Featured Design: Flirty Gerty

June 23, 2014June 22, 2014Leave a comment

Summer’s officially started Saturday – and there’s so many ways to celebrate! Hitting the beach, going to the market, enjoying an outdoor movie night, it seems all it takes is the solstice and some good temps and the city comes to life.

So when deciding on the my next design feature, I had all these activities in mind – and then some. My choice for early summer frolicking: the Flirty Gerty. Created from an over-sized vintage maxi dress, I altered this one-of-a-kind piece to make it a lightweight summer frock that’s great for hitting the sand or pavement.

With a loose easy breezy fit, super lightweight fabric, neon pink hue and embellished lace collar, it’s great as a cover-all over your swim suit or on it’s own belted with your favorite sandals. Absolutely loving on this dress! Scoop it up on my Etsy page here.

Events & Sales: Virtual Garage Sale

June 5, 2014June 4, 2014Leave a comment

My mom recently booked David and I to help her with her first-ever garage sale – which got me thinking – I should hold one too! But online!

Starting on Friday morning through Sunday night, I’m going to be offering deep discounts on discontinued Pierogi Picnic items in my Etsy shop. I’m talking $15 and less on many classics, like those photographed here! Head over to my current sale bin, start hearting your faves, and then check back on June 6th for slashed prices.

It will be a great way to freshen up your wardrobe while making room in mine for new designs! Thanks for the idea mom!

Trends: Confetti Prints

May 9, 2014May 5, 2014Leave a comment

One of my favorite trends of the moment brings together two different looks: color and polka dots.

Using a simple white background and then splashing it with miscellaneous rainbow hues, makers and vintage collectors are showcasing confetti prints every which way I turn. Reminiscent of a super sugary cupcake doused in sprinkles, the trend is definitely one that will make you smile.

Here’s a look at some Etsy finds that find fun ways to harness the power of the confetti print.

Micro Confetti Top by Two String Jane
Felt Garland by The Fickle Felt Tree
Vinyl Record Clock by Making Time Etc
Confetti Hand Knit Mittens by White Noise Maker
Vintage Midi Dress from Pierogi Picnic
Confetti Bombs from Knot & Bow
Glitter Ring by Willow Street Jewelry
Vintage Bracelet from Diament Designs
Confetti Art Print from Julia Dineen

An Indie Biz: My 50th Photo Shoot

May 1, 2014April 26, 2014Leave a comment

This past month I held my fiftieth, that’s right 5-0-th, photo shoot for Pierogi Picnic. That’s 50 sets of clothing, 50 modelling sessions, 50 folders filled with product photos.

Hitting such a big milestone shouldn’t be taken lightly – so I thought it appropriate to take a trip down memory lane. Here’s a look at the evolution of my photos since launching Pierogi Picnic five years ago.

Designs: Dawn + Dusk Collection

April 22, 2014April 21, 2014Leave a comment

It’s finally here!

After months of sketching, sewing and tweaking, I am excited to officially debut my newest collection for Pierogi Picnic!

The Dawn + Dusk collection combines upcycled and vintage fabrics to create clothing that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Merging warm and cool tones with soft textures and classic shapes, these unique pieces are perfect for wearing day and night. And as always, each piece is eco-friendly, handmade, and one-of-a-kind.

One part ready-made, one part custom order, the Dawn + Dusk collection offers eco fashionistas two different avenues in which to express their style. The first is a limited edition set of pieces that was made out of vintage fabrics. That includes skirts, tops and accessories that are beyond replication. The second option is the new “Design It Yourself” series. With this option shoppers pick a base color, silhouette and embellishment and I create a piece that’s as unique as the wearer.

Whether ready to send or made to order, Dawn + Dusk collection has brought together some of my favorite silhouettes with soft fabrics, a green methodology and a feminine touch. View the full collection in my Etsy shop today!

Finds: Bunny Bun Buns

April 8, 20141 Comment

It’s that time of year – rabbit time! There are graphics of rabbits every which way you look and it’s easy to understand why. These little critters are the ultimate symbols of fertility and spring, which is why they are the perfect animal to represent the litany of holidays that happen this season.

As the proud owner of a rescued and hyper intelligent bun – I can also say that’s it’s the perfect time of year to also highlight rabbit adoptions. So many people go out to pets stores and purchase baby bunnies for Easter, only to find within a few weeks that these highly functioning pets are no easy charge. They require a minimum of four hours of socialization a day, lots of socialization, a special diet and a veterinarian with specific training for small mammals. It’s no easy task to be the guardian of a bunny!

That’s why in drafting my favorite finds – I chose to highlight rabbits. They make incredible pets – and are sure to give you a daily dose of cute overload – if you know what you’re getting yourself into. So here’s my public service announcement of the day: If you, or someone you know, is considering getting a rabbit for Easter, do your research first on what it will take by visiting the House Rabbit Society website. Read all about our bunny adventures on the Peanut Loves Butter blog.

And in the meantime, enjoy these adorable rabbit themed finds from some of our favorite vendors on Etsy!

Night light rabbit from Mouton Cerise
White bunny plush by Mos Mea
Bunny rabbit print from Corella Design
Bunny nail transfers from Hello Harriett
Merrabbit t-shirt from NYhop
Vintage bunny soft toy from Lovintage Finds
Geometric rabbit brooch from Sketch Ink
Rabbit scarf print from Corella Design
Bunny rabbit pillow from Handy Happy Teddy
Art print from Matou en Peluch

Rocket the Rabbit - the new Pierogi Picnic spokes bunny!

Designs: A Bow On It

February 21, 2014Leave a comment

Just when we thought we had a taste of spring another winter storm has whipped through the Chicago area. For that reason, it only seems natural to continue showcasing pieces that will keep you nice and warm through the end of the season. And my “A Bow On It” designs will do just that!

Handmade using vintage knit sweaters – these adorable turbans are headbands and ear-warmers in one. Keeping your noggin toasty, without giving you a case of dreaded hat-head, these practical and cutesy accessories are just what you need to get you through this final stretch of winter. In a variety of colors and prints, they’re a great way to add a pop of style to your cold weather ensembles.