˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Marissa Del Rosario! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is Deb F. Remember: There are still some great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
Ascending Butterfly's 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature sponsored by:
For Spring 2010, Ascending Butterfly has been hosting a special feature called 'Spring Into Bags' we are going to be reviewing and giving away hot handbags from 'IT' bag designers! Fasten your seatbelts fellow bag lovers you are in for an awesome ride! Can you believe we are already featuring the THIRD bag in the feature? Is it me, or is 2010 just flying by super fast? (In case you missed them, the first bag was by Elliot Lucca, it was a convertible leather crossbody in a 'poppy' color, and the second bag was by Linea Pelle, it was also a leather convertible clutch in a very spring 'kelly green' color).
This time around I had the opportunity to ask the designer, Marissa Del Rosario, questions about the line, her inspirations and her life!
Here is our Questions & Answers session:
Q. How long have you been a handbag designer?
A. My DBA was started in 2007 but I did not really start designing until 2008. That would put me on a 2-year group but I have taken some classes in apparel designing in 2001. I've been designing ever since.
Q. What did you do before designing bags?
A. I worked as operating room nurse and still am. I had a bout of career burn out and thought this would be a great time to do a 180 (degree) turn by doing something that I'd always wanted to do: design.
Q. What are some of your design inspirations? in terms of both designs and color -
A. My designs are inspired by ready to wear collections, jewelry, architectural designs, flowers and anything that triggers an emotion. What we do, hear, see, feel and even smell are all connected. A good example of this is when you emailed me about your preference for the red color instead of beige because of your latina heritage. The color red evokes feelings of fearlessness in self-expression, of being bold and it definitely demands attention. (AB: Thanks Marissa, readers I did receive the 'cherry red' color and it does command attention, in a GOOD way.)
Q. What were the biggest obstacles you had to surmount when you launched your first collection?
A. Everything. But that did not faze me because I have this strong passion for creating & designing that I was willing to step outside my comfort zone. From finding the right manufacturers (I've searched in N.Y. & L.A.; overseas is out of the question), leather vendors, pattern makers to meeting people to network with and learning to 'photoshop' my handbags were all a big adventure.
Q. What will be big this spring?
A. I see a lot of black & whites, army greens, and tribal and/or ethnic colors, both in jewelries, clothes and accessories. This trend is influenced, I think, to our current economic climate. I'd call this our 'let's get back to basics' response--colors of black & white, greens (nature), and tribal colors (again, earth tones of browns, greens, greys).
Q. What inspired the Zip Line?
A. Zippers are usually for utilitarian purposes. But I got a kick out of using them as a 'jewelry' for the handbags, especially when they are two-toned such as that of the cross body & hobo in which I used silvers encompassing the gold. This zipper combination make the bags unique; so far, I have not seen this application in any handbags out there. I'm quite proud of coming up with this design. (AB: Readers this really is a stunning juxtaposition!)
Q. Looking ahead, what are the trends for Fall 2010 bags in terms of shape and color?
A. There is definitely a move towards structured bags. But it's a tough act to give up soft, conforming, unstructured handbags. They are here to stay. Women are also into big bags with lots of pockets, multi-length handles, and versatile designs (one that can be used for day and evening).
Q. What retail locations carry Marissa Designs?
A. I've changed my brand name to Marissa Del Rosario. Although my company is still in its infancy, my collection is already in a N.Y. showroom and is in a few stores in California.
Q. Will you be solely focusing on bags, or do you intend to pursue other accessories such as jewelry, sunglasses etc?
A. As for now, I'm focusing on bags. But I have toyed with the idea of designing shoes... but that's another chapter :) (AB: If there are shoes coming down the line, I for one, can't wait to see them, and hopefully feature them here FIRST!)
I am eternally grateful to Marissa for not only the opportunity to review & giveaway a bag from her line, but for the time and consideration of our Q&A Session. It's not very often you get the chance to look behind the designs straight to the person behind the brand. I find it amazing that Marissa is an Operating Room Nurse that is also pursuing her creative desires via design. Maybe I can relate because for many years I was seriously pursuing becoming a Cardiologist!
So to all my butterflies who think switching gears in this economy is virtually impossible, here is a designer who is proving to you it can be done! Marissa is a designer to watch!
Now back to the bag at hand (no pun intended!). I have been 'field testing' the Somerset Hobo in 'cherry red', and I absolutely love it. Somehow it feels like a bag I have always had, it's roomy without being oversized, and the multi color in the zip detail is a true stand out, it runs along the front and handle of the bag. It's very much on trend with the 'rocker' inspired styles I saw on the runway this Spring. It manages to be trendy while not being overdone so you can carry it with you throughout more than one season!
Somerset Hobo Details - ARV $332 (Shown in Latte Beige, I however received the Cherry Red):
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Triple zipper detail in front only (silver/gold/silver) - Truly unique, allows you to wear either/or when it comes to your jewelry!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soft matte leather
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - East west zipper closure - It's very well done on this bag, eye catching but not overdone. It's do-able in the day which I can't say about all the 'rocker' style inspired bags.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Handles with zipper detail
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 14” shoulder drop
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Inside large double slip pockets & zipper pocket
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Turquoise fabric lining (Very pretty color, it's not often I find myself raving about a bag's lining!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -15” l x 13” h x 4” w
WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Marissa Del Rosario would like to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to have a Marissa Del Rosario 'Sierra Cross Body' bag in the 'Latte Beige' color from her 2010 Collection! (This is a $196 retail value!) - Don't you just ♥ Marissa Del Rosario?
Sierra Cross Body Details (Remember you will receive this bag in 'Latte Beige' not black):
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - matte leather with triple (silver/gold/silver) zipper detail; front only
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - top zipper closure
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - adjustable shoulder strap
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 25" shoulder drop at maximum length
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - inside slip pocket for cell phone
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - turquoise fabric lining
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8" (l) x 9" (h)
How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and
(2) Visit Marissa Del Rosario and Tell us what other bag ASIDE from the Somerset Hobo and the Sierra Crossbody that catches your eye and leave the LINK to that bag in your comment entry! (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com, If it is visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.
Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Wednesday, April 07, 2010 until Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)
EXTRA CREDIT:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow me @
Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your Twitter ID in a comment
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly @Tracy_Iglesias + @MarissaDRosario Sierra Crossbody Bag #Giveaways (ARV $196) - http://tinyurl.com/yj4v7g9
Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here).
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MarissaDRosario on Twitter
HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Marissa Del Rosario Designs on Facebook, (and don't forget to tell her Ascending Butterfly sent you) HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on:
Fuel My Blog
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook
HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs
HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Ning Group (real time chat, expanded forums!)
HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below (This is a ONE time vote only):
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?
NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!
Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:
Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)
1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it
2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'
3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)
Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and the sponsors are also fulfilling product to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product.
