How did you go about creating Smarmy and can you tell our readers out there just what is Smarmy?

Smarmy Clothes started as an excuse for not doing homework in college. I went to school for nursing, which is an especially clinical/practical field, so Smarmy became my creative outlet. My time spent studying and sewing were definitely not proportionate. It started as a hobby and grew from there. I'm a licensed RN now, but I've yet to actually get a nursing job. I've been doing Smarmy full-time since I graduated.

Smarmy is about having something nobody else can ever have and rubbing their stinking damn noses in it every chance you get. Maybe slightly less confrontational than that, though.

Do you always create from vintage wear?

I used to get all of my t-shirts secondhand from thrift shops and Ebay. Unfortunately, the thrift stores in the area just can't support my habit anymore, so now I buy most of the t-shirts new.

How long does a garment take? Do you have anyone helping you?

It really depends on the garment. But I usually spend at least two hours and as much as five hours on a single piece. I do all of the sewing myself, as well as everything in between – web design, photography, shipping, answering emails, etc. It's like a punk rock sweat shop over here. I have to spend half my time working my fingers to the bone, and the other half as my mean boss not giving myself any health benefits and threatening to fire my lazy ass. (this sounds familiar)

Do you ever feel you want to expand your genre of clothing?

I'd really like to start making clothes for guys. I get a lot of emails from guys asking if and when I'm going to make men's clothing. Other than that, I think I've found a pretty good niche for myself. I don't plan to consciously change what I'm doing at all, but my style will naturally evolve over time. I definitely don't ever see myself making stuff that they'd carry at Sears or anything, though. I take pride in providing clothing for people that want something unique and literally one-of-a-kind.

Are there any plans for a boutique?

I'd love to open a bricks-and-mortar shop someday, but it's definitely not something that will happen anytime soon.

Where do you get inspiration for your pieces?

I'd say the two biggest influences on my style are punk and Japanese street fashion. They're both about having fun and being creative with what you wear and pushing the boundaries. I use a lot of bright colors and bold patterns, so I think pop art is another big inspiration for me. And I think my dresses have a 50's rockabilly feel: swing dresses and halter tops. Clothing that shows off your curves.

What's the most outrageous outfit you've ever made?

Let's see... One time I took a vintage tennis skirt, shortened it and added red lace around the hem. Then I sewed a bunch of pockets made of clear PVC around the skirt and put colored condoms in them. I called it the Safe Sex Skirt. I don't know if that was actually the most outrageous thing I've made, but it probably sounds like it.

Did you go to school for fashion or was this a stumbling talent?

Fashion design is something I started taking more seriously after years of reconstructing thrift store purchases. I learned to sew in a middle school Home Economics Class. I made a stuffed monkey named Gizmo that turned out pretty awful. After that, my mom taught me how to use sewing patterns. That is pretty much the extent of my "formal training."

Did you make that hat you are wearing on MySpace and how do you feel about the resurgence of the unicorn?

I didn't make the unicorn hat, but I did make an enormous cheeseburger head for my Mayor McCheese costume for Halloween last year.
As far as the unicorn comeback, I've found it to be both awesome and rad. What girl doesn't love unicorns? They're magical and cheesy and make wonderful friends.

Favorite dish to cook?

I make the best mashed potatoes east of the Mississippi. My great uncle taught me all of his secrets. Mainly it's lots of sour cream and butter, and a dab of cream cheese.

Interested in obtaining your one of kind Smarmy ensemble? Look no further....You can also visit Alexis' Myspace page and tell her how much you just love her creations. I'm sure she would acceptingly enjoy the love!

Back to Steez