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December 29, 2015
2016 Dreaming!

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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!

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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 7, 2015
California Vibes: The IVY

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This week’s illustration is inspired by scenes from our lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood. I swear I have never seen a more gorgeous display of apples and oranges!

So this week my blog is a day delayed as I was helping my husband launch his new app PORTALBALL with Joe Girardi. It was a very exciting launch which included some early days and trips to Yankee Stadium for some private meetings in Joe’s office and making sure everything went smoothly for the launch day.  I’ve been finding myself super backed up in a bunch of work and feeling totally uninspired about how I am creating NEW work this week.  It seems to me this non-stop going, going, going drive is good while you’re in it, but it can definitely catch up to you.

If you are a creative like me, or even just taping into your feminine energy we need some time to reflect, rejuvenate and refresh. I stumbled upon this Marie TV blog when I was searching for some inspiration about how she is closing down her business for the next two weeks to let all of her employees have some downtime. She said that she did this for two weeks over the holidays and everyone came back so much more refreshed and inspired.  Taking two weeks off, a week or even a few days for me right now is a luxury that I don’t have (and I’m sure a lot of you don’t either) but what I will say is that everyone can take a full weekend off for sure. Typically, as an entrepreneur we tend to work a solid few hours on Sunday night but this weekend I feel like I really need a bit of a refresher.  Heck, maybe I’ll even take a lunch break outside today to get my juices going again.

Creating (and I am working on some really cool creative things right now) takes a lot of energy and to really give it your all it is important that you feed your soul.  Not to be cheesy but here is a quote that really brought me back to what my priorities are “If you’re always listening to the noise of the world it’s impossible to hear the whispers of your soul.” @MarieForleo

For me, as an artist and designer, I need that message from my intuition in order to create amazing things. It is super important I get back on the self nurturing program that I was on a few months ago. This includes, baths, meditation, time outside (especially while summer is still here!), exercise, listening to music and getting inspired.

I almost skipped my blog this week because I have so much other work to do, but writing and drawing for me are two of my favorite things to do and they really get my juices going again. It is an outlet that I can amp my creativity and get back in my zone.

How are you feeling right now and what do you need to get inspired? Do it!

Take time for you so that you can give it all you have.
For more on this topic see one of my favorite blog posts, and especially scroll down to #7 the Fountain Theory:

Hope that inspires you.
Now go on, take a walk outside!!!!
xo
Emily

www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 31, 2014
Wishes for a Brand New Year

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Here we are again,

like we hopefully will be for many more years to come… at the start of something new, something full of hope, full of aspirations, full of excitement and anticipation.

A Brand New Year.

A brand new open space, for some filled also with uncertainty, curiosity and emptiness all at the same time.

What will we fill our calendar pages with this year? What will the future hold?  Who will we meet, who will we be distanced from – for one reason or another?

This blog postmarks the 4th YEAR anniversary of my blog.
A blog I started on January 1st in an effort to inspire myself, because at that moment inspiration was something I was lacking.  I wanted to create my own inspiration, so that is what I set out to do.

2015 is going to be an amazing year for me! I can feel it! It is my wedding year, and a year to start many new amazing ventures and exciting things that I have planned. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring and I wish you all an amazing year as well!

I want to end this post with some parting words, words that have definitely changed my life in more ways than one.

May these words inspire YOU to live your best life ever. To reach for the stars. To change your thoughts and your habits so that you can create your destiny.

“Watch your beliefs, they become thoughts;
watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Ancient quote

Hope that inspires you!!
Here’s to an amazing new year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

December 25, 2014
Peace on Earth – A Holiday Wish

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Illustration by me! It looks different doesn’t it! Hand drawn and gold foil effect. Hope you like it! 

I think that there was never a better time to wish, and I mean really wish for peace on earth.

Today is Christmas Eve and no matter what you celebrate, in the holiday spirit, I wish for you and all of your family to have peace, love, health, happiness and laughter on this day and this holiday season!

My prayers go out to those families this holiday season who have been touched by the recent shootings and unnecessary violence all through out our country.

My hope is that this coming year shines light on the good that there is in the world and calms the fears, violence, uneasiness and hatred that is so prevalent in our country and in other countries.

We really are just one.  ONE huge pulse, one huge heart, one huge energy and one huge soul that unites us all and pulses through every single human in our world.  The UNI-verse, is here to UNIte, not divide.  We really are not that different. We all want love, security, faithfulness, happiness and success. We all crave acceptance, to be heard and to feel needed and worthy. We do look different on the outside, but on the inside we are all made of flesh and bones, easily torn apart buy bullets or blades, fragile and helpless – we are not made of steel.

It’s time to remember that “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Ghandi.

Once we realize this, that we are all brothers and sisters; and that we should fight for the greater good of our planet and quell petty wars and fights like children fighting over toys and land, then we will really achieve peace and freedom.

I hope that the people of the world wake up soon and stop worrying about who is right, and start focusing on being happy.

Cheers to all, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and a Happy, Bright, amazing and exciting New Year 2015!

Hope that inspires you to be the change you wish to see in the world!
All my love,
Emily

October 2, 2014
Take your POWER back!

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Illustration of the New Mrs. Clooney in Giambattista Valli and Stella McCartney

This week I have been utterly captivated by the woman of the moment, the new Mrs. Clooney – or shall I say Mrs. Amal Alamuddin Clooney.
She has captured the world’s eye with her style and grace in her recent wedding weekend, becoming a modern day princess by marrying one of Hollywood Royalty’s most sought after and elusive bachelors of all time.

However, she has captured the hearts and respect of women worldwide, not because she has “snagged a man” but because of her noteworthy pedigree and brains to boot.

Amal has stolen the spotlight from America’s most famous eligible bachelor, a dangerously handsome man and major A list celebrity – without any effort at all.  In every photo of her, it seems as if he is merely in the background, almost invisible as the world stares – jaws ajar – at her fashion, poise, effortless glamor and beauty.  That says a lot.

As women, we often give our power away, consciously or unconsciously.

In the happenstance of being engaged to and marrying a major public figure (or even a large personality) it’s so easy to become JUST the “wife”,  arm candy, a mere trophy.  As women we get caught up in the social norms of our society and accept, more often than not to support our man, and sometimes to take a backseat.

Of course it is an amazing thing to care for your man, your family and keep it together but I commend a woman who stays on her game and keeps the world on it’s toes.

I think sometimes we get caught up in it all and just fit in to the shoes we are expected to fill, because it is accepted, anticipated and a well-paved path that comfy shoes are meant to walk.

However, women – I say to you:

  • Remember to believe in yourself whole heartedly,
  • Never give up on the dreams that you have,
  • Stand tall in your ornate sky high stilettos,
  • Walk down the path less traveled,
  • Lead with your brain – not your boobs
  • Show your daughters HOW to live their dreams by living yours,
  • Lead by example.

Hands up to you ladies who are walking their talk.  Keep walkin’ and keep showin’ um how it’s done!

Recite to yourself:

“Today I welcome infinite possibilities with open arms. I accept the support of the universe. I know that creative abundance is available to me now. I expect Miracles.” – Gabrielle Bernstein.

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Hope that inspires you!  Like WOAH.
xoxo
Emily

Like my stuff? Please FAVORITE my Etsy Shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

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

September 25, 2014
Custom making your dreams!

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Illustration from London Fashion week Tom Ford – Backstage!

Available on etsy in the next few days!

You have NO idea how excited I am!!!!
I am practically bouncing off my chair and I can’t contain myself.
I just went to meet with my sample makers today to check on my wedding dress and it is looking AMAZZINGGGGGGG. Dreams come to life, paper drawings coming to fruition. It is the thing I LIVE for – being a fashion designer – and I am so excited that I get to be blessed enough to go through this process again, this time with MY wedding dress.  It is even more spectacular then I could imagine and I am SO EXCITED!!!

I feel so free.  That’s what happens when you feel like your dreams are unfolding just the way they are supposed to be. It’s pretty crazy and it feels great.  You no longer have to push, you just show up.

The only way I can describe it is the difference between waiting for happiness and feeling like “you will just be happy ONCE this happens, WHEN xyz, AFTER you get this and that in order, ONCE you make the money, WHEN you have the man, AFTER you have that purse, etc…..”

…and feeling like “everything is happening exactly as it is supposed to and I am so extremely happy and grateful to be right here right now, and I trust the process. I know that I am shooting for the stars and I know I’ll get there and right now I’m enjoying every step of the journey.”

My mentor says it best “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety.” – ACIM.

Well I’ve been waiting!

If there is something you are waiting for that you know in your heart of hearts is your deepest desire : TRUST that the Universe will conspire to move mountains to make your dream happen.  Not because it is magic, but because it’s your JOB to share your gift with the world – and if you are NOT sharing your gift with the world, then you are doing it and everyone around you a MAJOR disservice!!!!

“Live your dream in your heart and let the Universe move everything to bring your dream to you. Feel your dream, feel the presence of the Universe inside you, KNOW that the Universe is guiding you, and then allow the Universe to realize your dream!” – The Secret.

I know this may sound crazy if you don’t already believe what I’m saying but try it for yourself.
Something like this always reminds me of what my mom used to tell me when I was younger and wishing my dream would come true (wishing for this my whole life)….  She said “All overnight successes are 10 years in the making”.

And it’s true. Not that by any means I have achieved all of my dreams as of today but I have achieved so much and I KNOW that my lifelong dream of being a fashion designer is something that I am living now, even if it’s on the small scale – that means the world to me. And one day I know that I will live it on the large scale, because that is what I have always seen for myself.

When the road was covered in an uncertain fog and I could no longer see 5 feet in front of me, it was scary, and depressing and disheartening.
Walking through the uncertain fog was even scarier, continuing to take baby steps even though I had lost my way was extremely hard and I felt like giving up, turning around and curling into a cocoon so many days BUT, the fog has lifted my dears. I can see my dream again and even though I don’t know where the road will take me, I know that from past experience if you hold tight to your dreams and never let go, the fog will pass and you too will be on your way – slowly but surely to living a life beyond your wildest dreams.  It can happen. All you need is faith.

Here is a sneak peak of me draping my wedding gown, the first major milestone in the process of designing and making my dress – one of the most EXCITING things in my life to date.   I am so excited, and I’m so excited for YOU to be with you on your journey to living a life of your dreams!

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Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

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

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com
September 11, 2014
Make Time Your B*tch

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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

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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

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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