Here is one of my favorite new designs for the fall! The new Clara Bow takes soft thrifted turtle necks and transforms them into chic yet simple tops. I love the fabric composite of cotton and jersey – which is what made the original shirts perfect for reconstruction. The fact that they’re so pliable also means that I can layer them with high waisted skirts or with some simple skinny jeans. My favorite detail by far though is the deep scooped back that I embellished with a bow created from vintage lace curtains. Love this final touch.
Tag: eco-friendly
Press: Featured on BrideBlu
Simply Lovely: DIY Braided Headband
Looking for an elegant way to fight frizz this summer? If your hair is anything like mine then you know that heat and humidity can equal only one thing: bushy out-of-control fly-aways.
An easy solution is using a chic headband to hold all your fringe in place. But finding a hair accessory that’s cute, effective and eco-friendly can lead you on an endless hunt. That’s why I’m happy to bring you this easy DIY tutorial that I created via EcoEtsy that will show you how to make an adorable upcycled headband in less than 10 minutes!
Light & Airy: Eco-Friendly Etsy Collection
I wanted to share this inspiring collection of items from the Eco Etsy street team in ode to a cozy Tuesday evening that’s drizzling with rain. Enjoy.
Renegade 2011: Your Feedback Needed
I will be selling my Pierogi Picnic wares for the third year at the crème de la crème of indie handmade festivals: the Renegade Craft Fair!
Over the years I’ve learned a thing or to about participating in the show. One of the first is to have a game plan well in advance. Not only am I already sewing my little hands away at fall fashions – I’m also plotting out displays, business cards, and pre-fair graphics. I spent the first half of the day musing up new designs and the latter sitting at my sewing machine experimenting with new pieces.
Now I’m winding things down by contemplating my merchandising, tags and displays. As I started to think about the look and theme of this year’s fest I realized that I have yet to send in my icon for the Renegade website!
That’s where you come in! I am looking for feedback as to which icon has the most eye-catching look. With 300+ vendors in this year’s event it’s more important then ever to stand out from the crowd. Take a peek at the images above and click on your favorite to be directed to the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page where you can cast your official vote.
Selecting the website icon is just the tip of the iceberg in preperation for the big weekend. I’ll continue to fill you in on all my scheming over the next couple of months. And as if I’m not excited enough with my own planning – I will be sharing my booth with the lovely and talented Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings. More info on our collaboration coming soon!
Thank you in advance for voting!
Press: Red Delicious Etsy Finds
Pierogi Picnic was just featured in today’s Etsy Finds newsletter! I am so stoked that the new “Beach Bums” bathing suit design is receiving so much love and attention. Go Etsy!
Planning Ahead: Fall Fashion 2011
I was reading through the Etsy Blog and came across an article about uber entrepreneur Melissa Helmbrecht and was instantly floored.
The post chronicles Melissa’s diverse array of achievements and shares her 3 piece of advice for small indie businesses. Her very first tip has haunted me since I read the article: 1. Do what you don’t feel like doing.
When I read this I had to stop, go back, and read it again. At first I had thought it said “do what you feel like doing” and thought to myself, “yeah!” Boy was I bummed when I processed it again. “What do you mean do what you don’t want to? That’s not what I want to hear!”
The article continues by reviewing the need for a business plan and forward thinking – none of which I’m against – but to be reminded of this on a warm lazy summer day hit a nerve.
I was suddenly overwhelmed – the fall season was just a mere 3 months away and I hadn’t even stopped one moment to dream up my cool weather designs. The business plan is intact – but what about the core of my brand – the clothing!?
So after ordering up some steaming sweet and sour tofu takeout I sat down to plot, draw, and dream my Fall 2011 collection. And if you think I’m stalling (don’t fashion designers figure this out year’s in advance!?) then remember that I’m not your typical clothing designer and that at times spontaneity and procrastination can lead to high pressure thinking and fabulous results!
And in case you’re just itching to see some of my thoughts I’ve included a page from my business journal above. Which leads me to wonder – have you planned out your ideas for the coming season? When did you get started? Share your insights below!
Shiny Happy*People 