As many of you may know, getting laid off was the "kick in the pants" I needed to start Collar, Stand + Tie.  Since CS+T's debut at the MarketNYC in the fall of 2010, I have cherished each opportunity that has come before me due to my little line of accessories.  I have met so many wonderfully creative photographers, artists, vendors, models and customers.  I have learned where to go for fabric, labels, buttons, and thread.  I have come to understand the importance of a good business card, a clear website and friends and family who will accept payment for their talents in trade.

What you may not know is that I have never lost sight of the dream of designing my own womenswear line.  I started designing accessories because accessories were what I could afford to produce - and after the cost of fabric, buttons, thread, printer paper for tags, string, pins, building this website, renting a market table, suitcase for hauling my wares, cabs to and fro with that big suitcase, etc., I wondered how in the world I was ever going to get ahead.  As a perfectionist, I knew that the womenswear collection I dreamed of would only happen if the time and the resources were right.  In walks the Fashion Star opportunity.

I am so grateful to have the chance to design to my heart's content on NBC's Fashion Star, however,  I will always pay homage to that original unisex tie I created, because for me, it is the source of inspiration for all that I design - the perfect masculine + feminine combination.

Please join me as CS+T takes the next step, starting March 13th at 9:30 EST on NBC.  It's your journey, too, as I suspect if you are reading this, you helped me get here one way or another.  Thank you.  And thank you for your continued support. 

For the latest updates, please follow my Fashion Star page on Facebook.  Or, follow CS+T's journey on Twitter.  AND - check back very soon - at long last, CS+T's unisex ties will be available ONLINE.