Shades of Truth, 48 Hour Film Project, First City Films Savannah, GA

How exciting this weekend was. I was costume designer for my first film. I participated in the 48 Hour Film Project, 2010 with First City Films in Savannah. The film is titled “Shades of Truth” and screening is July 14th and 15th at the Victory Stadium Theater in Savannah, GA. The winners of this world wide competition will go to Cannes Film Festival.

Not only was this my first film it was a competition and we had very little time to bring the final project together. I'm not normally a competitive type person but I am a stress junkie. And stress is exactly what I received. Though by 2:00 day of filming I was a bit of a zombie due to lack of sleep.. One mistake I made was not having a costume/wardrobe team. I will not make that mistake again – if you choose to do this make sure you have at least one helper.

I really enjoyed my experience. The people with First City Films and the crew they enlisted were all very wonderful people. Not a diva among them. I would choose to work with any and all of them again.

Wow, it has been a while since I’ve written. I really meant to keep up with the blog better but there are a lot of things in life that I have not planned on. My main goal has been to figure out how to make my dresses, finish school, and support myself. Any and all ideas or advice will be appreciated. In this economy it’s getting harder to make it all happen. As I told a friend it is exhilarating, scary, and exhausting at the same time. Next time I’ll marry a wealthy man. I’m still trying to figure out how people do this. I know there are a lot of people out there who have built successful businesses from nothing – I would really like to talk to some of them. I need to know how to exist without sleep were does the energy come from? I want to work smarter not harder.

I missed last week. School started last week and I’m getting used to a new schedule. Leann just won Project Runway. I agree with the judges this year. Her designs were new and innovative. I am interested to see where she goes with this. I was also pleasantly surprised that she used sustainable fabrics. This is something I have been very interested in. I have been doing research for my own designs. I will give you more information on where to find these fabric’s in the near future.

This is not the original blog for this week. I have tried to stay away from the economic problems. I will try to keep this light. Please remember on Election Day this is not an isolated problem it is global; every one is affected – several of the Euro Banks have also failed. I encourage everyone to look at the records of each presidential and vice presidential candidate – don’t vote because he’s black or she’s a woman. Their past is a clue to their future. Don’t be swayed by journalists that have their own agenda. Sorry no more ranting. So you are paying higher taxes, your gas bill is as high as a car payment and you can not afford to go shopping, NO PROBLEM. Check out the very back of your closet. What about those great clothes in storage sure they are out of style but there is a reason you kept them? You should even check out the local Goodwill or Salvation Army! Now, you have these great out of date garments what do you do now? Use them! It can be as easy has changing the belt, adding a sash, or raising the hem. Have them altered; many can be updated to look new. Need ideas? Contact me; e-mail pictures of yourself in the garment I will happily give you ideas of what you can do to update the garment. Can’t do it yourself – paying for alterations is normally less expensive than buying new clothes. You can find examples of my work: www.myspace.com/kellyhartdesigns, I’m also on Face Book. Don’t be scared and worried all the time about the world situations. Make it a little brighter – add color.

I watch the awards show for one reason and one reason only; the dresses! My favorites from the 60th Annual Emmy Awards are Brooke Shields and Hayden Panettiere both in Badgely Mischka and Nicolett Sheridan in Angel Sanchez. I also have to mention Debra Messing she always has a glamorous style. This year she wore a beautiful gown by Monique Lhuillier. One day in the near future it will be one of mine. The other’s I fell are worth mentioning are: Kyra Sedgwick in L’Wren Scott Vanessa Williams in Kevan Hall Sandra Oh in Oscar de la Renta Evangeline Lilly in Elie Saab Felicity Huffman and Olivia Wilde in Reem Acra Holly Hunter in Jenny Packham Perrey Reeves in Temperley London

I design clothes and update vintage clothing. I’m very excited about my new venture and will tell you all about it right here. I’ll also be discussing a variety of fashion topics. After years in the mortgage industry it was time for a change. For years I have encouraged my children to not worry about how much money they can make with a career but to do what they enjoy. Easier said than done – but finally I’m practicing what I have preached. Now the babies are grown and chasing their dreams. I pray they live their lives with no regrets. For the first time in a long time I’m living on the edge. It feels like I’m putting my soul on public display – something I have never done, even within my family. They say doing the right thing is the scariest thing you will do. This is comforting – since I have never been this scared before. NY Fashion week is over. The London Fashion week started yesterday. I’ve been watching the run ways shows daily. A few of my favorites this year are Diane Von Furstenberg, Joanna Mastrioanni, and as always Betsy Johnson. I believe this was the premier of William Rast, Justin Timberlake’s new line; very casual. I do like to see the mix of women and men’s garments on the runway.