An Indie Biz: Pierogi Picnic Lookbook

August 16, 2013October 20, 20131 Comment

It’s been almost two months since we began the journey of creating the first-ever Pierogi Picnic lookbook – and I am so so so very excited to report that all the hard work has paid off! And with this being the month we celebrate my business’s five year anniversary – it seems fitting to reveal this beautiful creation during this celebratory time.

So without further ado – may I present to you – the virtual version of the 2013-2014 Pierogi Picnic Lookbook!

Special heartfelt thanks go out to the beautiful people who helped make this project a reality. This includes models Allysa, Diane Maxine, Chella, Charlene, David, Nahrain, and Osafta. The styling of the shoot would not be possible without the help of Shannon and Percis.

And, of course, all hats are off to the visually captivating images which were created by Jill Hornok, of Pala Photography.

Thank you all for putting your all into this project on my behalf! I am eternally grateful!!!

Anniversary Sale Week 2: Peek A Boo Chevron

August 14, 2013August 13, 2013Leave a comment

Quite possibly one of my all-time favorite designs, the Peek A Boo Chevron cardigans are truly one of a kind creations.

These adorable tops combine soft upcycled cotton with vintage lace to create a piece that stands out while remaining classic. A great top for helping you transition your summer frocks into fall, the Peek A Boo Chevron is the kind of design that will become a staple in your clothing collection.

Snatch it up and use coupon code “saleweek2” during checkout and get 30% off your total – this week only!

p.s Have you entered our super duper anniversary sale contest yet? If not – the drawing is coming up in a few days and the winner will win a $50 Pierogi Picnic Gift Certificate! Click here for details on how to participate.

DIY: No-Sew Cut-Out Tie Top

July 30, 2013August 7, 2013Leave a comment

I’ve been seeing these adorable tie tops all over the city, Whether paired with cut-offs or a long maxi skirt, the look has definitely caught my eye. So how could I not concoct a tutorial on how to make your very own?!

Using a pre-loved t-shirt and pair of scissors, you can easily create an airy cotton cut-out top to tie just as you see fit. And with the no-sew instructions below, making one of these cute pieces has never been easier! Continue reading →

A DIY Wedding

July 23, 2013January 19, 20161 Comment

When it was announced that my baby brother was getting hitched – I could barely contain my excitement! Not only was I a mega-fan of the bride to-be, I also knew that this wedding would be different. Between the creativity imparted on Phil by our family, and the uber-crafty cunning of Katie, I had no doubt that this would be a DIY wedding to remember!

The Plan:

First things first, the bride made her own handy-dandy wedding planner in which she would list all the elements that would need to come together for this rustic, meets shabby chic, affair. Delegating out tasks across the familial pool, we each had an important part to play. The Krupinski side of the family was in charge of flowers, bridal party accessories, favors, and a portion of the food and centerpieces.

By inviting family and friends to take the lead in the preparations for their special day, Katie and Philip ensured that their wedding would hold sentiment for them, and all the guests who attended.

Wedding Favors: With a little elbow grease and some heavy duty diamond tip blades, my father made over eighty drinking glasses for the guests using old soda bottles. Talk about being green! Each one was then scripted with the event date and initials of the bride and groom making them an elegant and functional wedding favor.

Centerpiece Stands: My brother and dad also gathered used wooden candlesticks and wood from a recently fallen tree trunk, and assembled the most ingenious centerpiece bases (which I plan to steal for use in my own home – shhhhh). White washing each candlestick and gluing the top to a cross-cut of the tree trunk, these homemade cake stands were used for elevating the light and whimsical baby’s breath table bouquets.

Continue reading →

Keeping Things Cool

June 27, 2013January 19, 2016Leave a comment

I don’t know about your neck of the woods – but things have been quite steamy here in Chicago the past few days. We’ve been bouncing between thunder storms and high temps – making it not only sweltering, but stuffy as well!

So how do you keep cool without the help of an energy-sucking, heat producing air conditioner? Here are some ideas:

Bust out the ice. Seems simple enough – but keeping a tray of ice cubes at the ready is not just a good idea for a late-afternoon lemonade. Try filling a bowl with the oh-so-cool cubes and placing them in front of a fan. You’ll find yourself lounging in a cool breeze in no time!

Stay hydrated. It goes without saying that making sure you’re getting loads of water will help your body feel better overall. But especially in summer months when the temps are up and your body’s a perspiration machine – you’ll need extra H2O to make sure you have what you need to stay cool.

Freeze some fruit. A great mid-day snack, freezing some watermelon, strawberries or other in-season treat is a great and tasty way to cool things down.

Dress to impress. And do it in light-weight, airy natural fibers. I’m a big proponent of cotton, but anything that will allow a loose fit and sweat absorption will help you stay comfortable. And to help you sleep through a hot night – make sure all your bed gear is made of natural materials too! Continue reading →

Featured Design: Frills & Thrills

June 6, 2013June 5, 2013Leave a comment

It’s truly starting to feel like summer – which has me thinking about stylish ways to look cute while keeping cool. So when choosing a featured design the choice was easy: the Frills & Thrills tanks. Created from pre-loved racerbacks, these adorable tops are embellished with a splash of vintage lace and an over-sized button. Great for layering with a high-waisted skirt or cut-off shorts – it makes the heat-filled days that much more fun! And with a limited time sale price of only $18 – these tanks are as easy on your wallet as they are on the environment!

An Indie Biz: Making a Look Book

May 30, 2013June 10, 2013Leave a comment

This past Saturday I embarked on my first look book adventure!

Gathering together a group of talented creatives and the Pierogi Picnic modeling gang, we orchestrated a fun-filled shoot in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. With loads of brightly colored designs and props in hand – we snapped and shot hundreds of photos to show off the latest Pierogi Picnic creations – orchestrating an urban picnic in one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in Chicago.

Now that the actual shoot date is behind us, all that’s left to do is sift through the shots and do some fine tuning! We’ll keep you posted on when the final product is ready for it’s debut to the world. But in the meantime – here’s a peek into the planning that went into making the shoot a success. Continue reading →