Branding

MOO .

I ordered my new Moo cards last night since I’m down to my last few business cards, and now I’m counting the days down until they arrive.  I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews of them, and I was excited to be able to use 16 (!) different images on the front, instead of being limited to 1. They’ll be like trading cards!

As mentioned before, I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed for Off the Map webzine’s Fall 2010 issue, and invited the team into the Bicyclette studio to take a peek into my world. Well, now the issue is out, so I can officially share with everyone and say a huge thank you and congratulations to the entire team for putting together a wonderful issue!

On top of the interview/photo feature, OTM also borrowed a few pieces from the collection to use in one of their fashion editorial spreads, another first for Bicyclette. I’ll let you find those for yourself though …

There’s been a delay (again) on the payment processing for the store, and I was told that it should be ready by the end of the week. I’m having a hard time just sitting back and waiting, as there’s only so much I can do to move the process forward before I get to the point where I’m waiting for others. Frustrating, to say the least. I’ll keep the updates coming, and trust me, I’m just as eager as you to see the store goes live!

In somewhat better news, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to borrow a friend’s camera, so I can finally share some better button photos with you. I’ve also added a new mini collection, with images from the last two product shoots. Consider them to be a bit of a sneak peek for the website as well.

I’ll be using these buttons for promotion (the store URL wraps around the edge of each button), but I’m also thinking of selling the collections on the site and having them be limited edition, so only so many of each style gets made, and they’re constantly being updated based on photo shoots, product, seasons, etc. Have them become kind of a pseudo-collectors item, you know?

I can’t believe it’s August. Where has the summer gone? But a new month means a new advertising opportunity, and this month I am pleased to be sponsoring Sterling Style. One of the reasons why I chose this blog in particular is because I feel that Taylor’s aesthetic and style are closely aligned with that of Bicyclette, and her and her blog have always been a source of inspiration for me. I love her tendency towards romantic and feminine pieces while still incorporating edgier accents and unexpected details into an outfit. Needless to say, I’m excited to be working with Taylor and Sterling Style, and I can assure you that you will be seeing more of this collaboration in the near future!

Can you spot the new Bicyclette ad design?

Also, be sure to check out two other blogs that Bicyclette is supporting again this month:  Bleubird Vintage and Final Fashion.

Yesterday I mentioned that I was experimenting with button designs at every opportunity, and that my most recent foray was into the wonderful world of vintage floral patterns. Anyways, here are some samples of those buttons, unfortunately still with phone pics only (I miss my camera!), but it gives you an idea. Various colour ways, keeping it simple with just the pattern and the little bike icon.

I also decided to pin some of them onto my vellum business cards, thinking that there might be times when I want to give someone a business card and include the button as a little extra. They kind of overlap the logo and bike on the card, and of course leave little holes where the pin was attached, but I still like the effect, and it’s nice to have the option. Voila!

So, what’s the consensus? Favourite colour ways?

I am now the proud owner of a button-making machine, as many of you will know if you follow me on Twitter, or if you read last week’s post. From the beginning, I’ve wanted to have some sort of little takeaway item that I can use for promotions and include with purchases. I was originally looking into laser cutting the shape into card stock and using that (inspired by my laser cut brand book cover back in the spring), but after the pricing turned out a little high, I decided on the promotional tool that everyone knows and love: buttons!

Anyways, thought I would do a little how-to in photos. Excuse the not-so-great phone pics, my DSLR decided to die on me, leaving me with no choice in the meantime. So far, I’ve just been experimenting, and this batch was using photos from the last shoot, and superimposing the little bike icon on them. Some turned out better than others, but overall, I’m pleased with the results and excited to play around with more ideas and designs. I have supplies to make 1000 buttons, so no shortage there!

So… what do we think?? Any special requests?

As I run around and try to tick things off my ever-growing to-do list, I wanted to take a moment to share a few things I’m currently lusting over.

1. Lune Vintage‘s vintage pop-up shop! How perfect is this ’76 Boler trailer. This is something I want to do someday, take Bicyclette on the road. One of my first posts was about gypsy queens and trailer dreams, sigh …

2. These Marais kitten heels, in cobalt, of course! Loving the simplicity and functionality of these beauties, and that colour is so perfect. I can completely see them with tights come fall as well, adding a little pop to an otherwise neutral outfit. Yes, please!

3. Buttons! And little round button-like magnets. I decided today that I’m going to invest in a button making machine and make hundreds of Bicyclette buttons to include with orders as gifts, promotions, and who knows what else. I’m thinking photo shoot buttons, rough sketch buttons, bicycle icon buttons, vintage print buttons and so much more.

I’d love to hear your ideas … any other clever designs or uses? Anyone want to have a button making party?

So there’s a little sampling of what’s been occupying my mind when I’m not focused on business related tasks. Care to share any of this week’s links or lusts with me?

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