Give Back Friday

November 23, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

Instead of giving into mass consumerism on black Friday, our little family is starting a new tradition: Give Back Friday.

We’ve been collecting donations from family and friends all month long so that we can create winter warmth kits for the homeless. We’ll be hitting the streets of downtown Chicago the day after Thanksgiving to share some basic provisions with people in need.

Each winter warmth kit will include gently used gloves, a hat, and scarf – the sheer basics for staving off some of the cruel Chicago chill. We’ll also include a new pair of thick socks, a gift card to a nearby cafe, and a hand written note of encouragement. But that’s not all. It’s also about the personal touch.

Continue reading →

Maggie Daley Park

October 29, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

Our little jelly belly turned eight months earlier this month. Crazy how time flies, right?! Besides hitting a new age, our little man sprouted his first two teeth, said da-da, and started to crawl. And all in just a week! These developmental leaps were a sudden wake up call that his infant days are fleeting.

After this realization a rush of sentimentalism washed over me, prompting me to schedule some time off for a staycation with the boys. I wanted a handful of days where I could slow down, spend time with August and his dad, and soak up the season.

One of the highlights of our recent stint of hometown tourism was a visit to the new Maggie Daley park. Continue reading →

Events: Pop-Up Shop

August 10, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

Just when we thought all the fun was over – we’ve decided to host one last event to bid Pierogi Picnic adieu – a pop-up shop!

Join us on Saturday, August 23rd from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Chicago’s famed Nettelhorst French Market, just north of Belmont off Broadway and Melrose. We will be selling all of my remaining eco-friendly creations at steep discounts. Plus – we’ll have a buy two get one free special running all day!

Come on out to see us to help the brand with a proper send-off. See you there!

Events & Sales: Only 2 more weeks!

July 15, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

I can’t believe it’s almost here! August 1st is just around the corner and it signals the closing of the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop. Insane!

If you haven’t already, be sure to take advantage of our mega sale where I’m knocking 50% off all remaining items. All you need to do is use coupon code “solongfarewell2015” during checkout and the discount will come off your final total.

You only have 15 more days to take advantage of this awesome offer – so don’t delay! Scoop up the last of your favorite handmade eco-friendly creations today!

An Indie Biz: Model Call

March 26, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

Spring is here and with it I’m looking to host several photography sessions to show off some of my newest designs as well as vintage finds. But it’s not enough to photograph the pieces on hangers – we need lovely ladies and gents to get in front of the camera in these duds. And that’s where you come in!

If you live in the Chicago area and would be available on an upcoming weekend to take part in a Pierogi Picnic photo shoot, shoot an email to pierogipicnic@gmail.com. Within your email be sure to send me your clothing size and basic measurements (if you know them). We’ll then coordinate a day and time for you to join an upcoming photo shoot. I’m looking for people of all shapes and sizes to take part!

All participating models will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop, plus a digital set of fab photos! And if you’re not sure you’re up for the task, but know a friend who is, please put them in touch with us.

Here’s to fresh faces and new designs!

Introducing August!

February 25, 2015January 19, 20164 Comments

This past Valentine’s Day was life-changing.

At 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning David and I welcomed our son Augustine Krupinski Downs into the world. Born six days after his due date, we were thrilled that the anticipation of meeting this little man was finally over. Here’s the story of how he came to be a Valentine’s babe. Continue reading →

Featured Design: The Dodger

November 10, 2014November 6, 2014Leave a comment

There’s a chill in the air and the month of November is well underway – which can mean only one thing. It’s bundling season! And for that reason we’ve chosen The Dodger cowl as our featured item.

Whether it’s for keeping yourself or an eco-savvy giftee warm, this elegant and utilitarian accessory is the perfect piece for the chilling season. Available in several color combos, the grey on grey is my personal favorite as it has unisex appeal and a slightly military vibe.

Handmade using recycled sweatshirt fabrics, these uber soft and snuggly cowls are great for day-to-day wear, biking, or spicing up a weekend outfit. And with the holidays just around the bend, they’d make a great stocking stuff too! To check out which color combos are currently available visit my Etsy shop here.