I have been designing and sewing clothing since I was a little girl, as my mother was a wonderful seamstress, as was her mother before her.  She would indulge my childhood "Cinderella" fantasies by making me the most fantastic gowns.  I have fond memories of winning "Most Beautiful 4 yr Old" in my mother's creation, a lovely lavendar gown with tulle overlay.  Now I'm designing and creating gowns, still the Cinderella at heart!  My daughter, our youngest, is already interested in designing & sewing, and has begun her first ever sewing project, a hand-sewn snuggle blanket for our bunnies.  It is a joy to be able to pass the love of design down to her!

While I worked part-time during college creating everything from children's graduation gowns to gothic ensembles, following graduation a far grander idea began to form in my mind. Belle of the Bay began as that idea and in April of 2002 became reality! While I have a degree from UC Berkeley and intend to pursue human rights law, I'm currently a work at home mom with 2 children, ages 8 and (almost) 5. Because being a mom is a fulltime (and a half!) job, I can only make a limited number of items. But because of this, you can be sure each item I create is made with great attention to detail and to your exact specifications.

Designing clothing and working with fabulous ladies like yourself (and a few gents on behalf of their ladies!) is both my passion and a pleasure. I have a deep love of learning, and for that reason actively seek to grow in my knowledge of the historical clothing of Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. I recently took a semester-long course at a local college on the History of Western Costume, which broadened my horizons beyond the Renaissance! You can be sure that Belle of the Bay gowns and garb are of the highest quality, and are made to last and to be one day be passed down to your daughter!

I occasionally sell ready-made designs (at prices lower than my custom pieces) on Ebay, and have had a great experience. You can view my feedbacks & view my current offerings on under Belleofbay.