirlwind to say the least. A quick trip to LA led to us landing Vanity Room in Venice:

 

and Round2LA downtown as stockists! Woop Woop! 

We couldn't be more excited. Zooey Deschanel, Katy Perry and Norah Jones our dresses are made for you! Who knows, maybe you'll set up an appointment with Laura and be drawn to them;) Hey, a girl can dream.

We are also hitting the local scene and can now be found at Eve Inc. in Larimer Square, downtown Denver, CO

and in 2 weeks will be right here in the good ole C Springs at Daisy in a Bottle on the west end of Old Colorado City.

I (Leslie) have also opened a showroom in Colorado Springs, at 751 E Platte Ave, 80903. 

Email, facebook message, or call/text (802) 989 1759 to schedule a fitting. We have shoes and accessories to help you style your look. Bring your girlfriends and enjoy champagne while flipping through our coffee table mags! (Yes, we are in three of them;) ) 

Inventory has been heading out into the world! I feel as close to a mom as I can imagine, I mean, these are my babies that have been in the creation process for the past 3 years and now they are leaving the nest!  I can't wait for these beautiful women to step out into the springtime in BMAV, feeling awesome and sexy and confident!!! BAHHH!! It's finally happening, I get to give something to the world and empower all of you beautiful women out there while staying true to my philosophies on life and love, passion and meaning. If only everyone could be so lucky to feel what I am feeling!!! 

Well, this little one seems to be almost at stoked as I am:):) JudeBug, Kelsey (our pattern drafter)'s kiddo. Mwah. xx

On another note, we are celebrating the inner child in everyone and hosting a dress up trunk show at Studio A64 here in Colorado Springs on March 20th. 

For more information, visit our facebook event page!

Phew, that's all for now I think. I am between shifts and gotta refresh the makeup ;)

xxxx, 

Les

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Mag #3 and a Trip to LA!

Thank you Red Lipstick Pinups for featuring us in your January Issue! With inventory boxed up and in the mail and three awesome magazine spreads out in the world, we are preparing fitting schedules and sales appointments! In addition, a sales trip to LA is in the works! With 11 boutiques on the list and 3 scheduled appointments so far, Feb 17-20 can't come fast enough!

xxx,

Leslie

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"Spring (2015) it on" w/ BMAV's Capsule Collection Lookbook & Mag Spreads!

Spring/Summer 2015 featured in the January issue of Vain Girl Magazine!

Colorado Springs, Colorado (Jan 24, 2015) -The gamine blonde (Leslie Robertson) and fiery redhead (Lexi Raney) behind Blackberry Maverick are proud to present their Capsule Collection from their Spring/Summer 2015 line, “Stormy Sweets”. This limited production run will be available at HERE with exclusive pricing starting February 1, 2015. This collection showcases a fusing of classic 50’s elegance and the bold force of the 80’s, refreshed with modern, structural details. Proud to be American made, manufactured and sourced, we invite you to welcome spring by stepping into a limited edition Blackberry Maverick dress before they are gone!

THE LIMITED EDITION CAPSULE COLLECTION

Blackberry Maverick is doing something special by giving a voice to their fans and kicking off production with their four favorite styles. With the help of industry professionals: The Sourcing District, OnPoint Patterns and Crown Sewing, they have released their Capsule Collection for retail! Starting February 1st 2015, the first 98 dresses will be exclusively priced between $75 - $95. They will be available for Fearless Female shoppers in two (2) colorways, and will be stocked in “vanity” sizes 00-8, made for the modern “Monroe” woman.

SHOP HERE!

THE AESTHETIC

The collection “Stormy Sweets” takes the retro woman to the edge by giving her flattering, high waisted silhouettes and soft skirts flow with ease. It is edged up with bold zippers, playful hemlines and sleek design elements. Neutral tones meet pops of color while cotton, hemp and recycled polyester fabrics prove that opposites attract in the most complementary ways. “Be Noticed” in the effortlessly chic Uproar Maxi Dress or pair the Cupcake Party Dress with some killer heels from our favorite shoe company; Irregular Choice.

The Holiday Season = Photo shoots, an Etsy Store and a FREE DRESS for you!

With Thanksgiving come and gone and snow in the mountains beckoning me to head to Monarch for some quality time with my snowboard and some power in the trees, its a good thing that we have had so many fun events to keep me focused.

We just finished a photo shoot with a team of amazingly talented photographers, hair and makeup artists and models at The Muffler Shop, here in Colorado Springs. On a beautiful saturday afternoon we caught the last of the sunlight and Nicole and Radek captured some amazing shots! Here is a sneak peak behind the scenes:

The beautiful Carly Smyt from the Denver Damsels getting her eyelashes put in place by the talented Ryin Humphries

A new shipment of shoes arrived from Irregular Choice and it was like Christmas came early!!

The models couldn't have been more excited and as Jenny and I put together looks, we finally had shoes to match:) 

One of our favorite models from this shoot, Justa Rose, taking a behind the scenes selfie;)

And here she is again behind the scenes in the Cupcake dress and heels from Irregular Choice.

All hands on deck! Ryin Humphries and Joey Osgard on hair and makeup double duty! Out of view is the talented Ashlee Choi working just as hard!

The vixen, Steffy Sickgirl, looking super sexy as sparks fly behind her!

 Time for an outfit and shoe change! Good thing Travis didn't mind letting us explode all over the back room of the shop!

More amazing shoes from Irregular Choice! Click the picture to shop their current styles!

We are so excited to see a selection of these shots in Vain Girl Magazine's January Issue! We will let you all know when it is released and where to get it:) In the meantime, if any of you models or photographers out there want to do a shoot, hit us up! 

Next on our list of holiday events: Our Etsy Store is here!! After completing the rigorous application to sell with an outside manufacturer, Etsy has happily granted us a shop! You can always shop the collection on our website as well, but take a chance to check out our favorite Etsy shops and read a bit more about our manufacturing process:)

Want a free dress this Christmas? We want to give you one!! Enter to win by liking us on facebook and sharing the picture of your favorite look from our Spring/Summer Collection. Click the photo above or below to be directed to our Facebook Event Page!

xx, 

Leslie

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