Tag: lydia krupinski

Styling: The French Sailor

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Welcome to my latest series – “Styling!” I will be sharing favorite outfits of the month, complete with notes on everything from inspiration to wardrobe details. In this first feature, what I’ve dubbed “The French Sailor,” I’ve combined a stretchy striped top that I scored from Crossroads with a thrifted skirt that I took in so it can sit high on my waist. The sweater tights, whose rainbow colored lint don’t come across in the pics, are a new favorite of mine from Target. The vintage taupe boots I purchased from Etsy and the navy stud earrings were a gift for the holidays. My favorite details? By far the scalloped under-layer of the skirt, vegan skinny belt and the beaded soft pink applique across the top of the shirt.

An Indie Biz: Planning 2012

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As I sat musing about personal resolutions for 2012 this past weekend I couldn’t help but melt in Pierogi Picnic’s as well. Naturally, during this season of reflection, all of us our contemplating our dreams for the next year. But how do we keep these goals sorted while still retaining a passion for our creations?

Last year I compiled a set of questions for indie business owners to answer following the end of a fiscal year to help center their goals for the next twelve months. Keeping the 4 Ps in mind, product, presentation, passion, and plan, the queries below help to structure ideas and ambitions into bite-sized pieces. To help keep my own business resolutions focused, I’m going back to these questions to help me frame my thoughts for Pierogi Picnic in 2012.

1. Before anyone can take on the arduous task of planning 365 days of their future, one has to look back to see what worked and what didn’t in the recent past. What were your greatest successes of 2011? 

One of my hopes for 2011 was to really streamline the creation of items for the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop. I was tired of making items in multiples, be it colors or sizes, only to find that the online audience was not receptive to that particular design. What I started to do instead was make ‘samples’ of new items, take photos in multiples, and then list the items as custom orders. A shift within the Etsy listing structure helped to enable this further by providing a ‘made to order’ field in which to categorize a listing. The result was fantastic! I was able to come up with basic designs like the “Green Girl” bathing suit, and then let the customers choose their hue via a color wheel. One of the biggest surprises was that many Pierogi Picnic shoppers chose a color I least expected – green! I wouldn’t have had the insight to make the swimwear in advance in this shade – so having the custom listings available proved beneficial to me and fans alike! Continue reading →

New Designs: Stormy Weather Skirt

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Dropping temperatures don’t have to equal over-bundling and under-styling. Fight the chill by throwing on a pair of leggings, boots, long sleeve fitted top and a skirt for instant comfort and glamor.

And if you’re looking for the perfect piece, my new  “Stormy Weather” design fits the bill! Boasting ruffled fabric at the waist and a bubbled lower hem, it creates a slightly a-line shape that’s not just cozy, but also flattering. My favorite detail? The reverse applique rain drops! Filled with vintage lace, the contrast between the fabrics’ textures, plus, the whimsical cutout, make it an eye-catching detail that won’t go ignored.

Press: Featured Member on EcoEtsy

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I was perusing some older press items when I fell upon this gem – my Featured Member interview for the EcoEtsy team.

It’s fascinating going back more than a year later and reading my responses. I was surprised to find that I would still answer the majority of the questions the same way today. Read the original interview which talks about my journey to owning an eco indie busy and ongoing inspirations.

How would you answer the questions if you were asked? Share your thoughts below.

An Indie Biz: Holidays on my Mind

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I remember when I used to quip how ridiculous retailers were about their premature holiday roll outs. Now that I’m nearing my fourth winter season with Pierogi Picnic I hang my head in shame for my previous judgements. Retail is all about pre-planning – especially in the digital realm.

I should have started my holiday prepping over the summer – but how could I possibly tear myself away from the allure of the outdoors to sit inside for business planning?! But it’s not too late to get my approach for this season set and you can too with these four steps: Continue reading →

New Designs: Never, Never, Land

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I have a slight obsession with Peter Pan collars – and it shows! This new design takes the school girl look of this classic adornment to a new level. Instead of sewing on a separate piece I created a screen print that can be added onto any of my designs. The new tunic series “Never, Never, Land” that features the print also boasts pleated sleeves, a cinched elastic waist, and a beautiful palette that includes blueberry, ochre, tangerine and salmon. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Pierogi Picnic designs. Find it at the Renegade Craft Fair September 10th and 11th or hit up the Etsy shop for a custom order.

An Indie Biz: Renegade Prep Party

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It’s the end of summer and there’s so much to celebrate!

The farmer’s markets are in full bounty, the temperatures still sweet, and Renegade is just a couple of weeks away – so why not throw a party?!

It has become famed Pierogi Picnic tradition to throw a casual crafting event in preparation for the fall fair. And with the added joy of this year’s collaboration with Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings – I could barely contain my excitement for this year’s soiree.

Caitlin had the fantastic suggestion of making the meetup a brunch affair. This meant cooking a variety of yummy vegetarian breakfast foods while still indulging in the focus of the mid-day brain. We served up delish bagels and shmear from Beans and Bagels, yummy dishes with ingredients from the market and garden like asparagus goat cheese mini quiches and watermelon mint salad, and organic oj and iced coffee. Continue reading →