Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello

Pretty Princess Girls:

Tell us a little about Amphoria Bello, your Etsy Store, and everything you make.

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Amphoria Bello was born in 2002 when I began creating leather jewelry for a museum gift shop in the downtown Huntsville area where I grew up. After successful sales and having many requests for customized items, I decided to expand to Etsy in an attempt to reach a larger audience! Usually what will happen is, I will create an item which will be available on Etsy and then receive inquiries as to whether I can create a similar item but maybe in another color or size.

Pretty Princess Girls:

How did you get started? Were you a fashionista from the time you were a little girl?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

When I was just 5 years old my mother gave me needles, thread, and buttons. I would spend hours sewing buttons onto quilt squares! Pretty soon I was making little pouches and cutting the fabric into different shapes. This quickly accelerated into creating fanciful Barbie clothes and outfits for my many dolls!

The one thing which taught me a lot as a young artist was, you must KNOW the rules to break them. I would alter patterns and not follow directions up until I was 15 when I realized there was no way anyone would ever want one of my creations unless it looked professional! For 3 years i MADE myself follow dress patterns to the letter. As I became more experienced I began exploring with original designs, altering patterns and making huge changes in pre-made clothing. Seldom do I purchase a piece of clothing which does not become altered in some way!

Pretty Princess Girls:

Do you get to do Amphoria Bello full time? Or if not yet, are you hoping to make it full time?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

After quitting my full time job at a Credit Union I knew I had to do something I loved or I would be miserable! Right now I'm extremely blessed to design for Amphoria Bello full time!

Pretty Princess Girls:

We saw on your blog where you were up late one night after being inspired by the Rose Bowl to create. What other things do you draw inspiration from?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Nature is my number one inspiration!

I do often draw inspiration from things friends wear, or wish they could find! Animals, children, the retail chain Anthropologie, and several celebrities and old Hollywood designers. They are a never ending reminder that couture design and class go hand in hand. If you want to make a lasting impression on anyone with the art you make, you must first believe in it yourself.

Pretty Princess Girls:

Do you have a favorite thing you've ever made?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Yes! Several years ago I made a dress styled after one Kiera Knightly wears in the 2005 movie version of Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice."

I would honestly wear that dress anywhere and everywhere if I didn't think it would cause people to stop and stare! The fabric is very unique and I have never seen anything like it since. I often wish I had purchased the entire bolt!

Pretty Princess Girls:

How would you describe your personal style, and what you love to wear?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

My style is certainly a mixture of classy/vintage. I enjoy wearing a fitted pant, pairing it with some "V" toed, name brand stiletto heels and topping it off with a ruffled, feminine blouse and few pieces of vintage jewelry.

One day while shopping at my favorite local antique store I stumbled across a gold plated link bracelet with a single, 3D owl gold plated charm by Monet. I have worn that bracelet at least 5 out of 7 days a week since purchasing!

Pretty Princess Girls:

We love that you love Owl City, haha - cause we do too! What other music are you into, and does music inspire your style or things you create?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Again, back to Jane Austin, there's a piece on that same soundtrack called "Stars and Butterflies." One day I would love to design an entire wedding around that theme! Often times I'll come across a word or phrase and derive an entire collection just from that one inspiration. For example, on a recent trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida I was inspired by the colors of the sea and beach to begin on a line of shell jewelry and lingerie which I hope to release in June 2010.

Pretty Princess Girls:

Who are your fashion icons and are there any designers you love?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Angelina Jolie. First and foremost. She has that perfect balance of grace, style, class, femininity and yet strength which translate into her very manner and speech. Audrey Hepburn is another celebrity whose style I greatly admire. Its simplistic yet created such an impact that she's considered a fashion icon still today.

A few more of my favorite muses are Marie Gregerson who has such a natural, athletic, girlish look; Carla Bruni, former model who is now the First Lady of France and Edith Head, celebrity fashion designer.

Pretty Princess Girls:

Do all your friends hit you up for cute accessories all the time?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

Always! Recently a friend of mine and I were dressing up for the premier of a documentary at the Monaco Theatre and wanted a classic, red-lipstick, 1940s look. We went through so many gloves, handbags and jeweled pins before completing the perfect ensemble!

Pretty Princess Girls:

What else do you love to do besides being a fashionista?

Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello:

My two other passions... Running and Reading. Both of which I do to relax or escape if only for a while the pressures or simple stresses of the day.

Pretty Princess Girls:

Thank you so much Rachel K. of Amphoria Bello! You're super gorgeous and we adore your caps especially! Muah! :D.