Fashion Icons Credited To and Used With the Permission of Jessica
Introduction
We know what everyone says about Princeton fashion. They say that we all look like we stepped out of a J. Crew catalog; now that isn’t a problem, but the lack of diversity in our stylings is an issue. Where is the fashion experimentation? Where is our drive to dress to impress?–dead with the flowers held hostage under the snow. Believe it or not, spring is soon to come which means new clothes. I don’t think that we intentionally fall into the roles of J. Crew models, but what else do we know? Trendy has become the way of life in almost all stores. Modcloth, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters are more similar than they ever were before. Unique pieces are hard to find. Enter Etsy. Etsy connects the sellers with the buyers in a unique way. Hand-made products, that are one-of-a-kind and often custom-made, are not only really unique but perfect for Princeton collegiettes. In the upcoming weeks we will highlighting our most recent favorite shops on Etsy!
La Plume Ethere owned by Ginny (Santa Barbara, CA)
While La Plume Ethere seems to have a focus on wedding garb, it isn’t off-limits for Princeton collegiettes. No, we won’t be needing wedding veils (unless you have a completely unorthodox Princetonween costume idea) anytime soon, but the gorgeous albeit uncanny accesories are definitely up our ally. Ginny intricately combines feathers and pumps of all colors (blue, purple, black, and more). In addition, her headbands would make the perfect topper for Spring outfits. So read our interview below with the amazing Ginny.
Her Campus Princeton: When did you begin your Etsy shop and why did you begin La Plume Ethere?
Ginny: I began La Plume Ethere in September 2010. I had a previous Etsy shop (The Surreptitious Sloth) which was my first shop. When I opened it, I didn’t think I’d actually sell anything. It was a hodge podge of various items, and I gave it a silly name mostly to entertain myself. When I saw that I really wanted to specialize in feather accessories, I knew I should find a more appropriate name that supported my items. When I began creating and selling items, I did so around the holiday season of 2009. This was my first holiday season after having lost my mother to lung cancer. To keep myself busy during this time, I began crafting. My mom was an avid crafter. She hand made every halloween costume and taught me to sew. She created hundreds of Christmas ornaments (which the first year without her our new kitten attacked…). And, every single doorway was adorned with some form of decorative wreath hand crafted by my mom. So, what else was there to do while trying to remember her positively but craft! I soon discovered what I loved to do best was to work with feathers. Their texture–so soft and fluffy–if so much fun to work with. What I loved even more, as I soon found out, was working with brides and creating something special for their wedding. Each bouquet, fascinator, boutonniere, or other La Plume Ethere creation ends up a part of a very special time in someone’s life.
My shop has allowed me to do something I love and remember someone I love. Creating unique one of a kind pieces that help to make someone’s special day even more special and fund raising for cancer research have both given me so much joy–so thanks to all of my wonderful customers!
Her Campus Princeton: Maybe this question isn’t fair, but describe to our readers the essence of La Plume Ethere in only one word.
Ginny: Feathers
Her Campus Princeton: Why should Princeton collegiettes shop at La Plume Ethere?
Ginny: Plume Ethere donates 10% of all sales to the American Cancer Society. By shopping with us and finding a great gift for someone or a special something for yourself, you’re also contributing to a cause that effects countless lives.
In addition, the college student is a great cause in itself! College students, whether undergraduate or graduate, are stuck in a sleepless, paper-writing, exam-taking tornado. Take time to do something small for yourself–even if it is as simple as finding a unique new accessory–and help a good cause at the same time.
Our Favorite La Plume Ethere Items
Visit La Plume Ethere here!
Visit La Plume Ethere’s website here! Fan La Plume Ethere on Facebook here!
Make sure to stay tuned for the giveaway! Remember that the “code word” is underlined.