Dear Cindi,
I wanted to write you this letter to thank you for introducing me to by the C jackets. While Cinderella is indeed proof that a good pair of shoes can change your life, I would venture to counter that having a by the C jacket makes everyday life iconic, one delightful jacket at a time.
by the C boyfriend jackets are perfect day-to-night attire for the everyday professional woman. Unlike the RTW (ready to wear) suits in the market, your jackets are truly designed to fit a woman’s curves without compromise! These jackets are chic yet comfy and absolutely fun to wear -- your attention to quality design, fabric and manufacture puts by the C jackets a notch above every other brand name jacket I’ve ever owned (and likely every will). Where do I start?
There are truly not enough words to describe how I feel about the by the C jackets I own. As a lawyer and single woman, my by the C jackets are my favorite mainstay apparel in my ever changing wardrobe. Thank you for having the vision and tenacity to launch by the C and bring these thoughtfully tailored jackets to my doorstep (minus the pumpkin chariot and pointy wand).
Sincerely,
Marsha
]]>All the blazers I have ever purchased, I have always had to have the sleeves shortened or roll them up. Usually, I just rolled them up...but the lining was always so boring! So, when I started my designing process, I knew they would all have wonderful linings that you could show off when you roll up your sleeves (all my blazers are fully lined). But you can also wear your sleeves down for a different look. All by the C blazers come with a matching, removable scarf and pocket square, so you can wear them many different ways.
When I travel I just take a few blazers, some black tops (and some colourful ones), black pants, a basic black dress (or two) and some jeans and I am good to go (if only that's ALL I actually took, but that's all I need!) I always wear one on the plane too.
And my by the C blazers are so much fun to wear! They have so much personality. That's why we call them "Blazers With a Personality"! I am always stopped by people when they notice that I have a dots or a clock or wings or a cat's face on the back of my blazer! Talk about a conversation piece!
Even on bad days when you feel uggg (we have all had those days)...my blazers are boyfriend blazers (not meant to be done up, but of course can be), but they just feel great slipping one on! They are very comfortable.
Crazy....but when I was in grades 8 and 9, I used to go through my mom's closet and find blazers that I could wear. I have a young, cool mom and she always had amazing clothes, so I would wear her blazers...even to school. That's how much I love blazers and even waaaaaay back then!
So, why blazers?? Why not??
]]>by the C is my brainchild. On January 1st, 2011, while out for lunch with my husband Dale, the idea for creating "Blazers with a Personality" hit me. by the C was created and we spent the next couple of years working on logistics. In the spring of 2015, I met Sandra - a wonderfully skilled seamstress. I told her my vision and she was able to create my dream. The first blazer "off the presses" was "Well Heeled." I gave it to my mom and we both cried! We made 25 different prototypes, making changes along the way. During this time, I was busy looking for a factory that could produce my blazers...a factory in Canada. I finally found a factory in Toronto with just the right expertise to produce my designs. by the C was launched in July, 2016! A storefront and a website soon followed.
Since the brand’s inception, my vision has grown into a successful business. The timeless designs are a colourful mix of materials and are combined with cultural references, creating blazers that merge feminine with masculine, and classic with contemporary. While my aesthetic style continues to evolve, my commitment to quality and vision remains unchanged.
All by the C blazers have a unique NAME embroidered on the inside lining. Buttons, lining and other intricate details are selected to match their NAME. Currently, we have 32 NAMED blazers. “Olive Another” has olive green lining, olive green Swarovski crystal buttons and three embroidered olives tumbling out of the breast pocket (make sure to try this on with the “Olive Another” watch and T-shirt!). There is a martini glass with the words “Bottoms Up” embroidered on the lower rear portion of this fun blazer! “Out of the Blue” has luxurious royal blue lining, with gorgeous Swarovski crystal buttons. The lining in “Horsin’ Around” is, guess? You got it, horses. The cloth horse buttons on this blazer were made especially for by the C. Newly arrived design, “Tusk Because” features black and white elephant lining with a small elephant embroidered on the back. We call them “Blazers with a Personality!” Many details define my blazers. My NAME, my signature, is embroidered on the inside of each blazer, under the embroidered Canadian Maple Leaf. There is a small silver C suspended from a silver chain, sewn into the neckline. The C is me. All come with a by the C embroidered garment bag. I want everyone to feel like they have an extra special purchase. Our sizes are generous, and most customers take at least a size smaller than what they think. I always like to chat with my customers, so we can choose the fit best for them. They are meant to be roomy, like you are wearing your “boyfriend’s” jacket. Sizes are XXS-XL, fitting approximately a 0-22. Something for everybody and Every Body!
I am involved in every aspect of each blazer. Sometimes the NAME comes first, and I source special buttons and lining that will match the NAME. Other times, a gorgeous button or a fun lining comes first, and the NAME reveals itself. After all the lining and buttons are ordered, everything is shipped to the factory in Toronto. The factory begins the process with the cutting of the lining and the black crepe fabric. After this huge job is completed, the pieces that require embroidery are bundled up and shipped back to me. All pieces must be kept in proper order to keep the dye lot the same. Typically, this is 5 pieces per blazer and we must manufacture at least 100 blazers at a time (usually 150-200) - about 750-1000 pieces of cut out fabric is sent to me. I number and NAME each and every piece of fabric. The pieces to be embroidered are delivered to Wynter at RAD Casuals and this is where the magic happens. RAD has been involved since day one, working on designs for the backs, etc. I use local talent when available and RAD Casuals has been a perfect fit. The pieces are reorganized, bundled and sent back to the factory, where the final blazers are assembled (this includes sewing on the buttons and the silver Cs). Quality control is so important to me – this is my NAME and why I choose to be an integral part of the process. It is to make sure hockey sticks do not end up on the back of “Nip and Tux.” Surprisingly, we have never had a mishap! There are a lot of sleepless nights while we are in the factory, but as soon as they arrive, I am always beyond excited to see the new designs come to life. It is a labour of love!
Blazers with a personality…which one suits YOUR personality?
Since the inception of by the C, I decided to expand my inventory and include other merchandise to coordinate with the blazers. Purses, leggings, jeans, luxurious silk scarves and tops are all now part of the shopping experience at by the C. Our by the C brand has also expanded to include watches, candles, T-shirts and sneakers (with original artwork). I am passionate about helping other women designers and artisans get more exposure for their products. I am proud to showcase their unique designs in the store and on our website. We currently feature the whimsical artwork of Medicine Hat native, Kelly Schlenker – tea towels, cards and bookmarks, all wonderful gift items. Susan Renner, also from Medicine Hat, creates Sacks from Scraps, one-of-a-kind repurposed fabric makeup bags and tote bags. A size and design for all – such fun accessories! Red Deer artist, Darcy Edinga of Silk Concepts, hand paints silk scarves – so many vivid, beautiful colours! We now carry silk face masks by Darcy. Calgary-based artist, Moya Maxted designs watches especially to match our blazers. Also, Moya’s artistry is displayed on her beautiful silk scarves. Just arrived, creatively inspired sneakers by Moya and Me.
I pride myself on exceptional, personal service to all by the C customers. Whether in person, on the phone or on my website, you can expect that I will be involved with your purchase from start to finish.
Visit us at 626 3rd Street SE in beautiful downtown Medicine Hat or on my website, www.bythec.ca .
So, what’s in a NAME? Everything!
by the C, the C is ME.
]]>Stop in for a visit (when you're in Medicine Hat) or check out our online store to C all our unique bags, silk scarves, T-shirts, watches, sneakers...oh, and did you know we have super cool blazers? Blazers with a Personality!
]]>Designed by ME…Cindi. The C is for Cindi
They are manufactured in a factory in Toronto
All have their names embroidered on the left inside lining
Their names match their unique “personality”
My signature is embroidered on the inside right side
We are proud to be Canadian Made, so a Maple Leaf is embroidered on the inside right side of the lining
They are boyfriend blazers…. meant to be oversized…. our sizes are generous
Usually customers are a size smaller that what they might think
Sizes are XXS-Xl…fitting sizes 0-22
I come up with a name or a theme and then search out suitable lining and buttons…sometimes it works the opposite. I find buttons or fabric and then come up with a name
We call them “Blazers With A Personality”
Most blazers have a small item embroidered on the lower rear portion to match their “personality”
I only put something on the back if it makes sense…
The ones without anything on the back are:
“You Jane”
“Nip &Tux”
“Walk On The Wild Side”
“Out Of The Blue”
“A Stitch In Lime” (but has lime green top stitching)
"And All That Pizzazz" (but has fuchsia top stitching)
"Put it All on Red" (but has red top stitching)
All embroidery is done back in my hometown (Medicine Hat), and I am in constant contact with them, as they are doing it…to make sure we don’t end up with hockey sticks on the back of “Out Of The Blue” :)
“Olive Another” also has olives embroidered coming out of the breast pocket
All blazers come with a matching, removeable pocket square and scarf. Wear the blazer with or without
Wear the scarf many ways…in your hair, tied through the belt loops of your jeans, inside the blazer, outside the lapels, looped around the handles of your purse, tied around your neck (or leave it at home)
Most of the buttons are Swarovski crystals (except for 2 cloth buttons and 2 rhinestone ones)
“Time Flies” has cloth buttons
“Horsin’ Around” has cloth buttons
“Nip & Tux” has rhinestone buttons
“Tickles My Nose” has rhinestone buttons
They look great with jeans, leggings, short black skirts, Little Black Dresses, capris, even longer shorts. And for a change try white bottoms, or a patterned dress
I designed one especially for Ellen DeGeneres “Sole Mates” (with her oxford shoe lining and an oxford shoe on the back) and sent it to her! I haven’t heard anything from her…did she even receive it? ☹
When we go to the factory, we must do 100 blazers…we can’t just make one
We just received another shipment from the factory with some new ones and also restocking some of the favourites
So far there are 32 different names, with a whole bunch of new ideas in my head
The black crepe fabric is 70% polyester, 25% rayon and 5% spandex
The lining is polyester
They must be dry cleaned (because of the embroidery and the buttons)
They all come on a wooden hanger and a “by the C” embroidered fabric garment bag
I launched on July 11, 2016 with a cocktail party and models walking through the crowd showing all the details and different ways to wear them
A “C” hangs from a silver chain sewn in the neck. It’s the same “C” in our logo
The “C” is ME….
I hope you love them as much as I do. They are a labour of love, as I am very much involved in every little detail of every blazer
I am just a phone call or an email away…if you have any questions at all 😊
Cell 403-548-5491
Showroom/WEARhouse – 403-504-0383
Email – cindi@bythec.ca
]]>Luxurious Cashmere Wraps! I want one of each style...in each colour! When we start traveling again (and we will soon), these are just perfect to take on a flight. You can curl up with them on the plane or in the car and they are great to wear over any outfit when you arrive at your destination. You can go from casual to chic in seconds, just by throwing on a cashmere wrap. I wear a lot of blazers (go figure) and I find most winter days, I can just add a cozy wrap over my blazer and I am good to go. They are nice and light too and oh, so soft. What a special gift for someone special!
Watch Out! We have super cool watches designed by Calgary artist Moya. She designed them to go with our blazers, however, of course they are great with anything in your wardrobe too. She even designed one with my funny kitty, Shadow, as the inspiration.
Silk Scarves! I love the feel, the look and the way silk drapes! We feature two artists/designers from Alberta in our store and on line. Darcy from Red Deer and Moya from Calgary - both feature fabulous silk scarves…each one unique.
T-Shirts! Did you know we have a line of T-shirts? I came up with some ideas for some fun T-Shirts (and my niece brought them to life). Some of them match our blazers…like "Olive Another", "Wine Not" and "Tusk Because", but of course they are great with anything in your wardrobe.
Special Whimsical Tea Towels, Cards and now Journals! Local artisan Kelly Schlenker paints these fun images and has them transferred onto flour sacks. What fun! She even has Christmas ones…a perfect hostess gift or a little treat for someone to let them know you are thinking of them! And now our Kelly has put her fabulous designs on journals.100 pages of bullet points...perfect for writing your thoughts or designing and drawing!
Oh, and of course...Whiskers on Kittens!
I hope you like a Few Of My Favourite Things. XO
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