Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?
DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post and part of a compensated campaign for Clara Lumé
After the major fire I dealt with last year, I have found myself very much in a 'starting over' position. Not exactly a fun place to be. That actually was just one of many challenges on my plate last year.
My handbag collection was one of my treasures and having to start that again from scratch feels like an incredibly daunting task.
I started this empowerment community in 2008, because nothing like it existed at the time. I was looking for empowerment that wasn't necessarily spiritual, I was a long time life coach looking for my own inspiration. I couldn't find it, so I created it.
'Blogging my way through it' has really been my therapy, and in doing so, I found my tribe. People who wanted a place to turn that was positive. A moment of light.
With Valentine's Day swiftly approaching, I wanted to find a way to give my butterflies a gift and bring back my all time favorite regular feature!
I have decided this year I do not want to stick with what I know, I do not want to play it safe, it is time to turn heads! And this Valentine's Day Recommendation and our first Featured Handbag in the Spotlight for 2019 is definitely going to help me achieve that goal.
I have a few Valentine's Day Recos, but I can't help but to start with this one and when you see the bag you will totally get why!
There are several passions I have often dreamed of turning into a full time business (and in some cases have been approached to do so):
Handbag Design (I have been approached about this, but haven't found the right partner yet)
Creating my own Scent (I sort of do this already, I also do it with lipstick)
Owning a Winery (Champagne or Prosecco Please!)
Owning a Casino (I have been enjoying 'Casino-Cations' for years now, in different places, I can take the best from each and avoid the mistakes I have seen along the way, I'd be good at this!)
Some of these being a bit more do-able than others, but all vision board worthy!
One of the things I love do when I collaborate with Designers is pick their brain. I love to know what inspires fellow creatives. How dreamers bring their visions to life.
Five minutes with Richard Hofer of Lucent Wear LLC:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was Clara Lumé formed?
Development of the Clara Lumé bag started in April of 2017. The product was released publicly in September of 2018.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - What was the inspiration for the design?
The original inspiration for the Clara Lumé bag was from Burning Man. I have been many times and I absolutely love the culture. Light up fashion is popular at the event and I found it very inspiring. Over the years I have developed and shared a number of art projects at the event. One of these projects was a set of light up coats. They were amazing, but they weren’t something that could be brought directly to the market for everyone to enjoy. They were just too expensive to build, too heavy, too hot, and too fragile for the general public. So, I looked for a way that I could share some of that fun but in an affordable and durable product. And that’s where the Clara Lumé bag came in.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can the fur be water treated like footwear to prevent stains? or is it just the leather that can be treated to prevent stains and make it easier to clean?
We do not recommend treating the fur with stain preventers. They often change the feel of the fur, and it’s not really necessary anyway. During development we tested many different fur products and one of the reasons we chose the one we did was because of its ability to resist staining. We tested red wine, cola, beer, and several other staining substances and found that they all could be easily removed with water alone. The fur fibers are very stain resistant. If something does get on your bag we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a small amount of soap. Do not wet the fur all the way through as this can loosen the fibers.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Will you offer interchangeable straps?
We are certainly planning on offering different length straps and other styles as well in the future.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - What is your typical day like, are you involved in other businesses in addition to Clara Lumé?
During development of the bag Clara Lumé was more than a full time job. Once the product was released and production was lined out, the work load started to decrease. As of the last few months I have been taking on other outside engineering consulting contracts to fill my time. As sales increase with Clara Lumé I suspect I will have to devote my entire energy to the business once again.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please consider making matching vests and boots! :)
Boots are on the horizon, but I need to get this product rolling steadily first.
I got my Clara Lumé Aurora bag all set up this weekend and it is making it's debut for New York Fashion Week events this month!
This bag is well crafted, super soft, and the unique light show feature is going to turn heads. I have had so much fun playing with the app and picking light shows for it that match my personality like Yin and Yang, Cross, Sensual Hearts and She's on Fire! (And don't think I wasn't pumping Alicia Keys' 'Girl on Fire' in tune to the light show on my Aurora!)
WIN IT:
You are cordially invited to win your own Clara Lumé AURORA Handbag at our #ClaraLumé Valentine's Twitter Party being held on Thursday, February 7th, at 9 p.m. EST - that's 6pm in California for our West Coast friends!
This party is for a half hour, so be sure to be there on time and use the hashtag #ClaraLumé to play along! Using the hashtag is your entry! So the more questions you answer and the more times you use the hashtag the more entries you will receive.
This one is open internationally! All USA, Canada and International Readers are very much welcome to join us!
Are you swooning over Clara Lumé as much as I am?
Here is a chance to RSVP, do some extras like additional social follows and earn some extra credit:
Look for our post about the party on Instagram, tagging friends there will get you extra credit as well!
It's in the rafflecopter, just remember you need to be following both https://twitter.com/claralumeshop and https://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias so it will be easy to DM you should you be the lucky winner! (And please note, if I get thrown in Twitter Jail for tweeting too much, yes this has happened, I will switch to the Ascending Butterfly Twitter Account so follow it too just in case: https://twitter.com/Ascending1)
DISCOUNT:
Ascending Butterfly Blog is honored to have the very FIRST and very much exclusive Discount Code!
Can't wait for the party?
Nab 10% off at Shop Clara Lumé by using the code: BUTTERFLY10
"Sensual Hearts" Light show - Clara Lumé Aurora Handbag
My Take:
I love that the Aurora Handbag has the light show on BOTH sides, and lets me express a wide range of moods at any given time. For my animal lovers, it's FAUX Fur, while it feels soft like a rabbit, no rabbits were harmed in the making of this handbag.
It gives me ski bunny realness and you are going to turn heads wearing this bag that's for sure!
I will post a photo of myself soon rocking my new Aurora handbag soon (Hmm....or maybe I will save it for the Twitter Party on Thursday!)
Hopefully in honor of our partnership they will develop a butterfly light show on the Aurora just for me!
Readers: Are you joining us on Thursday for the Valentine's Day Twitter Party?
FTC Disclosure: This is both a sponsored and compensated campaign, and all opinions are 100% my own! The love however is genuine! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.
I absolutely love the illuminated design of these bags! My cousin's birthday is coming up in a couple of months, and this is totally something she would love. I think I might have to get one for her!
Sorry you had to deal with a fire. I too have had that terrible experience. On a lighter note, that bag is really cool and surely has a one of kind, kinda feel to it.
Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.
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Follow us on Twitter @Tracy_Iglesias and @Ascending1
This is such a great giveaway! I love that bag.
ReplyDeleteHow cool! At first glance I loved the fur - but the cool light-up effect is unlike anything I’ve ever seen!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the illuminated design of these bags! My cousin's birthday is coming up in a couple of months, and this is totally something she would love. I think I might have to get one for her!
ReplyDeleteThat bag looks amazing! And such a cool sounding brand.
ReplyDeleteA handbag that lights up? How awesome! My daughter is in a high school fashion design program and would absolutely love this.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome give away! I think your designs are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat bag is ALL kinds of awesome. I totally have to get one for myself.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had to deal with a fire. I too have had that terrible experience. On a lighter note, that bag is really cool and surely has a one of kind, kinda feel to it.
ReplyDeleteI love the different lighted designs coming up on the purse. It would definitely be a head-turner at any event!
ReplyDeleteThese are some large scale dreams! You know the saying your dreams aren’t big enough unless someone laughs at you. Keep dreaming big!
ReplyDeleteI am digging the fur and light up feature on the bag. What a fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love that "sensual Hearts" bag. It's certainly unique.
ReplyDeleteThis looks really special.Neighbour's envy.Owner's pride.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the fire. I hope you continue to build your collection back up. This handbag looks so cool, something I would definitely want to get!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute looking bag! It is definitely something that I have never seen before. Very unique!
ReplyDeleteYou have big dreams. I can't wait to see them come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteI love learning about new brands, I have never heard of Clare Lume before .
ReplyDeleteClara Lume looks so fancy and cute! My girl would definitely love this handbag for Valentine's Day! Cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing handbag! I'd love to attend your Twitter party!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your fire. I went through a fire myself a few years ago and know how hard it is to regain footing.
ReplyDeleteYou are very talented - that i a great bag!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting bag. It is definitely one of those items that will generate great conversation and attention.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a clever way of accessorizing your accessory. :D
ReplyDeleteI love the fashion babes who help in the online community. They've taught me a lot about the right styles.
ReplyDeleteI'm Alittle Spitfire I Love Fashion !!!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen such a cute looking bag before. Perfect for a valentines date night.
ReplyDeleteWow what a fun handbag. I am gonna enter!
ReplyDelete