Inspiration: Anthropologie

October 8, 2012October 6, 2012Leave a comment

We all have our guilty little pleasures. For my husband it’s sneaking in a freshly baked cupcake before work. For my eldest dog, Peanut, it’s pretending to be asleep to evade his 7am walk. Whatever the indulgence, there’s one that I can no longer deny: Anthro stalking.

Sure, I can say that I just walk by and admire their window displays, or go in from time to time just to peruse their sale racks, but who am I kidding?! My sole purpose for going in many a visit is to fill my lungs with whimsy and inspiration. Much of the applause is due to the visual merch team. Both Anthro and Urban (who are owned by the same peeps who bring us Free People) know that their clientele has a weakness for rustic yet romantic handmade visual displays. It’s how they sucker many of us in in the first place!

So on a recent visit with my beau, brother and soon to be sister-in-law, I put my apprehensions away at facing this love affair and began to snap snap and snap photos of their gorgeous, breath-taking displays. Continue reading →

Press: Handmade Men

October 3, 2012September 30, 2012Leave a comment

You know it’s truly autumn when all your cool weather items are the hit at every event and are being featured on blogs and treasuries. The latest (and I think greatest) of my designs is currently highlighted on the fantastic site “Handmade Men” which sets to bring the handmade lifestyle to online shoppers.

In a feature entitled “Hot Picks! Handmade Hoodies” they included my “Sir Cycle” upcycled cowl hoodie. This is a piece that I handcrafted for a customer’s boyfriend last winter, and it’s since become one of my all-time favorite designs. So I was thrilled that the creation made it into this style savvy site. Be sure to take some time to explore the entire site for more chic and casual handmade creations.

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?

Press: Homegrown Illinois

September 28, 2012September 28, 2012Leave a comment

It’s incredible how many blogs are out there – scouring the internet for people and small businesses to feature. Each and every time Pierogi Picnic is scooped up for one, I am amazed that in the vast webiverse, I was somehow found.

And Homegrown Illinois is no different! Featuring artisans and people from our grand little state (is it little?) they recently highlighted me and my biz. I am grateful that from all the stories they could have run, they chose me. Check out the article here.

Designs: Dress or Tunic?

September 26, 2012September 26, 2012Leave a comment

Someone at a recent event grabbed hold of my new Point of Light design and asked, “Is it a dress or a tunic?”And it wasn’t the first time I’d had the question.

“Both” I exclaimed!

Known as either super-short dresses or extra-long tops, dress tunics are great for their versatility. The edgy length means they can be worn layered with a slip and leggings for a flirty look or jeans for something more casual.

So next time you’re shopping for something that can change along with the season’s, consider this unique category of clothing. You’ll find yourself smitten in no time!

Inspiration: Today is the Day

September 21, 2012September 20, 2012Leave a comment

It’s Friday – which means the weekend’s at hand – which also means making plans and squeezing the life out of each and every moment.

Throughout the week I find myself yearning for Saturdays and Sundays. But then I’m stopped in my tracks when I see a print like this from Lucius Art. It reminds me that each and every day is a gift and we should use it to the fullest. No wallowing on a Monday morning or skipping thoughts past the weekdays.

Let’s all make the best of each day that is given to us.

Trends: Peter Pan Collar Mania

September 17, 2012September 16, 2012Leave a comment

I had no idea when I started making the Never Never Land tunics that I would be joining a soon-to-be trend that would take the fashion world by storm. My original inspiration for these tops was a vintage dress I had scooped up years back. In the Spring of 2011 I started experimenting with various ways of hand-making and screen-printing the iconic shape. That’s how my whimsical design (though it wasn’t a trend then!) was born.

Then this past Spring I suddenly started seeing this embellishment everywhere! First it was on the runway, then magazine ads, etsy sellers and now on the streets! I am definitely one to encourage a vintage aesthetic and am thrilled that the look has caught fire. Long live the Peter Pan collar!