An Indie Biz: Experimentation Elation

May 7, 2013May 6, 2013Leave a comment

Ooh – how I love playing around with new designs and processes! It’s one of the perks of owning your own handmade business, after all!

Inspired by the impending summer, I have been playing around with new swimsuit designs, vintage denim, loose fitting tunic dresses and airy almost scandalous office-bound frocks. Whether it’s toying with new techniques, colors, textures or shapes, it’s the freedom to create-at-will that makes process such a delight. And boy have I been having fun!

So in the next few weeks prepare yourself for a cacophony of different designs. Though they may not seem to be united in exact aesthetics, I think you’ll find that the overall retro-inspired, breathy eco pieces will also make you think about doing a little more experimenting.

Featured Design: Layers Away

April 18, 2013April 17, 2013Leave a comment

Tis the season for wearing lots of layers as each hour of the day brings a new temperature. That’s where the new “Layers Away” design comes to the rescue!

Created using a home-made silkscreen and pre-loved tees, these uber soft, comfy and chic tanks are great for wearing on their own or under cardigans, chunky sweaters or dresses. With the cutesy peter pan collar print and neutral colors – they’re a great basic to add to your wardrobe!

Trends: Unexpected Electric Florals

April 16, 2013April 15, 2013Leave a comment

You know spring is really here when you see the tulips and other cool weather bulbs pushing out their leaves and bursting into color. It’s no wonder then that designers find it hard to resist the allure of bright colors and floral motifs in their own work. Every which way you turn you’ll be confronted with electric hues in flowery blooms.

From home goods to fashion pieces – the trend is truly contagious. And for good reason! Who doesn’t want some color in their life after a long and grey winter?! To help inspire you in how to harness the brilliant and happy power of neon florals – I’ve curated the following items from some of my favorite Etsy vendors. Enjoy!

1. Chickens Love Tattoos art print by Corella Design

2. Fantasy Floral vintage textile art by April Awakening

3. Cushion Covers in Floral A. Fluro pink by Aqua Door Designs

4. Floral Bird Spring illustration by Laurel Howells

5. Floral Print Heeled Shoes with Socks printable art by Didi Fox

6. Vintage Flower Power T-shirt from Pierogi Picnic

7. Neon Floral Backpack by Shaun Design

8. Sunset Cat art print by Teva Gallery

9. Spring Geometric Statement Necklace by Boo and Boo Factory

10. Vintage Tribal Embroidered Textile from Woman Shops World

11. Floral Printed Watercolor Leggings by Mess Queen New York

12. Neon Triangle Statement Necklace by Fable and Lore

13. Chrysanthemum Serious original art by Jess Hartridge

Designs: Color Crazy

April 4, 2013April 7, 20133 Comments

You know that the season’s-a-changing when people starting peeling back layers of black and grey to reveal bright and bold hues underneath!

Pining for pops of color after a long and dreary Chicago winter, it seems my palette is also bursting with pinks, yellow and saturated blues. From neon blouses graced with prints to colorful vintage finds that have been altered for a contemporary fit – there’s a definite theme to the Spring Pierogi Picnic collection! Take a peek at all of this season’s creations in our color-lovin’ Facebook album.

Here’s to a season of rainbow hues!

Press: WGN Midday News Style Files

March 28, 2013March 27, 2013Leave a comment

We are super stoked to report that our newest “Take A Bow” spring cowl was featured on Chicago’s WGN news yesterday! The Style Files segment focused on made in Chicago seasonal accessories. So thankful to Marris Callahan of My Daily Find for including us in her curated collection of favorites!

Sale: Spring Cleaning Bonanza!

March 24, 2013March 25, 2013Leave a comment

It doesn’t feel like spring in Chicago quite yet – but despite what my weather app may say – the season is officially here! So to celebrate the beginning of longer days and soon-to-be warmer temps, I’m having a one-day-only Spring Cleaning Bonanza sale!

From now until midnight you can take 40% off any ready-made or vintage items in my Etsy shop by using the following coupon code during checkout: springbonanza03

Sound crazy? It is!

Whether you’ve had your heart set on a new design or a vintage find – now’s the perfect time to scoop things up! There won’t be another sale like this one for months and months to come – so go ahead – and take advantage of this great deal.

Designs: Awesome Aqua

March 14, 2013March 13, 2013Leave a comment

I had quite the night Wednesday as I hosted a Pierogi Picnic photo shoot for the Spring + Summer 2013 collection!

Somewhat overdue, three beautiful ladies braved the cold to come out and dress up in my latest creations. With a click here and a pop there – we flew through over 30 outfits in just over an hour!

As I sit later in the night reviewing the 300+ photos we had snapped – I noticed a theme: aqua. Lots and lots of aqua! It’s funny how certain colors become prevalent with or without intention. I had planned to focus the next few month’s worth of pieces on blacks, whites, mints and pops of red. That was the idea at least! So it’s fun to see where my sub-conscious creativity really leads – and in this case – it’s to the most wonderful of bluish-green hues.

For a sneak peek at our shoot – check out the Facebook album here.