Bringing the Outdoors In

Plant in a bird cage by Lydia Krupinski

As a contributor to the Eco Etsy blog – I’ve had the opportunity to write on a wide range of topics. From eco-tutorials to sustainable inspirations – I’ve covered a range of topics on the site. Most recently I gathered up some ideas on how you can bring a hint of Spring indoors with creative curating using plants.

If you’re getting antsy like me to welcome the new season, check out the article for some suggestions on how you can bring the great outdoors in this month.

Trends: Lovin’ the Leggings!

2013 Trends: Printed Leggings

Throughout most of the country we’re bundling and living in layers to keep the cold bug from biting. One of the very best trends that continues to stick around, season in and season out, are those lovable stretchy pseudo tights: leggings. Whether you believe they’re pants or not – one things for sure – this fashion trend has become a staple beyond the eighties. Whether you’re wearing them to be a bit more demure in a mini – or if – like me – you’re rockin’ them as part of a chunky winter ensemble, you know there’s nothing more comfy or snug as a good pair of footless cotton leggings.

In ode to this oh-so-dear-and-near-to-me piece of apparel, I’ve compiled my favorite printed and dyed pairs to inspire you to go beyond the solid and try a bolder or brighter look. Whether you go high-end or DIY, hopefully these fun varieties will inspire you to take this popular and functional piece of clothing to the next level…all while staying warm and cozy! Continue reading

Item of the Week: No Sweat

I have a love/hate relationship with Spring. Sure it’s a time to reflect on new beginnings, watch the flowers grow and the like. But the season also brings flirtations of warmer weather, just to plunge us back into cool mornings and nights. That’s why when picking this week’s featured item I instantly thought of the “no sweat” design.

Handmade from thrifted men’s sweatshirts, these cozy tops have a warm fleecy exterior but have a loose cut that allows for a comfy feel.  The “no sweat” piece has a perfect balance of style and function – making it a design that can be utilized in this season or the next.

Item of the Week: Never Never Land

Peter pan collars are uber popular these days – so it must have been a stroke of genius or ESP when I debuted the Never Never Land design last year. These tops take cotton t-shirts and transform them into cinched comfy tunics. I then screen print the shape of a vintage collar around the necklines for a flirty retro look. Easy to wear and wash – they’re one of my all-time favorite designs.

Item of the Week: Sir Cycle

Spring is in full swing in Chicago – which can only mean one thing – nutty weather! That’s why having lots of layer-ables is key in the windy city this time of year. The Sir Cycle design was created with this kind of versatility in mind.

I crafted this particular men’s cut after receiving a convo from a Pierogi Picnic fan, asking if I had any hooded sweatshirts for guys, which I didn’t. She specifically wanted something that her boyfriend could wear while biking – which meant it would have to be comfortable, convertible and warm – all at once.

And that’s how the “Sir Cycle” design was born! With her help, I crafted a soft yet stretchy men’s piece that can be used with a hood, cowl, or none of the above when unbuttoned. It’s now one of my favorite pieces to custom create, and my own biking hubby can attest to it’s style and function.

DIY: Stylish Nesting

It’s officially 2 weeks until the big move and I can’t stop fascinating about our new digs. I am ‘pinning’ away on Pinterest, collecting ideas and inspirations on how to nest in my new abode. The site is chalked full of incredible DIY projects and photos of furniture that can be easily replicated using salvaged materials. Below is a look at all of my recent discoveries, which I plan on incorporating into the design of our new apartment. Continue reading