Author Katie Delahanty never knew she was a writer. Her childhood obsessions centered on old movies, costumes, fashion, playing dress up, and books. Lots of books. On her quest to play make believe for a living she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer and after satisfying her practical parents by graduating from UCLA with a BA in Communication Studies she went on to pursue her design dreams with a Professional Designation in Fashion Design from FIDM. She spent five years helping to design romantic dresses that were sold everywhere from Anthropologie to Nordstrom before the economic downturn led to a career shift and that practical degree came in handy.
Now in charge of the ecommerce business for In Bloom Lingerie, she was asked to start the company blog. Not knowing what to say about lingerie but needing to use bridal keywords, she decided to start a fictional serial about how a girl named Olivia Bloom, who worked for In Bloom Lingerie, became engaged. And that is when Katie fell in love with storytelling and the path to make believe became clear. She has not looked back since and now has two books published; In Bloom and her just released adult romance novel, Blushing.
The heroine in Katie’s books, Olivia Bloom, is a fashion designer and Katie showcased some of Olivia’s dream designers below:
Having always fantasized about becoming a costume designer, of finding a mentor that would take me under their wing and open the doors to an imaginary world full of silks and sequins—this is my list of dream designers I’d love to play dress up with! –Olivia Bloom
“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”
Films: My Fair Lady, Gigi
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.”
Films: Funny Face, To Catch a Thief, White Christmas, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, The Sting
Colleen Atwood
“The reward is that you can actually create a world separate from reality with a story, actors, music, and camera design. When it works it can entertain, move people and teach us all.”
Films: Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, Big Fish, Into the Woods, Edward Scissorhands, Little Women
Catherine Martin
“When you’re surrounded by feathers, sequins, and ridiculous Lycra outfits, it’s impossible not to have a smile on your face.”
Films: Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, The Great Gatsby
Catherine! Colleen! I’m available for duty any day… xoxo, Liv
Make sure you check out Katie Delahanty’s latest adult romance novel, Blushing.
About Blushing
My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Engaged.
When Berkeley proposed I thought we’d live happily ever after—we’d plan our wedding and he’d tour with the Brightside while I continued designing lingerie. But instead he dropped a bombshell that turned my life upside down: he’s set to star in a movie with, who else, his gorgeous ex, Christina Carlton. And what’s more? I’ve been erased from the public eye. All anyone can talk about is #Berkstina.
Berkeley wants me to work on set as a costume designer—a dream come true—but there’s a catch; we have to keep our relationship secret. I’m okay with not being photographed, but the sneaking around, the lies, the love scenes; it’s not how I imagined our engagement. I know Berkeley is passionate and driven, but he has so much going on—I don’t know if we can take it. I’m starting to wonder how well I know him.
I love him, but am I ready to drop everything and decide the rest of my life? To become Olivia Dalton?
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Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
March 2, 2015 at 3:55 amIt’s funny how things just happen sometimes, but obviously she found what she was truly meant to do. This is a great story 🙂
Terry says
March 2, 2015 at 4:52 amIt is always nice to find your calling in life, but what is wonderful is Katie has figured out a way to use both her loves. That is why she is so good at it.
Sarah Bailey says
March 2, 2015 at 5:47 amWhat a way to find out what you really should be doing, I guess it just shows you can find things in many different ways. x
Alice Chase says
March 2, 2015 at 8:05 amWhat a great story! Sometimes the thing you were meant to do comes through an unlikely path.
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
March 2, 2015 at 10:42 amYou never know what life has in store for you. The turn of events will happen as they are supposed to…this looks like an interesting book.
Catherine S says
March 2, 2015 at 11:57 amWhat a great story. It is funny how things work out and is great she is doing what she loves.
Lesley says
March 2, 2015 at 1:04 pmThat’s very interesting how people change like that. I think its important to just go with the flow and do what makes you happy.
Pam says
March 2, 2015 at 1:52 pmI think it’s great that she figured out how to do what she wanted in life. It’s always great to hear stories about people who have found their calling.
Liz Mays says
March 2, 2015 at 3:39 pmOlivia Bloom sounds like a really interesting character. It would be cool to read a story from the perspective of someone in the fashion industry.
Amber NElson says
March 2, 2015 at 4:30 pmSounds like a great story. I will need to check out that book.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
March 2, 2015 at 5:59 pmI think many of us try and appease our parents. I’m glad she found the path that makes her happy.
Veronica says
March 2, 2015 at 6:38 pmI love it when we answer our calling and do what we are truly meant to do.
Theresa says
March 2, 2015 at 6:49 pmI think that’s great she found the path she was really destined for. Even better, she was able to combine her loves into a successful career!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
March 2, 2015 at 7:13 pmIt seems like she has a talent and flair for the arts. I’m glad that she finally found her niche.
Melissa Vera says
March 2, 2015 at 8:27 pmI love to read about people who aren’t afraid to switch mid stream to try something now. Looking forward to reading more about this.
Jeanine says
March 2, 2015 at 9:00 pmGreat post! I believe everything happens for a reason, I truly do! I’m glad she’s found what she wants to do…. This sounds great!
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life says
March 3, 2015 at 3:26 amSometimes it take trying on all sorts of things before you find your true calling.
Amanda Love says
March 3, 2015 at 8:54 amHow awesome! It just goes to show that dreams do come true. It’s why I tell my daughter to not be afraid to be herself and put her all in everything she does.
Donna Ward says
March 3, 2015 at 11:01 amI enjoyed your own story telling and Wow – the adventure of how she started blogging and where it led – pretty amazing and fun to learn about
Chrystal | Self Employed Writer says
March 3, 2015 at 3:35 pmI love to hear about how writers came in to their novels and stories. This sounds like an author I need to check out.
Farrah says
March 4, 2015 at 3:17 amIt’s so neat where life takes us. Then we really find a niche where we belong. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. 🙂
paula schuck says
March 4, 2015 at 6:32 amThis sounds like a gripping read!! I would totally love to read this in the summer laying out back by the pool. Perfect leisurely read for that time of year!!
Dorothy Boucher says
March 13, 2015 at 7:58 pmIts great when you find your calling, I have to say I love the old movies so I really enjoy most of these dresses from the 3o’s 40’s and such..
Anna Crosswell says
March 20, 2015 at 12:26 pmWow. I had no idea this series had some many real life elements to it. Very interesting indeed!
karey says
September 16, 2015 at 8:45 pmI was inspired by reading her story ….. I really like the way she followed her dreams and make them a reality….life is just too short to be living another person’s idea of what your life should be…..be who you are and go after what you want….. best wishes to her and continued success.
I need to take that advice …