An Indie Biz: The Personal Touch

June 27, 2012June 23, 2012Leave a comment

One of the things that makes shopping with indie businesses so fantastic is indulging in the details. From a custom order to the close interactions you have with the maker, it’s about more than the product, it’s about the experience itself.

So when photographing your items, curating your shop, or shipping out orders, don’t forget the importance of the ‘personal touch.’ It’s why many of your shoppers come to you in the first place. If they wanted a generic customer service experience they’d go to their local big box. But your clients know better. They know that by shopping with you, or seeking your services, they’re taking part in a sustainable economy – one which values both the maker and taker. Continue reading →

Designs: Mix N Match Swim

May 25, 2012October 14, 2019Leave a comment

My latest line of upcycled made-to-order swimwear is here – and the designs are better than ever!

The “Mix N Match” collection in my Etsy shop allows you to pair your favorite top with the perfect bottom. This gives you the option to choose the bikini combo that flatters your figure most. Everyone knows that a good fit and design is key to looking and feeling confident on the beach – which is why customization is key!

What’s the best combination for my figure? I am “top heavy” and prefer to minimize my bust. So my favorite pairing is the boy short bottom and the bandeau top. Sporty with just a bit of flirty – it’s my perfect combo as it lets me swim or lounge in the sun!

What’s your body shape and ideal swimsuit cut? Share below!

Item of the Week: Dear Darling

May 17, 2012May 15, 20121 Comment

It will be in the eighties in Chi-town this week – and what better way to celebrate than with a flirty summer dress! The Dear Darling is one of my favorite pieces for the warm season as it combines breathable t-shirt cotton with a fitted waist and lace embellishment.

I love the gathered waist as it’s flattering on a variety of body shapes. The design is available in my Etsy shop in a variety of colors and can also be custom made to your specifications. I layer mine with a bandeau bra, petticoat slip and a pair of vintage sandals for a look that’s fun and fresh!

An Indie Biz: Just Dreaming

April 30, 2012April 30, 20121 Comment

Lately I’ve been dreaming, musing. Maybe it’s moving into a new apartment, neighborhood. I feel like the sky’s the limit and everything’s fresh and ripe for the picking!

Pierogi Picnic is flourishing more than I anticipated this season. With my recent moving distraction I feared that the very worst would happen – that sales would slide and that I’d spend months recovering. To my delight and surprise it’s been just the opposite. I’ve been working on custom orders every spare moment while trying to organize merchandise and my new studio.

The recent couple of months have been incredibly encouraging and have led to me thinking about the future of my lil’ biz. My thoughts are still too new and vulnerable to document – but they’re stirring and really taking root in my mind. More details to come!

Item of the Week: Clara Bow Top

March 28, 2012Leave a comment

This is one of my favorite shirt designs! Created from second-hand turtle necks, the Clara Bow tops are super soft and stretchy thanks to the blended cotton mix. The scoop back gives wearers a *wink wink* look while still staying demure. The lacy bow is a marriage of my two favorite things. Can you guess? Lace and bows! I knew you were sharp. I also adore the over the shoulder gaze of Kelli in this photo. What a beauty she is!

This top is part of my Moving Sale, which ends tonight at midnight. So scoop it up at a discount while you can!

Press: Miss Malaprop

March 9, 2012March 7, 2012Leave a comment

Thanks to the ladies of Miss Malaprop for including my “Sugar Free” sweatshirt cardigan in their article on dressing for engagement photos! I absolutely love their choices for stylish yet down-to-earth duds for memorable pics.

Styling: Mustard Seed Miracles

February 24, 2012February 24, 20121 Comment

So it seems pretty obvious that I have developed a recent obsession with the color yellow. Within the past 2 months I have purchased, made, featured, or photographed at least 20 different things in the hue’s range.

With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that in this “Styling” the main attraction is a warm fuzzy mustard cardigan. This cozy sweater was my favorite find of autumn – discovered while doing a fabric run at a local thrift shop – the saturated color and high quality tailoring forced me to pop it in my cart. Combined with the ever-modern stripes of an old school Old Navy dress, grey leggings, sequined gold peter pan collar necklace, and black vintage boots, this is one of those ensembles I can see myself wearing for years to come!