A personal retrospective:
It’s been almost two years since I left my corporate design job to start pursuing my dream, and I have to pinch myself by how far we’ve come since then. I have spent many hours coming up with this brand, creating our product, marketing it to stores, inspecting it at the factory, and promoting it with anyone who will listen. It is a labor of love, and sometimes it is easy to loose track of balance and life when working 24/7, so I am happy that this is our first holiday season as a brand, because I have been able to look back at the past two years and gain focus for where I would like to take the brand- I have NO clue how we will get there but I have a feeling that things will always work themselves out…
As part of a vow to myself to not just put my business out there, but to put myself out there as well, I’ll be writing from my own point of view more here on our blog. I have been remiss to take credit for everything BTS because in fact I wanted you to see the designs first and not me. I wanted people to see a brand, but I have come to realize even though Between the Sheets does not bare my name I am it and it is me. Yes, it is just me and my boyfriend Josh. We pack, we ship, we sell, we email. I design, I make samples, I make lookbooks, I update our website and social media. He tracks our inventory, he steams samples on photoshoots, he now photographs our collections. I cast models, do hair and makeup, edit photographs… and the list goes on. No, we are not a big corporation, and no we do not have a huge marketing budget and graphic design team!
I know many of you might know a bit from visiting our blog and seeing JUST US behind the scenes, but we’re going to put ourselves out there, let you know what a struggle this is to start a manufacturing business dedicated to doing things the right way. Made in the USA, made sustainably, made with love… these are the things I stand for, and so too does my business.
This season I will finally get to share BTS with friends and family, so here is my personal Gift Guide, a bit of myself and my thoughts… and it’s just the beginning!
xo
Layla
For my newly engaged friend — Come Out & Play Bralette and Boyshort in Bamboo
I know that traditional trousseau lingerie is ivory or white, lacy or racy, but I really think there is something so sweet AND sexy about this robin’s egg blue! I know with a pair of pink slippers and maybe under a hotel robe this set would be super sexy. It’s youthful and fun, flirty and charming, and not so traditional. I’d probably include a feather tickler or some other pink accessories with this at the bachelorette party!
For my boyfriend — Layla L’obatti for Between the Sheets Deco Lace Babydoll in Peach
Yes, I design lingerie but I definitely wear what I like more often that what my boyfriend likes! Shame, because there are so many of my own designs that I could just slip into on occasion that would certainly be as much of a treat for him as for me, and my choice would be this silky slinky specimen of seduction… because I love it and I designed and I should wear it for what it was intended! Time to raid our samples…
Layla Lobatti Deco Lace Babydoll Peach
For my gardening Aunt in Cali— Well Played Cardigan in Bamboo
My aunt loves to garden, she has a huge backyard and spends a lot of time outdoors, but in the southern California sun that isn’t always good for your skin, and when gardening you want to make sure you’re covered and still able to move and work without being exposed to the elements of dust, pollen, sun etc, so I am sending her this sweet cardigan in bamboo to accent her green thumb with some green style! The modal will breathe easy in the heat, the sleeves are easy to push out of the way when getting down in the dirt but can be pulled forward to protect her arms whiles she pruning roses and the front can tie up to stay out of her way when she needs it! Perfectly groomed garden, perfectly groomed gardener- a match made in heaven!
For my friend C — Playdate Babydoll in Dawn
Well, C is in a new relationship… not sure if they’re officially calling it that yet but either way, she has a new guy around and I think this piece is perfect for a fliratious date night out or a sweet evening in. It’s soft to the touch which encourages affection and romance, exactly what a budding love needs! It’s also sexy enough that it might tip the scales towards full-fledged relationship, and judging by how happy she’s been of late that cannot be a bad thing!
For Myself— Well Played Cardigan in Shade
I love this cardigan! I work from home mostly, our little design studio can go from hot to cold in a minute with the way steam heat is in these old buildings, so I love having this cardigan on hand to throw on when it gets chilly. It’s heavy weight so it’s perfect for those chilly fall days, and also modest and perfect for when I need to answer the door but don’t want to look like I’m rolling out of bed in my pjs! If I have to run I just throw on a pair of jeans with this and I’m ready to go. And if I need to do the dishes or tidy up I love that the skinny sleeves stay up when pushed up to your elbows… I literally live in this cardigan in every color, it is my go to piece!
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