DIY Autumnal Wedding

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The last week of October I embarked to South Carolina to spend eight wonderful days in the presence of my dearest friends. All of us flew in for a week long celebration of love, family and friendship. The occasion? A wedding of course! Traveling from Seattle, Chicago, Portland, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Madison, New York and even Poland, the wedding guests came in from around the globe to witness the union of a beloved couple: Natalie & Reid.

The bridal party arrived in Beaufort several days early to prepare for a grand task: Plan the ultimate eco-friendly, vegan and local wedding soiree. So in true DIY spirit, we spent hours crafting, consorting and conniving all in the name of throwing a handmade shindig for our two dearest friends.

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Design: Midnight in Paris

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To no one’s surprise I just can’t get enough of cotton. This super soft, durable, breathable material is a dream come true – especially in the winter month’s when itchy wools wreak havoc on my skin! So when choosing the fiber for my new “Midnight in Paris” design the choice was easy.

This new piece has a classic a-line shape that is crafted from an over-sized pre-loved t-shirt. I leave the neck hem intact but everything else is cut and resewn for a new silhouette. My favorite part of this adorable tunic is the detachable straps that can be tied together to create a bow, or left off for a more minimalist finish.

Great for layering with oversized vintage sweaters and leggings or for donning with ombre tights and heels – this is an elegant (and affordable!) design that I’m sure will become a staple here at Pierogi Picnic.

DIY: Cozy Sweater Bracelets

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I’m always looking for quick easy ways to update my wardrobe. Whether it’s with layering, belting or accessorizing – there are so many methods for updating an outfit for a whole new look.

By far my favorite tactic is giving ‘fashion facelifts’ to already owned objects. Recently I updated a set of bracelets into cozy looking winter bangles using sweater scraps from a recent sewing project. Super easy to make and ultra cute – these fun seasonal accessories are a breeze to create. Try making one for yourself, or as a holiday gift, using this four step tutorial: Continue reading →

Meet the Models: Rani

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Imaginative, daring and creative, I had the pleasure of photographing Rani in my Pierogi Picnic creations at a recent photo shoot. Muse, co-founder and lead vocalist in the band Girl Detective, Rani is a whirlwind of creative energy! Started in 2011, her group combines the ambiance of eighties new wave with a romantic, almost Siouxsie Sioux melodic quality, that is both spell-binding and breath-taking. Girl Detective has become a perfect outlet for Rani’s interests in performance, writing, fashion, video, installation and, of course, singing!
Beyond her music, Rani also recently began painting in oils again, taking it up for the first time in many years. She loves to stand in front of her easel and push paint around to see something materialize. When I asked her to share two things most people may not know about her, Rani replied,”I am clairvoyant. I can leap tall buildings in a single bound.” A Halloween baby, Rani recently celebrated her birthday, and to no one’s surprise, counts pumpkins as one of her favorite produce items.
Visit Rani’s band’s website to hear and see all her gifts in action!

Item of the Week: Sweet Stitch

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My obsession with sweatshirts continues with this new and uber-comfortable pullover design!

Handmade from pre-loved men’s tops, my new “Sweet Stitch” ladies fit sweaters have the cozy goodness of fleece with a cute cut that flatters and smooths. Including a subtle hi-low bottom hem, 3/4 length sleeves and a loose fit, these sweatshirts are trendy while retaining a classic winter chic.

Embellished with a hand-cut, hand-stenciled design that boasts fun geometric shapes, each top is also embroidered with a contrasting stitch, giving them a detailed charm. Great for wearing with jeans or dressing up with a tunic, leggings and boots, these sweatshirts make a great gift for any green gal this holiday season!

An Indie Biz: Making a List

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The holidays are just around the corner and I don’t want the busyness of the spirited season to distract me from business or pleasure this year. So what’s the best way to keep myself focused? Why – making a list of course!

Sitting down and ‘planning’ your holiday approach for your indie biz is intimidating, daunting, and for some, down-right unpleasant. But without a plan you can only go so far. To trick yourself into concocting a strategy, sit down and first answer these questions.  Continue reading →