Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – All About Ombre

August 24, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

This ombre trend is contagious! I have been wanting to experiment with fabric dye for a long time and the melted color look has given me the perfect excuse to do just that!

Using a technique that calls for a slow dip and release process, I created the new “All About Ombre” dress that gives each frock a deep gradient toward the lower hem. An elegant way to revive pre-loved cotton fabric, this design forced me to keep the remainder of the piece simple so as to not distract from the color flow. Continue reading →

Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – Easy Breezy

August 16, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

This is one of my all-time favorite creations – the new Easy Breezy top! Handmade using pre-loved t-shirt cotton and a vintage slip, this lightweight piece has all the elements I’m looking for in a shirt. A flirty cut, scalloped edge, light as air fabric and handmade aesthetic – I predict that it will be a quick fan favorite.

Swing by Renegade to check out these new shirts in person or swing by my Etsy shop after September 9th for their internet debut.

Events: Renegade Sneak Peeks – Shopping Tote

August 14, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

Renegade is less than a month away! For all you Chicagoans who will be braving the crowds this year – I’ll be bringing you looks at merchandise I’m debuting for the fair. So prepare for your appetites to be thoroughly whetted!

This first “Sneak Peek” is of my new handmade shopping totes. Made out of second-hand linens – these adorable folksy bags will be free gifts to anyone who spends $60 or more in my booth! They’ll also be up for sale individually, for those of you looking to stay frugal at the fair. They were machine sewn and then stencil printed all by moi. Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Flirty Flounce

July 25, 2012July 22, 2012Leave a comment

I’m really looking to infuse more prints and patterns into my handmade garments. Not only does it require me to develop this portion of my skills as a designer, it’s also a real challenge as it stretches the aesthetic combinations of my pieces. By adding these re-occurring elements I’m hoping to bring more of a folksy look to my otherwise retro and urban inspired style. The Flirty Flounce is my first in many upcoming ventures to combine a feminine shape, casual cotton and whimsical pattern into one piece.

What I love about this design in particular is the soft peplum flare along the bottom and how it combines with the look of the assymetrical print. The image along the top is hand-stenciled using two different shapes – one which I created myself. I alternated the colors to enhance the ‘textural’ appeal of the garment.

The clothing sample in the photograph above also brings together some of my favorite colors for the upcoming season: teal, silver and grey. Seeing that this piece hits on all my interests and goals for upcoming looks – how could I not have chosen it as the “Item of the Week?”

Item of the Week: Point Out The Way

July 11, 2012July 11, 2012Leave a comment

I first reported on the emerging trend of mullet hems last year. Since then it seems the style of high-low hems has exploded as dresses, tops, and skirts all don the assymetrical dip. I have always been a fan of the style and am happy to see it hitting the mainstream. So when choosing my “Item of the Week,” it seemed natural to feature my new “Point Out the Way” tunic.

Handmade from a pre-loved men’s t-shirt, this edgy design features a lengthier back hem that’s cut to a point and a front that’s raised in a ‘v.’ The back also has a lovely geometric cut that brings a touch of grace to an otherwise sporty look. And with the tie at the neck it makes adjusting the fit super easy. Keep an eye out in my Etsy shop for more of these tops in various hues.

Item of the Week: Catch the Wind

June 28, 2012June 28, 2012Leave a comment

We’re in the midst of another heat wave and I can’t bear to think of wearing anything thick, long or tight when the temps are this high. So when picking the “Item of the Week” the choice seemed obvious: my Catch the Wind blouses.

These tops are revamped from vintage lightweight tops and are transformed to give each one a unique and modern twist. Some have reconstructed hemlines while others have chunky zippers sewn in. And then there’s a slew with my hand pulled screen-prints.

No matter which style or color catches your eye – one thing’s for certain: The billowy fabric and loose fit will keep you from swooning in the sun.

Item of the Week: Night Shift

June 14, 2012June 14, 2012Leave a comment

Tank dresses are all the rage this time of year – at least in my book! Perfect for wearing to work, picnics, church and more, slicing off sleeves is the quickest, and most modest, way to let your torso breathe this season.

That’s why this week’s featured item is the “Night Shift” dress. With lots of wiggle room and a mod shape, it’s the piece that will turn heads no matter where you go. And with the soft t-shirt cotton, color blocking and fringe embellishment, it just oozes with summer spirit.