DIY Autumnal Wedding

November 16, 2012January 19, 20165 Comments

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

November 14, 2012November 14, 2012Leave a comment

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

November 12, 2012November 12, 20122 Comments

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

November 7, 2012November 11, 2012Leave a comment

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!

Sale: A Super Duper Birthday

October 26, 2012October 26, 2012Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again – time to host my annual birthday sale!

Each year I dedicate a weekend to celebrating the advancement of my age with a matching discount on all ready-made and vintage items in my Etsy shop. Starting Friday, November 2nd you can take 29% off your purchase total by using the coupon code “superbday” during checkout. Start hearting your favorites today as the coupon will expire at midnight on November 5th.

Happy shopping!

Press: Feelgood Style

October 24, 2012October 24, 2012Leave a comment

I know I’ve been talking talking and talking about cozy fall sweaters and designs. Well, I’m comforted knowing I’m not the only one obsessed with this fall fashion staple!

Becky Striepe included my Sugar Free upcycled cardigan on the site Feelgood Style in a spread on eco-friendly snuggle-worthy tops for the season. View the article on Fall Style here and check out the rest of the blog – you’re in for a treat!

Designs: Peek-A-Boo Chevron

October 1, 2012September 30, 2012Leave a comment

I’ve been holding out on all of you – I created this beautiful new design at the end of August and debuted it at Renegade – but just recently snuck it into a photo shoot. Forgive me for the delay!

Featuring a super soft upcycled cotton, the new “Peek-A-Boo Chevron” cardigan has a loose boyfriend sweater fit and a fun cut-out lace applique across the back which makes for a unique textural combo. The dress comes with a matching cotton belt so that it can be tied in a variety of ways. It also has a black removable button that lets the wearer pin it in the center, at the top, or keep it removed all together. Great for wearing over a summer dress to transition it into fall, or with skinny jeans and a tank, the versatility of this piece is what makes it such a hit in my book.

So now that I’ve literally pulled it from the closet – what do you think?