Events: Renegade Sneak Peeks – Shopping Tote

August 14, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

Renegade is less than a month away! For all you Chicagoans who will be braving the crowds this year – I’ll be bringing you looks at merchandise I’m debuting for the fair. So prepare for your appetites to be thoroughly whetted!

This first “Sneak Peek” is of my new handmade shopping totes. Made out of second-hand linens – these adorable folksy bags will be free gifts to anyone who spends $60 or more in my booth! They’ll also be up for sale individually, for those of you looking to stay frugal at the fair. They were machine sewn and then stencil printed all by moi. Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Frills & Thrills

May 29, 2012Leave a comment

It feels like summer in Chicago – and I can’t bring myself to wear anything with length! That’s why the Frills & Thrills tank immediately came to mind when picking my “Item of the Week.” Made using ribbed cotton, these racer backs tops are embellished with a vintage button and lace, giving them a touch of whimsy while remaining simple enough to pair with almost anything in your closet! I use mine for layering with high-waisted skirts but they also look great with skinny jeans or layers. Welcome summer with me in this adorable design!

Item of the Week: Urban Folk Tunic

May 22, 2012May 22, 20122 Comments

It really doesn’t matter how tall, small, curvy or lean you are – tunics are a girl’s best friend! They elongate our torsos while covering our bums. What more could you ask for? Whether with tight jeans, a skirt or cutesy shorts, you can do no wrong with a lengthy tunic.

The Urban Folk design brings together this flattering shape with one of my favorite natural images: bare tree branches. I use a deconstructed t-shirt and hand-pull the print across the soft cotton. I then sew the shape and seams, creating an external gathered hem which gives just enough volume to bring an edge to an otherwise soft shape. The concept also gives the wearer a cinch at the waist without making them feel constricted anywhere else.

So when looking for a flattering, edgy, yet comfortable (yes – it’s possible!) piece, the Urban Folk Tunic is a three-in-one dream come true!

DIY: Frame Facelift

May 18, 2012May 18, 20122 Comments

If it hasn’t become obvious in photos of my home and show booths – I have a love of mis-matched wooden frames. They are so versatile and can be used for so many things beyond showing off family pics.

My latest endeavor, with a set that I scooped up at Salvation Army, was to use them for an inspiration board for my studio. I wanted something above my desk that was pseudo shabby chic but still functional.
So I dismantled the frames, coated them with white gesso (that’s what happens when you share a studio with your painter/husband!) and then filled them with glass, cork, lace or both! Now I have plenty of space to pin fabric, photos and drawings while keeping tabs on orders and ‘to-dos.’

So next time you’re at a flea market or thrift store – look beyond the gaudy prints in those frames – and transform them into something chic and utilitarian instead!

Day 15 of Nesting

May 4, 2012January 19, 2016Leave a comment

I’m a bit off with my updates for our new nest – but wanted to share pictures of the baby steps we made mid-way through the month! The place is coming along bit by bit, and I hope to have even more photos to share of it’s current state later next week.

Suffice it to say that between the vintage accents, our restored furnishings, and the splashes of color found in handmade home accessories and art – the apartment is really evoking a modern living meets thrifting vibe. Here’ s a peek at what we did a couple weeks back.

If you’re looking for the first “before and after” post, click here.

Item of the Week: No Sweat

April 25, 2012April 25, 2012Leave a comment

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

April 20, 2012April 21, 2012Leave a comment

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.