American Singer-Songwriter Marc Anthony once said, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” A simple goal that involves passion, dedication and staying true to yourself.
It’s a great help when you meet people like local Austin designer Anne Marie Beard who defines this quote without even realizing it. Anne Marie and I became friends since our first coffee and taco break. Because that’s what Austin people do!
We first me at her pop up tent on South Congress, where she sells purses, handbags, mini-wallets, doppkits for men, and shirts with her own signature vintage side pockets. Other than Anne Marie’s welcoming smile, these shirts were first to catch my attention and I soon came to the conclusion I wanted one in my closet!
It’s a great help when you meet people like local Austin designer Anne Marie Beard who defines this quote without even realizing it. Anne Marie and I became friends since our first coffee and taco break. Because that’s what Austin people do!
We first me at her pop up tent on South Congress, where she sells purses, handbags, mini-wallets, doppkits for men, and shirts with her own signature vintage side pockets. Other than Anne Marie’s welcoming smile, these shirts were first to catch my attention and I soon came to the conclusion I wanted one in my closet!
I could not get over this simple idea; Anne Marie adds a unique piece of fabric to an old shirt from the back of your closest and brings it back to life. It was something I couldn’t explain to my friends and family without showing them. In my opinion it’s a true original piece of art walking through the streets of Austin, TX. You’re not going to find anything normal here anyways.
All shirts from Anne Marie’s rack are all different and have unique inspirations. For example (coming from Anne Marie's mind), if the shirt is an orange collared shirt, why not sew handsome orange cats to complete the ensemble?
All shirts from Anne Marie’s rack are all different and have unique inspirations. For example (coming from Anne Marie's mind), if the shirt is an orange collared shirt, why not sew handsome orange cats to complete the ensemble?
I could go on and on about how well Anne Marie’s pattern choice and stitch work is developed and created throughout all of her products, not just the shirts. But I wanted to pay close attention to the shirt that really hit me with an emotion I have yet to feel until now.
When Anne Marie handed the Equality shirt into my hands, nothing reflected but a smile and a sense of pride. I love seeing brands support the LGBT community and I especially love to see a local designer prove that she is a supporting Ally.
When Anne Marie handed the Equality shirt into my hands, nothing reflected but a smile and a sense of pride. I love seeing brands support the LGBT community and I especially love to see a local designer prove that she is a supporting Ally.
Anne Marie is now entering her 13th year of sewing, creating and being the Bad*** Boss she’s always been. “Making is in my blood, it’s all I know,” said Anne Marie. Of course that’s not all she knows, she knows me…her biggest fan!
Til' next time,
-Alex
Til' next time,
-Alex