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November 30, 2018
What I’ve been up to!

Hey guys,
It’s been a while! I haven’t really updated this site in a hot minute (aside from my press page!) and I wanted to come on and show you what I’ve been working on!

It’s been FULL steam ahead at my company Chic Sketch and my team and I have LITERALLY been traveling the COUNTRY, racking up some serious frequent flyer miles sketching at thousands of brand parties, stores, events and private events.

It has been exhilarating!

I’m living my dream life and I literally have been working NON-stop 24/7 round the clock, up and down to make it happen! That is why I have not been able to really write here, but as 2018 come to a fabulous end, time has kind of slowed and I wanted to reconnect.

I have been working on some youtube videos and have been posting diligently on Instagram so follow me there for a daily / weekly update on what’s what. Follow @emilybrickel and @chicsketch on IG and the same on Youtube.

Check out one of my latest videos and one that I’m obsessed with here!

And while you’re at it, here’s a few more!

My NEW YORK FASHION WEEK September 2018 Backstage and Front Row Coverage!

And SKETCHING LIVE at the LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS in HOLLYWOOD with TELEMUNDO!
Video recap to come!

Hope you love it!

Also – if you get as excited about the new year as I do (I LOVEEE a good planner and calendar) You can scoop up my newest creation – the 2019 Fashion Illustration Calendar!

Shop here:

I also reallyyyy enjoy the pleasure and connection of writing so, as time will allow I’ll try to sneak back in here and there!

Xoxo

August 5, 2016
New New New!!!!

book instagram

My NEW Book, Sketch and Go : 5 Minute Fashion Illustration available for pre-order HERE! 

Hi guys!!!

I know it’s been so long since I have been posting blogs, but it takes a visit from Ikea builders and a home office update to relocate me from working at my desk to get me away from my massive to do lists (switching from a black to white desk and adding more cabinets and bookshelves to store all of my artwork and supplies).

Anyway. Working hard for me is an understatement and it’s about to get even busier!!!

I know I have been filling you in a little on my book but now, it’s here!!! It’s available for pre-order NOW and you can purchase it here www.chicsketch.com/sketchandgo  or www.emilybrickeledelson.com/book   It is set to be published October 11th but if you pre-order NOW you will be the first to get it!

AND, excitingly I was able to sketch live, UNVEIL and announce my book on Elle Magazine’s Facebook live!! Here watch it all to see what is to come for fall!

A little nerve wrecking I know, speaking LIVE and simultaneously drawing is not an easy fete.

ELLE! I mean…..

The same magazine I interned at almost 10 years ago and now I was live sketching with over 37 thousand views! I am beyond blessed, excited and grateful that they had me on and can’t wait to show you what else I have in store!

Speaking of New….

While you’re at it! Check out my brand spankin new website!!! I am so proud of how it turned out and all the work I have been doing for Chic Sketch and my book and I can finally blurt it out loud – and share it on this gorgeous site!!!

NOW instead of going to www.EmilyBrickel.com – my old site that I had been wayyyy to swamped to keep updating, now you can go to www.EmilyBrickelEdelson.com -This website is updated with EVERYTHING I’ve been working on (well almost everything!)  I added my new married name, the same name that’s on my BOOK and the name that I proudly go by!!! Yes, three names! Why?

  1. Because More is More. Why as women do we have to remove a name (and sometimes remove that identity) when instead we can just add on a new fabulous married name to it and add on new meaning and new experiences to this path that we call life.  Call it another stripe on my sleeve.
  2. As women we have all been working so hard to make a name for ourselves, and as an artist when I have been signing my name as Emily Brickel on my art for so long, all of a sudden signing Emily Edelson would be like a completely different person, one that whole pages and pages of artwork would not be connected to.
  3. Family.  To me getting married is adding on a whole amazing side of new family but also keeping close to your birth family. My dad for instance passed away when I was 12 and it didn’t sit right with me to remove that name from mine. My dad (and mom) were and are both very talented artists and the Brickel family has some really strong art genes, so I never wanted to get rid of the real last daily connection that I have to my dad.
  4. It just sounds great! That is if in fact you pronounce my maiden name right! That’s pronounced Em-ily  BRI-Kell  Edel-son (Like Eddy Brickell but I’m with one L)  See also

Now I’m not saying that if you choose to remove your maiden name in favor of your new shiny married name that there is anything wrong with that, I’m just saying this is what made me happy to do for me. Do what makes you happy!

And on that note of happiness.

Writing makes me so happy! Creating art that is both detailed and intricate or quick and chic (ahem Chic Sketch) also make me happy! So do a ton of other things like being a kick a$$ entrepreneur, CEO boss lady, being a fashionista, fashion design, travel, time with family and friends, sharing my gifts with the world and teaching others how to draw and live a life of their dreams!!! These things all make me so happy and I am so blessed that I can continue to do all of these things and share it with you. That being said, with all this going on I can’t possibly blog weekly with long, long posts and new detailed art every week. Therefore, I am changing my blog’s format! I will blog as much as I can and update you on all the exciting things going on but I also loveeee social media and living life, so check out the blog on ChicSketch.com, check out my social media and ChicSketch’s social media for constant updates all the time!

Here’s where to follow: On Instagram and Twitter @EmilyBrickel and @ChicSketch, On Snapchat and Facebook @Emily.Brickel and @ChicSketch

I will be snapping, gramming and posting live for my almost month long list of amazing trips this August, and all of NY Fashion week in September so make sure you follow and stay tuned!!!!!!!

Whenever I am sketching at live events that are open to the public, DON’T WORRY! You’re invited!!! However, a lot of our clients host us at insider only events that you need to be on the list for.  So as much as I would like to, I can’t invite you to that but you will hear about it first by subscribing to my newsletter here on my blog page  http://www.emilybrickeledelson.com/blog/ and stay tuned to social for pictures!

What I learned from all of this? Don’t overwork it!

Perfection is really elusive so don’t worry about being perfect, just worry about getting it DONE in a way that you are really proud of.  This is especially true of art, of Chic Sketches (when I teach new illustrators to keep it sketchy and not overwork their art) and of life!

In my new book I talk about everything from….

How to:
– To get in the zone,
– To move past your fear of creating (and this can even be applied to anything that you are creating – from a business to the perfect Instagram layout and caption).

I talk about:
– Channeling your inner guru,
– What you need to succeed – from the tools to the attitude.
–  I show you how to draw fashion illustration,
–  From the basics of beginners to the detailed tricks of the trade.

Then after you know the basics, or if you are an experienced artist
– I take you into the pro tips of creating 5 minute sketches on the go
–  And tips for different settings from backstage at a fashion show or even at home at your desk.

If you have ever thought about drawing for fun OR as a profession…
This book is for you!

Perfect for:
Teens learning to draw and who loves fashion,
Instagram illustrators who want to hone your skill,
Fashion illustrators who want to learn the new, quick method of sketching completed works of art and not just scratchy pencil lines,
Creative entrepreneurs who need to get inspired, to stay inspired and create great work to share your gift with the world!
People who have always wanted to learn how to draw but never had the time to create long, time consuming artwork.

It’s all in there – and I poured my heart and soul in there too!

What else is included?
– How to get started in this career or hobby
– What supplies you need
– Insider pro- tips
– Start to Finish sketches of the process
– Traditional body proportions vs. Fashion Illustration proportions,
– How to draw eyes, nose, lips, hair and faces in all different angles,
– How to draw garments and accessories,
– How to draw standing, walking and action poses
– How to draw editorial poses
– 500 fashion illustration templates printed in special blue ink that disappears when you photocopy it – so only your drawing will show.
And so much more!

This book is written in my fashion-loving style so reading through each chapter is a blast.

Hope you love this book as much as I loved writing and illustrating it!
Please dig in, mark it up, highlight and draw in it.
This is going to be your new inspirational best friend.

Hope that Inspires YOU to live your dreams. Every. Single. Day…..
Xoxo
Emily

Get that and more… and everything you want to know about me on
www.EmilyBrickelEdelson.com

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and Snapchat @Emily.Brickel

December 29, 2015
2016 Dreaming!

Screenshot 2015-12-28 22.39.27

Cover of my 2016 Fashion Illustration Calendar!!!

We are less than a week away from 2016 and around this time I always do some major soul searching!

Right before a new chapter is the best time to tune in and dream about your ideal new year and new experiences!

Earlier today I was kind of trekking on, deep in this long term and special project I’m working on but so involved in what is due NOW that I really hadn’t started thinking about 2016 in a deep, connected way. Sure I have plans for the new year and coming months and have been working on them for months but I’m talking about really meditating on, feeling and manifesting my desires for the new year.

Today, when I took a nice steamy shower, I sat on the shower floor, closed my eyes and literally imagined my way through what I wanted each month to be like. I imagined how amazing it would be and all the things I would feel and experience and then I expressed gratitude for all of those things coming true, feeling as if they are written in the stars and meant to be. Trusting that it will happen similar to or if not better than my dreams and meditations.

I sat there, enamored in the feelings of this new year, allowing myself to create my dream year when moments before I was just steamrolling through what I had to get done, feeling frazzled and not connected to my true goals.

All it took was 15 minutes to myself, in my own head space to reconnect with the feelings, happenings and accomplishments I wanted to have for the coming year.

I highly recommend you try this too.

“She designed the life she loved….and lived it!”

“And in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were too afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” – anon.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan and guess what they have planned for you? Not much!” – Jim Rohn

If you want to live the life of your dreams, don’t wait for anyone else to plan it for you. Design your own life and live by design.

I’m all about planning and that’s why I created my Fashion Illustration calendar for a 4th in a row! The 2016 Fashion Illustration calendar I think, and I have heard, is my best one yet!

I am so happy to share it with you! It is limited edition so I only have a few more left! If you want one, order here! Below are some photos from the calendar!

Order it HERE! Ready to ship next day! 

Here are some more photos of the pages!

Click here for more images of each month!

I use my wall calendar at a glance and tape it on the inside of my kitchen cabinets.  I use it every day to log work outs, brushing my dog’s teeth (yes I have to do that, at least I try to do it!), birthdays, trips and events. I also log “date night” and keep track of any habits I am trying to form. I love looking back on my calendar and seeing what I did each month and the memories I made at the end of each year.

For my business calendar and planner I use the Day Designer Flagship edition. Mine is the black and white spotted one but I purchased it in august (they have a mid year one) because my previous method was not working for me. I needed a more robust way to plan and manage my multiple businesses and personal events while planning my wedding.  Seriously this helped me so much and it doesn’t hurt that it is so gorgeous with daily inspirational quotes and gold tabs and binding.

I love to have a spot for tasks, planning and work to-do’s in a portable planner as well as my separate fashion illustration wall calendar to keep at home (or in the office) and have my social events and personal goals on it. I love writing it all in with different color sharpie fine point pens. So fun and cute to look at.

Whatever you decide, take the time to plan your life (you don’t even need a calendar, just do it in your head and write it down in a spiral notebook or journal!)

Hope that inspires you to live a 2016 year beyond your wildest dreams!

xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 21, 2015
Making it!

Screenshot 2015-08-21 03.11.35

Illustration of Chanel brooches in honor of Coco Chanel’s 131st birthday, a woman who really made it, in her own extraordinary way.

I have some really exciting news to share… I can’t share it yet! – But it’s good, oh it’s really good!  Sorry for the extremely vague non-announcement but I’m just itching to say SOMETHING! Something exciting has happened and I finally feel like my work and my time has been validated!

I can say I am really proud of myself and my hustle, and when this happened – something shifted in me. Sometimes as an entrepreneur and in corporate or even in relationships we all work and work and work and pull miracles out of our hats, work some more and rarely get recognized.  Sometimes, when that recognition hits – and it can even be someone saying to you after you explain what you are up to that “you’ve made it”, or whatever you needed to hear (I love you, Will you marry me, You’re Promoted etc), it can make all the difference.

Although I feel, as a “multi-passionate” entrepreneur you never really “make it” because there is always so much more you want to do – it is really nice to hear that your work is making a difference out there. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Something shifted – and when it did, I let go of so much tension that I always carry around with me.  I felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I finally can feel free with a deeper sense of knowing.  The same thing happened when I got married to my soul mate & best friend Jordan less than 3 months ago. I just felt like everything was going to be ok, like I had roots that ran so deep I know I can with withstand any storm. That’s a deep love. That’s a security that I never really had.  I for one know that anything can be taken from you in a moment’s notice with no warning at all – I have been through the deaths of my dad, my grandpa (who became like my dad after my father passed away) and my parents and step-parents divorces.  I know things can be fleeting but for the first time in my life I am building my own family, my own career and it finally feels like I have made it to higher grounds. It’s a deeper spiritual trust and gratitude then I have ever had before.

All that uncertainty, all the fear, all the anxiety (well most of it  – ha!) felt unnecessary.  I could finally figuratively un-hunch my back and take a deep breath in and feel taken care of by The Universe. It’s hard to explain but when you go through life wondering what the future will hold and when you are standing on a step that each day you must CREATE the next step and worry or think about how it will suddenly appear and all work out, that feeling is seeing the staircase ahead of you, already built, KNOWING you can take a breather because all you have to do is show up and climb it.

Making it means something different to everyone.  They say “one person’s ceiling is another person’s floor” I don’t know what your floor or ceiling is but wherever you ARE if you are at the point in your life, where someone views it as their ceiling or a really amazing place to be, regardless of how hard you are on yourself; Take it in, accept it and be proud of yourself.

I don’t know how often we hear the praise each one of us needs to stay motivated. In the adult world, it some how seems not too often, so when you do get it, there is so much power in taking it all in and ALLOWING yourself to receive it.

The same goes for if someone says you look pretty today. If you feel gross, instead of regurgitating some self-deprecating retort, say THANK YOU and ACCEPT the praise.  I know it’s hard to do but continually accepting the little (or even BIG) victories and celebrating them is how you build a strong staircase to your dreams.

I know that we as a culture are taught to “not take what anyone says at face value”, to “ignore what they say” if it is something hurtful or fake or even “not go by what others think of you, go by what you think of yourself” – but SOMETIMES, someone says something completely genuine, deeply real and extremely proud and happy for you – take all in.

Count your blessings EVERY day, be deeply grateful for every single thing you have because if you are reading this, you too have SO much.  Think about the people in third world countries who are happy to have electricity for protection against crime. Really, deeply and wholeheartedly count and appreciate all of your blessings. That is how your life will transform and be in a place where you can accept the praise and create space for more wonderful things to take place in your life.

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 13, 2015
Your Place in the Cosmos

Screenshot 2015-08-13 16.57.01

Illustration of @MaisonValentino of @tistiswu in a
Valentino pre-fall 2015 Cosmo dress on instagram.

This week I have been feeling like I have been getting so caught up and taken over by all the things I need TO DO, that I have had less time to spend focusing on future goals and planning for that.

It is always the intention of businesses and individuals alike to expand and grow, and not just get caught up in the day-to-day. But here I am, getting caught up.  I think its super important to not beat yourself up if you don’t get all of your “To do’s” done in one day and to know how important it is to regenerate and regroup from the stress of the day.

For me, this illustration totally captures how I’m feeling and how a lot of us can feel at any given time.  Being overwhelmed by a wealth of possibilities, knowing there is so much out there, and so much we can and want to do, but where to start.  I love the ease and comfort of this girl sitting in her shimmering gorgeous Valentino gown and pondering the reflection of her own selfie.

All I want to say this week is to trust in your own capabilities and go on and conquer the world, because you know you are meant to.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

October 23, 2014
Stay Calm and Rock on…. How to conquer your nerves!

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One of my 5 minute warm up sketches… more to come!! 

Stay Calm and Rock on…. How to conquer your nerves!

I have to say I am soooo distracted right now… just thinking about all the exciting things going on today (stay tuned to my social media to find out – links below).
I have to take a deep breath and breathe it all in because sometimes firsts like these need to be celebrated!

Today (as you read this) I am supporting my fiancé while filming something awesome for About.com regarding technology.  He always manages to be SOOO FREAKIN calm while filming all the things he does. It is truly a talent and he makes it look so easy.

I need to absorb some of that “calmness” from him because TONIGHT I will be live drawing (!!!!!!!!!) for a major new retail concept launch event in midtown Manhattan with loads of press and high fashion players. I am so excited and I can’t wait to see what the night will hold.

Speaking about that…. I was talking to my sister yesterday about an exciting event that SHE is attending this weekend and again, the topic of how to stay calm and rock the night came up…… I seem to feel a blog post coming on….

So here are my top tips for conquering your nerves and showing up to rock the scene.

  1. Remember that we are all humans.

Meeting people that inspire you, who have made a major mark in the world and whom you aspire to be like can be very daunting and nerves can set in.  Remember that we are all human beings and they were all at the same stage you are at some point.  Looking at someone as though they are untouchable is a great way to choke on your words, and we don’t what that to happen.  In your mind remind yourself that they have hopes, dreams and fears just like you, they eat breakfast in the morning and they want to lay in their pjs and sleep late sometimes too!  They have worked extremely hard to get where they have gotten and that deserves major respect.  Take a note from them and see how it’s done to live a life you have always dreamed of.

  1. Lead with your passions.

To be in the same industry, we all share the same passions. Lead with what you are inspired by and the words will flow out of you naturally. No need for stiff rehearsed elevator pitches, although it is good to know what you would like to say and know it so well you can feel it in your bones.   Which leads me to…

  1. Make genuine connections.

Authentically ask about things you are interested to know. Getting to know someone through pure curiosity about what makes them tick, and what they stand for as a person is a sure fire way to make a real connection.  Ask questions you care about as opposed to what you THINK they want to hear.  Know you will be guided to meet the people you are supposed to meet!

  1. Be polite, be polished and be patient. 

Use every opportunity when meeting someone new to be polite and engaging.  Be polished – put care and thought into your appearance and your style because what you wear and what you look like SPEAKS VOLUMES before you even open your mouth.  Dress like how you want to come across. Follow up with email or text after you meet someone but be patient – know that if you do make a connection these people are just as busy if not MORE busy than you are.  If you feel a real connection is made trust that they will get back to you when they can.

That’s it for now folks… I am returning to “polishing” myself off for what lies ahead today.

Wishing you luck and fun on your next endeavors and as always…
Hope that inspires you!

xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

September 18, 2014
I like the way you WERK it! My top 5 tips to the Perfect Hustle + NEWS

Screenshot 2014-09-18 03.27.31

Illustration of Style Blogger @SomethingNavy

The update: 
NY Fashion week has come to a close and it’s all about the hustle. Now take a trip with me (virtually of course) to, London
Milan, then Paris for more fashion shows galore.  September should basically be called fashion month, and omg can’t wait for the day when I can go to all of them!!!!

I’m working on some illustrations of my favorite looks that I’ll share with you soon!!  In the mean time – here above is an illustration of style blogger SomethingNavy. Check her out on instagram and her NYFW look.  I am loving it.

What’s coming: 
I really don’t know what it is about September that forever is engraved in us “back to school” and “back to work”. I feel like September should be the real start of the calendar year – it is the start of the New Year, in the Jewish religion anyway.  But it’s more than that, it’s the beginning again of everyone’s hustle, the last few months of nice weather before everyone hibernates for the winter months, or is bombarded with holiday soirees – whichever comes first!

I don’t know about you all but I’m feeling super productive.
I am super excited about all the projects I have coming up including a 2015 Illustrated Calendar, Holiday Card sets, Custom Holiday cards, and first of course – Halloween cards! Stay tuned for so much more to come here and on my Etsy account!!! Many more colllabos and projects in the works and…. Some really exciting news::::::

NEWS::::
Behold… an Illustration and jewelry collaboration!
Emily Brickel x Chloe and Isabel

Check out the brand new illustration I did for hot Jewelry company Chloe + Isabel!!!!!  It is so exciting to get to work with a brand like this because as it turns out, I am obsessed with their jewelry. I got a few pieces in the mail and they are sick! I can’t stop wearing them ( show photos) and I had the chance to actually create a customized shop with them where I can share my favorite jewels with you – and YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM through me! Click here to check it out. 
You can now access this link through this illustrated ad on my blog which will be on the top right hand column! Along with… ahem, ahem,…. Three new illustrated buttons to help you easily navigate around my site. Check it out!!!

These pieces look even better in person believe it or not and everywhere I go I am getting stopped on the streets with compliments and people literally grabbing my jewelry and asking where I got it! Woah.

Here are some of my favorites:

More illustrations in the works that I can’t wait to show you!!!

Anyway – back to the blog:

It’s all about the hustle. 
Here are my 5 top tips to getting your hustle on and making waves!

  1. Don’t forget YOU are the temple. Your body is the wheels that run the whole ship so you have NO hustle without your health – make sure to take care of it everyday.  Work out, meditate, and take “me” time. You know this is my best advice. Your cup will runneth over to all the places you need it to go!

 

  1. Stay organized. The less time you have to spend looking for that piece of paper, that business card or your keys – the more time you have for everything else. If you have big dreams – organization is KEY. It is a time saver and a lifesaver.  Invest in the small amount of time it takes to set up your organization because in the long run it adds up to many valuable free hours. No system is perfect and I am always looking for the latest and greatest ways to stay organized, but do what works for you and update it as you go.

 

  1. Put your game face on. You gotta show up with GUSTO. When you meet anyone new, when you try something you’ve never done before or when you are just ready to show um what you’ve got – put your best foot forward. Dress the part, educate yourself, be prepared and get excited (but not tooooo overly excited – I need to check myself here sometimes lol!).  This is your moment to convince others of what you already know – that you are MADE for this ShizNit and you are ready to make some moves. Your game face can consist of a smile, the outfit that works perfectly for the situation at hand, and a notebook or your notes section of your smart phone. Remember names, make eye contact and be your authentic you! Others will take notice.

 

  1. Ask for help. If you are overwhelmed – ask for help. Rome was not built in one day and it was CERTAINLY not built by one man.  Reach out for advice, help or tips. You will be surprised what you will find.

 

  1. Support others.  Give that help right back to anyone that needs it. When you create a giving situation, more will come right back to you.  The world is such a small place and you needed help at some point along the way! Don’t forget that! There is way more than enough to go around so never feel like giving to someone means less for you.  It is quite the contrary.  What is wrong with supporting and empowering other women (or men) in your field? Wouldn’t it be a much nicer place to live and hustle if we all supported each other’s success? Don’t get jealous, don’t put anyone down and know there is more than enough for all of us. Building others up really builds you up too in the long run.

That’s it for my blog this week! I hope that didn’t overwhelm you – I know that was a lot of information but I can’t help but be so excited!!!
Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to click around my site, and email me if you are interested in early custom orders for holiday, or even some jewelry (can you believe that!?)

Hope that inspires you to up your hustle!
Tell me all about it at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

September 11, 2014
Make Time Your B*tch

Screenshot 2014-09-11 14.02.44

Fashion Week Recap illustration of: Rodarte, Diane Von Furstenberg,
Badgely Mischka, Oscar de La Renta and Narciso Rodriguez.

It feels like it should be Friday and it’s only Wednesday (as I write this). Jordan and I have been super busy the last few weeks. We were away for Labor Day weekend wedding planning and we got back last Tuesday evening. We hit the ground running with a short work week, Fashion Week streaming, a Friday wedding, a Saturday pop-up in store event for my illustrations, another wedding Saturday, working in the office Sunday to catch up, 2 news interviews for Jordan on Monday about the iPhone 6 release, another news interview for Jordan Tuesday, a fashion show, a dinner with a long lost friend, a fashion show after party (that I could not muster up the energy to attend) and now a baseball game at Yankee stadium where we got the opportunity to go on field as one of Jordan’s client’s guests.

It’s been crazy and I have managed to get a ton of work done on the go, and I’m still going strong.  I’m writing this as we speak while watching the Yankee game from our seats.

It’s all about the hustle. It’s all about the multitasking. And let me tell you what else it’s all about… It’s all about these game-changing habits to push though.

Let me guide you through your most hectic days.

1) Get comfy with your AM routine.
Schedule in plenty of time to stick to your morning routine. Keep the rituals you normally do like your workout, your time on the computer to read your news or blogs, time to feed the dog, make breakfast, get ready, clean up, etc. Skipping anything you normally do on an extra busy day will likely give you a kick-start of frustration and frazzlement (yes I created that word) before you even leave the house.

2) Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you really need to.
Not that you want to cut out any last minutes of beauty sleep you can get, but it’s worth it when you have some extra leisure time to plan out your day.  Use that time to slow down, take a longer shower, prep for a meeting or just get out early to grab a much-deserved Starbucks. Having that extra time on a hectic day will make you feel even more confident and ready to tackle the day ahead.

3) Catch some ZZZ’s
Nothing preps you better and gets you through the day like enough sleep. Numerous studies have shown how effective your brain lymphatic system is at literally “draining” out the stress toxins from your body. When you don’t get enough sleep you feel the difference.

4) Beautify with my fav products.
Kick up your beauty routine to fight visible sign of stress. I love Glamglow super mud clearing treatment here . Jack Black face buff here. It’s for men but I got a sample from Sephora and LOVEEED it, it scrubs dead skin cells and makes you feel awake with Vit C and menthol. I also love Sabon Facial Moisture Lotion in Dessert Flower here and my newest obsession is Vichy Life Serum here. This last one is perfect for behavioral signs of aging like lifestyle factors (city living, stress, UV rays, and lack of sleep. Time stands no chance when your skin looks like time stood still.


5) Make time your b*tch
Multitask the crap out of your day.
Any time in a car, waiting in line, or doing something that does not require your full attention: get some extra emails out, write your blog or any content/ documents etc. in your notes section of your smart phone and email it to yourself later. When home you can just copy and paste it into a word document and you’re good to go. Make lists, get ready for new clients, and basically check off your to do list. Anything is possible, from anywhere with the power of smart phones. Take advantage and make time work for you.

6) Listen to your body
Although I really wanted to go to the fashion show after party last night, I skipped it because my body was telling me to slow down. The dinner ran late, I had tons of work to catch up on and it just didn’t feel like I could handle another event that day with out possibly getting sick. Running my own business- when I sleep, my company sleeps, when I’m sick, my company is basically closed. I have learned to take care of my body so well that I don’t let that happen. So…. same goes for you. Trust your body and what it’s saying. If it’s tired, sleep; depleted, fuel it and so on.

7) Time is just an illusion.
When you think you don’t have time – you don’t. When you make time, you will always have it. Sound confusing? Read up on it Eckhart Tolle. He says : “Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.”  Time is NOW. Seize the day and make the most of every second. Create the time that you need and it will be there. Check out his book for a more detailed explanation here.

Latest Look:

A ton of people have been asking about my outfits and where I get things so I present to you, my Latest Look coming tomorrow!  Giving this a try!

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

 

September 4, 2014
Get Connected

Screenshot 2014-09-04 02.48.29

Illustration of Anna Dello Russo & Friend at MB Fashion Week 

To break it all down – life is about connection and that means consistently connecting to what we love.

When we open up to this basic yet underrated foundation of ensuring that our day includes things that bring us joy and light us up, all of our life will be enhanced (especially the not so fun times).

Get connected to the things you love, on a daily basis, no matter what.
This means having a daily ritual – one that you can call on to ground you and start your day.

Simple things like your morning coffee to your workout are sure-fire ways to connect to things that give you peace and happiness.

On a larger scale, it’s about connecting to your true passions, your purpose and the people you love.

Take a moment to redefine the rituals you blindly go through every day to see how you can create a rejuvenating retreat starting from the moment you get out of bed. Focus on the things you have always wanted to accomplish and get connected to that. Write it down and visualize how you want it to go.

The dreams you were given were created uniquely and especially for YOU because you have the tools innately to achieve them. 

Never doubt your dreams or your intuition. Whenever I have done so it lead to so much agony and internal conflict it is crazy – crazy and beyond unnecessary.  Give in to the greater purpose of your life and don’t be afraid – you were BORN to do this!

Today marks the start of Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Week in Lincoln Center and I am beyond excited to be getting back into my dream of being a fashion designer and really connecting to all of my passions.

I can’t wait to see all the new looks the designers showing this season have dreamed up. Each season it serves as fresh inspiration for me to see the magic of the runway and dreams come to life…..

Hope that inspires you!
xo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

August 28, 2014
Stand Tall and Sparkle

Screenshot 2014-08-27 19.38.18

Illustration of JLo in Charbel Zoe Couture at the MTV VMA’s

There’s times in life when you just have to put the petal to the metal and go out there and DO IT.

With big risks comes big rewards, like I said last week. The SCARIER the better.

Jump in – face first into the unknown and trust that you will learn how to fly.

Fear feeds on doubt and indecision. Trust your gut and figure out what it is you want and need to do.

“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.”

Sometimes what you’re most afraid of is the very thing that will set you free.

I just made a huge decision in my life this week and honestly – it was the scariest thing I did in YEARS and also one of the most liberating, exhilarating and amazing experiences.

I committed to designing and MAKING my wedding dress!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best things and biggest accomplishments I have ever created  in my life was start my fashion line (RockHardAtelier.com). One of the hardest things I have ever done in my life was NOT be able to continue to fund it in the last few years.  So I stopped.

I stopped LIVING MY PASSION.  I skirted around the issue and lived AROUND my passion.  I did the closest thing I knew how to, to draw, to illustrate. But that is only PART of my dream.  I know I am put on this planet to be a hugely successful fashion designer and to dress women all around the world and to make them feel gorgeous and empowered. This feeling is the truest most freeing, and certain fact I have ever known.

To stop in the face of fear, uncertainty and doubt has honestly been slowly killing me. Due to lack of funds – I was stopped temporarily. Due to being scared out of my mind of failure and EVEN MORE scared out of my mind of success I stopped all together and nothing has ever been the same.

If I have learned anything in this life it’s that IMPOSSIBLE is NOTHING. Right now I may not have the funds to support a major fashion line and company but I know that I can’t give up and I know that making this wedding dress is the truest form of expression of myself. It will be the most loving thing I can do to put my heart and soul not only into my future marriage and husband, but also to love and support myself.

I have been looking all over, trying on dresses, wanting to be able to purchase one, wanting to fall in love with that special dress and I realized – no matter how gorgeous or “perfect” the dress is for me – It will never be everything I want.  I will never be my design.

I have the permanent mind of a fashion designer – even if I try to shake it there will always be things I want to tweek, change or improve. I wakeup everyday thinking about what I WISH was in my closet and what I would design.

Fast forward so much stress, anxiety, suppression and pain – I realized that I need to just practice what I preach. I need to surrender to my calling and create the dress of my dreams.

And the process has begun. I just took a huge leap of faith, trusting that the UNIVERSE will have my back. And it DID. In a huge life altering way.  I got major signs along my journey. Everything from Owls made of sequins (something my grandfather used to collect was Owls), huge 530’s on buildings (our wedding date) and the exact lace I used to design one of my best friend’s and bridesmaid’s wedding gown 4 years ago. I know that I am on the right path and the Universe is CELEBRATING, letting me know that I am supported.  I know that there is just so much more to come.

This is what has been holding me back for so long. Fear. This is how I just busted through my blocks to living a life of my dreams.  Just DOING It. Going for it. Looking fear in the face and knowing that Inaction will be the worst thing I could do.

Take this journey with me now. Leap into your dreams with the faith that you hold buried deep down in your heart – the faith that you know is there – with the faith that built these NYC skyscrapers.  Stand tall and sparkle!

Hope that inspires you!  Like WOAH.
xoxo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved