Brand Yourself

by - Wednesday, May 29, 2013


            Did you accidentally leave your water bottle sitting at the gym? No problem. It won’t get picked up by the wrong person because it has your initials on it. Monogramming is all the rage—no longer is monogramming only used for handkerchiefs and cufflinks, but more so for everyday products. I even saw a little girl with a monogrammed hair bow the other day!

            According to the dictionary, a monogram is a design consisting of two or more alphabetic letters combined or interlaced, typically one’s initials. The encyclopedia furthers the explanation by stating that monograms were anciently used as a seal, badge, or arms. They were first used on coins, but later on documents. Only the elite—such as princes, dignities, magistrates, and notaries—had and used monogrammed items.


            On into the 20th century, the notion of monogramming being elite remained. Even though it was a more commonly used practice, monograms were only etched or embroidered onto treasured possessions. However, Melinda Dement, owner and operator of Dement Studios, who has been monogramming and embroidering since 1980 and giving educational seminars at Imprinted Sportswear Shows, does not think it is about being elite. She feels it is not about what is getting monogrammed, but more so it is about the technology doing the monogramming. Traditionally speaking, monograms were drawn by extremely skilled artists. Modern technology has standardized lettering, which in turn has made monogramming available to a mass amount of the population.


            A mass amount of people is an understatement when it comes to the popular monogram company, Marley Lilly. Currently their Facebook page has 65,108 likes and their Twitter has 46,723 followers. If it gives you any sense of their popularity, I have updated these numbers more than three times while researching monogramming. After enquiring from the company’s customer service department, I learned that the company has experienced rapid growth. It originally started out in a recent college graduate’s home with a single embroidery machine. Now—four years later—the company is ran by the woman and her husband and they have a large facility with over 25 employees. The products that they now offer range from clothing and jewelry to bags and iPhone covers.
        
            “We have always loved monograms and their sophisticated and preppy southern appeal. Growing up in the South monograms have always been big! We are just happy that the rest of the world has caught on and that the trend continues! Whatever we can do to keep the ladies looking classy!” said Brittany, Marley Lilly employee.


            
            When it comes to Virginia Tech students, monograms are just that! Around campus I have personally seen a number of monograms on a huge variety of products. Clothing as simple as t-shirts are now being monogrammed on the pockets, which is turning the plain grungy shirt into a classy day-wear. I spent time asking multiple girls in my sorority how they felt about monograms, how many monogrammed items they owned, and what the items were.
            
            “They are a cuter way to identify your belongings,” said Heather Fernandez, who owns a monogrammed blanket, luggage set, and multiple hair bows.
            
            “They are classic and have gone in and out of style for many years. They are a fun way of expression,” said Anna Hubbard, owner of monogrammed clothing, luggage, and home décor.
            

            “I enjoy their look. I feel they add a special addition to items, and I like being able to make it more personal,” said Jennifer Attard, whose planner is monogrammed, as well as a few of her pieces of jewelry.
            
            “Personalized stuff is in style. Plus it makes something even more unique to you,” said Dorothy Willis, who claims to own more than 10 monogrammed items.


            
            Aside from personal views, I wanted to get a more reasoned opinion so I asked Catie Stockdale, who is a senior in the apparel program, to explain the apparent trend and popularity of monogramming. “I think that monograms are so popular because it is a very obvious mode of self-expression when we all live in a world where all girls follow the same trends and dress pretty similarly. I think that the ornate designs and combinations of letters are very individualistic and give the person a fun logo that is unique to them, like they are their own brand, their own person. It is a great outlet for identity and self-expression, especially combined with fashion. Plus monograms started becoming popular after Lauren Conrad was seen wearing a gold Jennifer Zeuner monogrammed necklace years ago,” said Stockdale.
            
            However, style is not the only reason to monogram your possessions. Monogramming can also be a very functional practice—especially for kids. No longer do scarves and gloves have to be tossed from the lost-and-found box. Lunch boxes and book bags will not be mixed up anymore. Sorting laundry is being made easier—just look for the initials!


            
            Elizabeth Mayhew, writer for the Seattle Times, contributes the trend to branding and logos. This day and age it is all about promoting yourself. On Facebook users upload all of their pictures, hoping for the most likes and comments. On Twitter users unleash all of their inner feelings. On Instagram users share pictures of exactly what they are doing at the moment. Lastly, on Snap Chat users give their friends an up close and personal view of their face. The world we live in thrives on being the unique individuals that we are. Thus, having monograms is like having our own logos.
            
            Mayhew also believes that modern technology contributes to the easy branding. She believes that the ability to view personalization on the screen before ordering it makes the whole process more pleasurable. There is no more waiting for your shipment to come in with your fingers crossed that it all looks the way you intended.
            
            So what are you waiting for? Monogramming has been made fast and easy by our generation. Join the trend, and brand yourself. 

Written By Cait W
Cait is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, where she majored in Communication and minored in Popular Culture. Within her major, she specialized in electronic and print journalism. During her time at Tech she was a charter member of Gamma Phi Beta and served on the executive council. She is currently residing in her hometown of Halifax, Virginia. Cait is working for her family business, while continuing her job search.
Tags :

You May Also Like

26 comments

  1. Amy H.May 29, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    I just graduated with a minor in Material Culture (which I imagine is very similar to Cait's Popular Culture minor!) and I wish I had come up with the idea to chronicle the history of monogramming and its resurgence in the present day! It would be really cool to explore the birth of monograms to how they were used and then bring in the modern take on monograms :) Loved this post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 25, 2015 at 4:04 AM

    true religion sale
    michael kors outlet
    michael kors outlet
    michael kors outlet
    kate spade diaper bag
    michael kors outlet
    cheap chi straighteners
    coach outlet stores online
    louis vuitton
    tory burch shoes
    kobe 8
    prada bags
    timberland outlet
    jordan 6 cigar
    gucci outlet online
    mulberry uk
    tods sale
    coach outlet online
    air max uk
    hollister kids
    dior outlet
    louis vuitton handbags
    coach outlet
    ray ban aviators
    michael kors outlet online
    michael kors
    louis vuitton
    cheap oakley sunglasses
    coach factory outlet
    coach outlet store online
    louis vuitton handbags
    true religion outlet
    michael kors
    michael kors
    christian louboutin shoes
    20150625xiong

    ReplyDelete
  3. ekhtsasyJuly 22, 2015 at 2:18 PM



    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
    شركة نقل عفش بالرياض
    شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
    شركة تخزين عفش بالرياض

    شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
    كشف تسربات المياه
    شركة كشف تسربات بالرياض
    شركة تنظيف بالرياض
    شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
    ِشركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
    ِشركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
    ِشركة تنظيف مسابح بالرياض
    ِشركة تنظيف كنب بالرياض
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
    شركة مكافحة الصراصير بالرياض
    شركة مكافحة الفئران بالرياض
    شركة مكافحة البق بالرياض
    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
    شركة نقل عفش بالرياض
    شركة نقل عفش بالرياض رخيصة
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالدمام
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالخبر

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    futbol baratas
    indianapolis colts jerseys
    air force 1 shoes
    the north face uk
    cheap oakley sunglasses
    ed hardy t-shirts
    cheap oakley sunglasses
    michael kors handbags
    thomas sabo
    juicy couture outlet
    kate spade handbags
    san antonio spurs jerseys
    monster beats
    nike free uk
    louis vuitton handbags
    philadelphia eagles jerseys
    ray ban sunglasses, http://www.raybansunglass.co.uk
    air jordan 11
    iphone 6 cases
    michael kors outlet
    hogan
    ralph lauren outlet
    coach factory outlet
    jordan shoes
    salomon shoes
    gucci shoes
    kate spade outlet
    longchamp outlet
    ugg boots, http://www.uggbootsclearance.in.net
    kate spade outlet
    atlanta falcons jersey
    cheap jordans
    ed hardy clothing
    instyler
    oklahoma city thunder jerseys
    rolex watches uk
    0814maoqiuyun

    ReplyDelete
  5. sfsdSeptember 7, 2015 at 10:52 PM

    coach outlet online,
    burberry outlet online,
    michael kors outlet online,
    ralph lauren outlet online,
    longchamp outlet online,
    mcm outlet online,
    oakley outlet online,
    ugg boots sale,
    coach outlet,
    burberry outlet,
    toms outlet online,
    chanel outlet online,
    oakley outlet,
    coach handbags outlet,
    michael kors handbags outlet,
    mcm handbags outlet,
    gucci handbags outlet,
    burberry handbags outlet,
    michael kors outlet,
    burberry outlet,
    nike outlet,
    ralph lauren Outlet,
    ray banoutlet,
    nike shoes outlet,
    air huarache uk,
    air max shoes outlet,
    supra shoes outlet,
    Toms shoes outlet,
    coach bags outlet,
    coach factory outlet,
    michael kors usa,
    nike air huarache
    ugg boots outlet
    polo outlet online
    coach online outlet
    nike outlet
    polo outlet
    michael kors outlet canada
    mcm Backpack
    michael kors outlet
    tommy hilfiger outlet
    gucci outlet

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownOctober 9, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    qihang1010,toms outlet
    canada goose outlet
    adidas shoes
    jordan pas cher
    ralph lauren outlet
    adidas superstars
    timberland boots
    nike air max
    nike free runs
    mizuno running shoes
    http://www.uggsoutletuk.com
    lebron james shoes
    soccer shoes
    hermes belt
    ralph lauren pas cher
    longchamp handbags
    toms wedges
    pandora bracelets
    ugg boots clearance
    adidas originals
    tod's shoes
    longchamp
    prada outlet
    q

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownOctober 28, 2015 at 2:26 AM

    coach outlet online
    louis vuitton,borse louis vuitton,louis vuitton sito ufficiale,louis vuitton outlet
    chanel outlet store
    ray ban,rayban,occhiali ray ban,ray-ban,ray ban occhiali,ray ban sunglasses
    prada outlet online
    coach outlet
    michael kors outlet
    nike free uk
    oakley,occhiali oakley,oakley italia,oakley occhiali,oakley sunglasses
    tory burch outlet
    tods shoes
    lululemon pants
    michael kors outlet
    new england patriots
    bottega veneta outlet
    new york giants
    valentino outlet
    puma outlet
    philadelphia eagles
    1028minko

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownNovember 17, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Cleaning services company in Riyadh of Staff of the best companies in Riyadh cleaning workers technical coach at the highest levelشركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
    شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
    شركة تنظيف خزنات بالرياضCleaning services company in Riyadh of Staff of the best companies in Riyadh cleaning workers technical coach at the highest level
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
    شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
    شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
    شركة نظافه بالرياض
    شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض

    ReplyDelete
  9. telkahostJanuary 28, 2016 at 2:14 PM


    شارژ مستقیم ایرانسل
    پنل اس ام اس
    دانلود اهنگ جدید
    پنل اس ام اس
    پنل تلگرام
    سامانه پيامک
    فروش شارژ
    خريد شارژ
    دانلود آهنگ سامان جلیلی

    ReplyDelete
  10. xumeiqingFebruary 22, 2016 at 12:54 AM

    20160222meiqing
    hollister outlet
    ugg boots
    cheap oakley sunglasses
    fitflops sale clearance
    nike air max
    tory burch handbags
    oakley outlet
    timberland boots
    christian louboutin outlet
    ed hardy clothing
    coach factory outlet
    michael kors
    chanel handbags
    mulberry handbags
    coach outlet online
    vans shoes
    ugg boots
    michael kors outlet online
    oakley sunglasses
    cheap uggs
    hollister clothing
    louis vuitton
    ugg boots
    nike free run
    ugg outlet store
    pandora jewelry
    nike running shoes
    coach outlet store online
    oakley sunglasses
    louis vuitton
    jordans
    tiffany and co
    lebron james shoes
    jordans for sale
    michael kors outlet online
    michael kors outlet
    ugg outlet
    louis vuitton outlet
    the north face outlet
    louis vuitton handbags

    ReplyDelete
  11. chenliliMarch 10, 2016 at 9:55 PM

    chenlili20160311
    michael kors bags
    michael kors bags
    mcm handbags
    nfl jerseys
    louis vuitton outlet online
    nfl jerseys
    ghd hair straighteners
    rolex watches
    coach factorty outlet
    designer handbags
    nike huarache white
    coach outlet store online
    toms outlet
    michael kors outlet online
    coach outlet
    coach outlet
    louis vuitton handbags
    ray ban
    louis vuitton outlet stores
    ray-ban sunglasses
    louis vuitton outlet
    louis vuitton uk
    coach outlet
    tory burch outlet
    cheap ray ban sunglasses
    retro 11
    coach outlet store
    michael kors outlet
    kevin durant shoes
    fitflop clearance
    oakley store
    air jordan 4
    ray ban sunglasses
    uggs outlet
    beats by dre outlet
    ralph lauren home
    ray ban outlet

    ReplyDelete
  12. telkahostApril 5, 2016 at 5:43 PM



    خرید هاست

    خرید هاست ارزان

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownMay 6, 2016 at 5:14 AM

    20160506libinmulberry outlet
    oakley sunglasses
    ralph lauren polo
    coach outlet online
    ray ban sunglasses
    lebron shoes
    ray-ban sunglasses
    nike huarache
    ferragamo shoes
    fitflops sale
    oakley sunglasses
    tory burch outlet
    tiffany outlet
    nike tn pas cher
    lululemon uk
    michael kors wallet sale
    beats by dre
    oakley sunglasses sale
    tiffany outlet
    burberry outlet store
    tory burch outlet online
    fitflops sale clearance
    cheap nhl jerseys
    christian louboutin outlet
    louis vuitton bags cheap
    mulberry handbags
    hollister shirts
    tiffany jewellery
    cheap nfl jersey
    chaussure louboutin
    michael kors uk outlet
    true religion outlet
    fitflops outlet sale
    tory burch outlet
    oakley sunglasses

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownJune 24, 2016 at 3:00 AM

    cheap nike shoes sale
    ed hardy clothing
    ferragamo shoes
    kansas city chiefs jersey
    abercrombie and fitch
    salomon shoes sale
    new york knicks jerseys
    dallas cowboys jersey
    tennessee titans jerseys
    eagles jerseys
    seahawks jersey
    san antonio spurs jerseys
    jordan 13
    bills jerseys
    miami dolphins jerseys
    instyler
    broncos jerseys
    jaguars jersey
    jets jersey
    abercrombie outlet
    ed hardy tshirts
    converse shoes sale
    boston celtics jersey
    nike outlet online
    nike soccer shoes
    air max uk
    cheap nike shoes
    new orleans saints jerseys
    pittsburgh steelers jersey
    carolina jerseys
    texans jerseys
    nike foamposite
    new york jets jersey
    kansas city chiefs jerseys
    seattle seahawks jersey
    fanfan20160624

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJuly 24, 2016 at 9:45 PM

    7.25lllllyuanmichael kors outlet online
    michael kors outlet
    mulberry outlet
    mulberry uk
    abercrombie and fitch
    abercrombie outlet
    abercrombie and fitch
    abercrombie outlet
    adidas outlet store
    adidas outlet
    adidas shoes
    adidas trainers
    adidas uk store
    adidas uk
    adidas wings shoes
    adidas wings
    air force 1 shoes
    nike air force 1
    air jordan 11
    jordan 11
    air jordan 13
    jordan 13
    air jordan 4
    jordan 4
    air jordan shoes for sale
    air jordan shoes
    air max 90
    nike air max 90
    air max 90
    air max 90
    asics,asics israel,asics shoes,asics running shoes,asics israel,asics gel,asics running,asics gel nimbus,asics gel kayano
    asics
    babyliss flat iron
    babyliss pro
    basketball shoes,basketball sneakers,lebron james shoes,sports shoes,kobe bryant shoes,kobe sneakers,nike basketball shoes,running shoes,mens sport shoes,nike shoes
    7.25

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownAugust 5, 2016 at 6:00 AM

    coach outlet online
    louis vuitton handbags
    canada goose uk
    michael kors handbags outlet
    uggs on sale
    gucci outlet online
    birkenstocks
    kobe 11
    oakley vault outlet store
    stan smith adidas
    polo ralph lauren outlet
    vans store
    kate spade outlet
    michael kors canada
    rolex watches for sale
    coach factory outlet
    burberry bags
    michael kors outlet online
    christian louboutin uk
    ralph lauren uk
    micahel kors
    nike air max 90
    versace sunglasses wholesale
    louboutin shoes
    hugo boss outlet online
    coach outlet store online
    christian louboutin shoes
    wholesale nike shoes
    skechers outlet
    canada goose outlet
    christian louboutin outlet
    burberry outlet stores
    2060805CAIYAN

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownAugust 7, 2016 at 1:30 AM

    افضل شركة غسيل وتعقيم خزانات غسيل الكنب والسجاد ومكافحة الحشرات وتسليك المجارى بالمدينة المنورة المثالية 0552692371
    شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة تنظيف الفلل والشقق بالمدينة المنورة

    شركة تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة


    شركة غسيل كنب بالمدينة المنورة

    http://www.twitter.com/tanzefcoo
    شركة غسيل خزانات بالمدينة المنورة

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N__CmrVRmtM
    شركة تنظيف خزانات بالمدينة المنورة

    https://vimeo.com/103416430
    شركة تنظيف خزانات بالمدينة المنورة

    شركة غسيل كنب بالمدينة المنورة

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJYczx7xeao
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-DFsP9k6eQ
    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2in9bp
    شركة غسيل شقق بالمدينة المنورة

    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة

    https://twitter.com/eyadelasmr
    شركة غسيل خزانات بالمدينة المنورة

    https://www.instagram.com/cleaning_tanks_in_medina/
    شركة غسيل كنب بالمدينة المنورة

    https://www.instagram.com/sofa_washing_laundry_in_medina

    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينه المنوره

    https://www.facebook.com/alalmaniah/?fref=ts

    شركة غسيل شقق بالمدينة المنورة

    http://www.twitter.com/elasmrmeme
    شركة غسيل كنب بالمدينة المنورة

    http://www.twitter.com/tanzefco

    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYyKjZbbfWA

    https://www.facebook.com/tasleek?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser
    شركة تسليك مجارى بالمدينة المنورة


    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة

    https://www.instagram.com/anti_insect_medina
    شركة كشف تسربات المياة بالمدينة المنورة

    https://twitter.com/ABOGEGE45

    ReplyDelete
  18. 艾丰August 16, 2016 at 3:07 AM

    jianbin0816
    michael kors handbags clearance
    louis vuitton uk
    nike roshe run
    michael kors outlet online
    louis vuitton handbags
    michael kors outlet
    lacoste polo shirts
    tory burch outlet
    lebron james shoes
    true religion jeans
    michael kors uk
    ugg outlet
    cheap canada goose jackets
    chrome hearts eyewear
    links of london
    ugg outlet
    uggs outlet
    longchamp bags
    marc jacobs outlet
    coach outlet online
    hermes belt
    ray ban sunglasses
    tory burch outlet
    ray-ban sunglasses
    cazal sunglasses
    michael kors uk
    ugg boots clearance
    ferragamo outlet
    cartier watches
    yeezy boost 350
    ugg boots on sale
    ray ban sunglasses
    camisetas futbol baratas
    lebron shoes

    ReplyDelete
  19. chenlinaAugust 30, 2016 at 9:53 PM

    air jordans
    canada goose outlet
    coach outlet store online clearances
    cheap ray ban sunglasses
    coach outlet
    michael kors outlet
    vans shoes
    ugg boots
    louis vuitton
    ugg boots
    christian louboutin
    jordan retro
    abercrombie and fitch
    ralph lauren polo
    gucci handbags
    michael kors handbags
    red bottom shoes
    burberry outlet
    ugg uk
    jordans for sale
    uggs canada
    adidas nmd
    ray ban sunglasses
    adidas yeezy
    true religion outlet
    tory burch sale
    lebron james shoes
    replica watches for sale
    coach factory outlet
    insanity workout
    ray ban sunglasses outlet
    dallas mavericks jerseys
    true religion
    christian louboutin shoes
    true religion outlet
    michael kors handbags
    polo ralph shirts
    kate spade handbags
    ugg boots uk
    celine handbags
    chenlina20160831

    ReplyDelete
  20. mmjiaxinOctober 17, 2016 at 9:06 PM

    oakley store online
    ralph lauren online,cheap ralph lauren
    http://www.oakleyoutlet-store.com
    longchamp le pliage
    longchamp bags
    michael jordan shoes
    michael kors handbags clearance
    tiffany and co jewellery
    http://www.jordanretro.uk
    discount oakley sunglasses

    ReplyDelete
  21. raybanoutlet001January 10, 2017 at 2:42 AM

    michael kors outlet clearance
    tiffany outlet
    salomon shoes
    michael kors handbags outlet
    nike store
    michael kors outlet online
    minnesota vikings jerseys
    ugg boots
    moncler outlet
    north face outlet

    ReplyDelete
  22. raybanoutlet001February 21, 2017 at 2:40 AM

    bengals jersey
    ed hardy uk
    ray ban sunglasses
    michael kors outlet
    pandora jewelry
    fitflops sale clearance
    red valentino
    replica watches
    dolphins jerseys
    ray ban sunglasses

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMarch 3, 2017 at 10:27 PM

    ray ban eyeglasses
    ray ban eyeglasses
    ed hardy shirts
    ralph lauren outlet
    louboutin sale
    pandora jewelry outlet
    nike free run flyknit
    adidas trainers
    calvin klein jeans
    air jordan shoes
    2017.3.4chenlixiang

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownApril 15, 2017 at 5:58 AM

    jordan shoes
    nike tn pas cher
    dolphins jerseys
    longchamp
    rolex watches
    nike huarache
    oakley sunglasses
    fitflops
    instyler max
    kobe 9 elite

    ReplyDelete
  25. VimaxizonMay 20, 2017 at 5:12 AM

    Obat Kuat Viagra
    Obat Kuat Forex
    Hammer Of Thor
    Cobra Oil Asli
    Potenzol Cair Asli
    Sex Drops Cair
    Permen Karet Perangsang
    Viagra Cair Asli
    Opium Spray Asli
    Perangsang Serbuk

    ReplyDelete
  26. ane semprulAugust 18, 2017 at 12:07 AM

    This blog is so nice to me. I will continue to come here again and again. Visit my link as well. Good luck
    http://www.jualobataborsiherbal.com/ obat aborsi
    http://caramenggugurkankandungan.info/ cara menggugurkan kandungan
    http://www.jualobataborsiherbal.com/cara-menggugurkan-kandungan/ cara menggugurkan kandungan
    http://jualobatpenggugurkandungan.net/ obat penggugur kandungan
    http://tandatandakehamilan.net/ tanda tanda kehamilan
    http://tandatandakehamilan.net/cara-cepat-dan-selamat-menggugurkan-kandungan/ cara menggugurkan kandungan
    http://obataborsi59.com/ obat aborsi
    http://obattelatdatangbulan.info/ obat telat datang bulan

    ReplyDelete

Created with by ThemeXpose