DIY: Homemade Cheek & Lip Stain II

June 30, 2014June 30, 2014Leave a comment

One of my all-time most popular DIY tutorials is my homemade cheek and lip stain that I put together years ago after discovering the Cosmetics Safety Database. Looking up product after product within my cupboard I had discovered that many were laced with ingredients that were toxic to my health.

This led me to do a total purge of all my make-up, including my most prized product, Benetint. After searching store after store for a natural alternative, I decided to make one up myself using basic kitchen ingredients. And the result? Perfection! My DIY stain was toxin free, easy to make and created a picture perfect come-hither glow.

Fast forward and I’ve found myself once again drawn to Benefit products – this time a pretty coral stain. But rather than compromise three years of skin detox, I decided to give my original recipe a twist and create a pretty tinted concoction that I could use all summer long. The main ingredients? Beets and carrots.

Saturated in pigment and easily pliable, both of these root veggies make a perfect base for a cheek and lip stain that will give you a rosy blush to go with your summer tan. Don’t believe me? Follow my directions below and you too can opt for a homemade lip and cheek hue that will make you glow from the inside out.

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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

News: Final Call for Hoodies!

April 28, 2014July 7, 2014Leave a comment

One of the many quirks of running a business that relies on using upcycled fibers is that, depending on the season, my fabric options can become extremely limited.

After spending several summers super stressed out, unable to find the pre-loved sweatshirts I needed for my popular Sir Cycle and Ms Cycle hoodies, I’ve learned my lesson. From here on out these made to order pieces will only be available in the fall and winter, when sourcing upcycled heavy knits is much much easier. Making this simple shift will save me hours upon hours – allowing more time for creating new designs and summer orders.

So this is the official final call for all of you who have been eyeing either of these designs. I will be taking down all of the custom hoodie listings on May 5th, and they won’t be returning until September. So be sure to snatch up your order now!

DIY: Clementine Facial Scrub

April 25, 2014April 24, 2014Leave a comment

It’s that time of year! Time to slough off winter and freshen up for spring. That’s at least what I had in mind the other day after seeing all the dry flaking skin that was accumulating on my face. Time for scrubbing up!

Realizing I had no scrub on hand I quickly put together my own concoction using a mix of sugars, olive oil and clementine juice. The results? Fantastic! After using my DIY creation my skin felt refreshed, soft and glowing. If you’re looking for a simple way to rejuvenate yours – give this easy to make scrub a try.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp white sugar
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 peeled clementine

Instructions:

Combine your sugars and oil in a small dish and stir.
Squeeze in 3-4 wedges of clementine juice
Mix well and use immediately.

If you’re looking to take your scrub one step further, consider adding a teaspoon of honey to help super parched skin or 3 drops of tea tree oil if you have an oily complexion. And should you not have any white sugar in your home, compensate with brown. I don’t recommend using turbinado sugar as the mill is not as fine and can tear up your skin. If you want to make a big batch in advance to use over the course of a month, pop it into a small yogurt jar and keep it in the fridge.

So there you have it! An easy to make, all natural and super effective scrub to help your skin recover from the winter blues. Enjoy!

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!